Validation of Swab Sampling and SYBR Green-Based Real-Time PCR for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in French Guiana

Recent studies have highlighted the interest in noninvasive sampling procedures coupled with real-time PCR methods for the detection of Leishmaniaspecies in South America. In French Guiana, the sampling method still relied on skin biopsies. Noninvasive protocols should be tested on a large annual cohort to improve routine laboratory diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of a new Leishmaniadetection and species identification protocol involving cotton swabs and SYBR green-based real-time PCR of the Hsp70 gene, coupled with Sanger sequencing.