How to make DNA count: DNA-based diagnostic tools in veterinary parasitology

Vet Parasitol. 2012 May 4;186(1-2):101-8. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.055. Epub 2011 Nov 20.

Abstract

Traditional methods for the diagnosis of parasitic helminth infections of livestock have a number of limitations, such as the inability to distinguish mixed-species infections, a heavy reliance on technical experience and also sub-sampling errors. Some of these limitations may be overcome through the development of rapid and accurate DNA-based tests. For example, DNA-based tests can specifically detect individual species in a mixed infection at either the larval or egg stages, in the absence of morphological differences among species. Even so, some diagnostic problems remain the same, irrespective of whether a DNA-based or traditional method is used. For example, sub-sampling errors from an aggregated distribution are likely to persist. It is proposed, however, that DNA-based diagnostic technologies offer an opportunity to expand diagnostic capabilities, and are discussed in the current review. The future introduction of DNA-based diagnostic technologies into routine diagnostic settings will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology
  • Coinfection / veterinary
  • DNA, Helminth / genetics*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Goat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Goat Diseases / parasitology
  • Goats
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / diagnosis*
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / parasitology
  • Helminths / genetics*
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth