Search

PCR assay is a highly sensitive, specific and reliable diagnostic tool for the identification of pathogens in many infectious diseases. Genome sequencing Mycobacteriumlepraerevealed several gene targets that could be used for the detection of DNA from clinical and environmental samples. The PCR sensitivity of particular gene targets for specific clinical and environmental isolates has not yet been established. The present study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of RLEP, rpoT, Sod Aand 16S rRNAgene targets in the detection of M. lepraein slit skin smear (SSS), blood, soil samples of leprosy patients and their surroundings.

In this present study for the first time the authors are reporting the isolation of Mycobacterium gilvumfrom the accumulated water in the drain connected to the bathing place of leprosy patients residing in an endemic region. The identification and characterization of this isolate was carried out by various conventional and molecular tests, including 16S rDNA sequencing. These findings might shed further light and association with amoeba in the leprosy endemic area of this rare Mycobacteriumspecies.