Magda A. Ali
Wasit University, Iraq
Title: Isolation of Leishmania species causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis from patients in endemic areas of Iraq: Identification and genotyping using molecular methods
Biography
Biography: Magda A. Ali
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a serious public health concern in some parts of Iraq. Molecular characterization is now the most reliable method to differentiate between them and to determine their phylogenetic relationships. The aims of this study to evaluate the reappraisal of the diagnosis and epidemiology of CL in some parts of Iraq, by different parasitological, cultural, and this is the first study conducted to characterize Leishmania species causing CL among Iraqi people using PCR and RFLP-PCR methods.
Methods: A total of 86 cases of suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis were checked for Leishmania amastigote using Giemsa-stained smear; however the NovyMacneal Nicolle (NNN) culture led to the growth of promastigotes in all samples, then the samples were examined using PCR and RFLP-PCR methods.
Results: The highest infection (100 %) appeared by using PCR while the lowest infection (65.1%) appeared by culture on NNN media. The present study was revealed that the highest infection (60 %) caused by L.major than L.tropica (40 %) and there were two type of L.major and L.tropica; type A (40 %) and type B (60 %).Our results showed that 53(61.6%) of CL patients were had single lesion and 33(38.4%) had multiple lesions, and the ulcerative wet type lesions were present in 65.1 %, while the nodule dry type lesions were present in 34.9%.
Conclusion: Leishmania isolates collected from different parts of Iraq showed that L.major and L.tropica are the agents of CL. Moreover, the present study revealed that the genetic properties of a species can play an important role in the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and classification of the parasites. Control measures and health strategies should have high priorities to help treat the existing cases and prevent the expansion of the disease to new areas.