Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) in Latin-American migrants in Barcelona (Spain)

摘要: Abstract Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease, is divided into six Discrete Typing Units (DTUs): TcI–TcVI. We aimed to identify T. DTUs in Latin-American migrants Barcelona area (Spain) and assess different molecular typing approaches for characterization genotypes. Seventy-five peripheral blood samples were analyzed by two real-time PCR methods (qPCR) based on satellite DNA (SatDNA) kinetoplastid (kDNA). The 20 testing positive both methods, all belonging Bolivian individuals, submitted DTU using PCR-based flowcharts: multiplex qPCR TaqMan probes (MTq-PCR), conventional PCR. These also studied sequencing SatDNA classified as type I (TcI/III), II (TcII/IV) I/II hybrid (TcV/VI). Ten out gave results TcV (5 samples), TcII/V/VI (3) mixed infections plus TcII (1) TcII/VI (1). By sequencing, we samples, 19 one I. most frequent identified flowcharts, suggested remaining with low parasitic loads, TcV, common Bolivia predominant blood. infection TcV–TcII was detected first time simultaneously migrants. flowcharts are very useful characterize during acute infection. sequence analysis cannot discriminate populations at level a single but it enabled us increase number characterized cases chronically infected patients.