Low read counts from Nanopore 18S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing

This dataset includes taxonomic assignments derived from low read count samples (<20 reads) from Nanopore 18S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing, identified using Kraken2 and subsequently validated via BLAST against the NCBI nucleotide (nr) database. Despite the limited read depth, these assignments were retained for exploratory purposes, particularly to detect rare or potentially novel taxa and their possible areas of ocurrence, particularly in understudied areas. BLAST validation was performed using MEGABLAST under stringent criteria (≥95% identity, ≥98% query coverage, E = 0, bit score ≥50, and a ≥32-point difference between the top hit and the best alternative). Of the 49 assignments, 75.5% (37) were supported by BLAST validation at the genus level, suggesting a reasonable level of correspondence between methods. These data offer insight into the hidden diversity of hemoparasites and support future surveys in understudied areas.