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Analysis of polymorphism of 18S rRNA gene in Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae
Yashodhar Bhandari1, Pankaj Dabir, Krithika Nandhakumar
1Department of Biochemistry & J.B. Tropical Disease Research Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, India.
Abstract:
The polymorphism of the 18S rRNA gene in Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae (mf) collected from three different zones in India was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The RFLPs of the amplified products obtained after digestion with restriction enzymes Ssp I, Msp I and Hha I showed no difference in the banding patterns among the mf isolates from different endemic zones. Further the sequencing of PCR products did not show any difference in the nucleotide sequence either. The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of W. bancrofti mf isolates from different endemic zones has shown branching with the earlier reported sequences of W. bancrofti and its close relative Brugia malayi.
Insights
Genetic analysis of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae revealed no significant polymorphism in the 18S rRNA gene across different Indian regions. This finding suggests genetic uniformity in W. bancrofti populations studied.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Wuchereria bancrofti is a major cause of lymphatic filariasis.
- Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic polymorphism of the 18S rRNA gene in Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae.
- To compare genetic variations among isolates from different endemic zones in India.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the 18S rRNA gene.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed using Ssp I, Msp I, and Hha I enzymes.
- DNA sequencing of PCR products was conducted for further genetic analysis.
Main Results:
- RFLP analysis showed identical banding patterns for all microfilariae isolates, irrespective of their origin.
- DNA sequencing confirmed no nucleotide variations in the 18S rRNA gene among the different isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed the W. bancrofti isolates within known genetic clusters, alongside Brugia malayi.
Conclusions:
- The 18S rRNA gene of Wuchereria bancrofti exhibits low genetic polymorphism in the studied Indian populations.
- This genetic homogeneity may have implications for the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
