Host DNA integrity within blood meals of hematophagous larval gnathiid isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Juvenile gnathiid isopods are common ectoparasites of marine fishes. Each of the three juvenile stages briefly attach to a host to obtain a blood meal but spend most of their time living in the substrate, thus making it difficult to determine patterns of host exploitation. Sequencing of host blood meals from wild-caught specimens is a promising tool to determine host identity. Although established protocols for this approach exist, certain challenges must be overcome when samples are subjected to typical field conditions that may contribute to DNA degradation. The goal of this study was to address a key methodological issue associated with molecular-based host identification from free-living, blood-engorged gnathiid isopods-the degradation of host DNA within blood meals.

SUBMITTER: Hendrick GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6591976 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature