High-quality nuclear genome for Sarcoptes scabiei-A critical resource for a neglected parasite

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020 Oct 1;14(10):e0008720. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008720. eCollection 2020 Oct.

Abstract

The parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an economically highly significant parasite of the skin of humans and animals worldwide. In humans, this mite causes a neglected tropical disease (NTD), called scabies. This disease results in major morbidity, disability, stigma and poverty globally and is often associated with secondary bacterial infections. Currently, anti-scabies treatments are not sufficiently effective, resistance to them is emerging and no vaccine is available. Here, we report the first high-quality genome and transcriptomic data for S. scabiei. The genome is 56.6 Mb in size, has a a repeat content of 10.6% and codes for 9,174 proteins. We explored key molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity and disease. The enhanced 'omic data sets for S. scabiei represent comprehensive and critical resources for genetic, functional genomic, metabolomic, phylogenetic, ecological and/or epidemiological investigations, and will underpin the design and development of new treatments, vaccines and/or diagnostic tests.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genome Size
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Phylogeny
  • Sarcoptes scabiei / genetics*
  • Scabies / parasitology*
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / parasitology
  • Swine / parasitology*

Grants and funding

Support from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia is gratefully acknowledged (K.F, R.B.G., N.D.Y. and P.K.K). K.F. held an ARC Future Fellowship followed by an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship and. P.K.K. held an NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.