Molecular variability of the Ancylostoma secreted Protein-2 (Aca-asp-2) gene from Ancylostoma caninum contributes to expand information on population genetic studies of hookworms

Hookworm infection is a major public health problem in many regions of the world. Given the high levels of host morbidity and even mortality of the host caused by these infections, it is crucial to understand the genetic structure of hookworm populations. This understanding can provide insights into the ecology, transmission patterns, mechanisms of drug resistance, and the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies. Previously, we examined presumably neutral molecular markers, such as microsatellites and COI (Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1) in Brazilian populations of Ancylostoma caninum. Here we analyze the molecular variability of a genomic fragment of the Aca-asp-2 (Ancylostoma secreted protein-2) gene from Ancylostoma caninum. This gene is a highly expressed and activated following the infection of the L3 larvae in the host. We obtained individuals of A. caninum from five different geographic locations in Brazil, sequenced and analyzed parts of the gene. The results revealed extensive polymorphism at this fragment, especially in the intronic region, indicating low selective pressure acting on these sequences. However, we also observed irregular distributions of nucleotides and polymorphisms in the coding region of this gene, resulting in the identification of 27 alleles. The data presented here contribute to expanding the understanding of population genetic studies of hookworms.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Zoonotic Hookworm in Semi-Domesticated Cats Residing in Monasteries in Bangkok, Thailand

Hookworms are the most common parasitic nematodes in the genus of Ancylostoma that infect both humans and animals in subtropical and tropical South East Asia. The common hookworm species in cats is Ancylostoma ceylanicum which is emerging in Thailand. However, the genetic characterization of hookworms in cats is outdated and insufficiently studied in Thailand. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and genetic characterization of hookworm infection in semi-domesticated temple cats in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 500 temple cat fecal samples were collected from 43 monasteries in 24 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (cox 1) gene. The infection prevalence of hookworm in temple cats was 13.2% (66/500). The highest prevalence was 34.6% in the Bang Khun Thian district, which is located in a suburban area. The risk factor analysis revealed that cats older than one year (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.5, p < 0.05), lack of veterinary attention (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7-4.9, p < 0.001) and Bangkok zone (suburban vs. inner city; OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6-5.4, p < 0.001) were significantly increasing hookworm infection risk. All hookworm positive samples were identified as A. ceylanicum by ITS gene. Moreover, genetic characterization of cox 1 gene in A. ceylanicum isolates indicated a mix of isolates from humans, cats and dogs. The findings show that temple cats can act as a potential source of zoonotic hookworm parasites for the human and animal population in Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, appropriate control measures for hookworms in semi-domesticated temple cats as well as prevention measures for hookworms in pet cats and humans should be promoted.

Unexpected absence of genetic separation of a highly diverse population of hookworms from geographically isolated hosts

The high natal site fidelity of endangered Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) along the southern Australian coast suggests that their maternally transmitted parasitic species, such as hookworms, will have restricted potential for dispersal. If this is the case, we would expect to find a hookworm haplotype structure corresponding to that of the host mtDNA haplotype structure; that is, restricted among geographically separated colonies. In this study, we used a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase I mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene to investigate the diversity of hookworms (Uncinaria sanguinis) in N. cinerea to assess the importance of host distribution and ecology on the evolutionary history of the parasite. High haplotype (h=0.986) and nucleotide diversity (π=0.013) were seen, with 45 unique hookworm mtDNA haplotypes across N. cinerea colonies; with most of the variation (78%) arising from variability within hookworms from individual colonies. This is supported by the low genetic differentiation co-efficient (GST=0.007) and a high gene flow (Nm=35.25) indicating a high migration rate between the populations of hookworms. The haplotype network demonstrated no clear distribution and delineation of haplotypes according to geographical location. Our data rejects the vicariance hypothesis; that female host natal site fidelity and the transmammary route of infection restrict hookworm gene flow between N. cinerea populations and highlights the value of studies of parasite diversity and dispersal to challenge our understanding of parasite and host ecology.

Sequence conservation in the Ancylostoma secreted protein-2 of Necator americanus (Na-ASP-2) from hookworm infected individuals in Thailand

The Ancylostoma secreted protein-2 of Necator americanus (Na-ASP-2) was one of the promising vaccine candidates against the most prevalent human hookworm species as adverse vaccine reaction has compromised further human vaccine trials. To elucidate the gene structure and the extent of sequence diversity, we determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the Na-asp-2 gene of individual larvae from 32 infected subjects living in 3 different endemic areas of Thailand. Sequence analysis revealed that the gene encoding Na-ASP-2 comprised 8 exons. Of 3 nucleotide substitutions in these exons, only one causes an amino acid change from leucine to methionine. A consensus conserved GT and AG at the 5' and the 3' boundaries of each intron was observed akin to those found in other eukaryotic genes. Introns of Na-asp-2 contained 23 nucleotide substitutions and 0-18 indels. The mean number of nucleotide substitutions per site (d) in introns was not significantly different from the mean number of synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (d(S)) in exons whereas d in introns was significantly exceeded d(N) (the mean number of nonsynonymous substitutions per nonsynonymous site) in exons (p<0.05), suggesting that introns and synonymous sites in exons may evolve at a similar rate whereas functional constraints at the amino acid could limit amino acid substitutions in Na-ASP-2. A recombination site was identified in an intron near the 3' portion of the gene. The positions of introns and the intron phases in the Na-asp-2 gene comparing with those in other pathogenesis-related-1 proteins of Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, Heterodera glycines, Caenorhabditis elegans and human were relatively conserved, suggesting evolutionary conservation of these genes. Sequence conservation in Na-ASP-2 may not compromise further vaccine design if adverse vaccine effects could be resolved whereas microheterogeneity in introns of this locus may be useful for population genetics analysis of N. americanus.

The mitochondrial genomes of Ancylostoma caninum and Bunostomum phlebotomum--two hookworms of animal health and zoonotic importance

Background

Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that parasitize the small intestines of many mammals, including humans and cattle. These nematodes are of major socioeconomic importance and cause disease, mainly as a consequence of anaemia (particularly in children or young animals), resulting in impaired development and sometimes deaths. Studying genetic variability within and among hookworm populations is central to addressing epidemiological and ecological questions, thus assisting in the control of hookworm disease. Mitochondrial (mt) genes are known to provide useful population markers for hookworms, but mt genome sequence data are scant.

Results

The present study characterizes the complete mt genomes of two species of hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum (from dogs) and Bunostomum phlebotomum (from cattle), each sequenced (by 454 technology or primer-walking), following long-PCR amplification from genomic DNA (~20–40 ng) isolated from individual adult worms. These mt genomes were 13717 bp and 13790 bp in size, respectively, and each contained 12 protein coding, 22 transfer RNA and 2 ribosomal RNA genes, typical for other secernentean nematodes. In addition, phylogenetic analysis (by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood) of concatenated mt protein sequence data sets for 12 nematodes (including Ancylostoma caninum and Bunostomum phlebotomum), representing the Ascaridida, Spirurida and Strongylida, was conducted. The analysis yielded maximum statistical support for the formation of monophyletic clades for each recognized nematode order assessed, except for the Rhabditida.

Conclusion

The mt genomes characterized herein represent a rich source of population genetic markers for epidemiological and ecological studies. The strong statistical support for the construction of phylogenetic clades and consistency between the two different tree-building methods employed indicate the value of using whole mt genome data sets for systematic studies of nematodes. The grouping of the Spirurida and Ascaridida to the exclusion of the Strongylida was not supported in the present analysis, a finding which conflicts with the current evolutionary hypothesis for the Nematoda based on nuclear ribosomal gene data.