Molecular differentiation of nocturnally periodic and diurnally sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD).

Wuchereria bancrofti, a nematode parasite, is responsible for causing 90% of lymphatic filariasis infection in the world. In India, W. bancrofti exists in two physiological forms, nocturnally periodic in the main land and diurnally sub-periodic in Car Nicobar group of islands. Differentiation of these two parasitic forms by conventional microscopic methods difficult requiring good skill and hence tedious. Therefore, we developed a simple and rapid Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay to differentiate these parasitic forms. Also, the phylogenetic relationship between periodic and sub-periodic W. bancrofti and also Brugia malayi populations was analyzed using RAPD profile generated. Distinct RAPD profiles were observed among the three parasites with the formation of three distinct clusters in the phylogenetic tree. Substantial genetic diversity (Nei's genetic diversity H) was observed among periodic (H = 0.0577) and sub-periodic (H = 0.1415) W. bancrofti populations.