Partial Cytochrome Oxidase Research Articles

Cutaneous myiasis by Calliphoridae dipterans in dogs from Chad

Cutaneous myiasis caused by various Calliphoridae dipteran species is prevalent worldwide and is of particular veterinary and public health concern. Recently, in a scientific exploration of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program to Chad, Africa, we observed that dogs with mutilated ears, based on local awareness, were caused by cutaneous myiasis. In this study, we analyzed epidemiological, morphological, and molecular data on cutaneous myiasis in dogs from Chad. From September to October 2022, dogs (n = 1,562) from 56 villages situated along the Chari River were physically inspected for cutaneous myiasis. All larvae were collected and identified morphologically and by molecular analysis of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. The prevalence of myiasis infestation along with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) was determined using the modified Wilson method. Myiasis was detected in dogs from 21 villages (37.5 %; 95 % CI 26 – 50 %), predominating in the southernmost region. Of 1,562 dogs, 66 (4.22 %; 95 % CI 3.34 – 5.34 %) were infested by calliphorid larvae, with a mean infestation of 2.28 larvae per animal (range = 1 to 24). Specimens were morphologically identified as Cordylobia anthropophaga (n = 94), Chrysomya bezziana (n = 54), and Chrysomya sp. (n = 3), which were detected in 57, eight and one dog, respectively. No co-infestations were observed. The molecular analyses confirmed the morphological identification and revealed the presence of 17 haplotypes for C. anthropophaga, 2 for C. bezziana, and one for Chrysomya sp. Our study emphasizes the veterinary importance of myiasis in dogs in Africa and proposes measures to assure their health and well-being.

Cryptic speciation in the nematode family Longidoridae from South America: description of Xiphinema cryptocostaricense sp. nov. from Colombia and notes on X. seinhorsti

Abstract The genus Xiphinema Cobb, 1913 belongs to the family Longidoridae and consists of approximatelly 280 described species of plant-root ectoparasites. They occur on all continents except Antarctica and many species are important pests of crops, harming plants either by direct parasiting or by vectoring of nepoviruses. Due to their economic importance, several species were subjected to regulations aimed to limit their global spread. Moreover, the use of molecular techniques allowed to confirm the occurrence of cryptic species within the genus. In this paper we describe Xiphinema cryptocostaricense sp. nov., which constitutes the first instance of cryptic speciation within the family Longidoridae from South America. In terms of morphology this species is characterised by the body measuring 2.00–2.35 mm; lip region detached from the body outline only by a shallow constriction; odontostyle 129–135 µm long; V = 34.0–36.6; anterior branch of the genital tract largely reduced; tail short, almost hemispherical; lack of males and presence of four juvenile stages. This species is also characterised using molecular markers D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S rRNA, ITS1 rRNA and partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences. Based on morphology, this species is indistinguishable from X. costaricense Lamberti and Tarjan (Nematologia Mediterranea, 2, 1–11 1974). Additionally, a nomenclature remark is given- the name X. cryptocostaricense sp. nov. has been created by adding prefix ‘crypto’ to an already existing name of species. The advanatage of this approach is that it immediately points to which species it is cryptic to. Finally, new data regarding the second species, X. seinhorsti are given, including a first report of this species outside the place of its original description, data on molecular markers and morphology, including the first description of the J1 and J2 stages.

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) detected in wild carnivores from Texas, United States

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) are epidemiologically important filarial nematodes detected in wild carnivores sympatric to domestic animals and humans. In this study we surveyed for Dirofilaria species among previous studies archived blood samples (n = 202) of wild carnivores sourced across Texas between the years of 2014–2016 and 2020 to 2023. In total, 117 coyotes (Canis latrans), 67 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 12 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), five bobcats (Lynx rufus), and one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) were tested through the amplification of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene followed by sequencing. Dirofilaria immitis was detected in 11.39% (95% CI = 7.71–16.51) of the samples (21 coyotes and two raccoons), while D. striata was detected in a single bobcat. Dirofilaria immitis sequences had 99.85%–100% (99.92% ± 0.08) similarity with other D. immitis sequences in GenBank. The sequence of D. striata from the bobcat was 100% similar to the single COI sequence available in GenBank. Data from this study reinforce the role of coyotes as a wild reservoir for D. immitis and suggest that raccoons may also play a role in the epidemiology of this parasite. This study additionally provides molecular data on D. striata, an understudied filarioid of felids.

Ribbon worms (phylum Nemertea) from Bodega Bay, California: A largely undescribed diversity.

The diversity of nemerteans along the Pacific coast of the United States is regarded as well characterized, but there remain many cryptic, undescribed, and "orphan" species (those known only in their larval form). Recent sampling of nemerteans in Oregon and Washington has begun to fill in these taxonomic gaps, but nemertean diversity in California has received relatively little attention over the past 60 years. During the summers of 2019 and 2020, nemertean specimens were collected from 20 locations in the Bodega Bay region of northern California, USA, including rocky intertidal shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and other habitats. Based on morphological assessment and DNA sequence analysis (partial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rRNA genes), our surveys identified 34 nemertean species. Only 13 of these (38%) can be confidently assigned to described species. Another 11 represent species that are new to science, including members of the genera Riserius, Nipponnemertes, Poseidonemertes, Zygonemertes, Nemertellina, Oerstedia, and three species of uncertain affiliation. The remaining ten species include undescribed or cryptic species of uncertain status that have been found previously along the Pacific Coast of North America. Our surveys also document extensions of known geographic ranges for multiple species, including the first records in California of Antarctonemertesphyllospadicola, Cephalothrixhermaphroditica, and Maculauraoregonensis. This is the first report of the genus Nemertellina in the northeast Pacific and Riserius in California. Overall, our findings highlight how much remains to be learned about the diversity and distribution of nemerteans in the northeast Pacific.

Phylogenetic analysis of Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: nitidulidae) from Reunion Island

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is a parasite of Apis mellifera causing significant damage to honey bee colonies. For the past decades, it has spread to many countries worldwide and once established, eradication is difficult or not feasible. In July 2022, an outbreak was reported for the first time in a French department in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island. The origin and the pathway of the introduction were not identified. The molecular characterisation of SHB specimens collected in the southern part of the island, where the beetle has infested several apiaries, was investigated in order to provide elements on the invasive source. The sequencing of the partial Cytochrome oxidase I gene from two specimens showed that they belonged to the same new haplotype. Phylogenetic analysis suggests an introduction either from an unidentified African source or from the Asian continent since the haplotype is similar to those characterized from China and Philippines.

Lack of mitochondrial introgression and limited genetic connectivity among Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) populations in Tanzanian Saline Rift Valley Lakes

AbstractThe Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas), native to the Saline Rift Valley Lakes (SRVLs) in north‐central Tanzania, has recently experienced population declines mainly due to overfishing and severe droughts. This, combined with the introduction of Nile tilapia (O. niloticus), which poses a risk of hybridisation, could potentially erode essential genetic traits necessary for their survival. To address these concerns, our study analysed partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences (627 base pairs) from 139 Manyara tilapia and 79 Nile tilapia specimens collected from the SRVLs to test two hypotheses: (i) whether there is no transfer of mitochondrial DNA between these species, and (ii) whether Manyara tilapia populations in the SRVLs have remained genetically connected despite reported declines. The results revealed six distinct haplotypes for Manyara tilapia and three for Nile tilapia. These haplotypes formed separate clusters for each species, with no shared or closely related haplotypes, indicating limited or no transfer of mitochondrial DNA between them. Additionally, we found evidence of restricted genetic connectivity among Manyara tilapia populations in the SRVLs, with populations in Lakes Manyara and Eyasi displaying limited genetic exchange among themselves and with those in other SRVLs. Our findings highlight the importance of sustained conservation efforts in protected areas around Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi to safeguard the unique populations of Manyara tilapia in these lakes. However, limited connectivity with other SRVLs suggests that conservation initiatives in these areas may have a limited impact on these lakes. Thus, future efforts should prioritise stocks in Lakes Kindai, Singida and Sulunga, focusing on protecting fish refugia, particularly the rivers connected to these lakes, which serve as critical habitats during the dry season and as important reservoirs for replenishing these populations.

Restricted genetic connectivity and conservation prospects of Bagrid catfish, Bagrus orientalis, populations in the Rufiji River basin, Tanzania

AbstractThe Bagrid catfish, Bagrus orientalis, historically sustained communities in the Rufiji River basin (RRB), Tanzania, but has rapidly declined due to high consumer demand and unsustainable fishing. Consequently, a Ramsar site was designated within the RRB, although its potential to revitalize overexploited populations beyond its boundaries is uncertain because of limited information on genetic connectivity. To address this uncertainty, 158 partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences of B. orientalis were analyzed to quantify genetic connectivity in the RRB. We observed significant genetic differentiation, indicating limited connectivity among populations. Populations in the Ramsar site were genetically connected to those in the Kilombero Valley Floodplain (KVFP), but were distinct from those in Ruaha and Rufiji, which clustered separately. Our findings suggested the Ramsar site could revitalize overexploited KVFP populations, and emphasized the need for sustained efforts against its encroachment. However, limited genetic connectivity with Ruaha and Rufiji implied that conservation measures in the site might have restricted effect in these areas. Conservation efforts should extend beyond the Ramsar site, by promoting sustainable fishing and enhancing habitat connectivity in Ruaha and Rufiji.

Cactodera xinanensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderinae), a new species of cyst-forming nematode from Southwest China, with a key to the Genus Cactodera.

The cyst nematodes, subfamily Heteroderinae, are plant pathogens of worldwide economic significance. A new cyst nematode of the genus Cactodera within the Heteroderinae, Cactodera xinanensis n. sp., was isolated from rhizospheres of crops in the Guizhou and Sichuan provinces of southwest China. The new species was characterized by having the cyst with a length/width = 1.3 ± 0.1 (1.1-1.6), a fenestral diameter of 28.1 ± 4.3 (21.3-38.7) μm, vulval denticles present; second-stage juvenile with stylet 21.5 ± 0.5 (20.3-22.6) μm long, tail 59.4 ± 2.0 (55.9-63.8) μm long and hyaline region 28.7 ± 2.7 (25.0-36.3) μm long, lateral field with four incisures; the eggshell with punctations. The new species can be differentiated from other species of Cactodera by a longer tail and hyaline region of second-stage juveniles. Phylogenetic relationships within populations and species of Cactodera are given based on the analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rRNA), the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (28S-rRNA) D2-D3 region and the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences here. The ITS-rRNA, 28S-rRNA and COI gene sequences clearly differentiated Cactodera xinanensis n. sp. from other species of Cactodera. A key and a morphological identification characteristic table for the species of Cactodera are included in the study.

The use of hand-sanitiser gel facilitates combined morphological and genetic analysis of shelled pteropods

There is a lack of standardised imaging methods for marine zooplankton due to the difficulty of manipulating small and often fragile specimens. Yet, standardised 2D photographs and 3D scans provide important morphological information to accompany DNA-barcoded specimens for reference databases such as the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Shelled pteropods are considered as bio-indicators to study impacts of ocean acidification, and thus, it is especially important to obtain high-quality records of their fragile aragonitic shells. We used alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel as a medium for photographing pteropods of the genus Limacina prior to micro-CT scanning and destructive DNA analysis. The high viscosity and transparency of the hand sanitiser enabled easy handling of the specimens so that they could be positioned in a standardised orientation and photographed with a stacking microscope. The high-quality photographs provide a record of morphology and allow for subsequent geometric morphometric analyses. This method did not impact the downstream micro-CT and molecular analyses of the same specimens and resulted in publicly available 2D and 3D digital vouchers as well as ten reference DNA barcodes (partial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene sequences). While alcohol-based hand sanitiser entered our daily lives due to a distressing pandemic, we could make use of it as a cheap and easily available resource to make high quality voucher photographs of shelled pteropods. Digital vouchers serve as a record of their morphology for further taxonomic analyses and facilitate studies assessing shell growth and impacts of ocean acidification.

