Opening the can of worms: molecular analysis of schistosome populations

The Schistosomatidae are dioecious digenean parasites of the blood vascular system of vertebrates. Of the 13 genera within the family, only Sehistosoma is associated with humans and, of the mammalian blood flukes, this genus has achieved the greatest geographical distribution and diversification in terms of recognized species and definitive hosts parasitized. In this review, Dave Johnston, Emmanuel Dias Neto, Andy Simpson and David Rollinson consider some recent molecular research that either sheds light on the micro-evolutionary changes occurring within schistosome populations or provides insights into broader, macro-evolutionary questions.