MiDOG Introduces Breakthrough Parasite Genomes to Improve Animal Health and Veterinary Diagnostics

Transforming Veterinary Medicine: MiDOG's Parasite Genomes

In a groundbreaking initiative, MiDOG Animal Diagnostics has launched its first set of reference genomes for parasites affecting companion animals and wildlife. These genomes are now publicly accessible via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), marking a significant advancement in veterinary genomics. This achievement marks an expansion of MiDOG's innovative DNA-based diagnostic capabilities, enhancing the understanding of a critical area—animal health parasites.

Eukaryotic parasites can impact a diverse range of animals, leading to severe health issues, including intestinal and neurological disorders. Mark Yacoub, PhD, a Microbiome Scientist at MiDOG, notes that more than 20% of dogs and cats in the United States are affected by intestinal parasites, which often result in recurrent illnesses. Additionally, these parasites pose zoonotic risks, with over 200 species able to infect humans, a concern as pets become integral family members. Traditionally, identification of these pathogens relied on visual morphology or limited PCR diagnostic methods, leaving a significant gap in genomic resources needed for accurate detection and effective treatment. Compounding this issue, widespread anthelmintic drug administration has resulted in increased drug resistance among these parasites.

The newly released genomes from MiDOG address these challenges directly, providing essential resources for diagnosing parasites, identifying antibiotic resistance, minimizing diagnostic errors, and guiding veterinarians in selecting appropriate treatment strategies. Dr. Janina Krumbeck, CEO of MiDOG, emphasizes, "Our mission is to transform veterinary diagnostics by empowering clinicians with the insights and tools necessary to treat their patients effectively and ultimately save animal lives."

To date, MiDOG has substantially contributed to the availability of high-quality parasite genomes. Remarkably, it accounts for 50% of thorny-headed worm genomes and 12% of flatworm genomes currently accessed on NCBI. Such resources are vital for veterinarians tackling real-world cases, which range from rare parasite infections in endangered species to common conditions affecting family pets. Noteworthy case studies include the genomic detection of Cryptosporidium serpentis in endangered snake populations and Tritrichomonas foetus in household dogs, illustrating the significance of accurate diagnostic tools in protecting animal health.

Moreover, these genomic insights extend their influence beyond veterinary circles; they play a pivotal role in public health by tracing emerging and tropical parasites in non-endemic regions, including the U.S. This effort aligns with One Health initiatives, which aim to understand the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health by linking genetic information of parasites with their hosts, vectors, geographical distributions, and associated pathogens.

Throughout the previous years, MiDOG has collaborated with the Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology (HWML) based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Known globally for its extensive parasite collections, HWML has been gathering specimens since 1986 through nation-wide research efforts. By merging MiDOG's sequencing prowess with HWML's extensive archives, this partnership has created a robust foundation for the genomic databases that enhance both scientific knowledge and diagnostic capabilities, as highlighted by Dr. Scott Gardner at HWML.

Adding new genomes to the collection has already produced several novel entries hosted on NCBI, ensuring that vital resources remain accessible to researchers committed to advancing the field. MiDOG currently invites submissions of additional parasites relevant to veterinary needs for comprehensive whole genome sequencing, thereby continuously expanding its database for improving animal health.

About MiDOG Animal Diagnostics

MiDOG stands at the forefront of veterinary disease diagnostics, utilizing advanced DNA testing methods for precise identification of infectious agents, including microbial and parasitic pathogens. By integrating various diagnostic approaches, MiDOG facilitates the exploration of eukaryotic parasites within the broader microbiome, uncovering intricate interactions among different microbial species while monitoring treatment outcomes across the entire microbiome ecosystem. This innovation allows for clinically actionable results within hours, significantly enhancing the quality of veterinary care. For further information about MiDOG’s cutting-edge diagnostic services, please visit www.midogtest.com.