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The shape and form of protozoan parasites are inextricably linked to their pathogenicity. The evolutionary pressure associated with establishing and maintaining an infection and transmission to vector or host has shaped parasite morphology. However, there is not a 'one size fits all' morphological solution to these different pressures, and parasites exhibit a range of different morphologies, reflecting the diversity of their complex life cycles. In this review, we will focus on the shape and form of Leishmania spp., a group of very successful protozoan parasites that cause a range of diseases from self-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis to visceral leishmaniasis, which is fatal if left untreated.

Original publication

DOI

10.1098/rsob.170165

Type

Journal article

Journal

Open Biol

Publication Date

09/2017

Volume

7

Keywords

Leishmania, morphology, parasite, pathogenicity, Animals, Flagella, Humans, Insect Vectors, Leishmania, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, Leishmaniasis, Visceral, Life Cycle Stages, Macrophages, Phlebotomus, Psychodidae