The population genetics of Trypanosoma cruzi revisited in the light of the predominant clonal evolution model.

摘要: Comparing the population structure of Trypanosoma cruzi with that other pathogens, including parasitic protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses, shows agent Chagas disease shares typical traits many species, related to a predominant clonal evolution (PCE) pattern: statistically significant linkage disequilibrium, overrepresented multilocus genotypes, near-clades (genetic subdivisions somewhat blurred by occasional genetic exchange/hybridization) "Russian doll" patterns (PCE is observed, not only at level whole but also, within near-clades). Moreover, T. exhibits diversity several strongly selected genes, gene expression profiles, some major phenotypic traits. We discuss evolutionary significance these results, their implications in terms applied research (molecular epidemiology/strain typing, analysis genes interest, vaccine drug design, immunological diagnosis) experimental evolution. Lastly, we revisit long-term debate describing new species taxon.