Identification of Leishmania spp. by Radiorespirometry

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Abstract
Preliminary investigation on the application of the radiorespirometric technique to protozoan parasites of man indicates a potential for rapid identification. This technique developed for identification of bacteria, was modified for use with culture forms of Leishmania (5 strains): 2 of L. donovani, 2S and K; L. brasiliensis, 2936 and B; and 1 of L. tropica, A. Consistent and rapid (.apprx. 2 h) identification was obtained by the radiorespirometric procedure. A computer-type analysis of the radiorespirometric profiles of the 5 strains permitted correct identification of each isolate at the strain level 100% of the time. This technique offers several advantages over many current procedures for identification of protozoan parasites. It is simple, rapid and highly reproducible. Since it does not rely on visual or spectrophotometric determination, it may be conducted in the presence of optically complex substances. It requires relatively low numbers of organisms (.apprx. 2 .times. 105/14C-labeled substrate). It is based on differential enzymic activity between species and strains of organisms and therefore, ultimately, on inherent genetic determinates of the parasites. Further development of the procedure and accumulation of a data reference bank would allow automation of most of the identification process.