Next generation whole genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum using NextSeq500 technology in India

Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes the deadliest form of human malaria. Although, malaria burdens worldwide have decreased substantially over the last decade (WHO, 2014), genetic variation and adaptation by parasite strains against drugs and vaccines present significant challenges for the elimination of malaria (Ariey et al., 2014; Neafsey et al., 2015). India has formally launched a malaria elimination campaign (NVBDCP, 2016). Therefore, early in-country detection of drug resistance and/or immune evasion will be important for the program. Presently, the majority of surveillance methods in India detect a limited number of known polymorphisms (Campino et al., 2011; Chatterjee et al., 2016; Daniels et al., 2008; Mishra et al., 2015; Neafsey et al., 2012; Neafsey et al., 2008). A recently reported amplicon sequencing method enables targeted re-sequencing of a panel of genes (Rao et al., 2016). However, the capacity to identify new genes of resistance/immune evasion by whole genome sequencing (WGS) through next generation sequencing (NGS) in India, has remained elusive. Here we report the first WGS of P. falciparum strain performed by Eurofins Genomics India Pvt. Ltd at its Bengaluru division within 40 days of sample submission. Our data establish that timely, commercial WGS through NGS in India can be applied to P. falciparum to greatly empower the malaria elimination agenda in India.