[Studies on the genetic variation of two mitochondrial DNA molecules of Schistosoma japonicum].

Objective: To study the variation of Schistosoma japonicum through two mitochondrial DNA molecules.

Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated with kit, and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The gene trees were constructed and the acquired data were analyzed with the help of bioinformatics.

Results: The gene trees showed that the Taiwan isolate and the mainland isolates can be divided in two groups: a group from the hilly region (Yunnan and Sichuan), another group from the lake region (Hunan, Jiangxi and Anhui); isolates from Hubei are at a different position on the gene trees.

Conclusion: There are variations among the geographic isolates of Schistosoma japonicum in China, nevertheless, they have close kinship.