Characterization of a compensatory mutant of Leishmania major that lacks ether lipids but exhibits normal growth, and G418 and hygromycin resistance

► Isolation of a compensatory strain derived from the null mutant Δlmdat/Δlmdat lacking initial acyltransferase LmDAT. ► The revertant grew normally, lacked ether lipids but was avirulent in mouse infection. ► The revertant was resistant to neomycin and hygromycin.