Identification of Mamu-DRB1 gene as a susceptibility factor for Entamoeba nuttalli infection in Chinese Macaca mulatta
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Published on: December 15, 2011
Zijian Ling1, Meng Feng1, Jian Xu1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Abstract:
Entamoeba nuttalli infection is highly prevalent in captive and wild macaques. A recent study suggested that the genetic factor of host macaques was correlated with the genotypes of E. nuttalli isolates. This study focused on the correlation between the rhesus macaque host major histocompatibility complex gene and E. nuttalli infection. Thirty-nine stool samples were obtained from Mount Qing-ling (Guizhou Province, China). Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the infection rate of E. nuttalli, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba chattoni as 69.23%, 69.23%, and 87.18%, respectively. A new Serine-rich Protein genotype was detected, and the rRNA of E. nuttalli isolates from Mount Qian-ling was completely identical to the GY4 strain. In the distance-based neighbor-joining tree, Mamu-DRB1, not Mamu-DPB or Mamu-B gene, was related to E. nuttalli infection. Mamu-DRB1 genes of rhesus macaques in Mounts Qian-ling and Long-hu were highly polymorphic, and the rhesus macaques with two major types of Mamu-DRB1 showed susceptibility to E. nuttalli infection. The Mamu-DRB1 gene analysis in this study indicated that the Mamu-DRB1 gene is an important factor that influences the susceptibility of E. nuttalli infection in Chinese Macaca mulatta. This study contributes to a better understanding of host susceptibility to Entamoeba.
Insights
Rhesus macaques infected with Entamoeba nuttalli show a genetic link to their host
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Primate Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Entamoeba nuttalli infections are common in macaques.
- Host genetics may influence susceptibility to E. nuttalli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between rhesus macaque major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and E. nuttalli infection.
- To identify specific MHC genes influencing susceptibility in Chinese Macaca mulatta.
Main Methods:
- Collected 39 stool samples from rhesus macaques in Guizhou Province, China.
- Utilized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect Entamoeba species and analyze Mamu-DRB1 gene polymorphism.
- Constructed a neighbor-joining tree to assess the relationship between MHC genes and E. nuttalli infection.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of E. nuttalli (69.23%), E. coli (69.23%), and E. chattoni (87.18%) detected.
- Identified a new Serine-rich Protein genotype and confirmed E. nuttalli rRNA identity with the GY4 strain.
- Mamu-DRB1 gene, not Mamu-DPB or Mamu-B, was significantly associated with E. nuttalli infection.
- Rhesus macaques with two major Mamu-DRB1 types exhibited susceptibility to E. nuttalli.
Conclusions:
- The Mamu-DRB1 gene plays a crucial role in determining rhesus macaque susceptibility to Entamoeba nuttalli infection.
- This finding enhances understanding of host-parasite interactions and genetic factors in Entamoeba infections.
- Highlights the importance of MHC genetics in primate health and disease resistance.
