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Objective: The present study was designed to conduct molecular and morphological identification of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) from Bangladesh along with nucleotide polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from two hosts (cat and human). The species was identified through morphological studies first, and then DNA was extracted for subsequent molecular analysis. A part of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using extracted DNA as a template. The amplified region was sequenced using the Sanger dideoxy method. The sequence was subjected to NCBI BLASTn search. BioEdit and MEGA 11 software were used for multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and generating a phylogenetic tree. Results: Morphological features such as shape, size, and appendages showed similarity with C. felis. The metatibial formula of chaetotaxy (2-2-2-2-1-3) was confirmed for species-level identification. NCBI BLASTn search showed the highest sequence identity with the available sequence of C. felis such as 99.78% (NC_049858.1) and 99.12% (MW420044.1 and MK941844.1) with 100% query coverage. MSA of C. felis sequences from different geographical distributions show their sequence affinities with each other, and the phylogenetic tree presents their relationship with each other. Conclusion: Both morphological and molecular studies clearly indicate the identity and confirmation of cat flea (C. felis) from Bangladesh.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are an underestimated cause of crop yield losses. Cyst nematodes, particularly Heterodera spp., are important pests of sugar beet, cereals, and soybean. Presence of these nematodes was investigated in a plot near Lisbon (Golegã), where problems with cyst nematode infestations had been detected. Heterodera cysts were extracted and isolated from soil samples, and were identified morphologically and using PCR and DNA sequencing. Morphological identifications were difficult, but molecular analyses confirmed the presence of H. schachtii, linking this with the plot’s history. This nematode had remained viable in the soil for more than 15 years, despite absence of sugar beet, the primary host.

Rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria within a few minutes is the key to control infectious disease. However, rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in clinical samples is quite a challenging task due to the complex matrix, as well as the low abundance of bacteria in real samples. Herein, we employ a label-free single-particle imaging approach to address this challenge. By tracking the scattering intensity variation of single particles in free solution, the morphological heterogeneity can be well identified with particle size smaller than the diffraction limit, facilitating the morphological identification of single bacteria from a complex matrix in a label-free manner. Furthermore, the manipulation of convection in free solution enables the rapid screening of low-abundance bacteria in a small field of view, which significantly improves the sensitivity of single-particle detection. As a proof of concept demonstration, we are able to differentiate the group B streptococci (GBS)—positive samples within 10 min from vaginal swabs without using any biological reagents. This is the most rapid and low-cost method to the best of our knowledge. We believe that such a single-particle imaging approach will find wider applications in clinical diagnosis and disease control due to its high sensitivity, rapidity, simplicity, and low cost.

Purpose The effects of trees on soil nematode communities are related to nutrient cycles in forest ecosystems. We conducted greenhouse pot experiments to determine the effects of a single tree species for each of coniferous and broad-leaved tree on soil nematodes. Methods Soils were collected from a coniferous plantation and broad-leaved forests. Seedlings of a coniferous tree ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and a broad-leaved tree ( Quercus serrata ) were planted in soils derived from each species. After 11 months, seedling biomass, soil properties, and ectomycorrhizal fungal colonization of Q. serrata were measured. Soil nematodes were morphologically identified to the genus/family level and differentiated by community and trophic composition. Results C. japonica root biomass was significantly higher than that of Q. serrata regardless of the soil and nematode community structures were significantly different between the species. The fungal: bacterial ratio and density of fungivorous nematodes were significantly higher in broad-leaved soils. Herbivorous nematodes increased significantly in C. japonica seedlings grown in broad-leaved soils. Structural equation modeling indicated that soil origin and tree species directly regulated nematode trophic compositions. Conclusion Our findings suggest that tree species modify soil micro-food webs by affecting microbial abundance and nematode trophic composition. Specifically, C. japonica , with a larger root biomass, increased the number of herbivorous nematodes, whereas Q. serrata , with ectomycorrhizal fungal symbiosis, increased the number of fungivorous nematodes. Thus, tree species are tightly involved in shaping nematode communities in forest ecosystems through root traits and mycorrhizal types.

