Using Gene Sequencing to Investigate the Phylogenetic Relationships Between Intradermal Mites in Anurans in Central Texas
Date
2020-12
Authors
Argueta, Monica
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Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have serious impacts on global amphibian populations and contribute to their decline worldwide. In Texas, mite larvae (commonly known as chiggers), have been found to parasitize amphibians, increasing their susceptibility to diseases such as chytridiomycosis and <i>ranavirus</i>. Previous studies have identified many of these pathogens using molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing; however, there is limited genetic information about the genera of endoparasites affecting anuran populations. This research focuses on investigating the genetic diversity of intradermal mites affecting amphibians in Texas using DNA sequencing. Mites were collected from various species of frogs and their DNA was sequenced to determine their phylogeny using existing data of genetic markers for acarids. The results obtained expand the knowledge available of the species of intradermal mites present in the state and can be compared to other species in North and South America.
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Keywords
amphibia, Hannemania, chiggers, parasite, Honors College
Citation
Argueta, M. A. (2020). Using gene sequencing to investigate the phylogenetic relationships between intradermal mites in anurans in Central Texas (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.