Identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Humans Through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Abstract

| To establish the baseline and the data on samples of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis were collected from three different districts of Sindh-Province, Pakistan to diagnose Leishmania species (spp), parasites through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Total, 70 human Leishmaniasis tissues from various villages of district, Dadu, Jamshoro and Hyderabad were symptomatically identified. For further confirmation all identified tissue samples were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using, Applied Bio-system thermal cycler. DNA from samples was extracted, quantified, through, Nano drop spectrophotometer and, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) product was run on, Gel electrophoresis and bands were analyzed using, Gel documentation system out of, 70 suspected, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis cases, 61 were diagnosed clinically cases and confirmed by, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. During this study, both dry and wet types of lesions were observed that, indicated the presence of two strain of parasite. Children and adults between 08-60 years of ages were found more susceptible to infection when compared with above 60 years of ages. The strains were found to be Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major as was indicated by the nature of lesions and confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is endemic and increasing in the rural areas of Sindh province, Pakistan. This requires attention of health authorities to take appropriate measures for its effective control, failing which it may create more severe public health problems.