Bronwen Lambson

Evolution of DNA sequence homologies between the sex chromosomes in primate species

Cloned DNA sequences from 18 X-Y homologous loci have been used to examine the evolution of regions of homology between the human X and Y chromosomes. The pattern of X-Y linkage in different primate species has enabled the charting of the chronology of their appearance and removal from the sex chromosomes during evolution. Examination of the pattern of differences in restriction enzyme sites at different loci has been used to estimate the degree of divergence in three different regions of homology. These studies have indicated that (1) blocks of homology have arisen at different points in evolution, (2) different regions of homology are heterogeneous in composition in that they contain X-Y homologous sequences of different age, and (3) the combination of X and Y locations together with the point of evolutionary origin has defined five new patterns of homology.

Intra and inter-specific microsatellite variation in the Leishmania subgenus Viannia.

Leishmania species of the subgenus Viannia are responsible for a large proportion of New World leishmaniasis. Here we report the development of a set of microsatellite markers which are able to discriminate between all species within the subgenus Viannia, including the closely related species pairs: Leishmania (V.) braziliensis and Leishmania (V.) peruviana; Leishmania (V.) panamensis and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis. Potential species hybrids were uncovered in the analysis. These markers are sufficiently polymorphic such that within-species epidemiological, population and genetic studies are theoretically possible for all species analyzed.

Leishmania (Viannia) spp. dissemination and tissue tropism in naturally infected dogs (Canis familiaris)

First evidence is presented for Leishmania (Viannia) spp. dissemination and tissue tropism in the domestic dog. Using PCR and histology, parasites were detected in the conjunctiva, lung, lymph nodes and ovaries of 2 naturally infected Peruvian dogs. The detection of parasites in the blood indicates that parasite dissemination to those organs may have been haematogenous.

Homologous minicircles in Leishmania donovani

Leishmania minicircular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is arranged into different classes according to sequence. These classes differ substantially in sequence, despite species- and genus-specific regions, and are present in widely different copy numbers within and between Leishmania strains. Homologous minicircles have been identified in different species of Leishmania by comparing sequences of known minicircles. However, it is possible to select for minicircles of the same class by amplifying Leishmania DNA with polymerase chain reaction primers from the conserved and variable regions. This approach was used with 2 different minicircle classes in the L. donovani complex. In all isolates tested it was possible to amplify minicircles of the selected class.

Evaluation of a gp63–PCR Based Assay as a Molecular Diagnosis Tool in Canine Leishmaniasis in Tunisia

A gp63PCR method was evaluated for the detection and characterization of Leishmania (Leishmania) (L.) parasites in canine lymph node aspirates. This tool was tested and compared to other PCRs based on the amplification of 18S ribosomal genes, a L. infantum specific repetitive sequence and kinetoplastic DNA minicircles, and to classical parasitological (smear examination and/or culture) or serological (IFAT) techniques on a sample of 40 dogs, originating from different L. infantum endemic regions in Tunisia. Sensitivity and specificity of all the PCR assays were evaluated on parasitologically confirmed dogs within this sample (N = 18) and control dogs (N = 45) originating from non–endemic countries in northern Europe and Australia. The gp63 PCR had 83.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity, a performance comparable to the kinetoplast PCR assay and better than the other assays. These assays had comparable results when the gels were southern transferred and hybridized with a radioactive probe. As different infection rates were found according to the technique, concordance of the results was estimated by (κ) test. Best concordance values were between the gp63PCR and parasitological methods (74.6%, 95% confidence intervals CI: 58.8–95.4%) or serology IFAT technique (47.4%, 95% CI: 23.5–71.3%). However, taken together Gp63 and Rib assays covered most of the samples found positive making of them a good alternative for determination of infection rates. Potential of the gp63PCR-RFLP assay for analysis of parasite genetic diversity within samples was also evaluated using 5 restriction enzymes. RFLP analysis confirmed assignment of the parasites infecting the dogs to L. infantum species and illustrated occurrence of multiple variants in the different endemic foci. Gp63 PCR assay thus constitutes a useful tool in molecular diagnosis of L. infantum infections in dogs in Tunisia.

Diagnosis of leishmaniasis in Maltese dogs with the aid of the polymerase chain reaction

Visceral leishmaniasis due to infection with Leishmania infantum (a member of the L. donovani complex) has been known in Malta since the beginning of the century. In 1946, when human diseases became compulsorily notifiable on the islands, the leishmaniasis figures were 1264 visceral cases, 36 cutaneous cases and 5 unspecified. Five cases of cutaneous infection were reported in 1997 and 23 cases of cutaneous and 3 of visceral infection in January-October 1998. There may be considerable under-reporting of the disease. Figures of between 18% and 47% have been reported for canine leishmaniasis. This large discrepancy between reservoir and human hosts suggests that the canine reservoir could be a serious threat and is worthy of careful examination. This pilot study was carried out to determine the proportion of dogs serologically positive for leishmaniasis in order to assess the necessity for a possible control programme in Malta. Using 60 canine blood samples from the Maltese islands, we tested for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the L. donovani complex using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The samples had all been subjected to the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and a direct comparison was made. DNA was extracted using the phenol/chloroform method and amplified with primers specific for kinetoplast mini-circle DNA of the L. donovani complex and L. major, Southern blotted and hybridized with a radio-labelled probe specific for the L. donovani complex. Twelve of the samples gave positive results in the IFAT, whilst 37 (62%) were positive by PCR and hybridization. All samples from 36 dogs from a non-endemic area in the UK were negative by PCR. Five of the 12 samples positive by IFAT gave negative PCR results.