The Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of Hepatozoon catesbianae (Apicomplexa: Coccidia: Adeleorina), a Blood Parasite of the Green Frog, Lithobates (Formerly Rana) clamitans

Abstract

A complete mitochondrial genome for the blood parasite Hepatozoon catesbianae (Alveolata; Apicomplexa; Coccidia; Adeleorina; Hepatozoidae) was obtained through PCR amplification and direct sequencing of resulting PCR products. The mitochondrial genome of H. catesbianae is 6,397 bp in length and contains 3 protein-coding genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI]; cytochrome c oxidase subunit III [COIII]; and cytochrome B [CytB]). Sequence similarities to previously published mitochondrial genomes of other apicomplexan parasites permitted annotation of 23 putative rDNA fragments in the mitochondrial genome of H. catesbianae, 14 large subunit rDNA fragments, and 9 small subunit rDNA fragments. Sequences corresponding to rDNA fragments RNA5, RNA8, RNA11, and RNA19 of Plasmodium falciparum were not identified in the mitrochondrial genome sequence of H. catesbianae. Although the presence of 3 protein-coding regions and numerous putative rDNA fragments is a feature typical for apicomplexan mitochondrial genomes, the mitochondrial genome of H. catesbianae possesses a structure and gene organization that is distinct among the Apicomplexa. This is the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence obtained from any apicomplexan parasite in the suborder Adeleorina.

Monophyly of the species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) parasitizing (African) anurans, with the description of three new species from hyperoliid frogs in South Africa

“…mtDNA) may further explain the biogeography and evolutionary history of these species globally. However, to date, only one haemogregarine, H. catesbianae isolated from the frog Rana catesbeiana has mtDNA sequence data available (see Leveille et al 2014 ). Although these markers (mtDNA) may be complementary in providing an evolutionary perspective among these parasite groups, a lot more data are required if we want to use similar sized datasets such as those available for 18S rDNA sequences for haemogregarines, especially in terms of vertebrate host diversity (amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds and mammals) and geographical distribution.…”

“…Thus, to revise the deeper taxonomy (family and genus level) of haemogregarines based on their phylogenetic affinities and life histories, more studies using faster-evolving markers such as mitochondrial genes (e.g. Leveille et al 2014 ), elucidating life cycles, and building larger datasets are necessary. Therefore, as suggested and used by Maia et al ( 2016 b ) we will continue to refer to species parasitizing anuran hosts as species of Hepatozoon and not Bartazoon .…”

Microscopic and molecular characterization ofHepatozoon domerguei(Apicomplexa) andFoleyella furcata(Nematoda) in wild endemic reptiles from Madagascar

“…Thus, it is possible that some of these haplotypes belong to different hemogregarine genera. Future studies need to assess the developmental stages of these parasites and the use of faster-evolving genes [ 41 ] might help in taxonomic identification of these parasites. It is also worth mentioning that the Hep primers performed better than the HEMO primers by amplifying a broader range of parasites, as observed in other studies [ 28 , 58 ], allowing for a better assessment of the distribution and diversity of these parasites.…”

Molecular and morphological description of the first Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) species infecting a neotropical turtle, with an approach to its phylogenetic relationships

“…The mitochondrial genome has been seen as a good candidate given the evolution rate of the genes encoded there (Escalante et al ., 1998; Pacheco et al ., 2017) as well as their widespread use in other apicomplexa groups of parasites (Bensch et al ., 2000; Martinsen et al ., 2008; Perkins, 2008; Ogedengbe et al ., 2011; Witsenburg et al ., 2012; Borner et al ., 2016; González et al ., 2019 among others). In this regard, recent advances have been achieved for the mitochondrial genome sequencing of Hepatozoon catesbianae and Hepatozoon griseisciuri (Léveillé et al ., 2014, 2020), from which high genetic divergences have been found within the nominal taxa.…”