DNA Load Analysis Using Real Time PCR In Comparison With Immunohistochemical Findings of Dry Type Cutaneous Leishmaniasis; Before and After Treatment by Imiquimod,Glucantime and Combination of Both Drugs

Background and Objectives: Kerman Province, especially city of Bam in the southeast part of Iran, is epidemics for dry type cutaneous leishmaniasis (DTCL). This study was conducted to compare the effect of different treatments on parasite DNA load following therapies using Real-Time PCR method. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients were divided into three groups under therapy with intralesional meglumine antimoniate, topical imiquimod and combination of both drugs. After obtaining consent from patients, punch biopsies were taken before and after treatment .To compare the amount of DNA load a relative quantitative Real-Time PCR method was designed and set up using Leishmania tropica ITS (internal transcribed spacer) gene. After doing PCR, the obtained results were analyzed using 2^-ΔΔC t method and relativity of DNA load before and after treatment