The typing of Trypanosoma evansi isolates using mobile genetic element (MGE) PCR

The mobile genetic element PCR (MGE-PCR) is a simple and sensitive technique that can be used to detect genetic variability in Trypanosoma brucei ssp. To investigate the reliability of MGE-PCR in genotyping Trypanosoma evansi, stocks that were isolated directly from camels and after their respective passage in mice were analyzed. Construction of a dendrogram using the MGE-PCR banding profiles revealed a clear distinction between T. evansi and T. brucei, as well as discriminating the T. evansi strains (T. evansi with minicircle types B and A). A minor host-dependent clustering shows a genetic difference of <15%. Changes in the banding profiles were observed after serial passage of T. evansi type B in mice, while those of T. evansi type A were identical. It is apparent that significant random insertion mobile element positional variation occurs when T. evansi isolates are introduced into a new host, a factor that needs to be considered when MGE-PCR is used to determine genetic variation in T. evansi isolates that have different host origins.