DNA BARCODING UNTUK VALIDASI SPESIES PAUS SPERMA (Physeter macrocephalus LINNAEUS, 1758) DARI PERAIRAN LAUT SAWU, NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR, INDONESIA

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a protected marine biota in Indonesia. Molecular identification of sperm whales from the Sawu Sea (East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia) was carried out using the 16S rRNA gene. This study aims to validate the species of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in Indonesia using the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The specimens used were tissue specimens from laboratory collections taken from Sawu Sea waters in 2014. The three samples were validated as Physeter microcephalus with 100% similarity. The base composition is dominated by the base thymine (31.7–31.8%) with a GC content of 42.7–42.8%. The genetic distance for the same species was 0.0015, while the highest genetic distance for Orcaella brevirostris was 0.2128. Molecular identification using the 16S rRNA gene and COI has validated the species of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in Indonesia so that this genetic data can be used as a basis for sperm whale resource management and conservation.

TWO LINEAGES OF ORIBATID MITES MORPHOLOGICALLY CORESPOND TO THE CIRCUMPOLAR SPECIES <i>AMERONOTHRUS NIGROFEMORATUS</i> (ACARI, ORIBATIDA) BUT DIFFER GENETICALLY AS DISTINCT SPECIES ARE REVEALED ON THE KOLGUEV ISLAND

Until recently, data on the genetic characteristics of the oribatid mite Ameronothrus nigrofemoratus have been reported only from the Northern Canada. Analysis of the partial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) mtDNA sequence of the mites from Kolguev Island that morphologically correspond to this species has revealed two highly divergent phylogenetic lineages of A. nigrofemoratus (divergence of 7%), neither of which was found on the Canadian coast. One lineage differs by four COI amino acid substitutions from North American A. nigrofemoratus. This corresponds to the degree of difference between A. nigrofemoratus and its sister species A. lineatus.

DNA sequencing confirms meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) and muscle worm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus): Implications for moose (Alces alces) management.

In North America, some moose populations are declining, and meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infections may be contributing. Moose are aberrant hosts for meningeal worm and develop severe pathology whereas white-tailed deer (WTD) are definitive hosts that experience minimal pathology and spread parasite larvae into the environment. Analyses of harvested WTD heads confirmed meningeal worm in Western Manitoba, Canada including in areas where moose have experienced population declines and are currently of management concern. The prevalence of larval meningeal worm from WTD feces in these areas are unknown, particularly because the dorsal-spined larvae (DSL) are morphologically indistinguishable from muscle worm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni). To assess transmission risk of DSL, we investigated the spatial and temporal variation of prevalence in WTD feces from four areas (two with historical moose population declines and two without) sampled across two summers. We predicted higher prevalence of DSL in areas where moose are of management concern and surveys have shown higher meningeal worm prevalence in WTD heads. Further, we expected to only recover meningeal worm, as muscle worm has only been reported from caribou in more northern areas of Manitoba. We collected WTD feces by transect sampling, used the Baermann technique to obtain larvae, and sequenced partial cytochrome oxidase 1 and internal transcribed spacer 2 genes to confirm species identity. Zero-inflated models revealed that DSL prevalence did not differ temporally but was higher in areas where moose are of management concern. Genetic analyses revealed that meningeal worm and muscle worm were both present in Western Manitoba and co-occurred in three areas. Our results reveal novel insights into the geographic distribution of muscle worm and emphasize the importance of DNA sequencing for DSL identification. We suggest that concern for moose populations is warranted given the increased risk of parasite infection in some management areas.

The first report of Phytophthora multivesiculata causing black rot of Cymbidium and Ansellia africana from South Africa.

Globally, various species and hybrids of Cymbidium are of horticultural importance. In January 2022, we visited a private orchidarium near Pretoria (25° 54' 30" S, 28° 24' 34" E). During this visit, the owner reported mortality among various pure and hybrid Cymbidium and Ansellia africana, an indigenous South African ornamental orchid. Phytophthora was identified as a possible causative agent based on an initial examination of the affected orchids. The infected orchids exhibited vascular wilting. Brown, water-soaked lesions covered the roots. The pseudobulbs showed black rot symptoms. Necrotic lesions were also visible towards the basal part of the leaves. For isolation of the causal agent, pieces of infected tissues from roots, pseudobulbs and leaves were surface sterilised using 70% ethanol and plated into Phytophthora selective medium, NARPH. All the plates were incubated at 21°C in darkness. After three days, Phytophthora-like mycelia emerged from all three tissue types. These colonies were transferred onto the PDA medium. For molecular identification, genomic DNA was extracted from four representative isolates (CMW58027-30) using a Zymo Research Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPrep kit. The complete ITS, and partial beta-tubulin (BT) and cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) gene regions were amplified using the primers DC6/ITS4 (Cooke et al. 2000; White et al. 1990), Btub_F1A/Btub_R1 (Blair et al. 2008; Kroon et al. 2004) and FM84/FM83 (Martin and Tooley 2003), respectively. BLAST searches in NCBI showed that the four isolates were from Phytophthora ITS Clades 2. ITS, BT, and COX1 datasets from Bose et al. (2021) were used for the phylogenetic identification of our isolates. Single gene and concatenated datasets were analysed using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, which confirmed the identity of the isolates as Phytophthora multivesiculata. All the sequences were submitted to the GenBank: ITS (OM967212-15), BT (OM966588-91), and COX1 (OM966592-95). Measurements of sporangia and gametangia overlapped with those from Ilieva et al. (1998): sporangia (28.3 - 56.3) 41.6 x 31.3 (21.5 -3 9.6) µm; L:B 1.42 (1.08 - 1.69); exit pore 11.2 (7.1 - 14.6) µm; oogonia 44.2 (24.5 - 56.3) µm; oospore 34.2 (21.6 - 53.2) µm; antheridia (5.8 - 14.6) 11.8 x 15.3 (6.2-14.9) µm. The pathogenicity trial was conducted following the protocol suggested by Ilieva et al. (1998). Five A. africana roots and the cut ends of seven Cymbidium leaves were immersed in separate beakers containing 100 ml of sterile distilled water and ten 5 mm agar discs excised from a 7-day-old culture of P. multivesiculata (CMW58027) grown on PDA. Sterile distilled water was used as the control, with an equal number of plants and leaves. All of the sets were incubated at 21°C. After seven days, the plants and leaves developed lesions similar to those observed on the symptomatic plants at the orchidarium. Trials were repeated once and the pathogen was reisolated from both trials and the identity was confirmed by amplifying the complete ITS gene region. Phytophthora multivesiculata has been previously reported from the Netherlands (Ilieva et al. 1998), Taiwan (Chern et al. 2011), Australia (Cunnington et al. 2009), New Zealand (Hill 2004) and elsewhere causing black rot of Cymbidium. However, this is the first report of P. multivesiculata causing black rot of Cymbidium and A. africana from Africa. We are now conducting follow-up surveys to determine the distribution range of this pathogen in South Africa.

Analysis of genetic diversity in two different shell colors of the giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) based on mitochondrial COI sequences

The giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) is widely distributed in tropical coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific. Its distribution areas in China include the Penghu Islands, Hengchun Peninsula, and Xisha Islands. In this study, we use Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to compare the live weight and shell length between different shell colors of C. tritonis. In addition, we conducted sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene to assess the affinity of C. tritonis with two different shell colors based on the sample we obtained. Then, we constructed phylogenetic trees using the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference methods, and constructed haplotype network diagrams. In addition, we performed Tajima’s D and Fu’s neutrality tests. The results show that The Partial mitochondrial COI sequences of 28 C. tritonis were all 603 base pairs in length, and seven haplotypes were detected from the samples, besides, the gene flow was calculated to be 11.78, the genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.02078. Our results indicated that the population size of C. tritonis remained relatively stable. Besides, the genetic and size differentiation between the two different shell colors was small, and individuals of C. tritonis with different shell colors belong to the same genetic clade. In fact, the two morphotypes could not be distinguished by both genetic and morphometric data. The mitochondrial COI gene fragments of the two different shell colors were sequenced and analyzed to accumulate information about the population genetics of C. tritonis and to provide a scientific basis for the conservation of its species resources.The giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) is widely distributed in tropical coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific. Its distribution areas in China include the Penghu Islands, Hengchun Peninsula, and Xisha Islands. In this study, we use Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to compare the live weight and shell length between different shell colors of C. tritonis. In addition, we conducted sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene to assess the affinity of C. tritonis with two different shell colors based on the sample we obtained. Then, we constructed phylogenetic trees using the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference methods, and constructed haplotype network diagrams. In addition, we performed Tajima’s D and Fu’s neutrality tests. The results show that The Partial mitochondrial COI sequences of 28 C. tritonis were all 603 base pairs in length, and seven haplotypes were detected from the samples, besides, the gene flow was calculated to be 11.78, the genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.02078. Our results indicated that the population size of C. tritonis remained relatively stable. Besides, the genetic and size differentiation between the two different shell colors was small, and individuals of C. tritonis with different shell colors belong to the same genetic clade. In fact, the two morphotypes could not be distinguished by both genetic and morphometric data. The mitochondrial COI gene fragments of the two different shell colors were sequenced and analyzed to accumulate information about the population genetics of C. tritonis and to provide a scientific basis for the conservation of its species resources.

An unusual case of Brugia sp. infection in a dog from Alberta, Canada

Brugia is a vector-transmitted nematode that is commonly known for its zoonotic significance of causing lymphatic filariasis in Asia and Oceanic regions of the world. In addition to public health concerns, Brugia species have been known to infect domestic animals, including dogs and cats. However, information is scarce regarding genus Brugia in North America, and rare infections have been noted in domestic cats, humans, and other wild mammals. Herein, we document the first reported case of a Brugia species infection in a dog from North America and the first molecular characterization of the species in question. A three-year-old German Shepard from Alberta, Canada presented to a local veterinary clinic with a facial subcutaneous nodule that was surgically excised. Histopathology identified an enlarged buccal lymph node containing small foci of eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation within the cortex and capsule. This inflammation was associated with adult filarioid nematodes localized within lymphatic vessels or adjacent connective tissue. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and PCR targeting the Hha1 repeat and the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA confirmed parasite identity as Brugia sp. While we can rule out B. beaveri being the causative agent, we cannot exclude B. lepori infection or a third uncharacterized Brugia species. Veterinarians and physicians should be made aware of North American Brugia infections and their possible health concerns.

The establishment of the invasive non-native macroalgaSargassum muticumin the north of Scotland

AbstractThe spread of the brown seaweedSargassum muticumis one of the best documented invasions of a non-native marine species. Observation of a potentially established population ofS. muticumin the Orkney Islands archipelago, located off the northern coast of Scotland, was reported by recreational snorkellers in 2019 and 2020. The present study summarises a focussed investigation to confirm its presence and current local distribution, using data from 46 survey sites monitored as a part of the Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority monitoring programme. Findings in this study represent the most northerly record of an established population ofS. muticumin the United Kingdom, extending the latitudinal range in this country by 1.44° (159 km) northwards, and indicate only localised presence of this species. Analysis of a partial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequence confirmed the visual species identification. Possible vectors of introduction, gaps in the geographic range, local ecological and economic impacts, and the potential ameliorating factor of deep rockpools on wave exposed shores forS. muticumare discussed.

Population genetic structure of the globally introduced big-headed ant in Taiwan.

Global commerce and transportation facilitate the spread of invasive species. The African big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), has achieved worldwide distribution through globalization. Since the late 19th century, Taiwan has served as a major seaport because of its strategic location. The population genetic structure of P.megacephala in Taiwan is likely to be shaped by international trade and migration between neighboring islands. In this study, we investigated the population genetics of P.megacephala colonies sampled from four geographical regions in Taiwan and elucidated the population genetic structures of P.megacephala sampled from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii. We observed a low genetic diversity of P.megacephala across regions in Taiwan. Moreover, we noted low regional genetic differentiation and did not observe isolation by distance, implying that long-distance jump dispersal might have played a crucial role in the spread of P.megacephala. We sequenced the partial cytochrome oxidase I gene and observed three mitochondrial haplotypes (TW1-TW3). TW1 and TW3 most likely originated from populations within the species' known invasive range, suggesting that secondary introduction is the predominant mode of introduction for this invasive ant. TW2 represents a novel haplotype that was previously unreported in other regions. P.megacephala populations from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii exhibited remarkable genetic similarity, which may reflect their relative geographic proximity and the historical connectedness of the Asia-Pacific region.

Global epidemiology and molecular biology of Taenia multiceps: a comparative meta-analysis and in silico analysis study.

In the present study, all published data on the epidemiology and molecular characters of Taenia multiceps were systematically collected from relevant databases (e.g. PubMed, Scopus, National Center for Biotechnology Information), and combined in various statistical and genetic analyses as a contribution to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this ubiquitous taeniid worldwide. While 5.8% of the key hosts (dogs) from various countries had T. multiceps, grey wolves displayed the highest prevalence (21.6%) among the definitive hosts. Small ruminants are the main intermediate hosts and carry the coenuri in various locations, but most commonly in the central nervous system (CNS). Cerebral coenuri were confirmed in 53% of sheep exhibiting neurological symptoms, and infected animals often had only a single coenurus in the brain. Sheep had a higher prevalence (8.8%) of CNS coenuri than goats (5.8%); however, extra-CNS coenuri were detected more frequently in goats than in sheep. In either case, the difference between sheep and goats was statistically insignificant. Analysis of 233 partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I nucleotide sections for T. multiceps revealed high haplotype and low nucleotide diversities. Fifty-one haplotypes were detected circulating in 6 geographic populations. China, Iran and Turkey had 2 major haplotypes, whereas Italy and Egypt shared 3. Haplotypes from Greece circulate worldwide, and displayed similar gene flow values when compared with the other populations. There were no distinct patterns for haplotype distribution in relation to the infected hosts or coenuri locations. The existence of genetic variants in T. multiceps was highlighted, but needs further studies.

Isolation and molecular characterization of lumpy skin disease virus from hard ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus in Egypt

BackgroundLumpy skin disease (LSD), a disease of cattle and buffaloes, has recently become widely prevalent in Egypt. The aim of this study was to ascertain the potential role of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus ticks in the transmission of this disease. Samples collected from suspected lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infected cows that had previously been vaccinated with the Romanian sheep pox virus (SPPV) in various Egyptian governorates were obtained between May to November over two consecutive years, namely 2018 and 2019. Ticks were morphologically identified and the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) were sequenced, revealing that they were closely related to R. (Boophilus) annulatus. The G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) gene of the LSDV was used to test hard ticks.ResultsTwo positive samples from Kafr El-Sheikh province and one positive sample from Al-Behera province were reported. BLAST analysis revealed that the positive samples were closely related to the Kazakhstani Kubash/KAZ/16 strain (accession number MN642592). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the GPCR gene of the LSDV recently circulating in Egypt belongs to a global cluster of field LSDV with a nucleotide identity of 98–100%. LSDV isolation was successfully performed four days after inoculation using 9 to 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs showing characteristic focal white pock lesions dispersed on the choriallantoic membrane after three blind passages. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, cell rupture, vacuoles in cells, and virus particles ovoid in shape were demonstrated by electron microscopy.ConclusionIn this study the role of hard ticks in the transmission of the LSDV to susceptible animals in Egypt was revealed and confirmed by various methods.

DNA barcoding of major insect pests and their natural enemies from cucurbitaceous crops in Northeast India

Correct identification of insect pest is a prerequisite for any control measures, and DNA barcoding facilitates this. In this study, assigning of 28 specimens (insect pests and natural enemies) to known species using DNA barcode by sequencing partial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene of mitochondrial DNA has been accomplished. Quick identification of a non-indigenous species Bactrocera cilifera (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Meghalaya has been enabled and taxonomic ambiguity of Henosepillachna pusillanima (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) resolved. Molecular identity of Malcus sp., Paridea sp. and Coridius sp. has been established with NCBI GenBank registrations.