Sex-specific genetic structure: new trends for dioecious parasites.
In dioecious parasite species, genetic structure can differ between sexes, as recently demonstrated for the digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni and the ectoparasitic tick Ixodes ricinus. This article presents some of the methods that allow detecting such a pattern in natural populations. The proximate and ultimate factors that potentially generate a sex-specific genetic structure are discussed, as are evolutionary and epidemiological consequences for dioecious parasites and vectors.
Prugnolle
Franck
F
Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme des Micro-organismes, Equipe ESS, UMR 9926 CNRS-IRD, Institut de Recherche et Développement, 911 av. Agropolis, BP 5045, 34032, Montpellier, France
Durand
Patrick
P
Theron
Andre
A
Chevillon
Christine
C
de Meeus
Thierry
T
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D018884:Ixodes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D012737:Sex Factors