ITS1 intra-individual variability of Ascaris isolates from Brazil

The zoonotic potential of Ascaris infecting pigs has stimulated studies of molecular epidemiology with internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) as the target. The aim of this study was to determine the value of Ascaris ITS1 as a molecular marker through assessing the intra-individual genetic diversity of Ascaris isolates from two geographical areas of Brazil. DNA was extracted from single isolated eggs, ITS1 PCR was performed, and the PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Clone analysis showed high ITS1 intra-individual variability revealed by 2–4 ITS1 genotypes/haplotypes per sample (egg). Two genotypes, G1 and G6, and 13 new haplotypes were detected and characterized. The most prevalent in humans, G1 and/or the Brazilian G6, were detected in all samples. Except for genotype G1, no relationship was observed between Brazilian ITS1 genotypes/haplotypes and those previously described in China, Bangladesh, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, and Denmark, with respect to geographic origin or host affiliation. However, an association between the two geographically separated Brazilian ITS1 isolates was observed. The ITS1 intra-individual variability revealed in this study indicated that the use of this genetic region to discriminate human and pig Ascaris genotypes should be reconsidered.