Chitinase from Basal Trypanosomatids and Its Relation to Marine Environment: New Insights on <i>Leishmania</i> Genus Evolutionary Theories

Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease that affects humans, domestic dogs, and wild animals, is caused by 20 of the 53 Leishmania genus species transmitted sandflies. Despite its significant impact, often neglected. genus, belong to Trypanosomatide Family Kinetoplastida Order, are grouped in five subgroups according biogeographic evolution history parasites hosts. The GH18 chitinase encoded a specie-specific single copy gene, conserved basal groups trypanosomatids, absent Trypanosoma. Preservation genomic locus aquatic free-living protozoan Bodo saltans, discloses primitive common origin. Trypanosomatid amino acid sequence comparative analysis revealed high similarity with from sea living prokaryotes microorganisms, indicating probable marine Amino perhaps trypanosomatid derived water ancestor phylogenetic reconstruction corroborates Supercontinent Origins theory for Leishmania. chitinase-encoding gene was effective differential molecular diagnosis among clinical important worldwide.