Development of a qPCR/ddPCR method for Setaria tundra and mapping the prevalence of S. tundra and Elaphostrongylus rangiferi in Swedish reindeer

Objective

1. To develop and validate a molecular method (qPCR/ddPCR) for detecting S. tundra in blood samples.
   
2. To determine the prevalence of S. tundra and E. rangiferi in four Swedish reindeer populations.

Background

Setaria tundra is a filarial nematode circulating as microfilariae in the blood and transmitted by biting insects (e.g. Aedes mosquitoes or biting midges). Its distribution is likely increasing due to climate change. Elaphostrongylus rangiferi (brainworm) is another climate-sensitive parasite of reindeer, with larvae excreted in feces. Both parasites have indirect life cycles and can be sampled simultaneously during winter (e.g. February), making it practical to investigate their prevalence in parallel.

Project description

Implementation

The recommended start time is the second study period of autumn 2025 or spring 2026. Method development will begin in autumn 2025, and the main sampling period is planned for February 2026. This thesis is suitable as a 45-credit project including method optimization, fieldwork, and prevalence analysis.

Method

The molecular method (qPCR/ddPCR) will be developed using shared primers for S. tundra and platform-specific probes. Blood samples will be collected from 20 adult female reindeer (vaja) per community, once during deworming in November and again in February. DNA will be extracted from a defined volume of whole blood. Fecal samples from the same animals will be analyzed using the Baermann technique to detect E. rangiferi larvae.

Expected results

• A validated qPCR/ddPCR method for detecting Setaria tundra in blood.

• Prevalence data for S. tundra and E. rangiferi from four reindeer herding communities.

Specifications

Suitable for students of veterinary medicine, biology, animal science/agronomy, or biomedicine. Molecular biology skills are an asset but not a requirement.