Mitochondrial genomes of Anisakis simplex and Contracaecum osculatum (sensu stricto) – Comparisons with selected nematodes (original) (raw)

2014, Infection, Genetics and Evolution

Anisakid nematodesparasitizemainly fish, marine mammals and/orfish-eating birds, and can be transmitted to a range of fish-eating mammals, including humans, where theycan cause gastrointestinal disease linked to larval infection or allergic responses.In spite of the animal and human health significance of these parasites, there are still gaps in our understanding of thesystematics, biology, epidemiologyand ecology of anisakids.Mitochondrial (mt) DNA provides useful genetic markers for investigations in these areas, but complete mt genomic data have been lacking for most anisakids. In the present study, the mt genomesof Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Contracaecum osculatumsensu strictowere amplified from genomic DNA by long-range polymerase chain reactionand sequenced using 454 technology. The circular mt genomesof these species were 13926 and 13823 bp, respectively, and each of them contained 12 proteincoding, 22 transfer RNA, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes consistent for members of the Ascaridida,Oxyurida, Spirurida, Rhabditida and Strongylida.Thesemt genomes provide a stepping-stone for future comparative analyses among a range of anisakids and a basis for reinvestigating their genetic relationships. In addition, these markers might be used inprospecting for cryptic species and exploring host affiliations.