Nature Communications (Aug 2021)

Whole-genome sequencing of Schistosoma mansoni reveals extensive diversity with limited selection despite mass drug administration

  • Duncan J. Berger,
  • Thomas Crellen,
  • Poppy H. L. Lamberton,
  • Fiona Allan,
  • Alan Tracey,
  • Jennifer D. Noonan,
  • Narcis B. Kabatereine,
  • Edridah M. Tukahebwa,
  • Moses Adriko,
  • Nancy Holroyd,
  • Joanne P. Webster,
  • Matthew Berriman,
  • James A. Cotton

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24958-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Schistosomiasis control strategies rely on mass drug administration (MDA) using praziquantel. Here, Berger et al. perform whole-genome sequencing of larvae from infected children across Ugandan regions with differing MDA histories. They find extensive gene flow with limited positive selection suggesting minimal change post MDA.