# First report of the complete mitochondrial genome of an Ophidascaris species from the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in China

## TL;DR

This study reports the first complete mitochondrial genome of an Ophidascaris species found in European hedgehogs in China, expanding understanding of its host range and phylogeny.

## Contribution

The first complete mitogenome of an Ophidascaris species from a hedgehog, revealing its genetic distinctness and potential host role.

## Key findings

- The mitogenome is 14,624 bp and lacks the atp8 gene, typical of nematodes.
- 14–17% nucleotide divergence from O. wangi and O. baylisi confirms its distinct genetic identity.
- Phylogenetic analysis places it within Ophidascaris with strong support, suggesting hedgehogs as intermediate hosts.

## Abstract

Species of the genus Ophidascaris 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 Ophidascaris sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) 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 O. wangi and O. baylisi, supported its distinct genetic identity. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its placement within the Ophidascaris genus with strong statistical support. This study provides the first complete mitogenome of an Ophidascaris 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.

Image 1

•First complete mitogenome of an Ophidascaris species from the hedgehog.•Hedgehogs identified as a potential intermediate host for Ophidascaris.•Mitogenome reveals 14–17 % divergence from known Ophidascaris species.•Phylogenomics supports a distinct lineage within the genus Ophidascaris.•New genomic data enhance molecular diagnosis and zoonotic surveillance.

First complete mitogenome of an Ophidascaris species from the hedgehog.

Hedgehogs identified as a potential intermediate host for Ophidascaris.

Mitogenome reveals 14–17 % divergence from known Ophidascaris species.

Phylogenomics supports a distinct lineage within the genus Ophidascaris.

New genomic data enhance molecular diagnosis and zoonotic surveillance.