Meta-Ribosomalomics: RNA Sequencing Is an Unbiased Method for Parasite Detection of Different Sample Types

Abstract

In this perspective article, we review the past use of ribosomal sequences to address scientific and diagnostic questions. We highlight a variety of sequencing approaches including metagenomics and DNA barcoding and their different demands and requirements. Meta-ribosomalomics is introduced as an unbiased approach to exploit high-throughput sequencing datasets for eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomal sequences. Prerequisites, benefits, drawbacks, and future perspectives are elaborated and compared to other sequencing approaches.