An iridovirus from the Antarctic seaspider Pentanymphon antarcticum (Pycnogonida)

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Authors: Bojko, J., Maxwell, J.M., Burgess, A.L., Nicado, L., Federici, B., Griffiths, H.J., Allcock, L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Cambridge University Press 2024
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctic; Antarctic Science; Southern Ocean
• Online Access: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537230/; https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/an-iridovirus-from-the-antarctic-seaspider-pentanymphon-antarcticum-pycnogonida/2BE961723810DBD1DC0096C4BEB78DDB

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.