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Combining PCR with microscopy to reduce costs of laboratory diagnosis of Buruli ulcer

Yeboah-Manu D., and Asante-Poku A., and Asan-Ampah K., and Ampadu, E. D. and Pluschke, G.. (2011) Combining PCR with microscopy to reduce costs of laboratory diagnosis of Buruli ulcer. American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, Vol. 85, H. 5. pp. 900-904.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6002141

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Abstract

Abstract. The introduction of antibiotic therapy as first-line treatment of Buruli ulcer underlines the importance of laboratory confirmation of clinical diagnosis. Because smear microscopy has very limited sensitivity, the technically demanding and more expensive IS2404 diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the main method for confirmation. By optimization of the release of mycobacteria from swab specimen and concentration of bacterial suspensions before smearing, we were able to improve the detection rate of acid-fast bacilli by microscopy after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Compared with IS2404 PCR, which is the gold standard diagnostic method, the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy with 100 concentrated specimens were 58.4% and 95.7%, respectively. We subsequently evaluated a stepwise laboratory confirmation algorithm with detection of AFB as first-line method and IS2404 PCR performed only with those samples that were negative in microscopic analysis. This stepwise approach reduced unit cost by more than 50% to $5.41, and the total costs were reduced from $917 to $433
Faculties and Departments:09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) > Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology (MPI) > Molecular Immunology (Pluschke)
UniBasel Contributors:Pluschke, Gerd
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Williams and Wilkins
ISSN:0002-9637
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:08 Nov 2012 16:22
Deposited On:08 Nov 2012 16:13

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