Immunological and Molecular Characterization of Leishmania Parasite in Kirkuk, Iraq

Abstract

The strains characterization of leishmanial parasite were investigated using immunological and molecular methods. The mean concentration of cytokines interleukin 10 (438.5pg/ml) and interleukin 7 (18.06 pg/ml) were significantly increased in sera of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis as compared to control healthy groups (85.05 pg/ml and 10.8 pg/ml) respectively. Hematological investigation revealed decrease in level of hemoglobin and platelet and an increase in the level of leuckocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in patients with cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The use of PCR system and DNA sequences provided evidence that Leishmania tropica and L. major are the only etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kirkuk governorate.