[Identification on host animals for plague by DNA barcoding technology in Shaanxi province]

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Context:

• Plague surveillance relies on accurate identification of host animals and potential reservoirs.
• Morphological identification of species can be challenging and prone to errors, especially in complex ecological settings.
• Shaanxi province harbors natural foci of plague, necessitating robust identification methods for disease control.

Purpose:

• To apply DNA barcoding for precise identification of host animals and residues in Shaanxi's natural plague foci.
• To construct a comprehensive DNA barcode database for host animals within these natural foci.
• To evaluate the efficacy of DNA barcoding in overcoming limitations of traditional morphological identification.

Summary:

• A study analyzed 139 host animals and 62 residues from Shaanxi using DNA barcoding targeting the COI gene.
• Intra-specific genetic distance was below 2%, while inter-specific distance ranged from 8.9% to 15.1%, enabling clear species delineation.
• DNA barcoding successfully identified the Alashan ground squirrel, correcting previous misidentifications and revealing distinct genetic clusters.

Impact:

• DNA barcoding provides a reliable method for identifying host animals and residues, surpassing morphological identification challenges.
• The established DNA barcode database enhances plague surveillance and epidemiological studies in natural foci.
• This technology supports accurate risk assessment and targeted interventions for plague prevention and control.