title: [Detection of Leishmania spp. based on the gene encoding HSP20].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore a new target for molecular diagnosis of Leishmania.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the utility of the gene that encodes the heat shock protein 20-kDa (Hsp20) for detecting Leishmania by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was normalized and analytical parameters were determined, as well as the validity and diagnostic accuracy, and concordance with the PCR - 18S. PCR-Hsp20 with DNA was obtained from a group of clinical samples from different sources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analytical parameters were adequate. The sensitivity obtained was 86% and the specificity was 100%. The concordance with the reference method was good (κ = 0.731), which supports its potential use for diagnosis. The possibility of subsequent identification of the species by sequencing the amplified product gives an additional advantage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The usefulness of this gene as a new target for the detection of Leishmania was demonstrated. Because of its potential, it is recommended to improve the sensitivity of the method and to evaluate it in different endemic regions.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Montalvo
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fraga
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de referencia e investigación en enfermedades tropicales de sanidad militar, Bogotá, Colombia.
authors.forename: Omaira
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Orestes
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Llanos-Cuentas
authors.affiliation: Universidad de San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
authors.forename: Ana L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Braulio M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Valencia
authors.affiliation: Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muskus
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp, Amberes, Bélgica.
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van der Auwera
authors.affiliation: Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Requena
mesh_terms: D050886:HSP20 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D007891:Leishmania / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D050886:HSP20 Heat-Shock Proteins