Molecular Identification and Characterization of the Causative Species of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Dezful City, Southwest Iran

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) represents a significant public health concern in endemic regions such as Dezful City, Iran, where cases have recently surged. This study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular profile of CL-causing species among patients in Dezful.

A total of 94 patients with skin lesions were enrolled, and demographic data, including age, gender, and residency, were collected. For each patient, two smears were obtained from the lesions: one for microscopic diagnosis and the other for DNA extraction. Subsequent molecular identification of the parasite was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR amplification targeted the ITS1 region using specific primers Leish R (5’-AAA CAA AGG TTG TCG GGG-3’) and Leish F (5’-CAA CAC GCC GCC TCC TCT CT-3’).

The results revealed that 100% of the CL cases were attributed to Leishmania major (L. major). Among the 94 patients, 67 (71.3%) were male, while 27 (28.7%) were female, with the highest incidence occurring in the age group of 11 to 20 years. Notably, lesions predominantly affected the hands (38.3%), whereas simultaneous involvement of the hand and trunk was present in only two cases (2.1%). Of the patients examined, 27 (28.7%) presented with a single lesion, 32 cases (34%) with two, 20 cases (21.3%) with three, and 15 (16%) with four or more lesions. Most of the lesions were observed to have a duration of one month (50%).

This study underscores the predominance of L. major in CL cases in Dezful, highlighting its epidemiological significance and the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures in the region, particularly focusing on controlling reservoirs (wild rodents).