Monoclonal antibodies specific for selected species complexes of Leishmania have been employed for the characterization of several representative strains of Leishmania isolated from different hosts and localities in the Americas. In the past 15 years, data have been accumulated concerning (i) the specificities of a number of these monoclonal antibodies and (ii) the antigenic variation (level of...

The outcome of Leishmania infections is determined by both the parasite species and the host genetic makeup. While much has been learned regarding immune responses to this parasite, our knowledge on parasite-derived factors is limited. The recent completion of the L. major and L. infantum genome sequence projects and concurrent advancement in proteomics technology would greatly accelerate the s...

The Leishmania tarentolae Parrot-TarII strain genome sequence was resolved to an average 16-fold mean coverage by next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. This is the first non-pathogenic to humans kinetoplastid protozoan genome to be described thus providing an opportunity for comparison with the completed genomes of pathogenic Leishmania species. A high synteny was observed between all se...

Leishmania amazonensis parasites are etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. BALB/c mice highly susceptible to L. challenge due their inability mount parasite-dependent IFN-γ-mediated responses. Here, we analyzed capacity a single administration LiΔHSP70-II genetically-modified attenuated infantum line preventing challenged with virulent parasites. In previous studies, t...

BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Leishmania and transmitted by several species of sand flies. CL is among the most neglected tropical diseases, and it has represented a major health threat over the past 20 years in Morocco. The main objectives of this study were to identify relevant sand fly species and detect Leishmania infection in ...

A cryptic sexual reproductive cycle in Leishmania has been inferred through population genetic studies revealing the presence of hybrid genotypes natural isolates, with attempts made to decipher strategies by studying complex chromosomal inheritance patterns. more informative approach is study products controlled, laboratory-based experiments where known strains or species are crossed sand fly ...

conclusions the widespread distribution of l. major parasites in human suggests not only t. indica was the main reservoir but also other rodents and mammalian hosts might be the reservoir hosts of zcl in the region. molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the strength of haplotype variation maintaining the circulation of leishmania species in their reservoir hosts. results leishmania majo...

The aim of the present review is to give relevant information on aspects of the biology and ecology, including the vectorial competence of Lutzomyia sand fly species suggested as vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. The disease, due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, has been registered in most municipalities in all the Brazilian states and its transmission is associated wi...

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is caused by a diverse group of Leishmania classified within two species complexes: L. mexicana and L. braziliensis. Because distinct disease forms are associated with certain species or subspecies, prognosis requires taxonomic identification of the pathogen. Biological criteria allow identification only to the species level; thus, biochemical and immunologica...

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by various species of Leishmania is a significant zoonotic disease in many parts of the world. We describe the first cases of Australian cutaneous leishmaniasis in eight northern wallaroos, one black wallaroo and two agile wallabies from the Northern Territory of Australia. Diagnosis was made through a combination of gross appearance of lesions, cytology, histolog...