Avaliação da Eficácia da Administração de Dexametasona ou Metilprednisolona para Produzir Osteoporose em Ratas/ Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dexamethasone or Methylprednisolone to Produce Osteoporosis in Rats

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nilo César do Vale Baracho ◽  
Alexandre Mata de Paula ◽  
Roberto Franzini Junior ◽  
Rogério Mariotto Bitetti da Silva ◽  
Bruno Appolari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mass ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Bone Thickness ◽  
Good Marker ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Control ◽  
Successful Induction ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus ◽  
De Medicina

Introdução: A osteoporose é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. No Brasil ainda não há dados estatísticos sobre a real incidência desta doença. Os glicocorticóides representam uma classe de drogas muito usada, sendo que podem influenciar significativamente a massa óssea. Entretanto, após tratamento com glicocorticóides em ratos, esses podem ou não apresentar alterações na massa óssea. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da administração de dexametasona ou metilprednisolona em produzir osteoporose em ratas. Métodos: Vinte e quatro ratas, oriundas do biotério da Faculdade de Medicina de Itajubá, foram utilizadas e divididas em três grupos: controle, metilprednisolona e dexametasona. Foram avaliados íons e proteínas totais sanguíneos e feita a análise histopatológica de tecido ósseo. Resultados e conclusão: Pela análise histológica da espessura trabecular óssea, houve redução da massa óssea dos grupos tratados com glicocorticóides em comparação com o grupo controle, evidenciando o sucesso da indução de osteoporose. Além disso, houve uma maior redução da massa óssea no grupo tratado com dexametasona, em comparação com o grupo tratado com metilprednisolona. A análise bioquímica de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas totais não sofreram diferença significativa entres os grupos, não sendo um bom marcador para remodelamento ósseo e para diagnóstico de osteoporose.Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dexamethasone or Methylprednisolone to Produce Osteoporosis in RatsIntroduction: Osteoporosis is considered a serious public health problem in worldwide. In Brazil we do not have statistics on the real disease incidence. Glucocorticoids are a class of drugs widely used, and can significantly influence bone mass. However, after treatment with glucocorticoids in rats, these may or may not show changes in bone mass. Objective: Evaluating the effectiveness of dexamethasone or methylprednisolone to produce osteoporosis in rats. Methods: Twenty-four rats, originated from the vivarium of the Faculty of Medicine Itajubá were used and divided into three groups: control, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone. Ions was evaluated blood and histopathology of bone tissue. Results and conclusion: by histologic analysis of trabecular bone thickness, a reduction of the mass bone in the groups treated with glucocorticoids compared with the group control, demonstrating the successful induction of osteoporosis. Furthermore, there was a greater reduction in bone mass in the group treated with dexamethasone compared with the group treated with methylprednisolone. The analysis biochemistry of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and total protein did not undergo significant difference among the groups, there is a good marker for bone remodeling and osteoporosis diagnosis.

scholarly journals Energy and Nutrient Intakes of Rural Nigerian Schoolchildren: Relationship With Dietary Diversity

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-253
Author(s):  
Rufina Ayogu
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risks Factors ◽  
Female Headed Households ◽  
Haenszel Test

Background: Undernutrition among schoolchildren is a prevalent public health problem which may be due to inadequate energy and nutrient intakes associated with low dietary diversity. Objective: This study assessed dietary diversity scores (DDS), energy and nutrient intakes of schoolchildren (6-15 years), and risks factors of DDS and determined if energy and nutrient intakes were dependent on dietary diversity. Methods: The study involved a 2-stage random sampling of 90 schoolchildren. Dietary diversity and nutrient intake data were obtained through a 3-day weighed food intake. Analysis of variance, t test, and χ2 with Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were used to determine relationships among and between variables; P < .05 was reported as significant. Results: Few (22.2%) had high DDS with no significant difference ( P > .05) between age groups and sex. Children from male headed households were more likely to have medium DDS (odds ratio [OR] = 3.231; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.037-10.070) than those from female headed households ( P < .05). Low nutrient intakes were observed among 85.6% for niacin, 76.7% for calcium, 72.2% for riboflavin, 54.4% for protein, 32.2% for thiamine, and 15.6% for vitamin C. Among boys, prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake was significantly ( P < .05) higher among 6- to 9-year-olds. Among girls, prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intake was significantly ( P < .01) higher among 10 to 15-year-olds. Children with adequate intakes of iron (OR = 0.744, 95% CI = 0.653-0.847) and thiamine (OR = 5.651, 95% CI = 1.214-26.310) were more likely to have high DDS. Conclusion: The schoolchildren had low energy and nutrient intakes. Iron and thiamine, intakes were dependent on DDS.

