Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infesting Australian wildlife

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Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infesting Australian wildlife

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Title: Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infesting Australian wildlife
Author/Creator: Fraser, Tamieka A
Supervisor: Polkinghorne, Adam | Carver, Scott
Description: Parasitic infestations have always been a noteworthy topic for human and animal health globally, with many considered a result of spill-over and zoonosis. One such parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei, is known to infest over 300 million humans per year and has been documented in over 104 mammals. It has recently been classified as a neglected tropical disease and is among the top 50 most prevalent human diseases. With uncertainty over (i) the global epidemiology of S. scabiei and (ii) the reliability of current diagnostics methods, much still needs to be understood if stakeholders are to successfully develop strategies to control this parasite.
The overall objective of this thesis was to study the molecular epidemiology and genetic typing of S. scabiei infesting Australian animals and assess the diagnostic methods for sarcoptic mange. At the global scale, numerous genetic studies have attempted to reveal how the host species and host geographic location influence S. scabiei phylogenetics. By performing an analysis of the global literature (Chapter 2), I was able to reveal that there were inconsistencies in gene loci and phylogenetic conclusions used in these previous studies. Furthermore, by executing a contemporary analytical approach employing molecular markers on existing S. scabiei sequences, it was apparent that (i) new S. scabiei samples, (ii) appropriate gene loci targets, and (iii) advanced phylogenetic approaches are necessary to more confidently comprehend the origins of mange in Australia.
Description: Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Tasmania, 2018.
Year: 2018
Subject: FoR 0603 (Evolutionary Biology) | FoR 0605 (Microbiology) | Sarcoptes scabiei | diagnositics | molecular epidemiology | Australian marsupials | spillover

Collection(s): University of the Sunshine Coast Theses
Resource Type: Thesis (PhD)

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