Population Genetics and Reproductive Strategies of African Trypanosomes: Revisiting Available Published Data

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015 Oct 22;9(10):e0003985. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003985. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Trypanosomatidae are a dangerous family of Euglenobionta parasites that threaten the health and economy of millions of people around the world. More precisely describing the population biology and reproductive mode of such pests is not only a matter of pure science, but can also be useful for understanding parasite adaptation, as well as how parasitism, specialization (parasite specificity), and complex life cycles evolve over time. Studying this parasite's reproductive strategies and population structure can also contribute key information to the understanding of the epidemiology of associated diseases; it can also provide clues for elaborating control programs and predicting the probability of success for control campaigns (such as vaccines and drug therapies), along with emergence or re-emergence risks. Population genetics tools, if appropriately used, can provide precise and useful information in these investigations. In this paper, we revisit recent data collected during population genetics surveys of different Trypanosoma species in sub-Saharan Africa. Reproductive modes and population structure depend not only on the taxon but also on the geographical location and data quality (absence or presence of DNA amplification failures). We conclude on issues regarding future directions of research, in particular vis-à-vis genotyping and sampling strategies, which are still relevant yet, too often, neglected issues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Animals
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population
  • Humans
  • Parasitology / methods
  • Trypanosoma / classification
  • Trypanosoma / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma / growth & development*

Grants and funding

This study was funded by a grant from the PEERS (Programme d’Excellence pour l’Enseignement et la Recherche au Sud) TAO (Trypanosomes et tsétsés en Afrique de l’Ouest: apport de la génétique des populations) of the AIRD (Agence Inter-établissements de Recherche pour le Développement). It was undertaken within the Lamivect (Laboratoire mixte international sur les maladies à vecteurs de Bobo-Dioulasso), which is supported by the IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement). The work presented is also part of the ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche) Clonix project “Revisiting the Population Genetics and Genomics of clonal organisms” (ANR-11-566 BSV7-007). Modou SERE is supported by a Grant from the AIRD-CIRAD, "Programme Doctorants du Sud" Contrat No. 772689J. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.