Résumé
Multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis is the current gold standard for the genetic characterisation of
Leishmania. However, this method is time-consuming and, more importantly, cannot be directly applied to parasites present in host tissue. PCR-based methods represent an ideal alternative but, to date, a multi-locus analysis has not been applied to the same sample. This has now been achieved with a sample of 55 neotropical isolates (
Leishmania (
Viannia)
braziliensis,
L. (
V.)
peruviana,
L. (
V.)
guyanensis,
L. (
V.)
lainsoni and
L. (
L.)
amazonensis), using five different genes as targets, four of which encoded major
Leishmania antigens (
gp63,
Hsp70,
H2B and
Cpb). Our multi-locus approach strongly supports the current taxonomy and demonstrates a highly robust method of distinguishing different strains. Within
L. (
V.)
braziliensis, we did not encounter so far specific genetic differences between parasites isolated from cutaneous and mucosal lesions. Interestingly, results provided by each of the different antigen-genes in the species considered, were different, suggesting different selective pressures. Our work emphasises the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to study the clinical pleomorphism of leishmaniasis.