Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of red seabream iridovirus isolated from a cage-cultured small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in China

Iridoviruses are emerging pathogens widely spread in diverse environments and hosts. Numerous species of the iridoviridae family are known to cause severe disease in freshwater and marine organisms. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the iridovirus strain LPIV-ZS-2021 isolated from a small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in China. The genome sequence comprises 110,560 bp with a G+C content of 53.42%, has 104 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and shares highest sequence homology with Red red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) isolated in Japan (98.61%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it is clustered within RSIV clade1. This is the first fully sequenced RSIV genomes detected in the small yellow croaker. The host range expansion of Megalocytivirus genus iridovirus warrants further attention to determine its potential economic and ecological impact.