Population structure and genetic diversity in the invasive freshwater snail Galba schirazensis (Lymnaeidae)

We studied the population genetic structure of the freshwater snail Galba schirazensis (KĂźster, 1862), a potential vector of infectious diseases such as fascioliasis. Galba schirazensis has now a worldwide distribution but a poorly known origin because this species has been distinguished only recently from the morphologically similar and cosmopolitan Galba truncatula. We developed specific microsatellite markers and sequenced a mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) to study individuals of G. schirazensis from the Old World and New World. We found very low genetic diversity within populations, no heterozygotes, and marked population structureâ a pattern observed in other highly selfing lymnaeid species with recently enlarged distributions as a result of biological invasions. The total lack of observed heterozygosity in the few populations of G. schirazensis that displayed some allelic diversity suggests high selfing rates. We also found that the center of diversity, and by extension the origin area of this species, should be found in the New World, while Old World populations should rather result from a recent introduction of a genetically uniform population. The microsatellite markers developed here will help to clarify the history of expansion of G. schirazensis and might help understanding its role as a potential vector of infectious diseases.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author