Mitochondrial genomes of human helminths and their use as markers in population genetics and phylogeny.
To date, over 100 complete metazoan mitochondrial (mt) genomes of different phyla have been reported. Here, we briefly summarise mt gene organisation in the Metazoa and review what is known of the mt genomes of nematodes and flatworms parasitic in humans. The availability of complete or almost complete mtDNA sequences for several parasitic helminths provides a rich source of genetic markers for phylogenetic analysis and study of genetic variability in helminth groups. Examples of the application of mtDNA in studies on Ascaris, Onchocerca, Schistosoma, Fasciola, Paragonimus, Echinostoma, Echinococcus and Taenia are described.
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Molecular Parasitology Unit, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and The University of Queensland, 300 Herston Road, Qld 4029, Brisbane, Australia.
Blair
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McManus
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D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000737:chemistry*; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006376:Helminths / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D005819:Genetic Markers