Utility of microsporidian rRNA in diagnosis and phylogeny: a review
Weiss, L.M.; Zhu, X.; Cali, A.; Tanowitz, H.B.; Wittner, M.
Folia Parasitologica 41(2): 81-90
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5683 PMID: 7927064 Document Number: 435111
This paper reviews work carried out over the last 2 years on the cloning of microsporidian rRNA by homology PCR and its subsequent use in diagnostic tests and phylogenetic studies. Using highly conserved primers in the 16S or subunit rRNA (SSU-rRNA) these genes were cloned from human intestinal biopsies with transmission electron microscopy proven infections of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Septata intestinalis. The SSU-rRNA genes were then used to design and test several primer pairs for the diagnosis of microsporidian infection. Utilizing PCR and primers V1 and EB450, E. bieneusi-infected duodenal aspirates or intestinal biopsies could be detected. Using V1 and SI500, infection with S. intestinalis could be detected. In addition to diagnostic tests, phylogenetic relationships were examined using sequence data from the fragment amplified by PCR by primer 530f in the SSU-rRNA and primer 580r in the large subunit rRNA. This data supported the placement of S. intestinalis in the family Encephalitozoonidae. In addition, it confirmed that Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. hellem and S. intestinalis are distinct organisms.