A low stringency polymerase chain reaction approach to the identification of Biomphalaria glabrata and B. tenagophila, intermediate snail hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil

DIAGNOSIS

A low stringency polymerase chain reaction approach to the identification of Biomphalaria glabrata and B. tenagophila, intermediate snail hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil

Teofânia HDA VidigalI, ⁺; Emmanuel Dias Neto^{II, III}; Andrew JG Simpson^IV; Omar S Carvalho^I

^ILaboratório de Helmintoses Intestinais

^IILaboratório de Parasitologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-FIOCRUZ, Caixa Postal 1743, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil

^IIIDepartamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil

^IVInstituto Ludwig de Pesquisas do Câncer, Laboratório de Genética do Câncer, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

ABSTRACT

The low stringency-polymerase chain reaction (LS-PCR) with a pair of specific primers for the amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was evaluated as a means of differentiating between the two Schistosoma mansoni intermediate host species in Brazil: Biomphalaria glabrata and B. tenagophila. Individual snails obtained from different states of Brazil were used and the amplification patterns obtained showed a high degree of genetic variability in these species. Nevertheless, 4 and 3 clearly defined specific diagnostic bands was observed in individuals from B. glabrata and B. tenagophila respectively. The detection of snail specific diagnostic bands suggests the possibility of reliable species differentiation at the DNA level using LS-PCR.

Key words: polymerase chain reaction - low stringency PCR - Biomphalaria - identification - Brazil

Biomphalaria glabrata and B. tenagophila are important intermediate snail hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil although B. straminea also acts as a host in same areas and B. amazonica and B. peregrina can be infected under artificial conditions (Corrêa & Paraense 1971, Paraense 1973).

These snails exhibit extensive intraspecific variation at the morphological (Paraense & Deslandes 1955, Paraense 1975) and genetic level (Knight et al. 1991, Vidigal et al. 1994). Intraspecific morphological heterogeneity, in particular, complicates snail identification especially of small specimens. An efficient and reliable method of identifying species, would be extremely valuable in the study of the distribution host species both in areas of active transmission of schistosomiasis and non endemic areas, were the presence of susceptible species should be notified to alert the health services. Because of its simplicity and sensitivity, a snail identification test based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) would be ideal. As a step in this direction two groups (Langand et al. 1993, Vidigal et al. 1994) have independently undertaken the amplification of host snail DNA using the arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) (Welsh & McClelland 1990), in order to produce randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs, RAPDs (Williams et al. 1990). However, the results obtained by Vidigal et al. (1994) working within B. glabrata, showed a remarkable degree of intraspecific polymorphism, with the result that the RAPD patterns observed were so variable, that there were no bands common to all the specimens analyzed. This suggested that an AP-PCR based test for species identification would be extremely difficult to develop.

As an alternative to AP-PCR we have here explored the related methodology of low stringency-PCR (LS-PCR) where instead of arbitrarily selected primers, primers that specifically amplify defined regions of the genome, are used under the amplification conditions used for AP-PCR (Dias Neto et al. 1993). The result of LS-PCR amplification is a specific fragment defined by the primer used, together with a complex set of other fragments (known as low stringency products or LSPs) derived from low stringency interactions of the primers with other sequences in the target genome. This method has been of value in S. mansoni sex determination (Dias Neto et al. 1993), diagnosis of leptospirosis (Caballero et al. 1994) and the quantification of human papilomavirus infection (Caballero et al. 1995). In the present work we elected to use rRNA gene specific primers for LS-PCR with the idea that since the rRNA gene is highly conserved, related sequences amplified by LS-PCR may also exibit a greater intraspecific stability than randomly amplified sequences. The results obtained were consistent with this hypothesis in that a number of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila specific amplification products were identifiable from all specimens of these two species studied providing the basis of a PCR identification test. The methodology thus offers promise as a molecular approach to snail identification in the context of the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis mansoni.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Snail populations - The snail specimens studied were maintained at the Department of Malacology of the Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, with the exception of the specimens of B. glabrata from Belém, PA and B. tenagophila from Vespasino, MG, which were collected directly from the field. The studies were undertaken using populations obtained from localities shown in the Fig. 1. The dates and the sites of collection as well as the number of specimens in the original samples are shown in Table. All the snails used in the study were reared and maintained at room temperature under identical conditions in aquarium with running water and calcium carbonate as substrate. The snails were exposed to artificial diurnal lighting of 10 hr and fed with lettuce. In all cases, the snails were identified by means of comparative morphology based on the reproductive organs and shells (Paraense l975) and examined for the presence of infection by S. mansoni. None of the snails were found to be infected.

DNA extraction - Total DNA was extracted from the foot of the snails basically as described previously (Vidigal et al. 1994). Briefly, the foot of each snail was mechanically disrupted in 50mM Tris HCl pH 8.0, 100 mM NaCl, 50 mM EDTA, 0.5% SDS and incubated with 50µg/ml proteinase K overnight at 37ºC. Following phenol/chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation, DNA was resuspended in 10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA pH 8.0 and the DNA concentration estimated by comparison with known standards on 2% ethidium bromide stained agarose gels.

The LS-PCR technique - The primers used were based on the sequence of the 18s rRNA gene from the bivalve mollusk Placopecten available in GenBank (access number X53899). The primers correspond to a conserved region of the gene and show a high degree of homology with human (access number X03205), S. mansoni (access number X53467), fungi (Neurospora crassa, access number X04971) and other 18s rRNA genes.

The protocol used was that previously applied to the sexual determination of human DNA and larval stages of S. mansoni (Dias Neto et al. 1993). DNA samples from each individual were amplified in duplicate using 100 pg and 1 ng of template DNA. Each reaction was undertaken in final volume of 10µl containing 0.8 units of Taq DNA polymerase (Cenbiot RS, Brazil), 200 µM of each dNTP, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 50mM KCl, 10mM Tris-HCl pH 8.5, together with 6.4 pmoles of the primers NS1 (5'- GTAGTCATATGCTTGTCTCAG - 3') and ET1 (5'- GTCCAGACACTACGGGAAT - 3'). The reaction mix was overlaid with 20µl of mineral oil and, following an initial denaturation at 95°C for 5 min, was subjected to two cycles through the following temperature profile: 30°C for 2 min for annealing, 72°C for 1 min for extension and 30 sec at 95°C for denaturation followed by 33 cycles where the annealing step was altered to 40°C. In the final cycle, the extension step was for 5 min. Following amplification, 3µl of each reaction was mixed with 1µl of 4x sample buffer (0.125% bromophenol blue, 0.125% xylene cyanol, 15% glycerol) and subjected to electrophoresis in 4% polyacrylamide gel (acrylamide/bisacrylamide 29:1) in TBE buffer (2 mM EDTA,10 mM Tris borate pH 8.0). The gels were silver stained by fixing with 10% ethanol/ 0.5% acetic acid for 3 min, staining with 0.2% silver nitrate in the fixing solution for 5 min and reduction with 0.75 M NaOH/0.1M formaldehyde for 5 min (Sanguinetti et al. 1994).

High stringency amplification - For specific amplification of the 18s rRNA region, 3 pmol of each primer (NS1 and ET1) and 0.4 units of Taq DNA polymerase (Cenbiot RS, Brazil) per 10µl reaction mixture were used. The other components of the reaction mixture were as described above for LS-PCR. The specific amplification consisted of an initial cycle with denaturation step at 95°C for 5 min, annealing of primers at 60°C for 2 min and 72°C for 2 min for extension, this was followed by 29 cycles of amplification at 60°C for 2 min, 72°C for 2 min, and 95°C for 45 sec, with an extended incubation at 72°C for 5 min in the final cycle.

RESULTS

Specimens of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila, derived from various geographical regions were analyzed (Table). In total six populations of B. glabrata and seven of B. tenagophila were studied. When the primer pair NS1 and ET1 used under high stringency amplification conditions, only the specific band, of approximately 1500 bp corresponding to the 18s rRNA gene, was seen in all individuals of these species, indicating the absence of detectable size polymorphism in this gene in the organisms studied (Fig. 2).

When LS-PCR was used, complex patterns were produced composed of low stringency products (LSPs) derived from multiple interactions of the primer pair throughout the genomes studied (Fig. 3). Due to the competitive nature of LS-PCR (Caballero et al. 1995) the specific bands shown in Fig. 2 were of weak and variable intensity. The pattern of LSPs was polymorphic for both species however, a number of bands were consistently amplified from all the specimens of each species. The result shown in Fig. 3 is an experiment that formed part of a screening procedure aimed at identifying primers capable of distinguishing B. glabrata and B. tenagophila. The B. glabrata specimens were characterized by LS-PCR with the primers NS1/ ET1 by the presence of one or two LSP doublets between 370 and 480 bp (G1) and strong LSPs of 290, 260 and 240 bp (G2, G3 and G4). The B. tenagophila specimens were characterized by a clear LSP doublet of 500 bp (T1), strong LSPs of 400 and 310 bp (T2 and T3) as well as the absence of major LSPs between 290 and 240 bp.

In order to test the generality of specific bands for the two species the number of specimens was increased (Fig. 4) The major banding characteristics described in Fig. 3 were generally maintained for both species. The pair of LSP doublets (G1) appeared as a variable complex of bands. Although the precise details of the complex were variable it was present in one form or another in all B. glabrata specimens and absent from all B. tenagophila specimens. The other B. glabrata bands were consistent in all specimens (although with variable intensity) and absent from all the B. tenagophila specimens. For B. tenagophila the most useful characters were T3 and the absence of detectable LSPs between 290 and 240 bp. T2 was present in all specimens at variable intensity but two of the B. glabrata specimens (lanes 5 and 6) also exhibited a strong LSP of this size. The doublet T1 was not consistent although at least one band of the same size was present in all the specimens tested and in none of the B. glabrata specimens were corresponding LSPs detectable.

On the basis of these results, a double blind test was undertaken using of eight specimens collected directly from the field, in the town of Vespasiano, MG, as a test of the LS-PCR identification system (Fig. 5). Individual i made the morphological characterization and the DNA extraction. The DNA was then amplified and the diagnostic LSPs evaluated by individual 2. When this profile was compared with the position of the characteristic bands for the two species as marked on the figure the samples were identified as B. tenagophila. The most conclusive features were the presence of T1 and T2, and the absence of bands between 290 and 240 bp. Band T3 is present in all samples although it is considerably weaker in lanes 5 to 7. The DNA based identification was confirmed by the analysis of morphological characters.

DISCUSSION

The classical methods of identification of freshwater snails of medical importance is difficult because of the variation encountered in the anatomical and morphological characteristics commonly used for separating species (Paraense 1975, Jelnes 1979, 1986, Henricksen & Jelnes 1980). The analysis of anatomy of the reproductive organs and morphological characters of the shell can be time-consuming when several specimens are to be examined. This traditional morphological characters, used by malacologists, for identification of species, have not always been easily utilized by non-specialist. Thus, an easy and reliable method for species identification is important in efforts to control schistosomiasis.

Techniques of molecular biology have recently been used to study the variability of basom-matophora mollusks and to identify species of Bulinus and Biomphalaria snails. This methodology allows the direct and detailed examination of the genome and opens up new possibilities for snail identification and phylogenetic studies (Knight et al. 1991, Rollinson & Kane 1991, Strahan et al. 1991, Langand et al. 1993, Vidigal et al. 1994).

Langand et al. (1993) using RAPD analysis demonstrated the potential of this technique for differentiating populations and species of Bulinus. Vidigal et al. (1994) showed that the genome of B. glabrata exhibits a remarkable degree of intraespecific polymorphism. All the bands that were amplified by two randomly chosen primers were found to be polymorphic. Those results suggested that RAPD analysis would not be appropriate for identifying related species of Biomphalaria.

The present study revealed however that LS-PCR using primers for 18s rRNA does allow the identification of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila. The study of individuals obtained from geographically distinct populations (Fig. 1) demonstrated intraspecific DNA polymorphism by LS-PCR, however specimens from the same species, exhibited some species specific LSPs. The fact that the populations used for this study were obtained from widely separated localities indicate that these primers should allow the identification of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila throughout Brazil.

Preliminary experiments with populations of B. straminea using the same methodology suggests that this species is even more variable than B. glabrata and B. tenagophila, no bands are shared between all specimens studied. However at a regional level, shared LSPs were found permitting specific identification in this case (data not shown). Most importantly, B. straminea DNA did not, when used as a template for LS-PCR with the 18s rRNA primers, generate any of the diagnostic LSPs used for identification of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila. Thus, although the methodology cannot be used to conclusively identify B. straminea this snail will not be incorrectly identified as either B. glabrata or B. tenagophila.

In summary, the data show that LS-PCR analysis is appropriate for distinguishing B. glabrata from B. tenagophila. The technique requires small amounts of DNA and can be applied to juvenile snails as a means of resolving problems of identification of potential intermediate snail hosts in Brazil, in situations where the classical taxonomy methodology is inconclusive.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To Dr Wladimir Lobato Paraense and Dr Ligia Corrêa from the Departamento de Malacologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, for giving us snails and Dr Izabel de Carvalho Rodrigues from the Instituto Evandro Chagas, Fundação Nacional de Saúde, for giving us snails from Belém, Pará. To Dr Álvaro Romanha for making available the facilities used in the development of the project and José Geraldo Amorim da Silva and Maria Ângela A dos Santos for their technical assistance.

Received 26 January 1996

Accepted 15 May 1996

This study was supported in part by CNPq and FAPEMIG.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  26 Sept 2008
• Date of issue
  Dec 1996

History

• Accepted
  15 May 1996
• Received
  26 Jan 1996