The factors influencing the distribution and abundance of ectoparasites in vertebrates have been thoroughly examined in rodents, particularly concerning ticks and fleas. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding mites. The aim of this study was to determine if host or landscape traits are responsible for the abundance of dermanyssoid and trombiculoid mites. Rodent captures were carried out in the northwest region of Mexico between 2018 and 2022 in order to collect mites of the superfamilies Dermanyssoidea and Trombiculoidea. We generated generalized linear models to determine if rodent characteristics or the Index of Relative Anthropization (IRA) contribute to the relative abundance of Dermanyssoidea and Trombiculoidea. The best generalized linear model for Dermanyssoidea suggests that mite abundance is influenced by the IRA and the terrestrial rodent abundance. There is a relationship between the abundance of terrestrial rodents and dermanyssoid mites. Data show that as anthropization increases, Dermanyssoidea abundance decreases. The model shows rodent abundance, and the IRA are key factors in Trombiculoidea abundance. Our findings indicate that trombiculoid mites increase alongside rodents but decline as the IRA increases. This is the first study to use an index to investigate the impact of relative anthropization on Dermanyssoidea and Trombiculoidea in Mexico.

Bartonella is a widely distributed Gram-negative bacterium that includes species that are capable of causing illness in humans. Rodents represent one of the main reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, and monitoring their populations can provide valuable insights into human health. We conducted a surveillance study of rodents from two north-western states of Mexico (Baja California and Chihuahua) to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. A total of 586 rodents belonging to 28 species were captured, and 408 were tested for Bartonella spp. The overall Bartonella spp. prevalence was 39.71%. The prevalence found in Chihuahua was higher (42.80%) than in Baja California (32.52%), and rodents such as Neotoma albigula, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus boylii, and Chaetodipus baileyi had the highest prevalence. The gltA sequences revealed seven genetic variants, some of which were obtained from Peromyscus and Dipodomys rodents and were associated with Bartonella species of human health concern, such as B. grahamii and B. vinsonii subsp. arupensis. In addition, a sequence obtained from a Peromyscus maniculatus was clustered with Candidatus Bartonella rudakovii, a previously unreported association. This study provides valuable data and new insight into the Bartonella-hosts interactions in rodent species in north-western Mexico.

Sloths have the slowest digestion among mammals, requiring 5–20 times longer to digest food than other herbivores, which suggests differences in their gut microbiota, particularly in plant-fiber-degrading microorganisms. Bradypus variegatus has a lower metabolic rate and moves less than Choloepus hoffmanni. However, no comprehensive studies have compared the microbiota (e.g., fungi) of these species. We hypothesized that differences in digestion and metabolism between the two species would be reflected in their microbiota composition and functionality, which we characterized using metagenomics, metabarcoding, and cellulose degradation. Results revealed significant differences in microbiota composition and functionality. Both species are dominated by bacteria; fungi comprised only 0.06–0.5% of metagenomic reads. Neocallimastigomycota, an anaerobic fungus involved in fiber breakdown in other herbivores, was found in low abundance, especially in B. variegatus. Bacterial communities showed subtle differences: C. hoffmanni was dominated by Bacillota and Bacteroidota, while B. variegatus showed higher Actinomycetota. Expected herbivore bacterial taxa (e.g., Fibrobacter and Prevotella) were scarce. Functional analysis showed a low abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes essential for polysaccharide breakdown. Cellulose degradation assays confirmed that sloths digest only ~ 3–30% of ingested plant material. This research sheds light on the potential multidirectional links between the gut microbiota, metabolism, and digestion.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of four Bradyrhizobium spp. isolates obtained from root nodules of the native legumes Pentaclethra macroloba, Chamaecrista nictitans, Erythrina fusca and Zygia engelsingii in tropical forests of Costa Rica. Genomes ranged from 8.6 to 9.8 Mb with GC contents between 62.8% and 63.8%. Phylogenomic analysis, along with average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) comparisons, confirmed that these isolates represent potential new species. ANI values ranged from 88.3% to 90.3%, and dDDH values from 28.8% to 41.8%, compared with their closest Bradyrhizobium species. Functional annotation revealed some genes related to nitrogen fixation (nifA, nifB, nifH) and nodulation capacity (nodB, nodC, nodJ). These results provide insights into the diversity and symbiotic capabilities of Bradyrhizobium in tropical ecosystems.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in Latin America, where it is one of the most neglected diseases and is primarily transmitted by triatomine insects. The disease exhibits complexity due to its diverse transmission routes, including vectorial and non-vectorial mechanisms such as blood transfusions and congenital transmission. Effective monitoring and control strategies are critical to mitigating its impact. This review focuses on current monitoring and control efforts, emphasizing the importance of enhanced surveillance systems, improved risk assessments, and integrated vector control programs. Surveillance plays a pivotal role in early detection and timely intervention, particularly in endemic regions, while vector control remains central to reducing transmission. Moreover, the development of novel diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines is a crucial step in advancing control efforts. This review also highlights the involvement of local governments, international organizations, and civil society in executing these strategies, stressing the need for sustained political commitment to ensure the success of public health programs. By addressing key challenges in monitoring, control, and prevention, this review aims to provide insights and recommendations to further global efforts in reducing the burden of Chagas disease

