[Analysis of nuclear DNA gene types of Leishmania isolates from hilly and plain foci of China].

AIM

To analyse the nuclear DNA (nDNA) polymorphism of Leishmania isolates from hilly and plain foci of China.

METHODS

nDNA were analysed by endonuclease digestion, Southern blotting and chromosomal localization. Probes were labeled with digoxigenin.

RESULTS

Using gp63 gene probe, similar hybridization bands were found to be existed between nDNAs of Leishmania donovani Jiangsu human isolate and L. d. Jeddah, also between nDNAs of L. d. Sichuan human isolate and L. infantum. Using beta-tubulin gene probe, there were two similar hybridization bands existed between nDNAs of L. d. Jiangsu human isolate and L. d. Jeddah, and three similar hybridization bands existed between nDNAs of L. d. Sichuan canine isolate and L. d. Gansu canine isolate, and two similar hybridization bands existed between nDNA of L. d. Sichuan canine isolate and L. d. Wenchuan human isolate.

CONCLUSION

Homology exists between L. d. Jiangsu human isolate and L. d. Jeddah from plain foci, between L. d. Sichuan human isolate from hilly foci and L. infantum, between L. d. Sichuan canine isolate and L. d. Gansu canine isolate from hilly foci. Homology as well as differences exist between L. d. Sichuan canine isolate and L. d. Wenchuan human isolate. Heterogeneity exists between isolates from hilly foci and plain foci.