Population genomics of Plasmodium ovale species in sub-Saharan Africa

Carey-Ewend, K.; Popkin-Hall, Z. R.; Simkin, A.; Muller, M.; Hennelly, C.; He, W.; Moser, K.; Gaither, C.; Niare, K.; Aghakanian, F.; Feleke, S.; Brhane, B. G.; Phanzu, F.; Mwandagalirwa, K.; Aydemir, O.; Sutherland, C.; Ishengoma, D. S.; Ali, I. M.; Ngasala, B.; Kalonji, A.; Tshefu, A.; Parr, J.; Bailey, J. A.; Juliano, J. J.; Lin, J. T.

doi:10.1101/2024.04.10.588912

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.04.10.588912

Population genomics of Plasmodium ovale species in sub-Saharan Africa

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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 performed 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 were predominantly monoclonal (43/45), with their genetic similarity aligning with geography. Pow showed lower average nucleotide diversity (1.8x10-4) across the genome compared to Poc (3.0x10-4) (p < 0.0001). Signatures of selective sweeps involving the dihydrofolate reductase gene were found in both species, as were signs of balancing selection at the merozoite surface protein 1 gene. Differences in the nucleotide diversity of Poc and Pow may reflect unique demographic history, even as similar selective forces facilitate their resilience to malaria control interventions.

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Carey-Ewend, K., Popkin-Hall, Z. R., Simkin, A., Muller, M., Hennelly, C., He, W., Moser, K., Gaither, C., Niare, K., Aghakanian, F., Feleke, S., Brhane, B. G., Phanzu, F., Mwandagalirwa, K., Aydemir, O., Sutherland, C., Ishengoma, D. S., Ali, I. M., Ngasala, B., Kalonji, A., Tshefu, A., Parr, J., Bailey, J. A., Juliano, J. J., Lin, J. T.. 2024-04-13. Population genomics of Plasmodium ovale species in sub-Saharan Africa. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.10.588912

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