Comparative Phylogenetic Studies on Schistosoma japonicum and Its Snail Intermediate Host Oncomelania hupensis: Origins, Dispersal and Coevolution

摘要: Background Schistosoma japonicum causes major public health problems in China and the Philippines; this parasite, which is transmitted by freshwater snails of species Oncomelania hupensis, disease intestinal schistosomiasis humans cattle. Researchers working on Schistosoma Africa have described relationship between parasites their snail intermediate hosts as coevolved or even an evolutionary arms race. In present study hypothesis coevolution evaluated for S. O. hupensis. The origins radiation parasite across China, taxonomic validity sub-species are also assessed. Methodology/Principal Findings The findings provide no evidence phylogeographical analysis suggests a heterochronous response to different palaeogeographical climatic triggers. results consistent with East West colonisation re-invasion Japan hupensis from China. Taiwan population appears be recently established comparison mainland Chinese populations. Conclusions/Significance populations western mountain region (Yunnan Sichuan) appear been isolated Southeast Asian since Pleistocene; has implications road rail links being constructed region, will breach biogeographical barriers Asia. spread japonicum. absence coevolution, may more readily colonise new it not locally adapted, host species; can facilitate its dispersal into areas. Additional work required assess further risk