Most human organs consist of solid tissues. Most human disorders occur in solid tissues. No two cells are equivalent in native solid tissues as single cells widely vary in their biochemistry, specialization, and location. Yet, the fundamental limitations of solid-tissue processing and analysis have made it challenging to access the richness of molecular information in single cells of animal and human solid tissues. We have eliminated a set of limitations of solid-tissue processing and analysis. In this thesis, I first describe a new method for sampling single cells in live solid tissues. This method preserves the molecules of all molecular classes and thus fulfills the precondition for multiplexing within and across molecular classes. I then describe new analytical methods and strategies for massively multiplex analysis within and across molecular classes in each sampled single cell. Standard curves, the basis of analytical methods, can be constructed in all measurements and signals can be mapped to the corresponding quantities. Proof of principle experiments are presented. These methods will enable the quantification of the molecular mechanism of each sampled single cell in solid tissues by analytically measuring tens of proteins, transcripts and/or metabolites at once. By performing these measurements in human solid-tissue biopsies, we will be able to define a new category of diagnostic tests, to personalize single-cell pharmacology and to rapidly identify mechanistic biomarkers and drug targets.

Surveillance of domestic poultry flocks for antibodies against avian influenza and Newcastle disease to detect and differentiate between these diseases is very important. The ability to determine if the detected influenza virus antibodies belong to one of the reportable H5 or H7 subtypes is imperative. These two major viruses are continually responsible for economic loss in poultry industries all over the world. Current serological methods of detection are an effective means of detecting antibody responses to these viruses, however continually investigating improved methods of surveillance is important. Development of a serological assay using Luminex technology which involves the use of recombinantly generated influenza A nucleoprotein, hemagglutinin H5, hemagglutinin H7, and Newcastle disease nucleocapsid proteins bound to Magplex beads allowed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies against these proteins that matches the efficiency of past methods while maintaining high levels of specificity and overall accuracy. Assay development took the form of two connected projects beginning with construction of an assay that operated in duplex, detecting antibodies against influenza nucleoprotein (AIV-NP) and Newcastle disease nucleocapsid protein (APMV-1-NC). Once optimized, the second half of development involved expansion of the assay to include detection of H5 (AIV-H5) and H7 (AIV-H7) subtypes, as well as the addition of internal assay quality controls to monitor assay performance over time. Assay thresholds and overall performance of both of these functional assays were evaluated using large quantities of field and experimental sera from chickens and turkeys to maximize specificity and overall accuracy.

No description available.

Os atuais sistemas de criação na avicultura, baseados na alta densidade populacional, aumentam os riscos de disseminação de enfermidades, especialmente das doenças respiratórias e daquelas cujos agentes etiológicos possuem mais de um hospedeiro. A Cólera Aviária (CA) possui estas características e geralmente apresenta-se de forma aguda e com altos índices de morbidade e de mortalidade. Apesar de representar uma das patologias aviárias que deve ser considerada para o diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades com notificação obrigatória que cursam com morte súbita, a patogenia e os fatores de virulência envolvidos na CA ainda estão pouco elucidados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar quinze genes associados à virulência em 25 amostras de Pasteurella multocida isoladas de casos de CA na região sul do Brasil através do desenvolvimento de protocolos de multiplex-PCR. Além disto, o presente estudo visou comparar a capacidade de tipificação capsular do método molecular com testes fenotípicos. Os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos foram capazes de detectar todos os genes propostos. Os genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC estiveram presentes em 100% das amostras (25/25). Os genes sodA e nanH em 96% (24/25), o gene ptfA em 92% (23/25) e o gene pfhA em 60% (15/25). Os genes toxA, bcbD, dcbF não foram identificados em nenhuma das amostras pesquisadas (0/25). A tipificação capsular através do teste molecular apresentou maior capacidade de detecção quando comparada aos testes fenotípicos, pois enquanto 36% (9/25) das amostras não