Utility of the Onchocerca volvulus mitochondrial genome for delineation of parasite transmission zones

摘要: In 2012, the reduction in Onchocerca volvulus infection prevalence through long-term mass ivermectin distribution African meso- and hyperendemic areas motivated expanding control of onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health problem to elimination parasite transmission. Given large contiguous hypo-, with an estimated population 204 million, sustainable requires understanding geographic, turn genetic, boundaries different populations ensure interventions are only stopped where risk re-introduction vector or human migration from ongoing transmission is acceptable. These boundaries, which define zones parasite, may be delineated by characterising genetic structure within between potential zones. We analysed whole mitochondrial genome sequences 189 O. adults determine pattern similarity across three West countries: Ghana, Mali, Cote d9Ivoire. Population measures indicate that parasites Pru, Daka Black Volta/Tombe river basins central Ghana belong one population, showing cannot assumed constitute independent This research forms basis for developing tools programs delineate zones, estimate via movement when administration area while others, identify origin infections detected post-treatment cessation, investigate whether contributes persisting levels during interventions.