Genetic diversity of loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, nesting on the Kuriat Islands, the most important Tunisian nesting beach (central Mediterranean), was investigated using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Allozyme electrophoresis of 63 hatchlings from four different clutches showed a low genetic diversity. The genotypic composition of two clutches did not match Mendelian expectations suggesting the occurrence of multiple paternity. The analysis of 380 bp of the mitochondrial DNA control region revealed no genetic variability. Only one haplotype was described in our sample (N ¼ 16), which corresponds to the sequence of the most common haplotype found on the Mediterranean nesting beaches (CC-A2). The low genetic diversity detected by both mitochondrial and allozyme markers is discussed taking into account available data about past and present situations of loggerhead nesting activity in this site. Adequate conservation measures should be urgently taken to protect the nesting population in this area. 4olfa chaieb et al.

The present study reports on the in vitro antileishmanial activity of two Ircinidae (Dictyoceratida, Demospongiae, Porifera) Ircinia spinosula and Sarcotragus sp. Sampled from the east coast of Tunisia. The ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts were tested against Leishmania major promastigotes. The anti-proliferative activity was checked using different extracts concentration during 72 h. We found that the IC50 (sub-inhibitory concentration) values ranged from 1.39 to 264.67 mug/ml. The most active extract was that from sarcotragus sp dichloromethane extract. Microscopic observations showed that the extracts promoted cellular alterations and induce enlargement of the nucleus and modification of the parasite shape. These promising results in relation with in vitro antileishmanial activity open the way for complementary investigation in order to purify and identify active molecules.

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