Analysis of Total Urine Proteins: Towards A Non-Invasive Approach for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis

J Mol Biomark Diagn. 2012 Aug 27;3(131):1000131. doi: 10.4172/2155-9929.1000131.

Abstract

Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a major obstacle in the control of this disease, as demonstration of parasite by splenic or bone-marrow aspiration is almost impossible in the peripheral rural areas because of lack of facilities. In order to identify a non-invasive biomarker for VL, we employed two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) coupled with mass spectrometry through a comparison of urinary proteome. Though, we did not find the biomarker protein for VL, our findings provide some basic insights for future development of non invasive diagnostic tool.

Keywords: 2D-PAGE; MALDI-TOF; Visceral leishmaniasis; urinary proteins.