[Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the genomes among 7 species of ticks].

Objective: To study genomic polymorphic DNA and genetic distance of 7 species of ticks.

Methods: Ticks used in this study were Dermacentor nuttalli, D. silvarum, Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, H. formosensis, H. punctata, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes ovatus. DNA extracts of the 7 species of ticks were amplified by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and PCR technique using 5 primers with different arbitrary single chain polynucleotide sequences. DNA fingerprint maps were analyzed and the genetic distance among 7 species of ticks were counted.

Results: The amplified products of the 7 species of ticks by RAPD all showed their specific DNA band. The average genetic distance among them was 0.71.

Conclusion: RAPD can differentiate the 7 species of ticks.