Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: New primers for identification using polymerase chain reaction

The objective of this study was to develop specific primers for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis species identification using PCR. The designed primers (LBF1 and LBR1) were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using various L. (V.) braziliensis serodemes and various Leishmania species and also using Trypanosoma cruzi. A specific fragment of 536 bp was detected from 50 ng of DNA in a crude extract derived from L. (V.) braziliensis. The DNA fragment was not detected when DNA from other Leishmania species or from T. cruzi was used as template in the PCR. Furthermore, when tested with DNA from cutaneous leishmaniasis the designed primers and reaction gave positive results. Taking into consideration that the primers LBF1 and LBR1 could specifically identify L. (V.) braziliensis, they could be considered for use in L. (V.) braziliensis diagnosis and epidemiological studies.