Biological control of Fusarium wilt of cucumber with nonpathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum

1987 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 349-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. C. Paulitz ◽  
C. S. Park ◽  
R. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Fusarium Oxysporum ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Fusarium Wilt ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cucumber Roots ◽  
Linear Regressions

Nonpathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum were obtained from surface-disinfested, symptomless cucumber roots grown in two raw (nonautoclaved) soils. These isolates were screened for pathogenicity and biological control activity against Fusarium wilt of cucumber in raw soil infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (F.o.c.). The influence of three isolates effective in inducing suppressiveness and three ineffective isolates on disease incidence over time was tested. The effective isolates reduced the infection rate (R), based on linear regressions of data transformed to loge (1/1 – y). Effective isolate C5 was added to raw soil infested with various inoculum densities of F.o.c. In treatments without C5, the increase in inoculum densities of F.o.c. decreased the incubation period of wilt disease, but there was no significant difference in infection rate among the inoculum density treatments. Isolate C5 reduced the infection rate at all inoculum densities of F.o.c. Various inoculum densities of C5 were added to raw soils infested with 1000 cfu/g of F.o.c. In the first trial, infection rates were reduced only in the treatment with 10 000 cfu/g of C5; in the second trial, infection rates were reduced in treatments with 10 000 and 30 000 cfu/g of C5.

Low Level of Serum Sclerostin in Adult Patients with Tumor-induced Osteomalacia Comparing with X-linked Hypophosphatemia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Ni ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Qianqian Pang ◽  
Yiyi Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mass ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Premenopausal Patients ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Sclerostin Level ◽  
Sclerostin Antibody

Abstract Context Sclerostin is an inhibitor of Wnt-β-catenin signaling to regulate bone formation. Circulating sclerostin levels were reported to be elevated in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) has been shown to increase bone mass and normalize circulating phosphate levels in Hyp mice. However, circulating sclerostin level in acquired hypophosphatemic patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) remains rare reported. Objectives This study was designed to evaluate serum sclerostin levels in TIO patients comparing them with age-, sex- matched healthy controls and XLH patients, and analyze correlation of circulating sclerostin with BMD and laboratory parameters. Design, Setting and Participants 190 individuals including 83 adult TIO patients, 83 adult healthy controls and 24 adult XLH patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures Serum sclerostin levels were determined in TIO patients, healthy controls and XLH patients. Results TIO patients (43 male and 40 female) aged 44.3 ± 8.7 (mean ± SD) years had lower levels of circulating sclerostin than healthy controls (94.2 ± 45.8 vs 108.4 ± 42.3 pg/mL, p = 0.01) with adjustment for age, gender, BMI and diabetes rate. Sclerostin levels were positively associated with age (r = 0.238, p = 0.030). Male patients had higher sclerostin level than female patients (104.7 ± 47.3 vs 83.0 ± 41.8 pg/mL, p = 0.014) and postmenopausal patients had higher tendency of sclerostin level than premenopausal patients (98.4 ± 48.8 vs 71.6 ± 32.3 ng/ml, p = 0.05). Sclerostin levels were positively associated with BMD of L1-4 (r = 0.255, p = 0.028), femoral neck (r = 0.242, p = 0.039) and serum calcium (r = 0.231, p = 0.043). TIO subgroup patients (n=24, 35.9 ± 7.3 years old) comparing with age-, sex-matched adult XLH patients and healthy controls revealed significant difference of sclerostin levels (XLH, TIO and healthy control were 132.0 ± 68.8, 68.4 ± 31.3 and 98.6 ± 41.1 pg/mL, respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Circulating sclerostin levels were decreased in TIO patients but increased in XLH patients, which might be result of histological abnormality and bone mass.

