Molecular Identification of Leishmania Species Isolated from Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis by RAPD-PCR

Background: Characterization of Leishmania parasites is necessary for epidemiological objectives such as documenting the distribution of predominant species and designing appropriate control measures. In this study, we aimed to identify Leishmania species isolated from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients, using RAPD-PCR method. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was designed against 20 Leishmania spp. which were confirmed by parasitological examination, isolated from 30 suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis patients, referred to Health Centers of Kermanshah Province from August 2006 to December 2007. All desirable samples were characterized by RAPD-PCR method using five selected oligoprimers (AB1-O7, A4, 327, 329 and M13). Electrophoresis patterns from each isolate were compared with reference strains of L. tropica, L. major and L. infantum. Results: Eighty nine percent and 11% of isolates were similar to L. major and L. tropica reference strain, respectively. Five of the isolates were identified as L. major using RAPD-PCR, induce ulcers at the base tail of Balb/c mice, 4-6 months after inoculation. Conclusion: L. major is dominant in the studied areas and it seems that some parts of the Kermanshah Province to be probably considered as zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis areas in the middle west of Iran.