Logo image
Genetic characterization of isolates of Giardia duodenalis by enzyme electrophoresis: Implications for reproductive biology, population structure, taxonomy, and epidemiology
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Genetic characterization of isolates of Giardia duodenalis by enzyme electrophoresis: Implications for reproductive biology, population structure, taxonomy, and epidemiology

B.P. Meloni, A.J. Lymbery and R.C.A. Thompson
The Journal of Parasitology, Vol.81(3), pp.368-383
1995
pdf
genetic_characterization.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

The nature and extent of genetic variation in Giardia was used to infer its mode of reproduction, population structure, taxonomy, and zoonotic potential. Ninety-seven isolates of Giardia duodenalis, from a defined area in Western Australia and throughout Australia and overseas, were obtained from humans, cats, cattle, sheep, dogs, goat, beaver, and rats. Enzyme electrophoresis revealed extensive genetic variation with 47 different zymodemes. The widespread occurrence of certain zymodemes and the similarity of relationships among isolates inferred from independent genetic markers suggests a clonal population structure for G. duodenalis, although occasional bouts of genetic exchange may occur. The 47 zymodemes clustered similarly in phenetic (UPGMA) and phylogenetic (Fitch-Margoliash) analyses. The level of genetic diversity in isolates from a defined geographical area in Western Australia was similar to the level of diversity in isolates from throughout Australia. These data suggest that clonal lineages within G. duodenalis are evolutionarily independent. Although there was a significant overall correlation between genetic distance separating zymodemes and occurrence in different host species, we found genetically identical isolates from humans and other animals and extensive genetic diversity between isolates from humans. We interpret this as evidence for zoonotic transmission of the parasite.

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Metrics

478 File views/ downloads
101 Record Views

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.246 Diarrheal Diseases
1.246.985 Cryptosporidium
Web Of Science research areas
Parasitology
ESI research areas
Microbiology
Logo image