Comparison of real-time PCR and conventional PCR for detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection: a mini-review

In recent years, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has significantly advanced towards expanding its use and versatility by working with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Data from the literature show that both methods present interesting characteristics for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The benefits of qPCR in relation to conventional PCR include speed, reproducibility and quantitative ability. In addition to operational advantages, qPCR is more sensitive and reproducible and may replace conventional PCR in diagnostic routines. Regarding visceral leishmaniasis, the possibility of deployment of real-time PCR in highly complex diagnoses (reference services) in endemic areas will facilitate a swift and safe return for patients. Moreover, the use of a technique that possesses elevated diagnostic sensitivity, and can monitor therapy and prevent relapses promotes broader prospects for the disease control.

Protective immunity of single and multi-antigen DNA vaccines against schistosomiasis

We evaluated the usefulness of the combination of three plasmids encoding tegumental (pECL and pSM14) and muscular (pIRV5) antigens of the Schistosoma mansoni on improving the protective immunity over the use of a single antigen as DNA vaccines. Female BALB/c mice were inoculated twice with 25 æg DNA plasmid within two weeks interval. The challenge was performed with 80 cercarias of a regional isolate of S. mansoni (SLM) one week after the last immunization. Six weeks after challenge, all mice were perfused for worm load determination. The following groups were analyzed: saline; empty vector; monovalent formulations of pECL; pSM14 and pIRV5 and also double combinations of pECL/pIRV5 and pIRV5/pSM14 and a triple combination of pECL/pIRV5/pSM14. The protection was expressed as a percentage of worm loads in each group compared with the saline group. The results obtained were 41 percent (p < 0.05); 52 percent (p < 0.05); 51 percent (p < 0.05); 48 percent (p < 0.05); 55 percent (p < 0.05); 45 percent (p < 0.05); 65 percent (p < 0.05) for each group respectively

Natural lectin activity in the haemolymph of Panstrogylus megistus (Heteroptera: Reduvidae)

A hemolinfa de Panstrongylus megistus mostrou uma atividade lectínica natural para eritrócitos de vários vertebrados e näo mostrou especificidade para os diversos tipos de eritrócitos testados (humano ABO, pato, coelho,c amundongo,carneiro, galinha e boi). Com relaçäo aos eritrócitos humanos a atividade lectínica foi similar nos tipos A+, B+ e AB+ enquanto a atividade mais alta foi observada no tipo O+. O título de aglutinaçäo entre eritrócitos animais näo mostrou diferença apreciável, excluindo eritrócitos de boi, que apresentaram o título mmais baixo. A determinaçäo da concentraçäo mínima de inibiçäo foi realizada com eritrócitos humanos O+. A aglutinaçäo foi inibida por vários carboidratos (ramnose, D-dalactose, rafinose, D-lactose e D-fucose). A ramnose foi o inibidor mais potente (0,78 mM). Os resultados sugerem a presença de mais de uma lectina na hemolinfa de P. megistus