Molecular identification of Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran

Mohammad Reza Mahmoodi; Masoud Mohajery; Jalil Tavakkol Afshari; Mohhamad Taghae Shakeri; Mohhamad Javad Yazdan Panah; Fariba Berenji; Abdolmajid Fata

Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology

Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

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Molecular identification of Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran

Author(s):

Mohammad Reza Mahmoodi¹,

Masoud Mohajery¹,

Jalil Tavakkol Afshari¹,

Mohhamad Taghae Shakeri¹,

Mohhamad Javad Yazdan Panah¹,

Fariba Berenji¹,

Abdolmajid Fata

^2,*

1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Emam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran

2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Emam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences-Research Centre for Skin Diseases and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, [email protected], Iran

Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology:Vol. 3, issue 4; 195-200

Article type:Research Article

Received:May 01, 2010

Accepted:Jun 01, 2010

How to Cite:Mohammad Reza MahmoodiMasoud MohajeryJalil Tavakkol AfshariMohhamad Taghae ShakeriMohhamad Javad Yazdan PanahFariba BerenjiAbdolmajid Fataet al.Molecular identification of Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran.Jundishapur J Microbiol.3(4):195-200.

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is considered as an important health problem in many parts of Iran especially in Mashhad, north-eastern part of Iran. Various species of Leishmania cause the disease. Identification of Leishmania parasites is useful for control and preventive plans. Although epidemiological and clinical findings are necessary but they are not sufficient for identification of causative agents of CL. In order to identify Leishmania spp. a definite molecular technique, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was used over a 12 months period.

Materials and methods: A total of twenty-one patients participated. Direct smear and culture in modified NNN medium followed by sub-culture in RPMI-1640 were performed for each case. Genomic DNA was extracted by using proteinase k and amplified by specific primers of kDNA. The PCR product was analysed by gel electrophoresis using 2% agarose. Gel staining was performed by ethidium bromide. The presence of 620bp fragment indicated Leishmania major and 800bp indicated L. tropica.

Results: Of 21 positive cultures out of 53 positive samples, nineteen isolates were identified as L. tropica and two others were identified as L. major. However, by previous investigations, Mashhad was known, as an endemic focus for Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL), but it is now concluded that both ACL and Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) are present in Mashhad and L. tropica is the dominant species.

Conclusion: Both L. tropica and L. major are the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mashhad. L. tropica is the dominant Leishmania species in Mashhad. However PCR technique is a very reliable method to detect Leishmania DNA, but it is not easy to obtain Leishmania culture samples.

Keywords

Leishmania major

Leishmania tropica

PCR

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL)

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL)

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