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Genetically unique microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi strain type III isolated from squirrel monkeys

Tokiko Asakura1, Susumu Nakamura, Mariko Ohta

  • 1Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.

Parasitology International
|April 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores from squirrel monkeys in Japan represent a new subtype of genotype III. Genetic analysis revealed unique sequences, suggesting a novel strain causing disseminated infections.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Primate Health

Background:

  • Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular pathogens.
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) infects a wide range of mammals.
  • Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) are susceptible to various infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize microsporidian isolates from squirrel monkeys.
  • To determine the genetic lineage and potential pathogenicity of these isolates.
  • To investigate the genetic diversity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and identification of microsporidian spores from squirrel monkeys.
  • Nucleotide sequence analysis of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene.
  • Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing.
  • Polar tube protein (PTP) gene sequencing.
  • Spore wall protein 1 (SWP-1) gene sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Isolates identified as Encephalitozoon cuniculi based on SSU rRNA gene sequences.
  • ITS gene sequences classified isolates into genotype III due to tetrarepeats.
  • PTP gene sequences showed similarity to genotype II, differing from genotype III.
  • SWP-1 gene sequences did not match known genotypes I, II, or III.
  • The isolates represent a potential new subtype of E. cuniculi ITS genotype III.

Conclusions:

  • The squirrel monkey isolates represent a novel subtype of E. cuniculi ITS genotype III.
  • This new subtype possesses unique genetic markers in PTP and SWP-1 genes.
  • The findings suggest a potential for disseminated infections caused by this subtype.
  • Further research is needed to understand the prevalence and pathogenicity of this new subtype.

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