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Phylogenetic analyses of Chilomastix and Retortamonas species using in vitro excysted flagellates

Jun Suzuki1, Sanjib Kumar Sardar2, Ajanta Ghosal2

  • 1Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Revista Brasileira De Parasitologia Veterinaria = Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology : Orgao Oficial Do Colegio Brasileiro De Parasitologia Veterinaria
|December 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study successfully induced excystation of Chilomastix mesnili and Retortamonas sp. from macaques and mongooses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic similarities to human and amphibian strains, suggesting host feeding habits influence parasite type.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Chilomastix mesnili and Retortamonas sp. are intestinal flagellates.
  • Understanding their excystation and genetic diversity is crucial for host-parasite interaction studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish an in vitro excystation protocol for Chilomastix mesnili and Retortamonas sp. from non-human hosts.
  • To perform phylogenetic analysis of these isolates using 18S rRNA genes.
  • To investigate potential host-parasite relationships and transmission dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro excystation using a modified Giardia intestinalis protocol and H2S-rich Robinson's medium with Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.
  • DNA isolation from excysted flagellates.
  • Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA gene sequences.

Main Results:

  • Excystation was induced within 2 hours of incubation.
  • Two Chilomastix mesnili isolates from Japanese macaques clustered with a human isolate.
  • A Retortamonas sp. isolate from a small Indian mongoose clustered with an amphibian isolate.

Conclusions:

  • The 18S rRNA gene sequence homology and morphological similarity suggest a close relationship between macaque-derived Chilomastix mesnili and human strains.
  • The amphibian-type Retortamonas sp. infection in a mongoose highlights the potential role of host feeding habits in parasite transmission.
  • This study provides insights into the genetic diversity and host specificity of these flagellates.

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