High-quality nuclear genome for Sarcoptes scabiei-A critical resource for a neglected parasite

The parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an economically highly significant parasite of the skin of humans and animals worldwide. In humans, this mite causes a neglected tropical disease (NTD), called scabies. This disease results in major morbidity, disability, stigma and poverty globally and is often associated with secondary bacterial infections. Currently, anti-scabies treatments are not sufficiently effective, resistance to them is emerging and no vaccine is available. Here, we report the first high-quality genome and transcriptomic data for S. scabiei. The genome is 56.6 Mb in size, has a a repeat content of 10.6% and codes for 9,174 proteins. We explored key molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity and disease. The enhanced ‘omic data sets for S. scabiei represent comprehensive and critical resources for genetic, functional genomic, metabolomic, phylogenetic, ecological and/or epidemiological investigations, and will underpin the design and development of new treatments, vaccines and/or diagnostic tests.
Author summary Scabies is a highly significant parasitic disease caused by the mite S. scabiei. This NTD has a major adverse impact in disadvantaged communities around the world, particularly when associated with secondary bacterial infections and clinical complications. Here we report the first high-quality genome and transcriptomic data for S. scabiei and explore molecular aspects of S. scabiei/scabies. This genome (56.6 Mb, encoding ~ 9,200 proteins) provides a solid foundation for fundamental investigations of the molecular biology of the mite, host-parasite interactions and disease processes as well as for translational research to develop new treatments, vaccines and diagnostic tests.