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Square‐tailed mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis) is a monotypic species of the genus Ellochelon; however, due to morphological similarities between mullet species, determining their genetic relationship and diversity provides valuable information for classification. The genetic diversity of the square‐tailed mullet collected at four Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) sites was examined by sequencing Cytb gene sequences. Five haplotypes were recorded from 12 Cytb gene sequences of 792–843 bp long, including 786 invariant (monomorphic) positions and six polymorphic positions. The square‐tailed mullet had a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.79) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.004). Low intraspecific genetic difference was recorded in E. vaigiensis collected in sampling sites (0.3%–0.5%). Phylogeny analysis indicated that all square‐tailed mullets belonged to one provisional lineage and were separated from the control square‐tailed mullet lineage. More studies on the lineage of E. vaigiensis in VMD are necessary, thereby providing scientists with information about the genetic diversity of this species in the Mekong Delta. This study investigated the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Ellochelon vaigiensis in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta using cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequences. Analysis of 12 samples from four locations revealed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.79) but low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.004), with minimal genetic differentiation among populations. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that E. vaigiensis in this region may represent a distinct lineage, highlighting the need for further research on its genetic structure and conservation.

In this study of Metagonimus suifunensis (M. suifunensis) in the Russian Southern Far East, the variability of the full-length sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb) mtDNA gene was assessed for the first time. In addition, the cox1 mtDNA gene sequences were also obtained for this species from new localities. In total, 87 and 81 sequences of the cytb and cox1 genes, respectively, were used in the current study. The cytb gene proved more promising and revealed two haplogroups that are associated with the spatial distribution of the species: geographical isolation caused the fixation of differences between northern and southern populations. In addition, the results obtained for the cytb gene opened up new perspectives in the analysis of sequences of the cox1 gene, which was not sufficiently effective as a sole marker. Based on data for both mitochondrial genes, molecular processes influencing the formation of the modern population were analysed for M. suifunensis. The new data confirmed the previously expressed opinion that this species colonized the study territory from north to south and will form the basis for determining possible ways of its further expansion, which is important for predicting the emergence of new foci of metagonimosis.

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is a species native to the Americas. This polyphagous lepidopteran pest was first reported in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe in 2016, but its presence in eastern Africa has not been confirmed via molecular characterisation. In this study, FAW specimens from western and central Uganda were identified based on the partial mtDNA COI gene sequences, with mtDNA COI haplotypes matching those identified in Nigeria and São Tomé. In this study, we sequence an additional partial mtDNA Cyt b gene and also the partial mtDNA COIII gene in Ugandan FAW samples. We detected identical mitochondrial DNA haplotypes for both the mtDNA Cyt b and COI partial genes, while combining the mtDNA COI/Cyt b haplotypes and mtDNA COIII haplotypes enabled a new maternal lineage in the Ugandan corn-preferred FAW samples to be identified. Our results suggested that the African incursions of S. frugiperda involved at least three maternal lineages. Recent full genome, phylogenetic and microsatellite analyses provided evidence to support S. frugiperda as likely consisted of two sympatric sister species known as the corn-preferred and rice-preferred strains. In our Ugandan FAW populations, we identified the presence of mtDNA haplotypes representative of both sister species. It is not known if both FAW sister species were originally introduced together or separately, and whether they have since spread as a single population. Further analyses of additional specimens originally collected from São Tomé, Nigeria and throughout Africa would be required to clarify this issue. Importantly, our finding showed that the genetic diversity of the African corn-preferred FAW species is higher than previously reported. This potentially contributed to the success of FAW establishment in Africa. Furthermore, with the additional maternal lineages detected, there is likely an increase in paternal lineages, thereby increasing the diversity of the African FAW population. Knowledge of the FAW genetic diversity will be needed to assess the risks of introducing Bt-resistance traits and to understand the FAW incursion pathways into the Old World and its potential onward spread. The agricultural implications of the presence of two evolutionary divergent FAW lineages (the corn and the rice lineage) in the African continent are further considered and discussed.

Avian Plasmodium parasites can be pathogenic to their vertebrate hosts. Although cases of anaemia are frequently reported in parasitized birds, the potential damage caused by the parasite during the exoerythrocytic reproduction phase remains poorly investigated. Here, we report 2 individuals of red-legged seriemas (Cariama cristata) infected with 2 different lineages of Plasmodium huffi, one of them exhibiting potential malarial-compatible tissue lesions in the spleen, liver, brain and lungs, alongside molecular confirmation of parasite presence in the spleen. Previously classified as specific to birds from the order Piciformes, this parasite has shown different associated lineages amplified across diverse host orders in South America (Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes and Passeriformes). Those infections, however, were defined as abortive due to the absence of gametocytes visualized in blood smear slides. Herein, we confirm P. huffi as a generalist parasite based on the first morphological characterization in the peripheral blood of a bird outside the Piciformes order. This is also the first morphological and molecular description of a Plasmodium species in Cariamiformes. In addition to the morphological analyses, we have also proposed a novel phylogenetic hypothesis based on the partial cytb gene and the near-complete mitochondrial genome of this parasite. Our findings support that the division of the genus Plasmodium into subgenera is not monophyletic, as P. (Huffia) huffi and its associated lineages cluster more closely with Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) gallinaceum than with Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum.

The distribution of avian haemosporidians of the genus Leucocytozoon in the Neotropics remains poorly understood. Recent studies confirmed their presence in the region using molecular techniques alone, but evidence for gametocytes and data on putative competent hosts for Leucocytozoon are still lacking outside highland areas. We combined morphological and molecular data to characterize a new Leucocytozoon species infecting a non-migratory red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata), the first report of a competent host for Leucocytozoon in Brazil. Leucocytozoon cariamae n. sp. is distinguished from the Leucocytozoon fringillinarum group by its microgametocytes that are not strongly appressed to the host cell nucleus. The bird studied was coinfected with Haemoproteus pulcher, and we present a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of these 2 parasites. Leucocytozoon cariamae n. sp. morphology is consistent with our phylogenetic analysis indicating that it does not share a recent common ancestor with the L. fringillinarum group. Haemoproteus pulcher and Haemoproteus catharti form a monophyletic group with Haemocystidium parasites of Reptilia, supporting the polyphyly of the genus Haemoproteus. We also discussed the hypothesis that H. pulcher and H. catharti may be avian Haemocystidium, highlighting the need to study non-passerine parasites to untangle the systematics of Haemosporida.

This study provides a taxonomic revision of the Quasipaa verrucospinosa complex in Vietnam. Based on integrative taxonomic analyses, Quasipaa verrucospinosa sensu stricto is distributed in Lao Cai, Vinh Phuc, Ha Giang, and Tuyen Quang provinces. Other records of Quasipaa verrucospinosa in northern and central Vietnam revealed to be representatives of two new species: Quasipaa ohlerae sp. nov. from Son La, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces and Quasipaa binhi sp. nov. from Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue provinces. The two new species morphologically differ from each other and from other known species in the genus Quasipaa in size, skin texture, color pattern, and nuptial spines. The molecular analysis based on 16S rRNA and Cytb gene fragments showed that the genetic divergence between Quasipaa ohlerae sp. nov. and other congeners ranges from 2.96% (compared with Q. delacouri and Quasipaa binhi sp. nov. ) to 7.89% (compared with Q. exilispinosa ) in the 16S gene and from 13.81% (compared with Q. delacouri ) to 22.91% (compared with Quasipaa sp.) in the Cytb gene, while the p-distances between Quasipaa binhi sp. nov. and its congeners ranges from 2.34% (compared with Q. delacouri ) to 6.12% (compared with Quasipaa sp.) in the 16S gene and from 10.15% (compared with Q. delacouri ) to 21.88% (compared with Q. boulengeri ) in the Cytb gene. These new findings bring the total number of known species in the genus Quasipaa to 15 and the recorded species from Vietnam to eight.

The current study aimed at population genetic characterization of B. vogeli based on the cytochrome b ( cyt b ) gene sequences (≥ 685 bp) available in the GenBank. Phylogenetic trees placed all the sequences of B. vogeli in a single large monophyletic clade; however, it was further divided into two subclades (Bv1 and Bv2). Out of seven nucleotide variations observed between Bv1 and Bv2 subclades, four were synonymous (G92A, C170T, T488C and A659G), and three were non-synonymous (G324A, C438A and G465A) resulting in amino acid substitutions at three places (V108I, L146I and V155I). Within different B. vogeli populations, the nucleotide and haplotype diversities were low. The median-joining haplotype network revealed only two haplotypes (Hap_1 and Hap_2). A geographical sub-structuring was noticed in the B. vogeli populations, with moderate genetic differentiation (F ST  = 0.05000; P  < 0.05) and a very high gene flow (Nm = 4.75) between Indian and Chinese populations. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions for the Indian population and the overall dataset of B. vogeli indicated a constant population size. This study provides the first insight into the genetic characterization, population genetics and haplotype network of B. vogeli based on the cyt b gene.

Buparvaquone (BPQ) is used for the treatment of bovine theileriosis, a tickborne disease caused by parasites of the Theileria genus. Studies on T. annulata have linked the mechanism of BPQ resistance predominantly to genetic variations in the parasite cytochrome b ( cytb ) gene. In addition, cryptic mechanisms of resistance involving the parasite peptidyl-prolyl isomerase ( pin1 ) and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase ( dhodh ) genes require assessment. In India, where bovine theileriosis is endemic, and BPQ is widely used for treatment, it is necessary to establish the prevalence of genetic variations linked to BPQ resistance. In this study, multiplexed PCR amplification and nanopore sequencing method was used for genotyping the complete gene loci of the three target genes. Analysis of 454 T. annulata field samples collected from seven different states of India revealed the presence of previously reported BPQ resistance associated variations S129G, A146T and P253S in cytb gene and A53P in pin1 gene. The A146T and I203V variations in cytb were found to be prevalent and mostly co-occurring, and their role in BPQ resistance needs further evaluation. This study has revealed the presence of previously reported BPQ resistance-linked mutations in cytb and pin1 genes in T. annulata infecting dairy cattle in India and establishes an Oxford nanopore sequencing method suitable for large-scale surveillance of genetic variation in Theileria parasites from field samples.

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutagenesis remains poorly understood despite its crucial role in disease, aging, and evolutionary tracing. In this study, we reconstructed a comprehensive 192-component mtDNA mutational spectrum for chordates by analyzing 118,397 synonymous mutations in the CytB gene across 1,697 species and five classes. This analysis revealed three primary forces shaping mtDNA mutagenesis: (i) symmetrical, replication-driven errors by mitochondrial polymerase (POLG), resulting in C > T and A > G mutations that are highly conserved across classes; (ii) asymmetrical, damage-driven C > T mutations on the single-stranded heavy strand with clock-like dynamics; and (iii) asymmetrical A > G mutations on the heavy strand, with dynamics suggesting sensitivity to oxidative damage. The third component, sensitive to oxidative damage, positions mtDNA mutagenesis as a promising marker for metabolic and physiological processes across various classes, species, organisms, tissues, and cells. The deconvolution of the mutational spectra into mutational signatures uncovered deficiencies in both base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR) pathways. Further analysis of mutation hotspots, abasic sites, and mutational asymmetries underscores the critical role of single-stranded DNA damage (components ii and iii), which, uncorrected due to BER and MMR deficiencies, contributes roughly as many mutations as POLG-induced errors (component i).

Background Gaultheria is one of the most valuable medicinal species and exhibits contrasting adaptability to various habitats and elevations. However, the scarcity of genomic research, with only a draft nuclear genome and a few complete plastomes available, significantly limits our understanding of its evolutionary characteristics from a mitochondrial perspective and hinders further research into comparative genomics. To elucidate the structural characteristics, variations, and adaptive evolution of the organelle genomes of this genus, we first assembled and compared the mitochondrial genomes of two representative species, namely, G. prostrata ( Gpr ), which is distributed at high elevations (3700 to 4800 m), and G. crenulata ( Gcr ), which is distributed at relatively lower elevations (200 to 2900 m), with 16 known mitochondrial genomes from the Ericales. Results This study newly sequenced and assembled the mitogenome of Gpr and Gcr , and plastome of Gpr . The genome sizes and GC contents of the Gpr and Gcr mitochondrial genomes, as well as the Gpr chloroplast genome, are as follows: 703,983 bp and 45.20%, 831,994 bp and 45.35%, and 192,038 bp and 36.61%, respectively. In total, 41 and 40 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 27 and 29 tRNAs are annotated for Gpr and Gcr mitogenome, respectively, while the two mitogenomes contain one complete circular molecule with three rRNAs and abundant RNA editing sites. The mitogenome of Gpr can recombine into various configurations, which are likely mediated by two repeat pairs (R1 and R2). In Gpr , 15 genes (8 PCGs and 7 tRNA genes) were identified in migrated fragments from the plastome to the mitogenome. In Gcr , an additional 8 genes (7 PCGs and 1 tRNA gene) were found migrated, with ycf2 , rrn4.5 , and trnI-GAU absent. Phylogeny and collinearity indicated that the relationship between Gpr and Gcr are closest. Compare to Gcr , the ccmC gene of Gpr has more RNA edits and undergoes potentially positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1). Furthermore, compared to Gcr at lower elevations, Gpr contains an extra copy of the cytb gene with an RNA editing-mediated start codon, an additional atp9 gene with an RNA editing-mediated stop codon, and one more copy of sdh3 . Conclusions We provided a high-quality and well-annotated mitogenome for two species of Gaultheria , and demonstrated the presence of diverse configurations. Our results reveal the potential adaptation mechanisms of Gpr to high-elevation extremes environmental and provide valuable resources for further understanding the evolutionary pattern of organelle genomes in Ericales.