Assemblages of Giardia duodenalis Isolates from Dogs by Amplification and Restriction of tpi and β-Giardin Genes and Sequencing of SSU rDNA Gene

Giardia duodenalis exhibits seven assemblages (A-G) that are distributed in different hosts. The A and B assemblages are commonly found in humans and several mammals, while C and D assemblages are typically found in dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine the assemblage of Giardia duodenalis present in the stool samples of ten canines using an assay based on PCR amplification, restriction analysis, and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU-rDNA), β-giardin, and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes in order to establish the similarities or differences between the assemblage obtained with each gene. The results indicated that all positive isolates belonged to assemblage A, and specifically to the sub-assemblage A-I. A comparison of the SSU-rDNA gene sequence revealed the presence of three subgroups of assemblage A. These findings highlight the importance of canine transmission of Giardia in Mexico and its genetic plasticity. They also establish a method for additional and more molecularly extensive epidemiological studies to improve sanitation and hygiene in the most affected areas.