Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of the ITS۲ Gene of Enterobius vermicularis Isolates

Introduction & Objectives: Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) is a parasitic nematode infecting humans, mainly children, with a prevalence rate above ۳۵% in some countries. Its molecular studies are still scant. Precise diagnosis and understanding of genetic variation are essential in managing enterobiasis. This study used DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to detect E. vermicularis by genetic variation in the internal transcribed spacer ۲ (ITS۲) gene. Methods: Stool samples were collected randomly from ۵۶ infected patients and ۶۰ healthy individuals as the control group. Genomic DNA was isolated, and PCR was done using primers against ITS۲ region of rDNA. Our research was conducted with the utmost thoroughness, as evidenced by DNA sequencing determining the genetic associations and variations of rDNA (ITS۲) among E. vermicularis isolates. The sequences were then compared with NCBI-BLAST sequences for the genetic homology and variation analysis, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the results. Results: In the molecular testing, ۳۲ of the ۵۶ samples were positive for the ITS۲ gene of E. vermicularis. The percentage identity of local E. vermicularis IQN.۱-۱۰ isolates with those available in the NCBI-BLAST database homology ranged from ۹۹.۵۴% to ۹۹.۵۶%. The genetic variation analysis revealed three deletions and substitution mutations, with a total variation percentage of ۰.۴۴% to ۰.۴۶%. These findings not only provide a deeper understanding of E. vermicularis but also hold promise for the development of more effective strategies for managing enterobiasis, giving hope for the future. Conclusion: The results indicated high accuracy of the molecular diagnosis and the importance of ITS۲ as the most important genetic marker due to its highly conserved nature. These new data on E. vermicularis genotypes from Iraq reflect the diversity and thus warrant further molecular studies across Iraq to effectively consider the genetic landscape and help in diagnostic and control measures.

کلیدواژه ها:

Genetic Variation ، Internal Transcribed Spacer ، PCR ، Phylogenetic Tree ، rRNA