Molecular Tools Used in Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Authors: Nayduch, Dana; Olafson, Pia; TROUT-FRYXELL, REBECCA - UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Submitted to: Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2018
Publication Date: 1/1/2019
Citation: Nayduch, D., Olafson, P.U., Trout-Fryxell, R. 2019. Molecular Tools Used in Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814043-7.00028-5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814043-7.00028-5

Interpretive Summary: Researchers are increasingly applying molecular tools to conventional medical and veterinary entomology research areas to understand the behavior, ecology, physiology, reproduction, development and evolution of important arthropods, including insects and ticks that transmit disease. Many of these techniques have been adapted for use in applied research as well. Molecular tools are used by scientists to rapidly and easily detect of pathogens both in arthropod vectors and their hosts. Likewise, molecular biological methods, like RNAi and genetically-modified organisms, are used for controlling and mitigating vectors and vector-borne disease. This chapter provides an introduction to the molecular techniques most commonly used in medical and veterinary entomological research at the time of publication, including examples of current applications and a list of references as illustrative studies.

Technical Abstract: Researchers are increasingly applying molecular tools to conventional medical and veterinary entomology research areas such as phylogenetics, vector competence and vector-host-pathogen interactions, pesticide resistance, behavior, ecology, physiology, reproduction, and development. Many of these techniques have been adapted for use in applied research, including rapid and simple detection of vector-borne pathogens both in arthropods and their hosts and methods for controlling and mitigating vectors and vector-borne disease. This chapter provides an introduction to the molecular techniques most commonly used in medical and veterinary entomological research at the time of publication, including examples of current applications and a list of references as illustrative studies.