Genetic diversity and comparative genomics across Leishmania (Viannia) species

Leishmaniasis is a disease representing an important public health problem worldwide, with a broad spectrum of clinical and epidemiological features partly associated with the diversity and complex life cycle of the Leishmania parasites. This study analyzes genomic data from Leishmania (Viannia) samples circulating in Colombia. It also provides chromosome-level genome assemblies for isolates representing different species and populations. The observed distribution of Leishmania genomic diversity across the sampling locations suggests rapid adaptation to different ecosystems. Pangenomic analysis of high-quality assemblies shows consistent copy number variation between species for different gene families. This work provides comprehensive genomic resources to identify population markers for Leishmania spp, leveraging valuable insights into the biology, transmission dynamics, the evolution of virulence mechanisms, and the spread of resistance of the parasite.