Detection and Sequencing of Iron Superoxide Dismutase Gene in Entamoeba histolytica Isolated from Patients with Diarrhea in Iraq

Parasites are among serious health problems that threaten the public health of humans. Entamoeba histolyticais considered the second or third most common cause of death among parasitic diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the molecular detection and sequencing of iron-containing superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) genes of E. histolytica. This cross-sectional study was carried out within March-August 2020. Genomic DNA from stool samples was extracted using an AccuPrep® stool DNA Extraction Kit. Afterward, four DNA samples were subjected to sequence alignment analysis of the FeSOD gene in local E. histolytica human isolated using a Clustal W alignment tool (Mega 6.0).The iron-containing superoxide dismutase gene was present at 62.8% in 15 out of 24 E. histolytica samples. The results of sequence alignment analysis of the FeSOD gene in local E.histolytica human isolates indicated the number of mutations in each of the 4 isolates. Accordingly, there were 2 (16.66%) silent mutations and 1(6.66%) nonsense mutation. There are a variety of genetic strains of E. histolytica associated with diarrheal illness in Iraqi patients, which are unique to this country.