Genetic heterogeneity in human-derived Pneumocystis carinii

Genetic heterogeneity has been observed among isolates of human-derived Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii sp. f. hominis). DNA sequence analysis has been shown to be informative in distinguishing between isolates of P. carinii sp. f. hominis. Single base polymorphisms have been observed in the genes encoding the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA, the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA and the AROM protein. The highest level of genetic variation has been found at the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA operon. Typing of isolates of P. carinii sp. f. hominis has enabled the examination of the frequency of different types of P. carinii sp. f. hominis in distinct populations. It has also facilitated studies on the acquisition and transmission of P. carinii sp. f. hominis infection.