Summary
This project aims to use genome sequencing, population genomics, and experimental analyses to understand the frequency and genomic consequences of hybridization between the human parasite Schistosoma haematobium and the livestock parasite S. bovis.
What they want
The project involves three main aims: Aim 1 will examine 395 genome sequences of S. bovis and S. haematobium from archived parasite larvae or adult worms from 14 countries across Africa and 10 states in Nigeria to evaluate evidence for recent hybridization, determine introgression frequency, identify genome regions enriched or depleted in S. bovis alleles, and define geographical regions of introgression. Aim 2 will stage experimental genetic crosses between S. bovis and S. haematobium in rodents to determine genomic and phenotypic consequences of hybridization, specifically focusing on genome regions involved in snail and skin penetration to assess impact on host specificity. Aim 3 will examine adult worms and eggs recovered from natural schistosome infections of West African rodents to determine whether rare hybridization events may occur.
Deliverables
- 395 genome sequences of S. bovis and S. haematobium
- Evaluation of evidence for recent (F1 or F2) hybridization
- Determination of introgression frequency
- Identification of genome regions enriched or depleted in S. bovis alleles
- Definition of geographical regions where introgression has occurred
- Data on genomic and phenotypic consequences of hybridization from experimental crosses
- Identification of genome regions involved in snail penetration of miracidia larvae and skin penetration of cercariae
- Data on rare hybridization events in natural schistosome infections of West African rodents
Technical requirements
- Genome sequencing
- Population genomics
- Experimental genetic crosses in rodents
- Methods for whole genome sequencing from single parasite larvae from fecal samples or snails