foram identificadas pelo teste convencional, somente 8% (1/25) não foi tipificada através do multiplex-PCR. Foram obtidos seis diferentes perfis genéticos, sendo P1 (negativo para os genes toxA, dcbF e bcbD) o mais comum. Com este trabalho, concluiu-se que os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos tornam-se uma ferramenta bastante útil e rápida para a detecção simultânea dos genes de virulência. Apesar da alta frequência dos genes estudados e de todas as amostras pertencerem à mesma subespécie de P. multocida, foram observados seis perfis genéticos, os quais devem ser confirmados em um estudo com um maior número de amostras. / The current breeding systems in poultry, based on high population density, increases the risk of spread of pathologies, especially respiratory diseases and those whose etiologic agents have more than one host. Fowl Cholera (FC) has these features and generally is presented in an acute form and with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even though it represents one of the several avian diseases that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of notifiable diseases that course with sudden death, pathogenesis and virulence factors involved in the FC are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate fifteen genes related with virulence in 25 samples of Pasteurella multocida isolated from FC cases in the southern region of Brazil through the development of multiplex PCR protocols. In addition, this study evaluated the ability of capsular typing comparing the method molecular with phenotypic tests. The multiplex-PCR protocols developed were capable to detect all the proposed genes. The genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC, bcbD and dcbF were present in 100% of the samples (25/25). Gene sodA and nanH in 96% (24/25), ptfA in 92% (23/25) and pfhA in 60% (15/25). Gene toxA, bcbD and dcbF were not identified in any of the samples studied (0/25). The capsular typing by molecular test presented a higher detection capability when compared to phenotypic tests, because while 36% (9/25) of 25 of samples were not identified by conventional testing, only 8% (1/25) was not typified by multiplex–PCR. Six different genetic profiles were obtained and P1 (negative to genes toxA, dcbF and bcbD) was the most common. With this work, it was concluded that the multiplex-PCR protocols developed can be a useful tool for rapid and simultaneous detection of virulence genes. Despite the high frequency of the analyzed genes and that all samples belong to the same subspecies of P. multocida, six genetic profiles were observed, which should be confirmed in a study with a larger number of samples.

La dyslexie est le plus fréquent des troubles neurodéveloppementaux de l’enfant. A ce jour, 9 loci de susceptibilité ont été identifiés parmi lesquels DYX 9 en Xq27. Nous avons réalisé la première étude de liaison française suivie de l’analyse de gènes candidats sur l’ensemble du génome de 58 sujets issus de 12 familles multiplex pour la dyslexie, en utilisant un phénotype catégoriel. Des résultats significatifs sont apparus pour la région Xq27.3, au sein de DYX9. Le Lod score multipoint maximal obtenu était 3.884 entre rs12558359 et rs454992. Dans cette région, les séquences codantes de 7 gènes candidats ayant un rôle dans le développement cérébral (CXORF1, CXORF51, SLITRK2, FMR1, FMR2, ASFMR1, FMR1NB), ont été étudiées à la recherche de mutations. Nous avons également étudié les séquences 5’ non codantes des gènes FMR1 et FMR2. Aucune mutation n’a été retrouvée. Ces résultats de liaison de la région Xq27.3, au locus XFRA, dans une population française confirment la région DYX9 comme région d’intérêt dans la dyslexie de développement. / Dyslexia is a frequent neurodevelopmental learning disorder. To date, 9 susceptibility loci have been determined among which DYX9 located in Xq27. We performed the first French SNP linkage study followed by candidate gene investigation in dyslexia by studying 12 multiplex families (58 subjects) with at least two children affected, according to categorical restrictive criteria for phenotype definition. Significant results emerged on Xq27.3 within DYX9. The maximum multipoint LOD score reached 3,884 between rs12558359 and rs454992. Within this region, 7 candidate genes were investigated for mutations in exonic sequences (CXORF1, CXORF51, SLITRK2, FMR1, FMR2, ASFMR1, FMR1NB), all having a role during brain development. We further looked for 5’UTR trinucleotide repeats in FMR1 and FMR2 genes. No mutation or polymorphism co-segregating with dyslexia was found. This finding in French families with Dyslexia showed significant linkage on Xq27.3 enclosing FRAXA, and consequently confirmed the DYX9 region as a robust susceptibility locus. We reduced the previously described interval from 6.8 Mb (DXS1227- DXS8091) to 4Mb also disclosing a higher Lod score.

