Major prospects for exploring canine vector borne diseases and novel intervention methods using 'omic technologies
1 Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
2 Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute for Cell & Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
3 Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, Str. prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
Parasites & Vectors 2011, 4:53 doi:10.1186/1756-3305-4-53Published: 13 April 2011
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are of major socioeconomic importance worldwide. Although many studies have provided insights into CVBDs, there has been limited exploration of fundamental molecular aspects of most pathogens, their vectors, pathogen-host relationships and disease and drug resistance using advanced, 'omic technologies. The aim of the present article is to take a prospective view of the impact that next-generation, 'omics technologies could have, with an emphasis on describing the principles of transcriptomic/genomic sequencing as well as bioinformatic technologies and their implications in both fundamental and applied areas of CVBD research. Tackling key biological questions employing these technologies will provide a 'systems biology' context and could lead to radically new intervention and management strategies against CVBDs.