Molecular Characterization of Agents of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Northwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is one of man's neglected tropical diseases (NTD), caused by a protozoan parasite of the Leishmania genus. The dixenous life cycle of Leishmania species consists of the vertebrate and vector stages resulting in the differentiation of metabolic processes, morphological forms, and remodelling of genes in the parasite. To identify the species of Leishmania responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Dutsin-ma LGA of Katsina state, Nigeria, a purposive sampling technique was employed. Samples were collected from individuals with suspected CL lesions and subjected to molecular characterization to confirm the Leishmania species. Questionnaires were also used to gather socio-demographic and behavioral data. Molecular characterization involved amplifying the ITS rDNA genes and applying the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. The results revealed that 85.7% of the individuals screened had lesions associated with Leishmania infection, with a higher prevalence in males (71.4%) compared to females (14.3%). Among the infected individuals, 71.46% were farmers, and one was a student. The lesions were predominantly found on the legs (57.1%) and hand/arm (28.6%), with no lesions detected on other body parts. The ITS rDNA genes were successfully amplified from six patients, confirming Leishmania major as the predominant species causing CL through RFLP analysis. In conclusion, CL caused by L. major is endemic in Dutsin-ma LGA, Katsina state, in the Northwestern zone of Nigeria.