Comparative Draft Genomes of Isolate PCM2 (Formerly Named ) and Isolate PCM3 from the Southern Province of Thailand.

(1) Background: Autochthonous leishmaniasis, a sandfly-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasites (formerly named ) and , has been reported for immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients in the southern province of Thailand. Apart from the recent genomes of the northern isolates, limited information is known on the emergence and genetics of these parasites. (2) Methods: This study sequenced and compared the genomes of isolate PCM2 and isolate PCM3 with those of the northern isolates and other 14 species using short-read whole-genome sequencing methods and comparative bioinformatic analyses. (3) Results: The genomes of the southern isolates of and were 30.01 Mbp and 32.39 Mbp, and the comparison with the genomes of the northern isolates revealed species-level similarity with a level of genome and proteome variation, suggesting the different strains. Comparative proteome analysis showed six protein groups with 53 unique proteins for the strain PCM2 and 97 for the strain PCM3. Certain proteins were related to virulence, drug resistance, and stress response. (4) Conclusion: Therefore, the findings could indicate the need for more genetic and population genomic investigation, and the close monitoring of and in Thailand and neighboring regions.