Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depleting host nucleic acid in a biological sample, said sample having been previously obtained from an animal host and having been subjected to treatment to lyse host cells present in the sample, and having been subjected to a treatment to deplete nucleic acid released from host cells within said sample or otherwise to render such nucleic acid unidentifiable, the method comprising: (a) depleting host mitochondria or host mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) present in the treated sample; and (b) extracting and/or analysing remaining nucleic acid from the treated sample. Also provided is a related kit comprising reagents for performing the method. Further claimed is a method for isolating mitochondrial DNA after host cells have been lysed and host cell nucleic acids have been removed from the sample.

Abstract: A method for predicting the severity or progression of OA in a human subject, comprising: determining the identity of at least one allele at each of at least 4 positions of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) selected from the group consisting of: rs2206593, rs10465850, rs780094, rs1374281, rs1143634, rs2073508, rs2243250, rs4720262, rs917760, rs7838918, rs12009, rs730720, rs874692, rs893953, rs1799750, rs10845493, rs11054704, rs7986347, rs1802536, rs10519263, rs7342880, rs16947882 and rs10413815, and one or more SNPs in linkage disequilibrium at a level of at least R2?0.8 therewith, as well as products, in particular systems and kits for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method for predicting risk of joint dysplasia, osteoarthritis and/or a condition that is secondary to joint dysplasia in a mammalian subject of the order Carnivora, the method comprising: (a) determining the genotype of said subject in respect of one or more genetic polymorphisms and/or alterations, such as polymorphisms in the CHST3 gene; and (b) providing a prediction of said risk based on said genotype. Products for use in such a method and related methods of determining propensity of a subject to respond to therapy and of selective breeding, are also disclosed.