Arsenophonus, an emerging clade of intracellular symbionts with a broad host distribution.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genus Arsenophonus is a group of symbiotic, mainly insect-associated bacteria with rapidly increasing number of records. It is known from a broad spectrum of hosts and symbiotic relationships varying from parasitic son-killers to coevolving mutualists.The present study extends the currently known diversity with 34 samples retrieved mainly from hippoboscid (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) and nycteribiid (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) hosts, and investigates phylogenetic relationships within the genus.

Results

The analysis of 110 Arsenophonus sequences (incl. Riesia and Phlomobacter), provides a robust monophyletic clade, characterized by unique molecular synapomorphies. On the other hand, unstable inner topology indicates that complete understanding of Arsenophonus evolutio

SUBMITTER: Novakova E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2724383 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature