Microsatellite polymorphism in the sexually transmitted human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis indicates a genetically diverse parasite

Given the growing appreciation of serious health sequelae from widespread Trichomonas vaginalis infection, new tools are needed to study the parasite's genetic diversity. To this end we have identified and characterized a panel of 21 microsatellites and six single-copy genes from the T. vaginalis genome, using seven laboratory strains of diverse origin. We have (1) adapted our microsatellite typing method to incorporate affordable fluorescent labeling, (2) determined that the microsatellite loci remain stable in parasites continuously cultured for up to 17 months, and (3) evaluated microsatellite marker coverage of the six chromosomes that comprise the T. vaginalis genome, using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). We have used the markers to show that T. vaginalis is a genetically diverse parasite in a population of commonly used laboratory strains. In addition, we have used phylogenetic methods to infer evolutionary relationships from our markers in order to validate their utility in future population analyses. Our panel is the first series of robust polymorphic genetic markers for T. vaginalis that can be used to classify and monitor lab strains, as well as provide a means to measure the genetic diversity and population structure of extant and future T. vaginalis isolates.

We present the first suite of polymorphic genetic markers (microsatellites and single-copy genes) for population genetics of the sexually transmitted pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (30 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Development of first panel of microsatellite and single-copy gene markers for T. vaginalis. ▶ Markers validated for future population genetic studies. ▶ Microsatellite loci are stable in long-term culture. ▶ Microsatellite loci are localized to four of the six chromosomes in the genome. ▶ T. vaginalis is genetically diverse.