Genomic and genetic research on bursate nematodes: significance, implications and prospects

Molecular genetic research on parasitic nematodes (order Strongylida) is of major significance for many fundamental and applied areas of medical and v eterinary parasitology. The advent of gene technology has led to some progr ess for this group of nematodes, particularly in studying parasite systemat ics, drug resistance and population genetics, and in the development of dia gnostic assays and the characterisation of potential vaccine and drug targe ts. This paper gives an account of the molecular biology and genetics of st rongylid nematodes, mainly of veterinary socio-economic importance, indicat es the implications of such research and gives a perspective on genome rese arch for this important parasite group, in light of recent technological ad vances and knowledge of the genomes of other metazoan organisms. (C) 2000 A ustralian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.