The interplay of molecular biology and veterinary parasitology: A need of the time. | [International Journal of Agriculture and Biology • 2005]

Author(s):

1. Abdul-Jabbar: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

2. Zafar Iqbal: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

3. Muhammad Nisar Khan: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

4. Rao Zahid Abbas: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

5. Ziaud Din Sandhu: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

6. Ghulam-Muhammad: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

7. Muhammad Lateef: Veterinary Research Institute, Ghazi Road, Lahore Cantt, Pakistan

Abstract:

The tools of molecular biology are increasingly relevant to veterinary parasitology. The techniques used with eukaryotic cells are generally applicable to the study of parasites and their hosts. The sequencing of the complete genomes of helminths and protozoa is allowing great advances in studying the biology, and improving-diagnosis and control of parasites. Unique DNA sequences provide very high levels of specificity for the diagnosis and identification of parasite species and strains, and PCR allows extremely high levels of sensitivity. The polymerase chain reaction is particularly important for identification and diagnosis of parasites, as well as for many other applications. The accumulation of more information on the DNA sequences of parasites will reveal many more unique sequences which can be used for identification, diagnosis, molecular epidemiology, vaccine development and for studying the evolutionary biology and the physiology of parasites and the host-parasite relationship. The study of the molecular biology of antiparasitic drug receptors, potential targets for chemotherapy, and the molecular genetics of drug resistance is allowing molecular screens to be used with combinatorial chemistry in the search for new antiparasitic drugs, improvements to existing chemotherapeutic families and better diagnosis and monitoring of drug resistance. Molecular biology and the benefits from its application are relevant for veterinary parasitologists in developing countries as well as developed countries and we should introduce aspects of molecular biology to the teaching and training of veterinary parasitologists.

Page(s): 845-852

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume: 7, Issue: 5, Year: 2005

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