Correlation between the Result of Leishmanin Skin Test And Clinical Forms of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Species of Parasite

IntroductionCutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a common parasitic skin disease which is endemic in many parts of Iran, including Khorasan. Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) is used for clinical diagnosis of previous infection. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the result of LST with the clinical form of CL lesion and species of causative agent in patients referred to the Parasitology laboratory, Imam Reza hospital during 2007-2008.Materials and MethodsThis study was undertaken over a 12 month period. Following confirmation of diagnosis of CL in 50 patients who obtained positive result by direct smear test, their demographic, clinical and laboratory information were recorded. LST was performed for each patient. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was used to determine the species of parasite. The result of LST read after 24, 48 and 72 hours.The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS.ResultsAmong 30 persons with Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL), 60% had dry and 33% had infected moist lesions. Among 20 persons with Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL), dry and infected moist ulcers were observed in 30% and 65% respectively. The result of Positive LSTwas increased 48 and 72 hrs. After injection. ConclusionThere was a significant relationship between the clinical form of CL lesion and causative agent as the result of the LST; but no significant relationship was observed between causative agent & clinical form.