Understanding vertebrate–vector interactions is vitally important for understanding the transmission dynamics of arthropod-vectored pathogens and depends on the ability to accurately identify the vertebrate source of blood-engorged arthropods in field collections using molecular methods. A decade ago, molecular techniques being applied to arthropod blood meal identification were thoroughly reviewed, but there have been significant advancements in the techniques and technologies available since that time. This review highlights the available diagnostic markers in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and discusses their benefits and shortcomings for use in molecular identification assays. Advances in real-time PCR, high resolution melting analysis, digital PCR, next generation sequencing, microsphere assays, mass spectrometry, and stable isotope analysis each offer novel approaches and advantages to bloodmeal analysis that have gained traction in the field. New, field-forward technologies and platforms have also come into use that offer promising solutions for point-of-care and remote field deployment for rapid bloodmeal source identification. Some of the lessons learned over the last decade, particularly in the fields of DNA barcoding and sequence analysis, are discussed. Though many advancements have been made, technical challenges remain concerning the prevention of sample degradation both by the arthropod before the sample has been obtained and during storage. This review provides a roadmap and guide for those considering modern techniques for arthropod bloodmeal identification and reviews how advances in molecular technology over the past decade have been applied in this unique biomedical context.

中文翻译：

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现代化节肢动物血粉鉴定工具包

了解脊椎动物与媒介之间的相互作用对于了解节肢动物媒介病原体的传播动态至关重要，并且依赖于使用分子方法在田间采集中准确识别脊椎动物血液中节肢动物的来源的能力。十年前，对用于节肢动物血粉鉴定的分子技术进行了全面回顾，但是自那时以来，可用的技术已经有了重大进展。这篇综述重点介绍了线粒体和核DNA中可用的诊断标记，并讨论了其在分子鉴定测定中的优点和缺点。实时PCR，高分辨率熔解分析，数字PCR，下一代测序，微球测定，质谱，稳定的同位素分析各自为血粉分析提供了新颖的方法和优势，在该领域获得了广泛的关注。新的现场转发技术和平台也已投入使用，它们为现场检查和远程现场部署提供了有希望的解决方案，以快速识别血粉来源。讨论了过去十年中获得的一些经验教训，特别是在DNA条形码和序列分析领域。尽管已经取得了许多进步，但是在节肢动物在获得样品之前和在存储期间如何防止样品降解仍然存在技术挑战。