Evolutionary conservation of Trichomonas-mycoplasma symbiosis across the host species barrier

Introduction The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common cellular sexually transmitted disease in humans, and closely related species gallinae an avian of ecological economic importance. Phylogenetic evidence suggests T. arose during bird to human transmission a -like ancestor. shares strong clinical association with independent pathogen Metamycoplasma (formerly Mycoplasma ) hominis , uncultured bacterium “ Candidatus Malacoplasma girerdii,” latter being order magnitude stronger. Both bacterial have been shown profoundly influence growth, energy production virulence-associated mechanisms. Methods Evidence for novel sp. was discovered by vivo Illumina metatranscriptomics sequencing -infected pigeon mouth. We leveraged published 16S rDNA profiling data from digestive tract 12 healthy 24 pigeons investigate between . utilised metagenomics targeted oral crop samples infected generate its full-length genome sequence. Sequence similarity network analysis used compare annotated proteins range other species. Results Here we present species, Ca. M. that strongly associated upper domestic pigeons. Analysis sequence revealed gene features apparently specific -symbiotic lineage. Discussion These support model long-term spp. has conserved across diversification lineage host barrier birds human.