Host genus confirmation
We tested a total of 230 MLST-positive samples for their host genus
using amplification of two chromosomal loci. Of these, we retrieved only
the IGHGCH2 target gene sequence from one sample and for 13 samples we
were left with qualitative useful sequences from the IGHG hinge region
only. The BLAST search of all 230 sequences including the 13 sequences
where we had only one of the two PCRs positive resulted in a mean query
coverage of 96.94 ± 0.99% (mean ± SD). The organism outcome of the
respective BLAST result was compared to the host genus that was assigned
by the sample provider. We note here that only those samples that were
not taken by our research team were subject to host genus confirmation.
The originally declared host genus (Lepus versusOryctolagus ) was confirmed in all but one specimen. The sample
(62BYMX121119) was originally labelled as of European rabbit origin but
generated a sequence (joint IGHGCH2 and IGHG hinge gene target region)
that is identical to the immunoglobulin gamma heavy chain constant
region of EBH.