ABSTRACT

Different sub-types or genetic variations of Blastocystis sp. are thought to play a role in the differential symptoms caused by the parasite or asymptomatic cases. In this study, it was aimed to clone a fragment of SSUrDNA gene of Blastocystis from a patient in order to define its phylogenetic subtype.

In this study, DNA isolation from the stool of a Blastocystis infected patient was performed. Blastocystis specific primers were used to amplify a SSUrDNA genomic fragment. The amplified DNA fragment was cloned into a plasmid and sequenced using plasmid specific primers. The obtained DNA sequence was analyzed using BLAST and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the software MEGA.

It was found that the Blastocystis isolate in our study is subtype 3.

Cloning and sequencing of the target genomic region is suggested for phylogenetic analysis studies. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2013; 37: 13-8)

Keywords: Blastocystis sp. SSUrDNA, cloning, subtype