Search Results (618)

In Brazil, Plasmodium infections in non-human primates (NHPs) have been associated with P. simium and P. brasilianum, which are morphologically and genetically similar to the human-infecting species P. vivax and P. malariae, respectively. Surveillance and monitoring of wild NHPs are crucial for understanding the distribution of these parasites and assessing the risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to detect the presence of Plasmodium spp. genetic material in Platyrrhini primates from 47 municipalities in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. The animals were captured using Tomahawk-type live traps baited with fruit or immobilized with tranquilizer darts. Free-ranging individuals were chemically restrained via inhalation anesthesia using VetBag^® or intramuscular anesthesia injection. Blood samples were collected from the femoral vein. A total of 298 blood and tissue samples were collected from 10 primate species across five genera: Alouatta caraya (25), Alouatta guariba clamitans (1), Callicebus melanochir (1), Callithrix geoffroyi (28), Callithrix jacchus (4), Callithrix kuhlii (31), Callithrix penicillata (175), Callithrix spp. hybrids (15), Leontopithecus chrysomelas (16), Sapajus robustus (1), and Sapajus xanthosthernos (1). Molecular diagnosis was performed using a nested PCR targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequencing. Of the 298 samples analyzed, only one (0.3%) from Bahia tested positive for Plasmodium brasilianum/P. malariae. This represents the first detection of this parasite in a free-living C. geoffroyi in Brazil. These findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance of Plasmodium infections in NHPs to identify regions at risk for zoonotic transmission. Full article

Small rodents are known hosts of various pathogens, including Hepatozoon, but until now, in Brazil, only Hepatozoon milleri has been described in these animals. In this study, liver samples and blood smears were obtained from 289 rodents belonging to 14 Cricetidae and two Muridae species that had been captured in municipalities of the states of Paraná and Rio de Janeiro. Smears were stained with Giemsa, and gametocytes were detected via microscopy in 10.72% (n = 31/289) of samples, with these individuals representing three rodent species. Significant morphometric differences were observed in gametocyte measurements in Akodon rodents. Using conventional PCR, Hepatozoon spp. 18S rDNA fragments were amplified in 24.91% (n = 72/289) of samples, with those individuals representing seven rodent species. Phylogenetic analyses clustered 41 sequences from this study into a subclade with other sequences from small mammals in Brazil, identifying four distinct haplotypes, and, for the first time, a relationship between Hepatozoon haplotype and gametocyte length was observed. Based on phylogenetic analysis, this study reinforces the trophic relationship between rodents and reptiles as a possible link in the Hepatozoon transmission cycle in South America. Furthermore, our findings expand knowledge on Hepatozoon spp. hosts, describing Oxymycterus nasutus and Oxymycterus quaestor as new host species and identifying two novel circulating haplotypes in rodents from Paraná State, southern Brazil. Full article

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant threat to animal and public health due to its wide host range and potential for interspecies transmission. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of IAV in a wide range of wildlife in the Orinoco flooded savannas of Colombia, a region of high biodiversity and a strategic location for monitoring viral transmission. Sampling was conducted during both dry and rainy seasons in two localities. ELISA and qPCR targeted 2028 individuals from 173 bird, mammal, and reptile species, 124 of them without previously published reports. There were positive results for 54 species, with 34 representing first-time world reports. Of the qPCR, 13.4% were positive from birds, and 2.9% were from mammals. Seropositivity was identified in 5.7% of birds, 2.7% of mammals, and 1.3% of reptiles. These findings underscore the potential role of these diverse species as reservoirs or incidental hosts in the transmission cycle of IAV, emphasizing the need for expanded research on less-studied taxa and their ecological interactions. The results also contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of IAV in the Neotropics and can inform future surveillance and mitigation strategies. Full article

The arboreal rodent Oecomys catherinae, which has a wide geographic distribution across Brazilian biomes, provides a model for investigating environmental influences on morphological variation. We assessed craniodental differences between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, as well as along latitudinal gradients, using 45 specimens from 18 localities. Linear morphometric analyses (21 measurements) revealed no significant sexual dimorphism, allowing for pooled analyses. Principal Component Discriminant Analysis (DAPC) confirmed significant morphological divergence between biomes (72% accuracy, p < 0.01). We identified bony palate length (BPL) as the most discriminating variable, with higher values in the Atlantic Forest, suggesting a possible dietary adaptation in response to ecological pressures. Latitudinal effects were modest (adjusted R² = 0.05) although significant (F_1,43 = 3.63; p = 0.03), with southern populations exhibiting larger cranial dimensions than northern ones. We conclude that biome type and latitude played important roles in shaping cranial morphology in O. catherinae populations. Full article

Guadua amplexifolia J. Presl is a Neotropical bamboo native to southern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, where it thrives in riparian zones of the San Jorge River basin. Despite its ecological and socio-economic importance, its environmental dynamics and provision of ecosystem services remain poorly understood. This study (1) quantifies spatial and temporal land use/cover changes in the municipality of Montelíbano between 2002 and 2022 and (2) evaluates the ecosystem services that local communities derive from in 2002, 2012, and 2022, and they were classified in QGIS using G. amplexifolia. We applied a supervised classification of Landsat imagery (2002, 2012, 2022) in QGIS, achieving 85% overall accuracy and a Cohen’s Kappa of 0.82 (n = 45 reference points). For the social assessment, we held participatory workshops and conducted semi-structured interviews with artisans, fishers, authorities, and NGO representatives; responses were manually coded to extract key themes. The results show a 12% decline in total vegetated area from 2002 to 2012, followed by an 8% recovery by 2022, with bamboo-dominated stands following a similar pattern. Communities identified raw material provision (87% of mentions), climate regulation (82%), and cultural–recreational benefits (58%) as the most important services provided by G. amplexifolia. This is the first integrated assessment of G. amplexifolia’s landscape dynamics and community-valued services in the San Jorge basin, highlighting its dual function as a renewable resource and a natural safeguard against environmental risks. Our findings offer targeted recommendations for management practices and land use policies to support the species’ conservation and sustainable utilization. Full article

Two new miniature tetra species of the genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to twelve. Priocharax is characterized by several paedomorphic features such as reductions in the laterosensory system, number of fin rays, ossification of parts of the skull and the presence of a larval rayless pectoral fin in adults. The species described are found in the Rio Purus and Solimões drainages, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil and are diagnosed among themselves and from other species of the genus by the combination of meristic and osteological characters. Furthermore, the two species differ in overall body shape, with one having a deeper body and the other a more streamlined form. Sexual dimorphism was observed in both species. Molecular species delimitation analyses support the distinctiveness of these species. Similarly to Priocharax britzi and to P. conwayi, the specimens analyzed here were collected within and around protected areas, highlighting the importance of these areas for conservation and biodiversity knowledge. Full article

The Catostemma clade comprises three genera: Aguiaria, Catostemma, and Scleronema. These genera are representatives of the tribe Adansonieae, and are part of the subfamily Bombacoideae of the Malvaceae family. Taxonomic studies of these genera are scarce and limited to isolated publications of new species or regional floras. We reviewed their taxonomy, morphology, and geography, and assessed gaps in our knowledge of this group. We carried out a bibliographic survey, an analysis of herbarium collections, and collected new material in Brazilian forests. Here, we provide an identification key, nomenclatural revisions, morphological descriptions, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution maps, illustrations, and analyses of the conservation status for all species. We also discuss probable synapomorphies of the clade, to advance our understanding of phylogenetic relationships within the Adansonieae tribe of Bombacoideae. In total, we recognize 16 species: 1 Aguiaria, 12 Catostemma, and 3 Scleronema, of which 7 are endemic to Brazil, 1 to Colombia, and 1 to Venezuela. Two species are ranked as Critically Endangered (CR), and four as Data Deficient (DD). Full article

DNA metabarcoding is a powerful biodiversity monitoring tool, enabling simultaneous assessments of diverse biological communities. However, its accuracy depends on the reliability of reference databases that assign taxonomic identities to obtained sequences. Here we provide a DNA barcode dataset for aquatic fauna of the Panama Canal, a region that connects the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans. This unique setting creates opportunities for trans-oceanic dispersal while acting as a modern physical dispersal barrier for some terrestrial organisms. We sequenced 852 specimens from a diverse array of taxa (e.g., fishes, zooplankton, mollusks, arthropods, reptiles, birds, and mammals) using COI, and in some cases, 12S and 16S barcodes. These data were collected for a variety of studies, many of which have sought to understand recent changes in aquatic communities in the Panama Canal. The DNA barcodes presented here are all from captured specimens, which confirms their presence in Panama and, in many cases, inside the Panama Canal. Both native and introduced taxa are included. This dataset represents a valuable resource for environmental DNA (eDNA) work in the Panama Canal region and across the Neotropics aimed at monitoring ecosystem health, tracking non-native and potentially invasive species, and understanding the ecology and distribution of these freshwater and euryhaline taxa. Full article

The systematics and phylogeny of the most speciose genus (Leopardus) of the felidae have historically been contentious and problematic. These issues have been compounded with the recent advancement of genetic techniques that make it possible to detect events such as incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), punctual historical ancestral introgression (PHAI), and repetitive introgression or recent hybridization (RI-RH). Each of these events have noteworthily affected the Leopardus genus. One Leopardus taxon (Leopardus tigrinus, herein called tigrina) has been especially complex from a phylogenetic point of view. In the last decade, one new species has been reported (L. guttulus) and two other new species likely exist within the tigrinas (L. emiliae and L. pardinoides). However, the most surprising find was the discovery of a new and not previously reported tigrina, the Nariño cat, from the southern Andean region of Colombia (2023). Later that same year, a new paper criticized the discovery. In response to that criticism, herein, we provide new molecular genetics results of the Nariño cat as well as new insights into the molecular phylogeny of the tigrinas inside the Leopardus genus: (1) In this new work, we analyzed the mtND5 gene of Nariño cat samples collected over four years (2001, 2007, 2017, 2023) as well as analyzed mitogenomes of Nariño cat samples collected in three different years (2001, 2017, 2023). The temporal Nariño cat samples (2001, 2007, 2017, 2023) refer to samples taken from a single specimen across different years. Based on these analyses, data from 2001 and 2007 represent the most reliable information. In contrast, samples from 2017 and 2023 may be contaminated with DNA from the Pampas cat and tigrina, respectively. (2) On the other hand, based on sequencing the mtND5 gene of 164 specimens of Leopardus, northern Andean and Central American tigrinas (37 specimens) are divided into at least six different groups (without counting the Nariño cat). Based on our analysis of sequenced mitogenomes of 102 specimens (including 34 northern Andean and Central American tigrinas) of the Leopardus genus, there are at least eight different groups of tigrinas (without counting the Nariño cat). Henceforth, there are strong datasets which support the existence of multiple lineages within the presumed “a priori” northern Andean tigrina and thus much of the genetic diversity of this wild cat has gone unnoticed. There are a series of potential taxa that have gone unnoticed due to a lack of sampling of this polyphyletic Andean feline. Full article

The wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus is a Neotropical species characterized by remarkable karyotypic diversity, including seven karyomorphs (KarA-G) with distinct sex chromosome systems. This study investigated the homologous XY (KarF) and XY₁Y₂ (KarG) sex chromosome systems present in this species by integrating cytogenetics and genomics to examine sex chromosomes’ composition through characterization of repeatome (satellite DNA and transposable elements) and sex-linked markers. Our analysis indicated that both karyomorphs are little differentiated in their sex chromosomes content revealed by satDNA mapping and putative sex-linked markers. Both repeatomes were mostly composed of transposable elements, but neither intra- (male versus female) nor interspecific (KarF x KarG) variations were found. In both systems, we demonstrated the occurrence of sex-specific sequences probably located on the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome supported by the accumulation of sex-specific haplotypes of HmfSat10-28/HmgSat31-28. This investigation offered valuable insights by highlighting the composition of homologous XY and XY₁Y₂ multiple sex chromosomes. Although homologous, the large Y chromosome in KarF corresponds to two separate linkage groups (Y₁ and Y₂) in KarG implying a specific meiotic arrangement involving the X chromosome in a meiotic trivalent chain. This scenario likely influenced recombination rates and, as a result, the genomic composition of these chromosomes. Full article

Mangrove-associated fungi represent a diverse but understudied group of eukaryotic organisms, especially in the Neotropics. The Colombian Pacific region, with approximately 1300 km of coastline covered with 194,880 ha of mangrove forests that remain largely unexplored for macrofungal diversity, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. This study aimed to catalog the macrofungi associated with mangrove ecosystems in Colombia, integrating morphological characterization and molecular phylogenetics, focusing on three Valle del Cauca Pacific coast localities. A total of 81 specimens were collected from both living trees and decaying wood. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic analyses were conducted, and DNA sequences from two ribosomal DNA barcode regions (ITS and LSU) were generated for 43 specimens. Three new species—Neohypochnicium manglarense, Phlebiopsis colombiana, and Porogramme bononiae—were documented. In addition, eight species were reported as new records for both Colombia and mangrove ecosystems, including Microporus affinis, Paramarasmius palmivorus, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, Porogramme brasiliensis, Resinicium grandisporum, Trametes ellipsospora, T. menziesii, and T. polyzona. Although previously recorded in Colombian terrestrial ecosystems, Lentinus scleropus and Oudemansiella platensis are globally reported here for the first time from mangrove habitats. Furthermore, Fomitopsis nivosella and Punctularia strigosozonata were documented for the first time in Colombia. This study addresses the first exploration of mangrove-associated macrofungi in the country and provides new insights into the hidden fungal diversity and potential of mangrove ecosystems as a latent niche for basidiomycete dispersal along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Full article

Kempnyia Klapálek, 1914 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) is the only genus within its family endemic to Brazil, being present in the Atlantic Forest and sections of the Cerrado. Taxonomic knowledge of the genus is incomplete, especially for nymphs. An integrative approach to the description of species and semaphoronts is essential for further studies. We describe a new species of Kempnyia based on morphological and molecular data, associate and describe the nymphs of both the new species and Kempnyia umbrina Froehlich, 1988, as well as expand its distribution and correct past mistakes in identification of K. umbrina. Specimens were identified morphologically and sequenced for the barcode region of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene, resulting in eight new sequences for three species of the genus. Both morphological and molecular analyses revealed a new species, Kempnyia krenaki sp. nov. Its nymph and that of K. umbrina are also described. With our additions, the number of known Kempnyia species rises to 41, of which 26 have COI sequences available in GenBank. Although only 11 nymphs have been associated and described for the genus so far, as the Kempnyia sequence database continues to grow, studies associating and describing nymphs will become more common, gradually reducing the Haeckelian deficit. Full article

Tick-borne piroplasmids are apicomplexan protozoa that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, with significant implications for animal and human health. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of piroplasmids in wild mammals, unconventional pets, and associated ticks in Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. Between April 2023 and January 2024, 105 blood samples, 22 tissue samples, and 300 ticks were collected from 21 mammalian species housed in wildlife screening centers, zoos, and veterinary clinics. Molecular screening targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids detected a 25.7% (27/105) overall positivity, with gray brockets (Subulo gouazoubira) and South American tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) showing the highest infection rates. Three tick samples tested positive, including two Amblyomma sculptum nymphs and a male of Amblyomma dubitatum collected from a tapir and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Cytauxzoon brasiliensis was reported, for the first time, in cougars (Puma concolor) from Goiás state, midwestern Brazil, indicating the role of this feline as a host of this parasite. Babesia goianiaensis was confirmed in a capybara, and Theileria terrestris in tapirs. Phylogenetic analyses clustered gray brockets-associated Theileria sequences with Theileria sp. previously detected in Neotropical deer from Brazil and Theileria cervi. While the phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit III separated Theileria genotypes detected in S. gouazoubira from T. cervi, hsp70-based phylogenetic inferences clustered the genotypes detected in Tapirus terrestris with Theileria terrestris, suggesting host-specific evolutionary lineages. These findings contribute to the understanding of Piroplasmida diversity and circulation in South American wild mammals, emphasizing the need for enhanced molecular surveillance to elucidate transmission dynamics, assess potential health risks, and contribute to the establishment of wildlife conservation and One Health strategies. Full article

Soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Sclerotium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Macrophomina spp. pose significant threats to global agriculture, with soybean crops among the most severely affected due to damping-off disease. These pathogens cause substantial yield losses, making their management a critical concern. In this study, we investigated the potential of Bacillus siamensis BCL, a novel Neotropical strain, as an eco-friendly solution for managing Sclerotium, Rhizoctonia, and Macrophomina species. The strain exhibited strong antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting fungal growth in vitro, with the greatest suppression observed against Macrophomina spp., reaching up to 81%. In vivo assays further confirmed the biocontrol potential of B. siamensis. When applied at 10⁶ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, the strain reduced disease symptoms and improved plant growth parameters—including root length, shoot biomass, and leaf number—compared to untreated, infected controls. The protective effect varied by pathogen, with the most significant recovery in root length observed against Macrophomina spp. (85%) and Sclerotium spp. (78%). In preventive treatments, fermentation extracts of the B. siamensis strain suppressed disease progression, although they did not promote seedling growth. A genomic analysis of B. siamensis BCL revealed genes encoding antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including terpenes, fengycins, and surfactins. These findings highlight B. siamensis BCL as a promising candidate for sustainable crop protection and a valuable resource for developing novel antimicrobial strategies in agriculture. Full article

As close relatives of the vertebrates, cephalochordates have been the focus of significant evo–devo and genomic research; however, their biodiversity and systematics remain poorly known. In particular, few species have been documented in the eastern Pacific and there are few published observations for this region. Using sequences from COI and 16S DNA barcode markers and morphological observations from 16 animals collected incidentally during other studies, we document the presence of three species of amphioxus on the Pacific coast and one from the Caribbean coast of Panama. The high genetic diversity recovered from so few samples suggests that the application of molecular taxonomy to neotropical amphioxus would likely uncover additional species and could help to more easily delineate morphological differences among taxa. Full article