Prediction and prevention of parasitic diseases using a landscape genomics framework

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Philipp Schwabl, University of Glasgow; Martin Llewellyn, University of Glasgow; Erin L. Landguth, University of Montana; Bjorn Andersson, Science for Life Laboratory; Uriel Kitron, Emory University; Jaime A. Costales, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador; Sofia Ocaña, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador; Mario J. Grijalva, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador
• Language: English
• Date: 2017-04
• Publisher: Elsevier (Cell Press)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2016.10.008
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Trends in Parasitology
• ISSN: 1471-4922
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: 264
• End Page: 275
• Research Categories: Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Substantial heterogeneity exists in the dispersal, distribution and transmission of parasitic species. Understanding and predicting how such features are governed by the ecological variation of landscape they inhabit is the central goal of spatial epidemiology. Genetic data can further inform functional connectivity among parasite, host and vector populations in a landscape. Gene flow correlates with the spread of epidemiologically relevant phenotypes among parasite and vector populations (e.g., virulence, drug and pesticide resistance), as well as invasion and re-invasion risk where parasite transmission is absent due to current or past intervention measures. However, the formal integration of spatial and genetic data (‘landscape genetics’) is scarcely ever applied to parasites. Here, we discuss the specific challenges and practical prospects for the use of landscape genetics and genomics to understand the biology and control of parasitic disease and present a practical framework for doing so.