Multilocus sequence typing system (MLST) reveals a significant association of Entamoeba histolytica genetic patterns with disease outcome

Parasitol Int. 2014 Apr;63(2):308-14. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.11.014. Epub 2013 Dec 7.

Abstract

The relationship between parasite genotypes and outcome of amoebic infection is still a paradox and needed to be explored. Proper identification and genetic characterization of Entamoeba histolytica clinical isolates is an effective tool for exploring this relation. Along with conventional polymorphic marker (Chitinase), tRNA linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci has been employed as multilocus genotyping tool due to its better resolution and evolutionary significance. Some common as well as exclusive repeat patterns showing significant relation with disease outcome have been identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that repeat patterns exclusively found in asymptomatic and amoebic liver abscess derived isolates are placed in a common lineage and has similar association pattern with the disease outcome. Assumption can be made that isolates of E. histolytica remaining asymptomatic is genetically closer siblings of those causing liver abscess rather than the diarrheal isolates.

Keywords: Amoebic outcome; Chitinase; Entamoeba histolytica; Genotyping; Phylogeny; tRNA linked STR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics*
  • Entamoebiasis / epidemiology
  • Entamoebiasis / parasitology*
  • Entamoebiasis / pathology*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • India
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / parasitology
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / pathology
  • Multilocus Sequence Typing*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan