Use of RAPD for the detection of genetic variation in the human blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum, from mainland China

A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique using 16 decamer oligonucleotide primers was employed to characterize isolates of Schistosoma japonicumfrom seven geographical locations (Sj1: Zhejiang; Sj2: Anhui; Sj3: Jiangxi; Sj4: Hunan; Sj5: Hubei; Sj6: Sichuan; Sj7: Yunnan) of the People's Republic of China. Distinct differences between some isolates were reproducibly detected in RAPD patterns produced using five of the primers. The analyses showed that both Sj6 and Sj7 were quite distinct genetically from Sj1–Sj5 based on the presence/absence of particular bands (A10–200 bp, A9–220 bp, B17–520 bp, P205–680 bp and P235–930 bp). These findings are in line with previous reports on the biological, biochemical, immunological and chemotherapeutic differences of S. japonicumfrom Sichuan and Yunnan compared with other geographical regions. The present study showed, based on RAPD profiles, that genetic differences exist within S. japonicumfrom mainland China. This finding may have important implications for studying the population biology, epidemiology and clinical forms of the disease in China, as well as for developing vaccines and diagnostic test systems.