Correlation Between Cryptococcus Infection and the Nasal Mycobiota in a Population of Free-Ranging Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in New South Wales, Australia

Journal of Fungi, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(1), P. 64 - 64

Published: Jan. 15, 2025

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease in humans and animals, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans gattii species complexes. Clinical cryptococcosis primarily manifests as upper respiratory tract disease; however, dissemination to other organs, particularly brain, can occur. Nasal colonisation subclinical are common koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) due their shared environmental niche with Cryptococcus: Eucalyptus trees. However, for reasons that remain unclear, prevalence of clinical low koalas. Interactions between pathogens nasal mycobiome thought play role development progression numerous diseases. As such, this study aimed characterise vestibule without evidence cryptococcal via next-generation sequencing (NGS) ITS1 region internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. Samples were collected from 47 population free-ranging Liverpool Plains, NSW, Australia, known history exposure colonisation. Of animals tested, 6.4% culture-positive only, 4.3% seropositive 2.1% culture- seropositive. C. was detected four samples NGS. not There no significant differences mycobiomes Cryptococcus-positive -negative animals; thus, we could establish definitive association infection outcomes. We identified number genera significantly more abundant but there apparent relationship these cryptococcosis. This represents first investigation mycobiota wild Further studies involving necessary determine

Language: Английский

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Species-specific erosion of genetic diversity in grassland butterflies depends on landscape land cover

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 296, P. 110694 - 110694

Published: June 24, 2024

Changes in land cover, particularly agricultural intensification, are a primary cause of pollinator decline. Decline and isolation can reduce genetic diversity, reducing adaptive potential unmasking load. Maintenance functional connectivity changing landscapes is necessary to ensure persistence, but how cover impacts diversity butterflies remains poorly understood. We assess which extent functionally isolates grassland butterfly populations what consequences has for using whole genome data. species-specific patterns across three species that vary habitat specialization mobility - Polyommatus icarus, Plebejus argus Cyaniris semiargus samples from 6 11 ~25,000 km2 area southern Sweden. find while generalist Po. icarus nearly panmictic heathland specialist Pl. maintains modest connectivity, C. exists largely isolated populations. Genetic all positively related the surrounding landscape. Arable forest negatively inverse true semiargus. Lower coupled with higher rates inbreeding, suggesting more urgent need conservation action aimed at restoring this species, illustrating data reveal threats may go unnoticed abundance alone. conclude relies upon preservation well-connected semi-natural grasslands maintain longer distances.

Language: Английский

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Genomics identifies koala populations at risk across eastern Australia

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 29, 2024

Abstract Koalas are an iconic, endangered, Australian marsupial. Disease, habitat destruction, and catastrophic mega‐fires have reduced koalas to remnant patches of their former range. With increased likelihood extreme weather events ongoing clearing across Australia, koala populations vulnerable further declines isolation. Small, isolated considered at risk when there is inbreeding, erosion genomic diversity, loss adaptive potential, all which reduce ability respond prevailing threats. Here, we characterized the current landscape using data from The Koala Genome Survey, a joint initiative between Federal New South Wales Governments that aimed provide future‐proofed baseline dataset koala's range in eastern Australia. We identified several regions continent where low diversity high as measured by runs homozygosity. These included coastal sites along southeast Queensland northern mid‐coast Wales, well southern Victoria. Analysis vulnerability future climates revealed were more due expected changes this region, but adaptation required was minimal compared with other species. Our analyses indicate continued development, particularly linear infrastructure sites, resultant destruction causing isolation subsequent many populations. Habitat protection formation corridors must be employed for maintain levels diversity. For highly populations, active management may only way improve short term. If conserved generations, reversing priority conservation planning.

Language: Английский

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Urbanization, Animals, and Evolution

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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