[Molecular and immunological analyses suggest the absence of hydrophilic surface proteins in Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis].

INTRODUCTION

The genus Leishmania is divided into two subgenera: Leishmania and Viannia. The two subgenera present several important differences such as the pathology they cause in susceptible hosts, their in vitro growth behavior, their genetic characteristics, and the expression pattern of several proteins, including those of the hydrophilic surface protein family.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the hydrophilic surface protein family in Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hasp genes were amplified in L. (V.) panamensis, using specific primers previously designed to amplify this gene in Leishmania (Leishmania) major. The PCR products were cloned, sequenced, and the sequences analyzed using common bioinformatics tools. Secondly, a serological screening was undertaken with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot to detect specific antibodies against the hydrophilic surface recombinant protein from L. (L.) major.

RESULTS

A copy of a pseudogene was amplified in L. (V.) panamensis which was 60% homologous with the L. (L.) major orthologous gene. Antibodies responded to the hydrophilic surface recombinant proteins only in sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis [Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi].

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the lack of a functional hasp gene in L. (V.) panamensis, suggesting probably the loss of the complete gene family in this species of the Viannia subgenus.