Development of a diagnostic DNA probe to detect Setaria digitata: the causative parasite of cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats, sheep and horses.

This research paper is about the creation of a diagnostic DNA probe that can detect Setaria digitata, the parasite causing cerebrospinal nematodiasis in livestock like goats, sheep, and horses. The study entails the cloning and sequencing of two repetitive sequences from the parasite’s genome.

Study Design and Methodology

• The research involved cloning and sequencing two repetitive sequences, labelled IpSdM and IpSdS, from the genome of the Setaria digitata parasite. These sequences were then aligned for comparative study.

Findings

• IpsdM and IpsdS exhibit a high degree of homology (85%), indicating that they’re members of the same family of repeats. The IpsdM sequence is a complete repeating element, while the IpsdS sequence consists of a pair of partial repeating elements arranged in tandem.
• These elements are estimated to be present in about 10,000 copies, making up roughly 2.8% of the S. digitata genome.

Usage of Diagnostic Probe

• The IpsdM sequence is capable of detecting as little as 100 picograms of DNA from both Setaria digitata and Setaria labiato-papillosa, another parasite species.
• The probe can also detect a single microfilaria (the larval stage of the parasite) and an L3 larva, making it highly sensitive and useful in monitoring livestock and mosquito vector populations.

Implications

• This research has introduced a valuable tool in the management of cerebrospinal nematodiasis, a parasitic infection affecting various livestock species. The DNA probe created can be used for early detection of the disease, aiding in timely treatment and potentially preventing further spread of the infection.