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Hybrid formation within the genus Leishmania?
D A Evans1, W P Kennedy, S Elbihari
1Department of Medical Protozoology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U.K.
Parassitologia
|May 1, 1987
Summary
New Leishmania hybrids found in Saudi Arabia, distinct from known species, suggest a potential origin for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region. These findings impact parasite identification and disease control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis is prevalent in Saudi Arabia, typically caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania arabica.
- Leishmania parasites are often isolated from rodents and canids, serving as reservoirs for the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize novel Leishmania organisms isolated from a desert rodent (Psammomys obesus) and a feral dog (Canis familiaris) in Saudi Arabia.
- To determine the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationship of these isolates to known Leishmania species.
Main Methods:
- Isoenzyme analysis of isolated Leishmania organisms.
- Karyotyping using orthogonal field alternation gel electrophoresis (OFAGE).
- Hybridization assays with specific kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) probes.
Main Results:
- Leishmania isolates from the rodent and dog were isoenzymically distinct from Leishmania major and Leishmania arabica.
- Karyotyping and kDNA probe analysis provided evidence that these isolates are hybrids.
- The findings suggest a potential hybrid origin for some Leishmania strains in the region.
Conclusions:
- The identified Leishmania isolates represent hybrids of Leishmania major and Leishmania arabica.
- These hybrid strains may play a role in the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of these hybrids for disease transmission and treatment.