Genetic Evidence of Contemporary Dispersal of the Intermediate Snail Host of Schistosoma japonicum: Movement of an NTD Host Is Facilitated by Land Use and Landscape Connectivity.

摘要: In China, human schistosomiasis is caused by infection with the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, which requires snail hosts as a lifecycle intermediary. Snail control efforts have been key component of China’s program, has reduced infections from 11 million in 1950s to approximately 115,000 today. However, re-emerged some areas, and range areas infested or suitable for expanding. Understanding how physical structure environment influences migration could aid understanding intermediate host mobility contributes persistence and/or re-emergence schistosomiasis. Within 29 sites sampled hosts, we estimated that between 14–33% snails were recent migrants another site, above average inter-site rates occurred separated up 44 km. Greater landscape connectivity was associated increased rates. Connectivity models considering land use patterns explained largest proportion variance sites. An increase number irrigation channels leading into site an site’s propensity both attract migrant retain snails. Our findings important implications responding geographic spread