Os atuais sistemas de criação na avicultura, baseados na alta densidade populacional, aumentam os riscos de disseminação de enfermidades, especialmente das doenças respiratórias e daquelas cujos agentes etiológicos possuem mais de um hospedeiro. A Cólera Aviária (CA) possui estas características e geralmente apresenta-se de forma aguda e com altos índices de morbidade e de mortalidade. Apesar de representar uma das patologias aviárias que deve ser considerada para o diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades com notificação obrigatória que cursam com morte súbita, a patogenia e os fatores de virulência envolvidos na CA ainda estão pouco elucidados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar quinze genes associados à virulência em 25 amostras de Pasteurella multocida isoladas de casos de CA na região sul do Brasil através do desenvolvimento de protocolos de multiplex-PCR. Além disto, o presente estudo visou comparar a capacidade de tipificação capsular do método molecular com testes fenotípicos. Os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos foram capazes de detectar todos os genes propostos. Os genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC estiveram presentes em 100% das amostras (25/25). Os genes sodA e nanH em 96% (24/25), o gene ptfA em 92% (23/25) e o gene pfhA em 60% (15/25). Os genes toxA, bcbD, dcbF não foram identificados em nenhuma das amostras pesquisadas (0/25). A tipificação capsular através do teste molecular apresentou maior capacidade de detecção quando comparada aos testes fenotípicos, pois enquanto 36% (9/25) das amostras não foram identificadas pelo teste convencional, somente 8% (1/25) não foi tipificada através do multiplex-PCR. Foram obtidos seis diferentes perfis genéticos, sendo P1 (negativo para os genes toxA, dcbF e bcbD) o mais comum. Com este trabalho, concluiu-se que os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos tornam-se uma ferramenta bastante útil e rápida para a detecção simultânea dos genes de virulência. Apesar da alta frequência dos genes estudados e de todas as amostras pertencerem à mesma subespécie de P. multocida, foram observados seis perfis genéticos, os quais devem ser confirmados em um estudo com um maior número de amostras. / The current breeding systems in poultry, based on high population density, increases the risk of spread of pathologies, especially respiratory diseases and those whose etiologic agents have more than one host. Fowl Cholera (FC) has these features and generally is presented in an acute form and with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even though it represents one of the several avian diseases that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of notifiable diseases that course with sudden death, pathogenesis and virulence factors involved in the FC are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate fifteen genes related with virulence in 25 samples of Pasteurella multocida isolated from FC cases in the southern region of Brazil through the development of multiplex PCR protocols. In addition, this study evaluated the ability of capsular typing comparing the method molecular with phenotypic tests. The multiplex-PCR protocols developed were capable to detect all the proposed genes. The genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC, bcbD and dcbF were present in 100% of the samples (25/25). Gene sodA and nanH in 96% (24/25), ptfA in 92% (23/25) and pfhA in 60% (15/25). Gene toxA, bcbD and dcbF were not identified in any of the samples studied (0/25). The capsular typing by molecular test presented a higher detection capability when compared to phenotypic tests, because while 36% (9/25) of 25 of samples were not identified by conventional testing, only 8% (1/25) was not typified by multiplex–PCR. Six different genetic profiles were obtained and P1 (negative to genes toxA, dcbF and bcbD) was the most common. With this work, it was concluded that the multiplex-PCR protocols developed can be a useful tool for rapid and simultaneous detection of virulence genes. Despite the high frequency of the analyzed genes and that all samples belong to the same subspecies of P. multocida, six genetic profiles were observed, which should be confirmed in a study with a larger number of samples.

