Molecular detection and B-tubulin gene sequencing of Enterobius vermicularis and its relationship with resistance to albendazole in
Author(s):
Maysaa Thjeel Obeid , Ghada Basil Ali
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890
Abstract
Background: Enterobiasis, caused by Enterobius vermicularis, remains one of the most common
helminthic infections among children worldwide. Albendazole is widely used for treatment; however,
concerns regarding emerging resistance associated with mutations in the beta-tubulin gene have increased.
Molecular diagnostic techniques provide improved sensitivity for parasite detection and resistance
monitoring.
Objectives: This study aimed to detect E. vermicularis using molecular methods, analyze beta-tubulin
gene polymorphisms, and investigate their possible relationship with resistance to albendazole.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 stool samples collected from children aged 2
12 years. DNA was extracted using a stool DNA extraction kit, and PCR amplification targeted the 5S
DNA gene and beta-tubulin gene. Positive beta-tubulin PCR products were subjected to Sanger
sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance
considered at p < 0.05.
Results: PCR analysis identified E. vermicularis DNA in 30% of samples. The highest infection rate was
observed among children aged 6–9 years (41.7%), showing a significant association with infection status
(p = 0.034). Infection was also significantly associated with sampling location, particularly among
schoolchildren (p = 0.040). Participants previously treated with albendazole demonstrated higher PCR
positivity (39.1%) compared to untreated individuals (22.2%), although this difference was not
statistically significant (p = 0.105). No significant association was found between ABO/Rh blood groups
and infection risk (p = 0.341).
Conclusion: E. vermicularis was found to be significantly prevalent among the children, especially in
school aged children through molecular identification. The beta-tubulin gene is a good molecular target
to monitor the possible selection of resistance and to design future control measures.
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