Eimeria atricillae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla (Linnaeus) (Aves: Charadriiformes: Laridae) in Port Isabel, Texas.

A new coccidian species, Eimeria atricillae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla, is reported from Port Isabel, Texas, USA. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are spherical to subspherical, 16.0-18.1 × 14.4-16.6 (17.1 × 15.4) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1; polar granules are present, but micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 9.1-9.7 × 6.1-7.1 (9.4 × 6.6) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.3-1.5; Stieda body present, but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent; sporocyst residuum diffuse.

First Report of Intestinal Cestode Infection in a Berylline Hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, five cestode species have been reported infecting five hummingbird species. To date, there have been no reports of cestode infections in hummingbirds in Mexico. METHODS: A Berylline hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) was found dead in a backyard at Toluca City, Mexico, and a window collision was assumed as the cause of death. The bird was preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological examination. RESULTS: At the histological study, liver parenchymal disruption was observed. This lesion could be the result of the assume collision. No lesions were observed in other tissues examined. Conspicuous cestode structures were observed in the lumen of the small intestine. Structure of cestodes, as revealed from histological sections, suggests their position in the genus Anonchotaenia Cohn, 1900 (family Paruterinidae). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of intestinal cestodosis in a Berylline hummingbird (S. beryllina) in Mexico.

Recommendation of a standardized broth microdilution method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Avibacterium paragallinarum and resistance monitoring.

This study aimed to develop a method for standardized broth microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of Avibacterium (Av.) paragallinarum, the causative agent of infectious coryza in chickens. For this, a total of 83 Av. paragallinarum isolates and strains were collected from 15 countries. To select unrelated isolates for method validation steps, macrorestriction analyses were performed with 15 Av. paragallinarum. The visible growth of Av. paragallinarum was examined in six broth media and growth curves were compiled. In Veterinary Fastidious Medium and cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB) + 1% chicken serum + 0.0025% NADH (CAMHB + CS + NADH), visible growth of all isolates was detected and both media allowed adequate bacterial growth. Due to the better readability of Av. paragallinarum growth in microtiter plates, CAMHB + CS + NADH was chosen for AST. Repetitions of MIC testing with five epidemiologically unrelated isolates using a panel of 24 antimicrobial agents resulted in high essential MIC agreements of 96%-100% after 48-h incubation at 35 ± 2°C. Hence, the remaining 78 Av. paragallinarum were tested and demonstrated easily readable MICs with the proposed method. Differences in MICs were detected between isolates from different continents, with isolates from Africa showing lower MICs compared to isolates from America and Europe, which more often showed elevated MICs of aminoglycosides, quinolones, tetracyclines, and/or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. PCR analyses of isolates used for method development revealed that isolates with elevated MICs of tetracyclines harbored the tetracycline resistance gene tet(B) but none of the other tested resistance genes were detected. Therefore, whole-genome sequencing data from 62 Av. paragallinarum were analyzed and revealed the presence of sequences showing nucleotide sequence identity to the genes aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib, blaTEM-1B, catA2, sul2, tet(B), tet(H), and mcr-like. Overall, the proposed method using CAMHB + CS + NADH for susceptibility testing with 48-h incubation time at 35 ± 2°C in ambient air was shown to be suitable for Av. paragallinarum. Due to a variety of resistance genes detected, the development of clinical breakpoints is highly recommended. IMPORTANCE: Avibacterium paragallinarum is an important pathogen in veterinary medicine that causes infectious coryza in chickens. Since antibiotics are often used for treatment and resistance of the pathogen is known, targeted therapy should be given after resistance testing of the pathogen. Unfortunately, there is currently no accepted method in standards that allows susceptibility testing of this fastidious pathogen. Therefore, we have worked out a method that allows harmonized susceptibility testing of the pathogen. The method meets the requirements of the CLSI and could be used by diagnostic laboratories.

Brief report: Isospora gilvusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the warbling vireo Vireo gilvus Vieillot (Passeriformes: Vireonidae) in Morelia, Mexico.

A new coccidian species, Isospora gilvusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the warbling vireo Vireo gilvus, is reported from Morelia, Michoacán State, Mexico. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are spherical to subspherical, 27-31 × 27-29 (30.1 × 28.4) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; one or two polar granules are present, but micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. Sporocyts are ovoid to drop-shaped, 16-17 × 11-12 (17.0 × 11.5) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.7; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum diffuse. At the histological study, endogenous stages were observed in the epithelial cells of the duodenum. This is the second species of Isospora recorded infecting a bird of the family Vireonidae in the New World.

Molecular characterization of the HMTp210 gene of Avibacterium paragallinarum and the proposition of a new genotyping method as alternative for classical serotyping.

Avibacterium paragallinarum (A. paragallinarum) is the aetiological agent of infectious coryza (IC) in chickens and characterized by acute respiratory distress and severe drop in egg production. Vaccination is important in the control of IC outbreaks and the efficacy of vaccination is dependent on A. paragallinarum serovars included in the vaccine. Classical serotyping of A. paragallinarum is laborious and hampered by poor availability of antigens and antisera. The haemagglutinin, important in classical serotyping, is encoded by the HMTp210 gene. HMTp210 gene analysis has been shown to have potential as alternative to classical serotyping. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the potential of sequence analyses of partial region 1 of the HMTp210 gene, the HMTp210 hypervariable region and the concatenated sequences of both fragments. For this analysis, 123 HMTp210 gene sequences (field isolates, A. paragallinarum serovar reference strains and vaccine strains) were included. Evaluation of serovar references and vaccine strains revealed a need for critical evaluation, especially within Page serovar B and C. Phylogenetic analysis of HMTp210 region 1 resulted in a separation of Page serovar A, B and C strains. Analysis of the HMTp210 HVR alone was not sufficient to discriminate all nine different Kume serovar references. The concatenated sequences of HMTp210 region 1 and HMTp210 HVR resulted in 14 clusters with a high correlation with Page serovar and with the nine currently known Kume serovars and is therefore proposed as a novel genotyping method that could be used as an alternative for classical serotyping of A. paragallinarum.

Isospora speciosae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the black-polled yellowthroat Geothlypis speciosa Sclater, 1859 (Passeriformes: Parulidae) in Ciénegas del Lerma, Mexico.

A new coccidian species, Isospora speciosae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the black-polled yellowthroat Geothlypis speciosa Sclater, is reported from the marsh Ciénegas del Lerma Natural Protected Area, Mexico. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are subespherical to ovoidal, 24-26 × 21-23 (25.7 × 22.2) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; one or two polar granules are present, but micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. Sporocyts are ovoidal, 17-19 × 9-11 (18.7 × 10.2) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.8; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum compact. The new species is the sixth species of Isospora recorded in a bird of the family Parulidae in the New World.

Enteroparasites from the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in Toluca Valley, Mexico.

We examined 82 fresh fecal samples from American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) at San Pablo Autopan, Toluca Valley, central Mexico, December 2021 to April 2022. Eggs of Contracaecum spp. were observed in 100%, Capillaria spp. in two (2.5%), Strongyloides spp. in eight (9.7%), and coccidial oocysts in 12 (15%).

First Record of the Rare Species Aeromonas lusitana from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum): Comparative Analysis with the Existing Strains.

The species Aeromonas lusitana was first described in 2016 with five strains recovered from untreated water and vegetables from Portugal. Since then, no further records exist of this species. During a surveillance study on the presence of Aeromonas in fish farms in Mexico, a new strain (ESV-351) of the mentioned species isolated from a rainbow trout was recovered. It was identified because it clustered phylogenetically with the type strain of A. lusitana based on the analysis of the rpoD gene sequences. In the present study, phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and the presence of putative virulence genes of this novel strain (ESV-351) were determined in parallel to the five isolates from the original species description. Phenotypic differential characteristics exhibited by A. lusitana ESV-351 depicted an evident similarity to the characteristics exhibited by the other evaluated strains. However, the novel strain was positive for the production of indole using conventional methods, while the rest of the strains, including the type strain, were negative for its production. Furthermore, intermediate resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cephalothin was detected in both the novel and the type strain. Five different virulence-related genes were detected in the novel strain and in the previously described strains, with the type strain exhibiting the highest number of virulence-related genes. In addition to this, the genome of the novel strain (ESV-351) was sequenced and compared with the genomes from the type strain (A. lusitana CECT 7828T) and other Aeromonas spp. The genomic analysis defined Aeromonas tecta as the closest species to A. lusitana with a highly similar number of predicted proteins. The genomic size, the number of protein-encoding genes and the number of different tRNAs, among other characteristics, make it possible to propose that the ESV-351 strain could potentially have the capacity to adapt to different environments. Genome comparison of the ESV-351 strain with the type strain revealed that both possess a similar sequence of the citrate synthase gene. In addition to this finding, the chromosomal region containing the citrate synthase locus of the novel strain exhibits some similarity to the chromosomal region in the genome of the A. hydrophila type strain and other known human pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae. This could suggest a possible virulence role for the citrate synthase gene in A. lusitana (ESV-351).

Characterization of commensal Escherichia coli isolates from slaughtered sheep in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Commensal Escherichia coli is defined as bacteria without known virulence factors that could be playing a specific role in some diseases; however, they could be responsible to disseminate antimicrobial resistance genes to other microorganisms. This study aimed to characterize the commensal E. coli isolates obtained from slaughtered sheep in the central region of Mexico. METHODOLOGY: Isolates were classified as commensal E. coli when distinctive genes related to diarrheagenic pathotypes (stx1, stx2, eae, bfp, LT, stp, ipaH, and aggR) were discarded by PCR. Identification of serotype, phylogenetic group, and antimicrobial resistance was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 41 isolates were characterized. The phylogenetic groups found were B1 in 37 isolates (90.2%), A in 2 (4.8%), and 1 isolate (2.4%) for C and D groups. Serotypes associated with diarrhea in humans (O104:H2 and O154:NM) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (O8:NM) were detected. Thirty-three isolates (80%) were resistant to ceftazidime, 23 (56%), to tetracycline 8 (19.5%) to ampicillin, and 1 to amikacin. Six isolates (14.6%) were multidrug-resistant. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information about commensal E. coli in slaughtered sheep, high percentages of resistance to antibiotics, and different profiles of antimicrobial resistance were found, their dissemination constitute a risk factor towards the consuming population.

Identification, HPG2 Sequence Analysis, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Avibacterium paragallinarum Isolates Obtained from Outbreaks of Infectious Coryza in Commercial Layers in Sonora State, Mexico.

This is the first extensive report on the identification and characterization of Avibacterium paragallinarum (AVP) isolates obtained from outbreaks of infectious coryza (IC) in IC-vaccinated layer flocks from Sonora State in Mexico. Isolates obtained from IC outbreaks during the years 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019 were identified by conventional PCR test and 16S rRNA gene analysis, serotyped by Page serotyping and genotyped by the recently described partial sequence analysis of the HPG2 region. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined by a recently improved minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The conventional PCR test and the 16S rRNA analyses confirmed the isolates as AVP. Serotyping results showed the involvement of isolates belonging to serotypes A, B, and C in the IC outbreaks. Genotyping of the HPG2 region revealed the presence of sequence type (ST)1, ST4, and ST11, of which the latter has also been identified in Europe. The MIC susceptibility test showed that all tested isolates were susceptible for the majority of tested antimicrobials, including erythromycin and tetracycline, which are important antibiotics for the treatment of IC. The IC situation in Sonora State, Mexico, is complex because of the presence of serotypes A, B, and C. This finding emphasizes the importance of biosecurity in combination with the application of the most optimal vaccination programs in the control of IC in Sonora State, Mexico.

Nota de investigación­Análisis de secuencias de la región HPG2 y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de aislamientos de Avibacterium paragallinarum obtenidos de brotes de coriza infecciosa en aves de postura comerciales en el estado de Sonora, México. Este es el primer informe extenso sobre la identificación y caracterización de aislamientos de Avibacterium paragallinarum (AVP) obtenidos de brotes de coriza infecciosa (IC) de parvadas de ponedoras vacunadas con coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora en México. Los aislamientos obtenidos de los brotes de coriza infecciosa durante los años 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017 y 2019 se identificaron mediante una prueba de PCR convencional y el análisis del gene de ARNr 16S, se serotipificaron mediante el método de Page y se genotipificaron mediante el análisis parcial de secuencias descrito recientemente de la región HPG2. Además, se determinaron los perfiles de susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos mediante la prueba de concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) que ha sido mejorada recientemente. La prueba de PCR convencional y los análisis de secuencias del gene ARNr 16S confirmaron que los aislados eran A. paragallinarum. Los resultados de la serotipificación mostraron la participación de aislamientos pertenecientes a los serotipos A, B y C en los brotes de coriza infecciosa. La genotipificación de la región HPG2 reveló la presencia de secuencias del tipo (ST) 1, ST4 y ST11, de los cuales este último también ha sido identificada en Europa. La prueba de susceptibilidad por concentración mínima inhibitoria mostró que todos los aislados analizados eran susceptibles a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos analizados, incluida la eritromicina y la tetraciclina, que son antibióticos importantes para el tratamiento contra la coriza infecciosa. La situación de coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora, México, es compleja por la presencia de los serotipos A, B y C. Este hallazgo enfatiza la importancia de la bioseguridad en combinación con la aplicación de los programas de vacunación óptimos en el control de la coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora, México.

In vitro transduction of antimicrobial resistance genes into Escherichia coli isolates from backyard poultry in Mexico.

The transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes is an emerging problem involving multiple factors (humans, domestic animals, wildlife). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli isolates with different antimicrobial resistance genes from backyard poultry and to demonstrate the in vitro transduction phenomenon of these genes between phages from migratory wild birds and poultry E. coli isolates. We collected 197 E. coli isolates from chickens, turkeys, and ducks in backyard production units (northern region of the State of Mexico). Isolates were resistant to ampicillin (80.7%), tetracycline (64.4%), carbenicillin (56.3%), and nalidixic acid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (both, 26.9%). Moreover, the genes blaTEM (56.3%), tetB (20.8%), tetA (19.2%), sulI (7.6%), sulII (10.1%), qnrA (9.6%), and qnrB (5.5%) were found. In vitro transduction using phages from migratory wild birds sampled in the wetland Chimaliapan (State of Mexico) was successfully achieved. It was possible to transduce qnrA, tetB, blaTEM, and sulII genes to E. coli isolates from poultry. This is the first report that describes the transduction of antimicrobial resistance genes from phages of migratory wild birds to poultry and suggests the possible transmission in backyard production units.

Infección por COVID-19, una mirada a los factores ambientales relacionados con la pandemia / COVID-19 infection, a look at environmental factors related to the pandemic

Resumen La pandemia global por COVID-19 ha generado un sin número de alertas y cambios en las formas de habitar y de consumo. La triada medio ambiente-salud-individuo vuelve a ser protagonista en este escenario, en donde se aprecian graves fracturas en los sistemas de salud pública, hábitat y seguridad alimentaria. Como factor transversal a esos elementos, la contaminación ambiental se convirtió en un efecto facilitador de la pandemia pues la transmisión por contacto entre humanos a través de aerosoles representa la vía de contagio. Esta situación obligó al distanciamiento y confinamiento preventivo, medida que logró hacer evidente la pobreza, la inequidad y la desigualdad que se vive globalmente. Por otro lado, los cambios en la movilidad y la frecuencia de producción en industrias de manufactura trajo una reducción en los gases de efecto invernadero.

Abstract The global pandemic due to COVID-19 has generated countless alerts and changes in the ways of living and consuming, the environment, health and individual triad is once again the protagonist in this scenario where serious fractures in the public health systems, habitat and food security are seen. As a transverse factor to these elements, environmental contamination became a facilitating effect of the pandemic and transmission by contact between humans through aerosols represents the route of contagion, this situation forced the distancing and preventive confinement, this measure to makes evident the poverty, inequality and inequity that is experienced globally, on the other hand the changes in mobility and the frequency of production in manufacturing industries brought a reduction in greenhouse gases.

Isospora dipperia n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus Swainson (Passeriformes: Cinclidae) in Yosemite National Park, USA.

Isospora dipperia n. sp. is described from the feces of the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus Swainson collected in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are subespherical, 20-24 × 17-21 (20.9 × 18.7) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.1); one polar granule is present, but micropyle is absent. Sporocyts are lemon-shaped, 14-16 × 8-11 (15.5 × 9.8) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.6; prominent Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum of many scattered granules is present and the sporozoites have prominent anterior and posterior refractile bodies. The mean dimensions (15.9 × 13.8 µm) of unsporulated oöcysts of I. cincli Gottschalk, 1972 from the white-throated dipper C. cinclus (L.) in Europe, appear to be considerably smaller than those in I. dipperia n. sp. Comparisons of Isospora dipperia n. sp. with two species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 described in the Americas from birds of the family Sturnidae, related to Cinclidae, revealed that the mean dimensions of the sporulated oöcysts in the new species are considerably smaller than those in I. graculai Bhatia, Chauhan, Arora & Agrawal, 1973 from Gracula religiosa (24.6 × 22.4 µm) and I. rothschildi Upton, Wilson, Norton & Greiner, 2001 from Leucopsar rothschildi (22.3 × 21.6 µm). The new species is the first species of Isospora recorded in a bird of the family Cinclidae in the New World.

The common gallinule, Gallinula galeata (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae), as a new host for Eimeria paludosa (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Mexico.

Up to now, four coccidian species have been identified in Rallidae (Aves: Gruiformes): Eimeria mongolica, E. alakuli, E. paludosa and E. porphyrulae. Here, we described an Eimeria species, E. paludosa, from a common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) in Mexico. Oocysts were ovoid and wall pitted single-layered. A prominent micropyle was present, the oocyst residuum absent and the polar granule was present. On histological examination of tissues, endogenous stages (meronts, microgametocytes and macrogametocytes) were seen in the epithelial cells of the small intestine (upper and lower intestine). In addition to a new locality, this is the first description of E. paludosa from G. galeata and is the third description of a coccidian infecting Rallidae in the Americas.

A new species of Acroeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Wiegmann's torquate lizard Sceloporus torquatus torquatus Weigmann (Sauria: Phrynosomatidae) from Toluca Valley, México.

A new species of Acroeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989 is described from Wiegmann's torquate lizard Sceloporus torquatus torquatus Wiegmann from Toluca, México. Oöcysts of Acroeimeria wiegmanni n. sp. are sub-spheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure on average 28.6 × 23.6 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum are absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure on average 11.7 × 8.6 µm, L/W 1.3; Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous spheroidal granules in the center of the sporocyst. Endogenous stages of the new species develop in the duodenum of hosts. This is the first species of coccidian reported from S. t. torquatus and one of the few reported from a reptile in México.

Haemoparasites in endemic and non-endemic passerine birds from central Mexico highlands.

Haemosporidian parasites of birds are found worldwide and include the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon. Infection with haemosporidian parasites can affect host physical condition and reproductive success. The aim of this study was to identify the blood parasites and parasitaemia in endemic and non-endemic passerine birds from central Mexico highlands. This study included 157 passerines representing 29 species from 17 families. Overall, 30.6% (48/157) of the birds were infected with blood parasites. Of those, Haemoproteus spp. were found in 14.0% (n = 22), Leucocytozoon spp. 12.1% (n = 19) and microfilariae 0.6% (n = 1). Blood parasites were found in 71.4% (5/7) of endemic bird species and 45.4% (10/22) of non-endemic species. Medium to high parasitaemia (number of parasites/number erythrocytes) was observed in birds with infections of Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. Co-infections 3.8% (n = 6) were observed in two species of endemic birds. This study contributes to the knowledge of haemoparasites in endemic and non-endemic passerine birds from central Mexico highlands. Additional investigation on the molecular identification of haemosporidian parasites, pathogenicity and health status of these birds is necessary.

Isospora toxostomai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the curved-billed thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Mimidae) at the Central highlands of Mexico.

Isospora toxostomai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described based on material from the curved-billed thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre (Swainson) in the Central Highlands of Mexico. The new species possesses subspherical oöcysts, with a smooth, bi-layered wall. Sporulated oöcysts measure 22-25 × 21-24 (23.4 × 22.3) µm; length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.1). Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 15-17 × 10-11 (15.8 × 10.5); L/W ratio of 1.3-1.6 (1.5). Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, and a polar granule present (many fibrils). Mean dimensions of both sporulated oöcysts and sporocysts of I. toxostomai n. sp. appear to be considerably larger than those of Isospora mimusi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira Flausino & Lopes, 2011 from the tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus (Vieilot) in Brazil. This is the second species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 infecting a host of the Mimidae in the Americas.

Isospora phainopepla n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Phainopepla nitens (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Ptiliogonatidae) in the Joshua Tree National Park, USA.

Isospora phainopepla n. sp. is described from the faeces of Phainopepla nitens (Swainson) collected in Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA. To our knowledge, there are no metazoan or protist parasites described yet from any species in the Ptiliogonatidae of the Americas. Sporulated oöcysts of the isosporan are ellipsoidal, 30-35 × 22-29 (32.9 × 25.4) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio 1.20-1.35 (1.30); one rice-shaped polar granule is present, but both oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Sporocyts are elongate-ellipsoidal, 22-27 × 11-14 (23.9 × 12.0) µm, with L/W ratio 1.97-2.02 (2.00); prominent Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum of many scattered granules is present and the sporozoites have prominent anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This parasite is clearly new to science and represents the first species of Isospora hosted by a New World bird species from this small family of silky flycatchers (Ptiliogonatidae). This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as 7F664B0D-DF0E-4CAD-8CEA-45D79C8BBF92. This article was published as an Online First article on the online publication date shown on this page. The article should be cited by using the doi number. This is the Version of Record.

Molecular Identification and Virulence Potential of the Genus Aeromonas Isolated from Wild Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Mexico.

The members of the Aeromonas genus are important foodborne pathogens, with a worldwide distribution. Wild rainbow trout, from the national protected area Santuario del Agua State Park, Corral de Piedra, were analyzed. Species of Aeromonas were isolated from the trout, and their pathogenic potential was analyzed based on different pathogenicity and virulence factors. The isolates were identified as A. allosaccharophila (n = 15), A. sobria (n = 8), A. veronii (n = 3), A. rivipollensis (n = 2), A. piscicola (n = 2), and A. popoffii (n = 1), by RNA polymerase sigma factor (rpoD) gene sequencing. Sequence similarity with the type strain was 92.2 to 99.6% for A. sobria isolates, 97.8 to 98.0% for A. allosaccharophila isolates, 99.2% for the A. popoffii isolate, 99.2 to 100% for A. piscicola isolates, and 98.2 to 99.2% for A. veronii isolates. Notably, isolates A30T2-gills and A30T2-spleen showed sequence similarity of 98.0% with strain A. media CECT 4232T and 99.0% with strain A. rivipollensis P2G1T. Virulence genes were detected by PCR at the following frequencies: fla and serine protease, 96.77%; aerA, 93.54%; aexT, 87.09%; lipases, 74.19%; ascV and ahyB, 67.74%; exu, 61.29%; act, 41.93%; ascF-G, 38.70%; lafA, 32.26%; alt, 6.46%; aopP, 9.67%; and ast, 3.23%. These results indicate that several Aeromonas species had the potential pathogenicity to infect wild rainbow trout in the waterway created by the Corral de Piedra dam, suggesting they could be an emerging zoonotic pathogen.

Identification and characterization of Dutch Avibacterium paragallinarum isolates and the implications for diagnostics.

This study reports the results of diagnostic and molecular typing methods for 18 Avibacterium paragallinarum isolates obtained from outbreaks of infectious coryza in commercial layer flocks in the Netherlands. Isolation, biochemical identification, species-specific PCR tests and classical serotyping were performed. In addition, molecular typing by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) and sequence analysis of the partial HPG2 region of A. paragallinarum were applied and results of both techniques were compared. Moreover, the pathogenicity of an isolate of the most common genotype detected in the Netherlands was determined in an animal experiment. All 18 Avibacterium isolates were nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent. All isolates were detected by the species-specific conventional PCR while 33% of the isolates were missed by the species-specific real-time PCR. Sequence analysis showed a probe mismatch as a result of a single nucleotide polymorphism (G1516A). Modification of the probe of the real-time PCR was necessary to overcome false negative results. Molecular typing showed that sequence analysis of the partial HPG2 region was in concordance with ERIC-PCR results and indicated the presence of two major genotypes. Serotyping showed the presence of serovars A-1, A-2 and B-1. There was no correlation between genotyping results and serotyping results. Inoculation of an isolate of the most prevalent genotype, and belonging to serovar A-1, into brown layer hens demonstrated the pathogenicity of this isolate.