Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by six Schistosoma species, the most widespread of which is S. mansoni. Despite its high prevalence in Africa, molecular data on the parasite remain scarce in many regions, including the Republic of Guinea. This study presents the first molecular characterization of S. mansoni from naturally infected Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Guinea. Eight cox1 and four nd5 mitochondrial gene fragments, 353–425 bp and 259–271 bp in length, respectively, were sequenced. A new cox1 haplotype of S. mansoni was identified in this study. High genetic diversity was observed in our samples for both cox1 (Hd = 0.75) and nd5 (Hd = 0.84). Phylogeographic analysis revealed that the dominant Guinean cox1 haplotypes are shared with other West African populations, and that one haplotype is globally dispersed, linking West Africa to South America and the Middle East. Phylogenetic reconstructions confirmed the divergence between West and Southeast African populations and supported the hypothesis of a Southeast African origin for S. mansoni, with a subsequent expansion to West Africa and the New World. These results highlight the importance of expanding molecular surveillance to improve our understanding of the spread and population structure of this human pathogen.
Vodiasova et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: