Fasciolosis: Identification of high-risk areas and control of vectors

ALDA P.; LOUNNAS M; POINTIER JP; GLEMIN JP; HURTREZ-BOUSSÈS S

Marseille

Jornada; Journée Méditerranée Infection; 2016

Méditerranée Infection

Aims: 1) Develop a molecular tool that specifically identifies snail species that are vectors of fasciolosis; 2) Analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of those vector species; 3) Study the genetic diversity and population structure of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. Result: The Aims 1) and 2) have been already accomplished. We designed an accurate, cheap, simple, and rapid multiplex PCR that enables the identification of three cryptic snail species that are vectors of fasciolosis. We found that these species had low genetic diversity, large departure from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, marked population structure, and high selfing rate. Discussion: An accurate identification of these intermediate host species and understanding their population genetics can help to elucidate parasite transmission dynamics and to develop appropriate control methods.