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The typing of Trypanosoma evansi isolates using mobile genetic element (MGE) PCR

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Abstract

The mobile genetic element PCR (MGE-PCR) is a simple and sensitive technique that can be used to detect genetic variability in Trypanosoma brucei ssp. To investigate the reliability of MGE-PCR in genotyping Trypanosoma evansi, stocks that were isolated directly from camels and after their respective passage in mice were analyzed. Construction of a dendrogram using the MGE-PCR banding profiles revealed a clear distinction between T. evansi and T. brucei, as well as discriminating the T. evansi strains (T. evansi with minicircle types B and A). A minor host-dependent clustering shows a genetic difference of <15%. Changes in the banding profiles were observed after serial passage of T. evansi type B in mice, while those of T. evansi type A were identical. It is apparent that significant random insertion mobile element positional variation occurs when T. evansi isolates are introduced into a new host, a factor that needs to be considered when MGE-PCR is used to determine genetic variation in T. evansi isolates that have different host origins.

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Acknowledgements

The samples were collected with funds from the project diversity of trypanosomes in camels from areas endemic for trypanosomiasis in Kenya’ by International Foundation for Science (IFS) grant number B3372 to Zablon Njiru.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Inner Ring Road, Gatton, 4343, Australia

    Z. K. Njiru

  2. Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 362-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya

    P. K. Gitonga & K. Ndungu

Authors
  1. Z. K. Njiru
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  2. P. K. Gitonga
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  3. K. Ndungu
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Correspondence to Z. K. Njiru.

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Njiru, Z.K., Gitonga, P.K. & Ndungu, K. The typing of Trypanosoma evansi isolates using mobile genetic element (MGE) PCR. Parasitol Res 108, 1583–1587 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-010-2246-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-010-2246-7

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