Global Comparative Phylogeography of E. granulosus s.s. Inferred From Mitochondrial DNA: Integrated Datasets of GenBank and Newly Characterized Isolates From Afghanistan
Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda, Sayed Ajmal Qurishi, Guo-Dong Dai, Yao-Dong Wu, Wei-Gang Chen, Li-Qun Wang, Mughees Aizaz Alvi, Awab Ghulam Rahim, Li Le, Nian-Zhang Zhang, Wen-Hui Li, Bao-Quan Fu, Hong Yin, Wan-Zhong Jia, Xue-Nong Luo, Li Li, Hong-Bin Yan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s.), remains a major zoonotic disease of global public health importance. Afghanistan is considered endemic for CE; however, molecular data on circulating parasite populations are extremely scarce. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity, population structure, and global phylogeographic relationships of E. granulosus s.s. from Afghanistan within an integrated worldwide mitochondrial dataset. Hydatid cysts were collected from livestock hosts (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Afghanistan, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes were sequenced and analyzed alongside a comprehensive global dataset retrieved from GenBank. Genetic diversity indices, neutrality tests, median-joining (MJ) haplotype (H) networks, sliding-window analyses, and phylogenetic reconstructions based on concatenated mitochondrial sequences were employed. All Afghan isolates were identified as E. granulosus s.s., with a strong predominance of genotype G1 and only a single G3 isolate. Afghan populations exhibited moderate to high H diversity (Hd) but low nucleotide diversity, indicating closely related Hs separated by few mutations. Global H networks revealed star-like topologies with extensive intercontinental H sharing and no host- or geography-specific clustering. Phylogenetic and network analyses confirmed the genetic coherence of the G1 lineage worldwide and the limited diversity of G3. Sliding-window analyses showed genome-wide neutrality and absence of localized selective sweeps. Collectively, these findings position Afghan E. granulosus s.s. populations within a globally interconnected transmission network, highlighting the role of livestock movement and historical dispersal in shaping contemporary CE epidemiology. This study fills a critical regional knowledge gap and provides a robust phylogeographic framework to inform surveillance, control, and One Health interventions in endemic settings.
期刊介绍：
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases brings together in one place the latest research on infectious diseases considered to hold the greatest economic threat to animals and humans worldwide. The journal provides a venue for global research on their diagnosis, prevention and management, and for papers on public health, pathogenesis, epidemiology, statistical modeling, diagnostics, biosecurity issues, genomics, vaccine development and rapid communication of new outbreaks. Papers should include timely research approaches using state-of-the-art technologies. The editors encourage papers adopting a science-based approach on socio-economic and environmental factors influencing the management of the bio-security threat posed by these diseases, including risk analysis and disease spread modeling. Preference will be given to communications focusing on novel science-based approaches to controlling transboundary and emerging diseases. The following topics are generally considered out-of-scope, but decisions are made on a case-by-case basis (for example, studies on cryptic wildlife populations, and those on potential species extinctions):
Pathogen discovery: a common pathogen newly recognised in a specific country, or a new pathogen or genetic sequence for which there is little context about — or insights regarding — its emergence or spread.
Prevalence estimation surveys and risk factor studies based on survey (rather than longitudinal) methodology, except when such studies are unique. Surveys of knowledge, attitudes and practices are within scope.
Diagnostic test development if not accompanied by robust sensitivity and specificity estimation from field studies.
Studies focused only on laboratory methods in which relevance to disease emergence and spread is not obvious or can not be inferred (“pure research” type studies).
Narrative literature reviews which do not generate new knowledge. Systematic and scoping reviews, and meta-analyses are within scope.
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