Identifying Clonorchis sinensis and Other Liver Flukes Using MLPA
Author Information
Author(s): Sun Jiufeng, Xu Jin, Liang Pei, Mao Qiang, Huang Yan, Lv Xiaoli, Deng Chuanhuan, Liang Chi, de Hoog G S, Yu Xinbing
Primary Institution: Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine; Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University
Hypothesis
Can Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) effectively identify and discriminate between Clonorchis sinensis and other opisthorchid liver flukes?
Conclusion
MLPA is a flexible and specific tool for identifying infections by opisthorchid liver flukes in endemic areas.
Supporting Evidence
- MLPA allowed rapid and specific detection of single nucleotide acid differences between Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, and O. felineus.
- Three specific loci were identified for designing species-specific pairs of oligonucleotide probes.
- The detection limit was 103 copies of the ITS gene for the three liver flukes.
- MLPA products could be successfully detected using a capillary sequencer.
- Specific amplification was achieved using fecal samples from infected rats.
Takeaway
This study shows a new way to quickly find out if someone has a type of liver fluke by using a special test that looks for tiny differences in their DNA.
Methodology
The study used Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to detect specific genomic sequences of Clonorchis sinensis and other liver flukes.
Limitations
The study may require further optimization to enhance sensitivity for low copy numbers of template DNA.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 66 isolates of Clonorchis sinensis collected from infected cats and dogs in various provinces in China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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