Analyses of 32 loci clarify phylogenetic relationships among Trypanosoma cruzi lineages and support a single hybridization prior to human contact.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, has been traditionally divided in two major groups, T. cruzi I and II, corresponding to discrete typing units TcI and TcII-VI under a recently proposed nomenclature. The two major groups of T. cruzi seem to differ in important biological characteristics, and are thus thought to represent a natural division relevant for epidemiological studies and development of prophylaxis. To understand the potential connection between the different manifestations of Chagas disease and variability of T. cruzi strains, it is essential to have a correct reconstruction of the evolutionary history of T. cruzi.

Methodology/principal findings

Nucleotide sequences from 32 unlinked loci (>26 Kilobases of

SUBMITTER: Flores-Lopez CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149036 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature