IBMP Kit Biomol Hanseníase (qPCR)

A registered real-time PCR kit detecting the M. leprae 16S rRNA and RLEP targets, with a human 18S rRNA internal control, in DNA from skin or nerve biopsies. It is used in the Brazilian public health system to investigate contacts of leprosy cases and, since July 2026, to aid the diagnosis of suspected cases.

Technology

Molecular (NAAT) · Real-time PCR kit

What it measures

M. leprae DNA (16S rRNA and RLEP)

Developer

Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP) with Fiocruz (Instituto Oswaldo Cruz and Instituto Carlos Chagas), Brazil

Specimen

Skin biopsy

Development status

Nationally registered with clinical validation

Regulatory status

National approval

Intended use

Aid to the diagnosis of leprosy on skin or nerve biopsy DNA, including investigation of contacts

Main limitation

Needs a biopsy and a real-time PCR laboratory, and its clinical data come from its developers.

Availability

Available from IBMP, which lists the kit among its products (checked 18 September 2026), and bought by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Linked publications

1

Collaborating institutions

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland), Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO, USA), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

TPP-1, confirming leprosy

27.0 of 100, low alignment

TPP-2, infection in contacts

23.5 of 100, low alignment

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