Authors
K O Sowunmi1; C Wade1; M Doenhoff1; 1 University of Nottingham Discussion
Development of either a resistant or a susceptible phenotype in Biomphalaria glabrata snails interacting with the parasitic trematode, Schistosoma mansoni is partially determined by various genes. Immune response genes including those related to stress responses initiated by parasite invasion in B. glabrata-S mansoni interactions offer viable options in therapeutic research for sustainable strategies in schistosomiasis prevention and control. An allele of a stress-related gene, the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) has been reported to be correlated with resistance in a predominantly resistant laboratory population. Here we investigate this gene locus in three different laboratory populations of B. glabrata and show the presence of new alleles. The possible relationships between these alleles are examined phylogenetically and possible involvement of this gene locus in determining susceptibility or resistance in the snail is discussed. 
