Spatial and temporal distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected after an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) spill.

In 2015, > 460,000 L of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and fire suppressors containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were used to combat a fire at a petrochemical fuel storage terminal in the Port of Santos (Brazil). Sediments from seven sites were sampled repeatedly from 2 weeks to 1 year after the fire (n = 30). Æ©15PFAS concentrations ranged from 115 to 15,931 pg g-1 dry weight (dw). Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most frequently detected compound with concentrations ranging from 363 to 4517 (average = 1603) pg g-1dw to <47.1 to 642 (average = 401) pg g-1 dw, followed by perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (from 38.8 to 219 (average = 162) pg g-1 dw after 15 days and from <20.8 to 161 (average = 101) pg g-1 dw one year later). Together, the hydrodynamics and fire events documented in the region were important features explaining the spread of PFAS.

Alpha hemolysin of Escherichia coli induces a necrotic-like procoagulant state in platelets.

Uropathogenic strains of E. coli (UPEC) is a leading cause of sepsis, deploying multiple virulence factors to evade host immune responses. Notably, alpha-hemolysin (HlyA) produced by UPEC is implicated in septic symptoms associated with bacteremia, correlating with thrombocytopenia, a critical indicator of organ dysfunction and a predictor of poorer patient prognosis. This study meticulously explores the impact of sublytic concentrations of HlyA on platelets. Findings reveal that HlyA triggers an increase in intracellular calcium, activating calpain and exposing phosphatidylserine to the cell surface, as validated by flow cytometric experiments. Electron microscopy reveals a distinctive balloon-like shape in HlyA-treated platelets, indicative of a procoagulant state. The toxin induces the release of procoagulant extracellular vesicles and the secretion of alpha and dense granules. Overall, the results point to HlyA inducing a necrotic-like procoagulant state in platelets. The effects of sublytic concentrations of HlyA on both erythrocytes and platelets could have a potential impact on capillary microcirculation. Targeting HlyA emerges as a viable therapeutic strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of UPEC infections, especially in South American countries where these infections are endemic, underscoring its significance as a potential therapeutic target.

Application of ecotoxicological tools to evaluate the quality status of mangroves under restoration in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

Ecotoxicological tools, namely biomarkers and bioassays, may provide insights on the ecological quality status of mangroves under restoration. We investigated how 1) physicochemical parameters and water bioassays using Artemia franciscana; and 2) quantification of sublethal (osmoregulatory capacity, biochemical, and oxidative stress) and individual biomarkers (density, length-weight relationship [LWR], parasitic prevalence) in the sentinel fiddler crab Minuca rapax, can improve restoration indicators in mangroves from the Yucatán Peninsula, Southern Gulf of Mexico. We showed that water quality was improved with restoration, but still presented toxicity. Regarding sublethal biomarkers, M rapax from restored areas lower osmotic regulatory capacity, higher oxidative stress, and showed lipid peroxidation. As to the individual biomarkers, the density, LWR, and the prevalence of parasites in M. rapax was higher in restored areas. The use of bioassays/biomarkers were useful as early warning indicators to better assess the health of mangroves under restoration.

Second Fundão Dam Rupture Science Meeting: Updating the science.

The second Fundão Dam Rupture Science Meeting was held in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 21 and 22 September 2022. A total of 100 delegates attended the meeting, which featured high-quality oral presentations and posters over the two days and lively discussions of the science presented. The meeting resulted in nine papers being published in this special series. In the discussion, it was commented that the first meeting had been more a meeting of competitive perspectives but that the second meeting featured a more collaborative sharing of knowledge. Also, there had been substantial improvement in ways to deal with the lack of pre-event data and account for other stressors in the system, and as a result, stronger conclusions regarding the recovery rates of the system were able to be made. Importantly, there was no evidence for a feasible "time bomb" of a future catastrophic release of contaminants, but it was agreed that different scenarios continue to be researched. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:70-73. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Waterborne Toxicity to Neotropical Invertebrates and Hazard of Cigarette Butt Leachates in Marine Environments.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are the most common type of beach litter worldwide and contain a complex mixture of chemicals. Given the recent interest in this emerging problem, it is important to assess the toxicity of CB leachates to a range of species from different regions, sensitivities, and ecological traits. We evaluated the waterborne toxicity of smoked CB to tropical invertebrates. Leachates were prepared in the laboratory and characterized for trace elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb), ammonia nitrogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Then a set of toxicity tests with marine invertebrates was performed as follows: the brine shrimp Artemia sp. (nontoxic); the amphipod Tiburonella viscana (median lethal concentration [LC50] of 0.038 CB/L); the tanaid Monokalliapseudes schubarti (LC50 of 0.126 CB/L); the copepods Tisbe biminiensis (median effect concentration [EC50] of 0.038 CB/L) and Nitokra sp. (EC50 of 0.009 CB/L); pluteus stage larvae of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter (EC50 of 0.152 CB/L); the sand dollar Mellita quinquiesperforata (EC50 of 0.054 CB/L); and D-stage larvae of the mussel Perna perna (EC50 of 0.005 CB/L). The predicted no-effect concentration was estimated using species sensitivity distribution, producing a 5th percentile hazard concentration of 0.015 CB/L. This preliminary threshold allowed us to estimate the potential impact of a single CB to 67 L of seawater via leaching, contributing to the advancement of knowledge regarding the contamination, toxicity, and ecological risks of cigarette waste. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:374-384. © 2023 SETAC.

Spatial-temporal variations of metals and arsenic in sediments from the Doce River after the Fundão Dam rupture and their bioaccumulation in Corbicula fluminea.

The rupture of the Fundão dam in Brazil released tons of mining tailings into the Doce River Basin (DRB). This investigation aimed to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in soft tissues of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea exposed to sediments collected in the DRB in four periods (just after, 1, 3, and 3.5 years after the dam rupture). In the exposure bioassays, the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments and bivalve soft tissues were quantified. The concentration of some elements (As, Cd, Mn, and Al) in sediments exceeded the federal limits or regional backgrounds at some sampling sites, but their concentrations tended to decrease over time. However, higher concentrations of many elements were detected in the winter of 2019. Several elements were detected in C. fluminea soft tissues, but the bioaccumulation factors were generally low or not related to those elements associated with the ore tailings, evidencing that the bioavailability of metals to bivalves, in laboratory conditions, was limited. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:87-98. © 2023 SETAC.

ShlA toxin of Serratia induces P2Y2- and α5ß1-dependent autophagy and bacterial clearance from host cells.

Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic human pathogen involved in antibiotic-resistant hospital acquired infections. Upon contact with the host epithelial cell and prior to internalization, Serratia induces an early autophagic response that is entirely dependent on the ShlA toxin. Once Serratia invades the eukaryotic cell and multiples inside an intracellular vacuole, ShlA expression also promotes an exocytic event that allows bacterial egress from the host cell without compromising its integrity. Several toxins, including ShlA, were shown to induce ATP efflux from eukaryotic cells. Here, we demonstrate that ShlA triggered a nonlytic release of ATP from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Enzymatic removal of accumulated extracellular ATP (eATP) or pharmacological blockage of the eATP-P2Y2 purinergic receptor inhibited the ShlA-promoted autophagic response in CHO cells. Despite the intrinsic ecto-ATPase activity of CHO cells, the effective concentration and kinetic profile of eATP was consistent with the established affinity of the P2Y2 receptor and the known kinetics of autophagy induction. Moreover, eATP removal or P2Y2 receptor inhibition also suppressed the ShlA-induced exocytic expulsion of the bacteria from the host cell. Blocking α5ß1 integrin highly inhibited ShlA-dependent autophagy, a result consistent with α5ß1 transactivation by the P2Y2 receptor. In sum, eATP operates as the key signaling molecule that allows the eukaryotic cell to detect the challenge imposed by the contact with the ShlA toxin. Stimulation of P2Y2-dependent pathways evokes the activation of a defensive response to counteract cell damage and promotes the nonlytic clearance of the pathogen from the infected cell.

Dealing with complex contamination scenarios: using a multi-geochemical approach to assess environmental quality and identify pollution sources in a semi-arid estuary from Brazil.

The Jundiaí-Potengi Estuary (EJP) is located on the semi-arid coast of northeastern Brazil and is influenced by multiple sources of contamination. The sediment quality of EJP was assessed by using a multi-geochemical approach during the dry and wet seasons. Sediments were analyzed for concentrations of nutrients, metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, hormones (natural and synthetic), and sterols. The results were integrated by multivariate methods. The sediment was altered by the presence of contaminants from anthropogenic and natural sources. The middle and lower estuarine areas were considered more degraded in both seasons. In these regions, metals, hormones, sterols, and PAHs were found, indicating that these regions are severely affected by industrial, sanitary and aquaculture effluents, combustion of fossil fuels, and oil spills. The upstream region was contaminated by pesticides. The contamination pattern along the EJP shows the prevalence of local sources which continuously release the chemicals into the estuary. Worse conditions occurred during the rainy season, when the runoff from urban and rural areas is more intense and carries a greater load of contaminants to the EJP.

Can the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and engineered nanoclays on flatfish (Solea senegalensis) be influenced by the presence of each other?

Microplastics and nanomaterials are applied in a myriad of commercial and industrial applications. When leaked to natural environments, such small particles might threaten living organisms' health, particularly when considering their potential combination that remains poorly investigated. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical effects of polyethylene (PE; 64-125 µm in size, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg·L-1) single and combined with an engineered nanomaterial applied in antifouling coatings, the copper-aluminium layered double hydroxides (Cu-Al LDH; 0.33, 1.0, and 3.33 mg·L-1) in the flatfish Solea senegalensis larvae (8 dph) after 3 h exposure, in a full factorial design. Particles ingestion, histopathology, and biochemical biomarkers were assessed. Fish larvae presented <1 PE particles in their gut, independently of their concentration in the medium. The histological health index showed minimal pathological alterations at PE combined exposure, with a higher value observed at 1 mg LDH·L-1 × 0.1 mg PE·L-1. Gut deformity and increased antioxidant defences (catalase), neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase), and aerobic energy production (electron transport system) were observed at PE ≥ 1.0 mg·L-1. No oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) or alterations in the detoxification capacity (glutathione-S-transferase) was observed on single and combined exposures. PE, combined or not with Cu-Al LDH, does not seem to compromise larvae's homeostasis considering levels reported so far in the marine and aquaculture environments. However, harsh effects are expected with MP contamination rise, as projections suggest.

The changing impact of pre-liver transplant renal dysfunction on post-transplant survival: results of 2 decades from a single center.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Renal dysfunction before liver transplantation (LT) is associated with higher post-LT mortality. We aimed to study if this association still persisted in the contemporary transplant era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 2871 primary LT performed at our center from 1998 to 2018. All patients were listed for LT alone and were not considered to be simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant candidates. SLK recipients and those with previous LT were excluded. Patients were grouped into 4 eras: era-1 (1998-2002, n = 488), era-2 (2003-2007, n = 889), era-3 (2008-2012, n = 703) and era-4 (2013-2018, n = 791). Pre-LT renal dysfunction was defined as creatinine (Cr) >1.5 mg/dl or on dialysis at LT. The effect of pre-LT renal dysfunction on post-LT patient survival in each era was examined using Kaplan Meier estimates and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. RESULTS: Pre-LT renal dysfunction was present in 594 (20%) recipients. Compared to patients in era-1, patients in era-4 had higher Cr, lower eGFR and were more likely to be on dialysis at LT (P < 0.001). Pre-LT renal dysfunction was associated with worse 1, 3 and 5-year survival in era-1 and era-2 (P < 0.005) but not in era-3 or era-4 (P = 0.13 and P = 0.08, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the lack of independent effect of pre-LT renal dysfunction on post-LT mortality in era-3 and era-4. A separate analysis using eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at LT to define renal dysfunction showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-LT renal dysfunction had less impact on post-LT survival in the contemporary transplant era.

Metal Bioaccumulation by the Neotropical Clam Anomalocardia flexuosa to Estimate the Quality of Estuarine Sediments.

This investigation evaluated the bioaccumulation potential of the tropical estuarine bivalve Anomalocardia flexuosa for trace metals. To this aim, chemical and sedimentological analyses and bioaccumulation tests were performed. The sediments were mainly composed by fine-sands and mud, with variable levels of organic matter and CaCO3. Muddy sediments from a depositional site (P2) presented the highest concentrations of metals, despite SEM/AVS not indicating bioavailability. Bioaccumulation factors showed high ratios for Cd, Ni, and Zn, while associations between the contents of mud, organic matter, CaCO3 and metals in sediments and tissues of A. flexuosa were indicated by a principal component analysis. The SEM/AVS was not effective to predict the bioavailability through dissolved metals. The results showed that contaminants were bioavailable, while the performed bioaccumulation test proved to be a reliable technique for assessing sediment contamination in estuarine regions. Moreover, A. flexuosa was considered an adequate test organism for bioaccumulation studies.

Polyclonal CD5+/CD19+ B1a lymphocytes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a potential diagnostic pitfall.

In adults, B-lymphocytes comprise approximately 10% of circulating lymphocytes. The majority of peripheral B cells are B2 cells ("Mature" B-cells), which function as part of the humoral adaptive immune system. B1 cells ("Innate-like" B cells) are another sub-class of B lymphocytes, considered as innate immune cells with a characteristic phenotype (CD20+, CD27+, CD43+, CD70-, CD11b+, sIgM++, sIgD+) which can be divided into two subtypes; B1a (CD5+): spontaneously produce broadly reactive natural IgM, and B1b (CD5-): can generate T-cell independent, long-lasting IgM. There is very limited data available, indicating a correlation between allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and an increase in B1a cells. Here we present a case of a 17-year-old female with homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS disease) who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Approximately seven months post-transplant, she was found to have 16% immature mononuclear cells on complete blood count (CBC)-differential report. A follow-up peripheral blood flow cytometry showed that these cells were polyclonal CD5+/CD20+ B-cells, and comprised 66% of lymphocytes. Further workup and follow up failed to reveal any lymphoproliferative disorders. It is important not to misdiagnose these cells as an atypical CD5+ lymphoproliferative disorder. The presence of B1a cells has not been widely reported in non-neoplastic post-stem cell transplanted patients. This case also adds to and expands our knowledge regarding the presence of increased circulating B1a cells after stem cell transplant in a patient with no history of hematological malignancy.

Polyclonal CD5+/CD19+ B1a lymphocytes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a potential diagnostic pitfall

In adults, B-lymphocytes comprise approximately 10% of circulating lymphocytes. The majority of peripheral B cells are B2 cells ("Mature" B-cells), which function as part of the humoral adaptive immune system. B1 cells ("Innate-like" B cells) are another sub-class of B lymphocytes, considered as innate immune cells with a characteristic phenotype (CD20+, CD27+, CD43+, CD70-, CD11b+, sIgM++, sIgD+) which can be divided into two subtypes; B1a (CD5+): spontaneously produce broadly reactive natural IgM, and B1b (CD5-): can generate T-cell independent, long-lasting IgM. There is very limited data available, indicating a correlation between allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and an increase in B1a cells. Here we present a case of a 17-year-old female with homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS disease) who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Approximately seven months post-transplant, she was found to have 16% immature mononuclear cells on complete blood count (CBC)-differential report. A follow-up peripheral blood flow cytometry showed that these cells were polyclonal CD5+/CD20+ B-cells, and comprised 66% of lymphocytes. Further workup and follow up failed to reveal any lymphoproliferative disorders. It is important not to misdiagnose these cells as an atypical CD5+ lymphoproliferative disorder. The presence of B1a cells has not been widely reported in non-neoplastic post-stem cell transplanted patients. This case also adds to and expands our knowledge regarding the presence of increased circulating B1a cells after stem cell transplant in a patient with no history of hematological malignancy.

Ensayos clínicos sobre Plasma convaleciente en COVID-19 realizados en países de la región / Clinical trials on Convalescent Plasma in COVID- 19 performed in regional countries

La terapia con plasma convaleciente ha sido utilizada para el tratamiento de pacientes con infecciones virales como la influenza AH1N1 o en Ébola. Actualmente, el plasma convaleciente se ha propuesto como una alternativa terapéutica y profiláctica para pacientes con COVID-19

Convalescent plasma therapy has been used for the treatment of patients with infections viruses such as influenza AH1N1 or Ebola. Currently, convalescent plasma has been proposed as a therapeutic and prophylactic alternative for patients with COVID-19

Impacts of dredging on biomarkers responses of caged bivalves in a semi-arid region (Ceará State, NE Brazil).

In this study, the performance of two native bivalves in responding to sediment resuspension was investigated during dredging operations of a semi-arid bay (Mucuripe, NE Brazil). The clam Anomalocardia flexuosa and the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were selected and caged in two sites influenced by the dredging plume. We assessed the bioaccumulation of metals and hydrocarbons in both species as biomarkers of exposure and then, biomarkers' responses were assessed in gills and digestive glands over a 28 days period, at 7 days intervals: the activities of phase I and II, and antioxidant enzymes, levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breaks. Both transplanted bivalves accumulated Cu, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in their whole-body tissues, whereas Ni, Pb and Zn accumulation was species-dependent. The exposure time set at day 28 was considered appropriate. Biomarkers exhibited time-related responses in both species, but gills exhibited a more sensitive response, indicating a function of barrier against the uptake of chemicals and also a relevant tissue to be targeted. In clams, Phase I and II enzymes (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and glutathione S-transferase) were induced during the period of intense dredging, while in oysters they were activated at the end of operations. Induction of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and elevated levels DNA damage were observed in both exposure surveys. Clams and oysters were sensitive and responded to the exposure of resuspended sediments and the biomarkers of effects were associated with bioaccumulation of contaminants in the integrated analysis. These results indicate that The clam A. flexuosa and the oyster C. rhizophorae are suitable models to be used in monitoring programs or field exposure experiments in tropical regions.

Placental and pulmonary cryptococcosis associated with fungemia in patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis with a chronic or subacute progression caused by the inhalation of dehydrated yeasts or basidiospores. The causative agents are C. gattii and C. neoformans. The latter is more commonly associated with cellular immunodeficiency and is not rare in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Cryptococcosis is common in pregnant women with AIDS; however, it is uncommon for the placenta to be affected, with few reported cases in the literature. We present the case of a pregnant woman with AIDS who had placental and pulmonary cryptococcosis associated with fungemia, with a satisfactory clinical outcome obtained after therapy.

Effects of mixtures of anticancer drugs in the benthic polychaete Nereis diversicolor.

