Genomic characterization of Puccinia triticina using molecular marker technology / Caracterização genômica de Puccinia triticina usando tecnologia de marcadores moleculares

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is the most common rust disease of wheat. The fungus is an obligate parasite capable of producing infectious urediniospores. To study the genetic structure of the leaf rust population 20 RAPD primers were evaluated on 15 isolates samples collected in Pakistan. A total of 105 RAPD fragments were amplified with an average of 7 fragments per primer. The number of amplified fragments varied from 1 to 12. GL Decamer L-07 and GL Decamer L-01 amplified the highest number of bands (twelve) and primer GL Decamer A-03 amplified the lowest number of bands i.e one. Results showed that almost all investigated isolates were genetically different that confirms high genetic diversity within the leaf rust population. Rust spores can follow the migration pattern in short and long distances to neighbor areas. Results indicated that the greatest variability was revealed by 74.9% of genetic differentiation within leaf rust populations. These results suggested that each population was not completely identical and high gene flow has occurred among the leaf rust population of different areas. The highest differentiation and genetic distance among the Pakistani leaf rust populations were detected between the leaf rust population in NARC isolate (NARC-4) and AARI-11and the highest similarity was observed between NARC isolates (NARC-4) and (NARC-5). The present study showed the leaf rust population in Pakistan is highly dynamic and variable.

A ferrugem da folha, causada por Puccinia triticina, é a ferrugem mais comum do trigo. O fungo é um parasita obrigatório, capaz de produzir urediniósporos infecciosos. Para estudar a estrutura genética da população de ferrugem da folha, 20 primers RAPD foram avaliados em 15 amostras de isolados coletadas no Paquistão. Um total de 105 fragmentos RAPD foram amplificados com uma média de 7 fragmentos por primer. O número de fragmentos amplificados variou de 1 a 12. GL Decamer L-07 e GL Decamer L-01 amplificaram o maior número de bandas (doze), e o primer GL Decamer A-03 amplificou o menor número de bandas, ou seja, um. Os resultados mostraram que quase todos os isolados investigados eram geneticamente diferentes, o que confirma a alta diversidade genética na população de ferrugem da folha. Os esporos de ferrugem podem seguir o padrão de migração em distâncias curtas e longas para áreas vizinhas. Os resultados indicaram que a maior variabilidade foi revelada por 74,9% da diferenciação genética nas populações de ferrugem. Esses resultados sugeriram que cada população não era completamente idêntica e um alto fluxo gênico ocorreu entre a população de ferrugem da folha de diferentes áreas. A maior diferenciação e distância genética entre as populações de ferrugem da folha do Paquistão foram detectadas entre a população de ferrugem da folha no isolado NARC (NARC-4) e AARI-11 e a maior similaridade foi observada entre os isolados NARC (NARC-4) e (NARC-5). O presente estudo mostrou que a população de ferrugem da folha no Paquistão é altamente dinâmica e variável.

Genetic variations among the isolates of Bipolaris Maydis based on phenotypic and molecular markers

Abstract Maydis leaf blight, caused by Bipolaris maydis, is an important disease of maize crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Fifteen isolates of the pathogen, collected across KP, were studied for variability based on phenotypic and molecular markers. Significant variability among the isolates was observed when assessed using phenotypic traits such as radial growth, spore concentration, fungicide sensitivity and virulence. The isolates were classified into six culture groups based on colour, texture and margins of the colony. Conidial morphology was also variable. These were either straight or slightly curved and light to dark brown in colour. Fungicide test showed significant variation in the degree of sensitivity against Carbendazim. Isolate Bm8 exhibited maximum radial growth on carbendazim spiked plates. Conversely, isolate Bm15 showed the lowest radial growth. Variations in virulence pattern of the isolates were evident when a susceptible maize variety Azam was inoculated with spores of B. maydis. Genetic variability amongst the isolates was also estimated by RAPD as well as sequencing of ITS region. The RAPD dendrogram grouped all the isolates into two major clusters. Average genetic distance ranged from 0.6% to 100%, indicating a diverse genetic gap among the isolates. Maximum genetic distance was found between isolates Bm9 and Bm10 as well as Bm2 and Bm8. Conversely, isolates Bm13 and Bm15 were at minimum genetic distance. Phylogenetic dendrogram based on sequencing of ITS region grouped all the isolates into a single major cluster. The clusters in both the dendrogram neither correlate to the geographical distribution nor to the morphological characteristics.

Resumo A ferrugem das folhas de maydis, causada por Bipolaris maydis, é uma doença importante da cultura do milho em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. Quinze isolados do patógeno, coletados em KP, foram estudados quanto à variabilidade com base em marcadores fenotípicos e moleculares. Variabilidade significativa entre os isolados foi observada quando avaliada por meio de características fenotípicas, como crescimento radial, concentração de esporos, sensibilidade a fungicida e virulência. Os isolados foram classificados em seis grupos de cultura com base na cor, textura e margens da colônia. A morfologia dos conídios também foi variável. Estes eram retos ou ligeiramente curvos e de cor marrom-claro a escuro. O teste de fungicida mostrou variação significativa no grau de sensibilidade ao carbendazim. O isolado Bm8 exibiu crescimento radial máximo em placas com adição de carbendazim. Por outro lado, o isolado Bm15 apresentou o menor crescimento radial. As variações no padrão de virulência dos isolados foram evidentes quando uma variedade de milho suscetível Azam foi inoculada com esporos de B. maydis. A variabilidade genética entre os isolados também foi estimada por RAPD, bem como sequenciamento da região ITS. O dendrograma RAPD agrupou todos os isolados em dois grupos principais. A distância genética média variou de 0,6% a 100%, indicando uma lacuna genética diversa entre os isolados. A distância genética máxima foi encontrada entre os isolados Bm9 e Bm10 e também entre Bm2 e Bm8. Por outro lado, os isolados Bm13 e Bm15 estavam a uma distância genética mínima. O dendrograma filogenético baseado no sequenciamento da região ITS agrupou todos os isolados em um único aglomerado principal. Os agrupamentos em ambos os dendrogramas não se correlacionam com a distribuição geográfica nem com as características morfológicas.

Tinea corporis intrafamilial infection in pets due to Microsporum canis

ABSTRACT Microsporum canis, one of the most widespread dermatophytes worldwide, is a zoonotic microorganism that transmits infection from reservoirs such as cats and dogs to humans. This microorganism is associated with Tinea corporis and other clinical manifestations; however, few studies have used genetic surveillance to determine and characterize the process of zoonotic transmission. In this study, we show a clear example of zoonotic transmission from a cat to an intrafamilial environment, where it caused Tinea corporis by infection with M. canis. Molecular characterization using the b-tubulin gene and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis made it possible to determine that the six isolates of M. canis obtained in this study belonged to the same genetic variant or clone responsible for reservoir-reservoir or reservoir-human transmission.

Detection and Comparison of RAPD & SSR Primers in Genetic Diversity of Ocimum sanctum

Aims: To Analysis of genetic variability in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) genotypes by using RAPD & SSR Markers.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biotechnology at K.K.Wagh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nashik.Methodology: Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn., commonly known as Tulsi, is an aromatic plant with significant traditional and medicinal value. To assess the genetic diversity and relatedness of six Tulsi genotypes (Krishna, Ram, Lavangi, Pandharpuri, Daisil, and Kapoori), molecular techniques were employed. The genotypes were collected from Nagarjuna Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Park at Dr. P.D.K.V. Akola. DNA isolation was performed using alcohol fixation without liquid nitrogen, and the genotypes were analyzed using RAPD and SSR primers for molecular characterization.Results: Genetic diversity analysis of six Tulsi genotypes (Krishna, Ram, Lavangi, Pandharpuri, Daisil, and Kapoori) was performed using RAPD and SSR markers. Five RAPD primers produced 15 bands, with 11 bands showing polymorphism (73.3%) and 4 bands showing monomorphism (26.7%). The PIC value ranged from 0.28 to 0.49 (average: 0.40). Four SSR primers generated 9 bands, with 8 bands showing polymorphism and 1 band showing monomorphism. The PIC value ranged from 0.24 to 0.57 (average: 0.39). The Jaccard coefficient revealed moderate to high similarity in RAPD (0.40 to 0.73) and SSR (0.44 to 0.88) analyses. The UPGMA dendrogram separated the genotypes into two main clusters. Cluster 1 included Krishna, Lavangi, Ram, Pandharpuri, and Daisil Tulsi, while cluster 2 consisted of Kapoori Tulsi. The SSR dendrogram also formed two clusters, with Krishna, Lavangi, Ram, Daisil, and Kapoori genotypes in cluster 1, and Pandharpuri Tulsi showing dissimilarity and forming cluster 2.

Analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domain coupled with Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) reveal the inter- and intraspecific relationships of Diutina rugosa and Diutina mesorugosa isolated from Malaysian patients

Aims@#This study was aimed to characterise nine clinical isolates in our culture collection that were categorized as Diutina species based on their molecular genetic profiles. D. rugosa is a species complex comprising four taxa., i.e., D. rugosa sensu stricto, D. pseudorugosa, D. neorugosa and D. mesorugosa. The most commonly used phenotypic identification methods for yeasts often lead to the misidentification of this species complex. @*Methodology and results@#The Diutina isolates were received from two local referral hospitals as pure cultures. Species confirmation was performed using conventional phenotypic methods; CHROMagar and RapID Yeast Plus Kit. To study the inter- and intraspecific relationships among the clinical isolates, ITS region, D1/D2 domain and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses were performed. The results were further validated using the housekeeping gene sequence similarity technique coupled with pairwise sequence alignment. The results from phenotypic methods results were ambiguous and inconclusive. The sequence analyses of ITS regions and D1/D2 domains revealed that the samples consisted of three yeast species; D. rugosa complex: D. rugosa (n=1), D. mesorugosa (n=6), Candida pararugosa (n=1) and Meyerozyma guilliermondii (n=1). The RAPD analysis with random primers, OPG4, OPG11 and OPA18, demonstrated good banding patterns that could distinguish between the Diutina isolates. The pairwise sequence alignment revealed that the Diutina isolates were genetically similar to D. rugosa ATCC 10571.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The molecular methods, D1/D2 domain, ITS1 and ITS4 region, and RAPD analyses have proven helpful for accurately identifying the yeasts, especially closely related species; D. rugosa and D. mesorugosa.

Detección clonal de cepas parentales de streptococcus agalactiae Lehmann y Neumann por amplificación aleatoria de ADN polimórfico / Clonal detection of streptococcus agalactiae Lehmann and Neumann parental strains by random amplification of polymorphic DNA

RESUMEN Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) produce infecciones invasivas en neonatos siendo la transmisión materna la más frecuente. Estudios epidemiológicos utilizan técnicas moleculares que evalúan la diversidad genética, entre ellas la de amplificación aleatoria de ADN polimórfico (RAPD) que resulta ser accesible, sensible y utiliza cebadores arbitrarios para amplificar segmentos polimórficos de ADN mediante PCR. El objetivo fue determinar la relación clonal entre aislamientos de SGB recuperados de madres y sus respectivos recién nacidos. Se estudiaron por RAPD cuatro parejas de aislamientos de SGB obtenidos de hisopados vagino-rectales de madres y de hemocultivos de sus neonatos. Se utilizaron los cebadores OPS11, OPB17 y OPB18 para seleccionar uno con capacidad de discriminar entre cepas no relacionadas genéticamente. Se utilizó la fórmula de Hunter-Gaston que establece el índice de discriminación (D), cuando D>0,90 se considera que los aislamientos pertenecen a clones diferentes. Los perfiles de amplificación para los ocho aislamientos, empleando independientemente cada cebador, permitieron calcular un D=1 para OPS11, y D=0,84 para OPB17 y OPB18. Por lo tanto, OPS11 fue seleccionado para el estudio de la relación clonal de los aislamientos, encontrándose perfiles de amplificación similares por RAPD para cada par de cepas madre-recién nacido. Se observaron diferentes perfiles de amplificación entre los pares de cepas madre-recién nacido, lo que revela la discriminación entre cepas no relacionadas, resultados confirmados por electroforesis en campo pulsante (PFGE). Estos resultados indican transmisión vertical para cada caso estudiado y robustez del cebador OPS11. Se encontraron condiciones apropiadas del ensayo de RAPD, lo que es útil para estudios epidemiológicos.

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns, being the most frequent the maternal transmission. Epidemiological studies use molecular techniques that assess genetic diversity, including random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) that is found to be accessible, sensitive and uses arbitrary primers to amplify polymorphic segments of DNA by PCR. The objective was to determine the clonal relationship between GBS strains recovered from mothers and their respective newborns. Four pairs of GBS isolates obtained from vaginal-rectal swabs of mothers and blood cultures of their newborns were studied with RAPD. Primers OPS11, OPB17 and OPB18 were used to select one with the ability to discriminate between non-genetically related strains. The Hunter-Gaston formula that establishes the discrimination index (D) was used; when D>0.90, it is considered that the isolates belong to different clones. The amplification profiles for the eight isolates, using each primer independently, allowed to calculate a D=1 for OPS11, and D=0.84 for OPB17 and OPB18. Therefore, OPS11 was selected for the study of the clonal relationship of the isolates, and similar amplification profiles were found by RAPD for each mother-newborn pair of GBS isolates. Different amplification profiles were observed between pairs of mother-newborn strains, which reveals the discrimination between unrelated strains, confirmed by pulsating field electrophoresis (PFGE). These results indicated vertical transmission for each studied case and robustness of the OPS11 primer. Appropriate conditions of the RAPD trial were found, which is useful for epidemiological studies.

Evaluation of eight protocols for genomic DNA extraction of Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes, 1836 (Loricariidae: Siluriformes) / Avaliação de oito protocolos na extração de DNA genômico de Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes, 1836 (Loricariidae: Siluriformes)

Abstract The principle and the techniques applied in DNA extraction play a pivotal role in the obtention of a purified genetic material. The present study investigates the efficiency of eight protocols in the DNA extraction of Hypostomus commersoni, an essential component of South American freshwater ichthyofauna. The quality of samples was assessed through spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, and PCR-RAPD markers amplification. The efficiency of DNA extraction was influenced both by the method applied and the target-tissue of choice. Higher concentrations and yield of DNA were obtained from ocular tissue, with a positive spectrum of incubation in lysis buffer for up to 36 hours after sample collection, using fresh tissues and in the presence of a high concentration of Proteinase K (20 mg.ml-1). In these conditions, samples were successfully amplified. To date, there is no record of description for the parameters analyzed in this work, neither the description of RAPD markers for the species H. commersoni.

Resumo Os princípios e as técnicas aplicadas na extração de DNA desempenham um papel crucial na obtenção de material genético purificado. O presente estudo investiga a eficiência de oito protocolos na extração de DNA de Hypostomus commersoni, um importante componente ictiofaunístico de riachos da América do Sul. A qualidade das amostras foi avaliada por espectrofotometria, eletroforese em gel e amplificação por marcadores de PCR-RAPD. A eficiência da extração de DNA foi influenciada tanto pelo método aplicado quanto pelo tecido-alvo de escolha. Maiores concentrações e rendimento de DNA foram obtidos a partir do tecido ocular, com um espectro positivo de incubação em tampão de lise por até 36 horas após a coleta da amostra, utilizando tecidos frescos e na presença de alta concentração de proteinase K (20 mg.ml-1). Nestas condições, as amostras foram amplificadas com sucesso. Até o momento, não há registro de descrição para os parâmetros analisados neste trabalho, nem a descrição de marcadores RAPD para a espécie H. commersoni.

Molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from lower respiratory tract of ICU patients / Epidemiologia molecular de Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolada em pacientes com infecções do trato respiratório inferior admitidos em UTI

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common infection among hospitalized patients, associated with increased levels of morbidity, mortality and attributable health care costs. Increased resistant Pseudomonas worldwide has been quite meaningful to patients, especially in intensive care unit (ICUs). Different species of Pseudomonas exhibit different genetic profile and varied drug resistance. The present study determines the molecular epidemiology through DNA fingerprinting method and drug resistance of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with LTRIs admitted in ICU. A total of 79 P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU were characterized by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Repetitive Extrapalindromic PCR (REP-PCR). Antibiotic resistance was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay while MDR genes, viz, blaTEM, blaOXA, blaVIM, blaCTX-M-15 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 137 Pseudomonas sp isolated from ICU patients, 57.7% of the isolates were reported to be P. aeruginosa. The overall prevalence of P. aeruginosa among the all included patients was 34.5%. The RAPD analysis yielded 45 different patterns with 72 clusters with 57% to 100% similarity level. The RFLP analysis yielded 8 different patterns with 14 clusters with 76% to 100% similarity level. The REP PCR analysis yielded 37 different patterns with 65 clusters with 56% to 100% similarity level. There was no correlation among the different DNA patterns observed between the three different methods. Predominant of the isolates (46.8%) were resistant to amikacin. Of the 79 isolates, 60.8% were positive for blaTEM gene and 39.2% were positive for blaOXA gene. P. aeruginosa was predominantly isolated from patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU. The difference in the similarity level observed between the three DNA fingerprinting methods indicates that there is high inter-strain variability. The high genetic variability and resistance patterns indicates that we should continuously monitor the trend in the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa especially in patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU.

