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Identification of a human isolate of Encephalitozoon cuniculi type I from Italy
P Rossi1, G La Rosa, A Ludovisi
1Laboratory of Parasitology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
A microsporidial strain, obtained from a person with AIDS living in Italy was isolated and cultivated on RK13 (rabbit kidney) cell monolayers. Identification at the species level was performed by immunological and molecular methods. Western blot analysis showed that the human isolate and the Encephalitozoon cuniculi reference strain had similar banding patterns. The small subunit rRNA sequence analysis confirmed the identification of the isolate as E. cuniculi, which is a widespread microsporidian species infecting a wide range of natural hosts, including humans. Moreover, based on the sequence of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region, this isolate was classified as E. cuniculi type I (rabbit strain), previously reported in six persons with AIDS living in Switzerland. These results provide further information on the geographical distribution of E. cuniculi types.
Insights
A microsporidian strain from an AIDS patient in Italy was identified as Encephalitozoon cuniculi type I. This finding expands our understanding of the geographical distribution of this opportunistic pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like those with AIDS.
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a known cause of infection in humans and various animal hosts.
- Understanding the genetic types and geographical distribution of E. cuniculi is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify a microsporidial strain from an AIDS patient in Italy.
- To determine the specific type of Encephalitozoon cuniculi based on molecular and immunological characteristics.
- To contribute to the knowledge of E. cuniculi geographical distribution.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of the microsporidial strain on RK13 cell monolayers.
- Immunological identification using Western blot analysis against a reference strain.
- Molecular identification through small subunit rRNA and rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis.
Main Results:
- The human isolate showed similar banding patterns to the E. cuniculi reference strain via Western blot.
- Sequence analysis confirmed the isolate as Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
- Further sequence analysis classified the isolate as E. cuniculi type I (rabbit strain).
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified and characterized a new Italian isolate of E. cuniculi type I.
- This finding extends the known geographical range of E. cuniculi type I.
- The results highlight the importance of continued surveillance for E. cuniculi in immunocompromised populations.