Global genome diversity of the <i>Leishmania donovani</i> complex.

ABSTRACT: Protozoan parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex - L. donovani and L. infantum - cause the fatal disease visceral leishmaniasis. We present the first comprehensive genome-wide global study, with 151 cultured field isolates representing most of the geographical distribution. L. donovani isolates separated into five groups that largely coincide with geographical origin but vary greatly in diversity. In contrast, the majority of L. infantum samples fell into one globally-distributed group with little diversity. This picture is complicated by several hybrid lineages. Identified genetic groups vary in heterozygosity and levels of linkage, suggesting different recombination histories. We characterise chromosome-specific patterns of aneuploidy and identifi

SUBMITTER: Franssen SU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7105377 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature