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Cloning of a repetitive DNA from the rickettsia-like organisms of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

S. C. Welburn  and
W. C. Gibson
S. C. Welburn
Affiliation:
Tsetse Research Laboratory, ODA/University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU
W. C. Gibson
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU
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Summary

Three DNA fragments from the genome of the rickettsia-like organism (RLO) symbiotic in tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) have been cloned. One of these fragments represents a family of highly conserved repeats, which occurs in RLO from all species of tsetse examined and has been amplified in the original RLO culture from which the DNA is cloned. This fragment serves as a highly sensitive and specific probe for the detection of RLO in tsetse midguts. As few as 30 organisms were unequivocally identified by dot blot hybridization of homogenized midgut preparations. Since the presence of RLO within tsetse midguts is associated with susceptibility to trypanosome infection, this technique provides a rapid and reliable method of assessing the potential susceptibility of a tsetse population to Trypanosoma brucei s.l. and T. congolense infections.

Keywords

DNA proberickettsiatsetsetrypanosomewolbachia
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 98 , Issue 1 , February 1989 , pp. 81 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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