The Direct Boil-LAMP method: a simple and rapid diagnostic method for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Needle biopsy is widely used for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to obtain specimens for histology and culture. However, the use of such invasive procedures causes discomfort, requires technical expertise, and carries risks of bleeding and iatrogenic infection. Therefore, developing substitutive non-invasive diagnostic tools for CL will help reduce the risk of secondary infection and the exposure of both infected individuals and medical professionals. Here we employed loop-mediated isothermal amplification and boiled swab samples (Direct Boil-LAMP method) from CL model mice to develop a simple and rapid diagnostic method for CL. The detection limit of this procedure was 1.0×10(3)parasites/mL. Accordingly, this substitutive diagnostic method should prove useful for mass screening. In addition, we discuss the potential advantages of using it, particularly in endemic regions where medical resources are limited.