Onchocerca volvulus, the filarial nematode that causes onchocerciasis, is widely endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and in parts
of Latin America. More...
Onchocerca volvulus, the filarial nematode that causes onchocerciasis, is widely endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and in parts
of Latin America. The pathology ranges from sub-clinical symptoms to dermatitis and ocular disease, and epidemiological
studies have shown that blinding onchocerciasis is much more common in dry savannah regions than in rain forest regions of
West Africa. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the population genetics and structure of O. volvulus, we
investigated the genomic diversity within and between O. volvulus populations by analyzing whole-genome (nuclear,
mitochondrial and Wolbachia) sequences of >30 clinical parasite samples. Of these, 20 were collected from seven countries
in Africa (forest or savanna) and 10 from Ecuador in South America. The study also provides new information on the
genetic variability of potential vaccine, drug, and diagnostic targets. Less...