Thermal cycler for molecular parasitological studies

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There is a lack of knowledge regarding the evolutionary ecology of vector-borne diseases, that is, the ecological and historical interactions, and changes in the population genetic structure of the vectors, and of the pathogens they contain. Ticks are the most important vectors of human infectious diseases in North America, and are responsible for transmitting pathogenic agents to domestic animals and wildlife. Expansion of the distributional ranges of these vectors in Canada poses an increased threat to human and animal health. At least 30 tick species occur in Canada, yet for most species, we know very little of their bacterial communities, which includes non-parasitic species (endosymbionts). Over the next few years, my students and I will continue to use modern molecular techniques to conduct innovative and exciting research projects on the population genetic structure of ticks and bacteria. However, a vital piece of equipment (a thermal cycler) needed to perform PCR and PCR-based analyses needs to be replaced due to a major electrical fault. Obtaining funds for a replacement thermal cycler will permit us to examine the spatial and temporal changes in the genetic structure of tick populations and of different bacterial strains, and to explore the geographical distribution of the different genotypes/strains of organism (i.e. their phylogeographic patterns). Detailed knowledge of the population genetics, and of the coevolutionary and cophylogeographic relationships of ticks their associated bacteria, permits an understanding of anomalies in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, that might otherwise go unexplained. Our findings will provide key insights into the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the population genetic structure of parasites and bacteria, and provide critical information on the population dynamics of vector-borne diseases. These findings will therefore be highly informative for Government organizations (e.g. PHAC & CFIA) that create policies and instigate management strategies aimed at the control of vector-borne diseases. Thus, our work is of significant public health and socio-economic importance to Canadians.