Molecular characterization of human Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from endemic areas in Panama

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2006 Jun;101(4):455-7. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762006000400018.

Abstract

The present work provides information on Trypanosoma cruzi genotype circulating in endemic areas of Chagas disease in Panama. A total of 26 crude stocks of T. cruzi, isolated from the blood of persons with different clinical profiles of Chagas disease were collected and crio-conserved until used. Most of the stocks had been characterized by means of isoenzyme electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes. The clinical profiles of infected persons included 9 (34.6%) asymptomatic and 17 acute (65.4%) including 5 (19.2%) fatal cases, 2 under 5 years old and 3 adults. A multiplex-PCR assay based on the amplification of the non-transcribed spacer of the mini-exon gene was performed. All stocks of T. cruzi included in the study were found to correspond to Tc I group. This result supports the predominance of T. cruzi-I in the transmission cycles affecting the human population in the Republic of Panama.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Chagas Disease / parasitology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Exons / genetics
  • Genes, Protozoan / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Isoenzymes / analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Panama
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Isoenzymes