Dissertation
Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infesting Australian wildlife
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00522
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infesting Australian wildlife
- Authors
- Tamieka A Fraser
- Contributors
- Adam Polkinghorne (Supervisor)Scott Carver (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00522
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451222902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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