Research Projects

The study aims to develop a cell free DNA (cfDNA)-based method for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of leprosy, a condition that is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of artificial media for M leprae cultivation. The method will be tested using next-generation sequencing chemistries in urine and blood samples of suspected leprosy patients. samples will be collected from suspected cases attending Dermatology and Venereology Leprology clinics, including slit skin smears, punch biopsy, and nasal swabs. Urine and blood samples will be collected from both groups, and the smears will be stained with ZN and reported according to guidelines. The remaining samples will be processed for DNA extraction, and M leprae cfDNA will be isolated. The study emphasizes the importance of non-invasive or less invasive samples for the detection of M. leprae in confirmed and close contacts.