K24 T. gondii isolate is a hybrid and has the virulence of lineage I isolates

Parasite. 2004 Jun;11(2):183-8. doi: 10.1051/parasite/2004112183.

Abstract

A permanently high virulence was found in tachyzoites of T. gondii K24 after serial passage in mice (90 passages during 324 days). Virulence tests revealed that a single tachyzoite of the 50th passage represented LD100 for mice. Analysis of genotype of K24 isolate was done by PCR/RFLP with ROP1/Ddel, SAG1/Ddel, 850/Rsal and IGS/Rsal and by RFLP/DNA with TGR1E sequence and Pstl enzyme. K24 isolate had an atypical genotype, with an association of type II (for ROP1, SAG1 genes and TGR1E sequence) and type I (for 850 gene) alleles, and a new pattern observed for IGS. All tested PCR/RFLP did not change through 2, 10, 20, 28, 40, 50, 60, 70, 81 and 90 tested passages. In RFLP/DNA with Pstl enzyme and TGR1E probe, K24 isolate produced a pattern with seven fragments of the size ranging from one to 23 kb and did not change through 7, 56, 70 and 83 tested passages. K24 T. gondii isolate is a hybrid and has the virulence of lineage I isolates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis*
  • Genotype
  • Lethal Dose 50
  • Mice
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Random Allocation
  • Serial Passage
  • Toxoplasma / genetics*
  • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology*
  • Virulence / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins