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A multilocus genotypic analysis of Cryptosporidium meleagridis
S Glaberman1, I M Sulaiman, C Bern
1Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30341, USA.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|March 22, 2002
Summary
Cryptosporidium meleagridis infects birds and humans. Genetic analysis of parasite isolates revealed significant genetic diversity across three genes, aiding in understanding transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Human Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium meleagridis is a significant cause of cryptosporidiosis in avian populations.
- Emerging reports indicate C. meleagridis as a pathogen in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised human individuals.
- Genetic characterization of C. meleagridis isolates is crucial for understanding host-parasite interactions and transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize Cryptosporidium meleagridis isolates from human and avian hosts.
- To identify genetic markers for differentiating C. meleagridis isolates based on host and geographic origin.
- To assess the genetic diversity within C. meleagridis populations using multiple genetic loci.
Main Methods:
- Genomic DNA was extracted from 11 C. meleagridis isolates (human and avian origins).
- Three genetic loci were analyzed: small-subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA), 60-kDa glycoprotein precursor (gp60), and 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) genes.
- Sequence analysis was performed to determine genetic variation and identify distinct genotypes.
Main Results:
- The SSU rRNA gene identified two distinct genotypes of C. meleagridis, differentiated by gene copy number and ATT repeats.
- The gp60 gene revealed six genotypes among the 11 isolates, demonstrating substantial inter-group sequence diversity.
- The HSP70 gene exhibited the highest genetic heterogeneity, particularly at the 3' end, distinguishing eight isolates into six genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Significant genetic diversity exists within Cryptosporidium meleagridis populations across different hosts.
- The analyzed genetic loci, especially gp60 and HSP70, provide valuable markers for differentiating C. meleagridis isolates.
- These findings support the development of molecular tools to enhance the understanding of C. meleagridis transmission between avian and human hosts.