Species of the genus <i>Ophidascaris</i> are zoonotic nematodes primarily parasitic in snakes, but limited genomic resources have hindered phylogenetic resolution and species delineation. To date, no ascarid nematodes have been documented in hedgehogs, making this finding noteworthy. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Ophidascaris</i> sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (<i>Erinaceus europaeus</i>) in China was sequenced using Illumina technology, annotated, and compared with published sequences. The mitogenome (14,624 bp) contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and-as in other nematodes-lacks the atp8 gene. Comparative analyses showed nucleotide divergence (14.4 %-17.1 %) from <i>O. wangi</i> and <i>O. baylisi</i>, supported its distinct genetic identity. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its placement within the <i>Ophidascaris</i> genus with strong statistical support. This study provides the first complete mitogenome of an <i>Ophidascaris</i> species recovered from a hedgehog and suggests that hedgehogs may serve as intermediate hosts, thereby expanding the known host range. The mitogenome generated here provides valuable molecular markers for species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, and future epidemiological surveillance.
Cross Species TransmissionExtraction confidence 0.90
Key finding
An Ophidascaris nematode, typically infecting snakes, was detected in European hedgehogs in China, indicating cross-species transmission between non-human animal hosts.
Species of the genus <i>Ophidascaris</i> are zoonotic nematodes primarily parasitic in snakes... In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Ophidascaris</i> sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (<i>Erinaceus europaeus</i>) in China was sequenced... This study provides the first complete mitogenome of an <i>Ophidascaris</i> species recovered from a hedgehog and suggests that hedgehogs may serve as intermediate hosts, thereby expanding the known host range.
Mitochondrial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ophidascaris sp. from European hedgehogs represents a distinct lineage within the Ophidascaris genus.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Ophidascaris sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in China was sequenced using Illumina technology, annotated, and compared with published sequences. Comparative analyses showed nucleotide divergence (14.4 %-17.1 %) from O. wangi and O. baylisi, supported its distinct genetic identity. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its placement within the Ophidascaris genus with strong statistical support.
Genes or proteins
mitochondrial genome
Analysis methods
comparative genomics; phylogenetic analysis
Zoonotic Surveillance1 records
Zoonotic SurveillanceExtraction confidence 0.85
Key finding
Ophidascaris sp. larvae were detected and sequenced from European hedgehogs in China, supporting molecular surveillance of a zoonotic nematode in a novel host.
In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Ophidascaris sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in China was sequenced using Illumina technology.
Integrated evidence reveals a new subspecies of the genus Seuratascaris (Nematoda: ascaridomorpha), with characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome
