Abstract

GENOMIC DNA ISOLATION AND ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION OF PROTEINS FROM TWO CESTODE PARASITES OF THE COUNTRY FOWL

Rebecca Xavier, J. Manju Bashini* and P. Senthilkumaar

Abstract

The present study was designed to isolate the chromosomal DNA of the two cestode parasites R. tetragona and R. echinobothrida which parasitize the common fowl; causing considerable damage to poultry industry. The DNA was isolated from the cestodes with a purity ratio of 2 between R. tetragona and R. echinobothrida respectively. The DNA samples were analyzed by Agarose gel electrophoresis using λ Hind III as the marker gene. The quantitative analysis revealed that R. tetragona had DNA bands exactly at 23Kbps and R. echinobothrida had DNA bands above 23Kbps. Qualitative analysis of proteins was performed in different body segments of the parasites and the intestinal tissue of the fowl to establish a host parasite relationship at the molecular level. Mature, Immature and gravid segments of both the parasites were observed for further insight into the parasitic competence of the two cestodes in a common host. The study visualizes the fact that gel electrophoresis is useful in identifying protein patterns and DNA analysis in parasite systems providing a further step in drug designing and vaccine development.

Keywords: Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina echinobothrida, ? Hind III marker gene, DNA isolation, qualitative protein analysis, vaccine development.