A new real-time PCR protocol for detection of avian haemosporidians.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Birds possess the most diverse assemblage of haemosporidian parasites; including three genera, Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon. Currently there are over 200 morphologically identified avian haemosporidian species, although true species richness is unknown due to great genetic diversity and insufficient sampling in highly diverse regions. Studies aimed at surveying haemosporidian diversity involve collecting and screening samples from hundreds to thousands of individuals. Currently, screening relies on microscopy and/or single or nested standard PCR. Although effective, these methods are time and resource consuming, and in the case of microscopy require substantial expertise. Here we report a newly developed real-time PCR protocol designed to quickly and relia

SUBMITTER: Bell JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4506571 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature