[The population structure of agamic protozoan species: Leishmania].
The problem of intraspecific variability in agamic protozoans is analyzed using Leishmania as an example on the basis of data obtained within the last decade using modern methods of molecular biology and biochemistry. We demonstrate local populations resulting from their coevolutionary interaction with other members of the parasitic system: mosquitoes (Diptera, Phlebotominae) and mammals. The existence of a population structure substantiates the notion of species for Leishmania genus; their properties fit within the generally accepted frames of this taxon criterions.
Saf'ianova
V M
VM
Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 123098 Russia.
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007891:Leishmania / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000473:pathology