Generation Of A High Quality Reference Genome For The Zoonotic Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Simium

Zoonotic malaria caused by Plasmodium simium complicates control efforts due to hidden animal reservoirs and altered transmission dynamics, as highlighted by recent outbreaks in Brazil. High-quality genomic resources are essential to identify host-adaptation markers and improve diagnostics, prompting the generation of a new P. simium reference genome (Ps_SãoPaulo, 21.8 Mb) using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. Comparative analyses confirmed key differences from P. vivax, including mitochondrial mutations, deletions in invasion genes, and variation in blood-stage antigens. Genome-wide analysis of Brazilian isolates revealed divergence from P. vivax and signatures of selection, providing critical insights for zoonotic malaria surveillance and control.