[Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes of Angiostrongylus cantonensis].

Objective: To compare the diversity of mitochondrial genomes of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the mainland of China.

Methods: According to the population genetic of A. cantonensis, seven female worms were selected to characterize the mitochondrial (MT) genomes. Twelve primer pairs based on known MT genome (GQ398121) were used for PCR. The target fragments were sequenced and aligned. The gene localization, genome structure, composition of nucleotide, distribution of variable sites, and phylogeny were analyzed by employing multiple softwares.

Results: Five distinct types were identified from seven complete MT genomes. They were similar in size and structure, i.e., ranging 13,491-13,502 bp, including 12 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 major non-coding regions. All the genes were localized at the same strand and had the same transcription direction. A total of 745 variable sites were identified, accounting for 5.5%. Among the variable sites, 59 were deletion/insert mutations, 105 transversions, and 581 transitions. The variable sites distributed evenly at the complete genome.

Conclusion: The study reveals the mutation profile in the whole MT genome of A. cantonensis and thus will facilitate the development of intraspecific differential diagnosis.