Cryptosporidium parvum : cloning and characterisation of a superoxide dismutase gene and ozone inactivation studies of oocysts

Gallagher, Judith (2002) Cryptosporidium parvum : cloning and characterisation of a superoxide dismutase gene and ozone inactivation studies of oocysts. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

During this project, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene was identified from the parasitic protozoa Cryptosprodium parvum. The gene was isolated by PCR amplification from genomic DNA with degenerate primers designed according to homologous SOD sequences from related species. Analysis of the partial gene sequence obtained from this and additional library screening approaches suggested that it encoded for an iron-dependant superoxide dismutase protein.

The SOD gene was also amplified from a range of Type I and Type II C.parvum isolates to investigate sequence conservation between genotypes. Seven polymorphic sites, distinct between the different genotypes, were identified by sequence alignment. This observation suggested that the SOD gene could be a candidate molecular marker for genotyping C.parvum oocysts, which is of central importance for the control of infection.

Previously, variation in susceptibility to ozone exposure has been observed between C.parvum oocysts. This aspect was investigated further with genotypically defined oocysts to determine whether this differential susceptibility is dependent on C.parvum genotype. Although variation in viability of oocysts was observed under controlled and reproducible conditions, these differences do not appear to be dependent on C.parvum genotype.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Supervisor's Name: Wastling, Dr. Jonathan and Smith, Professor Huw
• Date of Award: 2002
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2002-83199
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2022 07:19
• Last Modified: 17 Oct 2022 07:19
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.83199
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/83199