The Sea Cucumber-Infecting Parasite Apostichocystis gudetama gen. nov. sp. nov. Expands Marine-Host-Specific Clade of Apicomplexans.

ABSTRACT: Unknown ellipsoid bodies, later classified as apicomplexan cysts, are prevalent in the ovaries of Japanese sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus), where they can lead to lower fecundity in infected individuals and adverse effects on wild populations as well as aquaculture efforts for this endangered species. Apicomplexans are widespread and essential to marine environments, where they can affect the health and fitness of host populations. We performed genomic sequencing of recovered cysts to gain more ecological and evolutionary information on this parasite. We recovered this apicomplexan's complete nuclear ribosomal RNA (rrn) operon, the entire mitochondrial genome, and a partial apicoplast (relic chloroplast) genome. The rrn operon phylogeny revealed this parasite as being closely relate

SUBMITTER: Bonacolta AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12087521 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature