Diversity Of Pathogens Research Articles

Assessing Pathogenicity and Cultural Characteristics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini Isolates from Major Castor Growing Regions of India

The present study was undertaken to investigate the pathogenicity and cultural characteristics of 20 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini, the causal fungus of wilt disease of castor (Ricinus communis L). Pathogenicity tests on the susceptible cultivar JI-35 revealed that all isolates were pathogenic, with symptoms progressing from yellowing and drooping of leaves to marginal necrosis, wilting and root discoloration. The incubation period varied significantly among the isolates, ranging from 10.0 to 22.5 days, while the per cent disease incidence (PDI) ranged from 51.7% to 100%. Cultural characterization that includes mycelial colour, colony morphology, pigmentation, growth habit and sporulation highlighted significant variability among the isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini. The colour of mycelium among the isolates ranged from white to various shades of pink and yellow, with growth habits observed as fast, moderate, or slow. Sporulation rates varied from very high to sparse among the isolates. The observed diversity in pathogenicity and cultural traits emphasized the presence of genetic variability in F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini isolates. These results are vital for understanding the pathogen virulence and for developing effective management strategies for wilt disease in castor crop.

Diversity and Distribution of Bacterial and Parasitic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Armenia, Transcaucasia

Background: Variations in the distribution and prevalence of pathogens in ticks can have significant consequences for human health. Information on these variables in Transcaucasia is scarce, so the aim of our study was to conduct a large-scale study to detect selected tick-borne infectious agents in Armenia. Methods: Overall, 209 adult ticks were collected from different hosts including 4 samples from human clothes. We tested ticks using high-throughput microfluidic single-cell real-time PCR to detect 42 genospecies of pathogens. We used GIS to determine biotic and abiotic factors governing the prevalence of pathogens and applied statistical analyses to test the association between prevalence of pathogens depending on hosts, locality and environment. Results: From 209 samples, 134 were positive to targeted pathogens. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Foggie, 1949 was the most prevalent case (44%). The highest overall prevalence was observed in ticks from sheep (74%), followed by cows (67%) and calves (60%). The highest multiple infection rates were also detected in sheep (40%) and calves (40%) followed by cows (28%). One statistically significant association was found among co-infections (P<0.05). The prevalence of pathogens varied according to locality. The abundance of Anaplasma spp. is significantly correlated with “slope” and “vegetation” factors. Similar patterns were detected for other pathogens. Conclusion: This was the first large-scale survey of multiple tick-borne pathogens in Armenia and Transcaucasia. The results of this study shed light on spatial variations in pathogen infection rate among adult ticks found on hosts and underline a number of environmental determinants of pathogen distribution among ticks.

Virulence Determinants Are Unevenly Distributed Within Streptomyces Species and Strains Causing Potato Common Scab in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

Potato common scab is an important bacterial disease afflicting potatoes around the world. Better knowledge of the local Streptomyces spp. populations causing this disease is key to developing durable control strategies. In this study, we isolated 230 Streptomyces strains from scab-infected potato tubers harvested from commercial potato fields located across the province of Quebec, Canada. The genetic diversity of this collection was first studied using repetitive element-based PCR fingerprinting, and the genomes of 36 representative strains were sequenced using PacBio's sequencing technology. This enabled us to identify the strains to the species level, to study the distribution of previously characterized virulence-associated genes and clusters, and to explore the repertoires of putative plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. In parallel, the virulence of the 36 strains was evaluated using a potato tuber slice assay. The diversity was higher than previously reported, as 11 phytopathogenic species were found across the province. Among them, S. scabiei and S. acidiscabies were the most abundant as well as the most virulent. Strains belonging to these two species harbored numerous virulence determinants, including the thaxtomin biosynthetic gene cluster. By contrast, most weakly virulent strains lacked this cluster but harbored at least one known virulence determinant. The results obtained suggest that a higher number of virulence-associated genes and clusters in the genome of phytopathogenic Streptomyces spp. are associated with greater virulence. This study contributes to increasing the publicly available genomic resources of scab-causing Streptomyces spp. and expands our knowledge on the diversity and virulence of this important bacterial pathogen.

Understanding the Pathogenesis, Biocontrol Mechanisms, and Factors Influencing Biocontrol Effectiveness for Soil-Borne Diseases in Panax Plants

Panax plants are known for their significant medicinal and economic value. Being perennial, they are prone to soil-borne diseases during cultivation. However, there has been limited research on the pathogenesis of soil-borne diseases and the diversity of pathogens. While biological control has gained attention for its efficacy and environmental benefits, the factors affecting its efficiency still need thorough evaluation. This review summarizes the influence of biotic factors, such as pathogens and hosts, and environmental factors on the occurrence of soil-borne diseases and pathogen diversity. Additionally, we synthesized bacterial, actinobacterial, and fungal diversity for the biocontrol of soil-borne diseases and their functional mechanisms. Moreover, the review delves into the factors influencing the efficacy of biocontrol, including microbial species, the inoculation method and inoculation volume, and inoculant composition. This article serves as a valuable resource for enhancing the efficiency of biological control and optimizing strategies for managing soil-borne diseases in Panax cultivation in the future.

Comprehensive overview of host plant resistance and its progress in wilt resistance in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor bean, a non-edible monotypic species known for its unique hydroxy fatty acid, is susceptible to a range of pathogens. Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini is the most complex and destructive disease. Chemical control of wilt has proven ineffective due to the systemic nature of the disease and the seed and soil borne nature of the pathogen. Physical, chemical, biological, and integrated management methods have shown only limited success in controlling wilt. Host plant resistance, however, stands out as the most promising strategy, offering a viable pathway for the genetic improvement of castor beans for wilt resistance. Screening techniques are well established, and several resistant donors have already been identified. While significant progress has been made in understanding the inheritance of wilt resistance, a complete understanding of its genetic mechanisms still requires further research. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers and genomic regions linked to wilt resistance have been successfully identified. Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) has been identified as a predisposing factor for wilt, and genomic regions linked to nematode resistance have also been identified. However, Marker-assisted selection has not yet been utilized to develop wilt-resistant castor varieties. Further research is required to explore the pathogen diversity, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms underlying wilt resistance including the metabolites responsible for preventing the emergence of new pathogenic races and ensuring long-term protection against wilt.

Comparative genomic analysis uncovered phylogenetic diversity, evolution of virulence factors, and horizontal gene transfer events in tomato bacterial spot Xanthomonas euvesicatoria

IntroductionBacterial spot, caused by diverse xanthomonads classified into four lineages within three species, poses a significant threat to global pepper and tomato production. In Taiwan, tomato bacterial spot xanthomonads phylogenetically related to an atypical Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans (Xep) strain NI1 from Nigeria were found.MethodsTo investigate the genetic structure of Taiwanese Xep strains and determine the phylogenetic position of the atypical strains, we completed high-quality, gap-free, circularized genomes of seven Taiwanese Xep strains and performed comparative genomic analyses with genomes of X. euvesicatoria pathovars. Average nucleotide identity, core genome analysis, and phylogenomic analysis were conducted.ResultsThree sequenced strains were identified as typical Xep, while four clustered with the atypical strain NI1, forming a distinct genomovar within X. euvesicatoria, proposed as X. euvesicatoria genomovar taiwanensis (Xet). This new lineage likely originated in Taiwan and spread to Nigeria through global seed trade. At the genomovar level, chromosomes remained conserved among Taiwanese strains, while plasmids likely contributed to bacterial virulence, avirulence, and field fitness. Gap-free genomes revealed associations between the evolution of type III effectors, horizontal gene transfer events, plasmid diversity, and recombination.DiscussionThis study highlights the critical roles of horizontal gene transfer and plasmids in shaping the genetic makeup, evolution, and environmental adaptation of plant pathogenic xanthomonads. The identification of a new genomovar, X. euvesicatoria genomovar taiwanensis, provides insights into the diversity and global spread of bacterial spot pathogens through seed trade.

Multiple Genotypes and Reassortants of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Co-Circulating in Hangzhou in Southeastern China, 2013-2023.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), is becoming a significant public health threat due to its high mortality rate. Knowledge of SFTSV in southeastern coastal China is limited. The whole genomes of 66 SFTSV strains collected from 2013 to 2023 in Hangzhou, a coastal city in China, were amplified and sequenced to elucidate the geography-related genetic and pathogenic diversity. Hangzhou SFTSVs could be classified into five pure genotype groups (A, B-2, D, E, and F); genotype A was dominant, and genotype E was significantly associated with SFTS fatality. An unclassified sublineage of the L segment was proposed as a novel B-4 subgenotype. Seven types of genetic reassortants (abbreviated as B-3B-3B-1, CCA, B-2AB-2, B-2CB-2, DFD, B-4FF, and B-4B-2B-1 for the L, M, and S segments) were identified, including three novel forms. Six recombination events and ten amino acid substitutions were identified in the Hangzhou viruses. Collectively, our results demonstrated that all known SFTSV genotypes co-circulated in Hangzhou, leading to a gradual increase in genetic diversity and the generation of novel reassortants. Increased surveillance is urgently needed in Hangzhou, a critical region for SFTSV genetic exchange.

Prevalence and diversity of spotted fever group Rickettsia species in ixodid ticks from domestic dogs in Chad, Africa

Tick-borne pathogens in the genus Rickettsia are the causative agents of severe and potentially fatal spotted fever group (SFG) and typhus group diseases in dogs and humans. Climate, habitat, and land-use changes are impacting vector ranges, with expansions potentially resulting in novel pathogens being introduced into naïve locations. Despite the public health importance of SFG Rickettsia, there are relatively few data on the prevalence and diversity of rickettsial pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to characterize the SFG Rickettsia prevalence and diversity in ixodid ticks (104 Amblyomma spp., 160 Rhipicephalus spp., and one Hyalomma truncatum) collected from domestic dogs in Chad, Africa. Ticks were screened for Rickettsia spp. using a nested PCR targeting the 17-kDa gene. Species identification was through bidirectional Sanger sequencing of the 17-kDa, ompA, ompB, and/or gltA gene targets. A total of 43.3 % (115/265) ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp. and six Rickettsia species were identified: R. africae, R. massiliae, R. conorii, R. felis, R. monacensis and Candidatus Rickettsia muridii. Seven additional samples were positive for Rickettsia of undetermined species. Rickettsia africae, an important zoonotic pathogen, was found in 81 % (79/97) of A. variegatum and 29 % (2/7) of an A. marmoreum complex species, a group that infests a wide range of birds and mammals, including humans. Finally, we detected a high diversity of Rickettsia spp., most of which were zoonotic, in Rh. muhsamae. Collectively these data indicate there is a risk of rickettsiosis in Chad and further studies on ticks and rickettsial pathogens in this region are warranted.

Diversity of Colletotrichum species causing cherry postharvest anthracnose in China

Cherry postharvest anthracnose (CPA) is an important fungal disease that endangers cherry production. To characterize the pathogen diversity, 43 Colletotrichum isolates were isolated from 175 cherry fruits. The multi-locus phylogenetic analysis (ACT, CAL, CHS-1, GAPDH, HIS3, ITS, TUB2) revealed that strains of the C. gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC) associated with CPA included C. aenigma, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, and strains of the C. acutatum species complex (CASC) included C. fioriniae, C. godetiae, C. salicis. There were significant differences in biological characteristics between CGSC and CASC. The mycelium growth rate, sporulation and conidial germination ability of CGSC was significantly higher than that of CASC. However, CASC was more adaptable to low temperatures. CGSC was more pathogenic than CASC toward cherry fruits. On other tested hosts, all species showed pathogenicity only on wounded condition and the pathogenicity of CGSC and CASC to other host fruits was significantly different too. C. aenigma and C. siamense exhibited significantly higher pathogenicity towards grapes and blueberries compared to C. gloeosporioides and C. fioriniae, while the pathogenicity to cherry tomatoes was reversed. In general, CGSC was more pathogenic than CASC to testes hosts. Our results showed that there were seven species of two species complex of Colletotrichum responsible for CPA in China, and the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of different species were significantly different.

The roles of habitat isolation, landscape connectivity and host community in tick-borne pathogen ecology.

Habitat loss and forest fragmentation are often linked to increased pathogen transmission, but the extent to which habitat isolation and landscape connectivity affect disease dynamics through movement of disease vectors and reservoir hosts has not been well examined. Tick-borne diseases are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in the United States and on the West Coast, Ixodes pacificus is one of the most epidemiologically important vectors. We investigated the impacts of habitat fragmentation on pathogens transmitted by I. pacificus and sought to disentangle the effects of wildlife communities and landscape metrics predictive of pathogen diversity, prevalence and distribution. We collected pathogen data for four co-occurring bacteria transmitted by I. pacificus and measured wildlife parameters. We also used spatial data and cost-distance analysis integrating expert opinions to assess landscape metrics of habitat fragmentation. We found that landscape metrics were significant predictors of tick density and pathogen prevalence. However, wildlife variables were essential when predicting the prevalence and distribution of pathogens reliant on wildlife reservoir hosts for maintenance. We found that landscape structure was an informative predictor of tick-borne pathogen richness in an urban matrix. Our work highlights the implications of large-scale land management on human disease risk.

Pathogenic diversity of Puccinia kuehnii strains, causal agent of sugarcane leaf rust and biological control approach using biopesticides under semi-controlled conditions

Context: In Côte d'Ivoire, sugarcane plays an important role in the economy. However, its production is constrained by biotic factors, particularly orange rust caused by Puccinia kuehnii. Pathogenic diversity of strains is not widely understood. Existing control methods are ineffective and limited. The aim of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of Puccinia kuehnii strains, and to evaluate anti-fungal activity of essential oil-based formulations against this disease. Materials and methods: Strains 51bB and 381Z were evaluated for infectivity by foliar spraying plants of variety SP711406 under semi-controlled conditions at the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). Curative control was carried out by foliar spraying plants with formulations based on natural substances of Ocimum gratissimum L, Zingiber officinale and Cymbopogon citratus, at 1000 and 2000ppm. The synthetic product copper oxide was used at a single dose of 5000 ppm. Results: Strains 51bB and 381Z showed infection rates of 62.26 and 67.36% respectively after a four-month incubation period. Severities of 30.64% (51bB) and 30.23% (381Z) were observed. ZinC1 and ZinC2 treatments had an estimated incidence reduction rate of 64.28%. Treatments based on natural substances achieved a reduction in severity of over 50%. The CymC2 treatment was the most effective, with a reduction rate of 86.04% followed by ZinC1 with rates of over than 50% reduction rate of incidence and severity due to the synthetic product was 50 and 48.83% respectively. Conclusion: Puccinia kuehnii strains induced orange rust disease in sugarcane. The effect of essential oil-based formulations has been proven on the disease under semi-controlled conditions.

Tissue spaces are reservoirs of antigenic diversity for Trypanosoma brucei.

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei evades clearance by the host immune system through antigenic variation of its dense variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat, periodically 'switching' expression of the VSG using a large genomic repertoire of VSG-encoding genes1-6. Recent studies of antigenic variation in vivo have focused near exclusively on parasites in the bloodstream6-8, but research has shown that many, if not most, parasites reside in the interstitial spaces of tissues9-13. We sought to explore the dynamics of antigenic variation in extravascular parasite populations using VSG-seq7, a high-throughput sequencing approach for profiling VSGs expressed in populations of T. brucei. Here we show that tissues, not the blood, are the primary reservoir of antigenic diversity during both needle- and tsetse bite-initiated T. brucei infections, with more than 75% of VSGs found exclusively within extravascular spaces. We found that this increased diversity is correlated with slower parasite clearance in tissue spaces. Together, these data support a model in which the slower immune response in extravascular spaces provides more time to generate the antigenic diversity needed to maintain a chronic infection. Our findings reveal the important role that extravascular spaces can have in pathogen diversification.

One Health Farming: Noninvasive monitoring reveals links between farm vertebrate richness and pathogen markers in outdoor hoofstock

Outdoor farming contributes to biodiversity conservation and enhances animal welfare, but also raises biosafety concerns due to livestock contact with potentially infected wildlife. Thus, there is a need to assess the balance between vertebrate species richness on farms, visits by wildlife species posing a biosafety risk, and pathogen circulation in open-air farming systems. We explored these links in a pilot study involving 15 open-air hoofstock farms (6 cattle, 5 small ruminant, and 4 pig farms), where we conducted interviews and risk point inspections and used two noninvasive tools: short-term camera trap (CT) deployment and environmental nucleic acid detection (ENAD). CTs were deployed to assess the richness of birds and mammals, as well as to determine the percentage of CTs detecting defined risk species. We also collected livestock feces and used sponges to sample surfaces for environmental DNA (eDNA), testing for nine pathogen markers. Total vertebrate richness ranged from 18 to 42 species, with waterholes significantly contributing to farm vertebrate richness, since 48.2 % of all wild vertebrates were detected at waterbodies, and 28.6 % were exclusively detected at waterholes. Pathogen markers detected at risk points correlated with those detected in livestock samples. Notably, the frequency of uidA marker detection correlated with the total number of pathogen markers detected per farm. Overall marker richness, an indicator of pathogen diversity, varied between farms, being higher in small ruminant farms compared to cattle or pig farms. At the farm level, wild vertebrate richness was negatively correlated with the richness of pathogen markers detected at risk points. Additionally, risk points with a higher probability of detecting more pathogen markers had lower vertebrate richness. Although CT-based assessments of vertebrate richness and ENAD-based pathogen marker detection are only indicators of actual biodiversity and farm health, respectively, our findings suggest that farmland vertebrate communities provide important ecosystem services and may help limit the circulation of multi-host pathogens.

Biochemical and microbial characterization of a forest litter-based bio-fertilizer produced in batch culture by fermentation under different initial oxygen concentrations.

This work focused on the physico-chemical, biochemical and microbiological characterization of a new organic fertilizer based on fermented forest litter (FFL) mixed with agro-industrial by-products, on the culture realized in airtight glass bottle. Under strict anaerobiosis (0% initial oxygen concentration (IOC)), after a 16-day batch culture, the bottle-headspace analysis showed that the specific CO2 production rate was low (0.014 mL/h.g dry matter) compared to those reached under aerobic conditions (e.g. 0.464 mL/h.g dm at 21% IOC). Moreover, the culture displayed a slight fermented fruity odour, mainly due to ethanol and ethyl acetate detected in the headspace (335 µL and 58.6 µL accumulated, respectively). The FFL organic matter degradation followed by infrared spectroscopy and catabolic potential and diversity characterized by BIOLOG® EcoPlates were poor and pH dropped to 4.54. The microbiome's metabolism was oriented toward lactic fermentation with medium acidification, enrichment in lactic acid bacteria (LAB), depletion in fungi and absence of pathogens. By increasing IOC from 0 to 21%, the respirometric activity, and the catabolic potential and diversity increased. However, some enterobacteria were detected above 5% IOC. Ethanol and ethyl acetate decreased strongly with IOC, and aromatics and proteins contained in the solid matrix remained in the culture. This study showed the importance of oxygen on the final product. A 2% IOC was found to ensure an optimal balance between LAB development, preservation of functional catabolic diversity and bio-product free of microbial pathogens.

Genetic fingerprinting distinguishes pathogenic variability of asiatic citrus canker pathogen, Xanthomonas citri pv. citri type A

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc), is one of the most widespread citrus disease. In this study, 54 isolates of Xcc were obtained from citrus canker-infected leaves, twigs and fruit samples collected from various citrus-growing regions in Bangladesh. These isolates were analysed through pathogenicity tests and PCR amplification. The results revealed varying levels of aggressiveness among the isolates, ranging from weak to moderate and aggressive. No correlation was found between the host plants and their geographical locations. The genetic analysis of Xanthomonas isolates from around the world revealed 100 % similarity. All the Xanthomonas isolates were grouped into 2 major clusters. DNA fingerprinting showed high genetic variability, with no correlation between hosts, geographic locations or aggressiveness levels. This information on the population diversity of the citrus canker pathogen, Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc), will be valuable for developing sustainable management strategies for citrus cankers in Bangladesh and the broader Indian sub-continent region.

High phenotypic diversity correlated with genomic variation across the European Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans epizootic.

Recognizing the influence of pathogen diversity on infection dynamics is crucial for mitigating emerging infectious diseases. Characterising such diversity is often complex, for instance when multiple pathogen variants exist that interact differently with the environment and host. Here, we explore genotypic and phenotypic variation of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), an emerging fungal pathogen that is driving declines among an increasing number of European amphibian species. For thirteen isolates, spanning most of the known temporal and geographical Bsal range in Europe, we mapped phenotypic diversity through numerous measurements that describe varying reproductive rates in vitro across a range of temperatures. Bsal isolates are revealed to have different thermal optima and tolerances, with phenotypic variation correlating with genomic diversity. Using a mechanistic niche model of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) as an example, we illustrate how host steady-state body temperature and Bsal thermal range variation may influence pathogen growth through space and time across Europe. Our combined findings show how the identity of emergent pathogen variants may strongly influence when and which host populations are most at risk.

Diversity of lice and flea- and lice-borne pathogens in free-ranging dogs in Uzbekistan.

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide, with arthropods, including fleas and lice, acting as key vectors for transmitting various pathogens. In Uzbekistan, where millions of domestic dogs coexist with humans, the diversity of vector-borne pathogens carried by ectoparasites remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and prevalence of lice and pathogens carried by fleas and lice collected from domestic dogs in Uzbekistan. Ectoparasites were collected from 77 dogs across five regions and subjected to morphological identification and molecular analysis. The 47 lice collected were identified as Trichodectes canis Fabricius, 1780 (Psocodea: Trichodectidae), Linognathus africanus Kellogg and Paine, 1911 (Psocodea: Linognathidae) and Bovicola bovis Linnaeus, 1758 (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae), alongside with 197 fleas. Notably, L. africanus was detected for the first time on dogs worldwide. Molecular screening detected Rickettsia spp. in 27.9% fleas and 44.7% lice, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758 (Cyclophyllidea: Dipylidiidae) in 1.5% of fleas and Bartonella spp. in 0.5% of fleas. Sequencing confirmed Rickettsia asembonensisMaina et al., 2016 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia helvetica Beati et al., 1993 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia monacensis Simser et al., 2019 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), D. caninum and Bartonella clarridgeiae Lawson and Collins, 1996 (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae). These findings highlight the potential role of dogs as reservoirs for vector-borne pathogens and emphasises the need for further research to inform effective disease control strategies.

