Molecular characterisation of common Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Ireland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) act as vectors for several arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV), which affect livestock health and productivity. In Ireland, limited genetic data are available regarding the diversity of Culicoides species. This study represents the first attempt to characterise Culicoides in this region using molecular techniques.

Methods

Adult Culicoides samples were captured using Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) traps across six locations in Ireland. Subsequent molecular analyses involved polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and the internal transcriber spacer (ITS) barcoding regions to obtain species identities. In

SUBMITTER: Isiye E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12016113 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature