ISOLATION OF NEW MARKERS TO DETECT GENETIC-VARIATION IN ONCHOCERCA-VOLVULUS

Newly developed techniques (RADP : Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA an d microsatellite DNA sequences) were used to study genetic variation i n Onchocerca volvulus. RAPD technique, derived from the Polymerase Cha in Reaction (PCR), allow clear distinction between the different speci es of the genus Onchocerca. Microsatellite DNA has been shown to be us eful as polymorphic markers for populations and even for individuals. Short repeated sequences (CA repeats) have been isolated, and a PCR as say using such microsatellite DNA sequences to generate polymorphisms is currently being experimented.