Molecular markers for species identification in the Leishmania subgenus Viannia

Abstract 

We have previously identified a novel genomic sequence of 500 bp, the β500-DNA sequence, in the subgenus Leishmania (Viannia). This sequence was localized upstream of the β-tubulin gene. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and hybridization analysis has shown that the β500-DNA sequence is specific to this subgenus. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay confirmed this specificity. The β500-DNA sequence was apparently absent from the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid of L. colombiensis and L. equatoriensis. These results indicate that a PCR assay based on the β500-DNA sequence is likely to be of use to detect and identify Leishmania parasites of this subgenus in clinical samples with high sensitivity, specificity and reliability. The β500-DNA sequence can be considered a molecular marker for the subgenus Viannia.

Keywords:  leishmaniasis, Leishmania (Viannia) spp., β-tubulin gene, β500-DNA sequence, molecular marker, diagnosis

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