An iridovirus from the Antarctic seaspider Pentanymphon antarcticum (Pycnogonida)

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Authors: Bojko, Jamie, Maxwell, Jamie M., Burgess, Amy L., Nicado, Lance, Federici, Brian, Griffiths, Huw J., Allcock, Louise
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2024
• Subjects: Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctic Science
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102024000063; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102024000063

Abstract The Antarctic seaspider Pentanymphon antarcticum is a benthic species in the Southern Ocean, but little is known about its pathogen profile. In this study, we provide a draft genome for a new iridovirus species that has been identified using metagenomic techniques. The draft genome totals 157 260 bp and encodes 188 protein-coding genes. The virus shows greatest protein similarity to a ‘carnivorous sponge-associated iridovirus’ from a deep-sea sponge host. This study represents the first discovery of a pycnogonid iridovirus and the first iridovirus from the Antarctic region.