Cutaneous leishmaniasis Parasite Identification via PCR in the Infected Areas in Golestan Province

Introduction: Classification and identification of parasite species Leishmaniasis has been mainly based on the clinical features, geographical distribution and size of the parasite. Noting the limitations of this division, this study aimed to determine the epidemiological status and accurately determine the dominant parasite species based on molecular methods in the infected area in Golestan province as one of the foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis wet type (rural) in Iran. Methods: This is a descriptive analytical study that was performed on the 63 patients suspected with ulcers of leishmaniasis and referred to the laboratories of rural health centers from 2004 to 2007. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire containing demographic variables, such as age, sex and residence as well as clinical variables such as shape, type, location, number and size of ulcers, previous history of oscar, the number and location of the scar. Along with the completion of questionnaires, direct samples from the wounds of patients and were taken and cultured in medium biphasic NNN (Novy, McNeill, Nicole).After the parasite growth in the culture ,then DNA was extracted and PCR experiments were performed. Results: Statistically significant relationship was found between species of Leishmania and ethnicity and gender (p <0.05). 100% (N=54) in the Turkmen ethnicity had Leishmania major, 100% (N=3) of patients of Sistani ethnicity had leishmania tropica. The 33/3% (N=2) of Fars ethnicity patients had major species and 66/7% (N=4) had the tropica. Most patients were from rural areas of Gonbad. The disease was observed in both sexes. The number of males (57/1%) was higher than women (42/9%). Conclusion: The study showed the dominant species of parasites in the infected area in Golestan Province was Leishmania major and its cutaneous leishmaniasis was of the rural type.