Publication
Title
Single locus genotyping to track Leishmania donovani in the Indian subcontinent : application in Nepal
Author
Abstract
Background We designed a straightforward method for discriminating circulating Leishmania populations in the Indian subcontinent (ISC). Research on transmission dynamics of visceral leishmaniasis (VL, or Kala-azar) was recently identified as one of the key research priorities for elimination of the disease in the ISC. VL in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal is caused by genetically homogeneous populations of Leishmania donovani parasites, transmitted by female sandflies. Classical methods to study diversity of these protozoa in other regions of the world, such as microsatellite typing, have proven of little use in the area, as they are not able to discriminate most genotypes. Recently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) so far identified 10 different populations termed ISC001-ISC010. Methodology/Principle findings As an alternative to WGS for epidemiological or clinical studies, we designed assays based on PCR amplification followed by dideoxynucleotide sequencing for identification of the nonrecombinant genotypes ISC001 up to ISC007. These assays were applied on 106 parasite isolates collected in Nepal between 2011 and 2014. Combined with data from WGS on strains collected in the period 2002-2011, we provide a proof-of-principle for the application of genotyping to study treatment outcome, and differential geographic distribution. Conclusions/Significance Our method can aid in epidemiological follow-up of visceral leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent, a necessity in the frame of the Kala-azar elimination initiative in the region.
Language
English
Source (journal)
PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Publication
2017
ISSN
1935-2727
1935-2735
DOI
10.1371/JOURNAL.PNTD.0005420
Volume/pages
11 :3 (2017) , 13 p.
Article Reference
e0005420
ISI
000402251300026
Pubmed ID
28249021
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
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Research group
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Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
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Creation 13.07.2017
Last edited 09.10.2023
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