Research Article
Experience of Using Pcr in the Diagnosis of Leprosy in Russia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
111-117
Received:
19 September 2026
Accepted:
5 October 2026
Published:
23 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdmed.20260103.11
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Abstract: Background: Early diagnosis of leprosy is still a serious problem due to the low sensitivity of standard diagnostic methods and the inability to cultivate Mycobacterium leprae. Identification of M.leprae and determination of her viability on basis of PCR- technology can assistance to solve the issues of early diagnosis and the optimal duration and effectiveness of treatment of leprosy. Objectives: to investigate the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in various clinical samples for leprosy diagnosis and monitoring effectiveness of treatment. Methods: Extraction of DNA/RNA of Mycobacterium leprae were performed from various clinical specimens (biopsies and SSS, scrapes from nasal pharynx, etc.) The primers and probes were designed for the 16S rRNA of M. leprae. The test system is adapted to DT-96 Real-time Thermal cycler (DNA-Technology, Moscow, Russia). The test system contains an internal control (IC). The specificity and sensitivity of the PCR test system were performed on 15 strains of different species of mycobacteria and clinical samples from 32 leprosy patients and 15 healthy household contacts. Results: Established 100% specificity and sensitivity of detection of Mycobacterium leprae in skin biopsies by PCR compared with standard microscopy method (88.9%). In all other clinical samples were also determined higher sensitivity developed PCR test-system. Conclusions: The test system, using primers to the 16S rRNA of M. leprae has shown high sensitivity and specificity for fast identification and determination of viability of Mycobacterium leprae.
Abstract: Background: Early diagnosis of leprosy is still a serious problem due to the low sensitivity of standard diagnostic methods and the inability to cultivate Mycobacterium leprae. Identification of M.leprae and determination of her viability on basis of PCR- technology can assistance to solve the issues of early diagnosis and the optimal duration and ...
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Kristina Shotaevna Arnaudova