Homeopathy: statistical significance versus the sample size in experiments with Toxoplasma gondii

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (36) ◽  
pp. 115-118
Author(s):  
Érika Cristina Ferreira ◽  
Paula Fernanda Massini ◽  
Caroline Felicio Braga ◽  
Ricardo Nascimento Drozino ◽  
Neide Martins Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bootstrap Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The World

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis that represents a serious public health problem, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects 20-90% of the world human population [1,2]. It is a serious problem especially when considering the congenital transmission due to congenital sequels. Treatment with highly diluted substances is one of the alternative/complementary medicines most employed in the world [3,4]. The current ethical rules regarding the number of animals used in animal experimental protocols with the use of more conservative statistical methods [5] can not enhance the biological effects of highly diluted substances observed by the experience of the researcher. Aim: To evaluate the minimum number of animals per group to achieve a significant difference among the groups of animals treated with biotherapic T. gondii and infected with the protozoan regarding the number of cysts observed in the brain. Material and methods: A blind randomized controlled trial was performed using eleven Swiss male mice, aged 57 days, divided into two groups: BIOT-200DH - treated with biotherapic (n=6) and CONTROL - treated with hydroalcoholic solution 7% (n=7).The animals of the group BIOT-200DH were treated for 3 consecutive days in a single dose 0.1ml/dose/day. The animals of BIOT – 200DH group were orally infected with 20 cysts of ME49-T. gondii. The animals of the control group were treated with cereal alcohol 7% (n=7) for 3 consecutive days and then were infected with 20 cysts of ME49 -T. gondii orally. The biotherapic 200DH T. gondii was prepared with homogenized mouse brain, with 20 cysts of T. gondii / 100μL according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [6] in laminar flow. After 60 days post-infection the animals were killed in a chamber saturated with halothane, the brains were homogenized and resuspended in 1 ml of saline solution. Cysts were counted in 25 ml of this suspension, covered with a 24x24 mm coverglass, examined in its full length. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for animal experimentation of the UEM - Protocol 036/2009. The data were compared using the tests Mann Whitney and Bootstrap [7] with the statistical software BioStat 5.0. Results and discussion: There was no significant difference when analyzed with the Mann-Whitney, even multiplying the "n" ten times (p=0.0618). The number of cysts observed in BIOT 200DH group was 4.5 ± 3.3 and 12.8 ± 9.7 in the CONTROL group. Table 1 shows the results obtained using the bootstrap analysis for each data changed from 2n until 2n+5, and their respective p-values. With the inclusion of more elements in the different groups, tested one by one, randomly, increasing gradually the samples, we observed the sample size needed to statistically confirm the results seen experimentally. Using 17 mice in group BIOT 200DH and 19 in the CONTROL group we have already observed statistical significance. This result suggests that experiments involving highly diluted substances and infection of mice with T. gondii should work with experimental groups with 17 animals at least. Despite the current and relevant ethical discussions about the number of animals used for experimental procedures the number of animals involved in each experiment must meet the characteristics of each item to be studied. In the case of experiments involving highly diluted substances, experimental animal models are still rudimentary and the biological effects observed appear to be also individualized, as described in literature for homeopathy [8]. The fact that the statistical significance was achieved by increasing the sample observed in this trial, tell us about a rare event, with a strong individual behavior, difficult to demonstrate in a result set, treated simply with a comparison of means or medians. Conclusion: Bootstrap seems to be an interesting methodology for the analysis of data obtained from experiments with highly diluted substances. Experiments involving highly diluted substances and infection of mice with T. gondii should be better work with experimental groups using 17 animals at least.

