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Dec 22, 2023Keywords:
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Genetic analysis of a region of 16s-like ribosomal RNA gene of Entamoeba species from diarrhoeic stool samples in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Genetic mutations and other polymorphisms in genes, gene systems, or whole genomes are vital in the pathogenesis and epidemiology of Amoebiasis.
Aim: The study aimed at investigating intra-species genetic variation in E. histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii from stool samples of diarrhoeic patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Methods: The DNA extracted from microscopic positive stool samples was used in the amplification of a part of the genus Entamoeba small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) with Nested Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (NM-PCR) and followed by DNA sequencing.
Results: This study revealed that out of the 16 PCR positive samples, 3 (18.8%) contained only Entamoeba histolytica, 7 (43.8%) contained only Entamoeba dispar and 2 (12.5%) contained only Entamoeba moshkovskii. Mixed infection with Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba histolytica was found in 3 (18.8%) samples, while only 1 (6.3%) sample had Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii. The study also revealed considerable number of nucleotide polymorphisms in the form of deletion, substitution and punctual insertion mutation at different positions of the 16S-like ribosomal nucleotide sequences of the three Entamoeba species. A total of 14 genotypes of Entamoeba species, comprising six E. histolytica genotypes, six E. dispar genotypes and two E. moshkovskii genotypes were identified. The phylogenetic analysis within the sequences of Entamoeba species isolates suggested three different variants present among the diarrhoeic patients. Conclusion: The existence of high level of diversity reported in this study suggests that a rapid generation of new Entamoeba variants is occurring in Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii infecting humans. Further studies in the complete ribosomal RNA gene of these species would possibly reveal more genetic information on Entamoeba.
