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Genetic Polymorphisms of Pneumocystis jirovecii in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients in Northern China
Ting Xue1, Wei-Qin Du2, Wen-Juan Dai1
1NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Key Laboratory of Prophylaxis and Treatment and Basic Research of Respiratory Diseases of Shanxi Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus that can cause severe and potentially fatal Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunodeficient patients. In this study, we investigated the genetic polymorphisms of P. jirovecii at eight different loci, including six nuclear genes (ITS, 26S rRNA, sod, dhps, dhfr and β-Tub) and two mitochondrial genes (mtLSU-rRNA and cyb) in three PCP cases, including two patients with HIV infection and one without HIV infection in Shanxi Province, P.R. China. The gene targets were amplified by PCR followed by sequencing of plasmid clones. The HIV-negative patient showed a coinfection with two genotypes of P. jirovecii at six of the eight loci sequenced. Of the two HIV-positive patients, one showed a coinfection with two genotypes of P. jirovecii at the same two of the six loci as in the HIV-negative patient, while the other showed a single infection at all eight loci sequenced. None of the three drug target genes (dhfr, dhps and cyb) showed mutations known to be potentially associated with drug resistance. This is the first report of genetic polymorphisms of P. jirovecii in PCP patients in Shanxi Province, China. Our findings expand our understanding of the genetic diversity of P. jirovecii in China.
Insights
Genetic analysis of Pneumocystis jirovecii in pneumonia cases revealed mixed infections in two of three patients. No drug resistance mutations were found in this initial Shanxi Province study.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Pneumocystis jirovecii causes severe Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding P. jirovecii genetic diversity is crucial for tracking its epidemiology and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of P. jirovecii in PCP patients from Shanxi Province, China.
- To analyze genetic variations at nuclear and mitochondrial loci and assess potential drug resistance markers.
Main Methods:
- PCR amplification and sequencing of eight P. jirovecii gene loci (six nuclear, two mitochondrial).
- Analysis of samples from three PCP patients (two HIV-positive, one HIV-negative).
Main Results:
- Coinfections with multiple P. jirovecii genotypes were observed in two patients (one HIV-negative, one HIV-positive) at specific loci.
- The third patient (HIV-positive) presented a single genotype infection across all analyzed loci.
- No mutations associated with drug resistance were detected in key drug target genes (dhfr, dhps, cyb).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first report on P. jirovecii genetic polymorphisms in PCP patients in Shanxi Province.
- Findings highlight the presence of genetic diversity and coinfections of P. jirovecii in this region.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of P. jirovecii genetic diversity in China.
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