Conserved mitochondrial genome organization of Isospora species (Eimeriidae, Coccidia, Apicomplexa) infecting reptiles (Pogona vitticeps (Sauria: Agamidae) and birds (Garrulax chinensis Aves: passeriformes)

Abstract

Complete mitochondrial genomes of Isospora amphiboluri and an unnamed Isospora sp. (Eimeriidae, Coccidia, Apicomplexa) were sequenced. These coccidia infect the bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps (Sauria: Agamidae) and black-throated laughingthrush Garrulax chinensis (Aves: Passeriformes), respectively. Genome organization and gene content were conventional. The circular-mapping mt genomes of I. amphiboluri (6264 bp) and unnamed Isospora sp. (6225 bp) each contained three protein-coding genes (COI, COIII, and CytB), 17 gene fragments encoding large subunit (LSU) rRNA and 14 gene fragments encoding small subunit (SSU) rRNA. Like other apicomplexan parasites, no tRNA was encoded by either genome. The comparable mitochondrial genome sequences and structures of Isospora and Eimeria species confirm the close relationship between these eimeriid genera of apicomplexan parasites.