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Damian D, Damas M, Wensman JJ, Berg M. Molecular Diversity of Hard Tick Species from Selected Areas of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Vet Sci 2021; 8:36. [PMID: 33668208 PMCID: PMC7995979 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are one of the most important arthropod vectors and reservoirs as they harbor a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, which can cause diseases in human and livestock. Due to their impact on human, livestock, and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is needed. So far, the published data on the molecular diversity between hard ticks species collected in Tanzania is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity between hard tick species collected in the wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania using the mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene sequences. Adult ticks were collected from cattle (632 ticks), goats (187 ticks), and environment (28 ticks) in the wards which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park. Morphological identification of ticks was performed to genus level. To identify ticks to species level, molecular analysis based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene was performed. Ticks representing the two genera (Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) were identified using morphological characters. Six species were confirmed based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene, including Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hhyalomma turanicum. The presence of different clusters of tick species reflects the possible biological diversity of the hard ticks present in the study region. Further studies are however required to quantify species of hard ticks present in the study region and the country in general over a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donath Damian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, 35091 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Modester Damas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, 35091 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
| | - Jonas Johansson Wensman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Mikael Berg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
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2
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Damian D, Damas M, Wensman JJ, Berg M. Genetic Relationship Between Hard Ticks ( Ixodidae) Infesting Cattle from Select Areas of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:191-199. [PMID: 33450167 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There has recently been a substantial increase in the number of tick species and tick-borne infectious agents in Tanzania. Owing to their impact on human, livestock, and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is needed. So far, no published data on the genetic relationship between hard tick (Ixodidae) sequences collected from cattle are available in Tanzania. Methods: Ticks from cattle in the wards, which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park, were collected in the dry season, November to December 2019. Morphological identification of ticks was initially performed at the genus level. To identify ticks at the species level, molecular analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was performed. Evolutionary relationships and genetic distances between ticks were determined using MaximumLikelihood and Kimura 2-parameter methods, respectively. Results: Based on morphology, two genera (Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma) were identified in the 630 adult ticks collected from a total of 252 cattle. Six species (Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, and Hyalomma turanicum) were confirmed by BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses. Considerable mean and pairwise genetic distances were observed for Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma genera. Conclusion: The presence of different phylogenetic clusters and considerable mean and pairwise genetic distances observed reflect possible biological diversity of hard ticks present in the study area. Considering the value of the cattle in the livelihoods and economies of people and the country, the outcomes of this study will be useful in planning integrated control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donath Damian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Modester Damas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jonas Johansson Wensman
- Section of Ruminant Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Berg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Chauhan G, McClure J, Hekman J, Marsh PW, Bailey JA, Daniels RF, Genereux DP, Karlsson EK. Combining Citizen Science and Genomics to Investigate Tick, Pathogen, and Commensal Microbiome at Single-Tick Resolution. Front Genet 2020; 10:1322. [PMID: 32038704 PMCID: PMC6985576 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of tickborne diseases worldwide is increasing virtually unchecked due to the lack of effective control strategies. The transmission dynamics of tickborne pathogens are influenced by the tick microbiome, tick co-infection with other pathogens, and environmental features. Understanding this complex system could lead to new strategies for pathogen control, but will require large-scale, high-resolution data. Here, we introduce Project Acari, a citizen science-based project to assay, at single-tick resolution, species, pathogen infection status, microbiome profile, and environmental conditions of tens of thousands of ticks collected from numerous sites across the United States. In the first phase of the project, we collected more than 2,400 ticks wild-caught by citizen scientists and developed high-throughput methods to process and sequence them individually. Applying these methods to 192 Ixodes scapularis ticks collected in a region with a high incidence of Lyme disease, we found that 62% were colonized by Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen. In contrast to previous reports, we did not find an association between the microbiome diversity of a tick and its probability of carrying B. burgdorferi. However, we did find undescribed associations between B. burgdorferi carriage and the presence of specific microbial taxa within individual ticks. Our findings underscore the power of coupling citizen science with high-throughput processing to reveal pathogen dynamics. Our approach can be extended for massively parallel screening of individual ticks, offering a powerful tool to elucidate the ecology of tickborne disease and to guide pathogen-control initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Chauhan
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jesse McClure
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jessica Hekman
- Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Patrick W Marsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Rachel F Daniels
- Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Diane P Genereux
- Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Vertebrate Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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4
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Awawdeh L, Turni C, Henning J, Allavena R, Cobbold R, Mollinger J, Gibson J. An Optimized Protocol for Molecular Screening of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli From Broiler Chickens in South East Queensland, Australia. J APPL POULTRY RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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5
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Okeyo M, Hartberger C, Margos G, Straubinger RK, Sing A, Fingerle V. Comparison of methods for economic and efficient tick and Borrelia DNA purification. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1041-1045. [PMID: 31171466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
DNA purification is a critical step in the processing of samples for molecular diagnosis and/ or identification of pathogens via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Especially when handling vectors like ticks, purifying the DNA always poses a challenge. In this study, we compared factors that may have an influence on DNA extraction namely commercially available DNA extraction kits vs alkaline hydrolysis for DNA extraction. The methods were applied to questing Ixodes (I.) ricinus ticks and Borrelia cultures of defined cell concentrations. A total of 69 questing I. ricinus ticks were collected. From 34 ticks, total DNA was extracted using a commercial DNA extraction kit. Thirty-five ticks were treated with 1.25% ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). Six ticks from each batch were placed in 70% ethanol (EtOH) for one week prior to DNA extraction to see the effect of EtOH preservation on total DNA yield. DNA yield was estimated in field-collected ticks using conventional PCR targeting the Ixodes Cytochrome C oxidase (coi) gene and in cultured Borrelia isolates using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the FlaB encoding gene of Borrelia. Column DNA extraction yielded slightly better results than NH4OH treatment when tested in a PCR targeting a tick-specific coi gene (96% PCR-positive vs 86% PCR-positive results, respectively). EtOH preservation had a slightly negative effect on DNA yield and - again - slightly stronger PCR products were observed by commercial kit extraction. A Shapiro-Wilk test conducted revealed a significance-level of 90% for both the methods, indicating a normal distribution of the values generated by BioNumerics quantification. A two-sided t-test conducted revealed a significant (p < 0.01) mean difference between the methods. Similarly, qPCR on cultured specimen DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (B. burgdorferi s.s.) (B31) with different concentrations revealed a better yield for kit extraction in comparison to NH4OH treatment; a difference of approximately 3 Ct-values was ascertained between extraction methods. A one-sided t-test showed a significant difference between the methods at lower concentration of Borrelia i.e. better extraction with a commercial kit at lower borrelial DNA concentration, while at higher concentration (106 cells per ml) the difference was not significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Okeyo
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
| | - Christina Hartberger
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Gabriele Margos
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Veterinärstraße 13, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Andreas Sing
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Panetta JL, Šíma R, Calvani NED, Hajdušek O, Chandra S, Panuccio J, Šlapeta J. Reptile-associated Borrelia species in the goanna tick (Bothriocroton undatum) from Sydney, Australia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:616. [PMID: 29262840 PMCID: PMC5738880 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2579-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on the capacity of Australian ticks to carry Borrelia species is currently limited or missing. To evaluate the potential of ticks to carry bacterial pathogens and their DNA, it is imperative to have a robust workflow that maximises recovery of bacterial DNA within ticks in order to enable accurate identification. By exploiting the bilateral anatomical symmetry of ticks, we were able to directly compare two DNA extraction methods for 16S rRNA gene diversity profiling and pathogen detection. We aimed to assess which combination of DNA extraction and 16S rRNA hypervariable region enables identification of the greatest bacterial diversity, whilst minimising bias, and providing the greatest capacity for the identification of Borrelia spp. RESULTS We collected Australian endemic ticks (Bothriocroton undatum), isolated DNA from equal tick halves using two commercial DNA extraction methods and sequenced samples using V1-V3 and V3-V4 16S rRNA gene diversity profiling assays. Two distinct Borrelia spp. operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected using the V1-V3 16S rRNA hypervariable region and matching Borrelia spp. sequences were obtained using a conventional nested-PCR. The tick 16S rRNA gene diversity profile was dominated by Rickettsia spp. (98-99%), while the remaining OTUs belonged to Proteobacteria (51-81%), Actinobacteria (6-30%) and Firmicutes (2-7%). Multiple comparisons tests demonstrated biases in each of the DNA extraction kits towards different bacterial taxa. CONCLUSIONS Two distinct Borrelia species belonging to the reptile-associated Borrelia group were identified. Our results show that the method of DNA extraction can promote bias in the final microbiota identified. We determined an optimal DNA extraction method and 16S rRNA gene diversity profile assay that maximises detection of Borrelia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Panetta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Radek Šíma
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nichola E. D. Calvani
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Ondřej Hajdušek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Shona Chandra
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Jessica Panuccio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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7
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Cramaro WJ, Revets D, Hunewald OE, Sinner R, Reye AL, Muller CP. Integration of Ixodes ricinus genome sequencing with transcriptome and proteome annotation of the naïve midgut. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:871. [PMID: 26510422 PMCID: PMC4625525 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe, Ixodes ricinus ticks are the most important vectors of diseases threatening humans, livestock, wildlife and companion animals. Nevertheless, genomic sequence information is missing and functional annotation of transcripts and proteins is limited. This lack of information is restricting studies of the vector and its interactions with pathogens and hosts. Here we present and integrate the first analysis of the I. ricinus genome with the transcriptome and proteome of the unfed I. ricinus midgut. Methods Whole genome sequencing was performed on I. ricinus ticks and the sequences were de novo assembled. In parallel, I. ricinus ticks were dissected and the midgut transcriptome sequenced. Both datasets were integrated by transcript discovery analysis to identify putative genes and genome contigs were screened for homology. An alignment-based and a motif-search-based approach were combined for the annotation of the midgut transcriptome. Additionally, midgut proteins were identified and annotated by mass spectrometry with public databases and the in-house built transcriptome database as references and results were cross-validated. Results The de novo assembly of 1 billion DNA sequences to a reference genome of 393 Mb length provides an unprecedented insight into the I. ricinus genome. A homology search revealed sequences in the assembled genome contigs homologous to 89 % of the I. scapularis genome scaffolds indicating coverage of most genome regions. We identified moreover 6,415 putative genes. More than 10,000 transcripts from naïve midgut were annotated with respect of predicted function and/or cellular localization. By combining an alignment-based with a motif-search-based annotation approach, we doubled the number of annotations throughout all functional categories. In addition, 574 gel spots were significantly identified by mass spectrometry (p < 0.05) and 285 distinct proteins expressed in the naïve midgut were annotated functionally and/or for cellular localization. Our systems approach reveals a midgut metabolism of the unfed tick that is prepared to sense and process an anticipated blood meal. Conclusions This multiple-omics study vastly extends the publicly available DNA and RNA databases for I. ricinus, paving the way for further in-depth analysis of the most important European disease vector and its interactions with pathogens and hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1981-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke J Cramaro
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Dominique Revets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Oliver E Hunewald
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Regina Sinner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Anna L Reye
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Claude P Muller
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (former Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé)/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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8
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Ammazzalorso AD, Zolnik CP, Daniels TJ, Kolokotronis SO. To beat or not to beat a tick: comparison of DNA extraction methods for ticks (Ixodes scapularis). PeerJ 2015; 3:e1147. [PMID: 26290800 PMCID: PMC4540005 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are important disease vectors in the United States, known to transmit a variety of pathogens to humans, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Their importance as a disease vector necessitates reliable and comparable methods for extracting microbial DNA from ticks. Furthermore, to explore the population genetics or genomics of this tick, appropriate DNA extraction techniques are needed for both the vector and its microbes. Although a few studies have investigated different methods of DNA isolation from ticks, they are limited in the number and types of DNA extraction and lack species-specific quantification of DNA yield. Methods. Here we determined the most efficient and consistent method of DNA extraction from two different developmental stages of I. scapularis—nymph and adult—that are the most important for disease transmission. We used various methods of physical disruption of the hard, chitinous exoskeleton, as well as commercial and non-commercial DNA isolation kits. To gauge the effectiveness of these methods, we quantified the DNA yield and confirmed the DNA quality via PCR of both tick and microbial genetic material. Results. DNA extraction using the Thermo GeneJET Genomic DNA Purification Kit resulted in the highest DNA yields and the most consistent PCR amplification when combined with either cutting or bead beating with select matrices across life stages. DNA isolation methods using ammonium hydroxide as well as the MoBio PowerSoil kit also produced strong and successful PCR amplification, but only for females. Discussion. We contrasted a variety of readily available methods of DNA extraction from single individual blacklegged ticks and presented the results through a quantitative and qualitative assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine P Zolnik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.,Vector Ecology Laboratory, Louis Calder Center-Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Daniels
- Vector Ecology Laboratory, Louis Calder Center-Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA
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Barrett A, Little SE, Shaw E. “Rickettsia amblyommii” andR. montanensisInfection in Dogs Following Natural Exposure to Ticks. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:20-5. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Barrett
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Susan E. Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Edward Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Arts and Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
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10
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Kim EJ, Bauer C, Grevelding CG, Quack T. Improved PCR/nested PCR approaches with increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pathogens in hard ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:409-16. [PMID: 23867362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most epidemiological studies on tick-borne pathogens employ PCR approaches. Prevalences determined by this method particularly depend on the efficiency and sensitivity of the applied protocol, which can be influenced by various factors. In the current study, we examined crucial points to improve PCR strategies with respect to sensitivity as well as specificity and developed optimized and easily practicable PCR/nested PCR approaches for the detection of different tick-borne pathogens. Among them were Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, and Babesia spp., for which the novel protocol was successfully applied to perform species determination by direct sequencing of PCR amplicons. The occurrence of double and multiple infections of different species of the same genus were detected by chromatogram analyses exhibiting mixed sequences. Furthermore, we suggest employing a standard plasmid containing the appropriate target sequence followed by verification of the encountered detection limit with an addition of tick DNA spiked with the appropriate pathogen DNA. Approaches standardized in this manner would facilitate the comparison of prevalence studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju Kim
- Institute of Parasitology, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 2, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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Abstract
The effectiveness of DNA barcoding as a routine practice in biodiversity research is strongly dependent on the quality of the source material, DNA extraction method, and selection of adequate primers in combination with optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. For the isolation of nucleic acids, silica-gel membrane methods are to be favored because they are easy to handle, applicable for high sample throughput, relatively inexpensive, and provide high DNA quality, quantity, and purity which are pre-requisites for successful PCR amplification and long-term storage of nucleic acids in biorepositories, such as DNA banks. In this section, standard protocols and workflow schemes for sample preparation, DNA isolation, DNA storage, PCR amplification, PCR product quality control, and PCR product cleanup are proposed and described in detail. A PCR troubleshooting and primer design section may help to solve problems that hinder successful amplification of the desired barcoding gene region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Knebelsberger
- German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB), Senckenberg Research Institute, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
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12
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Olafson PU, Temeyer KB, Pruett JH. Multiple transcripts encode glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2011; 53:147-165. [PMID: 20711800 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-010-9392-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the production of NADPH. Here we describe the identification of four transcripts (G6PDH-A, -B, -C, and -D) that putatively encode the enzyme in the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The genomic DNA that is spliced to produce G6PDH-A and -B is 8,600-9,000 bases in length and comprises 12 exons. Comparison of the R. microplus G6PDH gene structure with those available from insects and mammals revealed that the tick gene is most like that of humans. Detection of the four transcripts was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR using template from larvae, unfed adult females and males, salivary gland tissues from 2- to 3-day-fed adult females and males, and salivary gland tissue of 4- to 5-day-fed adult females. The G6PDH-A and -C transcripts were present in all templates, and both displayed induced expression in salivary gland tissue of fed, adult females but not matched males. The G6PDH-D transcript was detected only in unfed adults and in larvae, a stage in which it was most abundant relative to the other three transcripts. The G6PDH-B transcript, while detectable in all templates, was of low copy number suggesting it is a rare transcript. Induced expression of G6PDH-A and G6PDH-C in fed females may play a role in the tolerance of oxidative stress that is induced upon feeding, and the transcript abundance in fed females may be a function of bloodmeal volume and the time adult females spend on the host relative to adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Untalan Olafson
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U. S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028, USA.
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13
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Calderón-Cortés N, Quesada M, Cano-Camacho H, Zavala-Páramo G. A simple and rapid method for DNA isolation from xylophagous insects. Int J Mol Sci 2010; 11:5056-64. [PMID: 21614191 PMCID: PMC3100841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms11125056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Published methods to isolate DNA from insects are not always effective in xylophagous insects because they have high concentrations of phenolics and other secondary plant compounds in their digestive tracts. A simple, reliable and labor-effective cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-polyvinylpyrrolidone (CTAB-PVP) method for isolation of high quality DNA from xylophagous insects is described. This method was successfully applied to PCR and restriction analysis, indicating removal of common inhibitors. DNA isolated by the CTAB-PVP method could be used in most molecular analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Calderón-Cortés
- Center for Ecosystems Research (CIEco), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Morelia, Mexico; E-Mail: (M.Q.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel./Fax: +52-(555)-6-23-27-19
| | - Mauricio Quesada
- Center for Ecosystems Research (CIEco), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Morelia, Mexico; E-Mail: (M.Q.)
| | - Horacio Cano-Camacho
- Multidisciplinary Center of Biotechnology Studies (CMEB), Michoacan University of San Nicolas of Hidalgo (UMSNH), Morelia, Mexico; E-Mails: (H.C.-C.); (G.Z.-P.)
| | - Guadalupe Zavala-Páramo
- Multidisciplinary Center of Biotechnology Studies (CMEB), Michoacan University of San Nicolas of Hidalgo (UMSNH), Morelia, Mexico; E-Mails: (H.C.-C.); (G.Z.-P.)
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14
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Crowder CD, Rounds MA, Phillipson CA, Picuri JM, Matthews HE, Halverson J, Schutzer SE, Ecker DJ, Eshoo MW. Extraction of total nucleic acids from ticks for the detection of bacterial and viral pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2010; 47:89-94. [PMID: 20180313 DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/47.1.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Ticks harbor numerous bacterial, protozoal, and viral pathogens that can cause serious infections in humans and domestic animals. Active surveillance of the tick vector can provide insight into the frequency and distribution of important pathogens in the environment. Nucleic-acid based detection of tick-borne bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogens requires the extraction of both DNA and RNA (total nucleic acids) from ticks. Traditional methods for nucleic acid extraction are limited to extraction of either DNA or the RNA from a sample. Here we present a simple bead-beating based protocol for extraction of DNA and RNA from a single tick and show detection of Borrelia burgdorferi and Powassan virus from individual, infected Ixodes scapularis ticks. We determined expected yields for total nucleic acids by this protocol for a variety of adult tick species. The method is applicable to a variety of arthropod vectors, including fleas and mosquitoes, and was partially automated on a liquid handling robot.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Borrelia/genetics
- Borrelia/isolation & purification
- DNA/genetics
- DNA/isolation & purification
- DNA Primers
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification
- DNA, Protozoan/genetics
- DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- DNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/genetics
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/isolation & purification
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/isolation & purification
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification
- RNA, Protozoan/genetics
- RNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tick-Borne Diseases/genetics
- Tick-Borne Diseases/prevention & control
- Ticks/genetics
- Ticks/microbiology
- Ticks/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris D Crowder
- Ibis Biosciences, 1896 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
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15
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Soglia D, Rambozzi L, Maione S, Spalenza V, Sartore S, Alasaad S, Sacchi P, Rossi L. Two simple techniques for the safe Sarcoptes collection and individual mite DNA extraction. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1465-8. [PMID: 19655170 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Availability of mites is a recognized limiting factor of biological and genetic investigations of the genus Sarcoptes. Current methods of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction from individual mites also need substantial improvement in efficiency and operator friendliness. We have first developed a technique for efficient and safe extraction of living mites from scabietic skin samples (crusts or deep skin scrapings). Its core device is a large plastic syringe connected with a 1.5-ml Eppendorf tube. The source material is introduced in the syringe and the device in a shoe box with the tip half of the tube emerging. Mites migrate towards a heat source during a minimum of 36 h. Then, the tube is detached and the mites utilized without risks for the operators. A second technique allows operator-friendly manipulation of individual mites for DNA extraction. Fixed mites are isolated by adhesion to a small strip of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) adhesive tape operated with tweezers. Then, mite and strip are plunged in the lyses buffer and the sample twice submitted to thermal shock for disruption of the chitinous exoskeleton. Data show that the tape does not interfere with successive DNA extraction with a commercial kit. The corresponding protocol, that we briefly name "PVC adhesive tape + thermal shock + kit DNA extraction," compares favorably with the available ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominga Soglia
- Dipartimento di Produzioni Animali, Epidemiologia ed Ecologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
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16
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Xiao XY, Zhou XY, Yan G, Sun MH, Du X. Chromosomal Alteration in Chinese Sporadic Colorectal Carcinomas Detected by Comparative Genomic Hybridization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 16:96-103. [PMID: 17525679 DOI: 10.1097/pdm.0b013e31803190f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Much information has been reported on the genetic and genomic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC) in literature; however, nonrandom chromosomal alterations in Chinese CRC patients have only one report in Hong Kong. To further identify genomic alteration in primary sporadic colorectal carcinomas (SCRC) in Chinese patients and understand the molecular mechanisms in CRC development, progress, and metastasis, we used comparative genomic hybridization to screen for losses and/or gains of DNA copies along chromosomes in 24 SCRC tissues from 24 patients. Comparative genomic hybridization was applied to investigate the genomic imbalance in 24 cases of primary SCRC and compared the differences between tumors in different loci and between tumors with and without metastasis. The common chromosomal alterations in the SCRC included gains of chromosomes 1q, 2q, 4q, 7q, 8q, 11q, 13q, 20q and also losses of chromosomes 9p, 16q, 17p, 18q. Among them, gains of 1q, 7q, 20q and losses of 17p, 18q were related with lymph node metastasis of SCRC (P<0.05). The gains of 4q, 7q, 20q and losses of 9p, 18q were related with the sites (P<0.05), colon and rectum, respectively; gain of 20q and loss of 9p were commonly found in the colon cancer; gain of 4q, 7q and loss of 18q were easily seen in the rectal cancer. There are multiple regions of chromosomes with copy-number changes in SCRC. The tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes on these regions may be involved in the development and progress of SCRC. The chromosome 1q, 2q, 4q, 7q, 8q, 11q, 13q, 20q regions may have oncogenes such as epidermal growth factor, MET, platelet-derived growth factor receptor A, and 9p, 16q, 17p, 18q regions may have tumor suppressor genes such as p53,DCC, IGFR1 associated with occurrence of SCRC. The chromosome 1q, 7q, 20q, 17p, 18q regions may have genes related with metastasis of SCRC. The development mechanisms of colon cancer and rectal cancer may not be completely similar. Additionally, gain of chromosome 1q was verified by the second technique-Real-time reverse transcription PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Ying Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Konnai S, Imamura S, Nakajima C, Witola WH, Yamada S, Simuunza M, Nambota A, Yasuda J, Ohashi K, Onuma M. Acquisition and transmission of Theileria parva by vector tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Acta Trop 2006; 99:34-41. [PMID: 16899209 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2005] [Revised: 06/19/2006] [Accepted: 06/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the transmission dynamics of Theileria parva (T. parva) by the brown ear tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (R. appendiculatus), under experimental conditions, detection of T. parva in ticks and cattle was performed by a quantitative real-time PCR assay. A calf inoculated with a T. parva mixture became PCR-positive for T. parva infection on day 8 post-inoculation, and subsequently, nymphal ticks were introduced and maintained to feed on the infected calf for 6 days. Engorged nymphs were collected daily and allowed to molt into adults, and overall, 70.8% (121/171) of the adult ticks acquired the T. parva infection. Furthermore, the T. parva infection rate in ticks under field conditions was monitored by real-time PCR in R. appendiculatus ticks collected from a traditionally managed pastoral land of Zambia, on which Sanga breed cattle are traditionally reared and the area has endemic East Coast fever (ECF). A total of 70 cattle were randomly selected in the same area and 67 (95.7%) were found to be serologically positive for R. appendiculatus tick antigen (RIM36). Twenty-nine (43.3%) of the 67 serologically positive cattle were real-time PCR-positive for T. parva, although no piroplasms could be detected in the blood smears. Unexpectedly, out of 614 R. appendiculatus nymphal and adult ticks collected by flagging vegetation, 4.1% were positive for T. parva DNA. However, since the rate of transmission of T. parva from infected cattle to ticks and vice versa and the serological evidence of exposure to R. appendiculatus ticks in naturally exposed cattle were relatively high, it would be wise in such a case to consider vector control as well as vaccination against ECF as control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.
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18
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Desloire S, Valiente Moro C, Chauve C, Zenner L. Comparison of four methods of extracting DNA from D. gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae). Vet Res 2006; 37:725-32. [PMID: 16820136 DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2006031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Accepted: 03/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermanyssus gallinae is one of the most serious ectoparasites of poultry and it has been implicated as a vector of several major pathogenic diseases. Molecular detection of such pathogens in mites is crucial and therefore, an important step is the extraction of their DNA from mites. So, we compared four DNA extraction protocols from engorged and unfed individual mites: a conventional method using a Cethyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide buffer (CTAB), a Chelex resin, a Qiamp DNA extraction kit and a more recent one filter-based technology (FTA). The DNA samples have been tested for their ability to be amplified by an amplification of a D. gallinae 16S rRNA gene region. The best results were obtained using CTAB and Qiagen methods at the same time with unfed and engorged mites (96% and 100% of amplified samples). FTA produced similar results when using unfed mites but not when processing engorged ones (96% and 70%). Finally, the Chelex method was the least efficient in terms of DNA amplification, especially when applied on engorged individuals (50%). The possible inhibitor role of these Chelex extracted DNA was demonstrated by the means of a PCR control on PUC plasmid. No difference was observed with CTAB, Qiamp DNA extraction kit or FTA methods using DNA extracted one year before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Desloire
- Unité Mixte de Recherche PEV ENVL/INRA 958, Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
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19
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Mtambo J, Van Bortel W, Madder M, Roelants P, Backeljau T. Comparison of preservation methods of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Acari: Ixodidae) for reliable DNA amplification by PCR. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2006; 38:189-99. [PMID: 16596352 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-006-0004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Five differently preserved groups of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus specimens were compared for quality of DNA extracted. Three methods were used to extract DNA from specimens i.e. two simple mosquito validated DNA extraction methods and a tick validated method. Extraction of DNA from tick legs was attempted. The quality of DNA extracted was evaluated by the success of PCR amplification of the ITS2 gene and the mitochondrial COI gene fragment. Fresh specimens (i.e. killed just before extraction) had the highest success of DNA amplification followed by specimens killed in ethanol and subsequently stored in the refrigerator (4 degrees C). There was no significant difference in amplification success between cryopreserved and 70% ethanol preserved specimens. It was possible to amplify DNA from legs of ticks. Sequenced ITS2 amplicon of template obtained from legs of ticks was as legible as those from whole tick extract. The two mosquito validated DNA extraction methods showed a significantly lower amplification success than the tick validated protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jupiter Mtambo
- Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, P.O. Box 670050, Mazabuka, Zambia
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20
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Moriarity JR, Loftis AD, Dasch GA. High-throughput molecular testing of ticks using a liquid-handling robot. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2005; 42:1063-7. [PMID: 16465749 DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/42.6.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To meet the need for high-throughput sample testing, DNA extraction kits based on the 96-well plate format have been developed for use with blood and tissue samples. These methods have not been applied to DNA extractions from ticks. To meet this need, we developed a high-throughput method for DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of tick samples. A liquid-handling robot was used to extract DNA in a 96-well binding column plate with vacuum manifold. The quantity, purity, and quality of DNA recovered from Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821 nymphs with this method were reproducible and comparable with existing manual DNA extraction techniques. The DNA yield from pools of five nymphal ticks averaged 0.432 +/- 0.04 microg (95% CI). The robot also prepared real-time PCR reactions in 96-well plates, directly from the extracted DNA. A modification of the existing P20 tool resulted in accurate pipetting of 1- to 2-microl volumes with a reproducibility of +/- 0.038 microl when dispensing 1.0 microl. By using this process, 96 samples can be extracted and tested while reducing human labor to approximately 30 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Moriarity
- Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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