The increasing consumption of anticancer drugs through single and/or combinatory chemotherapy worldwide raised concern regarding their toxicity burden in coastal zones. The toxicity of a mixture of three compounds involving the drugs cisplatin (CisPt), cyclophosphamide (CP) and tamoxifen (TAM) was determined on the marine polychaete Nereis diversicolor exposed to an increasing range of their concentrations, respectively: Mix A: 0.1 + 10 + 0.1 ng L-1; Mix B: 10 + 100 + 10 ng L-1; Mix C: 100 + 500 + 25 ng L-1; Mix D: 100 + 1000 + 100 ng L-1. Different endpoints were assessed, including disturbance in the burrowing behaviour, neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase - AChE activity), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase - SOD; catalase - CAT; selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase - Se-GPx and total glutathione peroxidases T-GPx activities), biotransformation metabolism (glutathione-S-transferases - GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and genotoxicity (DNA damage). Biological effects of the mixtures of anticancer compounds on N. diversicolor were compared with previous studies about effects on the same biological model under single-drug exposure conducted with the same molecules. Regarding SOD activity, TAM showed an antagonist effect over CisPt and CP in mixtures C and D. In Mix D, there was a synergistic effect of TAM and CisPt that inhibited CAT activity and an additive interaction of CisPt and CP on the Phase II biotransformation enzyme. Drugs in Mix A also suppressed polychaetes' GST activity, although different from the respective single-drug responses, besides able to induce T-GPx activity, that was not sufficient to avoid oxidative damage and mid-grade DNA damage. Due to the absence of burrowing impairment in Mix A, mechanisms involved in neurotoxicity were other than the one driven by AChE alterations. At the intermediary concentrations (Mix B and C), only LPO occurred. Data from drugs individually may not predict the risks provided by mixtures.

Influence of anthropogenic activities and risk assessment on protected mangrove forest using traditional and emerging molecular markers (Ceará coast, northeastern Brazil).

Anthropogenic molecular markers were used to assess chemicals inputs and ecological risks associated from multiple sources to sediments in one of the largest tropical mangrove forests of South America, with a particular focus on lesser studied compounds resulting from rural activities. Total concentrations ranged from 23.4 to 228.2 ng g-1 for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑PAHs), 750.4 to 5912.5 ng g-1 for aliphatic hydrocarbons (∑AHs), 32.4 to 696.6 ng g-1 for pesticides (∑pesticides), 23.1 to 2109.7 ng g-1 for coprostanol and sterols (∑sterols), 139.3 to 580.2 ng g-1 for naturals hormones (∑natural hormones) and 334.1 to 823.4 ng g-1 for synthetics hormones (∑synthetic hormones). The PAHs and AHs used as traditional anthropogenic markers showed a mixture between natural and anthropogenic sources, related mainly to inputs from higher plants, phytoplankton and both, biomass and petroleum combustion. Rural activities linked to agricultural pest control are the predominant source of pesticides, although minor inputs from pesticides used in urban public health campaigns and household activities were also detected. Synthetic hormones levels are two to three orders of magnitude greater than natural hormones levels and no correlations were observed between the main sewage markers and synthetic hormone concentrations, rural activities such as animal husbandry, which use drugs in management, may be the predominant anthropogenic sources of these compounds in the region. Traditional markers failed to detect ecological risks in rural areas, where synthetic substances (e.g. pesticides and hormones) are widely used and introduced in the environment.

New endemic Fusarium species hitch-hiking with pathogenic Fusarium strains causing Panama disease in small-holder banana plots in Indonesia.

Fusarium species are well known for their abundance, diversity and cosmopolitan life style. Many members of the genus Fusarium are associated with plant hosts, either as plant pathogens, secondary invaders, saprotrophs, and/or endophytes. We previously studied the diversity of Fusarium species in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) associated with Fusarium wilt of banana in Indonesia. In that study, several Fusarium species not belonging to the FOSC were found to be associated with Fusarium wilt of banana. These Fusarium isolates belonged to three Fusarium species complexes, which included the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) and the Fusarium sambucinum species complex (FSSC). Using a multi-gene phylogeny that included partial fragments of the beta-tubulin (tub), calmodulin (cmdA), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA (ITS), the large subunit of the rDNA (LSU), plus the RNA polymerase II large subunit (rpb1) and second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, we were able to identify and characterise several of these as new Fusarium species in the respective species complexes identified in this study.