High-quality nuclear genome for Sarcoptes scabiei—A critical resource for a neglected parasite
Pasi K. Korhonen, Robin B. Gasser, Guangxu Ma, Tao Wang, Andreas J. Stroehlein, Neil D. Young, Ching‐Seng Ang, Deepani D. Fernando, Hieng Lu, Sara Taylor, Simone Reynolds, Ehtesham Mofiz, Shivashankar H. Najaraj, Harsha Gowda, Anil K. Madugundu, Santosh Renuse, Deborah C. Holt, Akhilesh Pandey, Anthony T. Papenfuss, Katja Fischer
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.