Open AccessCutaneous Leishmaniasis of Lip and Role of Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Niraj Parajuli,
Krishna Das Manandhar,
Srijan Lal Shrestha,
Anup Bastola
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of nepal medical association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.176
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1815-672X
pISSN - 0028-2715
DOI - 10.31729/jnma.5025
Subject(s) - polymerase chain reaction , medicine , cutaneous leishmaniasis , leishmaniasis , biopsy , leishmania , leishmania donovani , skin biopsy , dermatology , real time polymerase chain reaction , pcr test , pathology , immunology , parasite hosting , visceral leishmaniasis , gene , biology , biochemistry , world wide web , computer science
The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is mostly confirmed by the identification of parasite in a skin smear or biopsy. However, this method may not always be sensitive enough to detect the disease when parasitic load is low. Molecular test such as polymerase chain reactions can be useful in such circumstances. Here, we report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed by a polymerase chain reaction test when both smear and biopsy failed to confirm the diagnosis. A 17-years-old female from mountainous district of Nepal, presented with a crusted plaque over the upper lip for a duration of 6 months. Both skin smear and biopsy from the lesion failed to demonstrate Leishmania parasite but a polymerase chain reaction test was positive for Leishmania donovani. This case emphasizes on the importance of molecular testing such as polymerase chain reaction when commonly performed diagnostics test fails to support confirmation of clinical diagnosis.