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The importance of genetics
in the diagnosis of animal diseases - A review
Soetan, K. O.1* and Salako, A. E.2
1Department
of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Animal
Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Animal
Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author E-mail:
soetangboye@yahoo.com.
Accepted 6
January, 2010 |
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Genetic diseases have always been present in the animal
population but their significance has increased in recent
decades. The wealth of knowledge on genomic information,
systems biology and mechanisms of diseases provide great
opportunities to elucidate the genetic bases of diseases.
The use of recombinant DNA techniques in conjunction with
conventional genetic methods have led to a rapid increase in
knowledge of the genetic map. Many animal genes have been
mapped to chromosomes. A detailed genetic map has become of
great value in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and in the
development of potential cures through gene transfer
therapy. In view of the emerging animal diseases like avian
influenza, swine influenza among others with serious health
implications for humans, this review aims at highlighting
the association between diseases and genes in animals. The
information derived could assist in the prevention and
management of emerging animal diseases and in future drug
discovery processes.
Key
words:
Genetics, diagnosis, animal diseases. |
