Molecular characterization of Sarcocystissingaporensis in the Philippines: a prospective biological control agent of invasive rodent pest Rattustanezumi

Issue Date

10-2015

Abstract

Sarcocystissingaporensis is a protozoan parasite used as biological rodent control agent. It is not yet well explored in the Philippines unlike in Thailand where it is already farmed, produced, and marketed. This study determined the presence of S. singaporensis in the country and identified the most virulent isolate based on its evolutionary adaptation with its intermediate host. Additionally, it speculates on the evolutionary history of S. singaporensis in the Philippines by molecular characterization based on DNA fingerprinting. Polymerase Chain Reaction using specific primers for sarcocysts amplified the target DNA in gel electrophoresis. Three out of 11 samples showed positive banding patterns and were subjected to DNA sequencing. Results were compared using BLAST N with the known isolates of S. singaporensis from GenBank database. There were 87% to 97% similarities that confirmed the identities of the isolates from the Philippines. All DNA sequences, including selected sequences from Genbank, were aligned and a phylogenetic tree was developed using MEGA 6.0. The phylogenetic tree further revealed that two isolates belong to Malaysian clade while one belongs to Thailand clade. These results will facilitate significantly the development of a biological control instrument that is specific for the Philippine field rodent pests.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

29

Issue

2

Page

219

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

RODENT CONTROL; PEST CONTROL; SARCOCYSTIS; PROTOZOA; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; PCR; PHILIPPINES

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