Development of PCR-RFLP for the Differentiation of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and Leishmania (Mundinia) orientalis Parasites in Thailand

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania, has become a public health problem in Thailand. Among the various species, Leishmania martiniquensis and Leishmania orientalis have been recognized as the main causative agents of leishmaniasis in the country, yet existing PCR protocols lack the specificity required to differentiate between these closely related species effectively. This study addresses this gap by developing a PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method, which amplifies a targeted DNA region and utilizes restriction enzymes to facilitate accurate species identification. The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform disease management strategies, ultimately leading to more successful control measures for leishmaniasis in Thailand. Furthermore, by improving the accuracy of diagnosing Leishmania species, it can lead to better epidemiological tracking and more effective treatment strategies.