Publication: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of Lip and Role of Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Case Report
Date
2020
Article Type
Case Report
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
JNMA Print ISSN: 0028-2715; Online ISSN: 1815-672X
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 494 - 496
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is mostly confirmed by the identification of parasite in a skin smear or biopsy. However, this method may not always be sensitive enough to detect the disease when parasitic load is low. Molecular test such as polymerase chain reactions can be useful in such circumstances. Here, we report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed by a polymerase chain reaction test when both smear and biopsy failed to confirm the diagnosis.
A 17-years-old female from mountainous district of Nepal, presented with a crusted plaque over the upper lip for a duration of 6 months. Both skin smear and biopsy from the lesion failed to demonstrate Leishmania parasite but a polymerase chain reaction test was positive for Leishmania donovani. This case emphasizes on the importance of molecular testing such as polymerase chain reaction when commonly performed diagnostics test fails to support confirmation of clinical diagnosis.
Keywords: cutaneous leishmaniasis, lip, mucocutaneous, polymerase chain reaction
Description
Niraj Parajuli
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Srijan Shrestha
Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Krishna Das Manandhar
Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Anup Bastola
Department of Tropical Medicine, Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, Kathmandu
Keywords
cutaneous leishmaniasis, lip, mucocutaneous, polymerase chain reaction
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.5025