Phylogenetic Utility of rRNA ITS2 Sequence-Structure under Functional Constraint

Rosetta gen. nov. (Chlorophyta): Resolving the identity of red snow algal rosettes

Thick-walled rosette-like snow algae were long thought to be a life stage of various other species of snow algae. Rosette-like cells have not been cultured, but by manually isolating cells from 38 field samples in southern British Columbia, we assigned a variety of rosette morphologies to DNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis of Rubisco large-subunit (rbcL) gene, ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rRNA region, and 18S rRNA gene revealed that the rosette-like cells form a new clade within the phylogroup Chloromonadinia. Based on these data, we designate a new genus, Rosetta, which comprises five novel species: R. castellata, R. floranivea, R. stellaria, R. rubriterra, and R. papavera. In a survey of 762 snow samples from British Columbia, we observed R. floranivea exclusively on snow overlying high-elevation glaciers, whereas R. castellata was observed at lower elevations, near the tree line. The other three species were rarely observed. Spherical red cells enveloped in a thin translucent sac were conspecific with Rosetta, possibly a developmental stage. These results highlight the unexplored diversity among snow algae and emphasize the utility of single-cell isolation to advance the centuries-old problem of disentangling life stages and cryptic species.

GC heterogeneity reveals sequence-structures evolution of angiosperm ITS2

BACKGROUND

Despite GC variation constitutes a fundamental element of genome and species diversity, the precise mechanisms driving it remain unclear. The abundant sequence data available for the ITS2, a commonly employed phylogenetic marker in plants, offers an exceptional resource for exploring the GC variation across angiosperms.

RESULTS

A comprehensive selection of 8666 species, comprising 165 genera, 63 families, and 30 orders were used for the analyses. The alignment of ITS2 sequence-structures and partitioning of secondary structures into paired and unpaired regions were performed using 4SALE. Substitution rates and frequencies among GC base-pairs in the paired regions of ITS2 were calculated using RNA-specific models in the PHASE package. The results showed that the distribution of ITS2 GC contents on the angiosperm phylogeny was heterogeneous, but their increase was generally associated with ITS2 sequence homogenization, thereby supporting the occurrence of GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) during the concerted evolution of ITS2. Additionally, the GC content in the paired regions of the ITS2 secondary structure was significantly higher than that of the unpaired regions, indicating the selection of GC for thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, the RNA substitution models demonstrated that base-pair transformations favored both the elevation and fixation of GC in the paired regions, providing further support for gBGC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the significance of secondary structure in GC investigation, which demonstrate that both gBGC and structure-based selection are influential factors driving angiosperm ITS2 GC content.

Compensatory Base Changes in ITS2 Secondary Structure Alignment, Modelling, and Molecular Phylogeny: An Integrated Approach to Improve Species Delimitation in Tulasnella (Basidiomycota)

BACKGROUND

The delimitation of species of Tulasnella has been extensively studied, mainly at the morphological (sexual and asexual states) and molecular levels-showing ambiguity between them. An integrative species concept that includes characteristics such as molecular, ecology, morphology, and other information is crucial for species delimitation in complex groups such as Tulasnella.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to test evolutionary relationships using a combination of alignment-based and alignment-free distance matrices as an alternative molecular tool to traditional methods, and to consider the secondary structures and CBCs from ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer) sequences for species delimitation in Tulasnella.

METHODOLOGY

Three phylogenetic approaches were plotted: (i) alignment-based, (ii) alignment-free, and (iii) a combination of both distance matrices using the DISTATIS and pvclust libraries from an R package. Finally, the secondary structure consensus was modeled by Mfold, and a CBC analysis was obtained to complement the species delimitation using 4Sale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The phylogenetic tree results showed delimited monophyletic clades in Tulasnella spp., where all 142 Tulasnella sequences were divided into two main clades A and B and assigned to seven species (T. asymmetrica, T. andina, T. eichleriana ECU6, T. eichleriana ECU4 T. pinicola, T. violea), supported by bootstrap values from 72% to 100%. From the 2D secondary structure alignment, three types of consensus models with helices and loops were obtained. Thus, T. albida belongs to type I; T. eichleriana, T. tomaculum, and T. violea belong to type II; and T. asymmetrica, T. andina, T. pinicola, and T. spp. (GER) belong to type III; each type contains four to six domains, with nine CBCs among these that corroborate different species.

Molecular Apomorphies in the Secondary and Tertiary Structures of Length-Variable Regions (LVRs) of 18S rRNA Shed Light on the Systematic Position of the Family Thaumastellidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea)

The SSU nrDNA, a small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (coding 18S rRNA), is one of the most frequently sequenced genes in molecular studies in Hexapoda. In insects, including true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), only its primary structures (i.e., aligned sequences) are predominantly used in phylogenetic reconstructions. It is known that including RNA secondary structures in the alignment procedure is essential for improving accuracy and robustness in phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Moreover, local plasticity in rRNAs might impact their tertiary structures and corresponding functions. To determine the systematic position of Thaumastellidae within the superfamily Pentatomoidea, the secondary and-for the first time among all Hexapoda-tertiary structures of 18S rRNAs in twelve pentatomoid families were compared and analysed. Results indicate that the shapes of the secondary and tertiary structures of the length-variable regions (LVRs) in the 18S rRNA are phylogenetically highly informative. Based on these results, it is suggested that the Thaumastellidae is maintained as an independent family within the superfamily Pentatomoidea, rather than as a part of the family Cydnidae. Moreover, the analyses indicate a close relationship between Sehirinae and Parastrachiidae, expressed in morpho-molecular synapomorphies in the predicted secondary and tertiary structures of the length-variable region L (LVR L).

Structure-Based GC Investigation Sheds New Light on ITS2 Evolution in Corydalis Species

Guanine and cytosine (GC) content is a fundamental component of genetic diversity and essential for phylogenetic analyses. However, the GC content of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) remains unknown, despite the fact that ITS2 is a widely used phylogenetic marker. Here, the ITS2 was high-throughput sequenced from 29 Corydalis species, and their GC contents were comparatively investigated in the context of ITS2's characteristic secondary structure and concerted evolution. Our results showed that the GC contents of ITS2 were 131% higher than those of their adjacent 5.8S regions, suggesting that ITS2 underwent GC-biased evolution. These GCs were distributed in a heterogeneous manner in the ITS2 secondary structure, with the paired regions being 130% larger than the unpaired regions, indicating that GC is chosen for thermodynamic stability. In addition, species with homogeneous ITS2 sequences were always GC-rich, supporting GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC), which occurred with ITS2's concerted evolution. The RNA substitution model inferred also showed a GC preference among base pair transformations, which again supports gBGC. Overall, structurally based GC investigation reveals that ITS2 evolves under structural stability and gBGC selection, significantly increasing its GC content.

Report of two distinct ribotypes in ITS sequences of Phalarisarundinacea (Poaceae) in western Canada and Alaska

Background

Phalarisarundinacea L. (reed canary grass) is a widely occurring grass throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, it is thought to consist of introduced agricultural forms from Europe as well as native populations.

New information

During a survey of Phalarisarundinacea in western Canada, we discovered two distinct ribotypes in the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA: one full length (ITS-long) and one with a seven base pair deletion (ITS-short). In addition, ITS-long plants have fixed heterozygosity indicating possible polyploidy. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that ITS-short is a unique ribotype that characterises an intraspecific clade. We designed an efficient PCR-based assay that allows sizing of a 238/245 base pair fragment in a capillary sequencer. This approach provides a novel marker that could be useful in future surveys of Phalarisarundinacea.

Morphology and phylogeny of Prorocentrum porosum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae): A new benthic toxic dinoflagellate from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

A new marine benthic toxic Prorocentrum species is described from the tropical/subtropical regions of the Atlantic (Colombian Caribbean Sea and Northeast Brazil) and Pacific (Southern Japan) oceans. Morphological cell structures were examined using light (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. Prorocentrum porosum sp. nov. was characterized by 35.9-50.2 μm long and 25.4-45.7 μm deep cells, covered by broadly ovoid symmetric thecal plates. The surface of both thecal plates is smooth and covered by randomly scattered kidney-shaped pores (n = 102-149), rounder towards the center, absent in the central part, and surrounded by a conspicuous marginal ring of about 69-92 evenly spaced pores. Broad V-shaped periflagellar area exhibiting flagellar and accessory pores. The molecular phylogenetic position of P. porosum sp. nov. was inferred using partial LSU rRNA gene (rDNA) and rDNA ITS sequences. This new species branched with high support in a Prorocentrum clade including P. caipirignum, P. hoffmannianum and P. cf. lima (P. lima morphotype 5 sensuZhang et al., 2015). Pairwise comparison of ITS1 and ITS2 transcripts with these closest relatives revealed the presence of compensatory base changes (CBCs), with the exception of P. cf. lima (P. lima morphotype 5), which only showed in ITS2 a hemi-CBC (HCBC) and two base changes that possibly induce a structural modification. Toxin analyses performed in two Colombian and Brazilian strains in the present study detected the presence of low amounts of okadaic acid.

DNA Barcoding and ITS2 Secondary Structure Predictions in Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) from the North Eastern Hill Region of India

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott, Araceae), an ancient root and tuber crop, is highly polygenic, polyphyletic, and polygeographic in nature, which leads to its rapid genetic erosion. To prevent the perceived loss of taro diversity, species discrimination and genetic conservation of promising taro genotypes need special attention. Reports on genetic discrimination of taro at its center of origin are still untapped. We performed DNA barcoding of twenty promising genotypes of taro indigenous to the northeastern hill region of India, deploying two chloroplast-plastid genes, matK and rbcL, and the ribosomal nuclear gene ITS2. The secondary structure of ITS2 was determined and molecular phylogeny was performed to assess genetic discrimination among the taro genotypes. The matK and rbcL genes were highly efficient (>90%) in amplification and sequencing. However, the ITS2 barcode region achieved significant discrimination among the tested taro genotypes. All the taro genotypes displayed most similar sequences at the conserved matK and rbcL loci. However, distinct sequence lengths were observed in the ITS2 barcode region, revealing accurate discriminations among the genotypes. Multiple barcode markers are unrelated to one another and change independently, providing different estimations of heritable traits and genetic lineages; thus, they are advantageous over a single locus in genetic discrimination studies. A dynamic programming algorithm that used base-pairing interactions within a single nucleic acid polymer or between two polymers transformed the secondary structures into the symbol code data to predict seven different minimum free energy secondary structures. Our analysis strengthens the potential of the ITS2 gene as a potent DNA barcode candidate in the prediction of a valuable secondary structure that would help in genetic discrimination between the genotypes while augmenting future breeding strategies in taro.

Molecular Phylogeny, DNA Barcoding, and ITS2 Secondary Structure Predictions in the Medicinally Important Eryngium Genotypes of East Coast Region of India

Commercial interest in the culinary herb, Eryngium foetidum L., has increased worldwide due to its typical pungency, similar to coriander or cilantro, with immense pharmaceutical components. The molecular delimitation and taxonomic classification of this lesser-known medicinal plant are restricted to conventional phenotyping and DNA-based marker evaluation, which hinders accurate identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization. This study focused on species discrimination using DNA sequencing with chloroplast–plastid genes (matK, Kim matK, and rbcL) and the nuclear ITS2 gene in two Eryngium genotypes collected from the east coast region of India. The results revealed that matK discriminated between two genotypes, however, Kim matK, rbcL, and ITS2 identified these genotypes as E. foetidum. The ribosomal nuclear ITS2 region exhibited significant inter- and intra-specific divergence, depicted in the DNA barcodes and the secondary structures derived based on the minimum free energy. Although the efficiency of matK genes is better in species discrimination, ITS2 demonstrated polyphyletic phylogeny, and could be used as a reliable marker for genetic divergence studies understanding the mechanisms of RNA molecules. The results of this study provide insights into the scientific basis of species identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization of this important medicinal plant species.

Compensatory Base Changes and Varying Phylogenetic Effects on Angiosperm ITS2 Genetic Distances

A compensatory base change (CBC) that coevolves in the secondary structure of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) influences the estimation of genetic distance and thus challenges the phylogenetic use of this most popular genetic marker. To date, however, the CBC effect on ITS2 genetic distance is still unclear. Here, ITS2 sequences of 46 more recent angiosperm lineages were screened from 5677 genera and phylogenetically analyzed in sequence-structure format, including secondary structure prediction, structure-based alignment and sequence partition of paired and unpaired regions. ITS2 genetic distances were estimated comparatively by using both conventional DNA substitution models and RNA-specific models, which were performed in the PHASE package. Our results showed that the existence of the CBC substitution inflated the ITS2 genetic distances to different extents, and the deviation could be 180% higher if the relative ratio of substitution rate in ITS2 secondary structure stems was threefold higher than that in the loops. However, the CBC effect was minor if that ratio was below two, indicating that the DNA model is still applicable in recent lineages in which few CBCs occur. We thus provide a general empirical threshold to take account of CBC before ITS2 phylogenetic analyses.

Looking through the lens of the ribosome biogenesis evolutionary history: possible implications for archaeal phylogeny and eukaryogenesis

Our understanding of microbial diversity and its evolutionary relationships has increased substantially over the last decade. Such an understanding has been greatly fueled by culture-independent metagenomics analyses. However, the outcome of some of these studies and their biological and evolutionary implications, such as the origin of the eukaryotic lineage from the recently discovered archaeal Asgard superphylum, is debated. The sequences of the ribosomal constituents are amongst the most used phylogenetic markers. However, the functional consequences underlying the analysed sequence diversity and their putative evolutionary implications are essentially not taken into consideration. Here, we propose to exploit additional functional hallmarks of ribosome biogenesis to help disentangle competing evolutionary hypotheses. Using selected examples, such as the multiple origins of halophily in archaea or the evolutionary relationship between the Asgard archaea and Eukaryotes, we illustrate and discuss how function-aware phylogenetic framework can contribute to refining our understanding of archaeal phylogeny and the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Detection and Molecular Phylogenetic-Morphometric Characterization of Rhizoctonia tuliparum, Causal Agent of Gray Bulb Rot of Tulips and Bulbous Iris

Gray bulb rot of tulips and bulbous iris is caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia tuliparum (Rtul). Sclerotia present in infected bulbs, as well as overwintering sclerotia in soil and field debris, are the primary sources of infection. A method for accurate and sensitive detection of Rtul from soil and infected bulbs, and estimation of inoculum threshold levels, is needed for the management of disease caused by this pathogen. We designed a unique set of primers targeting the ITS2 region of the Rtul genome and developed a highly sensitive quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based method for Rtul identification using these primers, where the threshold of detection was approximately 1 fg Rtul DNA. The assay was more sensitive with sclerotia collected from the field (natural) than with those grown in the lab, and more sensitive with natural-light than natural-dark sclerotia. Also, the detection method was more sensitive when sclerotia were extracted from soil than from bulb tissue. The qPCR method was highly specific, as no PCR amplification was detected when genomic DNA from 62 non-Rtul Rhizoctonia isolates from a wide range of anastomosis groups were tested. To understand the evolutionary relationships and genomic diversity of Rtul, we performed phylogenetics of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and ITS2-molecular morphometric characterization (MMC) of Rtul isolates. The three Rtul isolates whose ITS sequences were available in GenBank formed a distinct phylogenetic clade with Ceratobasidium anceps as the nearest relative. Furthermore, MMC analysis revealed genetic divergence among these three Rtul isolates.

Morphopathological and Molecular Morphometric Characterization of Waitea circinata var. prodigus Causing a Novel Sheath Spot Disease of Maize in India

Maize brown sheath spot (MBSS), a new disease of maize, was discovered while surveying for maize leaf and sheath blight diseases in the Indian states of Assam, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Odisha. Maize is the third most important cereal after rice and wheat in India. Unlike banded leaf and sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani, MBSS symptoms on maize were discrete and limited to sheaths only. Symptoms of MBSS in the field were initially water-soaked necrotic lesions of 1 to 2 cm in diameter on the lowermost leaf sheaths, which then progressed to the upper sheaths. Lesions coalesced and covered approximately 2 to 5% of the sheath area. Infected dried lower leaves were shed, whereas infected upper leaves remained on the stem. The pathogen was isolated, characterized morphologically, pathologically, and molecularly, and identified as Waitea circinata var. prodigus, a basidiomycete known to cause basal leaf blight of seashore paspalum. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence 2 (ITS2) of rDNA from MBSS isolates formed a well supported clade with known W. circinata var. prodigus isolates. Molecular morphometric analysis of the ITS2 regions of the five known varieties of W. circinata detected distinguishing variations in GC content, compensatory base changes (CBCs), hemi- CBCs, indels, and altered base-pairing of helices. Variation in these characteristics may indicate that varieties are distinct biological species within W. circinata sensu lato. The geographical distribution and potential impacts of MBSS on the maize crop in India necessitate further investigations of pathogen identification and disease management.

Comparison of Culturing and Metabarcoding Methods to Describe the Fungal Endophytic Assemblage of Brachypodium rupestre Growing in a Range of Anthropized Disturbance Regimes

Simple Summary

The richness (number of species) of the fungi kingdom is estimated at 1.5 million species, but the vast majority remains unknown. Many of them inhabit plants—the so-called fungal endophytes—and may establish different types of interactions with their host plant. Fungal endophytes have been traditionally studied by letting them grow in appropriate culturing media in petri dishes, but novel massive DNA sequencing techniques which do not require a cultivation step (metabarcoding) are gaining ground. Both techniques were applied and compared to characterize the mycobiome of plants of a tall grass (Brachypodium rupestre) growing in high-mountain grasslands with different plant diversity (low and high). The two methods showed similar trends comparing endophyte richness between plant tissue types (root > rhizome > shoot) and between grasslands (low-diversity > high-diversity). However, the metabarcoding identified almost six times more endophyte species than the culturing although the most isolated fungal species via culturing, Omnidemptus graminis, was not recognized via metabarcoding. We conclude that the complementation of both techniques is still the best option to obtain a complete characterization of the fungal endophytic assemblage of the plant species.

Abstract

Fungal endophytes develop inside plants without visible external signs, and they may confer adaptive advantages to their hosts. Culturing methods have been traditionally used to recognize the fungal endophytic assemblage, but novel metabarcoding techniques are being increasingly applied. This study aims to characterize the fungal endophytic assemblage in shoots, rhizomes and roots of the tall grass Brachypodium rupestre growing in a large area of natural grasslands with a continuum of anthropized disturbance regimes. Seven out of 88 taxa identified via metabarcoding accounted for 81.2% of the reads (Helotiaceae, Lachnum sp. A, Albotricha sp. A, Helotiales A, Agaricales A, Mycena sp. and Mollisiaceae C), revealing a small group of abundant endophytes and a large group of rare species. Although both methods detected the same trends in richness and fungal diversity among the tissues (root > rhizome > shoot) and grasslands (low-diversity > high-diversity grasslands), the metabarcoding tool identified 5.8 times more taxa than the traditional culturing method (15 taxa) but, surprisingly, failed to sequence the most isolated endophyte on plates, Omnidemptus graminis. Since both methods are still subject to important constraints, both are required to obtain a complete characterization of the fungal endophytic assemblage of the plant species.

The role of internal transcribed spacer 2 secondary structures in classifying mycoparasitic Ampelomyces

Many fungi require specific growth conditions before they can be identified. Direct environmental DNA sequencing is advantageous, although for some taxa, specific primers need to be used for successful amplification of molecular markers. The internal transcribed spacer region is the preferred DNA barcode for fungi. However, inter- and intra-specific distances in ITS sequences highly vary among some fungal groups; consequently, it is not a solely reliable tool for species delineation. Ampelomyces, mycoparasites of the fungal phytopathogen order Erysiphales, can have ITS genetic differences up to 15%; this may lead to misidentification with other closely related unknown fungi. Indeed, Ampelomyces were initially misidentified as other pycnidial mycoparasites, but subsequent research showed that they differ in pycnidia morphology and culture characteristics. We investigated whether the ITS2 nucleotide content and secondary structure was different between Ampelomyces ITS2 sequences and those unrelated to this genus. To this end, we retrieved all ITS sequences referred to as Ampelomyces from the GenBank database. This analysis revealed that fungal ITS environmental DNA sequences are still being deposited in the database under the name Ampelomyces, but they do not belong to this genus. We also detected variations in the conserved hybridization model of the ITS2 proximal 5.8S and 28S stem from two Ampelomyces strains. Moreover, we suggested for the first time that pseudogenes form in the ITS region of this mycoparasite. A phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 sequences-structures grouped the environmental sequences of putative Ampelomyces into a different clade from the Ampelomyces-containing clades. Indeed, when conducting ITS2 analysis, resolution of genetic distances between Ampelomyces and those putative Ampelomyces improved. Each clade represented a distinct consensus ITS2 S2, which suggested that different pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processes occur across different lineages. This study recommends the use of ITS2 S2s as an important tool to analyse environmental sequencing and unveiling the underlying evolutionary processes.

Intragenomic sequence variations in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) ribosomal DNA of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence is a widely used molecular marker for species-identification or -delimitation due to observed concerted evolution which is believed to homogenize rDNA copies in an interbreeding population. However, intra-specific differences in ITS2 of Anopheles stephensi have been reported. This study reports the presence of intragenomic sequence variation in the ITS2-rDNA of An. stephensi and hypothesizes that observed intra-specific differences in this species may have resulted due to ambiguous DNA sequence-chromatogram resulting from intragenomic heterogeneity. Anopheles stephensi collected from different parts of India were sequenced for complete ITS2 and the variable region of 28S-rDNA (d1-d3 domains). Intragenomic variations were found in ITS2 region of all An. stephensi sequenced, but no such variation was observed in d1 to d3 domains of 28S-rDNA. Cloning and sequencing of ITS2 through the d3 domain of the 28S region of rDNA from representative samples from northern, central, and southern India confirmed the presence of intragenomic variation in ITS2 due to transitions at three loci and two bp indel in a di-nucleotide microsatellite locus. Multiple haplotypes were observed in ITS2 raised from such variations. Due to the absence of detectable intragenomic sequence variation in the d1 to d3 domain of 28S rDNA of An. stephensi, this region can serve as an ideal reference sequence for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. The presence of intragenomic variation in rDNA should be carefully examined before using this as a molecular marker for species delimitation or phylogenetic analyses.

Genetic and parasitological identification of Trypanosoma evansi infecting cattle in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background and Aim:

Sulawesi is an Indonesian island located within the Wallacea region that contains a distinctive mix of Asian and Australasian species. This distinctiveness extends to parasites, including Trypanosoma evansi, the cause of surra. Surra has non-specific clinical signs such as anemia, anorexia, weight loss, drop in milk production, and reproductive disorders which cause economic losses. Due to the trade of livestock, surra has spread in Indonesia from one island to another. The aim of this study was to investigate the trypanosomes infecting cattle in South Sulawesi, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 whole blood samples were collected from cattle in Makassar, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. All samples were tested using conventional parasitological methods (CPT), namely, thin blood smear, buffy coat smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Positive PCR results were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed.

Results:

Only one of the 100 samples was found to be positive with microscopic observation; however, PCR analysis revealed that 3% (3/100) of samples were positive. Sequencing identified the positive samples as T. evansi, China isolate (KU552344), with a homology of 99%. Two out of three sequences showed variations in ITS2 region.

Conclusion:

Based on CPT and molecular analysis, T. evansi isolates from infected cattle in South Sulawesi demonstrate genetic diversity of ITS2 sequences.