Isolation and characterization of seven microsatellite loci in Chioglossa lusitanica (Urodela: Salamandridae)

Seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for golden‐striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Bocage 1864), a salamandrid endemic to the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, from genomic libraries enriched for (GATA)₈ (GACA)₈ (ATG)₉ and (CA)₁₆. These loci were screened in 37–51 individuals from two populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from five to 19. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.241 to 1.0. The high level of polymorphism revealed by these loci will be extremely useful for the study of population structure and evolutionary history of this species.     

Novel strategies targeting pathogen transmission reduction in insect vectors: Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis control

Insect vectors are essential for the transmission of important human diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas and sleeping sickness. Insects are also responsible for the transmission of agricultural diseases that affect livestock and crops. Traditionally, control of the vector populations has been an effective disease management strategy. Recently, vector control strategies have been fortified by research in insect biology and in insect–pathogen interactions as well as by the development of transgenic technologies. In addition to insect population reduction methods, disease control via selective elimination of pathogens in insects can now be explored. Here we explore the tsetse vectors of African trypanosomes and describe the application of recent knowledge gained in their symbiotic, reproductive and vectorial biology to develop novel disease control strategies.