DNA Polymorphism Assay Distinguishes Isolates of<i>Leishmania donovani</i>That Cause Kala-Azar from Those That Cause Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in Humans

Abstract

Leishmania donovani in India causes visceral infection (kala-azar) and dermal infection (post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis). We report here the identification of polymorphism in a well-defined genetic locus among the Leishmania parasites causing the visceral and dermal manifestations, in a comparison of 15 post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis and 12 kala-azar patient isolates.