The population structure of the Cryptosporidium parvum population in Scotland: a complex picture

Morrison, L.J., Mallon, M.E., Smith, H.V., MacLeod, A. , Xiao, L. and Tait, A. (2008) The population structure of the Cryptosporidium parvum population in Scotland: a complex picture. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 8(2), pp. 121-129. (doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2007.10.010)

Abstract

We genotyped 297 Scottish C parvum samples using micro- and minisatellites. Treated as a single population, the population structure was epidemic. When regional populations were analysed, there was evidence of sub-population structure variations. This was dependent upon excluding sub-groups exhibiting significant genetic distance from the main population, implying genetic sub-structuring. We tested the hypothesis that these sub-groups originated outside the UK and demonstrated that one sub-group clustered with Peruvian samples. A geographically comprehensive panel of isolates would fully confirm this result. These data indicate limited sub-structuring within a small geographical area, but substantial sub-structuring over larger geographical distances. Host movement influences parasite diversity and population structure, evidenced by strong correlation (r(2) = 0.9686) between cattle movements and parasite diversity. Thus, the population structure of C parvum is complex, with sub-populations differing in structure and being influenced by host movements, including the introduction of novel multilocus genotypes from geographically distinct regions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tait, Professor Andy and Smith, Prof Huw and MacLeod, Professor Annette and Morrison, Dr Liam
• Authors: Morrison, L.J., Mallon, M.E., Smith, H.V., MacLeod, A., Xiao, L., and Tait, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Infection, Genetics and Evolution
• ISSN: 1567-1348
• Published Online: 09 November 2007