[The comparative isoenzyme characteristics of Old World Leishmania strains from different geographical regions (Africa, the Near East, Central Asia)].

Thirty-four strains of seven Old World Leishmania species were analyzed for 12 enzymes. The findings indicate isoenzymatic profile geographic changeability of some Leishmania species: Tested L. major, L. tropica, and L. infantum strains from Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia were found to be represented by individual zymodemes differing between themselves by 3-5 enzymes. Many identical zymodemes could induce in some cases skin, in other visceral symptoms in the carriers. Great isoenzymatic affinity between L. tropica and L. donovani sensu lato strains was detected. The nature of intraspecies Leishmania zymodeme variability being virtually not studied at present, the authors emphasize the usefulness of clone studies.