Population genomics reveals an ancient origin of heartworms in canids.

ABSTRACT: Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasitic nematodes that cause significant cardiopulmonary-associated morbidity and mortality in canids worldwide. The global spread of heartworms is believed to have occurred alongside the dispersal of modern domesticated dogs over the past few hundred years. However, this conclusion has been based on limited sampling, both geographically and numerically. To test this theory more rigorously, we analyse the whole genomes of 127 adult heartworm specimens collected from mammalian carnivore hosts across Australia, the USA, Central America, Europe, and Asia. Here we show distinct genetic differences between heartworms from different continents, indicating a more ancient dispersal in canid hosts than previously recognised. Using genetic diversity and admixtu

SUBMITTER: Power RI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820332 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature