A new species of Myxobolidae, Henneguya cardii n. sp., is described infecting the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax, a fish of high commercial value intensively cultivated in southern Europe. Henneguya cardii n. sp. was found in the bulbus arteriosus and spleen with a prevalence of infection of 13.5%. In the heart, it forms irregular whitish plasmodia measuring 1 mm in size. Mature myxospores are broadly obovoid in frontal view and ellipsoidal in lateral view, with 2 equal caudal appendages. Polar capsules are ovoid and symmetric, with 3–4 polar tubule coils. Myxospores measure 10.2 ± 0.6 (8.8–11.6) μm in length, 8.0 ± 0.7 (5.3–8.8) μm in width and 5.6 ± 0.2 (5.1–6.4) μm in thickness. Caudal appendages are 36.6 ± 3.2 (27.4–42.9) μm long. Total spore length is 47.6 ± 3.2 (41.2–53.2) μm. Polar capsules measure 4.0 ± 0.2 (3.4–4.6) by 2.2 ± 0.1 (1.9–2.6) μm. Small subunit ribosomal RNA-based tree topologies position H. cardii n. sp. within a lineage of marine myxobolids that is mostly comprised of other Henneguya species. Host-relatedness is reinforced as the main evolutionary driver for myxobolids, with the positioning of H. cardii n. sp. further suggesting tissue tropism as another important evolutionary driver for marine heart infecting Henneguya. Nonetheless, the inner complexity of this lineage suggests that identification of the evolutionary patterns driving its phylogeny will require discovery of the true diversity of marine myxobolids.

The diversity and health of insects that feed on plants are closely related to their mutualistic symbionts and host plants. These symbiotic partners significantly influence various metabolic activities in these insects. However, the symbiotic bacterial community of toxic plant feeders still needs further characterisation. This study aims to unravel bacterial communities associated with the different species of insect representing three insect orders: Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, along with their predicted functional role, which exclusively feeds on latex-rich plant species Ficus microcarpa. By using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, the analysis was able to define the major alignment of the bacterial population, primarily comprising Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota. Significant differences in symbiotic organisms between three insect groups were discovered by the study: hemipterans had Burkholderia and Buchnera, and lepidopterans had Acinetobacter. At the same time, Pseudomonas was detected in high abundance in both lepidopteran and thysanopteran insects. Furthermore, these symbionts exhibit consistent core functions, potentially explaining how different insects can consume the same host plant. The identified core functions of symbionts open avenues for innovative approaches in utilising these relationships to develop environment-friendly solutions for pest control, with broader implications for agriculture and environmental conservation.

Toxocara vitulorum is one of the deadliest parasite of buffalo calves in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to explore genetic variability within and among the T. vitulorum populations in buffalo calves of Bangladesh. Genomic DNA was extracted, ITS2, COX1 and NAD1 gene were amplified and sequenced. Distinct 29 ITS2, 21 unique NAD1 and 24 COX1 genotypes were detected among the T. vitulorum of different geographic regions. These three gene genotypes similarities ranged from 97 to 99%, when these were compared to best hit scoring T. vitulorum sequences retrieved from GenBank. A total of 12 and 6 unique haplotypes were detected for COX1 and NAD1 gene sequences. The average nucleotide and haplotype diversity for COX1 and NAD1 were 0.0931 & 0.89493 and 0.00658 & 0.77895 respectively and the recorded values were more dispersed than previously published values. The pairwise Nst values ranged from −0.050 to 0.602 and Fst from −0.050 to 0.600 between all the T. vitulorum genotypes indicated huge genetic differentiation which were reportedly higher than other published reports Fst values. This is the first report of T. vitulorum on the basis of COX1 gene in Bangladesh. The study findings will be helpful for further extensive epidemiological studies regarding anthelmintic resistance, control and prevention of T. vitulorum infection in buffalo calves.

Schrankiana are gastrointestinal parasites of anurans, distributed throughout Central and South America. Schrankiana formosula and Schrankiana inconspicata are some of the most commonly reported species parasitising anurans from Brazil, and the morphological differences between them are unclear. In the present study, we redescribed S. formosula based on a re-examination of type series and newly collected material from the frog Leptodactylus pentadactylus in the state of Amapá, Brazil. Additionally, we re-examined the type series of S. inconspicata, and propose it as a junior synonym of S. formosula. We provide detailed morphological and morphometric data with intraspecific variation analyses and new molecular data for S. formosula. In the present phylogeny, S. formosula formed a well-supported clade with Raillietnema sp. and Labeonema synodontisi. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and some morphological similarities, our findings support the hypothesis that Schrankiana is a member of the family Cosmocercidae, not Atractidae. Additionally, we provide the first ultrastructural descriptions of S. formosula, and establish the species' phylogenetic position from the Cosmocercidae.

During investigation of common linnet (Linaria cannabina) blood using the buffy coat method one bird with microfilariae in the blood was found. The morphometric description of adult worms corresponded to the Chandlerella sinensis. This species was found for the first time in common linnets. DNA sequences of cox1 and 28S gene fragments of adult worm recovered during necropsy was identical to that from the microfilariae in the bird blood. Phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 gene fragment clustered this parasite with Chandlerella quiscali. Histological examination revealed the presence of microfilariae in the lumen of small capillaries and other blood vessels in different organs, but no inflammations were notice. The greatest number of microfilariae was in the lungs. Even if there was no inflammation, but vessels associated with the lungs were markedly distended with blood, parabronchial walls were thickened and, in some cases, almost completely obstructing the lumen. The large number of microfilariae in lungs indicates possible disturbance of gas exchange in the lungs adversely affected the ability of the bird to exercise and made breathing difficult at rest. The investigation of circadian rhythm of the microfilariae showed that C. sinensis microfilariae in blood of common linnet were more numerous at night and morning and less numerous at midday. The survival rate of mosquitoes infected with C. sinensis microfilariae was significantly lower than that of uninfected mosquitoes.

Aptrootia khaoyaiensis Polyiam & Lücking is described as new to science from dry dipterocarp forest in central Thailand, based on morphological assessment and sequence data of the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU). The new species is characterized by a corticolous habit, a corticate thallus, ascomata typically immersed in the thallus, with a brown to blackish ostiolar region, an inspersed hamathecium, and dark brown, muriform ascospores occurring 1–2 per ascus. Phylogenetic analyses support placement of the new species in Aptrootia; it is morphologically close to A. elatior but differs in the smaller ascospores and the inspersed hamathecium.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are closely associated with Popillia japonica and potentially used as their biological control agents, although field results proved inconsistent and evoked a continual pursuit of native EPNs more adapted to the environment. Therefore, we surveyed the Azorean Archipelago to isolate new strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and to evaluate their virulence against the model organism Galleria mellonella under laboratory conditions. Six strains were obtained from pasture and coastal environments and both nematode and symbiont bacteria were molecularly identified. The bioassays revealed that Az172, Az186, and Az171 presented high virulence across the determination of a lethal dose (LD50) and short exposure time experiments with a comparable performance to Az29. After 72 hours, these virulent strains presented a mean determination of a lethal dose of 11 infective juveniles cm-2, a lethal time (LT50) of 34 hours, and achieved 40% mortality after an initial exposure time of only 60 minutes. Az170 exhibited an intermediate performance, whereas Az179 and Az180 were classified as low virulent strains. However, both strains presented the highest reproductive potential with means of 1700 infective juveniles/mg of larvae. The bioassays of the native EPNs obtained revealed that these strains hold the potential to be used in biological control initiatives targeting P. japonica because of their high virulence and locally adapted to environmental conditions.

The foliicolous lichen Gallaicolichen pacificus exhibits unique goniocystangia-like structures named peltidiangia and peltidia. Its taxonomic classification within the Ascomycota has been unclear due to the absence of ascomata and lack of molecular data. Here we clarify the phylogenetic affinities of Gallaicolichen pacificus by analyzing mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA (mtSSU) sequences obtained from specimens collected in New Caledonia. Ascomata and ascospores of G. pacificus, previously unknown, are described and illustrated for the first time. The results from the molecular and morphological analyses clearly indicate that Gallaicolichen pacificus belongs to the Porinaceae and is closely related to Porina guianensis. This is a remarkable extension of the already known, wide morphological diversity of thalli and diaspores produced within this family.

Trypanosomatids are obligate parasites of animals, predominantly insects and vertebrates, and flowering plants. Monoxenous species, representing the vast majority of trypanosomatid diversity, develop in a single host, whereas dixenous species cycle between two hosts, of which primarily insect serves as a vector. To explore in-depth the diversity of insect trypanosomatids including their co-infections, sequence profiling of their 18S rRNA gene was used for true bugs (Hemiptera; 18% infection rate) and flies (Diptera; 10%) in Cuba. Out of 48 species (molecular operational taxonomic units) belonging to the genera Vickermania (16 spp.), Blastocrithidia (7), Obscuromonas (4), Phytomonas (5), Leptomonas/Crithidia (5), Herpetomonas (5), Wallacemonas (2), Kentomonas (1), Angomonas (1) and two unnamed genera (1 + 1), 38 species have been encountered for the first time. The detected Wallacemonas and Angomonas species constitute the most basal lineages of their respective genera, while Vickermania emerged as the most diverse group. The finding of Leptomonas seymouri, which is known to rarely infect humans, confirms that Dysdercus bugs are its natural hosts. A clear association of Phytomonas with the heteropteran family Pentatomidae hints at its narrow host association with the insect rather than plant hosts. With a focus on multiple infections of a single fly host, using deep Nanopore sequencing of 18S rRNA, we have identified co-infections with up to 8 trypanosomatid species. The fly midgut was usually occupied by several Vickermania species, while Herpetomonas and/or Kentomonas species prevailed in the hindgut. Metabarcoding was instrumental for analysing extensive co-infections and also allowed the identification of trypanosomatid lineages and genera.

Two new species of the genus Sectonema found in northern Iran are characterized, including morphological descriptions and molecular (18S-, 28S-rDNA) analyses. Sectonema tehranense sp. nov. is distinguished by its 7.22 – 8.53 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 24 – 31 μm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, mural tooth 15.5 – 17 μm long at its ventral side, neck 1091 – 1478 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 61 – 71% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 3.9 – 4.2 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 49 – 59), tail short and rounded (44 – 65 μm, c = 99 – 162, c’ = 0.6 – 0.8), spicules 111 – 127 μm long, and 7 – 10 spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Sectonema noshahrense sp. nov. displays a 4.07 – 4.73 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 23 – 25 μm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, odontostyle 14 – 14.5 μm long, neck 722 – 822 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 66 – 68% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 2.4 – 2.7 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 54 – 55), tail convex conoid (39 – 47 μm, c = 91 – 111, c’ = 0.8 – 0.9), spicules 82 μm long, and seven spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Molecular analyses confirm a maximally supported (Epacrolaimus + Metaporcelaimus + Sectonema) clade and a tentative biogeographical pattern, with sequences of Indolamayan taxa forming a clade separated from those of Palearctic ones. Parallel or convergent evolution processes might be involved in the phylogeny of the species currently classified under Sectonema. This genus is certainly more heterogeneous than previously assumed.

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose serious public health risks, necessitating bioprospecting for novel antimicrobial drugs. The endophytic fungi of the mangrove ecosystem are hotspots for discovering new bioactive chemical compounds. In this context, an investigation was designed to determine the isolation of the major endophytic fungi inhabiting the leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius, a mangrove plant with a long history of traditional use in the Chinese and Indian medical systems. Based on the morphological characterizations and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence data, the study identified three unique endophytic fungal species, namely, Periconia macrospinosa, Coprinopsis cinerea, and Alternaria sp. Of these, P. macrospinosa was identified as the most dominant one, with the highest relative frequency (35.22%). The antibacterial activity of P. macrospinosa isolate (CMFRI/fPM-01) was evaluated by the well and diffusion method against six human pathogens, viz., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus. The results demonstrated a high and wide spectrum of antimicrobial action of the isolate against all the tested human pathogens, with no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the activity between the pathogens. The antibacterial activity was further confirmed by determining the fungal culture supernatant's minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. Although the studied fungi are known from other sources, this is the first report of P. macrospinosa and C. cinerea as endophytes in A. ilicifolius leaves. The outcomes also showed that the P. macrospinosa isolate could be used to discover effective antibacterial drugs against various human diseases.

The Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica and the Bali tiger P. tigris balica were categorized as Extinct on the IUCN Red List in both 2003 and 2008, leaving only the Sumatran subspecies P. tigris sumatrae extant in Indonesia. There have, however, been occasional, more recent reports of the Javan tiger but without conclusive evidence. Here, a potential observation in 2019 of a Javan tiger in a community plantation near the village of Cipendeuy in the forest of South Sukabumi, West Java, and a single hair found on a fence nearby, are assessed. The cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene sequence of the putative Javan tiger hair were compared with that of a Javan tiger specimen in Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, collected in 1930; hair samples of several tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas were used as controls. The results showed that the genetic distances (d) of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Sumatran, Bengal P. tigris tigris and Amur P. tigris altaica tigers and the Javan leopard are 0.074 ± SE 0.009, 0.071 ± SE 0.009, 0.072 ± SE 0.009 and 0.088 ± SE 0.010, respectively, whereas the genetic distance of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Javan tiger museum specimen is 0.040 ± SE 0.006. In addition, phylogenetic trees showed that the putative Javan tiger hair sample belongs to the same group as the museum specimen of the Javan tiger, but is differentiated from other tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard. Whether the Javan tiger still occurs in the wild needs to be confirmed with further genetic and field studies.

Members of the genus Ortholinea are among the worldwide distributed myxozoan parasites that mainly infect marine fish. In this study, a new myxosporean species, Ortholinea hamsiensis n. sp., was isolated from the urinary bladder of European anchovy Engraulis engrasicolus collected from the Sinop coasts of the Black Sea. The prevalence and density values of infection were 1.4% and 1–5 individuals in the field of view (1 + ), respectively. Mature myxospores are subspherical with slight tapering down to the less pronounced tip in the frontal view and subspherical in the sutural view. Myxospores measured 9.1 ± 0.25 (8.8–9.9) μm in length, 9.2 ± 0.11 (8.9–9.4) μm in thickness, and 8.4 ± 0.33 (8.2-9.1) μm in width. Two polar capsules equal in size measured 3.1 ± 0.11 (3.0–3.3) μm in length and 2.7 ± 0.11 (2.6–2.9) μm in width. The polar tubule had 3–4 coils. Along with morphological peculiarities, the results of the 18S rDNA also revealed it to be a new species for science compared to the other species of the genus. In this study, another myxosporean species O. gobiusi was also detected in round goby Neogobius melanostomus with a prevalence of infection value of 4.8% and a density of 1–5 individuals in the field of view (1 + ). The present study also provided the first data of 18S rDNA of O. gobiusi from N. melanostomus and type species of the genus O. divergens from Gobius niger and the phylogenetic relationships of these species with other Ortholinea species have been revealed.

A new species of Moniliformis, M. tupaia n. sp. is described using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analysing the nuclear 18S, ITS, 28S regions and mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes), based on specimens collected from the intestine of the northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri chinensis Anderson (Scandentia: Tupaiidae) in China. Phylogenetic analyses show that M. tupaia n. sp. is a sister to M. moniliformis in the genus Moniliformis, and also challenge the systematic status of Nephridiacanthus major. Moniliformis tupaia n. sp. represents the third Moniliformis species reported from China.