Complete mitochondrial genome of Baylisascaris sp. from a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) in Kansas

Baylisascaris species parasitizing skunks have received limited attention compared to the well-characterized raccoon roundworm (B. procyonis). We present the first complete mitochondrial genome of a Baylisascaris sp. collected in Kansas, United States, from a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). We morphologically identified the nematode as Baylisascaris sp., extracted DNA, sequenced it on the Illumina platform, and de novo assembled the complete mitochondrial genome. The complete mitochondrial genome was 14,752 bp, consisting of 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. The genome had a significant AT-skew (70.5%). The mitochondrial genome obtained in this study was 98% identical to that of B. procyonis and grouped most closely to B. procyonis with 100% bootstrap support in a phylogenetic analysis of ascarid nematodes. The mitochondrial genome generated in this study (GenBank accession no. PZ025724) will benefit future studies in diagnostic epidemiology and systematics and has implications for public health.