Development of Multiplex Assays for the Identification of Zoonotic Species.

More than one-hundred species that affect animals and humans have been described, eight of which have been associated with emerging and underdiagnosed zoonoses. Most diagnostic studies in humans have used serology or molecular assays based on the 18S rRNA gene. Because the 18S rRNA gene is highly conserved, obtaining an accurate diagnosis at the species level is difficult, particularly when the amplified DNA fragment is small.