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Hass JK, Henriquez MC, Churcher J, Hamou H, Morales SR, Melin AD. Assessing morphological preservation of gastrointestinal parasites from fecal samples of wild capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) stored in ethanol versus formalin. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3623. [PMID: 38351262 PMCID: PMC10864282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The copromicroscopic identification of gastrointestinal parasites is a common, cost-effective method vital to understanding host-parasite interactions. However, its efficacy depends on effective preservation of the samples. In this study, we compare the preservation of ethanol and formalin preserved gastrointestinal parasites collected from a wild population of Costa Rican capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator). Fecal samples were collected, halved, and stored in either 10% formalin or 96% ethanol at ambient temperature, then microscopically screened for the presence of parasites. Parasites were morphologically identified and rated based on their preservation using a newly developed rubric. We identified more parasitic morphotypes in formalin-preserved samples but found no difference in the number of parasites per fecal gram (PFG) between mediums. There was no difference in the PFG of two most prevalent parasite morphotypes, Filariopsis barretoi larvae and Strongyle-type eggs, and while Filariopsis larvae were better preserved in formalin, strongyle eggs showed no preservation difference between mediums. Our results support the suitability of both ethanol and formalin for morphological parasite identification in samples stored over 1 year, describe the morphological changes and challenges associated with parasite degradation, and highlight the potential for future studies to use both morphological and molecular methods in non-invasively collected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle K Hass
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Host Parasite Interactions Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Megan C Henriquez
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Host Parasite Interactions Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jessica Churcher
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hadjira Hamou
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Host Parasite Interactions Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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2
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Rosner A, Ballarin L, Barnay-Verdier S, Borisenko I, Drago L, Drobne D, Concetta Eliso M, Harbuzov Z, Grimaldi A, Guy-Haim T, Karahan A, Lynch I, Giulia Lionetto M, Martinez P, Mehennaoui K, Oruc Ozcan E, Pinsino A, Paz G, Rinkevich B, Spagnuolo A, Sugni M, Cambier S. A broad-taxa approach as an important concept in ecotoxicological studies and pollution monitoring. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:131-176. [PMID: 37698089 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic invertebrates play a pivotal role in (eco)toxicological assessments because they offer ethical, cost-effective and repeatable testing options. Additionally, their significance in the food chain and their ability to represent diverse aquatic ecosystems make them valuable subjects for (eco)toxicological studies. To ensure consistency and comparability across studies, international (eco)toxicology guidelines have been used to establish standardised methods and protocols for data collection, analysis and interpretation. However, the current standardised protocols primarily focus on a limited number of aquatic invertebrate species, mainly from Arthropoda, Mollusca and Annelida. These protocols are suitable for basic toxicity screening, effectively assessing the immediate and severe effects of toxic substances on organisms. For more comprehensive and ecologically relevant assessments, particularly those addressing long-term effects and ecosystem-wide impacts, we recommended the use of a broader diversity of species, since the present choice of taxa exacerbates the limited scope of basic ecotoxicological studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of (eco)toxicological studies, focusing on major aquatic invertebrate taxa and how they are used to assess the impact of chemicals in diverse aquatic environments. The present work supports the use of a broad-taxa approach in basic environmental assessments, as it better represents the natural populations inhabiting various ecosystems. Advances in omics and other biochemical and computational techniques make the broad-taxa approach more feasible, enabling mechanistic studies on non-model organisms. By combining these approaches with in vitro techniques together with the broad-taxa approach, researchers can gain insights into less-explored impacts of pollution, such as changes in population diversity, the development of tolerance and transgenerational inheritance of pollution responses, the impact on organism phenotypic plasticity, biological invasion outcomes, social behaviour changes, metabolome changes, regeneration phenomena, disease susceptibility and tissue pathologies. This review also emphasises the need for harmonised data-reporting standards and minimum annotation checklists to ensure that research results are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR), maximising the use and reusability of data. The ultimate goal is to encourage integrated and holistic problem-focused collaboration between diverse scientific disciplines, international standardisation organisations and decision-making bodies, with a focus on transdisciplinary knowledge co-production for the One-Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rosner
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Loriano Ballarin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, I-35121, Italy
| | - Stéphanie Barnay-Verdier
- Sorbonne Université; CNRS, INSERM, Université Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice, 28 avenue Valombrose, Nice, F-06107, France
| | - Ilya Borisenko
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Embryology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya embankment 7/9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Laura Drago
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, I-35121, Italy
| | - Damjana Drobne
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1111, Slovenia
| | - Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, 80121, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Zoya Harbuzov
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
- Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Koushy Ave., Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant, Varese, 3-21100, Italy
| | - Tamar Guy-Haim
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Arzu Karahan
- Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, Erdemli-Mersin, PO 28, 33731, Turkey
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Maria Giulia Lionetto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via prov. le Lecce -Monteroni, Lecce, I-73100, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina, 61, Palermo, I-90133, Italy
| | - Pedro Martinez
- Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| | - Kahina Mehennaoui
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, Belvaux, L-4422, Luxembourg
| | - Elif Oruc Ozcan
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, Cukurova University, Balcali, Saricam, Adana, 01330, Turkey
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146, Italy
| | - Guy Paz
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Sébastien Cambier
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, Belvaux, L-4422, Luxembourg
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3
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Nosková E, Sambucci KM, Petrželková KJ, Červená B, Modrý D, Pafčo B. Strongyloides in non-human primates: significance for public health control. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230006. [PMID: 38008123 PMCID: PMC10676817 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Primates are an important source of infectious disease in humans. Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide, with a global distribution and hotspots of infection in tropical and subtropical regions. Recently added to the list of neglected tropical diseases, global attention has been demanded in the drive for its control. Through a literature review of Strongyloides in humans and non-human primates (NHP), we analysed the most common identification methods and gaps in knowledge about this nematode genus. The rise of molecular-based methods for Strongyloides detection is evident in both humans and NHP and provides an opportunity to analyse all data available from primates. Dogs were also included as an important host species of Strongyloides and a potential bridge host between humans and NHP. This review highlights the lack of molecular data across all hosts-humans, NHP and dogs-with the latter highly underrepresented in the database. Despite the cosmopolitan nature of Strongyloides, there are still large gaps in our knowledge for certain species when considering transmission and pathogenicity. We suggest that a unified approach to Strongyloides detection be taken, with an optimized, repeatable molecular-based method to improve our understanding of this parasitic infection. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nosková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kelly M. Sambucci
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Červená
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Pafčo
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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David A, Deepa Arul Priya J, Gautam A. DNA Sequencing Technologies and DNA Barcoding. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2744:139-154. [PMID: 38683316 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3581-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
DNA barcodes are short, standardized DNA segments that geneticists can use to identify all living taxa. On the other hand, DNA barcoding identifies species by analyzing these specific regions against a DNA barcode reference library. In its initial years, DNA barcodes sequenced by Sanger's method were extensively used by taxonomists for the characterization and identification of species. But in recent years, DNA barcoding by next-generation sequencing (NGS) has found broader applications, such as quality control, biomonitoring of protected species, and biodiversity assessment. Technological advancements have also paved the way to metabarcoding, which has enabled massive parallel sequ.encing of complex bulk samples using high-throughput sequencing techniques. In future, DNA barcoding along with high-throughput techniques will show stupendous progress in taxonomic classification with reference to available sequence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha David
- Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, St Joseph's University, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Akash Gautam
- Centre for Neural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India.
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5
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Heena, Kumar N, Chaubey AK. Redescription and molecular characterization of Panagrellus ceylonensis (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Panagrolaimidae) from India. Zootaxa 2023; 5383:491-513. [PMID: 38221236 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5383.4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
A species of genus Panagrellus was discovered from a wet season form of an oriental common evening brown butterfly Melanitis leda. In this study, a detailed description of Panagrellus ceylonensis is provided including the morphometry, light microscopy and molecular (18S and 28S rDNA genes) studies. Morphological studies on the species agree with original description and characterized by having 12501481m long body in females and 9491305m in males, lateral fields with four longitudinal incisures, lip region continuous and 811 m wide, six offset lips with protruding labial sensilla, neck 124173 m long, excretory pore at the level of basal bulb, vulva post-equatorial (V = 6871), vagina anteriorly orientated with heavily muscled vaginal walls, post-vulval uterine sac 111135 m long or 1.72.6 times as long as the corresponding body diameter, tail conical elongate with an acute terminus in both sexes, spicule 7191 m long, ventrally curved having hooked manubrium and bifurcated lamina tip, lamina ventrally curved with dorsal deflexion at about 60% of spicule length, gubernaculum 2631 m long and well developed. Morphologically, the Indian population of P. ceylonensis does not show a significant difference from the type material of P. ceylonensis in the original description. For molecular studies of this species, the sequence of 18S rDNA is obtained for the first time. Phylogenetic trees based on 18S and 28S rDNA sequences are provided in this study. Additionally, bionomics and global distribution of the species of Panagrellus genus are also discussed. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive morphological characterisation and molecular marker sequences of 18S, and 28S genes that can be used to support future taxonomical research on this species and emphasizes the importance of combining molecular data with morphological data to describe the species accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena
- Nematology Laboratory; Department of Zoology; Chaudhary Charan Singh University; Meerut-250004; India.
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Zoology; SGTBS Govt. Degree College; Bilaspur; Rampur- 244921; India.
| | - Ashok Kumar Chaubey
- Nematology Laboratory; Department of Zoology; Chaudhary Charan Singh University; Meerut-250004; India.
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6
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Chan AHE, Thaenkham U. From past to present: opportunities and trends in the molecular detection and diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 37041645 PMCID: PMC10088203 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions and affects approximately 600 million people globally. The medical importance of strongyloidiasis lies in its capacity to remain asymptomatic and chronically unnoticed until the host is immunocompromised. Additionally, in severe strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome and larva dissemination to various organs can occur. Parasitological techniques such as Baermann-Moraes and agar plate culture to detect larvae in stool samples are the current gold standard. However, the sensitivity might be inadequate, especially with reduced worm burden. Complementing parasitological techniques, immunological techniques including immunoblot and immunosorbent assays are employed, with higher sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity to other parasites may occur, hampering the assay's specificity. Recently, advances in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology have provided the opportunity to detect parasite DNA in stool, blood, and environmental samples. Molecular techniques, known for their high sensitivity and specificity, have the potential to circumvent some of the challenges associated with chronicity and intermittent larval output for increased detection. Here, as S. stercoralis was recently included by the World Health Organization as another soil-transmitted helminth targeted for control from 2021 to 2030, we aimed to present a review of the current molecular techniques for detecting and diagnosing S. stercoralis in a bid to consolidate the molecular studies that have been performed. Upcoming molecular trends, especially next-generation sequencing technologies, are also discussed to increase the awareness of its potential for diagnosis and detection. Improved and novel detection methods can aid in making accurate and informed choices, especially in this era where infectious and non-infectious diseases are increasingly commonplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Prudnikow L, Pannicke B, Wünschiers R. A primer on pollen assignment by nanopore-based DNA sequencing. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1112929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The possibility to identify plants based on the taxonomic information coming from their pollen grains offers many applications within various biological disciplines. In the past and depending on the application or research in question, pollen origin was analyzed by microscopy, usually preceded by chemical treatment methods. This procedure for identification of pollen grains is both time-consuming and requires expert knowledge of morphological features. Additionally, these microscopically recognizable features usually have a low resolution at species-level. Since a few decades, DNA has been used for the identification of pollen taxa, as sequencing technologies evolved both in their handling and affordability. We discuss advantages and challenges of pollen DNA analyses compared to traditional methods. With readers with little experience in this field in mind, we present a hands-on primer for genetic pollen analysis by nanopore sequencing. As our lab mainly works with pollen collected within agroecological research projects, we focus on pollen collected by pollinating insects. We briefly consider sample collection, storage and processing in the laboratory as well as bioinformatic aspects. Currently, pollen metabarcoding is mostly conducted with next-generation sequencing methods that generate short sequence reads (<1 kb). Increasingly, however, pollen DNA analysis is carried out using the long-read generating (several kb), low-budget and mobile MinION nanopore sequencing platform by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Therefore, we are focusing on aspects for palynology with the MinION DNA sequencing device.
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Attia MM, Abdelsalam M, Elgendy MY, Sherif AH. Dactylogyrus extensus and Pseudomonas fluorescens dual infection in farmed common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Gomes-de-Sá S, Barradas P, Queirós-Reis L, Matas IM, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Muñoz-Mérida A, Mesquita JR. De Novo Assembly of the Dirofilaria immitis Genome by Long-Read Nanopore-Based Sequencing Technology on an Adult Worm from a Canine Cardiopulmonary Dirofilariosis Case. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111342. [PMID: 35681811 PMCID: PMC9179477 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic parasite that infects canids and other vertebrates. We expanded the use of long-read nanopore-based sequencing technology by performing genomic de novo assembly of a D. immitis specimen retrieved from a canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis case by using the ONT MinION platform. We also identified loci previously characterized as being associated to macrocyclic lactone resistance selection pressure. The identification of a resistant zoonotic parasite alerts for the overuse of macrocyclic lactone in the region. Abstract Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that infects domestic and wild canids, among its vertebrate hosts. The genetic analysis of D. immitis nowadays transcends the need for genetic taxonomy of nematodes, such as the study of resistance to macrocyclic lactone. We expanded the use of long-read nanopore-based sequencing technology on nematodes by performing genomic de novo assembly of a D. immitis specimen retrieved from a canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis case using the ONT MinION platform, followed by the study of macrocyclic lactone resistance. The assembled genome of D. immitis consists of 110 contigs with an N50 of 3687191. The genome size is 87899012 and contains a total of 9741 proteins; 6 ribosomal RNAs, with three belonging to the small subunit (18S) and three to the large subunit (28S); and 73 tRNAs. Subsequent analysis of six loci previously characterized as being associated to macrocyclic lactone resistance selection pressure showed that four have a genotype associated with either some loss of efficacy or the resistance phenotype. Considering the zoonotic potential of D. immitis, the identification of a resistant parasite alerts for the overuse of macrocyclic lactone in the region, which poses a potential risk to both veterinary and human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
| | - Patrícia Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Luís Queirós-Reis
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel M. Matas
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO/InBIO), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661 Porto, Portugal; (I.M.M.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4220-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Mérida
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO/InBIO), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661 Porto, Portugal; (I.M.M.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Rapid in situ identification of biological specimens via DNA amplicon sequencing using miniaturized laboratory equipment. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:1415-1443. [DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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11
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Vierstraete AR, Braeckman BP. Amplicon_sorter: A tool for reference‐free amplicon sorting based on sequence similarity and for building consensus sequences. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8603. [PMID: 35261737 PMCID: PMC8888255 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is a third‐generation sequencing technology that is gaining popularity in ecological research for its portable and low‐cost sequencing possibilities. Although the technology excels at long‐read sequencing, it can also be applied to sequence amplicons. The downside of ONT is the low quality of the raw reads. Hence, generating a high‐quality consensus sequence is still a challenge. We present Amplicon_sorter, a tool for reference‐free sorting of ONT sequenced amplicons based on their similarity in sequence and length and for building solid consensus sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy R. Vierstraete
- Laboratory of aging physiology and Molecular Evolution University of Gent Gent Belgium
| | - Bart P. Braeckman
- Laboratory of aging physiology and Molecular Evolution University of Gent Gent Belgium
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12
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Shift from morphological to recent advanced molecular approaches for the identification of nematodes. Genomics 2022; 114:110295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
AbstractObserving and quantifying primate behavior in the wild is challenging. Human presence affects primate behavior and habituation of new, especially terrestrial, individuals is a time-intensive process that carries with it ethical and health concerns, especially during the recent pandemic when primates are at even greater risk than usual. As a result, wildlife researchers, including primatologists, have increasingly turned to new technologies to answer questions and provide important data related to primate conservation. Tools and methods should be chosen carefully to maximize and improve the data that will be used to answer the research questions. We review here the role of four indirect methods—camera traps, acoustic monitoring, drones, and portable field labs—and improvements in machine learning that offer rapid, reliable means of combing through large datasets that these methods generate. We describe key applications and limitations of each tool in primate conservation, and where we anticipate primate conservation technology moving forward in the coming years.
