Raw milk, while nutritionally valuable, may act as a reservoir for zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, creating a potential pathway for foodborne urinary tract infections (FUTIs). Following ingestion, foodborne Escherichia coli may colonize the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently reach the urinary tract via the fecal–perineal–urethral route. Among foodborne pathogens, E. coli stands out as both a commensal and a versatile pathogen responsible for approximately 80% of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increasing clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests that food-associated E. coli strains carrying uropathogenic traits can contribute to community-acquired UTIs, yet this link remains insufficiently characterized. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence gene profiles of E. coli isolates obtained from raw milk samples collected in rural areas of Malatya province, Türkiye. A total of 122 raw milk samples were collected, from which 206 bacterial colonies were isolated; 115 isolates were subsequently identified as E. coli by phenotypic and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility analysis revealed complete resistance to cephalothin and notable resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, yielding a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index of 0.178, indicative of moderate antibiotic selection pressure. Molecular identification via 16 S rRNA sequencing confirmed 51 of 69 isolates (73.91%) as E. coli with ≥ 99% similarity. Screening for ten virulence genes demonstrated that Thirty-four of the 51 E. coli isolates analyzed for virulence genes (66.60%) carried three or more UPEC-associated virulence determinants, classifying them as potential uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). These findings demonstrate that raw milk can serve not only as a route for E. coli contamination but also as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant and uropathogenic strains. The coexistence of antibiotic resistance and UPEC-associated virulence factors in foodborne isolates provides novel evidence linking the food chain to the emergence of FUTIs. Continuous microbiological surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, and strict hygiene protocols throughout the dairy production chain are essential to prevent foodborne urinary tract infections and protect public health, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being (SDG 3) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

The purpose of the research is to genetically characterize Giardia duodenalis isolates from dogs in the city of Moscow (Russia). Materials and methods. A total of 423 fecal samples from dogs were investigated for G. duodenalis cysts in 2025. Twentyfive isolates were detected, 19 of which were characterized. Genetic analysis was performed based on the β-giardin locus which is 569–581 base pairs long. The obtained sequences were compared with reference sequences in the GenBank database. Results and discussion. In the present study, for the first time, genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates obtained from domestic dogs in Moscow (Russia) was carried out. Assemblage C was identified in 15.8% of dogs (n = 3/19), assemblage D in 68.4% of dogs (n = 13/19) and three isolates were found to be mixed C and D in 15.8% (n = 3/19). The study revealed the presence of dog-specific assemblages of G. duodenalis that are not zoonotic. However, it is possible that dogs may have other Giardia assemblages , so further studies with a larger number of isolates are needed.

Marine microorganisms residing in the Red Sea have been recognized as valuable sources of novel natural products with potential medical applications. One distinct bacterial isolate coded MMM3 was isolated from the marine tunicate Phallusia nigra, gathered from the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. The present study aimed to identify and assess the isolated strain’s biological activities. After genomic extraction and PCR amplification, the bacterial strain was identified through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing as Heyndrickxia ginsengihumi and deposited in (NCBI) GenBank database under the accession code PX237387. The tested isolate was cultivated in R2A liquid medium for ten days at 25 °C in a shaking incubator set at 220 rpm. The crude extract exhibited effective COX-2 inhibition and antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 107.07 and 451.75 µg/ml, respectively. The crude extract exerted antifungal effect (inhibition zone of 9 mm) against Candida albicans ATCC 10,231. In addition, the crude extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activities against HepG2, A-549, MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines with IC50 values of 54.67 ± 1.05, 60.19 ± 1.23, 108.79 ± 2.08, and 73.57 ± 1.48 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding the chemical characterization of the crude extract, LC-MS analysis indicated diverse secondary metabolites including linoleic acid, myristoyl glucose-3-phosphate, and 2-acetoxy-4-pentadecylbenzoic acid. The identified metabolites suggest a synergistic contribution to the biological activities of the isolated strain, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The results indicated that the bacteria isolated from Red Sea coast is a promising source of bioactive molecules with medical applications.

Rickettsioses are an emerging public health concern in Sri Lanka, particularly in the central hills, where the Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis is prevalent. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize Rickettsia species in peripheral blood from patients suspected of Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 217 patients suspected of Rickettsiosis between January 2020 and June 2021. All samples were screened using the Rickettsia conorii immunoglobulin G (IgG) Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). DNA was extracted from IFAT-positive samples and subjected to nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 17kDa protein gene of Spotted Fever Rickettsiae. Selected PCR-positive samples were purified, sequenced, and analyzed using nBLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Of 217 clinically suspected patients, 137 (63.1%) had antibodies reactive with R. conorii antigen. DNA extracted from 113 seropositive blood samples underwent nested PCR targeting the 17kDa protein gene, yielding 15 (13.2%) positives. Ten amplicons were sequenced, revealing three genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis showed one sequence with 100% identity to R. felis, marking the first molecular detection of this species in human blood in Sri Lanka. Other sequences matched multiple Spotted Fever Rickettsia species, including R. rickettsii, R. conorii, and R. parkeri, though species-level resolution was limited due to conserved gene regions. The majority of seropositive patients were middle-aged females from rural areas. Findings underscore the presence of diverse, potentially virulent Rickettsia species and highlight the need for enhanced molecular surveillance. This study provides critical insights into the epidemiology of rickettsioses in Sri Lanka and supports the use of molecular tools for accurate pathogen identification, crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and vector control efforts. Not applicable.

Molecular Identification and Antimicrobial Resistance Determinant of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from Diabetic Foot Wounds in Benue State, Nigeria

Plant Growth-Promoting bacteria (PGPBs) provide a promising eco-friendly approach to enhancing plant resilience against viral infections. This study investigates the role of PGPBs in helping tomato cope with Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Using compost made from tomato residues, we isolated and screened 42 bacterial strains for their PGP traits and adaptability to adverse environments. 7 bacterial strains exhibiting the highest scores of beneficial activities, including auxin and siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and growth across extreme pH conditions (4-10), were selected for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. The potential of soils amended with each of the 7 PGPBs strains to enhance the growth of tomato was evaluated in genotypes classified as index 2 (tolerant) and index 4 (sensitive) on the pathogen index scale. Only Bacillus velezensis (PV123848.1), Dyella sp. (PP814986.1), and Bacillus licheniformis (PP814985) enable plants to withstand TSWV, shifting the tolerant genotype to index 1 and the sensitive one to index 2. Viral accumulation assessed by RT-qPCR confirmed this biological indexing in the presence of the three PGPBs. Alongside improving morphological parameters under TSWV challenge, PGPBs are likely to increase host auxin levels, thereby counteracting the virus's manipulation of this hormone during the tomato-TSWV interaction and limiting its spread. Our findings contribute to the theoretical framework for understanding the interaction between TSWV and tomato plants, providing new insights for future prevention and control of this disease. Moreover, we emphasize the disease-suppressing potential of PGPBs derived from agro-waste compost as a strategy for managing plant viral diseases.

Nocardiosis is a chronic bacterial disease causing significant losses in marine aquaculture worldwide. This study reports the first confirmed outbreak of nocardiosis caused by Nocardia seriolae in farmed spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) in Vietnam, with cumulative mortalities reaching up to 70%. Diseased fish exhibited skin ulceration and disseminated white nodules in internal organs and musculature. Histopathological examination revealed typical granulomatous lesions containing abundant Gram-positive, branching filamentous bacteria. A bacterium with consistent morphological characteristics was isolated from affected organs, and molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and species-specific PCR confirmed the pathogen as N. seriolae. The experimental challenge reproduced the clinical signs and pathological features of natural infection, with an estimated LD50 of 5.3 × 103 CFU/fish, confirming high pathogenicity in this host. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed reduced susceptibility to amoxicillin and universal reduced susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while all isolates remained wild type or susceptible to florfenicol, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline based on previously reported cut-off values. This study extends the known host range of N. seriolae and highlights nocardiosis as an emerging disease threat to spotted scat aquaculture, emphasising the need for early diagnosis and targeted health management strategies.

Aims: This study aimed to document, isolate, and characterize the causal agent of an emerging bacterial leaf blight condition in rice (Oryza sativa L.) observed in Northeast India. Study Design: Field surveys were conducted across multiple farmers’ fields in the Lower, Upper, and Central Brahmaputra valley zones of Assam to assess disease incidence using a zig-zag sampling pattern. Place and Duration of Study: Surveys revealed an unfamiliar leaf blight characterized by water-soaked lesions and glume discolouration, with disease incidence ranging from 18% to 42% across the surveyed districts of Assam (2024-2026). The causal bacterium was isolated on nutrient agar and subjected to comprehensive morphological, biochemical, and pathogenicity testing, followed by molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The pathogen was identified as Pantoea ananatis (~99.6% sequence identity). It was Gram-negative, motile, and produced bright yellow, convex colonies. Pathogenicity was confirmed by clip inoculation of rice seedlings (cv. Ranjit), which consistently reproduced identical symptoms, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Conclusion: This is the first confirmed report of P. ananatis causing bacterial leaf blight in rice from Assam, Northeast India, significantly expanding the known geographic distribution of this pathogen. Given the risk of seed-borne transmission, these findings underscore the urgent need to integrate molecular seed health testing and enhanced diagnostic surveillance into regional phytosanitary programs to effectively manage and control this emerging disease in rice agroecosystems

Infections caused by members of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex are generally mild and confined to skin and soft tissues, while severe disease in immunocompetent individuals is uncommon. Within the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, the unnamed third biovariant complex comprises several closely related species that cannot be reliably distinguished using routine molecular diagnostic methods. Importantly, species within this complex show marked interspecies variability in antimicrobial susceptibility, including predictable intrinsic resistance patterns, with direct consequences for empiric treatment selection in severe infections. Because antimicrobial susceptibility testing for rapidly growing mycobacteria typically requires at least one week, rapid and accurate species-level identification is essential to guide effective early therapy. We report a case of life-threatening pneumonia with bloodstream dissemination caused by a third-biovariant M. fortuitum complex species in an otherwise immunocompetent 44-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed achalasia. Routine diagnostics identified the isolate as belonging to the M. fortuitum complex but were insufficient for species-level identification. Whole-genome sequencing was performed and identified the pathogen as Mycobacterium houstonense, a species historically considered rare in human disease. The patient developed severe respiratory failure and sepsis, requiring prolonged intensive care treatment. Targeted antimicrobial therapy guided by species identification, combined with treatment of the underlying achalasia, led to gradual clinical improvement, although prolonged antimicrobial therapy was required to achieve culture conversion. This case represents, to our knowledge, the first reported case in which M. houstonense was isolated from blood cultures in association with invasive disease. It demonstrates that infections caused by species within the unnamed third biovariant M. fortuitum complex can be severe and that reliance on complex-level identification alone may delay appropriate empiric therapy. Rapid genospecies identification is therefore crucial in severe infections caused by species within the unnamed third biovariant M. fortuitum complex, particularly when antimicrobial susceptibility is known to vary markedly between closely related species. Rapidly growing mycobacteria are increasingly detected in clinical specimens, but many species cannot be reliably distinguished using routine diagnostic methods. We describe a severe and life-threatening infection caused by Mycobacterium houstonense, a rarely identified member of the unnamed third biovariant group within the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, in an immunocompetent patient with achalasia. Accurate species identification was only achieved using whole-genome sequencing and directly influenced empiric antimicrobial treatment. Recent case reports of invasive infections caused by third biovariant M. fortuitum complex species suggest that some members of this group may be more pathogenic than previously assumed. This case illustrates how limited species-level resolution can delay appropriate therapy and supports the use of advanced molecular identification in severe infections caused by this group of mycobacteria.

The peritumoral region harbors critical microenvironmental heterogeneity information and has long been a focal point in radiomics research. This article systematically reviews the progress of multicenter peritumoral radiomics in oncology, with emphasis on its clinical and biological applications. Studies indicate that peritumoral radiomics may demonstrate value in tumor diagnosis/differential diagnosis, molecular subtyping identification, prediction of clinicopathological indicators, prognostic risk assessment, and treatment response evaluation. Multicenter validation shows that incorporating peritumoral features can enhance model performance for certain tasks, with peritumoral characteristics potentially outperforming intratumoral features in specific scenarios. At the biological mechanism level, peritumoral radiomics exhibits associations with genomics and immune microenvironment events, offering novel perspectives for non-invasive tumor biology analysis. However, the field still faces challenges including limited model generalizability, standardization and reproducibility issues, demands for interpretability, ambiguous peritumoral region definitions, and multi-omics integration barriers - these limitations necessitate cautious interpretation of current findings. Future breakthroughs may rely on prospective multicenter studies, standardized protocols, explainable AI techniques, biologically-driven optimization of peritumoral definitions, and innovative multi-omics fusion algorithms. To promote clinical translation, it is necessary to enhance model robustness and interpretability while deepening research on the association with tumor biological mechanisms.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), an annual plant of the genus Gossypium in the Malvaceae family, is an important economic crop widely cultivated worldwide. In August 2025, during a field disease survey at a cotton farm in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China (31.89°N, 118.90°E), some cotton plants exhibited typical symptoms of root rot, with an incidence rate ranging from 15% to 25% (surveyed 200 plants). The initial symptoms included partial browning and rotting of the root system. As the disease progressed, the symptoms of rot spread throughout the entire root system, and the above-ground parts displayed yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To identify the pathogen causing the disease, 15 cotton seedlings with typical symptoms were collected. Lesion margins (3–5 mm in length) were excised from the diseased tissue, surface sterilized sequentially in 75% ethanol for 30 s and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 5 min, rinsed 7 to 8 times with sterile distilled water, dried with sterile filter paper towels, placed on potato dextrose agar and incubated in a biochemical incubator for 5–7 days at 25°C. Ten pure culture strains were obtained via the single-spore isolation method. After 5 days of incubation, the colonies presented a grayish-white color, dense and vigorous aerial mycelia in a velvety form, and uniform expansion. The macroconidia produced were sickle shaped or elliptical, measuring 4.6 to 16.6 × 1.6 to 4 µm (n=50 conidia). Morphological observation and molecular biological identification were conducted, and the strain was preliminarily identified as Fusarium incarnatum. Genomic DNA was extracted from the representative strain NXU-MHG1. Four genetic loci were amplified and sequenced: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, calmodulin (CAL) gene, translation elongation factor 1 (TEF1) gene and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2) gene, which were amplified and sequenced via the ITS1/ITS4, CL1/CL2A, EF1-728F/EF1-986R, and fRPB2-5F/fRPB2-7Cr primers (Xia et al. 2019). The ITS, CAL, TEF1, and RPB2 sequences of the strain have been deposited in GenBank with accession numbers PX495956, PX911615, PX911616, and PX911617, respectively. BLASTn analysis revealed high sequence similarity with F. incarnatum references: 99.8% (ITS: PV776307.1), 100% (CAL: GQ505503.1), 99.85% (TEF1: GQ505615.1), and 100% (RPB2: GQ505794.1). A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed on the basis of concatenated sequences of ITS, CAL, TEF1, and RPB2 with MEGA5 software. On the basis of the phylogenetic and morphological analysis, the strain was within the same clade as F. incarnatum, confirming the identification of the strain as F. incarnatum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 2-leaf-stage cotton seedlings to fulfill Koch’s postulates. The inoculation procedure was as follows: healthy cotton seedlings were selected, and a shallow wound was made at the base of the stem with a sterile blade. A mycelial plug of NXU-MHG1 (0.5×1.0 cm) was inoculated, and the wound was kept moist with a cotton ball. The control plants were mock inoculated with a PDA plug. Since the isolation of pathogens primarily focuses on pure culture growth, while pathogenicity testing simulates the field environment, therefore in the pathogenicity test, all the plants were maintained at 28°C with 90% relative humidity under a 12-h light/ dark cycle. Five days later, the inoculated plants presented the same root rot symptoms as those observed in the field, whereas the control plants presented no symptoms at the wound site and continued to grow normally. The experiment consisted of two independent trials, with six seedlings in each trial. F. incarnatum was successfully reisolated from symptomatic roots and confirmed by morphological and molecular methods, satisfying Koch’s postulates and verifying its pathogenicity. F. incarnatum has been reported to cause root and stem rot in various plants worldwide, including muskmelon (Wonglom and Sunpapao 2020) and Bambusa multiplex (Lin et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. incarnatum causing root rot in cotton in China, providing basic information for the diagnosis and control of this disease.

Nanotechnology has recently become increasingly widespread in various areas of human activity. Various methods for producing nanoparticles of metals and other substances are used worldwide. Microbial synthesis is the most environmentally friendly method. Soil is the richest source of microorganisms, and anthropogenic impacts on soil promote the development of resistance mechanisms in the microorganisms living there. In this study, we examined the ability of indicator bacteria newly isolated from contaminated urban soils to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Two isolates were identified as the most active silver nanoparticle producers. Molecular genetic identification revealed that these isolates belong to Bacillus halotolerans and Pseudarthrobacter oxydans. UV spectroscopy analysis revealed that the newly isolated bacteria synthesize silver nanoparticles measuring 10-40 nm. These results can be used for further research and the development of biopharmaceuticals for use in various areas of human life.

IntroductionCitrus canker disease, caused by the pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) poses a substantial challenge for citrus production due to the limited efficacy of chemical control and increasing pathogen resistance.MethodsIn this study, we isolated an endophytic bacterial strain, Endophyte S2, from the phyllosphere of citrus plants in Yunnan Province, China. We evaluated its efficacy both as a biocontrol agent and as a modulator of the citrus leaf microbiome.Results and DiscussionIn vitro antagonism assays revealed that Endophyte S2 achieved the highest inhibition rate (68.2%) against Xcc among all tested isolates. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing classified S2 as Pseudomonas parafulva SAPEU-01. In greenhouse trials, citrus plants with Xcc infestation were treated with SAPEU-01, and phyllosphere samples were collected before treatment and one month after, and analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Post-treatment, α-diversity (richness and evenness) increased significantly, and β-diversity (PCoA, Bray–Curtis) showed a clear separation of microbial community structure, with reduced intra-group variability. Taxonomic shifts included the enrichment of Proteobacteria (particularly Pseudomonadaceae and Sphingomonadaceae), as well as genera such as Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Methylobacterium, concomitant with a marked decline in Xanthomonadaceae (including X. citri) and opportunistic taxa such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Klebsiella aerogenes. Beneficial taxa, including Leuconostoc tardus, Sphingomonas, and Curtobacterium luteum, also increased. These results suggest Pseudomonas parafulva SAPEU-01 not only suppresses the pathogen but also restructures the phyllosphere microbiome toward greater stability and potential resilience.

Background: Basidiobolomycosis is a fungal disease that can affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals across all age groups. Its visceral form involves multiple gastrointestinal organs and produces mass-forming lesions that closely mimic disseminated malignancies. Because of this striking similarity, clinicians often initially misdiagnose the condition as a visceral cancer, resulting in delayed recognition and suboptimal treatment outcomes.Aims and Objectives: To improve diagnostic accuracy and identify fungal genus and species. This provides clinicians with a precise diagnosis in a short period of time and helps them prescribe an effective course of treatment that reduces mortality rate and saves lives. Materials and Methods: Patients with visceral basidiobolomycosis were recorded between 2020 and 2024 from the north and middle parts of Iraq, and they were referred from both government hospitals and private clinics. The samples received from the participants as surgical resection masses were fixed in 10% formalin. The samples were investigated using histological and molecular genetic techniques.Results: Eleven patients diagnosed with visceral basidiobolomycosis, aged between 11 and 60 years, were included in the study. Histopathological examination of most specimens using special stains (PAS) revealed fungal elements appearing as clear spaces surrounded by intensely eosinophilic material, consistent with the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon. This characteristic finding serves as an important preliminary indicator of fungal infections, including basidiobolomycosis. However, two specimens obtained from younger patients lacked these defining histological features, necessitating additional investigations. Molecular analysis of all 11 samples by PCR and sequencing identified the causative species as Basidiobolus ranarum in nine cases, Basidiobolus microsporus in one case, and Basidiobolus haptosporus in one case.Conclusions: This study highlights a rare fungal infection mimicking visceral malignancy, which is unfamiliar to most pathologists and clinicians. The results improve the diagnostic accuracy, consequently helping clinicians implement a convenient therapy plan. The results presented in this study emphasize the importance of collaboration between histopathologists and molecular geneticists to identify obscure infections.

Sesame is an oilseed crop threatened by a phyllody disease associated with the presence of phytoplasmas, which can reduce yields by up to 80%. The molecular identification of these bacteria in crops located in Western Iran was achieved from samples showing symptoms of diverse intensity and types. For biological characterization, the pathogen was also dodder-transmitted to periwinkle plants. After nucleic acid extraction and nested PCR using phytoplasma-specific primer pairs amplifying part of the 16S rRNA gene, it was possible to amplify DNA fragments from both symptomatic sesame samples and dodder-inoculated periwinkle plants. The virtual RFLP pattern from the 16S rRNA gene sequences using iPhyClassifier indicated the presence of phytoplasma strains in 16SrII-D and 16SrIX-C subgroups. The identity percentage values of the obtained amplified sequences corroborated by the phylogenetic analysis identified them as 'Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiaticum' and 'Ca. P. phoenicium', respectively. The two phytoplasma strains were detected in different sesame samples collected in the same field. The coexistence of two phytoplasmas may influence the observed differences in disease severity and suggests appropriate management strategies, since diverse insect vectors were reported alongside diverse phytoplasmas associated with this disease. Moreover, the widespread disease presence strongly suggests the breeding of resistant varieties.

Mastitis is a serious multifactorial disease of dairy animals. Etiologically, bacterial mastitogens are intensively investigated. Conversely, yeast-associated mastitis, particularly Candida species, has received comparatively less attention in buffaloes. The present study aimed to perform species-level molecular identification of Candida isolates obtained from Anatolian buffaloes and dairy cows with subclinical mastitis, to characterize the selected virulence gene profiles, and to evaluate antifungal susceptibility patterns. Milk samples were collected on an udder-quarter basis from 1188 quarters of 301 buffaloes and 1321 quarters of 332 dairy cows raised in smallholder farms. Following phenotypic yeast isolation, presumptive Candida isolates were subjected to an Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)-based PCR approach followed by sequence-based identification. The results were compared with chromogenic Candida agar findings. The presence of ALS1, SAP1, and PLB1 virulence genes was investigated in Candida albicans isolates. Antifungal susceptibility testing via the disk diffusion method was performed. A total of 192 Candida isolates were recovered, predominantly representing non-albicans Candida species in both host species. Pichia kudriavzevii (Candida krusei) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (Candida kefyr) were the most frequently identified species. C. albicans was detected exclusively in buffalo-derived samples (2/93; 2.15%). Both isolates carried the SAP1 virulence gene, whereas ALS1 and PLB1 were not detected. Sequencing-based identification showed high agreement (94.9%) with chromogenic agar results. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed reduced susceptibility to the antifungal agents tested. In conclusion, the predominance of non-albicans Candida species, together with the observed virulence and susceptibility-related findings, emphasizes the importance of accurate species-level identification in the diagnosis of mycotic mastitis. The data generated provide region-specific baseline information that may support improved diagnostic approaches and inform mastitis management strategies in dairy herds. This study may provide the first molecular evidence from Türkiye demonstrating the presence of the SAP1 virulence gene in C. albicans isolates originating from Anatolian buffaloes with mastitis.

Sparganosis, a zoonotic infection caused by the plerocercoid (sparganum) larval stage of Spirometra spp., is rarely reported in domestic cats. Sparganosis is typically seen as subcutaneous or visceral granulomatous lesions and has been associated with Spirometra mansonoides in North America. A proliferative form of sparganosis, with tissue invasion and widespread dissemination, has always been associated with Sparganum proliferum. However, emerging molecular evidence challenges this distinction. Here, we report a confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis in a domestic cat caused by Spirometra decipiens complex 2 (also referred to as Spirometra sp. 3). The cat had widespread lesions in multiple tissues, with gross and histologic lesions resembling those attributed to S. proliferum. Molecular identification of larval cestode DNA demonstrated a 99% match to S. decipiens, confirming its role in severe disseminated disease. Our case broadens the understanding of the pathogenic capacity of S. decipiens (Spirometra sp. 3) in felids and emphasizes the critical role of molecular detection for accurate species identification. To our knowledge, proliferative sparganosis attributable to Spirometra sp. 3 has not been reported previously in domestic cats. Given the zoonotic potential of sparganosis, our findings have important implications for both veterinary care and public health surveillance.

Late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, remains a major constraint in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Indonesia, particularly in Brebes, Central Java, a key potato-growing region.The objectives of the study are a) to isolate and characterize P. infestans populations from potato fields in Brebes based on morphological, molecular, and pathogenic traits; and (b) to evaluate the efficacy of a biofungicide formulation combining selected yeast isolates and nanoformulated clove oil under field conditions.A factorial field experiment was conducted using two potato cultivars (Granola and Median), two yeast isolates (Y6 and Y8), and two nano-clove oil concentrations (3 mL/L and 5 mL/L), applied as foliar sprays or in combination with seed treatment.Results revealed that the yeast isolate Y6 and nano-clove oil at 5 mL/L showed the most effective suppression of late blight.Notably, the combination of seed treatment and foliar application significantly reduced disease severity compared to foliar application alone.Further characterization isolates showed that ten P. infestans isolates were collected from infected potato plants and cultured on Rye B agar medium, producing white, cottony colonies with sporangia measuring 12.30-55.50m in length and 11.40-33.80m in width, with a length-to-width ratio of 1.00-2.90.Pedicel and papilla lengths ranged from 1.40-7.50m and 1.20-4.20 m, respectively.The detached leaf assay on the cultivar Golden revealed five pathogenicity groups, while molecular identification using ITS region-specific primers confirmed all isolates as P. infestans.These findings highlight the potential of integrating yeast-based biocontrol agents with plant-derived nanomaterials as an environmentally sound strategy for late blight management and demonstrate the considerable genetic and pathogenic diversity of P. infestans in Brebes.

Sustainable management of crop diseases is critical to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and preserve soil health. This study isolated 72 indigenous rhizospheric microorganisms (50 bacteria, 22 fungi) from tomato, chilli, and brinjal soils in Barshi, Maharashtra, India, and evaluated their dual potential for plant growth promotion (PGP) and biocontrol. Molecular identification revealed dominant antagonists as Bacillus subtilis (BS10), Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF4), and Trichoderma harzianum (T2). These isolates exhibited multiple PGP traits, including indole-3-acetic acid production (24–31 µg mL⁻¹), phosphate solubilization (index 2.8–3.4), siderophore production (60–75%), and ACC deaminase activity (0.54–0.62 µmol α-KB mg⁻¹ h⁻¹). Strong hydrolytic enzyme activity and antifungal inhibition (up to 85.7%) were observed in vitro against Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium ultimum. Greenhouse trials on tomato plants showed significant disease suppression (77.9% reduction in Disease Severity Index) and improved shoot, root, and biomass parameters. Principal Component Analysis indicated that enzyme-linked biocontrol and PGP traits accounted for 87.4% of total variance, demonstrating synergistic interactions. These findings highlight the potential of locally adapted Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Trichoderma isolates as eco-friendly bioinoculants, offering a sustainable strategy for soil-borne disease management and crop productivity enhancement.

Integrated nuclear rDNA, mitochondrial genome, and morphological characterization of minute intestinal fluke larvae (Plagiorchis sp.) from Phayao Province, Thailand.