Predictors of Underweight Among Lactating Mothers in Dangila District, North West Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abaynew Adugna ◽  
Amsalu Degu
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
P Value ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Health extension workers are responsible for providing nutritional services like nutritional assessment and intervention for individuals who are identified as being at nutrition risk within their catchment area. Despite the Ethiopian government's effort to reduce the prevalence of maternal malnutrition through health extension workers, maternal underweight is still a significant public health problem in the country. Hence, this study aimed to identify the predictors of underweight among lactating mothers in Dangila woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based case-control study was conducted on 400 lactating women in three primary health care units of Dangila Woreda. A consecutive sampling method was used to select study participants. The data collectors were given appropriate training, and the principal investigator was continuously supervising the data collection process to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information. A bivariable logistic regression was performed, and the variables with p-value <0.2 in bivariable logistic regression were entered to multivariable logistic regression to control the effect of confounding variables.Results: The present study showed no statistically significant difference between the cases and controls in the sociodemographic characteristics. Besides, most of the cases had inadequate (60.52%) levels of nutritional knowledge compared to the controls. Regarding household food security, the majority (93.88%) of the cases and controls (89.43%) had food security while only 6.12% of the cases and 10.57% of the controls had food insecurity. Age at first pregnancy (AOR=2.138, 95% CI: 1.134-4.031), breastfeeding age (AOR=2.486, 95 % CI: 1.281-4.823), and site of delivery (AOR=3.157, 95% CI: 1.407-7.084) were the predictors of underweight among lactating mothers.Conclusions: Age at first pregnancy, site of delivery, and breastfeeding age were the significant predictors of underweight in lactating mothers. Therefore, interventions like promoting institutional delivery, prevention of teenage pregnancy, and enhancing the intake of adequate nutrition during lactation should be taken.

scholarly journals Comparison of vaginal and oral misoprostol, for the induction of labour in women with intra-uterine foetal death

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2900
Author(s):  
Kala K. ◽  
Anupama V. Rani ◽  
Dharmavijaya M. N. ◽  
Umashankar K. M.
Keyword(s):  
Prostaglandin E1 ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Delivery Time ◽  
Foetal Death ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Oral Misoprostol ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Successful Induction ◽  
Vaginal Misoprostol

Background: Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue, a methyl-ester of prostaglandin E1 additionally methylated at C-16. Misoprostol is an effective myometrial stimulant of pregnant uterus, selectively binding to prostanoid receptors. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of vaginal and oral misoprostol for the induction of labour in women with intra-uterine foetal death (IUFD).Methods: A prospective randomised clinical trial, comparing 50µg oral and 50µg vaginal misoprostol, six hourlies for a maximum of four doses for the induction of labour in women with IUFD. All patients with IUFD after 28 weeks without previous uterine surgeries, without contraindications for prostaglandins are included in the study. The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Hoskote. Bangalore from June 2012 to June 2015. It is a tertiary institution serving predominantly rural population. The primary outcome measure was the induction to delivery time, secondary all complications were noted.Results: Twenty-five women were randomised to the vaginal route and twenty-five to the oral route. The induction to delivery time was longer with vaginal misoprostol 10.5±4.03 compared to oral misoprostol (9.58±4.9). There was no significant difference in the amount of misoprostol needed to achieve successful induction in the two groups. 3 patients needed oxytocin augmentation to complete the induction of labour. There were no cases of failed induction. The systemic side effects (shivering, diarrhoea, vomiting and pyrexia) were more common with oral misoprostol (44.5%) compared to vaginal misoprostol (20%).Conclusions: Oral misoprostol achieved successful induction of labour in women with IUFD in a shorter time than vaginal misoprostol. Both routes are equally effective in termination of pregnancy. Sublingual route is easy to administer, patient compliant, no need for internal examination, less chance of labour dysfunction, less chance of post-partum sepsis.

scholarly journals Emotional Processing In Patients with Ischemic Heart Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1627-1632
Author(s):  
Shirali Kharamin ◽  
Mohammad Malekzadeh ◽  
Arash Aria ◽  
Hamide Ashraf ◽  
Hamid Reza Ghafarian Shirazi
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Appraisal ◽  
Processing Styles ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Key Factor

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent public health problem on a worldwide scale, and ischemic heart disease accounts for approximately one-half of these events in high-income countries. One of the most important risk factors for this disease is mental and psychological especially stressful experiences. AIM: This research was established to compare emotional processing, as a key factor in stress appraisal, between IHD patients and people with no cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Using simple sampling, fifty patients were selected from people who diagnosed as IHD in the hospital and referred for treatment after discharging care and treatment. Control group participants were selected as control group peoples, using neighbourhood controls selection. The Emotional Processing Scale was filled by all members of the two groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups on the EPS-25 total scores, as well as on emotional processing dimensions of signs of unprocessed emotion, unregulated emotion; avoidance and impoverished. Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the dimension of Suppression. The final step of regression revealed a β of 10.15 and 1.05 for AVO and IEE subscales respectively. CONCLUSION: The result showed that patients with IHD are using more negative emotional processing styles.

Procalcitonin levels in sepsis and its association with clinical outcome in southern India

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-336
Author(s):  
Alex Rebello ◽  
Molly Mary Thabah ◽  
Tarun Kumar Dutta ◽  
Zachariah Bobby ◽  
BN Harish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Medical Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Good Marker ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical Intensive Care ◽  
Medical Wards

Procalcitonin has been found to be a good marker for the diagnosis of sepsis. However, data on procalcitonin levels to predict the clinical outcome in patients with sepsis are limited. The aim of our study was to estimate serum procalcitonin levels in patients with sepsis and to identify its relationship with the clinical outcome. This was a prospective observational study conducted on 112 patients with sepsis admitted to the medical wards and medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Serum procalcitonin was measured at baseline before antibiotic administration and on day 5. The clinical outcome studied was death or survival on day 28. Baseline mean serum procalcitonin was highest in patients with septic shock and lowest in patients having sepsis without organ dysfunction. Mean values of procalcitonin at baseline and on day 5 were significantly higher in non-survivors when compared with survivors. There was a significant difference in the change in procalcitonin levels from baseline to day 5 between survivors and non-survivors, with survivors having declining values on day 5 while non-survivors had increasing values from baseline. The baseline APACHE II and SOFA scores also showed a significant correlation with the baseline procalcitonin level. Declining values of procalcitonin therefore indicate a favourable clinical outcome in patients with sepsis.

scholarly journals Evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) and indicators of bone turnover in patients with hemophilia

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Dagli ◽  
Ali Kutlucan ◽  
Sedat Abusoglu ◽  
Abdulkadir Basturk ◽  
Mehmet Sozen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Bone Mass ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Type I ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Significant Difference

A decrease in bone mass is observed in hemophilic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (vitamin D), and a bone formation and resorption marker, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and urinary N-terminal telopeptide (uNTX) respectively, in hemophilic patients and healthy controls. Laboratory parameters related to the pathogenesis of bone loss such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also evaluated. Thirty-five men over 18 years of age, with severe hemophilia (A and B) and receiving secondary prophylaxis, were included in the study. The same number of age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were determined in both groups. No significant difference in anthropometric parameters was found between the two groups. The BMD was low in 34% of hemophilic patients. Vitamin D, calcium, and free testosterone levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively), while PTH, PINP, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels were significantly higher (p < 0.014, p = 0.043, p < 0.001, respectively), in hemophilic patients compared to controls. There was no significant difference between the two groups in NLR, PLR, phosphorus, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and uNTX level. The reduction of bone mass in hemophilic patients may be evaluated using the markers of bone formation and resorption, enabling early detection and timely treatment.

scholarly journals Critical analysis: use of polymerase chain reaction to diagnose leprosy

2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flaviane Granero Maltempe ◽  
Vanessa Pietrowski Baldin ◽  
Mariana Aparecida Lopes ◽  
Vera Lúcia Dias Siqueira ◽  
Regiane Bertin de Lima Scodro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Molecular Biology Technique ◽  
Pcr Inhibitor ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Techniques

ABSTRACT Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease and an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. It is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which has a predilection for the skin and peripheral nerves. Although it has low sensitivity, slit-skin smear (SSS) remains the conventional auxiliary laboratory technique for the clinical diagnosis of leprosy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique that holds promise as a simple and sensitive diagnostic tool. In the present study, the performance of two PCR methods, using different targets, PCR-LP and PCR-P, were compared with SSS with regard to leprosy diagnosis in a reference laboratory. M. leprae DNA was extracted from 106 lymph samples of 40 patients who had clinical suspicion of leprosy. The samples were subjected to both PCR techniques and SSS. Amplification of the human b-globin gene was used as PCR inhibitor control. The specificity of both PCR techniques was 100%, and sensitivity was 0.007 and 0.015 µg/ml for PCR-LP and PCR-P, respectively. No significant difference was found between either the PCR-LP or PCR-P results and SSS results (p > 0.05). Although PCR is not yet a replacement for SSS in the diagnosis of leprosy, this technique may be used as an efficient auxiliary tool for early detection of the disease, especially in endemic regions. This strategy may also be useful in cases in which SSS results are negative (e.g., in paucibacillary patients) and cases in which skin biopsy cannot be performed.

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