Global genome-wide study of Dirofilaria immitis

Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of the world. Although D. immitis can be found on almost every continent, the origin, dispersal history, and genetic relatedness among endemic populations remain unknown. This is particularly concerning given the confirmation of drug-resistant isolates in the USA. To elucidate the origins and spread of D. immitis and understand the genetics of resistance, we must first gain a deeper understanding of the global genetic structure of this parasite. Over 100 adult D. immitis have been collected from around the world (Australia, USA, Europe, Asia) and were sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. This is currently the largest genome-wide study on D. immitis, and provides an essential resource for future genome studies on D. immitis and other filarial parasites.