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[The genus Leishmania in Italy]
M Gramiccia1, L Gradoni, E Pozio
1Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma.
Parassitologia
|December 1, 1985
Summary
This study identified five Leishmania zymodemes in Italy, primarily L. infantum, the cause of leishmaniasis in mammals and humans, and L. tarentolae in geckoes. L. tropica was notably absent as a cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Context:
- Leishmaniases are endemic in Italy, affecting humans and animals.
- Leishmania parasites were isolated from various hosts including humans, dogs, rodents, foxes, and geckos.
- Geographic distribution of Leishmania species in Italy was previously underexplored.
Purpose:
- To characterize Leishmania isolates from Italy using isoenzyme electrophoresis.
- To determine the genetic diversity and distribution of Leishmania species in Italy.
- To identify the Leishmania species responsible for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in Italy.
Summary:
- Seventy-four Leishmania isolates from Italy were typed using starch-gel electrophoresis for 9-16 enzymes.
- Five zymodemes were identified, grouped into L. infantum s.l. (agent of mammalian leishmaniases) and L. tarentolae (parasite of geckos).
- L. infantum s.st. and L. infantum NH140 variant were found to be widely distributed, with distinct geographic prevalence and association with different Leishmania forms and sandfly vectors.
Impact:
- This research clarifies the Leishmania species composition in Italy, crucial for understanding leishmaniasis epidemiology.
- Identifies L. infantum s.l. as the primary agent of mammalian leishmaniases in Italy.
- Provides insights into the vector-parasite relationship for different Leishmania zymodemes in Italy.