High similarity of Trypanosoma cruzi kDNA genetic profiles detected by LSSP-PCR within family groups in an endemic area of Chagas disease in Brazil.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Determining the genetic similarities among Trypanosoma cruzi populations isolated from different hosts and vectors is very important to clarify the epidemiology of Chagas disease.

METHODS:

An epidemiological study was conducted in a Brazilian endemic area for Chagas disease, including 76 chronic chagasic individuals (96.1% with an indeterminate form; 46.1% with positive hemoculture).

RESULTS:

T. cruzi I (TcI) was isolated from one child and TcII was found in the remaining (97.1%) subjects. Low-stringency single-specific-primer-polymerase chain reaction (LSSP-PCR) showed high heterogeneity among TcII populations (46% of shared bands); however, high similarities (80-100%) among pairs of mothers/children, siblings, or cousins were detected.

CONCLUSIONS:

LSSP-PCR showed potential for identifying similar parasite populations among individuals with close kinship in epidemiological studies of Chagas disease.

• Authors: Sandra Maria Alkmim-Oliveira, Henrique Borges Kappel, Cristiane Pontes Andrade, Aluízio Prata, Luis Eduardo Ramirez, Dalmo Correia, Eliane Lages-Silva
• Journal: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Rev Soc Bras Med Trop) 2014 Sep-Oct Vol. 47 Issue 5 Pg. 653-6 ISSN: 1678-9849 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 25271788 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• DNA, Kinetoplast
• DNA, Protozoan

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Brazil (epidemiology)
• Chagas Disease (epidemiology, parasitology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• DNA, Kinetoplast (genetics)
• DNA, Protozoan
• Female
• Genetic Variation
• Genotype
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Trypanosoma cruzi (genetics, isolation & purification)
• Young Adult