Simple, filter-based PCR detection of Thelohania solenopsae (Microspora) in fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
Thelohania solenopsae is a microsporidian parasite that may serve as a biological control agent for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. A rapid, filter-based PCR amplification method detecting a portion of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene was developed to facilitate field studies detecting the parasite in fire ants. Processing ant homogenates with a commercially available membrane-based system, FTA Classic Card technology, compared favorably with traditional DNA extraction and PCR amplification methods. As few as 100 spores were detected. The FTA membrane system is a simple, extraction-free method for detecting T. solenopsae in fire ants, and allows for easy archival storage of DNA samples.
Snowden
Karen F
KF
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4467, USA. ksnowden@cvm.tamu.edu
Logan
Kathleen S
KS
Vinson
S Bradleigh
SB
D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000469:parasitology*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D016814:Microsporidia / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D016054:DNA, Protozoan