Application of DNA Barcoding and Use of Molecular Markers in the Identification of Fleas

Subject Areas :

saeid Mohammadi ¹ , Hica loteman ² , Nijel bent ³ , betin van woren ⁴

1 - Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
2 - Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
3 - Department of Zoology ,University of johansborg, South Africa
4 - Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Received: 2021-08-06 Accepted : 2021-09-16 Published : 2021-09-23

Keywords:

Abstract :

Introduction & Objective: Fleas are small insects of the order Siphonaptera, wingless and oval, their bodies are compressed on both sides. Their role in transmitting some pathogens and causing zoonotic diseases has been confirmed. Using molecular markers and genetic barcoding using one or more small pieces of DNA as a standardized part of the genome is a good classification method to identify species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of an endemic flea in South Africa using sequencing of part of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene using morphometric and molecular methods.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2017 in the Telperian/Ezemvelo Nature Reserve in South Africa. Sherman live traps were used to catch rodents. Fleas were removed from their hosts using forceps, and mice were released at their point ofcapture within the same day. Fleas were stored in 70% alcohol and transferred to the laboratory for morphological and molecular analysis.Results: The results of morphological analysis of the collected samples showed that there is no sexual dimorphism between males and females of this species except for the body length variable (P <0.05). The phylogenetic tree showed a slight difference in the study population. Despite minor differences, all specimens were placed in a clad.Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the COI sequences can be used to study the genealogical relationships of fleas.

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