Genetic variation in geographically isolated populations and subspecies of Oncomelania hupensis determined by a PCR-based RFLP method.

Previously, the species complex Oncomelania hupensis, individuals of which act as intermediate hosts for the human bloodfluke Schistosoma japonicum, has been characterised by morphological and isoenzyme criteria. We have examined genetic variation between and within three subspecies of Oncomelania hupensis, i.e. O. h. hupensis (China), O. h. quadrasi (Philippines) and O. h. nosophora (Japan), by direct means using a PCR-based RFLP method. The subspecies of O. hupensis were readily distinguished by their characteristic restriction patterns, supporting isoenzyme data which suggests these may warrant species-specific status. No genetic variation was observed between O. h. quadrasi from different islands within the Philippines. In contrast, geographical isolates of O. h. hupensis differed markedly by this method indicating several genetically distinct populations of O. h. hupensis occur in China.