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Characterization of a variant tandem repeat from Sudanese Onchocerca volvulus
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|June 1, 1993
Summary
This study identified a new variant of the Onchocerca volvulus 150 bp tandem repeat in Sudan. This genetic difference can distinguish between parasite strains from Abu Hamed and Raja, aiding onchocerciasis control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Onchocerciasis control in Africa relies on sensitive parasite detection methods.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA probes are key tools for identifying Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus).
- Evaluating existing methods in new geographical contexts, like Sudan, is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the applicability of established PCR and DNA probe techniques for onchocerciasis research in Sudan.
- To investigate genetic similarities and differences between O. volvulus populations from distinct Sudanese regions (Abu Hamed and Raja).
- To characterize potential genetic markers for differentiating Sudanese O. volvulus strains.
Main Methods:
- Collection of adult O. volvulus samples from Abu Hamed and Raja, Sudan.
- DNA extraction and amplification using PCR targeting the 150 bp repeat sequence.
- Analysis of amplified DNA fragments, including size determination and DNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- PCR amplification of O. volvulus DNA from Raja produced expected multiples of the 150 bp repeat, consistent with West African isolates.
- DNA from the Abu Hamed isolate yielded unexpected doublets, indicating variations in the repeat structure.
- Sequence analysis revealed a variant 150 bp repeat in the Abu Hamed isolate, featuring an additional 49 bp with shorter internal repeats.
Conclusions:
- A distinct variant of the O. volvulus 150 bp tandem repeat exists in the Abu Hamed region of Sudan.
- This genetic variant effectively distinguishes O. volvulus isolates from Abu Hamed and Raja.
- The identified variant holds potential for differentiating Abu Hamed O. volvulus strains from other East African strains, aiding epidemiological studies and control strategies.