Detection of Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B in human feces by simple, assemblage-specific PCR assays.

ABSTRACT: The flagellated protozoan Giardia duodenalis is a common gastrointestinal parasite of mammals, including humans. Molecular characterizations have shown the existence of eight genetic groups (or assemblages) in the G. duodenalis species complex. Human infections are caused by assemblages A and B, which infect other mammals as well. Whether transmission routes, animal reservoirs and associations with specific symptoms differ for assemblage A and assemblage B is not clear. Furthermore, the occurrence and clinical significance of mixed (A+B) infections is also poorly understood. To date, the majority of PCR assays has been developed to identify all G. duodenalis assemblages based on the use of primers that bind to conserved regions, yet a reliable identification of specific assemblages is bett

SUBMITTER: Vanni I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3429382 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature