RAPD–SCAR marker and genetic relationship analysis of three Demodex species (Acari: Demodicidae)

For a long time, classification of Demodex mites has been mainly based on their hosts and phenotype characteristics. The study was the first to conduct molecular identification and genetic relationship analysis for six isolates of three Demodex species by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. Totally, 239 DNA fragments were amplified from six Demodex isolates with 10 random primers in RAPD, of which 165 were polymorphic. Using a single primer, at least five fragments and at most 40 in the six isolates were amplified, whereas within a single isolate, a range of 35-49 fragments were amplified. DNA fingerprints of primers CZ 1-9 revealed intra- and interspecies difference in six Demodex isolates, whereas primer CZ 10 only revealed interspecies difference. The genetic distance and dendrogram showed the intraspecific genetic distances were closer than the interspecific genetic distances. The interspecific genetic distances of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex canis (0.7931-0.8140) were shorter than that of Demodex brevis and D. canis (0.8182-0.8987). The RAPD-SCAR marker displayed primer CZ 10 could be applied to identify the three Demodex species. The 479-bp fragment was specific for D. brevis, and the 261-bp fragment was specific for D. canis. The conclusion was that the RAPD-SCAR multi-marker was effective in molecular identification of three Demodex species. The genetic relationship between D. folliculorum and D. canis was nearer than that between D. folliculorum and D. brevis.     

Molecular study on three morphotypes of Demodex mites (Acarina: Demodicidae) from dogs

Canine demodicosis is a severe and highly prevalent dermatologic disease in dogs. Pet dogs can be affected by three recognized Demodex species that can produce clinical effects. In this paper, three morphological types of Demodex mites have been isolated from Spanish dogs. A complete morphobiometrical study of each one has been carried out. Morphological and biometrical studies revealed three closely related populations with some distinctive characteristics and could be identified as Demodex canis, Demodex injai, and Demodex sp. “cornei.” Furthermore, one population of D. canis from China, different populations of Demodex folliculorum from human skin (Spain and China), D. folliculorum from human eyelashes (Spain), and Demodex brevis from human skin (China) were considered to find out the level of variation between different species and geographical origin. The aim of the present study is to assess the usefulness of mitochondrial DNA molecular markers in establishing phylogenetic relationships and resolve taxonomic questions in Demodex mites. Molecular studies based on the amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial genes did not show clear differences between the three morphotypes considered. Furthermore, phylogenetic relationships in Demodex mites were analyzed. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that Demodex species from dogs were gathered together, and populations of D. folliculorum from humans appear together in a different branch; however, D. brevis from humans seemed to be more distant. Our results show that cytochrome oxidase I region is a useful tool to solve different taxonomic questions at the species and population level and to infer phylogenetic relationships in Demodex species. However, 16S mitochondrial rDNA seems a good marker for comparisons at an interspecies level, but not at a population level in this group of mites. Furthermore, from genetic distance and divergence data, we would suggest that D. canis, D. injai, and Demodex sp. cornei are polymorphisms of the same species.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Demodex caprae based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequence

Demodex caprae infests the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of goats worldwide, which not only seriously impairs goat farming, but also causes a big economic loss. However, there are few reports on the DNA level of D. caprae. To reveal the taxonomic position of D. caprae within the genus Demodex, the present study conducted phylogenetic analysis of D. caprae based on mt16S rDNA sequence data. D. caprae adults and eggs were obtained from a skin nodule of the goat suffering demodicidosis. The mt16S rDNA sequences of individual mite were amplified using specific primers, and then cloned, sequenced, and aligned. The sequence divergence, genetic distance, and transition/transversion rate were computed, and the phylogenetic trees in Demodex were reconstructed. Results revealed the 339-bp partial sequences of six D. caprae isolates were obtained, and the sequence identity was 100 % among isolates. The pairwise divergences between D. caprae and Demodex canis or Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis were 22.2–24.0 %, 24.0–24.9 %, and 22.9–23.2 %, respectively. The corresponding average genetic distances were 2.840, 2.926, and 2.665, and the average transition/transversion rates were 0.70, 0.55, and 0.54, respectively. The divergences, genetic distances, and transition/transversion rates of D. caprae versus the other three species all reached interspecies level. The five phylogenetic trees all presented that D. caprae clustered with D. brevis first, and then with D. canis, D. folliculorum, and Demodex injai in sequence. In conclusion, D. caprae is an independent species, and it is closer to D. brevis than to D. canis, D. folliculorum, or D. injai.     

Molecular characterization and phylogeny of whipworm nematodes inferred from DNA sequences of cox1 mtDNA and 18S rDNA

A molecular phylogenetic hypothesis is presented for the genus Trichuris based on sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) and ribosomal 18S genes. The taxa consisted of different described species and several host-associated isolates (undescribed taxa) of Trichuris collected from hosts from Spain. Sequence data from mitochondrial cox1 (partial gene) and nuclear 18S near-complete gene were analyzed by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, as separate and combined datasets, to evaluate phylogenetic relationships among taxa. Phylogenetic results based on 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were robust for relationships among species; cox1 sequences delimited species and revealed phylogeographic variation, but most relationships among Trichuris species were poorly resolved by mitochondrial sequences. The phylogenetic hypotheses for both genes strongly supported monophyly of Trichuris, and distinct genetic lineages corresponding to described species or nematodes associated with certain hosts were recognized based on cox1 sequences. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on concatenated sequences of the two loci, cox1 (mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)) and 18S rDNA, were congruent with the overall topology inferred from 18S and previously published results based on internal transcribed spacer sequences. Our results demonstrate that the 18S rDNA and cox1 mtDNA genes provide resolution at different levels, but together resolve relationships among geographic populations and species in the genus Trichuris.     

Combined mitochondrial 16S and 12S rDNA sequences: an effective genetic marker for inter-species phylogenetic analysis of zoonotic trematodes

The present study studied the genetic variation among Schistosoma japonicum isolates from different endemic regions in mainland China and examined the phylogenetic relationships of zoonotic trematodes using the combined mitochondrial 16S and 12S ribosomal DNA sequences. The fragments of 16S and 12S rDNA were amplified from 22 S. japonicum isolates, and sequenced, and the relevant sequences of other nine trematode species belonging to six genera in four families were downloaded from GenBank, and their phylogenetic relationships were re-constructed by unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages analyses using the combined 16S and 12S rDNA sequences, with Trichinella spiralis as outgroup. The results showed that the partial sequences of mitochondrial 16S and 12S rDNA of S. japonicum were 757 and 797 bp, respectively, and they were quite conserved among the S. japonicum isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the combined 16S and 12S rDNA sequences were not able to distinguish S. japonicum isolates in mountainous areas from those in lake/marshland areas in mainland China. However, the combined sequences could distinguish different species of zoonotic trematodes. Therefore, the combined mitochondrial 16S and 12S rDNA sequences provide an effective molecular marker for the inter-species phylogenetic analysis and differential identification of zoonotic trematodes.     

克雷伯菌16S rDNA和rpoB基因系统进化及序列特征分析

目的 比较分析克雷伯菌属的种之间16S rDNA和rpoB系统进化发育关系和序列进化特征.方法 选取经生化鉴定的克雷伯菌18株,提取菌株染色体作为模板,分别使用16S rDNA和rpoB通用引物扩增并测序16S rDNA和rpoB序列.与GenBank中目前已公布的8种克雷伯属菌株16S rDNA和rpoB序列各8条、除克雷伯菌外其他肠道菌株的16S rDNA和rpoB序列各9条一起,共计各35条16SrDNA和rpoB序列,在MEGA 4.0中建立进化树并进行分群分析,使用DNAStar/MegAlign程序比较分析8种克雷伯菌的种间16S rDNA和rpoB序列变异碱基位点,并做分歧度分析.结果 在所有受试的16SrDNA和rpoB的各35条序列中,16S rDNA和rpoB进化发育树都将克雷伯菌区分为3个群:分离的18株克雷伯菌中,15株肺炎亚种与GenBank中除产酸克雷伯菌和运动克雷伯菌外的其余6种克雷伯菌聚为一群(Ⅰ),其余3株克雷伯菌(FX246、FX280和FX286),经生化鉴定为产酸克雷伯菌,与GenBank中产酸克雷伯菌(DQ835530)聚为一群(Ⅱ);而GenBank中的运动克雷伯菌单独聚为一群(Ⅲ);进一步的分析,在rpoB进化发育树中,无沦足Ⅰ群和Ⅱ群,还足Ⅰ群内的两个亚群,rpoB进化发育树的结点处自引导值都明显高于16S rDNA进化发育树;而且rpoB对产酸克雷伯菌的分群优于16S rDNA.对克雷伯菌的序列分析发现,16S rDNA序列存在41个碱基变异位点,有4个易变区,rpoB序列存在63个碱基变异位点,有1个易变区;克雷伯菌16S rDNA和rpoB的相似性分别为95.9%～100%和90.2%～100%.进一步的克雷伯菌种间序列分歧值分析,rpoB分歧值(0～10.6)高于16S rDNA(0～4.0).结论 克雷伯菌rpoB比16S rDNA具有更高的分歧度,在克雷伯菌属内种的分子分类和鉴定中,rpoB比16S rDNA基因更具优越性.     

rpoB gene sequence-based identification of Staphylococcus species

The complete sequence of rpoB, the gene encoding the beta subunit of RNA polymerase was determined for Staphylococcus saccharolyticus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, S taphylococcus caprae, and Staphylococcus intermedius and partial sequences were obtained for an additional 27 Staphylococcus species. The complete rpoB sequences varied in length from 3,452 to 3,845 bp and had a 36.8 to 39.2% GC content. The partial sequences had 71.6 to 93.6% interspecies homology and exhibited a 0.08 to 0.8% intraspecific divergence. With a few exceptions, the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the partial rpoB sequences were in agreement with those previously derived from DNA-DNA hybridization studies and analyses of 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequences and partial HSP60 gene sequences. The staphylococcal rpoB sequence database we established enabled us to develop a molecular method for identifying Staphylococcus isolates by PCR followed by direct sequencing of the 751-bp amplicon. In blind tests, this method correctly identified 10 Staphylococcus isolates, and no positive results were obtained with 10 non-Staphylococcus gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates. We propose partial sequencing of the rpoB gene as a new tool for the accurate identification of Staphylococcus isolates.     

Molecular identification of four phenotypes of human Demodex mites (Acari: Demodicidae) based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA

Classification of Demodex mites has long depended on hosts and morphological characteristics. However, the fact that two species coexist in the same host and phenotype is easily influenced by environment causes difficulty and indeterminacy in traditional classification. Genotype, which directly reflects the molecular structure characteristics, is relatively stable. In this study, species identification of four phenotypes of human Demodex mites was conducted. Mites were morphologically classified into four phenotypes: long- and short-bodied Demodex folliculorum with finger-like terminus and Demodex brevis with finger- or cone-like terminus. The mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragment of individual mite was amplified, cloned, sequenced, and aligned. Sequence divergences, genetic distances, transition/transversion rates, and phylogenetic trees were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the 16S rDNA sequence of three phenotypes with finger-like terminus was 337 bp, and that of phenotype with cone-like terminus was 342 bp. The divergences, genetic distances, and transition/transversion rates among the three phenotypes with finger-like terminus were 0.0–2.7 %, 0.000–0.029, and 5.0–7/0 (5/1–7/0), respectively, indicating an intraspecific variation. Yet, those between these three phenotypes and the one with cone-like terminus were 21.6–22.8 %, 2.510–2.589, and 0.47–0.59 (22/47–27/46), respectively, suggesting an interspecific variation. The five phylogenetic trees showed that the three phenotypes with finger-like terminus clustered into one branch, while the phenotype with cone-like terminus clustered into another. In conclusion, terminus is a major morphological characteristic for the identification of human Demodex species. The three phenotypes with finger-like terminus belong to D. folliculorum, while the phenotype with cone-like terminus belongs to D. brevis. Molecular identification can verify and replenish morphological identification.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium elephantis</Emphasis>: Not an Exceptional Finding in Clinical Specimens

Following the recent report of new 16S rDNA sequences of Mycobacterium elephantis, three clinical strains suspected to belong to such species were investigated using biochemical and cultural tests, high performance liquid chromatography of cell wall mycolic acids and genetic sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was also determined. The findings confirmed recent data concerning human isolates of this new mycobacterium and identified a new 16S rDNA sequevar for this species.     

Species-specific identification of campylobacters by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Species-specific identification of campylobacters is problematic, primarily due to the absence of suitable biochemical assays and the existence of atypical strains. 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA)-based identification of bacteria offers a possible alternative when phenotypic tests fail. Therefore, we evaluated the reliability of 16S rDNA sequencing for the species-specific identification of campylobacters. Sequence analyses were performed by using almost 94% of the complete 16S rRNA genes of 135 phenotypically characterized Campylobacter strains, including all known taxa of this genus. It was shown that 16S rDNA analysis enables specific identification of most Campylobacter species. The exception was a lack of discrimination among the taxa Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli and atypical C. lari strains, which shared identical or nearly identical 16S rDNA sequences. Subsequently, it was investigated whether partial 16S rDNA sequences are sufficient to determine species identity. Sequence alignments led to the identification of four 16S rDNA regions with high degrees of interspecies variation but with highly conserved sequence patterns within the respective species. A simple protocol based on the analysis of these sequence patterns was developed, which enabled the unambiguous identification of the majority of Campylobacter species. We recommend 16S rDNA sequence analysis as an effective, rapid procedure for the specific identification of campylobacters.     

RDNA sequences of Anopheles species from the Iberian Peninsula and an evaluation of the 18S rRNA gene as phylogenetic marker in anophelinae

The complete 18S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-2 rDNA sequences were obtained from Anopheles atroparvus Van Thiel and Anopheles plumbeus Stephens from two areas of Spain. The number of nucleotide differences in the 18S rDNA of the two species is high compared with differences in the same gene of other invertebrate vectors. In Anopheles, short 18S rDNA sequences are richer in AT than the longer sequences, which are richer in GC and include extremely GC-biased expanded regions. Four small regions in the variable regions V4 and V7 contain the majority of nucleotide differences. The results did not support the use of partial sequences for relationship analyses. Genetic distances and phylogenetic analyses supported the most recent classification of Anopheles. The complete 18S rDNA sequence is better for studying anopheline phylogenetics.     

Identification of clinically relevant viridans group streptococci by sequence analysis of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA spacer region

The feasibility of sequence analysis of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer (ITS) for the identification of clinically relevant viridans group streptococci (VS) was evaluated. The ITS regions of 29 reference strains (11 species) of VS were amplified by PCR and sequenced. These 11 species were Streptococcus anginosus, S. constellatus, S. gordonii, S. intermedius, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. oralis, S. parasanguinis, S. salivarius, S. sanguinis, and S. uberis. The ITS lengths (246 to 391 bp) and sequences were highly conserved among strains within a species. The intraspecies similarity scores for the ITS sequences ranged from 0.98 to 1.0, except for the score for S. gordonii strains. The interspecies similarity scores for the ITS sequences varied from 0.31 to 0.93. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS regions revealed that evolution of the regions of some species of VS is not parallel to that of the 16S rRNA genes. One hundred six clinical isolates of VS were identified by the Rapid ID 32 STREP system (bioMérieux Vitek, Marcy l'Etoile, France) and by ITS sequencing, and the level of disagreement between the two methods was 18% (19 isolates). Most isolates producing discrepant results could be unambiguously assigned to a specific species by their ITS sequences. The accuracy of using ITS sequencing for identification of VS was verified by 16S rDNA sequencing for all strains except strains of S. oralis and S. mitis, which were difficult to differentiate by their 16S rDNA sequences. In conclusion, identification of species of VS by ITS sequencing is reliable and could be used as an alternative accurate method for identification of VS.     

Toxocara canis and Toxocara vitulorum: molecular characterization, discrimination, and phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (ATP synthase subunit 6 and 12S) and nuclear ribosomal (ITS-2 and 28S) genes

Toxocara canis and Toxocara vitulorum are two important parasites of dogs and buffaloes with public health concern. The objectives of the present study are to identify molecular markers to discriminate these closely related parasites and to determine their phylogenetic position and genetic diversity within the genus Toxocara. Thus, two mitochondrial genes (complete ATPase 6 and partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (12S rDNA)), two nuclear ribosomal genes (second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2)), and part of the large subunit 28S region were analyzed. Nucleotide sequence (597 bp) and predicted amino acid sequences of the complete ATPase 6 gene (199 amino acids) of both species (T. canis and T. vitulorum) are similar in size with the Toxocara cati and Toxocara malaysiensis. There was 88% nucleotide similarity between T. canis and T. vitulorum and many transversions present in the 12S gene. Analyses of the ITS-2 and 28S regions revealed that the 28S region was more conserved (95% nucleotide similarity between T. canis and T. vitulorum) than the ITS-2 region (85%). This study has provided useful molecular markers for the molecular epidemiological investigation of Toxocara species. Further, phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-2 and 28S genes have indicated that the members of the genus Toxocara form a distinct group with reference to their definitive hosts.     

Coinfection with three Ehrlichia species in dogs from Thailand and Venezuela with emphasis on consideration of 16S ribosomal DNA secondary structure

As part of a larger study to investigate tick-borne infections in dogs from Thailand and Venezuela, documentation of coinfection with three Ehrlichia species in two dogs, one from each country, became the focus of the present study. Although neither dog had clinical signs attributable to ehrlichiosis, both dogs were anemic and neutropenic and the Thai dog was thrombocytopenic. Genus- and species-specific PCR targeting the 16S rRNA genes indicated that both dogs were coinfected with Ehrlichia canis, E. platys, and E. equi. To our knowledge, these results provide the first molecular documentation for the presence of E. equi in dogs from these countries. Using universal bacterial PCR primers, one nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene could be amplified from each dog. The sequences were identical to each other and almost identical to that of E. platys (AF156784), providing the first E. platys 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences reported from these two geographically divergent countries. To determine whether these sequence differences allow differentiation between these two strains and other published 16S rDNA E. platys sequences, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of the rRNA, incorporating the consideration of secondary structure.     

Molecular phylogenetics of eimeriid coccidia (Eimeriidae,Eimeriorina, Apicomplexa,Alveolata): A preliminary multi-gene and multi-genome approach

Coccidia possess three distinct genomes: nuclear, mitochondrial, and plastid. Sequences from five genes located on these three genomes were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of members of the phylum Apicomplexa: 18S rDNA sequences from the nuclear (nu) genome, partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences from the mitochondrial (mt) genome, and partial 16S and 23S rDNA sequences and RNA polymerase B sequences from plastid (pl) genomes. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference were used in conjunction with nuclear substitution models generated from data subsets in the analyses. Major groups within the Apicomplexa were well supported with the mitochondrial, nuclear, and a combination of mitochondrial, nuclear and concatenated plastid gene sequences. However, the genus Eimeria was paraphyletic in phylogenetic trees based on the nuclear gene. Analyses using the individual genes (18S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) resolved the various apicomplexan groups with high Bayesian posterior probabilities. The multi-gene, multi-genome analyses based on concatenated nu 18S rDNA, pl 16S, pl 23S, pl rPoB, pl rPoB1, and mt COI sequences appeared useful in resolving phylogenetic relationships within the phylum Apicomplexa. Genus-level relationships, or higher, appear best supported by 18S rDNA analyses, and species-level analyses are best investigated using mt COI sequences; for parasites for which both loci are available, nuclear 18S rDNA sequences combined with mitochondrial COI sequences provide a compact and informative molecular dataset for inferring the evolutionary relationships taxa in the Apicomplexa.     

蜱中玫瑰单胞菌菌株的分离与鉴定

目的 确定从蜱中分离的、使用常规方法不能鉴定的3株粉红色细菌的分类学位置.方法 使用16S rDNA序列分析和同源性检索方法及细菌的形态学、生化特性及脂肪酸分析等鉴定方法.结果 3株细菌为粉红色的革兰阴性需氧小球杆菌,最适生长温度为370℃,在含有5%以上NaC1的培养基中不能生长.该菌能发酵葡萄糖、利用棕檬酸盐,接触酶试验阳性、脲酶试验阳性、紫外(UV)吸收试验阳性.主要脂肪酸成分为C16:0、C17:0、C18:1 ω9c和C19:0 cyc.16S rDNA序列分析和同源性检索发现3株细菌与颈玫瑰单胞菌(Roseomonas cervicalis)同源性最高,达99.1%.结论 这3株细菌在分类学上属于玫瑰单胞菌(Roseomonas),但是和已经报道的种都不相同,可能是一个变种.蜱可能是其潜在的媒介宿主.     

Infection with a proposed new subspecies of Babesia canis, Babesia canis subsp. presentii, in domestic cats

Parasitemia with a large Babesia species was identified in two domestic cats from Israel. One cat, also coinfected with feline immunodeficiency virus and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum," had profound icterus and anemia which resolved after therapy, whereas a second cat was an asymptomatic carrier. Amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, followed by phylogenetic analyses, indicated that infection was caused by Babesia canis. However, the sequences of the internal transcribed and 5.8S rRNA regions of the ribosomal operon used for subspeciation of B. canis were markedly different from the recognized subspecies of B. canis, which include B. canis vogeli, B. canis canis, and B. canis rossi. Based on phylogenetic comparisons of the 18S rRNA gene, 5.8S, and internal transcribed spacer sequences of the isolates from the cats and on the smaller sizes of the merozoite and trophozoite stages of this parasite, which distinguish it from the subspecies of B. canis present in dogs, we propose to identify the novel feline genotype of B. canis described in the present study as a new subspecies, B. canis subsp. presentii.     

The second transcribed spacer rDNA sequence: an effective genetic marker for inter-species phylogenetic analysis of trematodes in the order Strigeata

In the present study, the second nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) rDNA of Schistosoma japonicum isolates in mainland China was amplified, sequenced, and assessed for inferring the intra- and inter-species phylogenetic relationships of trematodes in the order Strigeata. The fragment containing ITS-2 rDNA was obtained from 24 S. japonicum isolates from eight epidemic provinces in mainland China. The length polymorphisms were observed among these ITS-2 rDNA sequences, ranging from 343 to 346?bp, and the intra- and inter-population variations in ITS-2 sequence were 0.0-2.1?% among S. japonicum isolates in China. Phylogenetic analyses using the maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods revealed that the ITS-2 rDNA sequence is not a suitable marker for studying inter- and intra-population variation in S. japonicum. However, phylogenetic analysis of trematodes in the order Strigeata indicated that the ITS-2 rDNA sequence provides an effective molecular marker for studying inter-species phylogenetic relationships among trematodes in this order.     

Diagnostics of neisseriaceae and moraxellaceae by ribosomal DNA sequencing: ribosomal differentiation of medical microorganisms

Fast and reliable identification of microbial isolates is a fundamental goal of clinical microbiology. However, in the case of some fastidious gram-negative bacterial species, classical phenotype identification based on either metabolic, enzymatic, or serological methods is difficult, time-consuming, and/or inadequate. 16S or 23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) bacterial sequencing will most often result in accurate speciation of isolates. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find a hypervariable rDNA stretch, flanked by strongly conserved regions, which is suitable for molecular species identification of members of the Neisseriaceae and Moraxellaceae. The inter- and intrageneric relationships were investigated using comparative sequence analysis of PCR-amplified partial 16S and 23S rDNAs from a total of 94 strains. When compared to the type species of the genera Acinetobacter, Moraxella, and Neisseria, an average of 30 polymorphic positions was observed within the partial 16S rDNA investigated (corresponding to Escherichia coli positions 54 to 510) for each species and an average of 11 polymorphic positions was observed within the 202 nucleotides of the 23S rDNA gene (positions 1400 to 1600). Neisseria macacae and Neisseria mucosa subsp. mucosa (ATCC 19696) had identical 16S and 23S rDNA sequences. Species clusters were heterogeneous in both genes in the case of Acinetobacter lwoffii, Moraxella lacunata, and N. mucosa. Neisseria meningitidis isolates failed to cluster only in the 23S rDNA subset. Our data showed that the 16S rDNA region is more suitable than the partial 23S rDNA for the molecular diagnosis of Neisseriaceae and Moraxellaceae and that a reference database should include more than one strain of each species. All sequence chromatograms and taxonomic and disease-related information are available as part of our ribosomal differentiation of medical microorganisms (RIDOM) web-based service (http://www.ridom.hygiene.uni-wuerzburg.de/). Users can submit a sequence and conduct a similarity search against the RIDOM reference database for microbial identification purposes.     

Sequencing for complete rDNA sequences (18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 28S rDNA) of Demodex and phylogenetic analysis of Acari based on 18S and 28S rDNA

Due to the difficulty of DNA extraction for Demodex, few studies dealt with the identification and the phyletic evolution of Demodex at molecular level. In this study, we amplified, sequenced, and analyzed a complete (Demodex folliculorum) and an almost complete (D12 missing) (Demodex brevis) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence and also analyzed the primary sequences of divergent domains in small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of 51 species and in large-subunit rRNA of 43 species from four superfamilies in Acari (Cheyletoidea, Tetranychoidea, Analgoidea, and Ixodoidea). The results revealed that 18S rDNA sequence was relatively conserved in rDNA-coding regions and was not evolving as rapidly as 28S rDNA sequence. The evolutionary rates of transcribed spacer regions were much higher than those of the coding regions. The maximum parsimony trees of 18S and 28S rDNA appeared to be almost identical, consistent with their morphological classification. Based on the fact that the resolution capability of sequence length and the divergence of the 13 segments (D1–D6, D7a, D7b, and D8–D12) of 28S rDNA were stronger than that of the nine variable regions (V1–V9) of 18S rDNA, we were able to identify Demodex (Cheyletoidea) by the indels occurring in D2, D6, and D8.