The Leishmania donovani species complex: A new insight into taxonomy☆. Issue 13 (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernández-Arévalo, Anna; El Baidouri, Fouad; Ravel, Christophe; Ballart, Cristina; Abras, Alba; Lachaud, Laurence; Tebar, Silvia; Lami, Patrick; Pratlong, Francine; Gállego, Montserrat; Muñoz, Carme
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 50:Issue 13(2020)
• Page Start: 1079
• Page End: 1088
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Leishmania donovani complex -- Taxonomy -- MLEE -- Sequencing -- MALDI-TOF; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Parasitology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.06.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7519

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: There is a continuum of genotypes across the geographical range of the Leishmania donovani complex. Footprints of frequent genetic exchange along an east–west allele frequency gradient were found. We found no genetic evidence for considering different species within the L. donovani complex. Abstract: Among the 20 or so Leishmania spp. described as pathogenic for humans, those of the Leishmania donovani complex are the exclusive causative agents of systemic and fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Although well studied, the complex is taxonomically controversial, which hampers clinical and epidemiological research. In this work, we analysed 56 Leishmania strains previously identified as L. donovani, Leishmania archibaldi or Leishmania infantum, isolated from humans, dogs and sandfly vectors throughout their distribution area. The strains were submitted to biochemical and genetic analyses and the resulting data were compared for congruence. Our results show: i) a partial concordance between biochemical and genetic-based data, ii) very limited genetic variability within the L. donovani complex, iii) footprints of frequent genetic exchange along an east–west gradient, marked by a widespread diffusion of alleles across the geographical range, and iv) a large-scale geographical spreading of a few genotypes. From a taxonomic point of view, considering the absence of relevant terminology in existing classes, the L. donovani complex could be treated as a single entity.