PCR-RFLP analysis of Giardia intestinalis using a Giardia-specific gene, GLORF-C4

A cDNA clone encoding GLORF-C4 was isolated from the WB strain, an assemblage A Giardia intestinalis. Interestingly, GLORF-C4 has been previously reported as an assemblage B-specific gene. Using two primers based on GLORF-C4 of the GS strain, a prototype assemblage B, GLORF-C4 gene was amplified from all the groups of G. intestinalis, and applied to detect the presence of cysts of G. intestinalis from faecal samples of cyst-passers. RFLP analysis of this PCR product successfully classified G. intestinalis into two distinct groups, assemblages A and B.