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Published on: December 28, 2018
Molecular studies of Onchocerca volvulus isolates from Mexico
Alicia Ramírez-Ramírez1, Gustavo Sánchez-Tejeda, Jorge Méndez-Galván
1Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, IPN, Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, C.P. 11340, México D.F., Mexico.
Summary
Genetic differences in the O-150 repeat sequence family were found between Onchocerca volvulus populations in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico. This suggests the O-150 repeat sequence is a valuable tool for studying the parasite
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic nematode responsible for onchocerciasis.
- Understanding genetic diversity within parasite populations is crucial for epidemiological and control strategies.
- The O-150 repeat sequence family has been identified in Onchocerca volvulus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential genetic variations within the O-150 repeat sequence family in Onchocerca volvulus populations from different regions of Mexico.
- To assess the utility of the O-150 repeat sequence for biogeographic studies of Onchocerca volvulus.
Main Methods:
- DNA was extracted from Onchocerca volvulus samples from Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify members of the O-150 repeat sequence family.
- Hybridization experiments were conducted using specific oligonucleotides (OVS2) and PCR amplicons as probes to compare sequence populations.
Main Results:
- All PCR amplicons hybridized with the OVS2 oligonucleotide, confirming their origin from Onchocerca volvulus.
- Hybridization patterns varied when using plasmid (pOVS134) or parasite DNA as probes, indicating differences in repeat sequences.
- Distinct hybridization results were observed between adult worms and infected black flies, and between samples from Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in the O-150 repeat sequence populations between Onchocerca volvulus from Oaxaca and Chiapas.
- The O-150 repeat sequence family shows potential as a molecular marker for biogeographic investigations of Onchocerca volvulus in the Americas.
- Further research is warranted to fully characterize these genetic variations and their implications for parasite distribution and control.
