New Insights on Tools for Detecting β-Tubulin Polymorphisms in Trichuris trichiura Using rhAmp^TM SNP Genotyping

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, commonly treated with benzimidazoles, are linked to resistance through single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at position 167, 198, or 200 in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. The aim of this study was to establish a novel genotyping assay characterized by its rapidity and specificity. This assay was designed to detect the presence of SNPs within the partial β-tubulin gene of Trichuris trichiura. This was achieved through the biallelic discrimination at codons 167, 198, and 200 by employing the competitive binding of two allele-specific forward primers. The specificity and reliability of this assay were subsequently confirmed using Trichuris samples isolated from captive primates. Furthermore, a molecular study was conducted to substantiate the utility of the β-tubulin gene as a molecular marker. The assays showed high sensitivity and specificity when applied to field samples. Nevertheless, none of the SNPs within the β-tubulin gene were detected in any of the adult worms or eggs from the analyzed populations. All specimens consistently displayed an SS genotype. The examination of the β-tubulin gene further validated the established close relationships between the T. trichiura clade and Trichuris suis clade. This reaffirms its utility as a marker for phylogenetic analysis.