Status and prospects of DNA barcoding in medically important parasites and vectors
Ondrejicka, D.A.; Locke, S.A.; Borisenko, A.V.; Hanner, R.H.; Morey, K. (2014). Status and prospects of DNA barcoding in medically important parasites and vectors. Trends Parasitol. 30(12): 582-591. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2014.09.003
In: Trends in Parasitology. Elsevier Trends Journals: Cambridge. ISSN 1471-4922; e-ISSN 1471-5007, more
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| Author keywords |
specimen identification, species delineation, pathogens, endoparasites and ectoparasites, vectors, neglected tropical disease |
| Authors | | Top |
- Ondrejicka, D.A.
- Locke, S.A.
- Borisenko, A.V.
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| Abstract |
For over 10 years, DNA barcoding has been used to identify specimens and discern species. Its potential benefits in parasitology were recognized early, but its utility and uptake remain unclear. Here we review studies using DNA barcoding in parasites and vectors affecting humans and find that the technique is accurate (accords with author identifications based on morphology or other markers) in 94–95% of cases, although aspects of DNA barcoding (vouchering, marker implicated) have often been misunderstood. In a newly compiled checklist of parasites, vectors, and hazards, barcodes are available for 43% of all 1403 species and for more than half of 429 species of greater medical importance. This is encouraging coverage that would improve with an active campaign targeting parasites and vectors. |
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