Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Next-generation molecular-diagnostic tools for gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock, with an emphasis on small ruminants: a turning point?
- Journal:
- Advances in parasitology
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Roeber, Florian et al.
- Affiliation:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science · Australia
Plain-English summary
Parasitic worms in livestock can cause serious health issues and economic losses. While there have been some improvements in treatments and vaccines, finding reliable ways to diagnose these infections has been challenging. Traditional methods often miss infections or give unclear results. This research highlights new techniques, especially a robotic system that uses a method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quickly and accurately identify these worms. This advancement could greatly help in managing and controlling these infections in livestock.
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes of livestock have major economic impact worldwide. Despite the diseases caused by these nematodes, some advances towards the development of new therapeutic agents and attempts to develop effective vaccines against some of them, there has been limited progress in the development of practical diagnostic methods. The specific and sensitive diagnosis of parasitic nematode infections of livestock underpins effective disease control, which is now particularly important given the problems associated with anthelmintic resistance in parasite populations. Traditional diagnostic methods have major limitations, in terms of sensitivity and specificity. This chapter provides an account of the significance of parasitic nematodes (order Strongylida), reviews conventional diagnostic techniques that are presently used routinely and describes advances in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for the specific diagnosis of nematode infections. A particular emphasis is placed on the recent development of a robotic PCR-based platform for high-throughput diagnosis, and its significance and implications for epidemiological investigations and for use in control programmes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23876874/