DNA strand intertwining with a lung

Unlocking the Secrets of the Lung Fluke: What the Paragonimus westermani Genome Reveals

Author's portrait.
Jordan Keane in Science & Nature June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Decoding the DNA of a Neglected Parasite Could Lead to New Treatments and Diagnostics"


Foodborne parasitic infections pose a significant global health challenge, and lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus are a prime example. Among the 50 species of Paragonimus, Paragonimus westermani stands out as the primary culprit behind human disease. While its medical and economic importance is undeniable, a comprehensive understanding has been hampered by the lack of genomic information – until now.

A recent study has successfully sequenced and assembled the genome of P. westermani, offering unprecedented insights into this elusive parasite. This breakthrough promises to accelerate research, paving the way for new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for paragonimiasis, the disease caused by lung flukes.

Let’s dive into the details of this genomic revelation and explore its potential impact on global health. The findings, recently published, provide a crucial foundation for future studies on this neglected tropical disease.

Why is Sequencing the Paragonimus westermani Genome a Game Changer?

DNA strand intertwining with a lung

The newly sequenced genome of P. westermani is remarkably large for a parasitic worm, estimated at 1.1 Gb (Gigabases). The assembled genome spans 922.8 Mb, representing 84% of the estimated total size. This extensive genetic map reveals a high proportion (45%) of repeat-derived DNA, particularly LINE and LTR subtypes, which may explain the overall size of the genome. Researchers identified 12,852 protein-coding genes, showing substantial conservation with other trematode species.

Several key insights emerged from the genome sequencing effort:

  • Genome Size and Composition: The P. westermani genome is one of the largest among known pathogen genomes. Its high repeat content, especially LINE and LTR elements, contributes significantly to its size.
  • Gene Prediction and Conservation: Researchers predicted 12,852 protein-coding genes, with 80% showing homology to proteins in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini.
  • Mitochondrial Genome: The mitochondrial genome was assembled into a single circular contig of 20.6 kb, containing a 6.9 kb region of non-coding repetitive DNA, suggesting high polymorphism within P. westermani isolates.
This detailed genomic information creates new avenues to understanding the biology of P. westermani, its interactions with hosts, and its evolution. This knowledge is foundational for developing targeted interventions.

Why This Matters: The Future of Paragonimiasis Research

The genome sequence of Paragonimus westermani provides a critical foundation for future research. By understanding the parasite's genetic makeup, scientists can develop more effective diagnostic tools, targeted drug therapies, and even potential vaccine strategies. This breakthrough offers renewed hope for controlling and ultimately eliminating this debilitating disease that affects millions worldwide.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

How large is the *Paragonimus westermani* genome, and what contributes to its size?

The genome of *Paragonimus westermani* is exceptionally large for a parasitic worm, approximately 1.1 Gb (Gigabases). The assembled portion covers 922.8 Mb, which is about 84% of the total estimated size. A significant portion, 45%, consists of repeat-derived DNA, especially LINE and LTR subtypes. This high repeat content is believed to contribute to the overall large size of the genome.

2

How does sequencing the *Paragonimus westermani* genome lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for paragonimiasis?

Sequencing the genome of *Paragonimus westermani* allows scientists to identify and study its genes, which are crucial for developing new diagnostic tools to detect the parasite and targeted drug therapies to treat paragonimiasis. This genomic information also aids in understanding the parasite's interactions with its hosts, which is essential for creating effective interventions, including potential vaccine strategies, ultimately helping to control and possibly eliminate this disease.

3

How many protein-coding genes were identified in the *Paragonimus westermani* genome, and what is their significance?

Researchers identified 12,852 protein-coding genes in the *Paragonimus westermani* genome. Notably, 80% of these genes show homology to proteins found in *Opisthorchis viverrini*, also known as the human liver fluke. This high degree of conservation suggests shared evolutionary history and potentially similar biological functions, providing valuable insights for comparative studies and the development of broad-spectrum treatments.

4

What are the key characteristics of the *Paragonimus westermani* mitochondrial genome, and what does it suggest about the parasite?

The mitochondrial genome of *Paragonimus westermani* was assembled into a single circular contig of 20.6 kb. A notable feature is a 6.9 kb region of non-coding repetitive DNA, which indicates high polymorphism among different *Paragonimus westermani* isolates. This genetic diversity can influence the parasite's adaptability and resistance to treatments, making it a crucial area for further investigation to understand the parasite's population structure and evolution.

5

In what ways can understanding the *Paragonimus westermani* genome improve treatment and prevention strategies for lung fluke infections?

The findings offer a foundation to develop targeted drug therapies. By identifying essential genes and proteins in *Paragonimus westermani*, researchers can design drugs that specifically disrupt the parasite's biological processes without harming the host. Furthermore, the genomic data can be used to identify potential vaccine candidates. By understanding which parasite proteins elicit an immune response, scientists can develop vaccines that provide long-term protection against paragonimiasis. The combination of improved diagnostics, targeted therapies, and potential vaccines offers a comprehensive approach to controlling and eliminating this neglected tropical disease.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.