Variation in Relative Abundance of Small Mammal Species Caught in Two Different Ecosystems and Implicated in the Spread of Emerging Pathogens in Mali

Background: Small rodents and insectivores are potential reservoirs of many pathogens transmissible to humans, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses responsible for epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Few studies on small mammal species in West Africa are available. Our previous findings from a study investigating emerging pathogens in two localities in Mali has determined the prevalence of pathogens in small mammals (rodents and insectivores). We used the data collected from this small mammal population with different eco-climatic characteristics to test hypothesis that small mammal distribution in different eco-climatic settings could explain the diversity and frequency of pathogens they carry. Methods: Sessions of trapping were carried out in December 2016 in Faladjè and Bougouni with “Besançon tous services” (BTS) wire mesh traps baited with peanut butter and/or onion. All animals captured were identified morphologically. Results: Out of 123 small rodents and insectivores captured over 674 trap-nights, 75 (60.97%) were from Faladjè and 48 (39.02%) from Bougouni. Of these, six species of small rodents belonged to the family Muridae (Mastomys erythroleucus, Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus, Praomys daltoni, Gerbilliscus gambianus, Taterillus gracilis) and two species of insectivores associated with the genus Crocidura spp. belonged to the family Soricidae and Erinaceidae (Crocidura cf olivieri and Atelerix cf albiventris), respectively. There is low species diversity within these two areas, but the variation in relative abundance is significant (binomial test, p ˂ 0.05) between Faladjè and Bougouni. Mastomys erythroleucus was the most dominant species (57.33%, 43/75) in Faladjè, while R. rattus dominated (37.5%,18/48) in Bougouni. Conclusions: These two species of small mammals potentially involved in the transmission of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic viruses to humans are differently present in two distinct eco-climatic areas in Mali.

Spatial–Temporal Patterns in the Enteric Pathogen Contamination of Soil in the Public Environments of Low- and Middle-Income Neighborhoods in Nairobi, Kenya

Public spaces in countries with limited societal development can be contaminated with feces containing pathogenic microbes from animals and people. Data on contamination levels, spatial distribution, and the diversity of enteric pathogens in the public settings of low- and middle-income neighborhoods are crucial for devising strategies that minimize the enteric infection burden. The objective of this study was to compare spatial–temporal differences in the detection rate and diversity of enteric pathogens in the public spaces of low- and middle-income neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya. TaqMan array card (TAC) molecular assays were employed to analyze soil samples for 19 enteropathogens, along with a selective bacterial culture for pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. An observational assessment was conducted during every site visit to document the hygienic infrastructure and sanitation conditions at the sites. We detected at least one pathogen in 79% (127/160) and ≥2 pathogens in 67.5% (108/160) of the soil samples tested. The four most frequently detected pathogens were EAEC (67.5%), ETEC (59%), EPEC (57.5%), and STEC (31%). The detection rate (91% vs. 66%) and mean number of enteric pathogens (5 vs. 4.7) were higher in low-income Kibera than in middle-income Jericho. The more extensive spatial distribution of pathogens in Kibera resulted in increases in the detection of different enteric pathogens from within-site (area < 50 m2) and across-site (across-neighborhood) movements compared to Jericho. The pathogen detection rates fluctuated seasonally in Jericho but remained at sustained high levels in Kibera. While better neighborhood conditions were linked with lower pathogen detection rates, pathogenic E. coli remained prevalent in the public environment across both neighborhoods. Future studies should focus on identifying how the sources of pathogen contamination are modified by improved environmental sanitation and hygiene and the role of these contaminated public environments in enteric infections in children.

Fusarium head blight of wheat: current knowledge on associated species and their mycotoxins, pathogenicity diversity, and management strategies

Fusarium head blight of wheat: current knowledge on associated species and their mycotoxins, pathogenicity diversity, and management strategies