The Genetic Relationship between Leishmania aethiopica and Leishmania tropica Revealed by Comparing Microsatellite Profiles.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leishmania (Leishmania) aethiopica and L. (L.) tropica cause cutaneous leishmaniases and appear to be related. L. aethiopica is geographically restricted to Ethiopia and Kenya; L. tropica is widely dispersed from the Eastern Mediterranean, through the Middle East into eastern India and in north, east and south Africa. Their phylogenetic inter-relationship is only partially revealed. Some studies indicate a close relationship. Here, eight strains of L. aethiopica were characterized genetically and compared with 156 strains of L. tropica from most of the latter species' geographical range to discern the closeness.

Methodology/principal findings

Twelve unlinked microsatellite markers previously used to genotype strains of L. tropica were successfully applied to the e

SUBMITTER: Krayter L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4511230 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature