Increased genetic diversity and prevalence of co-infection with Trypanosoma spp. in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and their ticks identified using Next-generation sequencing (NGS).. Trypanosoma sp.

The study designed a novel NGS-based assay targeting the 18S rRNA locus to audit Trypanosoma communities in heterogeneous koala blood samples and ticks. The study provides reliable information on the prevalence, genetic diversity and polyparasitism in koalas, and identifies two species of Australian native ticks as potential vectors for Trypanosoma.