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Moroccan Leishmania infantum: genetic diversity and population structure as revealed by multi-locus microsatellite
Ahmad Amro1, Salsabil Hamdi, Meryem Lemrani
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Alquds University, Jerusalem, Palestine ; Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Leishmania infantum causes Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Morocco. It predominantly affects children under 5 years with incidence of 150 cases/year. Genetic variability and population structure have been investigated for 33 strains isolated from infected dogs and humans in Morocco. A multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) approach was used in which a MLMtype based on size variation in 14 independent microsatellite markers was compiled for each strain. MLMT profiles of 10 Tunisian, 10 Algerian and 21 European strains which belonged to zymodeme MON-1 and non-MON-1 according to multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) were included for comparison. A Bayesian model-based approach and phylogenetic analysis inferred two L.infantum sub-populations; Sub-population A consists of 13 Moroccan strains grouped with all European strains of MON-1 type; and sub-population B consists of 15 Moroccan strains grouped with the Tunisian and Algerian MON-1 strains. Theses sub-populations were significantly different from each other and from the Tunisian, Algerian and European non MON-1 strains which constructed one separate population. The presence of these two sub-populations co-existing in Moroccan endemics suggests multiple introduction of L. infantum from/to Morocco; (1) Introduction from/to the neighboring North African countries, (2) Introduction from/to the Europe. These scenarios are supported by the presence of sub-population B and sub-population A respectively. Gene flow was noticed between sub-populations A and B. Five strains showed mixed A/B genotypes indicating possible recombination between the two populations. MLMT has proven to be a powerful tool for eco-epidemiological and population genetic investigations of Leishmania.
Insights
Genetic analysis of Leishmania infantum in Morocco revealed two distinct subpopulations. These findings suggest multiple introductions of the parasite into Morocco from Europe and North Africa.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Leishmania infantum is a significant cause of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, particularly affecting young children in northern Morocco.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of L. infantum is crucial for effective disease control and epidemiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic variability and population structure of Leishmania infantum strains in Morocco.
- To compare Moroccan strains with those from Tunisia, Algeria, and Europe to infer introduction pathways.
Main Methods:
- A multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) approach using 14 independent microsatellite markers was employed.
- MLMT profiles of 33 Moroccan strains were analyzed alongside strains from Tunisia, Algeria, and Europe.
- Bayesian model-based and phylogenetic analyses were used to infer population structure.
Main Results:
- Two distinct L. infantum sub-populations were identified in Morocco: Sub-population A (grouped with European MON-1 strains) and Sub-population B (grouped with North African MON-1 strains).
- These sub-populations were genetically distinct from each other and from non-MON-1 strains from North Africa and Europe.
- Evidence of gene flow and recombination between Sub-population A and B was observed, with five strains showing mixed genotypes.
Conclusions:
- The co-existence of two sub-populations in Morocco suggests multiple introductions of L. infantum, likely from both Europe and neighboring North African countries.
- MLMT is a powerful tool for eco-epidemiological and population genetic investigations of Leishmania.
- Findings highlight the complex population dynamics and potential for parasite exchange in endemic regions.
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