Infecções do trato respiratório inferior (ITRIs) são as infecções mais comuns entre pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Pseudomonas aeruginosa é a causa mais comum de ITRIs e está associada ao aumento da mortalidade. Diferentes espécies de Pseudomonas exibem diferentes perfis genéticos e resistência variada as drogas. O presente estudo determina a epidemiologia molecular através do método de fingerprinting de DNA e resistência as drogas de P. aeruginosa isoladas de pacientes com LTRIs internados em UTI. Um total de 79 P. aeruginosa isoladas de pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI foram caracterizados por Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmentos de Restrição (RFLP), DNA Polimórfico Amplificado ao Acaso (RAPD) e PCR Extrapalindrômico Repetitivo (REP-PCR). A resistência aos antibióticos foram determinadas pelos ensaios de concentrações inibitória mínima (MIC), enquanto os genes MDR, blaTEM, blaOXA, blaVIM, blaCTX-M-15 foram detectados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Das 137 Pseudomonas sp isoladas de pacientes de UTI, 57,7% dos isolados foram relatados como P. aeruginosa. A prevalência geral de P. aeruginosa entre os pacientes incluídos foram de 34,5%. A análise RAPD renderam 45 padrões diferentes com 72 clusters com nível de similaridade de 57% a 100%. A análise RFLP renderam 8 padrões diferentes com 14 clusters com 76% a 100% de similaridade. A análise de PCR do REP produziram 37 padrões diferentes com 65 clusters com nível de similaridade de 56% a 100%. Não houveram correlações entre os diferentes padrões de DNA observados entre os três diferentes métodos. Predominantes dos isolados (46,8%) eram resistentes à amicacina. Dos 79 isolados, 60,8% foram positivos para o gene blaTEM e 39,2% foram positivos para o gene blaOXA. P. aeruginosa foi predominantemente isolado de pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI. A diferença no nível de similaridade observado entre os três métodos de fingerprinting do DNA indica que há alta variabilidade inter-strain. A alta variabilidade genética e os padrões de resistência indicam que devemos monitorar continuamente a tendência na prevalência e resistência a antibióticos de P. aeruginosa, especialmente em pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI.

Characteristics of virulence, resistance and genetic diversity of strains of Salmonella Infantis isolated from broiler chicken in Brazil / Características de virulência, resistência e diversidade genética de estirpes de Salmonella Infantis isoladas de frangos de corte no Brasil

Salmonella Infantis is frequently associated with human infections worldwide and is transmitted by consumption of contaminated foods, particularly those of animal origin, especially the chicken meat. We aimed to evaluate virulence characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and the genetic similarity of 51 strains of S. Infantis isolated from samples of poultry origin. The strains were isolated from 2009 to 2010 in a company with full cycle of broiler's production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed and, by PCR, we evaluated the presence of the genes lpfA (hem-adhesion), agfA (hem-biofilm) and sefA (hem-adhesion) and resistance genes to beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaSHV, bla CTX-M and blaAmpC ). The phylogenetic relationship was determined by RAPD-PCR method. Among the drugs tested, the highest percentages of resistance were to amoxicillin (35.3%) and to sulfonamide (15.7%). Eleven antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified (A1 to A11), none of them presented a multiresistance profile (> 3 antimicrobials classes). There was 100% of positivity for the agfA gene, 92.2% for the lpfA gene, and no strain presented the sefA gene. Most of the isolates showed similarities in virulence potential, since they were simultaneously positive for two studied genes, agfA and lpfA (92.2%, 47/51). Of the 18 (35.3%) strains resistant to antimicrobials of the β-lactam class, 10 (55.5%) were positive to blaAmpC gene, five (27.8%) for blaCTX-M , two (11.1%) to blaSHV and no strain presented the blaTEM gene. The phylogenetic evaluation has shown the presence of five clusters (A, B, C, D and E) with similarity greatSalmonella Infantis is frequently associated with human infections worldwide and is transmitted by consumption of contaminated foods, particularly those of animal origin, especially the chicken meat. We aimed to evaluate virulence characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and the genetic similarity of 51 strains of S. Infantis isolated from samples of poultry origin. The strains were isolated from 2009 to 2010 in a company with full cycle of broiler's production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed and, by PCR, we evaluated the presence of the genes lpfA (hem-adhesion), agfA (hem-biofilm) and sefA (hem-adhesion) and resistance genes to beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaSHV, bla CTX-M and blaAmpC ). The phylogenetic relationship was determined by RAPD-PCR method. Among the drugs tested, the highest percentages of resistance were to amoxicillin (35.3%) and to sulfonamide (15.7%). Eleven antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified (A1 to A11), none of them presented a multiresistance profile (> 3 antimicrobials classes). There was 100% of positivity for the agfA gene, 92.2% for the lpfA gene, and no strain presented the sefA gene. Most of the isolates showed similarities in virulence potential, since they were simultaneously positive for two studied genes, agfA and lpfA (92.2%, 47/51). Of the 18 (35.3%) strains resistant to antimicrobials of the ß-lactam class, 10 (55.5%) were positive to blaAmpC gene, five (27.8%) for blaCTX-M , two (11.1%) to blaSHV and no strain presented the blaTEM gene. The phylogenetic evaluation has shown the presence of five clusters (A, B, C, D and E) with similarity greater than 80%, and three distinct strains which were not grouped in any cluster. Cluster B grouped 33 strains, all positive for lpfA and agfA genes, from both, the broiler farming facility and the slaughterhouse, persistent throughout all the study period. This cluster also grouped 18 strains clones with genetic similarity greater than 99%, all isolated in the slaughterhouse. The presence of virulence genes associated with persistent strains clones for a long period, warns to the possibility of S. Infantis to form biofilm, and should be constantly monitored in broilers' production chain, in order to know the profile of the strains that may contaminate the final product and evaluate the hazards that represents to public health.er than 80%, and three distinct strains which were not grouped in any cluster. Cluster B grouped 33 strains, all positive for lpfA and agfA genes, from both, the broiler farming facility and the slaughterhouse, persistent throughout all the study period. This cluster also grouped 18 strains clones with genetic similarity greater than 99%, all isolated in the slaughterhouse. The presence of virulence genes associated with persistent strains clones for a long period, warns to the possibility of S. Infantis to form biofilm, and should be constantly monitored in broilers' production chain, in order to know the profile of the strains that may contaminate the final product and evaluate the hazards that represents to public health.(AU)

Salmonella Infantis é frequentemente associada a infecções humanas no mundo todo sendo transmitida pelo consumo de alimentos contaminados, principalmente aqueles de origem animal, com destaque para a carne de frango. Objetivou-se avaliar características de virulência, resistência antimicrobiana e a similaridade genética de 51 estirpes de S. Infantis isoladas em amostras de origem avícola. As estirpes foram isoladas no período de 2009 a 2010 em uma empresa com ciclo completo de produção de frango de corte, localizada no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foi realizado o teste de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana e pela técnica de PCR, foi avaliada a presença dos genes lpfA (fímbria-adesão), agfA (fímbria-biofilme) e sefA (fímbria-adesão) e os genes de resistência aos beta-lactâmicos (bla TEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M e blaAmpC ). A relação filogenética foi determinada pelo método de RAPD-PCR. Dentre as drogas testadas, os maiores percentuais de resistência foram para amoxacilina com 35,3% e sulfonamida com 15,7%. Onze perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos foram identificados (A1 a A11), sendo que nenhum deles apresentou perfil de multirresistência (>3 classes de antimicrobianos). Houve 100% de positividade para o gene agfA, 92,2% para o gene lpfA e nenhuma estirpe apresentou o gene sefA. A maioria dos isolados apresentaram semelhanças no potencial de virulência, pois foram positivos simultaneamente para dois genes estudados, agfA e lpfA (92,2% - 47/51). Das 18 (35,3%) estirpes resistentes aos antimicrobianos da classe dos ß-lactâmicos, 10 (55,5%) foram positivas para o gene blaAmpC , cinco (27,8%) para blaCTX-M , duas (11,1%) para blaSHV e nenhuma estirpe apresentou o gene bla TEM . A avaliação filogenética demonstrou a presença de cinco clusters (A, B, C, D e E) com similaridade superior a 80%, e três estirpes distintas que não foram agrupadas em nenhum dos clusters. O cluster B agrupou 33 estirpes, todas positivas para os genes lpfA e agfA, provenientes tanto do aviário quanto do matadouro frigorífico, persistentes durante todo o período do estudo. Este cluster ainda agrupou 18 estirpes clones com similaridade genética superior a 99%, todas isoladas no matadouro frigorífico. A presença dos genes de virulência, associada à persistência das estirpes clones durante um longo período do estudo, alertam para a possibilidade de S. Infantis em formar biofilme, devendo ser constantemente monitorada na cadeia de produção avícola, especialmente no ambiente de abate, de forma a conhecer o perfil das estirpes que podem contaminar o produto final e assim avaliar os perigos que representam para a saúde pública.(AU)

Genetic diversity of Piracanjuba populations in fish stocking programs in the Tietê River, Brazil / Diversidad genética de poblaciones de Piracanjuba del programa de repoblamiento del Río Tietê, Brasil / Diversidade genética de populações de Piracanjuba do programa de repovoamento do Rio Tietê, Brasil

Abstract Background: Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) is a fish species highly affected by anthropogenic actions such as overfishing, water pollution, and hydroelectric developments. This species is currently considered in danger of extinction. Objective: To analyze the genetic diversity of a natural population (NP) and two captive broodstocks (SA and SB) of B. orbignyanus. Methods: Samples of caudal fins (NP: 24, SA: 30, and SB: 30) were collected. DNA was extracted and amplified for six RAPD primers and four microsatellite loci. Results: Sixty polymorphic fragments and 17 microsatellite alleles were detected. High intrapopulation heterozygosity (NP: 0.692, SA: 0.724, and SB: 0.686) was observed. Thirty-eight fragments and six alleles were shared among NP, SA, and SB. The FIS and Shannon's Index of diversity revealed a lack of inbreeding within groups. AMOVA analyses and FST indicated very high (NP vs SA and SB) and small (SA vs SB) genetic differentiation, confirmed by genetic distance and identity, number of migrants and a dendrogram, which revealed the formation of two genetic groups. Conclusions: The two marker types showed similar variability. The groups have adequate genetic variability, with high differentiation between NP and SA-SB, and similarity between broodstocks.

Resumen Antecedentes: Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) es una especie de pez fuertemente impactada por acciones antrópicas como sobrepesca, contaminación del agua y proyectos hidroeléctricos. Esta especie está considerada en peligro de extinción. Objetivo: Analizar la diversidad genética de una población natural (NP) y de dos lotes de reproductores (SA y SB) de B. orbignyanus en cautiverio. Métodos: Se colectaron 84 muestras de aleta caudal (NP: 24, SA: 30 y SB: 30). El ADN fue extraído y amplificado para seis cebadores RAPD y cuatro loci microsatélites. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 60 fragmentos polimórficos y 17 alelos microsatélites. Se observó alta heterocigosidad intra-poblacional (NP: 0,692; SA: 0,724 y SB: 0,686). Treinta y ocho fragmentos y seis alelos fueron compartidos entre NP, SA y SB. Los valores de FIS e índice de Shannon mostraron ausencia de endogamia entre los grupos. Los análisis de ANOVA y FST indicaron alta (NP vs SA y SB) y pequeña (SA vs SB) diferenciación genética; resultados confirmados por la distancia e identidad genética, número de migrantes y dendograma, evidenciando la formación de dos grupos genéticos. Conclusiones: Los grupos poseen adecuada variabilidad genética, con alta diferenciación entre NP vs SA-SB y similitud entre los lotes de reproductores.

Resumo Antecedentes: Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) é uma espécie peixe fortemente impactada por ações antrópicas como sobrepesca, poluição e construção de hidrelétricas. Atualmente, essa espécie engloba a lista de peixes que correm perigo de extinção. Objetivo: Analisar a diversidade genética de uma população natural (NP) e de dois estoques de reprodutores em cativeiro (SA e SB) de B. orbignyanus. Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras de nadadeira caudal de 84 indivíduos (NP: 24, SA: 30 e SB: 30). O DNA foi extraido e amplificado para seis primers RAPD e quatro loci microssatélites. Resultados: Foram obtidos 60 fragmentos polimórficos e 17 alelos microssatélites. Foi observada uma alta heterozigosidade intra-populacional (NP: 0,692; SA: 0,724 e SB: 0,686). Trinta e oito fragmentos e seis alelos foram compartilhados entre NP, SA e SB. Os valores de FIS e índice de Shannon demonstraram ausência de endogamia entre os grupos. As análises de AMOVA e FST indicaram alta (NP vs SA e SB) e pequena (SA vs SB) diferenciação genética, resultados confirmados pela distância e identidade genética, número de migrantes e dendrograma, que evidenciaram a formação de dois grupamentos genéticos. Conclusões: Os grupos possuem adequada variabilidade genética, com alta diferenciação entre NP e SA-SB e similaridade entre os estoques de reprodutores.

Pharmacognostical study of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. (Apocynaceae)

Ochrosia elliptica Labill. is a small shrub belonging to family Apocynaceae and well-known as a promising anticancer agent. Botanical study of the plant was done for the young and old stems, stem bark, and leaves. Laticiferoustubes with yellowish brown content, isodiametric stone cells (sclereids), sclerenchyma (rod-like), and calcium oxalateclusters are the main diagnostic elements observed in this plant. Furthermore, DNA fingerprinting was done usingrapid amplified (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) techniques with the identification of a total of 30RAPD markers and 17 ISSR markers. Carbohydrates, sterols, catechol tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids were presentin all the organs under investigation. This study could be valuable for quality control of the plant.

Ecology And The Rapd Techniques Used To Assess The Genetic Diversity In Pterolobium Hexapetalum, A Scrambling Medicinal Shrub In Maruthamalai And Chennimalai Hills, The Western Ghats

Objective: To investigate the ecological and genetic diversity, climatic factors, edaphic factors morphological and reproductive characters and RAPD analysis of medicinal plant species Pterolobium hexapetalum in two hills viz., Maruthamalai (arid) and Chennimalai (very arid), which is located in Coimbatore and Erode districts, Tamil Nadu. Methods: The present research was carried out by using a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was made to determine the genetic variation between the two populations of the medicinal shrub, Pterolobium hexapetalum in an environmental gradient. Among the five primers tested, the OPN7 (80 %) and OPN17 (71.4 %) produced higher polymorphism was used in RAPD analysis. Results: The results of RAPD analysis showed the presence of 51 individual bands were formed, out of which, 29 were polymorphic bands which showed the existence of genetic variation between populations. A dendrogram was constructed based on Jaccard’s coefficient to determine the degree of genetic relationship among the two populations and analysed. The primers OPN7 and OPN17 were clustered together at a genetic distance level 10. Considering the elevation and proximity, the temperature ranges from 18 °C to 37.6 °C in Maruthamalai hill and 20 °C to 39.4 °C in Chennimalai hill. Conclusion: From the morphoecological studies the results indicated that both arid and very arid climatic conditions showed slight differences in their vegetative and reproductive characters.

Molecular Variability of Ocimum gratissimum L. Accessions Using RAPD Marker

Aim: This study investigated the molecular variability among accessions of Ocimum gratissimum from selected states in Nigeria and Mali using RAPD marker. Study Design: The experimental design was complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Materials and Methods: Twenty accessions of Ocimum gratissimum were collected from nineteen selected Local Governments in four South-western States of Nigeria (Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos) and Mali, to assess their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship. Molecular statistics of binary data generated from Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker was conducted using numerical taxonomic and multivariate analysis (NTSYS-PC) package, while dendrogram was constructed by Jaccard’s similarity coefficient using unweighted paired group method of arithmetic mean (UPGMA). Results: Accession Y3 from Ona-Ara yielded the highest total volume of DNA concentration (736.9 µ/l), while the highest genomic DNA concentration of 2.44 ng/ was recorded in accession L-04 from Agege. Out of total number of 52 bands from three primers of RAPD, 48 produced polymorphic amplified products. OPO-08 primer was highly polymorphic with 94.73%, and had the highest allele numbers, gene diversity and polymorphic information contents of 16.0, 0.914 and 0.909 respectively, while OPO-06 produced the highest number of 20 polymorphic bands. Cluster II was the highest group in the dendogram, and comprised of two states (Oyo and Lagos) and Mali which constituted seven accessions; Y-03 (Ona-Ara), Y-04 (Egbeda), Y-05 (Ido), L-01 (Surulere), L-03 (Ifako-Ijaye), L-04 (Agege) and M (Mali). Accession S-03 from Ife-North was the most distant with highest similarity index of 1.188. Conclusion: The RAPD is highly polymorphic, and could be useful in characterizing and revealing wide range of genomic variation and phylogenetic relationship among different accessions of O. gratissimum with broad genetic base.

