The First Isoenzymatic Characterizations of the Leishmania Strains Responsible for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Area of Annaba (Eastern Algeria)

The epidemiological situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region of Annaba (North Eastern Algeria) is explored for the first time. During a clinical survey carried out in the Annaba Hospital between 2004 and 2008, the parasitological study of lesions has revealed 259 positive cases (43.31%). Isoenzymatic identification of 16 strains isolated showed the presence of three Leishmania species and four zymodemes. The hypothesis of the presence of L. infantum is confirmed with two zymodemes, MON-1 and MON-24. The unexpected presence of L. major MON-25 certifies the substantial extension of this zoonotic form to the North. The isolation of L.killicki, whose presence was unsuspected, reiterated the interest of eco-epidemiological analysis of households affected by the disease. Moreover, it is a new zymodeme never isolated so far, the MON-306.