Insights into the evolution, virulence and speciation of Babesia MO1 and Babesia divergens through multiomics analyses

Abstract

Babesiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, is an emerging tick-borne disease of significance for both human and animal health. Babesia parasites infect erythrocytes of vertebrate hosts where they develop and multiply rapidly to cause the pathological symptoms associated with the disease. The identification of new Babesia species underscores the ongoing risk of zoonotic pathogens capable of infecting humans, a concern amplified by anthropogenic activities and environmental changes. One such pathogen, Babesia MO1, previously implicated in severe cases of human babesiosis in the United States, was initially considered a subspecies of B. divergens, the predominant agent of human babesiosis in Europe. Here we report comparative multiomics analyses of B. divergens and B. MO1 that offer insight into their biology and evolution. Our analysis shows that despite their highly similar genomic sequences, substantial genetic and genomic divergence occurred throughout their evolution resulting in major differences in gene functions, expression and regulation, replication rates and susceptibility to antiparasitic drugs. Furthermore, both pathogens have evolved distinct classes of multigene families, crucial for their pathogenicity and adaptation to specific mammalian hosts. Leveraging genomic information for B. MO1, B. divergens, and other members of the Babesiidae family within Apicomplexa provides valuable insights into the evolution, diversity, and virulence of these parasites. This knowledge serves as a critical tool in preemptively addressing the emergence and rapid transmission of more virulent strains.