Response to Silva et al.: Usefulness of PCR-based methods for screening Leishmania in epidemiological studies

Trends Parasitol. 2005 Dec;21(12):552-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2005.09.009. Epub 2005 Oct 17.

Abstract

The detection of Leishmania in naturally infected rodents in endemic areas is of fundamental importance for defining these rodents as possible reservoir hosts of infection. The use of polymerase chain reaction in conjunction with molecular hybridization has provided important results that could lead to a better understanding of the natural history of leishmaniasis.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Disease Reservoirs*
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / genetics
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / transmission
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / transmission
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Rodent Diseases / parasitology
  • Rodent Diseases / transmission
  • Rodentia / parasitology*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan