The population genetic structure of Biomphalaria choanomphala in Lake Victoria, East Africa: implications for schistosomiasis transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The freshwater snail Biomphalaria acts as the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, a globally important human parasite. Understanding the population structure of intermediate host species can elucidate transmission dynamics and assist in developing appropriate control methods.

Methods

We examined levels of population genetic structure and diversity in 29 populations of Biomphalaria choanomphala collected around the shoreline of Lake Victoria in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, where S. mansoni is hyper-endemic. Molecular markers were utilized to estimate the degree to which snail populations are genetically differentiated from one another.

Results

High levels of snail genetic diversity were found coupled with evidence of geographically-determined population

SUBMITTER: Standley CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4254209 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature