Differential diagnostics for leishmaniasis - bench to field

皮肤利什曼病(CL)是由昆虫媒介传播的利什曼原虫引起的一种全球性疾病，流行于四大洲。近年来，由于移民和气候变化，病例急剧增加。虽然CL大多是非致命性的，但它与暴露的皮肤(特别是面部)的严重惊吓、社会耻辱和精神健康问题有关。在许多地区，包括巴基斯坦(占全球负担的10%)，CL主要由大利什曼原虫和热带利什曼原虫引起。虽然前者通常是自我愈合的，对世卫组织推荐的治疗反应良好，但后者越来越没有反应，并导致慢性、毁容的损害。因此，热带乳杆菌CL的快速准确诊断对于使用替代药物进行适当的治疗是至关重要的。与我们在巴基斯坦的合作伙伴合作，你们将在我们目前工作的基础上，开发一种低成本、简单的分子诊断设备，该设备将用于现场诊断试验。

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by insect vector borne Leishmania species protozoa, is a global problem endemic across four continents. In recent years cases have increased dramatically due to migration and climate change. Whilst mostly non-lethal, CL is associated with severe scaring on exposed skin (particularly the face), social stigma and mental health issues. In many regions, including Pakistan (>10% global burden), CL is mainly caused by Leishmania major and L. tropica. Whilst the former is often self-healing and responds well to the WHO recommended treatment, the latter is increasingly non-responsive and leads to chronic, disfiguring lesions. Therefore, rapid accurate diagnosis of L. tropica CL is essential to facilitate appropriate treatment using alternative medicants. Working with our partners in Pakistan, you will build upon our current work and develop a low-cost, simple molecular diagnostic device which will be ready for in field diagnostic trials.