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DNA characterization of simian Entamoeba histolytica-like strains to differentiate them from Entamoeba histolytica

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Abstract

Two simian Entamoeba histolytica-like strains, EHMfas1 and P19-061405, have been suggested to represent a new species based on genetic characterization. Sequence analyses of the hexokinase, glucose phosphate isomerase, and phosphoglucomutase genes supported the previous findings of isoenzyme analyses demonstrating a new zymodeme pattern. Phylogenetic studies of 18S rDNA, 5.8S rDNA, the chaperonin 60 gene, and the pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase gene showed original clusters of simian E. histolytica-like strains below or near E. histolytica, respectively. Comparative studies of the chitinase and the serine-rich E. histolytica protein genes and locus 1–2 region revealed that most mutated units were shared among the simian E. histolytica-like strains. The similarities of each of the repeating units within the simian E. histolytica-like strains or E. histolytica and the differences of those between the both might be generated by concerted evolution. Our results indicate that EHMfas1 and P19-061405 should be considered to be the same species, despite that they were isolated from different monkey species and different habitats. Simian E. histolytica-like amebas may be endemic to macaque monkeys, as a counterpart to E. histolytica in humans, and should be differentiated from E. histolytica by the revival name Entamoeba nuttalli, as proposed for P19-061405.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Corporation for Production and Research of Laboratory Primates, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan

    Jun-ichiro Takano, Miyoko Kato, Toyoko Narita & Koji Fujimoto

  2. Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan

    Hiroshi Tachibana

  3. Animal Research Center for Tropical Infections, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan

    Tetsuo Yanagi

  4. Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan

    Yasuhiro Yasutomi

Authors
  1. Jun-ichiro Takano
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  2. Hiroshi Tachibana
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  3. Miyoko Kato
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  4. Toyoko Narita
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  5. Tetsuo Yanagi
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  6. Yasuhiro Yasutomi
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  7. Koji Fujimoto
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Correspondence to Jun-ichiro Takano.

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Takano, Ji., Tachibana, H., Kato, M. et al. DNA characterization of simian Entamoeba histolytica-like strains to differentiate them from Entamoeba histolytica . Parasitol Res 105, 929–937 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-009-1480-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-009-1480-3

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