Molecular detection of Leishmania in dermal tissue: Case control study

Abstract

Background: An endemic disease cutaneous leishmaniasis CL was spread in Iraq. In 2020, there were more CL cases than in previous years, with most occurring in rural areas. In this scenario, the current diagnostic technique must be replaced with a more sensitive one. This research aimed to examine if polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an efficient approach for identifying leishmanial parasites in skin biopsies from Iraqi patients. Methodology: PCR was used to evaluate samples collected from one hundred people who had cutaneous ulcers that were compatible with leishmaniasis. The primers used in the analysis were produced from the gene for the small subunit of the ribosomal complex. In order to determine which method was most sensitive to the presence of Leishmania, PCR, smear staining, and in vitro culture were put through their paces. Results: In vitro culture test had a sensitivity of 72 percent, while the direct microscopy smear had a sensitivity of 88 percent. The sensitivity of the PCR test was much greater (88 percent) (71 percent). In addition to this, the specificity of the PCR test that we used was rather good (99 percent). Conclusions: When it comes to making a diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, the polymerase chain reaction, commonly known as PCR, has to be regarded as a method that is not only advantageous but also sensitive and more time and cost effective. It is especially important to keep this in mind for patients whose parasitological testing came back negative.