Logo image
Back
Genetic diversity within Cryptosporidium parvum and related Cryptosporidium species.
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Genetic diversity within Cryptosporidium parvum and related Cryptosporidium species.

L. Xiao, U.M. Morgan, J. Limor, A. Escalante, M.J. Arrowood, W. Shulaw, R.C.A. Thompson, R. Fayer and A.A. Lal
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol.65(8), pp.3386-3391
08/1999
pdf
diversity_within_Cryptosporidium_parvum.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access

Abstract

To assess the genetic diversity in Cryptosporidium parvum, we have sequenced the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene of seven Cryptosporidium spp., various isolates of C. parvum from eight hosts, and a Cryptosporidium isolate from a desert monitor. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA sequences confirmed the multispecies nature of the genus Cryptosporidium, with at least four distinct species (C. parvum, C. baileyi, C. muris, and C. serpentis). Other species previously defined by biologic characteristics, including C. wrairi, C. meleagridis, and C. felis, and the desert monitor isolate, clustered together or within C. parvum. Extensive genetic diversities were present among C. parvum isolates from humans, calves, pigs, dogs, mice, ferrets, marsupials, and a monkey. In general, specific genotypes were associated with specific host species. A PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique previously developed by us could differentiate most Cryptosporidium spp. and C. parvum genotypes, but sequence analysis of the PCR product was needed to differentiate C. wrairi and C. meleagridis from some of the C. parvum genotypes. These results indicate a need for revision in the taxonomy and assessment of the zoonotic potential of some animal C. parvum isolates.

Details

Metrics

282 File views/ downloads
43 Record Views
Logo image