PCR-RFLP patterns of four isolates of Trichinella for rDNA ITSI region

We have studied the genetic differences among four isolates of Trichinella including a new strain of Trichinella spiralis (ISS 623) recently found from a human case who took a badger in Korea. Because they have a different host origin and came from geographically separated regions, we supposed the genetic pattern of the isolates might be different as had been previously reported. It was analysed by PCR-RFLP analysis of the rDNA repeat that can readily distinguish a species or strain from others. Isolated genomic DNA of each isolate of Trichinella larvae was amplified with ITSl specific primers and digested with restriction endonucleases. The PCR product of ITSl was confirmed using Southern blot analysis to be a 910 Up fragment. The restriction fragments of each isolate had variable patterns when it was digested with Rsa I only. According to the RFLP patterns, the estimated genetic divergence between each isolate was different. In conclusion, four isolates of Thichinella including a new strain of T. spiralis obtained from a Korean patient may have genetic differences in the ITSl region and the Shanghai isolate was genetically more similar to the Japanese unknown isolate than others in the ITSl region.