Abstract: 　Objective To analyze genetic relationship of Leishmania species and strains from China by RAPD technique. Methods DNAs from Leishmania strains, including L donovani(L d.) isolates from patients, dogs and sandflies of three different foci in China and international reference strains, were amplified by seven random primers. The DNA polymorphic bands detected were analyzed by clustering analysis with SPSS software. Results ① L d . isolates from hill and plain foci in China were divided into two groups. The genetic distance of L d .isolates is distant between them. ② L d .XJ771, L d .XJ901, L d .XJ801 from desert, vicinity of desert, and plain regions in Xinjiang were in the same group.It indicated that the genetic distance among L d .isolates from the three regions is close. ③ L d .isolated from VL patients and dogs in hill foci could not be discriminated distintly, showing high homology between them. ④ L d .DD8 from India,the reference strain of plain type,was clustered with L d .isolates from plain foci in China.It provided scientific basis for the viewpoint "Kala Azar from east area of China is similar to that from India". ⑤ L infantum and L d .isolates from hill foci in China were clustered into different groups. ⑥ The genetic distance is close between L d .isolates from plain foci in China and L d .Jed;⑦ L infantum and L tropica showed the closest genetic distance. Conclusion Differences at genetic level exist in Leishmania isolates from different foci in China.

Key words: Leishmania species, RAPD