We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




PCR Test Detects Co-Infection by Novel Species of Parasite in Severe Cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Nov 2023

Leishmaniasis remains an overlooked health concern worldwide, with Brazil experiencing an increase in the number of individuals co-infected by the protozoans Leishmania infantum and Crithidia. More...

The most serious form of the disease, visceral leishmaniasis (VL), targets vital organs such as the spleen and liver, and if not correctly identified and treated, can be fatal. L. infantum is the primary cause of VL, and health professionals in VL-prevalent regions of Brazil are observing a spike in cases of co-infection by both L. infantum and Crithidia, the latter traditionally seen as a non-human-infecting mosquito parasite. Current diagnostic methods fall short of providing a clear picture due to the absence of simple, specific tests. Now, a new test can accurately identify the causative agent in less than two hours, enabling targeted treatment.

Researchers from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar, São Carlos, Brazil) have developed a PCR test that analyzes the genetic material from samples and generates results quickly, in under two hours, thereby enhancing the detection process for the pathogens causing severe VL. This new approach represents a significant improvement over existing diagnostic tests that only recognize antibodies rather than the actual pathogens. The dye-based quantitative PCR assay, developed by the researchers, targets specific sequences from both L. infantum and Crithidia, which are found in experimental and clinical samples. Previously, two separate tests were necessary—one for each pathogen—but now, any laboratory equipped to conduct qPCR tests (which have become more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic) can perform this test. The test can also be a valuable tool for epidemiological studies, monitoring parasite levels, and checking the effectiveness of treatments.

In their research, the new test demonstrated high accuracy in detecting and quantifying both L. infantum and Crithidia in various samples, including those from humans and animals like dogs, cats, and even insects, whether through skin biopsies or bone marrow aspirations. The study analyzed 62 parasites from the tissues of VL patients, with 51 indicating the presence of Crithidia. Furthermore, the dual infection of Crithidia and L. infantum was discovered in two recent VL cases in Brazil. The researchers emphasize not only the test's accuracy but also suggest that Crithidia infection may be more common than previously understood and that co-infections with both parasites are particularly associated with the most severe cases of the disease.

“Although there are other molecular methods for identifying species, they require DNA sequencing of the sample, which is laborious, slow and expensive. Our test analyzes the parasite’s genetic material directly from vectors and human or animal tissue,” said Sandra Regina Costa Maruyama, a professor of evolutionary genetics and molecular biology at UFSCar. “Identifying the species of parasite correctly ensures that appropriate measures can be taken quickly to prevent progression of the patient’s clinical condition, potentially reducing mortality. It also points to the possible development of more specific drugs and treatments in the future.”

Related Links:
UFSCar 


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
PSA Assay
CanAg PSA EIA
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.