Genotyping of Enterobius Vermicularis in Patients of Northern Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Enterobius vermicularis is a common intestinal parasite with a global distribution. Accurate molecular identification is essential for understanding its genetic variation and epidemiology.

Aim: This study aimed to detect and genetically characterize Enterobius vermicularis in stool samples using molecular techniques targeting the cox1 gene.

Methods: A total of 85 stool samples were collected from individuals suspected of E. vermicularis infection. DNA was extracted and purified, and concentrations were measured using a Nanodrop device. PCR was employed to amplify the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Amplified products (407 bp) were visualized using gel electrophoresis. Selected PCR products were sequenced via the Sanger method using the ABI-310 Genetic Analyzer (Macrogen, Korea). Sequences were aligned and compared with entries in the GenBank database (NCBI) to confirm species identity and analyze genetic variation.

Results: E. vermicularis DNA was confirmed in 35 samples. DNA concentrations ranged from 9.6 to 19.5 ng/μl. Sequence alignment revealed that all positive samples belonged to the E. vermicularis species. Samples 28 and 31 showed 100% identity with the Japanese strain (accession number NC_056632.1), while sample 12 showed the lowest identity at 88%. Genetic variation included both transition (purine-to-purine or pyrimidine-to-pyrimidine substitutions) and transversion mutations (purine-to-pyrimidine or vice versa).

Conclusion: PCR and sequencing of the cox1 gene effectively identified E. vermicularis in stool samples and revealed notable genetic diversity among isolates. These findings underscore the importance of molecular methods in parasitological diagnostics and epidemiological studies.