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Genotyping and molecular analysis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolated from immunocompromised patients in Iran
Hamed Mirjalali1, Hossein Mirhendi2, Ahmad Reza Meamar3
1Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are known as opportunistic unicellular pathogens, particularly so in individuals with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most common species infecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes among immunocompromised patients in Iran. From 329 stool samples referred for parasitological analysis during 2011-2014, 14 samples from immunocompromised patients proving positive for E. bieneusi by SSU rDNA analysis were selected. Genotyping was carried out using specific primers targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. Subsequently, all samples were sequenced and results queried against the GenBank database. Moreover, sequences were subject to phylogenetic analysis. The expected amplification product was generated for all samples. Genotype D was identified in patients with HIV+/AIDS, transplant recipients, and cancer patients, while Genotype E was identified only in cancer and HIV+/AIDS patients. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there was no relationship between genotypes and types of immunosuppression, whereas most genotype D isolates grouped with those described previously from cattle, horses, birds, and humans. E. bieneusi genotype D appears to be the most frequent genotype in immunocompromised patients, while Genotype E was observed only in HIV+/AIDS patients and cancer patients, not transplant recipients.
Insights
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic pathogen, shows distinct genotype distributions in immunocompromised Iranian patients. Genotype D was most frequent overall, while Genotype E was specific to HIV/AIDS and cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens, with Enterocytozoon bieneusi frequently infecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding E. bieneusi genotype prevalence is crucial for managing infections in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in immunocompromised patients in Iran.
- To investigate potential correlations between E. bieneusi genotypes and immunosuppression types.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 329 stool samples from immunocompromised patients.
- Identification of E. bieneusi using SSU rDNA.
- Genotyping via Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis of obtained sequences.
Main Results:
- Genotype D was identified in HIV/AIDS, transplant, and cancer patients.
- Genotype E was found exclusively in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed genotype D isolates clustering with human and animal sources, irrespective of immunosuppression type.
Conclusions:
- Genotype D is the predominant E. bieneusi genotype in Iranian immunocompromised patients.
- Genotype E appears restricted to HIV/AIDS and cancer patients within this cohort.
- No direct relationship was observed between E. bieneusi genotypes and the specific type of immunosuppression.
