The genomic Echinococcus microsatellite EmsB sequences: from a molecular marker to the epidemiological tool

Abstract

In the field of molecular and epidemiological parasitology, characterization of fast evolving genetic markers appears as an important challenge to consider the diversity and genetic structure of parasites. The study of respective populations can help us to understand their adaptive strategies to survive and perpetuate the species within different host populations, all trying to resist infection. In the past, the relative monomorphic features of Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis and a severe human parasitic disease, did not stimulate studies dealing with the genetic variability of Echinococcus species or respective populations. A recently developed, characterized and validated original multilocus microsatellite, named EmsB, tandemly repeated in the genome, offered an additional opportunity for this line of investigation. We have compiled in this review new insights brought by this molecular tracker on the transmission activity of Echinococcus among different hosts and at different geographical scales.

High genetic differentiation of Aegla longirostri (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura) populations in southern Brazil revealed by multi-loci microsatellite analysis

“…Counteracting this, the chosen molecular marker proved to be very sensitive, since high levels of genetic polymorphism was assessed with reproducibility in A. longirostri genome. Some studies were successfully carried out with this kind of molecular marker, using a heteroduplex assay or using automated genetic analysis for genotyping (Bart et al, 2006;Maillard et al, 2009;Knapp et al, 2010).…”

Mutation scanning analysis of genetic variation within and among Echinococcus species: Implications and future prospects

“…Also satellite DNA has been used increasingly for studies of genetic variation in and biology of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis . For instance, Knapp et al described how studies of E. multilocularis , a species considered previously as notorious for its genetic homogeneity , were now possible. These authors explained how rapidly evolving genetic markers, such as microsatellites, are applicable to studying the genetic diversity and structures of parasite populations.…”

“…For instance, Knapp et al described how studies of E. multilocularis , a species considered previously as notorious for its genetic homogeneity , were now possible. These authors explained how rapidly evolving genetic markers, such as microsatellites, are applicable to studying the genetic diversity and structures of parasite populations. In their opinion, the multi‐locus microsatellite, designated EmsB (tandemly repeated in the E. multilocularis genome), offers an opportunity as a ‘molecular tracker’ of the temporal and spatial transmission of Echinococcus to various hosts.…”

Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis: Fraternal Twins both in Search of Optimal Treatment

“…The full description of the genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus is now available (Tsai et al 2013) as well as the complete mitochondrial genome for all species (Nakao et al 2007). E. multilocularis still appears as a single species, although variations in its genome, best detected by using the EmsB microsatellite marker, may identify strains and has allowed epidemiologists to track its geographical spreading in the northern hemisphere (Knapp et al 2010). Conversely, E. granulosus has been split into several species, which were previously considered as strains, numbered from G1 to G10 and characterized by their most usual intermediate animal host.…”