The Relevance of the Predominant Clonal Evolution (PCE) Model for the Molecular Epidemiology and Subspecific Taxonomy of Trypanosoma cruzi

Michel Tibayrenc MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, University Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France

Pathogens is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on pathogens and pathogen-host interactions published monthly online by MDPI.

Abstract: The predominant clonal evolution (PCE) model is often misunderstood. Contrary to common belief, it is not restricted to strict mitotic clonality. Instead, it encompasses processes such as selfing, strong homogamy, and various forms of parthenogenesis, as widely acknowledged by researchers studying clonality. Moreover, the PCE model does not claim that genetic recombination is entirely absent or devoid of epidemiological and evolutionary significance. In this review, I will explore the reciprocal relationship between PCE and molecular epidemiology (strain typing) and discuss the implications of PCE for revising the subspecific nomenclature of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Keywords: parasite; fungus; bacterium; Chagas disease; strain typing; clonality; evolution; taxonomy; species concept

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