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Published on: December 4, 2015
IS1245 RFLP-based genotyping study of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis isolates from pigs and humans
Mateja Pate1, Manca Zolnir-Dovc, Brane Krt
1University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Gerbiceva 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia. mateja.pate@vf.uni-lj.si
Abstract:
Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis, ubiquitous environmental mycobacterium, is an opportunistic pathogen that is regularly isolated from pigs and humans in Slovenia. Genetic diversity of 114 isolates from pigs (n = 57) and humans (n = 57), identified by means of bacteriology, DNA-RNA hybridization techniques, IS901 PCR and IS1245 PCR, was investigated in this study, using IS1245 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Identical IS1245 RFLP profiles were found in isolates from pigs, isolates from humans and isolates from both origins. The proportion of clustered isolates varied as it depended on the similarity level (100% and 75%) chosen for the cluster limits. Using IS1245 RFLP, it was possible to detect monoclonal, polyclonal and recent infections and to monitor the genetic variability of the strains from individual patients. Our findings indicate the environment as the source of infection for both pigs and humans. The questions about the possibility of intra- and inter-species transmission of infection remain to be answered.
Insights
Environmental Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis infections in Slovenia link pigs and humans. IS1245 RFLP analysis revealed shared genetic profiles, suggesting a common environmental source for both species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis is an opportunistic pathogen found in pigs and humans.
- This ubiquitous environmental mycobacterium is prevalent in Slovenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis isolates from pigs and humans in Slovenia.
- To determine the genetic relationship between strains isolated from different hosts and origins.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriology, DNA-RNA hybridization, IS901 PCR, and IS1245 PCR were used for initial identification.
- IS1245 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was employed to assess genetic diversity.
Main Results:
- Identical IS1245 RFLP profiles were observed in isolates from pigs, humans, and mixed origins.
- The proportion of clustered isolates depended on the similarity level (100% and 75%).
- IS1245 RFLP enabled detection of infection types (monoclonal, polyclonal, recent) and monitoring of strain variability.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a common environmental source for Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis infections in both pigs and humans in Slovenia.
- Further research is needed to address potential intra- and inter-species transmission routes.