Given the significance of leishmaniasis as a neglected parasitic disease—ranking second in mortality and fourth in morbidity among vector-borne diseases—and the prominence of the Mediterranean and Middle East regions as key areas for leishmaniasis incidence, the study and precise morphological identification of sand flies, the proven vectors of the disease, is crucial. Unfortunately, despite this importance, there are few reliable references or identification keys for the morphological identification of sand flies in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Some are outdated and no longer valid or remain local (restricted to a country). To date, no comprehensive study has been conducted on the sand fly fauna and their morphological characterization across these regions. In response to this gap, we present a comprehensive pictorial identification key for male and female Phlebotomus species of Middle East and Mediterranean areas. The key includes 720 selected photos and illustrations demonstrating discriminative morphological features out of 2,000 collected. Furthermore, a collection including descriptive morphological criteria of sand flies, first description of Phlebotomus species, a comprehensive checklist of Phlebotomus species accompanied by their distribution map across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, as well as extensive information on their morphometry, ecology, medical relevance, synonymy, atypical forms and morphology of female Adlerius species are given. Finally, we provide an online pictorial dichotomous key to facilitate field application.

The importance of green areas in today's modern city concept is increasing day by day. In this understanding, the use of turfgrass [ e.g. Bentgrass (Agrostis spp. L.); Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.); Common Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (Poales: Poaceae)] in sports fields is getting important. Golf courses mainly occurs turfgrass and not much nematological studies has been done in courses of Türkiye. In this study, total of 51 soil and 3 water samples were taken from golf courses in Antalya, Türkiye’s largest golf tourism destination, in 2021. Within the scope of this study, plant parasitic nematode (PPN) species belonging to the genera Aphelenchoides Fischer, 1894 (Tylenchida: Aphelenchoididae), Aphelenchus Bastian, 1865 (Tylenchida: Aphelenchoididae), Criconemella (De Grisse & Loof, 1965) (Tylenchida: Criconematidae), Ditylenchus Filipjev, 1936 (Tylenchida: Anguinidae), Helicotylenchus Steiner, 1945 (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae), Hemicriconemoides Chitwood & Birchfield, 1957 (Tylenchida: Criconematidae), Hemicycliophora de Man, 1921 (Tylenchida: Hemicycliophoridae), Hoplolaimus von Daday, 1905 (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae), Longidorus Micoletzky, 1922 (Dorylaimida: Longidoridae), Paratrichodorus Siddiqi, 1974 (Triplonchida: Trichodoridae) and Tylenchus Bastian, 1865 (Tylenchida: Tylenchidae) were identified using morphological and morphometric methods. The most detected species in the samples was Hemicycliophora punensis Darekar & Khan, 1980 (Rhabditida: Hemicycliophoridae) (22.22%), while the least detected PPN species was Helicotylenchus dihystera (Cobb, 1893) Sher, 1961 (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae) (3.70%). In this study, it is important there are virus vector species among the identified plant parasitic nematode genera. These nematode species can play an active role in the spread of various viral diseases in turfgrass areas. In turfgrass areas where very sensitive cultivation is carried out, such as golf courses, PPN’s cause direct damages by feeding, which serve as the source of entry of pathogens into the plants. This situation increases the prevalence and severity of the disease in infected fields. Therefore, early detection of the presence of PPN’s in cultivation areas is important to determine effective control strategies.

Dorsal hand image comparison (DHIC) as a branch of forensic identification develops along with the rapid improvements in image resolution and thus dorsal hand features have become a viable area for morphological image comparisons. A short online survey targeting practitioners in image comparison and analysis was created to gain an overview of the global status quo of DHIC. In total, 32 valid responses from 18 different countries were received. Despite different levels of work experience of the participants, it seems that DHIC is increasingly used in a variety of case types. However, several limitations have been acknowledged, including the lack of training and best practice guidelines. In conclusion, DHIC is an emerging field in forensic investigation and practitioners call for structured training opportunities and the establishment of best practice guidelines. In addition, more research into various aspects of the dorsal hand features, such as the effect of ageing and kinship would be beneficial. •First international survey about dorsal hand image comparison (DHIC).•Dorsal Hand Image Comparison is widely used to aid investigations into abuse/exploitation and terrorism.•The survey respondents call for more training, research and establishment of best practice guidelines for DHIC.

Aim. Tannases have found application in many industries. Aspergillus species are moulds largely isolated from poultry droppings and are major producers of tannase. This study aimed to isolate and identify tannase-producing Aspergillus spp. from poultry droppings. Methods. Samples of poultry droppings were obtained from a poultry farm in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Aspergillus spp. was isolated according to standard microbiological procedures. The ability of the isolated Aspergillus spp. to utilise tannic acid was assessed through a tannase assay using a standard method. The isolated Aspergillus spp. were identified using morphological characteristics and molecular identification methods. Results. Twenty-one pure fungal isolates were obtained from the poultry droppings, and 17 of them were able to utilise and grow on constituted tannic acid agar with a diameter ranging from 3.5–7.0 cm. Five (5) isolates with the highest tannase activity were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion. The study concluded that tannase-producing A. fumigatus and A. flavus can be obtained from poultry droppings and may be exploited for tannase production.

Haematobia irritans (L.) is a haematophagous ectoparasite considered one of the most economically damaging pests of cattle, as it causes a decrease in milk production, growth retardation in calves due to reduced weaning weight, and weight loss in adult cattle. These flies can also transmit pathogenic agents. This study reports the first record of H. irritans in northeastern Algeria, in the wilayas of Mila and Guelma, during the active season of the insect from May to September in 2021 and 2022. A total of 181 cattle of various breeds, sexes, and ages were examined, and 1040 adult H. irritans specimens were collected. Among the examined cattle, 64 were found to be infested and were selected for detailed analysis. Adult flies were collected using sweep nets and tubes, pinned, and stored in collection boxes. Detailed data on cattle age, breed, and sex were recorded. Morphological identification was performed under a stereomicroscope confirming all specimens as H. irritans . Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no significant differences in infestation according to age, sex, or breed of the cattle. The geographical distribution showed that 60% of the specimens originated from Guelma and 40% from Mila, indicating higher infestation pressure in Guelma. These results provide the first confirmed evidence of H. irritans in this region, highlight the potential impact on cattle health, and emphasize the need for further studies and the development of targeted control strategies.

Background Accurate vector species identification is essential to distinguish the co-existence of primary and secondary vectors of malaria sustaining transmission in different settings. This evaluation reviews the identity, bionomics, and behaviour of malaria vectors where composition shifted in the forest ecological zone in Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Methods Anopheline mosquito samples were collected from pyrethrum spray catch collections and CDC light traps from 2016 through 2022. Samples were morphologically identified and subjected to polymerase chain reaction assays and sequencing analysis to confirm the identity of unamplified and/or misidentified samples. Mosquito bionomics such as abundance, indoor and outdoor human biting rates (HHR), indoor resting density (IRD), biting time, Plasmodium falciparum infection and blood meal sources of the mosquito samples were determined from the 2021 and 2022 samples. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) tests and chi-square tests in GraphPad Prism version 9.0. Results A total of eight Anopheles species were identified: Anopheles coustani , Anopheles funestus group, Anopheles gambiae sensu lato ( s.l .) , Anopheles maculipalpis , Anopheles marshallii group, Anopheles moucheti , Anopheles nili, and Anopheles obscurus . The outcome of the analysed data confirmed a shift in the composition from An. gambiae s.l. to the An. marshallii group. The IRD, indoor and outdoor HBR of the An. marshallii group were not significantly different from that of An. gambiae s.l. in 2021 (p > 0.05) but significantly higher in 2022 (p < 0.05). The peak indoor and outdoor HBR of the An. marshallii group were observed to be higher than those of An. gambiae s.l. during the dry season. In both years, the An. gambiae s.l. and the An. marshallii group mosquitoes showed comparable preference for bovine blood meal. The preference for human blood meal was not significantly different (p = 0.21) between both species. The An. marshallii group was found to have been infected with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (n = 2) alongside An. gambiae sensu stricto ( s.s .) (n = 1) and Anopheles coluzzii (n = 2). Conclusion The An. marshallii group was confirmed as an abundant malaria vector species in. Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. While similar indoor vector control interventions are recommended for both species; other interventions may be needed to address the early evening outdoor biting observed in the An. marshallii group.