DNA fingerprinting based on SSR amplification profiles was applied to native species of Piper from the Atlantic Forest to compare the utility of this type of molecular marker with the morphological characters traditionally applied in Piper taxonomy and identification. Fifty-one SSR markers developed for four species of Piper native to Asia and Mesoamerica were applied to 16 species, together with 63 morphological characters, for species characterization. Molecular and morphological data were analysed by cluster analysis, followed by a cluster sharpness test and the construction of a heat map to visualize the association of characters with species groups. A multivariate regression tree determined the number of loci needed for species identification. Forty-five primers were transferable to at least four species. Molecular data were more efficient in detecting sharp groups than morphological data. Species groups delimited by a set of shared morphological characters were differentiated based on molecular data. The sixteen studied species could be separated by nine primers, demonstrating the cross-species transferability of SSR markers and the usefulness of DNA fingerprinting for both the delimitation and the identification of species of Piper.

Euterpe edulis is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest that is threatened by the unsustainable exploitation of palm heart. Fruit management is an alternative to overcome this problem, promoting income generation, preserving the trees in forest remnants and motivating the implementation of farms for commercial production. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of four natural populations of E. edulis were evaluated using microsatellite markers and six morphological fruit traits, analyzed with and without the REML/ BLUP method. The longitudinal diameter had the strongest influence on the differentiation of genotypes. The genetic differentiation among populations was low and inbreeding was detected within populations among sites. Molecular and morphological data indicated high genetic diversity in the E. edulis populations. The REML/BLUP analysis increased the accuracy of morphology-based estimates of genetic diversity, thus contributing to improve breeding strategies for fruit quality and genetic conservation by use in E. edulis.

Background: Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis among people living with advanced HIV infection. Purpose: Describe general aspects and challenges of this disease and its association with HIV. Research Design: Review of literature. Study Sample: Articles found using different combinations of terms including “disseminated histoplasmosis” and AIDS/HIV or immunosuppression in PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global health library, and Scielo database. Analysis: We look for information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of histoplasmosis in AIDS patients. Results: Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus encountered throughout the world, mainly in soil enriched with bat and bird excreta. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is the main presentation of this mycosis in people living with advanced HIV and is fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include a systemic disease characterized by fever, weight loss, night sweats, skin manifestations, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and septic shock. Diagnostic tests include culture, visualization of H. capsulatum by direct and histopathological examination, serology, antigen, molecular, and skin testing. Patients with disseminated disease require aggressive and prolonged treatment to eradicate the pathogen and include amphotericin B and itraconazole. In many low income countries of endemic regions, histoplasmosis in HIV-positive patients is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as another opportunistic infection, due to the similarity in clinical manifestations and to the paucity of better diagnostic tests. Conclusion: Histoplasmosis remains a neglected disease. Few studies about the disease and expensive treatments make it difficult to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this condition. Public health services and physicians must be aware of histoplasmosis' burden among the HIV-positive population.

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