Molecular techniques provide greater sensitivity and specificity to detect and characterize parasites and can describe their ecology and epidemiology more precisely than traditional diagnostic techniques. In the past, molecular approaches were limited to the detection and quantification of species by PCR or hybridization techniques; however, advances in sequencing technology now make it possible to compare individual parasites at the genome level, allowing questions to be answered with higher precision and insights into other facets of population biology such as evolution and transmission dynamics.
The breadth of applications of molecular techniques in parasitology is under-appreciated. Molecular techniques, in particular, individual gene and genome sequencing can provide deeper and more accurate insights into parasite biology and behavior, and contribute valuable information to help control parasitic diseases in vulnerable plant, animal and human populations. This article collection aims to highlight studies that apply molecular approaches to parasites at the population level illuminating new insights into parasite ecology and epidemiology.
We welcome the submissions of manuscripts focusing on the application of molecular (DNA & RNA) methods to detect, quantify and characterize parasites at the population level, including within and between hosts and different niches and environments, and at different spatial scales. We are particularly interested in articles that describe new molecular methods or novel applications of available molecular methods to address key gaps in knowledge in parasite ecology and epidemiology.
Molecular techniques provide greater sensitivity and specificity to detect and characterize parasites and can describe their ecology and epidemiology more precisely than traditional diagnostic techniques. In the past, molecular approaches were limited to the detection and quantification of species by PCR or hybridization techniques; however, advances in sequencing technology now make it possible to compare individual parasites at the genome level, allowing questions to be answered with higher precision and insights into other facets of population biology such as evolution and transmission dynamics.
The breadth of applications of molecular techniques in parasitology is under-appreciated. Molecular techniques, in particular, individual gene and genome sequencing can provide deeper and more accurate insights into parasite biology and behavior, and contribute valuable information to help control parasitic diseases in vulnerable plant, animal and human populations. This article collection aims to highlight studies that apply molecular approaches to parasites at the population level illuminating new insights into parasite ecology and epidemiology.
We welcome the submissions of manuscripts focusing on the application of molecular (DNA & RNA) methods to detect, quantify and characterize parasites at the population level, including within and between hosts and different niches and environments, and at different spatial scales. We are particularly interested in articles that describe new molecular methods or novel applications of available molecular methods to address key gaps in knowledge in parasite ecology and epidemiology.
