Genetic difference between two Schistosoma japonicum isolates with contrasting cercarial shedding patterns revealed by whole genome sequencing

Schistosoma japonicum is one of the major infectious agents of human schistosomiasis, mainly endemic in China and the Philippines. We have previously reported the finding of two schistosome isolates, each with a different cercarial emergence pattern adapted to their different hosts. However, there are currently no whole-genome sequencing studies to investigate the underlining genetics of the adaptive traits. We sampled schistosomes in 2013 and 2020 from a hilly area Shitai (ST) and a marshland area Hexian (HX) of Anhui, China. Ten to 15 male or female adult worms from each site/year were sent for whole genome sequencing. Genetics were analyzed, and selection signals along genomes were detected. Gene enrichment analysis was performed for the genome regions under selection. The results revealed considerable genetic differentiation between the two isolates. The genome “windows” affected by natural selection were fewer in ST (64 windows containing 78 genes) than in HX (318 windows containing 276 genes). Twelve significantly enriched genes were identified in ST, but none in HX. These genes were mainly related to specific DNA binding and intercellular signaling transduction. Some functional region changes identified along the genome of the hilly schistosome may be related to its unique late afternoon cercarial emergence.