Abstract
Parasite genetic variation has been used to delineate and enumerate species, describe host–parasite associations, and observe the distribution of lineages among hosts and throughout the environment. Mechanisms or pathways inferred by these studies have often been carried forward in a predictive manner to inform assumptions about the organism’s biology, its life history, and host–parasite interactions. For medically relevant parasites, these observations have undoubtedly proven useful for a fuller epidemiological understanding of parasite transmission pathways and patterns. Here, we argue that functional parasite genetic variation in natural populations of schistosomes is poorly understood and that a better understanding of this variation is crucial to the development of effective vaccines.
Highlights
It is clear that a remarkable amount of genetic variation has been recorded within natural populations of schistosome species. These observations have been largely generated with presumed neutral, noncoding loci like microsatellites [2,4] and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) or with mitochondrial haplotypes [3]—none of which are expressly indicative of variation in functional regions of the genome
The deficiency of studies examining genetic diversity in recent field isolates at non-neutral sites presents a gap in our knowledge about schistosome populations, one that could directly impact the success of human vaccines implemented into the field
As we explore the target(s) that will most effectively elicit a protective immune response, we cannot overlook the role that natural adaptive variation of the parasite could play in thwarting widespread vaccine efficacy
Summary
We argue that functional parasite genetic variation in natural populations of schistosomes is poorly understood and that a better understanding of this variation is crucial to the development of effective vaccines. These conclusions are generated by the often surprising amount of genetic variation observed within natural schistosome populations, where even within the limited radius of a single village, high neutral genetic variation has been maintained [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call