Abstract
Mycoplasma agassizii is one of the known causative agents of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) and in gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). We sequenced the genomes of M. agassizii strains PS6T (ATCC 700616) and 723 (ATCC 700617) isolated from the upper respiratory tract of a Mojave desert tortoise and a gopher tortoise, respectively, both with signs of URTD. The PS6T genome assembly was organized in eight scaffolds, had a total length of 1,274,972 bp, a G + C content of 28.43%, and contained 979 protein-coding genes, 13 pseudogenes and 35 RNA genes. The 723 genome assembly was organized in 40 scaffolds, had a total length of 1,211,209 bp, a G + C content of 28.34%, and contained 955 protein-coding genes, seven pseudogenes, and 35 RNA genes. Both genomes exhibit a very similar organization and very similar numbers of genes in each functional category. Pairs of orthologous genes encode proteins that are 93.57% identical on average. Homology searches identified a putative cytadhesin. These genomes will enable studies that will help understand the molecular bases of pathogenicity of this and other Mycoplasma species.
Highlights
The genus Mycoplasma, within the bacterial class Mollicutes (Tenericutes), contains over one hundred species, many of which are pathogenic to vertebrates [1]
An upper respiratory tract disease has been implicated in population declines in Mojave Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) found in the desert southwest of the United States and gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) inhabiting forests of the U.S southeast [2,3,4]
Classification and features Mycoplasma agassizii has been isolated from multiple tortoise species, and was found to be pathogenic in Mojave Desert tortoises and gopher tortoises in North America, causing upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) [5, 6, 10]
Summary
The genus Mycoplasma, within the bacterial class Mollicutes (Tenericutes), contains over one hundred species, many of which are pathogenic to vertebrates [1]. The strains of M. agassizii that we have sequenced were isolated from two host species. Species Mycoplasma agassizii Strains PS6T and 723
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
