Figure 2

Conceptual model proposed by Pacheco RS and Oliveira FS aiming to explain the dynamics of the circulating populations of L. (V.) braziliensis at both intra and interpatient levels in a specific endemic area. At interpatient level, heterogeneous subpopulations (A-E) circulate among man, vectors, domestic and sylvatic animals and such individuals would be exposed to distinct selective pressures, to the polyclonality of the initial inoculum and also to multiple independent infections. At intrapatient level, the individual may act as a biological filter and the situation takes into account the participation of both parasite virulence factors and the immunological system of the host.