Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania isolates from patients in El Nour Specialized Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

No doubt, the three forms of leishmaniasis (VL, ZCL & ACL) are well documented in Saudi Arabia. The basis of epidemiological studies must be adequate identification of the Leishmania patients. Seven leishmanial strains have been isolated from patients attending El Nour Specialized Hospital, Makka Al Mokarrama. The majority of the patients of this hospital are temporary visitors to Makka Al Mokarrama for "Haj and Omra". Isoenzyme characterization by cellulose acetate electrophores's used nine enzymes was done. The seven isolates were: two L. donovani zymodeme LON 41 (Indian patient) and LON 46 (Sudanese patient); three L. tropica zymodeme LON 71 (2 Yemeri patients) and LON 22 (Egyptian patient) and two L. major zymodeme LON 4 (2 Saudi patients).