Document Type : Original Article (s)
Authors
1
Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2
Central Laboratory, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Isfahan, Iran
4
Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5
Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
6
Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
7
Associate Professor, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease in most parts of Iran, especially in the province of Isfahan. Due to phenotypic similarities of most species of Leishmania, reservoir variety, and different clinical manifestations of the disease, identification of species is necessary. In this study, the isolates which caused human CL in Isfahan region were characterized using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Methods: Among 60 CL suspected cases which referred to Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan, Iran, the DNA isolates of patients with positive direct cutaneous microscopy were selected. Cultures were then extracted and the species of the etiologic agents of the disease were determined by ITS-PCR. Findings: Leishmania major was found as the predominant species (100%) which caused CL in Isfahan region. Conclusion: Due to phenotypic similarities among different species of Leishmania, species identification is not possible by direct microscopy and culture. Considering the endemicity of CL in Isfahan region, 3 substantial factors including reservoir combating, treatment of patients and species characterization are of importance for disease control. Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Leishmania major.
)