Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Structures Aid in the Resolution of Piroplasmida phylogeny

摘要: The taxonomy of the order Piroplasmida, which includes a number clinically and economically relevant organisms, is hotly debated topic amongst parasitologists. Three genera (Babesia, Theileria, Cytauxzoon) are recognized based on parasite life cycle characteristics, but molecular phylogenetic analyses 18S sequences have suggested presence five or more distinct Piroplasmida lineages. Despite these important advancements, few studies been unable to define taxonomic relationships some organisms (e.g. C. felis T. equi) with respect other Piroplasmida. Additional evidence from mitochondrial genome synteny should aid in inference phylogeny resolution uncertainties. In this study, we amplified, sequenced, annotated seven previously uncharacterized genomes (Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, rossi, sp. Coco, conradae, microti-like sp., Cytauxzoon felis) identified additional ribosomal fragments ten characterized genomes. Phylogenetic analysis concatenated as well cox1 amino acid sequence groups, each possesses unique structure. Specifically, our results confirm existence four clades (B. microti group, sensu stricto, Theileria equi, latu group that B. conradae) while supporting integration species into single fifth taxon. Although known biological characteristics corroborate proposed phylogeny, investigation cycles warranted further understand evolution Our provide an evolutionary framework for comparative biology animal human pathogens help focus renewed efforts toward understanding within group.