Genetic variability of Blastocystis sp. isolates obtained from cancer and HIV/AIDS patients

Parasitol Res. 2009 Oct;105(5):1283-6. doi: 10.1007/s00436-009-1551-5. Epub 2009 Jul 15.

Abstract

This represents the first study to determine the genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. among cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. Forty Blastocystis sp. isolates obtained from 20 cancer and 20 HIV/AIDS patients were genotyped by PCR using seven pairs of known sequenced-tagged site primers. Out of the 40 isolates, 38 were identified as one of the known genotypes and two isolates were negative with all the STS primers. Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 which is reported to be associated with disease was found to be predominant among the study subjects.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastocystis / classification*
  • Blastocystis / genetics
  • Blastocystis / isolation & purification*
  • Blastocystis Infections / parasitology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Protozoan