Detection and characterisation of parasites causing emerging zoonoses (Review)

Morgan, U.M. (2000) Detection and characterisation of parasites causing emerging zoonoses (Review). International Journal for Parasitology, 30 (12-13). pp. 1407-1421.

Abstract

Understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections is dependent upon the availability of accurate and sensitive diagnostic techniques. The development of molecular diagnostic methods, particularly those utilising PCR for the detection of zoonoses will contribute greatly to the identification and control of these pathogens, by increasing the speed of diagnosis, specificity and sensitivity, reproducibility and ease of interpretation. Molecular characterisation studies allow us to distinguish between closely related infectious agents and to document the patterns of transmission of 'strains' and species within populations. This will allow precise determinations to be made about the aetiological agent, its characteristics and the source of infection. This review focuses on recent detection and characterisation techniques for both emerging and re-emerging parasite zoonoses.