Abstract

VERA, Luana Janaína Souza et al. Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi. Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. [online]. 2011, vol.44, n.3, pp. 380-382. ISSN 0037-8682.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0037-86822011000300023.

INTRODUCTION: Mansonelliasis is caused by Mansonella ozzardi. It is widespread in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence. The common exam of thick blood smears stained with Giemsa shows low efficacy levels and has been an obstacle to diagnosing individuals with low blood parasitemia. METHODS: In order to increase diagnosis efficacy, the PCR technique was improved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PCR demonstrated the best performance, with sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPV) of 100%, followed by blood filtration through membrane filters, which showed a sensitivity of 88.9% and a NPV of 84.6%, when compared to thick blood smears.

Keywords : Mansonella ozzardi; Diagnosis; PCR.