Multi-locus analysis of human infective Cryptosporidium species and subtypes using ten novel genetic loci.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal illness in a wide range of hosts including humans. Two species, C. parvum and C. hominis are of primary public health relevance. Genome sequences of these two species are available and show only 3-5% sequence divergence. We investigated this sequence variability, which could correspond either to sequence gaps in the published genome sequences or to the presence of species-specific genes. Comparative genomic tools were used to identify putative species-specific genes and a subset of these genes was tested by PCR in a collection of Cryptosporidium clinical isolates and reference strains.

Results

The majority of the putative species-specific genes examined were in fact common to C. parvum and C. hominis. P

SUBMITTER: Bouzid M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2928199 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature