A comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic taxonomic review of Leishmania (Leishmania) poncei n. sp. (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae): a novel agent of cutaneous (non-ulcerated) and visceral leishmaniasis in Honduras, Central America.

ABSTRACT: Non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL) is an atypical clinical form of leishmaniasis first described, in 1988, by Ponce and collaborators, in Honduras, Central America, characterized by isolated or disseminated closed skin lesions appearing as papules, nodules, or infiltrated plaques, primarily in adolescents and young adults. Leishmania (L.) chagasi was then identified as the causal agent of both NUCL and American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in Honduras, though NUCL has been reported as more prevalent. However, due to the uncertain taxonomic classification of the NUCL-causing parasite, especially since L. (L.) chagasi has not been associated to this form of the disease in South America, this study conducted a comprehensive taxonomic review incorporating phenotypic (biological and c

SUBMITTER: Silveira FT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302823 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature