Mosquitoes are pathogen vectors embedded within diverse microbial ecosystems. However, the nature and interactions among their multi-kingdom microbiome remain poorly understood. We conducted a nationwide single-mosquito meta-transcriptomic survey of 5,163 mosquitoes representing 100 species across China, integrating viral discovery with marker-gene profiling of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other eukaryotic microbes. From this, we identified 1,606 microbial species-level taxa, including extensive novel diversity, and revealed pronounced host species– specific organization of mosquito-associated communities. We detected 34 pathogens or potential pathogens of human or animal relevance, whose prevalence, abundance, host range, and geographic distribution defined distinct epidemiological patterns. Network analysis uncovered pervasive cross-kingdom microbial associations, including candidate antiviral relationships involving Wolbachia and other microbial taxa. Our study establishes a detailed view of the full-spectrum microbiome and provides a resource and conceptual framework for studying vector competence, pathogen emergence, and microbiome-informed mosquito-borne disease control.
Qin-yu Gou, Wei-Chen Wu, Pei-Bo Shi et al.· bioRxiv· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Cystic echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (ss), is a globally distributed, zoonotic disease that is recognised by WHO as a neglected tropical disease. Despite its clinical and economic importance, nuclear genomic variation in this parasite has not been systematically characterised across global populations. In this study, we aimed to characterise the genome-wide nuclear genetic diversity and population structure of E granulosus ss across globally distributed populations.
METHODS
We conducted a genomic study of 137 E granulosus ss samples from endemic regions across five continents, derived from previously collected parasite material from livestock, wildlife, and human infections. Using a chromosome-scale reference genome, we applied population genomic approaches to investigate genome-wide nuclear genetic diversity, population structure, and patterns of evolutionary constraint.
FINDINGS
We identified 1 071 085 nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms across 137 samples, with heterozygosity ranging from 46% to 93% per sample. Genome-wide analyses identified two major clades associated with geographical origin. Distinct regions of genetic differentiation were observed, particularly on chromosome 9. Conserved genes under purifying selection included those involved in glycan biosynthesis and core cellular functions, whereas variable genes were enriched in pathways such as ribosome biogenesis. Mitochondrial genotypes (G1 and G3) did not align with the nuclear genomic structure.
INTERPRETATION
To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first broad atlas of nuclear genomic diversity in E granulosus ss, uncovering genetic diversity and population structure. The findings have important implications for molecular epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and translational development of diagnostics and vaccines. Incorporating genomic data into cystic echinococcosis control programmes could enhance WHO-aligned efforts to reduce the burden of this neglected tropical disease.
FUNDING
Australian Research Council and the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.
Liina Anijalg, Pasi K. Korhonen, Neil D. Young et al.· The Lancet Microbe· 0 citations
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