Genomic analysis of two phlebotomine sand fly vectors of Leishmania from the New and Old World

Authors: LABBE, FREDERIC - University Of Notre Dame; ABDELADHIM, MAHA - National Institutes Of Health (NIH); ABRUDAN, JENICA - Medical College Of Wisconsin; Hickner, Paul

Submitted to: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2023
Publication Date: 4/12/2023
Citation: Labbe, F., Abdeladhim, M., Abrudan, J., Hickner, P.V., et al. (2023). Genomic analysis of two phlebotomine sand fly vectors of Leishmania from the New and Old World. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010862.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010862

Interpretive Summary: Phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance as important vectors of human disease, transmitting bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, including parasites of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of diseases collectively termed leishmaniasis. More than 40 pathogenic Leishmania species are transmitted to humans by approximately 35 sand fly species in 98 countries with hundreds of millions of people at risk around the world. Since no effective vaccines exist and available drugs are expensive and/or toxic, the management of sand fly populations is currently the most effective strategy to control disease. To better understand the biology of sand flies, including the mechanisms involved in their ability to transmit pathogens, insecticide resistance, and population structures, we sequenced the genomes of two of the most important sand fly species: Phlebotomus papatasi, a cutaneous leishmaniasis vector, (distributed in the Middle East and North Africa) and Lutzomyia longipalpis, a visceral leishmaniasis vector (distributed across Central and South America). We categorized and curated genes involved in processes important to their roles as disease vectors, including chemosensation, blood feeding, circadian rhythm, immunity, and detoxification, as well as mobile genetic elements. We also conducted comparative analysis between the two sand fly genomes. Finally, we present the genetic diversity and population structure of these species in their respective geographical areas. These genomes will be a foundation on which to base future efforts to prevent vector-borne transmission of Leishmania parasites.

Technical Abstract: Phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance as important vectors of human disease, transmitting bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, including the devastating kinetoplastid parasites of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of diseases collectively termed leishmaniasis. More than 40 pathogenic Leishmania species are transmitted to humans by approximately 35 sand fly species in 98 countries with hundreds of millions of people at risk around the world. As no approved efficacious vaccine exists, available drugs are expensive and/or toxic, and resistance is emerging, management of sand fly populations to break transmission is currently the most effective disease control strategy. To better understand the biology of sand flies, including the mechanisms involved in their vectorial capacity, insecticide resistance, and population structures we sequenced the genomes of two of the most important sand fly species: Phlebotomus papatasi, a cutaneous leishmaniasis vector, (distributed in the Middle East and North Africa) and Lutzomyia longipalpis, a visceral leishmaniasis vector (distributed across Central and South America). We categorized and curated genes involved in processes important to their roles as disease vectors, including chemosensation, blood feeding, circadian rhythm, immunity, and detoxification, as well as mobile genetic elements. We also defined gene orthology and observed micro-synteny among the genomes. Finally, we present the genetic diversity and population structure of these species in their respective geographical areas. These genomes will be a foundation on which to base future efforts to prevent vector-borne transmission of Leishmania parasites.