Cryptic genetic diversity in Dientamoeba fragilis

J Clin Microbiol. 2000 Dec;38(12):4653-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.38.12.4653-4654.2000.

Abstract

Uncertainty surrounding the role of Dientamoeba fragilis in human disease could be due in part to the existence of pathogenic and nonpathogenic variants. Evidence for two genetically distinct forms was obtained using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of ribosomal genes. Future studies in humans will need to take D. fragilis diversity into account.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dientamoeba / genetics*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal