In silico and in vitro evaluation of primers for molecular differentiation of Leishmania species

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by over 20 species of protozoan parasites the genus Leishmania. Infection commonly spread sandflies and produces wide spectrum clinical signs symptoms. Therefore, from an epidemiological therapeutic standpoint, it important to detect differentiate Leishmania spp. The objective this study was combinate in silico vitro strategies evaluate analytical specificity primers previously described literature. According electronic PCR (e-PCR) analysis, 23 out 141 pairs selected through literature search matched their reported specificity. In evaluation nine these primer quantitative (qPCR) confirmed five them at level spp., L. mexicana complex or Viannia subgenera. Based on findings, combination e-PCR qPCR suggested be valuable approach maximize new for laboratory diagnosis infections with