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Srivathsan A, Lee L, Katoh K, Hartop E, Kutty SN, Wong J, Yeo D, Meier R. ONTbarcoder and MinION barcodes aid biodiversity discovery and identification by everyone, for everyone. BMC Biol 2021; 19:217. [PMID: 34587965 PMCID: PMC8479912 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA barcodes are a useful tool for discovering, understanding, and monitoring biodiversity which are critical tasks at a time of rapid biodiversity loss. However, widespread adoption of barcodes requires cost-effective and simple barcoding methods. We here present a workflow that satisfies these conditions. It was developed via "innovation through subtraction" and thus requires minimal lab equipment, can be learned within days, reduces the barcode sequencing cost to < 10 cents, and allows fast turnaround from specimen to sequence by using the portable MinION sequencer. RESULTS We describe how tagged amplicons can be obtained and sequenced with the real-time MinION sequencer in many settings (field stations, biodiversity labs, citizen science labs, schools). We also provide amplicon coverage recommendations that are based on several runs of the latest generation of MinION flow cells ("R10.3") which suggest that each run can generate barcodes for > 10,000 specimens. Next, we present a novel software, ONTbarcoder, which overcomes the bioinformatics challenges posed by MinION reads. The software is compatible with Windows 10, Macintosh, and Linux, has a graphical user interface (GUI), and can generate thousands of barcodes on a standard laptop within hours based on only two input files (FASTQ, demultiplexing file). We document that MinION barcodes are virtually identical to Sanger and Illumina barcodes for the same specimens (> 99.99%) and provide evidence that MinION flow cells and reads have improved rapidly since 2018. CONCLUSIONS We propose that barcoding with MinION is the way forward for government agencies, universities, museums, and schools because it combines low consumable and capital cost with scalability. Small projects can use the flow cell dongle ("Flongle") while large projects can rely on MinION flow cells that can be stopped and re-used after collecting sufficient data for a given project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Srivathsan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leshon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kazutaka Katoh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, AIST, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emily Hartop
- Zoology Department, Stockholms Universitet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Station Linné, Öland, Sweden
| | - Sujatha Narayanan Kutty
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johnathan Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Yeo
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rudolf Meier
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Honeycutt RL. Editorial: DNA Barcodes: Controversies, Mechanisms, and Future Applications. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.718865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Nanopore sequencing in non-human forensic genetics. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:465-473. [PMID: 34002773 PMCID: PMC8457772 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200287] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of non-human forensic genetics coinciding with the development of 2nd and 3rd generation DNA sequencing technologies. Nanopore sequencing is one such technology that offers massively parallel sequencing at a fraction of the capital cost of other sequencing platforms. The application of nanopore sequencing to species identification has already been widely demonstrated in biomonitoring studies and has significant potential for non-human forensic casework, particularly in the area of wildlife forensics. This review examines nanopore sequencing technology and assesses its potential applications, advantages and drawbacks for use in non-human forensics, alongside other next-generation sequencing platforms and as a possible replacement to Sanger sequencing. We assess the specific challenges of sequence error rate and the standardisation of consensus sequence production, before discussing recent progress in the validation of nanopore sequencing for use in forensic casework. We conclude that nanopore sequencing may be able to play a considerable role in the future of non-human forensic genetics, especially for applications to wildlife law enforcement within emerging forensic laboratories.
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17
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MinION technology for microbiome sequencing applications for the conservation of cultural heritage. Microbiol Res 2021; 247:126727. [PMID: 33652267 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The MinION single-molecule sequencing system has been attracting the attention of the community of microbiologists involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. The use of MinION for the conservation of cultural heritage is extremely recent, but surprisingly the only few applications available have been exploring many different substrates: stone, textiles, paintings and wax. The use of MinION sequencing is mainly used to address the metataxonomy (with special emphasis on non-cultivable microorganisms) with the effort to identify species involved in the degradation of the substrates. In this review, we show the current applications available on different artworks, showing how this technology can be a useful tool for microbiologists and conservators also in light of its low cost and the easy chemistry.
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Maestri S, Maturo MG, Cosentino E, Marcolungo L, Iadarola B, Fortunati E, Rossato M, Delledonne M. A Long-Read Sequencing Approach for Direct Haplotype Phasing in Clinical Settings. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9177. [PMID: 33271988 PMCID: PMC7731377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The reconstruction of individual haplotypes can facilitate the interpretation of disease risks; however, high costs and technical challenges still hinder their assessment in clinical settings. Second-generation sequencing is the gold standard for variant discovery but, due to the production of short reads covering small genomic regions, allows only indirect haplotyping based on statistical methods. In contrast, third-generation methods such as the nanopore sequencing platform developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) generate long reads that can be used for direct haplotyping, with fewer drawbacks. However, robust standards for variant phasing in ONT-based target resequencing efforts are not yet available. In this study, we presented a streamlined proof-of-concept workflow for variant calling and phasing based on ONT data in a clinically relevant 12-kb region of the APOE locus, a hotspot for variants and haplotypes associated with aging-related diseases and longevity. Starting with sequencing data from simple amplicons of the target locus, we demonstrated that ONT data allow for reliable single-nucleotide variant (SNV) calling and phasing from as little as 60 reads, although the recognition of indels is less efficient. Even so, we identified the best combination of ONT read sets (600) and software (BWA/Minimap2 and HapCUT2) that enables full haplotype reconstruction when both SNVs and indels have been identified previously using a highly-accurate sequencing platform. In conclusion, we established a rapid and inexpensive workflow for variant phasing based on ONT long reads. This allowed for the analysis of multiple samples in parallel and can easily be implemented in routine clinical practice, including diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marzia Rossato
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.M.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (L.M.); (B.I.); (E.F.); (M.D.)
