Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) reveals host-related population structure in Leishmania infantum from northeastern Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum is an ongoing health problem in southern Europe, where dogs are considered the main reservoirs of the disease. Current data point to a northward spread of VL and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Italy, with new foci in northern regions previously regarded as non-endemic.

Methodology/principal findings

Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) was performed to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of L. infantum on 55 samples from infected humans, dogs and sand flies of the E-R region between 2013 and 2017. E-R samples were compared with 10 L. infantum samples from VL cases in other Italian regions (extra E-R) and with 52 strains within the L. donovani complex. Data displayed significant microsa

SUBMITTER: Rugna G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6057669 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature