ABSTRACT

Objective:

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.

Methods:

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.

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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