New map to fight blood flukes

A new genetic linkage map has been developed to combat a blood fluke called Schistosoma mansoni.

Researchers in the US found that a microsatellite-based map could help to combat the impact of the blood fluke, which is a leading cause of schistosomiasis.

More than 90 million people in Africa, the New World and the Middle East are currently affected by the chronic disease, which can affect various parts of the body, including the intestines.

Charles Criscione of Texas A&M University wrote in the journal Genome Biology: "Linkage mapping has been very successful for mapping the genes underlying outward traits in a number of parasitic organisms.

"The map has multiple applications for developmental and evolutionary biology. It will facilitate high resolution population genetic studies of Schistosoma mansoni, which will improve our understanding of transmission patterns in affected areas."

Schistosomiasis caused more than 200,000 deaths every year in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organisation.

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