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Karyotypes of Pneumocystis carinii derived from several mammals
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Inha University Medical Center, Sungnam, Korea.
Abstract:
Pneumocystis carinii is the most important opportunistic pathogen of humans in the world. Pneumocystis carinii is experimentally detected in the lungs of rats, mice, rabbits, and monkeys, however, the organisms from different mammals are identical in microscopic morphology. The present study tried to find out more mammalian hosts of P. carinii and also to differentiate the organisms from different mammals by karyotyping. Rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, cats, and dogs were successfully infected by P. carinii, but guinea pigs and pigs were not. Karyotype of P. carinii from rabbits showed similar size range of chromosomes with that of the prototype, but in different pattern. The patterns from cats and dogs were also different from that of rats. The present study confirms that cats and dogs are infected by P. carinii and at least total three karyotype strains of P. carinii are proven in Korea.
Insights
Pneumocystis carinii, an opportunistic pathogen, infects cats and dogs. Karyotyping reveals at least three distinct strains of Pneumocystis carinii in Korea, expanding our understanding of its host range.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Opportunistic Infections
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pneumocystis carinii is a globally significant opportunistic pathogen.
- Microscopic morphology of P. carinii is conserved across different mammalian hosts.
- Identifying novel hosts and differentiating strains is crucial for understanding transmission and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify additional mammalian hosts for P. carinii.
- To differentiate P. carinii strains from various hosts using karyotyping.
- To investigate the genetic diversity of P. carinii in Korea.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of various mammals including rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, cats, and dogs.
- Karyotyping of P. carinii isolates from infected animals.
- Comparison of karyotypes to a prototype strain and among different host-derived strains.
Main Results:
- Rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, cats, and dogs were susceptible to P. carinii infection.
- Guinea pigs and pigs were resistant to infection.
- Karyotype analysis revealed distinct patterns for P. carinii from rabbits, cats, and dogs compared to the prototype and each other.
- At least three distinct karyotype strains of P. carinii were identified in Korea.
Conclusions:
- Cats and dogs serve as hosts for P. carinii.
- Karyotyping is a valuable tool for differentiating P. carinii strains.
- The study identified at least three distinct karyotype strains of P. carinii in Korea, indicating significant genetic diversity.