Genome of Indian Leishmania donovani

During 1993-1994, scientists from developing and developed countries planned and initiated a number of parasite genome projects and several consortiums for the mapping and sequencing of these medium sized genomes were established. Genomes of three Leishmania species, which were cultivated in the laboratory (L. major, L. infantum, and L. braziliensis) have been sequenced. To add to this plethora of knowledge, we undertook whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates of L. donovani believed to be causing Kala Azar in India. The genome analysis can provide insights into the functional characteristics of the visceral manifestation of the disease and also provide an avenue into the biological basis of parasite virulence in the L. donovani complex prevalent in India in comparison with the other species of Leishmania sequenced.