Molecular detection of Leishmania major human infections in the Zinder area, Niger

Abstract

This is the first report of PCR-proven human CL in Niger, and the first report of a human CL case in the Zinder area for more than a century. Molecular techniques confirmed the circulation of L. major in this area, which until now had only been determined by isoenzymes analysis. Presenting CL patients were very young. Treatment outcomes with metronidazole were encouraging. This prompts for a formal evaluation of the efficacy of this drug, ideally in a randomized controlled trial.