Abstract

FERNANDEZ, Alexis  and  RODRIGUEZ, Noris. Transfection of the ATPase gene (vacuolar type) from Leishmania mexicana enhances virulence in a non-virulent strain of Leishmania enriettii. Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2014, vol.54, n.1, pp.29-37. ISSN 1690-4648.

In this study we examined the effect of the transfection of the vacuolar type ATPase gene from Leishmania (L.) mexicana to Leishmania (L.) enriettii. Transfected promastigotes were evaluated in vitro using macrophages and in vivo using two experimental models (Balb/c mice and Golden Hamsters). The progression of the infection was recorded weekly by measurements taken at the inoculation site. Samples of skin, the popliteal ganglion, liver, spleen, heart and blood were taken for parasitological diagnosis: histopathology and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The groups inoculated with transfected L. enriettii showed significant differences in the size of the lesions with respect to the control group (without transfection). The PCR analysis showed positive for L. enriettii in the skin and lymph nodes during the first weeks post-infection and subsequently in the spleen, liver and heart, thus suggesting that the parasites migrate between organs. In the control group, parasites were detected in the skin at the inoculation site but not in the other organs tested. The results demonstrate the role the vacuolar ATPase gene plays in the invasion of the host cells by Leishmania, and the increase in the virulence of L. enriettii after transfection with this gene.

Keywords : Virulence; Leishmania; vacuolar ATPase.

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