Elisa Cupolillo

Tracking the Spread of a Naturally Occurring Leishmania infantumMutant: A qPCR-Based Investigation in Strains and Clinical Samples

This paper develops a qPCR-based tool to detect and quantify Leishmania infantum genotypes with and without a 12 Kb deletion in clinical and cultured samples, finding DEL genotypes are more frequent and widespread.

Genomic evidence for phylogenetic congruence with sporadic host shifts in leishmaniaviruses and their parasite hosts

This study investigates the co-phylogenetic history of Leishmania parasites and Leishmaniavirus, finding strong phylogenetic congruence at the subgenus and species level, with weaker signals in some cases due to intraspecific host switching.

Gene deletion as a possible strategy adopted by New World Leishmania infantum to maximize geographic dispersion

This study examines how a sub-chromosomal deletion in Leishmania infantum affects parasite virulence, transmission, and drug resistance, suggesting it may enhance geographic spread.

Evolutionary genomics of a zoonotic parasite across the Neotropical Realm

The paper analyzes the genomic diversity of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis across the Neotropical Realm, identifying two major parasite groups associated with different biomes and highlighting ecological and epidemiological differences.

The global dispersal of visceral leishmaniasis occurred within human history

This study shows that the Leishmania donovani species complex dispersed globally within the last 2,000 years, aligning with human migration and colonization.

Ecological divergence and hybridization of Neotropical Leishmania parasites

This study examines the evolutionary history and hybridization of Leishmania parasites using whole genome sequencing, revealing ecological divergence and genetic mosaic ancestry in hybrids.