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Publications

Journal Article Epublish 3 citations

PubMed: 39816464 DOI: 10.3389/fpara.2022.1033485

Molecular subtyping of sp. detected in patients at a large tertiary referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

Front Parasitol 1:1033485

Authors: Gilbert Munsaka, Kyoko Hayashida, Benjamin Mubemba, Edgar Simulundu, Namwiinga Mulunda, Ruth Pule, Sandie Sianongo, Marina Makuluni, Walter Muleya, Katendi Changula, Simbarashe Chitanga, Mable Mutengo

Affiliations

  • Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
  • International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
  • Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia.
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia.
  • Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.
  • Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
  • Department of Biomedical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
  • Institute of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract

Background

sp. is a common enteric eukaryote of humans whose pathogenicity is still debatable. However, a number of reported colonization associated with enteric disease exist. In Zambia, presence of the pathogen has previously been reported in children. However, the molecular epidemiology of colonization remains unclarified in Zambia.

Methods and results

Archived stool samples submitted for routine parasitological diagnosis at Zambia's largest tertiary referral hospital positive for sp. by microscopic examination were selected for the study. Subtyping of the was done based on polymerase chain reactions (PCR) amplification, sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the 18S small subunit () rDNA gene. Four subtypes, ST1 (allele 4), ST2 (allele 12), ST3 (allele 34, 36, 37, 38, 39) and ST6 (allele 122), were identified by molecular procedures in the study, with some Zambian sequences showing close relationships with those detected in non-human primates and common rats.

Conclusions

The study revealed the circulation of multiple subtypes ST1, 20% (9/45), ST2, 15% (7/45), ST3 24.4% (11/45), and ST6, 2.2% (1/45) in the study population. The close clustering of some Zambian sequences with those detected from animals suggests the possibility of the presence of both anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission cycles in the country. Further studies in animal populations are recommended for a better understanding of the epidemiology of and for implementation of effective evidence-based control strategies.

MeSH

Tertiary Care Centers, Genes, Epidemiology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Alleles