What is the value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of leprosy?

Leprosy Mailing List –  April 14^th, 2011

Ref.  What is the value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of leprosy?

From: A. Clapasson, Genoa, Italy

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 Dear Salvatore,

Thank you very much to Drs Antoine Mahé and Elsa Rada for introducing the above mentioned topic (LML 9 and 11 April 20011).  I would like to point out the following references:

“PCR primers that can detect low levels of Mycobacterium leprae DNA.  Donoghue HD, Holton J, Spigelman M. J Med Microbiol.  2001 Feb;50(2):177-82”.  In this article you find the answers needed.  In my opinion, the paper explains the best PCR technique for the detection of DNA of M. leprae.

Another interesting article is: “Comparison of two different PCR amplification products (the 18-kDa protein gene vs. RLEP repetitive sequence) in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium leprae.  T.-J. Kang, S.-K. Kim, S.-B. Lee, G.-T.  Chae and J.-P. Kim. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2003: 28(4), 420–424”.

PCR has many critics.  However, never forget that the laboratory technician cannotproduce a useful result if the clinician does not provide the appropriate sample for analysis and the right conditions.  You need a suitable biological sample to have a reliable result.

The diagnosis of leprosy can be a puzzle that is assembled only after putting all the data together from both clinical and laboratory examinations.  Relying on a single test is very risky.

Andrea Clapasson