Comparison of PCR-RFLP, direct microscopy and NNN culture methods in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infectious disease with a wide clinical spectrum in tropical and subtropical areas. The aim of this study was to assess the PCR-RFLP method using two primers، ITSRL and L5. 8S compared with direct microscopy and NNN culture methods for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasisis.

In this study among CL suspected patients، 60 patients with positive LST were selected and three samples were taken from each. To detect CL via direct microscopy، NNN culture and PCR-RFLP methods.

The results showed that 60%، 62% and 91% of specimens from suspected cases were positive using direct microscopy، NNN culture،and. PCR RFLP methods respectively.

Due to high sensitivity of the PCR-RFLP method for detection and speciation of etiologic agent of CL، to establish an accurate and rapid method for detection of Leishmania parasites in medical centers، it is suggested the method is utilized along with NNN culture and direct microscopy.