Molecular characterization of drug resistant Listeria monocytogenes from food and water samples

Aims@#Present research is focused on the molecular level characterization of drug-resistant Listeria monocytogenes identified from food and water samples from Tamil Nadu, India. @*Methodology and results@#A total of 39 food and water samples were collected from local markets and retail shops in Tamil Nadu, India and processed for the isolation and identification of bacteria. Morphology of the bacteria was analysed under a fluorescent microscope. Isolated bacteria were serotyped and screened for the presence of virulence-associated genes haemolysin (hlyA) and invasive associated protein (iapA) by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. The qPCR positive isolates were also typed by random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR for epidemiological study. Antibiotic resistance test was done with 16 commercial antibiotics by disc diffusion method. A total of 8 (20.51%) L. monocytogenes were identified belonging to the serotype group 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c and 4b. PCR assays revealed the presence of hlyA (456 bp) and iapA (131 bp) genes. In RAPD, OPA-10 primer was found to generate the distinct polymorphic fragment among the isolates. All the isolates were 100% resistant to rifampicin, co-methoxazole, linezolid and oxacillin and 100% sensitive to tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Tetracycline and chloramphenicol are suggested to be a very effective antibiotic against the tested L. monocytogenes isolates. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The hlyA and iapA based quantitative PCR technique could be a rapid molecular technique for the detection of L. monocytogenes used in this study. Serotyping along with RAPD-PCR was able to discriminate between the isolates and therefore could serve as a robust and sensitive tool for typing antibiotic-resistant strains of L. monocytogenes.

Evaluación molecular del aguacate criollo (Persea americana Mill) en Nuevo León, México / Molecular evaluation of the wild avocado (Persea americana Mill) in Nuevo León, México

RESUMEN México es centro de origen del aguacate (Persea americana Mill), la mayoría de los miembros reconocidos del género Persea ocurren primariamente desde la parte central de México hasta Centroamérica. En este estudio se realizó la evaluación molecular de germoplasma de aguacate criollo del Estado de Nuevo León, México, utilizando la técnica del DNA Polimórfico Amplificado al Azar (RAPD's). Se colectaron 27 materiales de aguacate criollo en la región sur y 16 en la región norte de Nuevo León. El nivel de diversidad genética detectado fue del 84%, el cual se considera como alto. Se observaron fragmentos específicos o únicos tipo RAPD's, presentes en un solo individuo, este tipo de fragmentos son de particular interés ya que pueden estar ligados a un genotipo en particular y servir en el diagnóstico para diferenciar un genotipo o una región específica del genoma. Lo anterior es de particular interés para el aguacate criollo del Estado de Nuevo León, cuyo problema para su comercialización es la corta vida de anaquel que presenta, por lo tanto, encontrar gran variación genética como la detectada en este trabajo incrementa la posibilidad de generar nuevos materiales cuya vida de anaquel sea más prolongada, potenciando su valor comercial.

ABSTRACT México is the center of origin of the avocado (Persea americana Mill), most of the recognized members of the genus Persea occur primarily from the central part of México to Central América. In this study, the molecular evaluation of germplasm of wild avocado from the State of Nuevo León, México, was performed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD's) technique. A total of 27 wild avocado materials were collected in the southern region and 16 in the northern region of Nuevo León. The level of gen et-ic diversity detected was 84%, which is considered high. Specific fragments or only RAPD's type, present in a single individual, were observed, this type of fragments are of particular interest since they can be linked to a particular genotype and serve in the diagnosis to differentiate a genotype or a specific region of the genome. The above is of particular interest for the creole avocado of the State of Nuevo León, whose problem for marketing is the short shelf life that presents, therefore, finding great genetic variation as detected in this work increases the possibility of generating new materials whose shelf life is longer, enhancing its commercial value.

Clonal relation and antimicrobial resistance pattern of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase- and AmpC ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacter spp. isolated from different clinical samples in Tehran, Iran

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Here, we determined the genes encoding antibiotic resistance enzymes and virulence factors and evaluated the genetic relationship between Enterobacter spp. isolated from different clinical samples. METHODS: A total of 57 clinical isolates of Enterobacter spp. were tested for the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenemase, and AmpC using phenotypic and genotypic methods. RESULTS: The most common ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases were bla TEM (63.3%) and bla EBC (57.7%), respectively. The most prevalent virulence gene was rpos (87.7%). The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) patterns of strains were genetically unrelated. CONCLUSIONS: RAPD polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed high genetic diversity among isolates.

Improving Salt Stress Tolerance of Pineapple cv. Queen Using Cobalt In vitro

This investigation aimed to focus on how cobalt can avoid the damage caused by salinity stress (NaCl) on Pineapple cv. Queen in vitro. Multiplicated pineapple explants (10 – 12 mm) were subjected for eight weeks to different NaCl conc. (0, 65, 135 or 200 mM) half of them were treated firstly with 5 mg/L Cobalt sulphate. Vegetative growth parameters (no.of shoots, no. of leaves, and shoot length/explant), mineral composition (N, P, K, Na, Cl, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and cobalt), proline and protein content were determined. Molecular characterization using PCR based RAPD was carried out to describe the genetic differences resulted from the studied treatments, (salinity and salinity combined with cobalt sulfate). Results show that, pineapple explants growth under salt stress wasn’t prohibited completely specially below 135 mM of NaCl, but it affected negatively with the highest salt stress 200 mM of NaCl. Explants treated with cobalt before subjected to salinity scored the highest significant percentage of vegetative growth characteristics compared with those untreated. Explants treated firstly with cobalt resulted in a significantly decrease of Na+ and Cl-. Cobalt has a positive effect on Macro and Micronutrients, proline and protein content. A total of 34 DNA fragments varying from 186-1456 (bp) were amplified, of which 16 were polymorphic and seven observed as a unique markers that revealed 64.03% polymorphism.

Molecular methods for diversity assessment among xanthomonads of Bulgarian and Macedonian pepper

ABSTRACT Bacterial spot is an important disease of pepper in Bulgaria and Macedonia. For characterization of Xanthomonas species associated with bacterial spot, 161 strains were collected from various field pepper-growing regions. Among them, 131 strains were identified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and 30 as Xanthomonas vesicatoria using species-specific primers and polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. To assess the genetic diversity of the strains, two methods (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Repetitive Element Palindromic-Polymerase Chain Reaction) were applied. Discriminatory index was calculated and analysis of molecular variance was carried out.Combined random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the X. euvesicatoria strains with primers CUGEA-4 and CUGEA-6 had greater discriminative power (0.60) than repetitive element palindromic-polymerase chain reaction with ERIC and BOX A1R primers, which makes this method applicable for strain diversity evaluation. Discrimination among the X. vesicatoria strains was achieved by the use of ERIC primers and only for the Bulgarian strains. The results demonstrated that X. euvesicatoria was more diverse than X. vesicatoria and heterogeneity was observed mainly in the Bulgarian populations. According to the analysis of molecular variance, genetic variations in X. euvesicatoria were observed among and within populations from different regions, while the differences between the two countries were minor. Following the principal coordinates analysis, a relation between the climatic conditions of the regions and a genetic distance of the populations may be suggested.

BSA and molecular markers screening for salt stress tolerant mutant of Petunia obtained in in vitro culture / Rastreamento de BSA e marcadores moleculares para mutante tolerante ao estresse salino de Petunia obtido em cultura in vitro

ABSTRACT: In this study, we performed BSA to identify genetic markers linked to salt tolerance. We tested the genetic diversity among four bulked DNA samples of EMS induced mutant clones and one bulked DNA sample of non-mutated clone of Petunia for salt tolerance in in vitro callus cultures using RAPD and ISSR markers. Out of the 36 RAPD and 16 ISSR primers identified, 25 and 13 were effectively used to amplify genomic DNA of all the five bulked samples, respectively. In total, 114 RAPD amplifications products were obtained, of which 28% were polymorphic and 2% were genotype-specific bands. Out of the 64 ISSR amplification products obtained, 51% were polymorphic and 1% was genotype-specific bands. Results of this study indicated the existence of two patterns of distorted segregation among the studied markers. The first one indicates the differences between non-mutated clones of Petunia and its putative mutants. The second one was observed only between putative mutants and putative mutants tested for salt tolerance in in vitro culture. Both RAPD and ISSR analysis successfully detected the association with changes induced by chemical mutagenesis and salinity. Furthermore, our results indicate that BSA method can be useful in the rapid detection of molecular markers for further marker-assisted selection.

RESUMO: Neste estudo, realizamos BSA para identificar marcadores genéticos ligados à tolerância ao sal. Testamos a diversidade genética entre quatro amostras de DNA volumoso de clones mutantes induzidos por EMS, e uma amostra de DNA volumoso de clone não mutado de Petunia para tolerância a sal em culturas de calos in vitro usando marcadores RAPD e ISSR. Dos 36 primers RAPD e 16 ISSR identificados, 25 e 13 foram efetivamente usados para amplificar o DNA genômico de todas as cinco amostras, respectivamente. No total, foram obtidos 114 produtos de amplificação RAPD, dos quais 28% eram polimórficos e 2% eram bandas específicas de genótipos. Dos 64 produtos de amplificação ISSR obtidos, 51% eram polimórficos e 1% eram bandas específicas de genótipo. Os resultados deste estudo indicam a existência de dois padrões de segregação distorcida entre os marcadores estudados. O primeiro indica as diferenças entre os clones não mutantes de Petúnia e seus mutantes putativos. O segundo foi observado apenas entre mutantes putativos e mutantes putativos testados quanto à tolerância ao sal em cultura in vitro. Tanto a análise RAPD quanto a ISSR detectaram com sucesso a associação com alterações induzidas por mutagênese química e salinidade. Além disso, nossos resultados indicam que o método BSA pode ser útil na detecção rápida de marcadores moleculares para posterior seleção assistida por marcadores.

Alterations in Biomarkers Associated with Sterility in Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) Induced by Gamma Irradiation

ABSTRACT Nowadays, radiation technology is widely used to produce changes in Biosystems. The goal of this work is to determine the variation induced male Pectinophora gossypiella in gamma-irradiated as pupae using 50Gy and 150Gy. Comparing elements composition and DNA (using RAPD-PCR) between substerile 50Gy and the sterile dose 150Gy in P. gossypiella showed variation between them. Potassium (K) was the most abundant elements in unirradiated and irradiated males followed by magnesium (Mg). The percentage of heavy metals as copper, zinc, and cadmium concurrent with K was directly proportional to the radiation dose. While the percentage of Mg, Phosphorous and calcium decreased as the radiation dose increased. The results also revealed that some extra bands appeared and others disappeared, as a result of irradiation. The appearance of extra bands may be due to the repair mechanism of the irradiation damaged DNA. The banding patterns obtained and the dendrograms drawn on the basis of presence and absence of bands revealed that 150Gy irradiated pupae are more different from the unirradiated pupae than the 50Gy irradiated pupae. It was concluded that the sterile male technique could be used as a benefit tool in controlling P. gossypiella.