Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with two main clinical forms: cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is still a challenge, concerning the detection and correct identification of the species of the parasite, mainly in endemic areas where the absence of appropriate resources is still a problem. Most accessible methods for diagnosis, particularly in these areas, do not include the identification of each one of more than 20 species responsible for the disease. Here, we summarize the main methods used for the detection and identification of leishmaniasis that can be performed by demonstration of the parasite in biological samples from the patient through microscopic examination, by in vitro culture or animal inoculation; by molecular methods through the detection of parasite DNA; or by immunological methods through the detection of parasite antigens that may be present in urine or through the detection of specific antibodies against the parasite. Potential new methods that can be applied for laboratory diagnosis of leishmaniasis are also discussed.
Highlights
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the parasite protozoan of the genus Leishmania that are transmitted to humans by the bite of a female sand fly vector
Six countries suffer more than 90% of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases worldwide: India, Bangladesh, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Brazil, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is reported in a higher number of countries and almost 75% of cases occur in ten countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Colombia, Brazil, Iran, Syria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Costa Rica, and Peru [3]
Based on the reference strains of the parasite, the multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) method covers variations in the genus Leishmania, but its use is limited to a restricted number of laboratories worldwide
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the parasite protozoan of the genus Leishmania that are transmitted to humans by the bite of a female sand fly vector. At least 20 species of parasite are responsible for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans with clinical features of each form of the disease depending on the species of Leishmania and the immune response of the host [1,2] This neglected tropical disease is found in all continents, except Oceania, including areas in Northeastern Africa, Southern Europe, Asia, and Latin America and affects almost one hundred countries [3]. Visceral leishmaniasis is the systemic form of the disease that affects mainly the liver, spleen, and bone marrow and may be lethal if not treated It is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani in Northeastern Africa and Southeastern Asia and L. The obtained material can be purposed for smears and examination after Giemsa staining
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