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Review
. 2021 Feb 20;8(2):33.
doi: 10.3390/vetsci8020033.

Insights into Leishmania Molecules and Their Potential Contribution to the Virulence of the Parasite

Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy  1 , Abdulsalam A M Alkhaldi  2
Affiliations
Review

Insights into Leishmania Molecules and Their Potential Contribution to the Virulence of the Parasite

Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy et al. Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Neglected parasitic diseases affect millions of people worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Among other parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis remains an important public health problem caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of the female sand fly. The disease has also been linked to tropical and subtropical regions, in addition to being an endemic disease in many areas around the world, including the Mediterranean basin and South America. Although recent years have witnessed marked advances in Leishmania-related research in various directions, many issues have yet to be elucidated. The intention of the present review is to give an overview of the major virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of the parasite. We aimed to provide a concise picture of the factors influencing the reaction of the parasite in its host that might help to develop novel chemotherapeutic and vaccine strategies.

Keywords: Leishmania; factors; parasite; virulence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The major virulence factors of Leishmania species.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The virulence factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL)/mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) causing species of Leishmania and their reported function.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The virulence factors of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) causing species of Leishmania and their reported functions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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