Analysis of the β-Tubulin Gene from Vittaforma corneae Suggests Benzimidazole Resistance

ABSTRACT We amplified, cloned, and sequenced the β-tubulin gene of Vittaforma corneae, a microsporidium causing human infections. The β-tubulin gene sequence has a substitution at Glu198 (with glutamine), which is one of six amino acids reported to be associated with benzimidazole sensitivity. Benzimidazoles were assayed for antimicrosporidial activity and showed poor parasite inhibition.

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