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Genetic structure of Trypanosoma cruzi populations from Argentina estimated from enzyme polymorphism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

G. M. De Luca D'oro
Affiliation:
Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad National de Córdoba, C.C.35, Suc.16, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
C. N. Gardenal
Affiliation:
Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad National de Córdoba, C.C.35, Suc.16, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
B. Perret
Affiliation:
Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad National de Córdoba, C.C.35, Suc.16, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
J. V. Crisci
Affiliation:
Laboratorio de Sistemática y Biología Evolutiva (LASBE), Museo de La Plata, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
E. E. Montamat
Affiliation:
Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad National de Córdoba, C.C.35, Suc.16, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina

Summary

Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi from human patients, domestic and sylvatic animals and vector insects were obtained in different areas of Argentina. Electrophoretic patterns of enzymes from extracts of 95 isolates were analysed. On the basis of zymograms providing information on 10 loci, 12 zymodemes are described according to their genotypes. Data presented show fixed heterozygosity, absence of segregation of genotypes, significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and over-represented genotypes. This evidence supports the hypothesis that sexual reproduction is very restricted or absent in this parasite. The proportion of polymorphic loci is 80%. The expected mean heterozygosity per locus (He) is 0·43, while the observed value (Ho) is 0·24. Differences between these values may be explained by accepting a basically clonal structure for T. cruzi. The data matrix of 12 zymodemes using 28 characters was analysed using a Wagner parsimony algorithm. Two equally most parsimonious unrooted trees were generated; both have 39 steps. The results show clusters clearly separated according to the geographical origin of the stocks. There are some indications of some correlations between genetic composition of the parasite and the clinical picture of the infection in human patients.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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