Authors’ contribution
OKI, ARA, and IKJ conceived and designed the study outline. MTI and MSH
setup initial experiments. MTI established the methodology with the
assistance of NS, TC and MT. MTI, NS processed the experimental data,
interpreted the results and generated the figures. ARA designed the
primers for multiplex ARMS-PCR and MSH designed the primers for targeted
SNP positions. ARA performed bioinformatics and in silico primer
validation. MSH analyzed sequence data. NS, ARA, and MSH wrote the
manuscript in consultation with OKI, HMA, IKJ and MTI. HMA and IKJ
further reviewed and edited the manuscript extensively. IKJ and MAH
supervised the project. Final approval was provided by all authors.