A molecular study on cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in Khuzestan province (South west of Iran)

Introduction and objective: One of the most likely factors influencing on the clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis, is genetic variability of Leishmania parasites that is currently controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the possible correlation between clinical cutaneous lesions and genetic of the causative Leishmania agents in Khuzestan, south west of Iran.

Materials and methods: Fourteen samples from patients with different size of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions referred to health centers and medical diagnosis laboratories of Ahvaz, Dashteazadegan, Shush, Hendijan and Ramhormoz were collected and studied by mini-exonePCR-RFLP and sequencing methods. The diameter of lesions was measured by a blinded caliper and flexible ruler.

Results: Enzyme electrophoretic analysis of different isolates of L. major and L. tropica separated from lesions with different sizes have revealed no heterogeneity in this species, whereas alignment of the mini-exonesequencing isolates revealed 97-99% identity and 2-8 nucleotide substitution. Identity was 99% in isolates obtained from Lesions with near Sizes.

Conclusion: This study revealed nucleotides substitutions among sequences of causative agents for different size of lesions. In order to find any correlation between genetic and clinical manifestation in CL, a comprehensive study with more samples from more geographical area is needed.

Significance and impact of the study. Information about relationship between the parasite's genetic variability and the clinical form of CL may help us to understand the pathway and a molecular target for devising effective treatment.