Os atuais sistemas de criação na avicultura, baseados na alta densidade populacional, aumentam os riscos de disseminação de enfermidades, especialmente das doenças respiratórias e daquelas cujos agentes etiológicos possuem mais de um hospedeiro. A Cólera Aviária (CA) possui estas características e geralmente apresenta-se de forma aguda e com altos índices de morbidade e de mortalidade. Apesar de representar uma das patologias aviárias que deve ser considerada para o diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades com notificação obrigatória que cursam com morte súbita, a patogenia e os fatores de virulência envolvidos na CA ainda estão pouco elucidados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar quinze genes associados à virulência em 25 amostras de Pasteurella multocida isoladas de casos de CA na região sul do Brasil através do desenvolvimento de protocolos de multiplex-PCR. Além disto, o presente estudo visou comparar a capacidade de tipificação capsular do método molecular com testes fenotípicos. Os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos foram capazes de detectar todos os genes propostos. Os genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC estiveram presentes em 100% das amostras (25/25). Os genes sodA e nanH em 96% (24/25), o gene ptfA em 92% (23/25) e o gene pfhA em 60% (15/25). Os genes toxA, bcbD, dcbF não foram identificados em nenhuma das amostras pesquisadas (0/25). A tipificação capsular através do teste molecular apresentou maior capacidade de detecção quando comparada aos testes fenotípicos, pois enquanto 36% (9/25) das amostras não foram identificadas pelo teste convencional, somente 8% (1/25) não foi tipificada através do multiplex-PCR. Foram obtidos seis diferentes perfis genéticos, sendo P1 (negativo para os genes toxA, dcbF e bcbD) o mais comum. Com este trabalho, concluiu-se que os protocolos de multiplex-PCR desenvolvidos tornam-se uma ferramenta bastante útil e rápida para a detecção simultânea dos genes de virulência. Apesar da alta frequência dos genes estudados e de todas as amostras pertencerem à mesma subespécie de P. multocida, foram observados seis perfis genéticos, os quais devem ser confirmados em um estudo com um maior número de amostras. / The current breeding systems in poultry, based on high population density, increases the risk of spread of pathologies, especially respiratory diseases and those whose etiologic agents have more than one host. Fowl Cholera (FC) has these features and generally is presented in an acute form and with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even though it represents one of the several avian diseases that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of notifiable diseases that course with sudden death, pathogenesis and virulence factors involved in the FC are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate fifteen genes related with virulence in 25 samples of Pasteurella multocida isolated from FC cases in the southern region of Brazil through the development of multiplex PCR protocols. In addition, this study evaluated the ability of capsular typing comparing the method molecular with phenotypic tests. The multiplex-PCR protocols developed were capable to detect all the proposed genes. The genes ompH, oma87, sodC, hgbA, hgbB, exBD-tonB, nanB, hyaD-hyaC, bcbD and dcbF were present in 100% of the samples (25/25). Gene sodA and nanH in 96% (24/25), ptfA in 92% (23/25) and pfhA in 60% (15/25). Gene toxA, bcbD and dcbF were not identified in any of the samples studied (0/25). The capsular typing by molecular test presented a higher detection capability when compared to phenotypic tests, because while 36% (9/25) of 25 of samples were not identified by conventional testing, only 8% (1/25) was not typified by multiplex–PCR. Six different genetic profiles were obtained and P1 (negative to genes toxA, dcbF and bcbD) was the most common. With this work, it was concluded that the multiplex-PCR protocols developed can be a useful tool for rapid and simultaneous detection of virulence genes. Despite the high frequency of the analyzed genes and that all samples belong to the same subspecies of P. multocida, six genetic profiles were observed, which should be confirmed in a study with a larger number of samples.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / South Africa

Masters of Science / Genetic analysis for resistance to Woolly Apple Aphid in apple rootstock breeding populations MC Selala MSc Thesis, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of the WesternCape. The Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA) Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausm.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is economically one of the most important pests in apple commercial production in the Western Cape province, South Africa. The apple cultivar Northern Spy possesses a single major gene (Er1) responsible for E. lanigerum resistance. This cultivar has been used as a commercial rootstock in apple breeding programmes. There are other genes also implicated in resistance to E. lanigerum from other cultivars. Manipulation and pyramiding of the E. lanigerum resistance genes (Er1, Er2 and Er3) might provide a necessary control for commercial apple production. The aim of this study was to construct a genetic linkage map for apple using microsatellite markers. The use of marker-assisted selection would greatly benefit local apple breeding programmes. Ninety six seedlings from a Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin mapping population were used for genetic linkage construction. Phenotypic data collection and analysis were performed to determine the E. lanigerum infestation patterns and the levels of resistance conferred by the Er1 gene from Northern Spy using 52 in vitro propagated seedlings in the greenhouse. Classification and quantification analysis showed association patterns between first assessments (30 days) to second assessment (60 days) in all replicate blocks. Roots and shoots data showed that it could be useful in quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, but may be used in different QTLs beingidentified due to the variations between roots and shoots data. A preliminary linkage map was constructed using a mapping population from Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin (96 seedlings).Fluorescently labelled published and predicted microsatellite markers were used in map construction. Primers were optimised using single apple cultivar and the detection of polymorphisms using nine apple cultivars. Optimised markers were multiplexed for high throughput data generation using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Multiplexed PCR products were pooled and analysed on an ABI 310 PRISM™ Genetic Analyser to determine allele fragment sizes, and the inherited segregation types in the seedlings. Computer software GenoTyper® 2.5.2 and JoinMap® 3.0 was used in data analysis from ABI 310 PRISM™Genetic Analyser and linkage map construction. Seventy two markers were used in linkage map construction, which produced nine linkage groups with some segments from the same linkage group. Twenty-one markers were aligned on the map 20 published and one predicted. Only one linkage group consisted of five markers while other linkage groups had two markers each. This study has proved that th preliminary linkage map could be used as the basis of a complete linkage map of Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin.

Uno de los problemas a los que se enfrenta la agricultura son los daños producidos por los virus que causan cada año considerables pérdidas económicas en diversos cultivos de todo el mundo. El control de las enfermedades virales es difícil debido a su compleja y dinámica epidemiología, con casos frecuentes de emergencia y rápida dispersión a escala global, así como por su gran capacidad evolutiva que les permite superar distintas estrategias de control, como por ejemplo el cultivo de variedades resistentes obtenidas por mejora genética. El primer paso para evaluar el estado sanitario de un cultivo y poder aplicar un programa de manejo integrado es disponer de métodos de diagnóstico y detección de los principales virus que sean específicos, fiables, rápidos y sensibles. Dada la situación dinámica de las virosis, en la que continuamente están apareciendo nuevos virus o variantes, es recomendable que los métodos de diagnóstico puedan desarrollarse rápidamente para responder a la demanda y que sean flexibles de manera que se pueda ajustar al nivel de especificidad requerido (no solamente para la especie viral sino también para categorías taxonómicas superiores, como género y familia o inferiores como cepa o grupo de aislados virales). En este respecto, los métodos moleculares basados en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) y la hibridación molecular de ácidos nucleicos cumplen estos criterios. Los métodos de PCR tienen la ventaja de ser muy sensibles mientras que los basados en la hibridación permiten analizar simultáneamente un elevado número de muestras. Una modalidad, la hibridación de flujo de improntas vegetales (flow-through hybridization of tissue prints), recientemente desarrollada, supone una reducción drástica del tiempo necesario para el análisis al evitar el procesamiento de las muestras y acelerar el proceso de hibridación. En el desarrollo, tanto de la PCR como de la hibridación, es necesario conocer la secuencia nucleotídica de al menos una porción del genoma del virus que se quiere detectar, pero si se quiere sacar el máximo provecho, por una parte, hay que estimar la variabilidad genética entre los distintos aislados del virus, para así evitar o minimizar los falsos negativos (ej. reacción negativa con algunos aislados genéticamente divergentes), y por otra parte, hay que considerar la relación genética del virus objeto con repecto a otros virus, para evitar falsos positivos (ej. reacción positiva con aislados pertenecientes a otros virus). En esta tesis doctoral se abordaron dos retos relacionados con el desarrollo de métodos moleculares de detección de ribovirus (con genoma de RNA) que afectan a cultivos hortícolas. El primero corresponde a la detección del género Fabavirus, que está compuesto por cinco especies virales: virus 1 del marchitamiento del haba (Broad bean wilt virus 1, BBWV-1), virus 2 del marchitamiento del haba (Broad bean wilt virus 2, BBWV-2), virus del mosaico de la genciana (Gentian mosaic virus, GeMV) y virus del mosaico suave de cucurbitáceas (Curcubit mild mosaic virus, CuMMV) y virus del mosaico suave de la ortiga blanca (Lamium mild mosaic virus, LMMV). En primer lugar se secuenció el genoma completo del único aislado disponible de LMMV, ya que era la única especie viral de este género de la que no se disponía ninguna secuencia nucleotídica. La comparación de esta secuencia con la del genoma completo de los otros fabavirus confirmó que LMMV es una especie viral per se al ajustarse a los criterios actualmente aceptados de demarcación entre generos, especies y aislados virales. Se encontró varias repeticiones de un motivo de diez nucleotídos en las zonas no traducibles del extremo 5’ de todos los miembros del género Fabavirus que se puede considerar como una seña de identidad y serviría para asignar nuevos virus a este género viral. En segundo lugar, a partir de todas las secuencias nucleotídicas disponibles de todos los virus del género Fabavirus se diseñó una pareja de iniciadores conservados para poder detectar por retrotranscripción (reverse transcription, RT) y PCR (RT-PCR) todos los fabavirus en una única reacción. También se diseñaron cinco parejas de iniciadores, cada una específica para una especie viral, para poder detectar e identificar cualquiera de estos virus en una única reacción mediante RT-PCR múltiple (multiplex RT-PCR). La combinación de ambos procedimientos de RT-PCR permite detectar e identificar cada una de las cinco especies conocidas del género Fabavirus, así como descubrir nuevas especies dentro de este género. En tercer lugar, se diseñó una sonda molecular correspondiente a la región del genoma que contenia las repeticiones del motivo de diez nucleótidos, con la que se pudo detectar las cinco especies del género Fabavirus mediante hibridación molecular de flujo. Esta es la la primera vez que se consigue una sonda conservada para un género viral. También se diseñaron cinco sondas, cada una específica para cada una de cinco las especies conocidas del género. De manera que mediante hibridación de flujo con las seis sondas se pueden identificar BBWV-1, BBWV-2, LMMV, GeMV y CuMMV y descubrir nuevas especies dentro del género Fabavirus. Para comprobar la especificidad de las técnicas de RT-PCR e hibridación desarrolladas aquí, ambas se probaron con distintos aislados de una misma especie viral que eran genéticamente muy divergentes (identidad ~80%) y no se produjeron falsos negativos. Así mismo se constató in silico o in vitro que estas técnicas no producían falsos positivos al no detectar otros virus relacionados fuera del género Fabavirus, como son aquellos que pertenecen a los géneros Comovirus y Nepovirus, que junto el género Fabavirus forman la subfamilia Comovirinae. El otro reto que se planteó fue la detección e identificación de los siete ribovirus más importantes en los cultivos de tomate del área mediterránea y otras áreas subtropicales: virus del mosaico del pepino (Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), virus del bronceado del tomate (Tomato spotted wilt virus, TSWV), virus del mosaico del tomate (Tomato mosaic virus, ToMV), virus del la clorosis del tomate (Tomato chlorosis virus,ToCV), virus de la clorosis infecciosa del tomate (Tomato infectious clorosis virus, TICV), virus del mosaico del pepino dulce (Pepino mosaic virus, PepMV), y virus del torrado del tomate (Tomato torrado virus, ToTV). Primero se caracterizó la variabilidad genética de ToMV puesto que era el único de estos virus en la que no se había estudiado este atributo. Se encontró tres grupos de aislados que tenían entre ellos identidades nucleotídicas menores al 90%. Sin embargo, solamente uno de estos grupos se había dispersado por el mundo y se caracterizaba por una gran estabilidad y muy baja variabilidad genética (identidades mayores del 98%). A partir del análisis de todas las secuencias disponibles de estos siete virus se diseñaron siete parejas de iniciadores específicos para cada virus. Se tuvo en cuenta la variabilidad genética dentro de cada uno de los siete virus para evitar o minimizar los falsos negativos. Mediante dos RT-PCR múltiples (una para CMV, ToMV y TICV y la otra para TSWV, ToCV, ToTV y PepMV) se pudo detectar e identificar cada especie viral tanto en infecciones únicas como múltiples en muestras de campo de Sicilia con una prevalencia variable según el virus y el área geográfica. Los métodos moleculares de detección desarrollados en esta tesis permiten llevar a cabo prospecciones rutinarias en grandes áreas de cultivo, recabando información epidemiológica muy valiosa para el manejo de enfermedades a diferentes escalas geográficas, y constituyen una primera línea de defensa frente a la ocurrencia de brotes de las enfermedades virales. El desarrollo y adopción de esta metodología supone un aporte que contribuiría a mejorar la gestión de la calidad por parte de empresas productoras y distribuidoras de semillas o propágulos asexuales, y a las agencias gubernamentales reguladoras del comercio internacional de estos productos con la finalidad de disminuir los riesgos y reducir el enorme impacto económico, valorado en decenas de millones de euros anuales, en pérdidas directas e indirectas, que implica la emergencia y dispersión de los virus en las economías de los países afectados. / Rangel Aranguren, EA. (2015). Desarrollo de métodos moleculares de detección de virus de RNA de cultivos hortícolas [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/58269 / TESIS