title: Importance and pitfalls of molecular analysis to parasite epidemiology.
abstract: Molecular tools are increasingly being used to address questions about parasite epidemiology. Parasites represent a diverse group and they might not fit traditional population genetic models. Testing hypotheses depends equally on correct sampling, appropriate tool and/or marker choice, appropriate analysis and careful interpretation. All methods of analysis make assumptions which, if violated, make the results invalid. Some guidelines to avoid common pitfalls are offered here.
authors.affiliation: Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute, Division of Health Science, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia. c.constantine@murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: Clare C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Constantine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005828:Genetics, Population; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010271:Parasites / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D010802:Phylogeny
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers