Microsatellite markers for Opisthorchis felineus to understand its genetic diversity and transmission patterns of opisthorchiosis

Opisthorchis felineus is a food-borne trematode which causes opisthorchiosis and affects mainly the liver and bile ducts of the liver with a possible risk of bile duct carcinogenesis resulting in cholangiocarcinoma. In Russia, O. felineus is mainly endemic in Western Siberia (Ob and Irtysh river basins) and occurs throughout the Volga, Kama, Don, and Dnepr river basins. The prevalence, intensity, and clinical significance of human infections and the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma vary geographically in endemic regions. Currently, there is substantial evidence on genetic variation of O. felineus, but information on the population genetic structure is so far very scarce. Because microsatellite DNA of this parasite is not available, we for the first time isolated sufficient microsatellite loci to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of O. felineus, using multiple nuclear loci approach. A total of ten highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from a constructed enriched genomic DNA library were characterized, using 29 samples representing huge O. felineus metapopulation extended in latitude over 5000 km from Middle Europe to Western Siberia. At least three populations can be discerned as result of analysis of the microsatellite loci genetic diversity. Based on the results for the first time, a hypothesis was put forward about the formation of a modern habitat of O. felineus.

Automated summary

Opisthorchis felineus is a trematode that mainly affects the liver and bile ducts, causing opisthorchiosis and potentially leading to cholangiocarcinoma. Little is known about the genetic structure of this parasite, but this study used microsatellite loci to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure. Analysis revealed at least three distinct populations and proposed a hypothesis about the formation of the present habitat of O. felineus.