Genetic tools discriminate strains of Leishmania infantum isolated from  humans and dogs in Sicily, Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important vector-borne diseases and it represents a serious world health problem affecting millions of people. High levels of Leishmania infections, affecting both humans and animals, are recognized among Italian regions. Among these, Sicily has one of the highest prevalence of Leishmania infection.

Methodology/principal findings

Seventy-eight Leishmania strains isolated from human and animal samples across Sicily, were analyzed for the polymorphic k26-gene and genotypes were assigned according to the size of the PCR products. A multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) approach based on the analysis of 11 independent loci was used to investigate populations structure and genetic diversity of the isolated strains. Six L. infantum ref

SUBMITTER: Castelli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7406075 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature