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iDNA screening: Disease vectors as vertebrate samplers
Arthur Kocher1,2, Benoit de Thoisy3,4, François Catzeflis5
1CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENFA;, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique), Toulouse, France.
Molecular Ecology
|September 20, 2017
Summary
Hematophagous dipterans, like mosquitoes, can identify diverse vertebrate species through bloodmeal DNA analysis. This method reveals lower biodiversity in human-impacted areas, offering a novel tool for ecological monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Molecular Biology
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Global change and biodiversity loss necessitate advanced biodiversity assessment tools.
- Traditional vertebrate surveys are labor-intensive and require specialized skills.
- DNA from invertebrate parasites was previously proposed for vertebrate diversity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hematophagous dipterans as samplers for vertebrate fauna.
- To apply bloodmeal DNA analysis of dipterans for vertebrate community assessment.
- To investigate the relationship between human impact and vertebrate diversity using this novel method.
Main Methods:
- Collection of blood-fed sand flies and mosquitoes in Amazonian forest sites.
- High-throughput sequencing of short mitochondrial markers from collected bloodmeals.
- Identification of vertebrate DNA from dipteran bloodmeals to determine host species.
Main Results:
- Bloodmeal analysis successfully identified diverse vertebrates, including mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians.
- Distinct feeding behaviors and ecological niches were revealed among dipteran species.
- Sites with higher human-induced perturbation exhibited lower vertebrate diversity.
Conclusions:
- Dipteran bloodmeal analysis is a promising tool for studying vertebrate communities and disease vector ecology.
- This approach offers valuable insights into biodiversity patterns and the impact of human activities.
- Further research is needed to validate and scale this method for large-scale biodiversity monitoring and eco-epidemiology.
