Sequencing parasite genomes, one worm at a time

Genomes are central to understanding how parasitic worms-a taxonomically diverse group comprising roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (platyhelminths)-adapt to and persist in their hosts and environments. The ongoing genomics revolution is delivering high-quality genomes across the tree of life, but parasitic worms risk being left behind due to limited sample accessibility, low DNA yield, and high genetic diversity. Advances in whole-genome amplification and long-read sequencing now allow high-quality genomes to be generated from individual worms. We argue that these approaches will drive a rapid increase in the quality and diversity of parasitic worm reference genomes and enable a transition toward pangenomes that fully capture within-species variation. Together, these advances will provide a more complete understanding of parasitic worm biology.