Multiplex PCR–RFLP methods for pfcrt, pfmdr1 and pfdhfr mutations in Plasmodium falciparum

In Gabon, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP) and for uncomplicated malaria treatment through ACTs drug. P. falciparum strains resistant to SP are frequent in areas where this drug is highly used and is associated with the occurrence of mutations on Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps) genes. The aim of the study was to compare the proportion of mutations on Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes in isolates collected at Oyem in northern Gabon, in 2005 at the time of IPTp-SP introduction and three years later. Point mutations were analyzed by nested PCR-RFLP method. Among 91 isolates, more than 90% carried Pfdhfr 108N and Pfdhfr 59R alleles. Frequencies of Pfdhfr 51I (98%) and Pfdhps 437G (67.7%) mutant alleles were higher in 2008. Mutations at codons 164, 540, and 581 were not detected. The proportion of the triple Pfdhfr mutation and quadruple mutation including A437G was high: 91.9% in 2008 and 64.8% in 2008, respectively. The present study highlights an elevated frequency of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutant alleles, although quintuple mutations were not found in north Gabon. These data suggest the need of a continuous monitoring of SP resistance in Gabon.

Download Full-text

Molecular Strategies for the Detection, Identification, and Differentiation between Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and Shigella spp.

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-68.2.239 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 68 (2) ◽

pp. 239-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

CESAR I. BIN KINGOMBE ◽

MARIA-LUCIA CERQUEIRA-CAMPOS ◽

JEFFREY M. FARBER

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Multiplex Pcr ◽

Shigella Flexneri ◽

Shigella Dysenteriae ◽

Shigella Boydii ◽

Epidemiological Tool ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Shigella Spp

A strategy for the detection, identification, and differentiation of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and Shigella spp. has been developed. The strategy includes (i) a multiplex PCR for the amplification of two virulence genes, i.e., iuc (222 bp) and ipaH (629 bp); (ii) amplification of the ial gene (a 1,038-bp amplicon) located within a large plasmid; and (iii) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the ial gene amplicon. The multiplex PCR provided three patterns. Pattern 1 (iuc−/ipaH+) was found in 10 (67%) of 15 EIEC strains tested, pattern 2 (iuc+/ipaH−) in only 2 (4.4%) of 46 non-EIEC isolates, whereas pattern 3 (iuc+/ipaH+) was observed in all Shigella spp. and also in 5 (33%) of 15 EIEC strains tested. The pattern 3 EIEC strains were all positive for the ial gene. The PCR-RFLP of the ial gene amplicon using the endonuclease AclI was used to differentiate Shigella spp. from the EIEC strains that belonged to pattern 3. The ial gene was present in 21 (38%) of 56 and 6 (40%) of 15 Shigella spp. and EIEC strains tested, respectively. The PCR-RFLP of the ial gene amplicon divided the strains in two types. Type 1 did not contain the restriction enzyme site and was found in 6 (100%) of 6 EIEC strains, 4 (80%) of 5 Shigella boydii, and 4 (100%) of 4 Shigella dysenteriae strains tested. Type 2, which gave two fragments of 286 and 752 bp, was observed in 5 (83%) of 6 Shigella flexneri strains and 6 (100%) of 6 Shigella sonnei strains. Detection, identification, and differentiation of Shigella spp. and EIEC were achieved by analyses of the PCR patterns and RFLP types. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a simple and rapid method for detecting, identifying, and differentiating, at the molecular level, Shigella spp. and EIEC strains. This method will have tremendous utility as an epidemiological tool and in helping to develop policies, risk assessments, and national and international methods for Shigella spp.

Download Full-text