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19
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Santin M. Use of Oxford Nanopore MinION to generate full-length sequences of the Blastocystis small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:595. [PMID: 33239096 PMCID: PMC7687777 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common enteric parasites of humans and animals worldwide. It is well recognized that this ubiquitous protist displays a remarkable degree of genetic diversity in the SSU rRNA gene, which is currently the main gene used for defining Blastocystis subtypes. Yet, full-length reference sequences of this gene are available for only 16 subtypes of Blastocystis in part because of the technical difficulties associated with obtaining these sequences from complex samples. Methods We have developed a method using Oxford Nanopore MinION long-read sequencing and universal eukaryotic primers to produce full-length (> 1800 bp) SSU rRNA gene sequences for Blastocystis. Seven Blastocystis specimens representing five subtypes (ST1, ST4, ST10, ST11, and ST14) obtained both from cultures and feces were used for validation. Results We demonstrate that this method can be used to produce highly accurate full-length sequences from both cultured and fecal DNA isolates. Full-length sequences were successfully obtained from all five subtypes including ST11 for which no full-length reference sequence currently exists and for an isolate that contained mixed ST10/ST14. Conclusions The suitability of the use of MinION long-read sequencing technology to successfully generate full-length Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene sequences was demonstrated. The ability to produce full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences is key in understanding the role of genetic diversity in important aspects of Blastocystis biology such as transmission, host specificity, and pathogenicity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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Chang JJM, Ip YCA, Ng CSL, Huang D. Takeaways from Mobile DNA Barcoding with BentoLab and MinION. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1121. [PMID: 32987804 PMCID: PMC7598690 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the release of the MinION sequencer in 2014, it has been applied to great effect in the remotest and harshest of environments, and even in space. One of the most common applications of MinION is for nanopore-based DNA barcoding in situ for species identification and discovery, yet the existing sample capability is limited (n ≤ 10). Here, we assembled a portable sequencing setup comprising the BentoLab and MinION and developed a workflow capable of processing 32 samples simultaneously. We demonstrated this enhanced capability out at sea, where we collected samples and barcoded them onboard a dive vessel moored off Sisters' Islands Marine Park, Singapore. In under 9 h, we generated 105 MinION barcodes, of which 19 belonged to fresh metazoans processed immediately after collection. Our setup is thus viable and would greatly fortify existing portable DNA barcoding capabilities. We also tested the performance of the newly released R10.3 nanopore flow cell for DNA barcoding, and showed that the barcodes generated were ~99.9% accurate when compared to Illumina references. A total of 80% of the R10.3 nanopore barcodes also had zero base ambiguities, compared to 50-60% for R9.4.1, suggesting an improved homopolymer resolution and making the use of R10.3 highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jin Marc Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (Y.C.A.I.); (C.S.L.N.)
| | - Yin Cheong Aden Ip
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (Y.C.A.I.); (C.S.L.N.)
| | - Chin Soon Lionel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (Y.C.A.I.); (C.S.L.N.)
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (Y.C.A.I.); (C.S.L.N.)
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
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21
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Baldi P, La Porta N. Molecular Approaches for Low-Cost Point-of-Care Pathogen Detection in Agriculture and Forestry. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:570862. [PMID: 33193502 PMCID: PMC7655913 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.570862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of plant diseases is a crucial factor to prevent or limit the spread of a rising infection that could cause significant economic loss. Detection test on plant diseases in the laboratory can be laborious, time consuming, expensive, and normally requires specific technical expertise. Moreover, in the developing countries, it is often difficult to find laboratories equipped for this kind of analysis. Therefore, in the past years, a high effort has been made for the development of fast, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective tests that can be successfully used in plant pathology directly in the field by low-specialized personnel using minimal equipment. Nucleic acid-based methods have proven to be a good choice for the development of detection tools in several fields, such as human/animal health, food safety, and water analysis, and their application in plant pathogen detection is becoming more and more common. In the present review, the more recent nucleic acid-based protocols for point-of-care (POC) plant pathogen detection and identification are described and analyzed. All these methods have a high potential for early detection of destructive diseases in agriculture and forestry, they should help make molecular detection for plant pathogens accessible to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. We do not suggest that on-site methods should replace lab testing completely, which remains crucial for more complex researches, such as identification and classification of new pathogens or the study of plant defense mechanisms. Instead, POC analysis can provide a useful, fast, and efficient preliminary on-site screening that is crucial in the struggle against plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Baldi
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Baldi,
| | - Nicola La Porta
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
- The EFI Project Centre on Mountain Forests (MOUNTFOR), San Michele a/Adige, Trento, Italy
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