Ana Lineth GarcíaRudy ParradoSimonne De DonckerHernán BermúdezJean‐Claude Dujardin2026-03-222026-03-22200610.1016/j.trstmh.2006.06.009https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.06.009https://andeanlibrary.org/handle/123456789/44472Citaciones: 61Species identification is highly relevant for improved prognosis and adequate treatment of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). PCR-based methods are available for this purpose but should be simplified to improve accessibility. As a first step in this process, this paper describes a simplified protocol for collection of clinical samples. Using samples from 44 Bolivian patients with confirmed ATL, we demonstrated that hsp70 PCR-RFLP on skin scrapings collected with a tooth pick allowed identification of the parasite species with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%. Our method should greatly facilitate individual patient management and epidemiological surveillance of ATL.enLeishmaniasisLeishmaniaIdentification (biology)Species identificationBiologyParasite hostingCutaneous leishmaniasisMedicinearticle