Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World Screwworm Fly, is an obligate parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, feeding on living tissues and causing severe myiasis. Its genome is considerably big, having a high level of repetitive DNA. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4 Authors: Lucía Martí, Alba Paniagua, Lukas Robertson, Paula Vera
Genomic interest areas: Pathogen
Coconut rhinoceros beetle
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the biggest beetles yet found, with an enormous horn. This horn is the reason for its name. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-022-08628-z June/07/2022 Authors: Lucía Ramos Sapena, Ángela Reinón Miguel, María Villena Jiménez
Hepatitis B virus
The hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus distinguished by its partially double-stranded genome and its use of reverse transcriptase. Highly resilient and very contagious, it targets hepatocytes and can cause acute infections or even lifelong chronic disease, reamaining as a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. DOI: 10.1038/281646a0 (October/25/1979) Authors: E. Oñate, P….
Staphylococcus aureus
The name Staphylococcus originates from Greek terms (staphyle and kokkos) which literally translate as a bunch of grapes. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jb.187.7.2426-2438.2005 Authors: Julia Bächtold Agustí, Silvia Delgado Blanco, Ainhoa Pellejero Valle
M. bovis
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of tuberculosis in various animal species and in humans, leading to significant global economic losses in agriculture. Its genome, which is more than 99.95% identical to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, provides important insights into its evolution, host interaction, and pathobiology. 10.1073/pnas.1130426100 (Jun/3/2003). Authors: Isidora Ibarra Azúa, Estefany Gimena Medina…
Urinary blood fluke
Urinary schistosomiasis has afflicted humans for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptian papyri record “bloody urine” (parasite eggs were found in mummies dating to 1250–1000 BC) and in 1798 Napoleon’s soldiers dubbed Egypt “the land of menstruating men” due to widespread haematuria. 10.1038/ng.1065 Author: Oscar Gonzalo Figueredo
Cronobacter sakazakii
Gram-negative encapsulated bacillus, opportunistic emerging pathogen. Outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of infant formula (powdered milk). It is capable of forming biofilms on baby bottles and latex nipples, leading to meningitis, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, or meningoencephalitis in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Its mortality rate ranges from 40–80%, and it may result in neurological…
Zombie-ant fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García
T. gondii
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan causing toxoplasmosis, a widespread infection in humans and animals. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding parasite biology and developing treatments. 10.1186/gb-2009-10-5-r53 (May 20, 2009)