Historical and contemporary factors affect the genetic diversity and structure of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn, along the western Atlantic coast

The genus Orthopristis includes seven valid species, three from the western Atlantic and five from eastern Pacific, while the available identification guides and taxonomic keys incorrectly recognize Orthopristis ruber as the only valid species found on the Atlantic coast of South America. Efforts to expand the inventory of fish species from the northern coast of Brazil led to the identification of two distinct species of Orthopristis from Atlantic South America, based on the analysis of coloration patterns and meristic data, as well as DNA. In the present study, the limits of Orthopristis ruber are reviewed, while Orthopristis scapularis is recognized as a valid species for the northern and northeastern coasts of South America. Based on intermediate morphological characteristics and nuclear DNA markers, a hybrid zone was identified off the state of Espírito Santo, on the eastern Brazilian coast. Additionally, considerations are made on the diversity and biogeography of the coastal marine and estuarine fishes found on the Brazilian coast.

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Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria: insights from microsatellite loci analysis

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03734-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fehintola V. Ajogbasile ◽

Adeyemi T. Kayode ◽

Paul E. Oluniyi ◽

Kazeem O. Akano ◽

Jessica N. Uwanibe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Population Structure ◽

Microsatellite Loci ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Population Diversity ◽

Parasite Population ◽

Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Public Health Burden ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure

Abstract Background Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. Methods In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools. Results Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of different alleles (13.52), effective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak (0.006, P < 0.001). Parasite population structure was low (Fst: 0.008–0.105, AMOVA: 0.039). Conclusion The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specific parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

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