Multilocus genotyping of Cryptosporidium parvum Type 2: population genetics and sub-structuring.

Mallon, M.E., MacLeod, A. , Wastling, J.M., Smith, H. and Tait, A. (2003) Multilocus genotyping of Cryptosporidium parvum Type 2: population genetics and sub-structuring. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 3(3), pp. 207-218. (doi: 10.1016/S1567-1348(03)00089-3)

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Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other mammals. It has significant economic importance as a pathogen of livestock and, as there is no effective treatment or vaccine available, understanding transmission routes and identifying sources of infection is key to preventing future outbreaks and controlling this disease. In this study we have determined the multilocus genotype (MLG) of 240 C. parvum Type 2 (bovine) isolates using a combination of seven micro- and minisatellite markers. These isolates were collected over a period of 19 months and are from three different geographical locations within Scotland and three different host species. The results of this study have enabled us to address questions concerning C. parvum population genetics in relation to host, temporal and geographical sub-structuring. We identified 48 multilocus genotypes within the Type 2 C. parvum isolates and found no evidence to support geographic or temporal sub-structuring of the populations. However host sub-structuring was identified within the human Type 2 population highlighting the potential use of such a typing system in understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in addition to raising interesting questions with regard to its population genetic structure. We also isolated two C. parvum ‘monkey type’ isolates from two separate human cases indicating that this genotype is not restricted to monkey hosts with the multilocus genotypes of these isolates distinguishing them from all other isolates.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLeod, Professor Annette and Tait, Professor Andy and Smith, Prof Huw
Authors: Mallon, M.E., MacLeod, A., Wastling, J.M., Smith, H., and Tait, A.
Subjects:Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Infection, Genetics and Evolution
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1567-1348
Published Online:06 September 2003

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