Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic parasitic disease transmitted by different species of Phlebotomus female sand flies and caused by various Leishmania species (1)
It is exists throughout the world and can infect humans and animals (1).
VL is the worst form of leishmaniasis which is responsible for almost 500,000 cases each year, in the world and endemic in northwestern and southern areas of Iran, but the disease is usually reported sporadically in Iran with 100–300 new cases annually (4-6). Eventually, VL results in death if not done cured.
Dogs are important VL reservoir hosts that can carriery L. infantum/ chagasi(1).
Recently, PCR has been usage widely uspread for investigation of VL in the endemic areas, especially in animal reservoirs (4-6) for detection of Leishmania DNA.
The goal of our study was to perform the molecular identity of CVL in the city and suburbs of Mashhad in northeast Iran that previous reported cases of VL in this area. This information is necessary for performance of control programs and to recognize the animal reservoir hosts of the disease.
This is the molecular study first in animal reservoirs of CVL in this area in Iran.