Micro-scale genetic structure and genetic variation of Neotricula aperta (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae), the intermediate host of Schistosoma mekongi (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) in Champasak Province, Laos
The genetic divergence of N. aperta observed in this study indicates a high level of genetic differentiation both among and within populations. This pattern suggests that N. aperta is possibly undergoing localized adaptation or that barriers to gene flow, such as physical, ecological, or behavioral factors, are promoting the accumulation of genetic differences. Micro-scale genetic structuring within populations may be driven by microhabitats or small-scale ecological gradients, while limited dispersal, localized mating preferences, or other behavioral traits may contribute to differentiation among populations.
Authors
- Chairat Tantrawatpan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1872-1175)
- Weerachai Saijuntha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4789-297X)
- Moritoshi Iwagami (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5036-3297)
- Philippe Buchy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1372-3008)
- Wanchai Maleewong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6726-3759)
- Takeshi Agatsuma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1297-2117)
- Naruemon Bunchom
- J. Valencia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2897-8807)
- Virasack Bounavong
Institutions
- Thammasat University (TH)
- Mahasarakham University (TH)
- Department of Health (PH)
- Khon Kaen University (TH)
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (PH)
- Ministry of Health (LA)
- Participatory Development Training Centre (LA)
- Niigata University (JP)
- Kōchi University (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Tropical Medicine and Health
- Published
- 2025-07-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00775-9
- Primary Topic
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Japan International Cooperation Agency
- National Research Council of Thailand
- Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development