Species Identification and Genotyping of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Clinical Samples Based on ITS1-PCR-Sequencing in Southeast Iran.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most common parasitic diseases in many regions of Iran. It has a major role in deprived societies. We aimed to identify species based on molecular as ITS1-rDNA-PCR internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region, microscopy, and culture techniques in diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods: From April 2018 to May 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 32 patients with suspected CL lesions in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, located in southeast Iran. Samples were subjected to microscopic examination, culture, and PCR amplification targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 () region. DNA sequencing was performed on PCR-positive samples for species identification and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: PCR demonstrated superior sensitivity (93.75%, 30/32) compared to culture (56.25%, 18/32) and microscopic examination (53.1%, 17/32). Molecular analysis revealed that was the predominant causative agent of CL in the study area, with occurring less frequently. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 region showed high intraspecies similarity among isolates, while isolates exhibited greater genetic diversity.

Conclusion: This study shows the co-existence of and in Mirjaveh, southeast Iran, with as the primary cause. While isolates displayed high genetic similarity, samples were more diverse, indicating different epidemiological patterns. These findings highlight the importance of molecular methods for accurately identifying species and understanding CL epidemiology in the region.