Population genomics of Plasmodium ovale species in sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT: Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) are relapsing malaria parasites endemic to Africa and Asia that were previously thought to represent a single species. Amid increasing detection of ovale malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, we present a population genomic study of both species across the continent. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of 25 isolates from Central and East Africa and analyzed them alongside 20 previously published African genomes. Isolates are predominantly monoclonal (43/45), with their genetic similarity aligning with geography. Pow shows lower average nucleotide diversity (1.8×10^-4) across the genome compared to Poc (3.0×10^-4) (p < 0.0001). Signatures of selective sweeps involving the dihydrofolate reductase gene have bee

SUBMITTER: Carey-Ewend K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11603351 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature