Gene deletion as a possible strategy adopted by New World Leishmania infantum to maximize geographic dispersion

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012938
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T19:25:06Z
• Authors: Monique Florêncio; Marne Coimbra Bat...; Anderson Guimarãe...; Jullyanna Oliveira; Ingrid Waclawiak; Thamara K. F. Oli...; Elvira Maria Saraiva; Anita Leocadio Fr...; José Roberto Meye...; Laura Aragão-Farias; Camilly Enes Trin...; Patricia Cuervo; Renata Azevedo do...; Otacilio C. Moreira; Flávia Lima Ribei...; Yara M. Traub-Csekö; Erich Loza Telleria; Slavica Vaselek; Tereza Leštinová; Petr Volf; Gerald F. Späth; Elisa Cupolillo; Mariana Côrtes Boité

Background The present study investigates implications of a sub-chromosomal deletion in Leishmania infantum strains, the causative agent American Visceral Leishmaniasis (AVL). Primarily found New World leads to absence ecto-3’-nucleotidase/nuclease enzyme, impacting parasite virulence, pathogenicity, and drug susceptibility. factors favoring prevalence widespread geographic distribution these deleted mutant parasites (DEL) NW (NW) are discussed under generated data. Methods We conducted phenotypic assessments through vitro assays with axenic experimental infections both vivo models vertebrate invertebrate hosts using geographically diverse field isolates. Results Despite reduced DEL strains efficiently infect exhibit relevant differences, including enhanced metacyclogenesis colonization rates sand flies, potentially facilitating transmission. This combination may represent more effective way maintain disperse transmission cycle strains. Conclusions Phenotypic reveal altered fitness, potential transmissibility at population level. Reduced susceptibility miltefosine, key VL treatment, further complicates control efforts. underscores importance typing genomes for surveillance control, advocating as molecular marker AVL management.