Genetics of Biomphalaria glabrata and its effect on the outcome of Schistosoma mansoni infection

The genetics of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata is better characterized than that of any other intermediate host of schistosomes of humans. Using techniques of selective breeding, several snail stocks have been developed that consistently display resistant or susceptible phenotypes. Investigators using these stocks have learned that several snail and parasite genes influence the course of parasite development. Here, Charles Richards, Matty Knight and Fred Lewis discuss the importance of the snail's genetics in categorizing resistance in this complex invertebrate, some recent molecular evidence that may help us understand several of the problems that still remain, and some challenges lying ahead for investigators in this field.