Complete mitochondrial genome of Siamese cobra (Naja kaouthia) determined using next-generation sequencing

Abstract

Siamese cobra (Naja kaouthia) exhibits highly toxic venom, which causes morbidity and mortality. Accurate species identification through molecular approaches is very important to administer correct antivenoms. The Siamese cobra mitogenome contains 17,203 bp with slight AT bias (58.2%) containing 37 genes in identical order to snake mitogenomes; no tandem repeat was found in the control region. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Siamese and other cobras had highly supported monophyletic clades similar to the genus Naja and close relationships with other elapid snakes. Our results will facilitate clinical diagnosis and enrich genomic resources for future evolutionary studies and conservation management.