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Molecular analysis of human- and pig-derived Ascaris in Honduras

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2018

A. Palma ,
B. Ortiz ,
L. Mendoza ,
G. Matamoros ,
J.A. Gabrie ,
A.L. Sánchez  and
G. Fontecha
A. Palma
Affiliation:
Escuela de Microbiologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Ciudad Universitaria, J1 Edificio, 4to piso, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
B. Ortiz
Affiliation:
Escuela de Microbiologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Ciudad Universitaria, J1 Edificio, 4to piso, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
L. Mendoza
Affiliation:
Escuela de Microbiologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Ciudad Universitaria, J1 Edificio, 4to piso, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
G. Matamoros
Affiliation:
Maestrı́a en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Zoonóticas, Escuela de Microbiologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Ciudad Universitaria, J1 Edificio, 4to piso, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
J.A. Gabrie
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario, CanadaL2S 3A1
A.L. Sánchez
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario, CanadaL2S 3A1
G. Fontecha*
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigación en Microbiologı́a, Escuela de Microbiologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Ciudad Universitaria, J1 Edificio, 4to piso, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
*
Author for correspondence: G. Fontecha, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Ascaris sp. is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) significantly affecting the health of human and swine populations. Health inequities and poverty, with resulting deficiencies in water, sanitation and hygiene, are directly associated with Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence in humans. Resource constraints also lead to small-scale livestock production under unsanitary conditions. Free-ranging pigs, for instance, are exposed to a number of infectious agents, among which Ascaris suum is one of the most common. Under these conditions, close proximity between people and pigs can result in cross-contamination; that is, pigs harbouring human Ascaris and vice versa. Moreover, the potential interbreeding between these two Ascaris species has been demonstrated. The present study analysed Ascaris worms obtained from children and pigs in Honduras. Adult worms were collected from stool samples of children after pharmacological treatment, and from pigs’ intestines after slaughter for commercial purposes at a local abattoir. A nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digested with a restriction enzyme in order to separate putative human- and pig-derived Ascaris isolates. PCR products were also sequenced, and cladograms were constructed. All parasites isolated from children showed the typical human-derived genotype of Ascaris, whereas 91% of parasites from pigs showed the expected pig-derived genotype. Cross-infections between hosts were not demonstrated in this study. Nine per cent of pig-derived worms showed a restriction band pattern highly suggestive of a hybrid human–pig Ascaris genotype. These results contribute to the understanding of ascariasis epidemiology and its zoonotic potential in a highly endemic region.

Type
Research Paper
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 93 , Issue 2 , March 2019 , pp. 154 - 158
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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