The ribosomal gene spacer as a tool for the taxonomy of Leishmania.
A recombinant DNA ribosomal gene spacer of Leishmania braziliensis Y was used as probe to test different Leishmania species. Based on the similarity of their restriction patterns, three groups were distinguished with respect to international Leishmania references: first a group with a similar restriction pattern to L. braziliensis Y and the reference organism L. mexicana garnhami JAP78; a second group with restriction patterns similar to the reference organism L. mexicana mexicana M379; and finally a group where all the restriction patterns were related to the reference organism L. braziliensis braziliensis M2903. These results support the existence of L. garnhami as an independent Leishmania species; they confirm previous studies on L. mexicana and L. braziliensis and open the way for the more exact diagnosis of New World Leishmaniasis.
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005796:Genes; D007891:Leishmania / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D007892:Leishmania braziliensis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D007894:Leishmania mexicana / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010957:Plasmids; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics
D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes