Species Identification and Genotyping of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Clinical Samples Based on ITS1-PCR- Sequencing in Southeast Iran

This study shows the co-existence of <i>L. major</i> and <i>L. tropica</i> in Mirjaveh, southeast Iran, with <i>L. major</i> as the primary cause. While <i>L. tropica</i> isolates displayed high genetic similarity, <i>L. major</i> samples were more diverse, indicating different epidemiological patterns. These findings highlight the importance of molecular methods for accurately identifying <i>Leishmania</i> species and understanding CL epidemiology in the region.