Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-10-02
Resource Type
eISSN
14761645
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85205603999
Pubmed ID
39106844
Journal Title
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Volume
111
Issue
4
Start Page
829
End Page
840
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol.111 No.4 (2024) , 829-840
Suggested Citation
Sarasombath P.T., Sitthinamsuwan P., Wijit S., Panyasu K., Roongruanchai K., Silpa-Archa S., Suwansirikul M., Chortrakarnkij P., Ruenchit P., Preativatanyou K., Wongkamchai S. Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol.111 No.4 (2024) , 829-840. 840. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.24-0147 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101567
Title
Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Atypical presentations of filariasis have posed diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of identifying the causative species and the difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present the integrative histological and molecular analysis of seven atypical filariasis cases observed in regions of nonendemicity of Thailand. All filariasis cases were initially diagnosed based on histological findings. To confirm the causative species, molecular characterization based on both filarial mitochondrial (mt 12S rRNA and COI genes) and nuclear ITS1 markers was performed, together with the identification of associated Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Among the cases studied, Brugia pahangi (N = 3), Brugia malayi (N = 1), Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" (N = 2), and a suspected novel filarial species genetically related to Pelecitus copsychi (N = 1) were identified. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Wolbachia was also molecularly amplified in two cases of infection with Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected Wolbachia could be classified into supergroups C and F, indicating the high genetic diversity of this endosymbiont in Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Furthermore, this study demonstrates the consistency between histological findings and species identification based on mitochondrial loci rather than on the nuclear ITS1. This suggests the utility of mitochondrial markers, particularly COI, as a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of filarial species in clinical specimens. Precise identification of the causative species will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment and is also essential for the development of epidemiological and preventive strategies for filariasis.