Comparative genomic hybridizations of Entamoeba strains reveal unique genetic fingerprints that correlate with virulence EUKARYOTIC CELL Shah, P. H., MacFarlane, R. C., Bhattacharya, D., Matese, J. C., Demeter, J., Stroup, S. E., Singh, U. 2005; 4 (3): 504-515

Abstract

Variable phenotypes have been identified for Entamoeba species. Entamoeba histolytica is invasive and causes colitis and liver abscesses but only in approximately 10% of infected individuals; 90% remain asymptomatically colonized. Entamoeba dispar, a closely related species, is avirulent. To determine the extent of genetic diversity among Entamoeba isolates and potential genotype-phenotype correlations, we have developed an E. histolytica genomic DNA microarray and used it to genotype strains of E. histolytica and E. dispar. On the basis of the identification of divergent genetic loci, all strains had unique genetic fingerprints. Comparison of divergent genetic regions allowed us to distinguish between E. histolytica and E. dispar, identify novel genetic regions usable for strain and species typing, and identify a number of genes restricted to virulent strains. Among the four E. histolytica strains, a strain with attenuated virulence was the most divergent and phylogenetically distinct strain, raising the intriguing possibility that genetic subtypes of E. histolytica may be partially responsible for the observed variability in clinical outcomes. This microarray-based genotyping assay can readily be applied to the study of E. histolytica clinical isolates to determine genetic diversity and potential genotypic-phenotypic associations.

View details for DOI 10.1128/EC.4.3.504-515.2005

View details for Web of Science ID 000227781300002

View details for PubMedID 15755913

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1087797