Researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid have managed to sequence and assemble two new genomes of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for one of the most neglected tropical diseases, Chagas disease. The results, published in Scientific Reports, could contribute positively in the investigation of this disease.

Since 2005, when the first genome sequence of T. cruzi was published, scientists have found a great genomic variability between of this parasite’s strains. This, according to specialists, could correspond to the variability observed in models of infection and in vitro disease development. However, only a few genomes have been sequenced.

Through the use of new technologies of massive sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, a team from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) was able to assemble as a great puzzle two new genomes of T. cruzi from millions of sequences, managing to extract its information and biological meaning.

The two new genomes correspond to strains of great scientific interest. “One of the strains is related to high levels of virulence (Y). The other is a hybrid strain associated with vertical transmission of the disease (Bug2148),” the authors described.

“This genomic comparison allowed us identifying the most probable genetic groups associated with the development of the disease and the infection process, as well as identifying the protein families exposed to constant evolution that give the parasite a biological advantage over drugs development.”

Chagas disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Chagas disease as one of the leading causes of death in Latin America (responsible for 20,000 to 50,000 deaths per year).

Currently it is estimated that there are 25 million people at risk of contracting this disease, both in endemic and non-endemic areas, including practically the entire American continent and part of Europe.

To date there is no cure and the available drugs tend to cause side effects that force patients to abandon treatment, which is why it is considered one of the most neglected tropical diseases.

 

Source: SINC