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Palaearctic origin of Leishmania
1Biology Department, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas 78209, USA. skferr@universe.uiwtx.edu
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|February 3, 2000
Summary
Leishmania parasites likely originated in Eurasia during the early Cenozoic era. Murid rodents have probably served as key hosts for Leishmania since the parasite
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Mammalogy
Background:
- Leishmania parasites cause significant global health issues.
- The evolutionary history and geographic origins of Leishmania remain incompletely understood.
- Identifying ancient reservoirs is crucial for understanding parasite evolution and epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and review evidence for a Palaearctic origin of Leishmania.
- To hypothesize the role of murid rodents as ancient reservoirs for Leishmania.
- To synthesize diverse data supporting these evolutionary hypotheses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing biochemical and molecular data.
- Analysis of biogeographical distribution patterns.
- Integration of entomological, mammalogical, and ecological evidence.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports an early Cenozoic Palaearctic origin for Leishmania.
- Dispersal events to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions are hypothesized for the late Eocene and Pliocene, respectively.
- Murid rodents and their ancestors are implicated as long-term mammalian reservoirs.
Conclusions:
- The proposed origin and dispersal model for Leishmania is supported by multiple lines of evidence.
- Murid rodents represent a critical host lineage throughout Leishmania's evolutionary history.
- This framework aids in understanding the long-term ecological dynamics of Leishmania.