Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of multidrug-resistant protein - encoding genes in Trypanosoma evansi isolated from buffaloes in Ngawi district, Indonesia

Excessive use of trypanocidal drugs can lead to cases of drug resistance. Multiple cases of resistance have been widely reported for drugs such as isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate. These cases deserve serious attention, especially in Indonesia, where the first case was recorded and where the molecular basis of trypanocidal drug resistance has never been evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) gene in isolates, sampled from Indonesia, by focusing on the phylogenetic relationship between these isolates and other spp. A total of 88 blood samples were drawn from buffaloes in the Ngawi district, Indonesia. Animals infected with were detected through the microhematocrit technique and Giemsa blood smear methods. Positive blood samples were used to inoculate in male mice ( BALB-C strain) as an animal model for culturing the . The genomic DNA of the blood taken from the infected mice was used for polymerase chain reaction amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Two genes were analyzed; the first gene detected for corresponded to with a homology of 99% and the second gene to , with a homology of 100%. These two genes of the MRP from showed clear similarity to the and genes of the ssp. The gene is conserved on the subspecies level of . Only few point mutations were found between various sequences, which mean that the proteins have the same structure. This is important to treat the parasite with the appropriate drugs in the future.