Caught in a trap: DNA contamination in tsetse xenomonitoring can lead to over-estimates of Trypanosoma brucei infection.

Isabel SaldanhaRachel LeaOliver ManangwaGala GarrodLee R HainesÁlvaro Acosta-SerranoHarriet AutyMartha BetsonJennifer S LordLiam J MorrisonFuraha MrambaStephen J TorrLucas J Cunningham

Published in: PLoS neglected tropical diseases (2024)

Our results show that infected tsetse can contaminate naïve flies with T. brucei DNA when co-caged, and that the level of contamination can be extensive. Whilst simple PCR may overestimate infection prevalence, quantitative PCR offers a means of eliminating false positives.

Keyphrases

circulating tumor
risk assessment
cell free
drinking water
single molecule
health risk
risk factors
human health
high resolution
nucleic acid
real time pcr
heavy metals
climate change
mass spectrometry