title: Detection of two  morphologically cryptic species from the cursor complex (Akodon spp;  Rodentia, Cricetidae) through the use of RAPD markers.
abstract: The cursor complex is a group within the Akodon genus of South American rodents,  formed by Akodon cursor and A. montensis. Correct distinction  between these two species is of great importance since they can harbor  different Hantavirus strains. These species are only distinguishable by means  of karyotypic or internal anatomic features, requiring dissection; recently,  some other genetic methods have become available. We developed RAPD markers  capable of distinguishing between A. cursor and A. montensis.  Samples included 42 individuals of A. cursor from four localities and 16  individuals of A. montensis from two localities. Fifty-five bands, 41 of  which were polymorphic, were analyzed. A principal component analysis showed  that this set of markers could successfully distinguish between the two  species, mainly based on three RAPD bands. The number of bands in each  population was compared within a 95% confidence interval as a measure of  intraspecific variability. The A. cursor populations were found to have  marked genetic structure across the study area (AMOVA; F(ST )=  0.21), which in part might be because of the relatively limited dispersal  capabilities of this species. Species-specific bands, with potential for  species identification, were identified.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. dna@ufmg.br
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Yazbeck
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Brandão
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Paglia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D001938:Brazil; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006476:Orthohantavirus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D018778:Hantavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D010802:Phylogeny; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique / Q000379:methods*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers