pecorum lineage may require a rigorous MLST approach that incorporates genetic data from several more independent loci and extensive geographic sampling. It is clear that the ompA gene is distorted by technical and biological interference rendering it incapable of representing learn more true phylogenetic divisions as a molecular marker, yet it remains useful as a fine-detailed, cost-effective, comparative marker for fine-detailed epidemiological investigation of large numbers of koala C. pecorum positive samples. Alternatively, the tarP gene’s

ability as a “”neutral marker”" to provide a “”bird’s-eye-view”" on higher levels of evolutionary divergence between koala populations and ORF663′s opportunities as a contingency marker are promising for future phylogenetic studies in the koala. While three out of our four shortlisted genes (including ompA) proved to be effective gene markers, incA was ultimately deemed to be the least effective and was discarded from further analysis. However, the significant discrepancy noted between the mean diversity of incA from koala and non-koala hosts (as well Dinaciclib ic50 as ORF663) invites intriguing questions regarding the genetic diversity of C. pecorum beyond the koala host which, while outside the scope of this

study, will be important in subsequent research in this area. Although this study focussed on a mere 10 genes in the C. pecorum genome, it successfully challenged ompA as a molecular marker and PF299 cost provided an important opportunity to review previous knowledge on the genetic diversity of C. pecorum in Australian koala populations. The availability of the complete E58 C. pecorum genome sequence and, eventually, a koala C. pecorum genome, will facilitate the characterisation of additional genes and promote further analyses of genomic variation to support comprehensive surveys of lineage prevalence within and between koala populations. Until then, the data described here provides a solid foundation for this subsequent research by highlighting a robust measurement tool for koala C. pecorum infections and presents a compelling depiction

of their phylogenetic relationships. This application will have importance for our ability to successfully map, control and manage diseased populations of this dwindling native icon. Acknowledgements mafosfamide The authors would like to acknowledge the generosity of Gary Myers, Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA for allowing us access to the C. pecorum E58 genome sequence. We would also like to acknowledge Jon Hanger and Jo Loader (Australian Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Australia), Jon Callaghan (Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast, Australia) and Jeff McKee (Ecosure, Gold Coast, Australia) for their valuable contribution to the collection of koala swabs from Brendale, Narangba, East Coomera and Pine Creek koala populations, respectively.