Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Standardization of conditions for PCR detection of Leishmania spp. DNA in sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae)

Full text
Author(s):
Byanca Regina de Paiva ; Nagilá Francinete Costa Secundino [2] ; Paulo Fillemon Paulocci Pimenta [3] ; Eunice Aparecida Biacnhi Galati [4] ; Heitor Franco Andrade Junior ; Rosely dos Santos Malafronte
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública; v. 23, n. 1, p. 87-94, 2007-01-00.
Abstract

The correct identification of etiological agents in vector insects is crucial for epidemiological studies. Identification of flagellates in such vectors, usually by dissection of the digestive tract and microscopic observation of the contents as well as attempts at parasite isolation from insects in culture media, have proven operationally inadequate and with poor diagnostic specificity, since female sand flies are also hosts for other flagellates like Trypanosoma and Endotrypanum. Due to the efficiency and specificity of DNA target sequence amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the latter could be used to investigate the presence of Leishmania in sand flies, although the insects need to be properly stored and the Leishmania DNA extracted using appropriate methodology. This paper describes methodologies to standardize sand fly storage and Leishmania DNA extraction in such specimens as a more practical method in field studies. (AU)