Microbes are essential in every environment, with an important role in the fight against climate change. Promoting microbiology literacy, especially among children, is crucial. Our Ibero-American consortium uses gamification to make science and microbiology education engaging, tested through outreach campaigns in Costa Rica, and promoting future campaigns across Latin America.

Understanding the genetic diversity and connectivity of coral populations is necessary for their adequate management, especially considering global climate change. This study reports the genetic diversity and structure of the most common coral genus in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Pocillopora. A total of 12 microsatellite loci were tested to estimate genetic diversity metrics for three populations in the Gulf of Papagayo, of which 11 amplified successfully. High level of clonality was found in one of the populations (Jícaro; clonal richness, R = 0.069), where only three multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were found. This population also exhibited the lowest heterozygosity (He = 0.364) compared to Matapalo (He = 0.624) and Zapotillal (He = 0.598). Genetic structure was assessed using Nei’s pairwise FST and complemented with assignment tests. The analyses found Jícaro to be differentiated from both Matapalo and Zapotillal; whereas the last two populations show reduced divergence between them. These results indicate predominant asexual reproduction in Jícaro. Coupled with genetic isolation with the other sites suggest the occurrence of different Pocillopora species. Anyhow, they highlight a reduced genetic diversity, and thus a high vulnerability, in Jícaro.

Brazil harbors the greatest diversity of primates, and among them, the genus Callithrix is notable for its adaptation to urban environments. Despite being endemic to southern Bahia and northeastern Minas Gerais, the Wied's marmoset (Callithrix kuhlii) remains understudied, highlighting the need for baseline health data. This study aimed to characterize the hematological and biochemical profiles of C. kuhlii in urban and peri-urban areas within its distribution range. A total of 106 wild marmosets were captured, and blood samples were collected from the femoral plexus of the individuals. Hematological parameters showed no significant differences between sexes. However, sex-based variations were observed in serum biochemistry, with males showing higher triglycerides and urea levels, possibly influenced by dietary factors and testosterone. This pioneering study establishes essential baseline data on the hematology and biochemistry parameters of C. kuhlii in the wild, supporting future research on its ecology and conservation within the Atlantic Forest.

Count models are used when the response variable represents the number of specific successes. Depending on the application area, this count may have an excess of zeros, which requires a model that addresses this detail. Zero-inflated models are ideal for such situations. This study analyzes data related to Chagas disease to address both statistical and biological questions. To achieve this, a simulation study is conducted to determine whether variations in sample size affect estimates and if the chosen sampling method influences the performance of metrics used to calculate the probability of cell infection. It is found that balancing the sample size across concentrations using stratified sampling yields the best metric performance values. Additionally, it is concluded that increasing the concentration dose helps to reduce the number of parasites in the cells.

Fruits of Costa Rican guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied) contain phenolic compounds and offer the possibility of creating novel functional foods with benefits for human health. In vitro culture, a propagation technique currently scarce for this species, can be developed for the propagation of genotypes with desirable fruit and agronomic traits. Woody Plant Medium supplemented with the growth regulators 6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin and gibberellic acid at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L was used. Microcutting resulted in a more favorable response to BAP for variables such as the number of shoots (NS), number of nodes (NN) and number of leaves (NL). The mean NS was 4.80 when 1.5 mg/L BAP was used, whereas the optimal response for NN (14.73), NL (30.73), and shoot length (SL) (2.2 cm) was 0.5 mg/L BAP. WPM was subsequently supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP for multiplication in RITA®. The number of shoots (6.33 ± 2.31) and multiplication coefficient (5.33 ± 2.31) were greater than those of the semisolid media, with values of 4.30 ± 1.32 and 3.30 ± 1.32, respectively. For the rooting phase, the greatest response to the number of roots (3.75 ± 2.79), root length (2.46 ± 1.61 cm) and plant height (7.00 ± 0.63 cm) was associated with 0.3 mg/L indol-3-butyric acid. The survival rate of the rooted plantlets in the greenhouse was greater than 90% when the plants were exposed to IBA. This work provides new knowledge to the scarce literature on in vitro culture of P. friedrichsthalianum, particularly on the use of RITA®, which is described for the first time. New contributions to rooting and acclimatization for this species are comprehensively detailed.

In today’s landscape of zoonotic pathogen outbreaks, the dilution effect theory, i.e., the theory that greater biodiversity can help curb pathogen transmission among wildlife, has gained significant attention. However, the positive link between animal diversity and pathogen richness urges us to apply this concept with caution. It is crucial to explore how conservation biology can safeguard human health by preventing the emergence of zoonotic diseases. By investigating the implications of conservation strategies on animal communities and pathogen transmission as well as the adaptive capabilities of pathogens, we propose that biodiversity conservation based on small reserves can effectively reduce pathogen spread in wildlife, provided certain measurable conditions are met. Given the urgent need to tackle both zoonoses disease emergence and biodiversity loss, these interventions should be prioritized and implemented without delay.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is primarily associated with non-human-primates (NHPs) in Africa, which also infect humans. Since its introduction to Brazil in 2014, CHIKV has predominantly thrived in urban cycles, involving Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Limited knowledge exists regarding CHIKV occurrence and implications in rural and sylvatic cycles where neotropical NHPs are potential hosts, from which we highlight Leontopithecus chrysomelas (Kuhl, 1820), the golden-headed lion tamarin (GHLT), an endangered species endemic to the Atlantic Forest (AF) in Southern Bahia State, Brazil. The present study investigated wild GHLT groups across two municipalities, Ilhéus and Una, Bahia. Surveys were conducted in three groups within cocoa agroforests (cabrucas) in Ilhéus, and four groups in anthropized forest and agroforestry fragments in Una, between 2021 and 2022. Thirty-two GHLT specimens were captured and chemically immobilized, examined and submitted to blood sample collection; nine specimens were later recaptured in 2022, totaling 41 samples. CHIKV viremia was not detected in any specimens (as assayed by RT-qPCR). Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) detected CHIKV antibodies in two (6.3%) GHLTs, with 10–20 antibody titers. Seroprevalence in 2021 was 5.6% and in 2022 was 8.7% with an incidence of 4.5%, whereas, a male adult tested seropositive in both years, suggesting either natural re-exposure and antibody maintenance over time. All samples tested seronegative for Mayaro Virus. Eight mosquito species from the Culicidae family were collected, identified and assayed for CHIKV genomes, showing negative results. This study provides the first evidence of natural CHIKV exposure among free-living GHLTs in Brazil, emphasizing their susceptibility and potential role as reservoirs. These findings underscore the possible consequences of anthropic disturbances in the Brazilian AF, without a seroprevalence difference between non-protected forest formations, agroforest fragments

Microbes govern our planet! The International Microbial Literacy Initiative (IMiLI) promotes global microbial literacy with free, open-access resources in multiple languages. Understanding microbes is key to sustainability and informed decision-making.

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f), a valuable hardwood species, is widely cultivated for its superior wood properties. Effective breeding and clonal propagation programs require robust genetic verification methods such as clonal fidelity and parentage verification when these programs include controlled cross-pollination and propagation of elite clones. This study validates the use of ten optimized microsatellite markers in a multiplex PCR system for clonal identification and parentage testing. The system showed high discrimination power, with probabilities of identity (PI) and exclusion (PE), confirming its efficacy. The ten markers accurately identified clonal fidelity and ensured genetic fidelity of progenies. Overall, the study confirms effectiveness of microsatellites for genetic analysis and highlights a cost effective and precise approach for breeding and clonal propagation of teak.

As scientists, change is the only constant in our journey. We often find ourselves in transition from one laboratory to another, and during our training we are fortunate to experience the excitement of pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in well-funded, high-level research centers. However, after completing doctoral or postdoctoral training, we are frequently drawn to return to our home countries, where funding and support for science are significantly more limited. In this brief commentary, first, I would like to highlight the challenges faced by scientists from developing countries who have had the opportunity to train internationally and then choose to return home, driven both by personal motivations (e.g., family) and by the desire to contribute to the scientific advancement of their regions. Second, I would like to share some advice that has been especially useful to me in establishing my laboratory, defining research topics, and maintaining academic productivity. I hope these insights can be useful to colleagues in similar situations across different regions. Although starting a research group in regions with less investment in Research and Development is challenging, it is achievable with perseverance and the implementation of concrete actions.