Southwestern Slovakia Research Articles

Productivity and macroelements content of cereal and legume crops

Productivity of ecological and conventional system at two fertilization level, and average content of N, P, K and Mg in grains was evaluated in a field trial at south–western Slovakia during 1999-2005. A six-crop rotation pattern was used as follows: common pea – winter wheat and catch crop, early potato, spring barley, red clover, and winter wheat and catch crop. The designed ecological system support the productivity of cereals and legumes comparable to conventional system. No differences between two levels of fertilization and productivity expressed in Cereal Units (CU) were recognized. Negative relationship between productivity expressed in CU and total content of macroelements was confirm. Significantly higher content of potassium and magnesium was detected in ecological system with comparison to conventional system with higher input of nitrogen. Keywords: ecological system, crop rotation, cereals, legumes, macroelements, productivity

Yield potential of Milk thistle production in south western Slovakia

Yield potential of Milk thistle production in south western Slovakia

Considérations sur le problème boïen

The problems of Boius history have their roots in the identification of antique Boiohaemum with medieval Bohemia, an interpretation that has its origins in the tenth century. Any attempt to localize their territory, consideration must be taken of the fact that according to Tacitus, Strabon and other antique writers, this region incorporated the settlement area of King Marobodus and his Marcomanni, the so-called Bouiaimon. Other data suggest that the “land of the Boii” was a forest between the upper course of the Rhine River and present-day eastern Slovakia, along the Danube. The Marcomanni expelled the Boii from this area at the end of the first century BC. On this basis it may be hypothesized that the settlement area of this Celtic tribe was located somewhere in present-day south-western Slovakia. The settlement of the Boii in present-day Czech Republic, however, is a historical topos. Clarifying the correct location of this tribe may contribute to a better understanding of the development and history of the Boii in Pannonia.”

Stomatal Density In Miscanthus Leaves

Abstract In this study, the number of stomata per unit area was determined in the perennial energy grass of two genotypes Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deuter) and M. sinensis ‘Tatai’ on arable land in the South-western Slovakia. The dynamics of stomatal density per mm2 was determined by non-destructive method in three randomly selected clumps. The number of stomata per mm2 of area varied from 125 ±23 to 327 ±47, stomatal length ranged from 33.9 ±4.7 μm to 35.3 ±3.4 μm, and stomatal width ranged from 17.5 ±2.3 μm to 18.8 ±2.8 μm in the two genotypes. We confirmed ontogenetic heterogeneity of leaf area size and stomatal size parameters.

Comparison Of Energy Sources Grown On Agricultural Land

Abstract The aim of the paper is to compare biomass production of energy plants and selected crops grown on arable land in the south-western Slovakia in 2007–2014, its energy value and the influence of decisive climatic factors on the size of the production. The data on yields of dominant crops grown in the agricultural farm were obtained from the statistical data of the farm. Aboveground biomass of willows and poplars was harvested at the end of the harvest cycle. Aboveground biomass of Miscanthus sinensis was harvested in 2010–2014, always in early spring period of the following year. Winter wheat, spring barley and maize grown for silage during the period 2007–2014 provided the lowest yields in 2010 and the highest in 2011 and 2014. The highest energy value was obtained from maize in 2014 (400.66 GJ ha−1). The short rotation coppice poplars of Italian provenance yielded biomass with energy value of 951.68 GJ ha−1 year−1 at the end of the first three-year harvest cycle in 2012. The analysis of variance confirmed that there are highly significant statistical differences in the poplar biomass yield among the varieties and individual experimental years. The fast growing willows of Swedish provenance provided aboveground biomass energy value of 868.88 GJ ha−1 year−1 at the end of the first four-year harvest cycle in 2011. The biomass production of the perennial grass Miscanthus sinensis, depending on the growing period, can be expressed by a polynomial trend function. The highest biomass production was obtained in the third growing period (2012). At the end of the fifth growing period (2014), the yield amounted to 28.60 t ha−1 of the dry aboveground biomass. The energy value of the aboveground biomass of Miscanthus reached 486.20 GJ ha−1 in 2014. Differences in the biomass yield of the Miscanthus genotypes are statistically highly significant in each of the monitored growing periods. The growth and production process of the selected energy species reflect the specificities of soil and climatic conditions of the individual growing periods, as well as the ability of individual species and varieties to provide biomass production in the given conditions. Regression analysis of the produced aboveground biomass of the crops grown in the Kolíňany cadastre has not confirmed a statistical dependence in selected climatic parameterss.

Analysis of Irrigation Needs Using an Approach Based on a Bivariate Copula Methodology

The problem of drought probability has been investigated by several authors, who have usually analysed droughts using various drought indices such as the Standard Precipitation Index. Various aspects of time series of such indices (intensity, severity and duration) were investigated by several authors using a copula method. Because such analysis is based on only one basic climatic variable, this paper addresses a different approach, i.e., joint analysis of the severity and duration of the most demanding potential annual irrigation periods by a bivariate copula method. Characteristics of these periods are derived from both temperature and precipitation. Maximum annual duration of the potential irrigation period and corresponding rainfall deficit were inferred from these basic variables as inputs to two-dimensional probability analysis by the copula method, because this offers more direct answers to questions of irrigation needs. Results indicate the suitability of the proposed method for analysis of irrigation needs, with greater benefits than the typical one-dimensional analysis of individual climatic variables. A case study for testing the method was done for southwestern Slovakia, for which the frequency of irrigation needs was estimated. Example results indicate that every second year, a one-month period can be expected in which temperatures are >25∘C and there is a moisture deficit of ∼30 mm. Even more significant periods of drought can be expected, for example, with a 5 or 10-year return period. These phenomena significantly damage agriculture yields, so requirements for irrigation structures in the study area are indicated by the proposed method.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum prevalence in ticks and rodents in an urban and natural habitat in South-Western Slovakia.

BackgroundIxodes ricinus is the principal vector of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the ethiological agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in Europe. Anaplasmosis is an emerging zoonotic disease with a natural enzootic cycle. The reservoir competence of rodents is unclear. Monitoring of A. phagocytophilum prevalence in I. ricinus and rodents in various habitat types of Slovakia may contribute to the knowledge about the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in Central Europe.MethodsOver 4400 questing ixodid ticks, 1000 rodent-attached ticks and tissue samples of 606 rodents were screened for A. phagocytophilum DNA by real-time PCR targeting the msp2 gene. Ticks and rodents were captured along six transects in an urban/suburban and natural habitat in south-western Slovakia during 2011–2014. Estimates of wildlife (roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar) densities in the study area were taken from hunter’s yearly reports. Spatial and temporal differences in A. phagocytophilum prevalence in questing I. ricinus and relationships with relative abundance of ticks and wildlife were analysed.ResultsOverall prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in questing I. ricinus was significantly higher in the urban/suburban habitat (7.2 %; 95 % CI: 6.1–8.3 %) compared to the natural habitat (3.1 %; 95 % CI: 2.5–3.9 %) (χ2 = 37.451; P < 0.001). Significant local differences in prevalence of infected questing ticks were found among transects within each habitat as well as among years and between seasons. The trapped rodents belonged to six species. Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus prevailed in both habitats, Microtus arvalis was present only in the natural habitat. I. ricinus comprised 96.3 % of the rodent-attached ticks, the rest were Haemaphysalis concinna, Ixodes trianguliceps and Dermacentor reticulatus. Only 0.5 % of rodent skin and 0.6 % of rodent-attached ticks (only I. ricinus) were infected with A. phagocytophilum. Prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in questing I. ricinus did not correlate significantly with relative abundance of ticks or with abundance of wildlife in the area.ConclusionThe study confirms that urban I. ricinus populations are infected with A. phagocytophilum at a higher rate than in a natural habitat of south-western Slovakia and suggests that rodents are not the main reservoirs of the bacterium in the investigated area.

Isolation and propagation of a Spiroplasma sp. from Slovakian Ixodes ricinus ticks in Ixodes spp. cell lines

Ixodes spp. ticks are known to occasionally harbour spiroplasmas – helical mycoplasmas in the class Mollicutes; a previous study in Slovakia reported an overall prevalence of Spiroplasma ixodetis of 3% in Ixodes ricinus. In the present study, extracts of unfed adult I. ricinus ticks collected from vegetation in south-western Slovakia were added to a panel of cell lines derived from I. ricinus and Ixodes scapularis embryos. The cultures were monitored by preparation and examination of Giemsa-stained cytocentrifuge smears at intervals over the subsequent 16–18 months. Spiroplasma-like microorganisms were detected in cultures of both tick species after 2–3 months and subcultured onto fresh, uninfected cells of the appropriate cell line up to seven times. Molecular analysis using PCR assays targeting fragments of the 16S rRNA, ITS and rpoB genes confirmed the identity of the microorganisms as a Spiroplasma sp., with between 98.9% and 99.5% similarity to S. ixodetis. The sequences of the spiroplasmas isolated from three different pools of ticks collected on two different occasions were identical for all three genes tested.

Detection of Murine Herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) in Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks.

Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV 4) strain 68 (MHV-68) is a natural pathogen of murid rodents, which serves as hosts to Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. These ticks are known to transmit multiple pathogens, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the detection of MHV-68 antibodies in the blood of animals living in the same biotope as virus-infected mice has suggested the role of ticks in pathogen circulation in nature. Herein, to identify MHV-68 in D. reticulatus ticks, DNA samples from 432 adults were collected at two sites in southwestern Slovakia from 2011 to 2014. Samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting ORF50 of MHV-68. Ignoring season and locality, we have found 25.9% of the male and 44.9% of the female ticks to be positive. Within ticks collected in Vojka, 40% (125/312) became positive, at a rate of approximately 6.8 times higher in spring than in autumn (66 vs 9.7%). In addition, in the spring, 1.4 times more females were positive than males. Within ticks collected in Gabčíkovo, 23.3% (28/120) became positive, with positive females being twice as frequent. The infecting virus was identified by analyzing amplified products via sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. Using an explantation/co-cultivation procedure, we examined the salivary glands, intestines, and ovaries of five females for live MHV-68. In all organs of two ticks, we identified a virus capable of replication in mammalian cells. This is the first report of MHV-68 detection in D. reticulatus ticks and of a live virus in their organs. Findings encourage further study to determine whether this potential arbovirus, found in salivary glands, is transmissible. It further supports the hypothesis regarding the mediating role of ticks in MHV-68 circulation in nature.

First detections of Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis in ectoparasitic mites (Laelapidae and Trombiculidae) infesting rodents in south-western Slovakia.

Information on circulation of rickettsiae between small mammals and their ectoparasitic mites is scarce. In this study, we investigated infestation rates of rodents with mites in some areas of SW Slovakia and the role of mites as possible vectors of pathogenic rickettsiae. A total of 615 rodents of five species were caught during 2010-2012. All individuals were examined for ectoparasites which resulted in 2821 mites belonging to three species of Laelapidae and six species of Trombiculidae. The most common Laelapidae species was Laelaps agilis (81.25%), followed by Haemogamasus nidi, and Eulaelaps stabularis. Hirsutiella zachvatkini (16.52%) was the dominant species of the family Trombiculidae. DNA extracted from rodent blood and ectoparasitic mites was examined for the presence of rickettsiae by PCR. By pooling mites, 345 pool samples were created, of which 112 (32.46%) were found to be positive for the rickettsial DNA. From 487 examined rodent blood samples, rickettsial DNA was found in 46 (9.44%). Sequencing DNA from the positive blood samples and mites revealed the identity of Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis. The results of the study suggest that ectoparasitic mites may be reservoirs as well as vectors of some pathogenic rickettsiae.

Altitudinal occurrence of non-native plant species (neophytes) and their habitat affinity to anthropogenic biotopes in conditions of South-Western Slovakia

Abstract Many ecological studies showed that species density (the number of species per unit area) in nonnative organism groups of the mountain areas decreases with increasing altitude. The aim of the paper is to determine the variability in the incidence of non-native plant species (neophytes) associated with the change in altitude and links of the invading taxons to reference habitat types, as well as their links to three ecologically very similar, however in natural conditions, different areas. In general, the most invaded habitats are those which are highly influenced by human activities. Firstly, data collection was conducted through field mapping of build-up areas in South-western Slovakia. Subsequently, with the assistance of ordination methods, we evaluated the level of association of invasive neophytes according to the set objectives. We found that altitude was an important factor determining variability of invasive neophytes’ occurrence. Total amount of habitats with invasive neophytes’ occurrence showed a linear increase along the altitudinal gradient. Many invasive neophytes adapted to abandoned habitats of upland territory were also able to grow along roads, and vice versa, abandoned and unused habitats of lowland areas created conditions for many typical invasive neophytes occurring along roads and habitats of gardens and yards. Railways of lowland areas provided habitats and means of spread of invasive woody neophytes. Gardens and yards were important sources of alien neophytes in all observed territories. Invasive neophyte Aster novi-belgii can be described as a very variable species tolerant to a wide range of factors limiting the spread of species along the elevation gradient.

Fluvial dynamics of the Žitava River, SW Slovakia, during the last 45 ka BP and their influence on Early Bronze Age human occupation

As part of a geoarchaeological project exploring the Early Bronze Age settlement of Fidvár, this geomorphologic study explores the fluvial dynamics of the Žitava River in southwestern Slovakia, casting light for the first time on the regional river's Holocene and late Pleistocene development. In order to reconstruct the Žitava's fluvial evolution, floodplain deposits were investigated by Electrical Resistivity Tomography, selected percussion drillings, and AMS radiocarbon dating. In combination, these methods provided a detailed view into the river's history. As a result of the climatic variations engendered by the last glacial cycle, the fluvial style repeatedly changed between a braided and anastomosing system. However, during long time periods of the Middle and Upper Plenivistulian, the river retained an anastomosing or even meandering style, in contrast to Central European rivers. Therefore, in agreement with other investigations, our results suggest different climatic conditions in the northern Pannonian Basin from 40 to 20 ka BP. During the Early and Middle Holocene, a dense vegetation cover (dry-mesic oak forests) led to stable geomorphological conditions and a meandering channel resulted in lateral erosion of the floodplain fringes. Accumulation of alluvial loamy sediments did not start until the Neolithic and has been related to anthropogenic landscape changes, similar to other naturally favoured areas (Central Europe). Finally, two reconstructed river positions indicate a considerable lateral fluvial erosion of the Early Bronze Age settlement at Fidvár. Consequently, the original settlement area – already thought to be the largest in the region – was once significantly larger.

Early occurrence of temperate oak-dominated forest in the northern part of the Little Hungarian Plain, SW Slovakia

Using a multi-proxy analysis of a postglacial sedimentary sequence from a lowland wetland, we address the possible drivers of change in the wetland habitats and surrounding landscapes of southwestern Slovakia. A 5 m-deep core in the Parížske močiare marshes was investigated for pollen, plant macro-remains, molluscs, organic content and magnetic susceptibility. The palaeoecological record extends from the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (≥11,200 cal. BP) to the 5th millennium cal. BP and was correlated with a macrophysical climate model (MCM) and archaeological data. Our results show the transformation of an open parkland landscape with patches of coniferous forest to a temperate deciduous forest at the onset of the Holocene. The record is remarkable for an early occurrence of Quercus pollen and macro-remains around 11,200 cal. BP and its early expansion (10,390 cal. BP) in the vegetation. Such an early spread of Quercus has not previously been recorded in the region, where Corylus is usually the first to expand among temperate trees. This unusual development of forest communities was most probably triggered by a short-lived increase in precipitation and decrease in temperature, as reconstructed by the MCM model. Higher moisture availability and low temperature inhibited Corylus and favoured the spread of Quercus. Later, the climate became drier and warmer, which, together with fires, supported the expansion of Corylus. Since 7300 cal. BP, human activities became most likely the dominant influence on the landscape. Deforestation contributed to soil erosion, which halted the accumulation of organic material after 5520 cal. BP, followed by the accumulation of clay sediments.

Molecular detection of co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and/or Babesia canis canis in Dirofilaria-positive dogs from Slovakia

Recently, several arthropod-borne infections have been introduced into previously non-endemic regions in Europe as the result of various global changes. At the same time, endemic regions are expanding and the risk of co-infections is rising, due to climate change that allows vectors to move and spread infectious diseases into new areas. The aim of the current study was to confirm simultaneous infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and/or Babesia canis canis in Dirofilaria-infected dogs from Slovakia, central Europe. Genomic DNA was isolated from 366 blood samples of microfilaraemic dogs without clinical signs of infection. Samples were further screened for the presence of canine tick-borne pathogens using PCR and sequencing. This survey revealed co-infection with four arthropod-borne pathogens, in particular, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, A. phagocytophilum, and B. canis canis. While D. repens, responsible for canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, is scattered through the whole territory of the country, D. immitis occurs only in endemic areas of southeastern and southwestern Slovakia in mixed infection with D. repens. Co-infection with A. phagocytophilum was reported in 3.27% of the dogs positive for D. repens; mixed infection with D. repens and B. canis canis was detected in 3.55% of the tested blood samples. Eastern Slovak Lowland represents a natural focus of B. canis canis and is a highly endemic area for canine dirofilariosis. The presence of triple infection with D. repens, A. phagocytophilum, and B. canis canis was detected in one dog originating from the eastern lowland region of Slovakia. This study highlights the importance of co-infected, clinically healthy dogs in the spreading of several different arthropod-borne pathogens and the necessity for detailed epidemiological surveys, especially in newly infested areas.

Vplyv teploty tranzitného plynovodu na produkčný potenciál poľnohospodárskych pôd

The aim of our study was to investigate the temperature effects of a transit gas pipeline on soil and harvested crop over the years 2004 – 2006. The study area was located in the village Veľký Cetín (Nitra District, South-Western Slovakia) soil type is Mollic Fluvisols calcaric. The temperature of the transported gas increased the soil temperature in the range of 1.1 to 1.75 °C (average ) above the gas lines. It also reduced soil moisture by 0.07 – 2.67 weight per cent (average). The wheat yields above the gas pipelines decreased by 3.63 % in 2004 and by 9.53 % in 2006. Yield of barley also decreased by 13.88 % in 2005.

Communal roosting and the seasonal dynamics of the hen harrier Circus cyaneus in the Záhorie region

Abstract A count of hen harriers Circus cyaneus was carried out at roost sites in south-western Slovakia from 1 992-2013. The number of sites and also the frequency of survey visits were different in different years. A total of 1 03 counts were carried out. Hen harriers were not seen roosting at the sites in 13 cases. In all, 10 localities with 14 roost sites were checked. Hen harriers roosted in sedge (5) or in ruderal associations (6) and meadows (3). A total of 634 individuals were recorded roosting. There were 483 brown birds (adult females and immature birds in the first calendar year) and 151 grey birds (males in the second calendar year and older). The average number of hen harriers at the roost sites ranged from 3 to 9 individual birds. The maximum number was at least 27 individuals (December 15, 2011 ; a minimum of 18 brown birds and 9 grey birds, Moravský Svätý Ján, Pacitov locality). The percentage of roosting males was 23.76%. The time period of roosting was also recorded. The last individuals were observed flying over the site from six minutes before sunset to 40 minutes after sunset. The average time of the last observation was approximately 1 7 minutes after sunset. The average luminosity at the last observation of an active individual bird was 28 lux. Hen harriers migrate from October to March in the study area. Occurrences in September, respectively in April and May, were very rare. Most registration and the highest number of individual birds were recorded in October, but especially in December and February.

Vplyv pozemkových úprav na vizuálnu charakteristiku (scenériu) krajiny

New spatial and functional rearrangement of the territory represented by the changed structure of the plots (change of the landscape structure) is one of the main and most visible results of a comprehensive landscape adaptation. Projects of comprehensive landscape adaptation are designed to accommodate for production and landscape value of the territory. Landscape structure belongs to the most important components of landscape character. The landscape structure was evaluated in three levels: historical structure (2nd military mapping), present-day structure (results of mapping survey in the frame of a comprehensive landscape adaptation) and the new landscape structure (results of the proposed plan of the functional rearrangement of the territory) based on the cadastral territory of Veľké Vozokany in Nitra region (near Zlaté Moravce), South-Western Slovakia. The changes in the landscape are identified by the rearrangement of the arable land, forests, vineyards, gardens, fruit gardens/plantations, permanent grassland, water surfaces, and other areas. In this contribution, we made an attempt to describe the role of the comprehensive landscape adaptations in the process of designing landscape changes which do significantly contribute to modification of the landscape character.

Geophysical–Geochemical Reconstruction of Ancient Population Size – the Early Bronze Age Settlement of Fidvár (Slovakia)

ABSTRACTPopulation estimates are a vital backdrop to our understanding of ancient societies' socio‐economic structures and development. In order to facilitate such an informational mise en scène in terms of the early Bronze Age settlement of Fidvár in southwestern Slovakia, a new geophysical–geochemical approach is presented here, the first results of which are very promising. The crux of the new methodology utilizes the population's chemical fingerprint in relation to total anthropogenic phosphorus input as a proxy for different population models. These methods suggest an early Bronze Age population of 300–600 individuals, in accordance with the comparative analysis of a magnetic survey, and also matches initial archaeological estimates. Further methodological adjustments suggest an even higher population of up to 1000 inhabitants. In light of these figures, it is likely that Fidvár was one of the centres of the early Bronze Age socio‐economic system of the northern Pannonian Basin. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

The turfs quality of selected Slovak varieties of the genus Festuca under the conditions without irrigation

The development of botanical composition (in % dominance) in the period 2005–2011 and growth-production process in the years 2007–2011 were evaluated in small-plots experiment with selected Slovak varieties of species of the genus Festuca. The experiment was realized under the conditions without irrigation of south-western Slovakia (locality Nitra). The data of botanical composition of turfs showed that fescue varieties were able to create well-covered vegetation (coverage 87–99 %) as early as next year after sowing in conditions without irrigation. In the next period, the differences in turf coverage between varieties were minimized. The total height of turf and average daily gain of height were the highest in F. arundinacea Schreb. varieties throughout the observed period with significant differences in year 2008 (p = 0.0239), 2009 (p = 0.0462) and 2011 (p = 0.0036). The most intensive growth had F. arundinacea Schreb. cv. Koreta (1.81 to 3.44 mm.d−1; i.e. very low to moderate intensity of growth). From point of view of aboveground phytomass production almost throughout the period were used varieties characterized by very low production of phytomass. Among years and varieties were observed differences in the ability thicken vegetation expressed as the ratio of the average daily gain of weight and average daily gain of height (W/H). F. rubra L. cv. Laroma (0.38 to 1.26 g.m−2.mm−1) and F. ovina L. cv. Grasina (0.37 to 1.54 g.m−2.mm−1) dominated in this indicator except for 2009, when higher values reached F. arundinacea Schreb. cv. Koreta and Levona (both 0.43 g.m−2.mm−1; F. rubra L. and F. ovina L. – 0.27 and 0.39 g.m−2.mm−1, respectively).

Evidence of Pneumocystis jiroveci in human clinical samples in southwestern Slovakia over a 10-year period (2001–2010)

In the past, Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) belonged to the Protozoa group, but the studies on structure of the cell wall and nucleotide sequence resulted in the reclassification of this organism in the kingdom Fungi. P. jiroveci is an opportunistic pathogen, responsible for pneumocystis pneumonia with frequent complications of immunocompromised patients. Delayed initiation of appropriate therapy increases the risk of death in immunocompromised patient. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of P. jiroveci from patients suspected of having respiratory tract infections in southwestern Slovakia over a 10-year period. Due to the increasing number of immunosuppressed persons, the diagnostic of P. jiroveci in patients with pulmonary complications is essential to improve recovery onsets. Effective diagnosis is currently based on microscopic examination and detection of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and induced sputum. In total, 386 clinical samples originated from patients suspected of pneumocystis infection were tested within ten years. Requirements for diagnosis of the pathogen were growing during the period. Three hundred and sixteen BALs, 59 induced sputa, 10 lung biopsies and 1 liquor were subjected to the detection of P. jiroveci. P. jiroveci DNA was detected in 30 patients using PCR, but cysts of microorganism were present only in 4 cases by microscopy. The pathogen was confirmed in 24 BALs and 6 sputa samples. The presence of P. jiroveci has been demonstrated mainly in immunocompromised individuals with cancer (20), but also in patients with pneumonia (6+1 HIV), with unspecified parasitic diseases (1+1HIV) and with systemic lupus erythematosus (1).