Genetic homogeneity of axenic isolates of Giardia intestinalis derived from acute and chronically infected individuals in Mexico

Twenty-six axenic isolates of Giardia intestinalis, established in Mexico City over an 11-year period from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with acute or chronic infections, were typed genetically. A segment of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene was amplified by PCR and examined by restriction analysis using BspH1 and ApaI to determine the major genetic assemblages to which the isolates belonged. This was coupled with the amplification and analysis of segments of variant-specific surface protein genes to determine genetic subgroupings. Despite their heterogeneous clinical backgrounds, the isolates were found to be genetically homogeneous-all belonging to genetic group I of assemblage A. The results show that type A-I G. intestinalis is ubiquitous in Mexico City and that host factors play an important, if not dominant, role in determining the clinical outcome of Giardia infections in humans.