Identification of a region of the major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene of human Pneumocystis carinii

摘要

Particularly sensitive techniques for the detection of P. carinii in clinical samples are disclosed. These techniques relate to the PCR amplification and/or detection of human-P. carinii major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene sequences. Also disclosed are seven novel genes encoding human-P. carinii MSG, and the proteins encoded for by these genes. These genes provide proof that human-P. carinii MSG is encoded for by a highly conserved gene family, and that the conesponding proteins have a very highly conserved region of about 100 amino acids near their C-terminal end. This highly conserved carboxy-terminal region has a significantly different sequence than that found in rat-derived MSG.