Nuclear intron sequence analysis and its implications for molecular systematics of Asian zoonotic blood flukes (<i>Schistosoma</i> spp.) (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae).

ABSTRACT: This study explored genetic variation among and within Schistosoma japonicum, S. mekongi, and S. malayensis populations using two intronic regions of the taurocyamine kinase (TK) gene, the bridge intron (TkBridInt) and intron 6 of domain 1 (TkD1Int6). Both introns were successfully amplified across all species and confirmed as true intronic sequences. Sequence analysis of S. japonicum revealed high nucleotide polymorphism in both introns, with the population from Sorsogon (Philippines) exhibiting the highest genetic diversity. Haplotype network analysis indicated several region-specific haplotypes. Pairwise F _ST estimates demonstrated significant genetic differentiation among geographical populations, reflecting limited gene flow. The observed

SUBMITTER: Tantrawatpan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12702037 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature