Genomic and epidemiological evidence for the emergence of a L. infantum/L. donovani hybrid with unusual epidemiology in northern Italy.

ABSTRACT: Leishmania (L.) infantum is one of the main causative agents of animal and human leishmaniasis across many endemic areas in South America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Despite its clinical significance, little is known about the genetic diversity of L. infantum circulating in a given endemic area. Here, we investigate this important open question by applying a comparative genomics approach to seven L. infantum isolates from different hosts and Italian regions, including the northern part of the country (Emilia-Romagna, RER), Sicily, and Sardinia, as an initial attempt to explore the breadth of parasite genetic heterogeneity in Italy. Additionally, microsatellite analysis was carried out to compare the isolates from RER with other 70 L. infant

SUBMITTER: Bruno F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11253594 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature