Molecular characterization and phylogeny of four new species of the genus Trichonympha (Parabasalia, Trichonymphea) from lower termite hindguts

Members of the genus Trichonympha are among the most well-known, recognizable and widely distributed parabasalian symbionts of lower termites and the wood-eating cockroach species of the genus Cryptocercus. Nevertheless, the species diversity of this genus is largely unknown. Molecular data have shown that the superficial morphological similarities traditionally used to identify species are inadequate, and have challenged the view that the same species of the genus Trichonympha can occur in many different host species. Ambiguities in the literature, uncertainty in identification of both symbiont and host, and incomplete samplings are limiting our understanding of the systematics, ecology and evolution of this taxon. Here we describe four closely related novel species of the genus Trichonympha collected from South American and Australian lower termites: Trichonympha hueyi sp. nov. from Rugitermes laticollis, Trichonympha deweyi sp. nov. from Glyptotermes brevicornis, Trichonympha louiei sp. nov. from Calcaritermes temnocephalus and Trichonympha webbyae sp. nov. from Rugitermes bicolor. We provide molecular barcodes to identify both the symbionts and their hosts, and infer the phylogeny of the genus Trichonympha based on small subunit rRNA gene sequences. The analysis confirms the considerable divergence of symbionts of members of the genus Cryptocercus, and shows that the two clades of the genus Trichonympha harboured by termites reflect only in part the phylogeny of their hosts.

[Amiodarone pneumonitis with Hypermastigote lung infection: a case report and review of the literatures]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features of amiodarone pneumonitis with Hypermastigote lung infection.

METHODS

Case report and review of the related literatures. The clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, radiographic patterns, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of amiodarone pneumonitis with Hypermastigote lung infection were described.

RESULTS

A 58 year old male patient presented dyspnea after exertion. Pulmonary function showed decrease of the diffusing capacity, and CT showed interstitial changes and alveolar exudation. Foamy cells and Hypermastigotes were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. After cessation of amiodarone and the start of anti-parasite therapy, the symptoms relieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Amiodarone pneumonitis with Hypermastigote lung infection is very rare. The infection may be due to decrease of local immunity caused by amiodarone pneumonitis.

[Clinical analysis of bronchopulmonary infection with hypermastigotes: a report of two cases and review of the Chinese literature]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features of bronchopulmonary infection with hypermastigotes.

METHODS

Two cases of bronchopulmonary infection with hypermastigotes were reported. The clinical features of another six cases from the Chinese literature were reviewed.

RESULTS

Bronchopulmonary infection with hypermastigotes mostly occurs in the hot and humid southern area. The symptoms are severe, with different manifestations such as chronic cough, asthma, pneumonia, and even lung abscess. Final diagnosis is made by the presence of hypermastigotes in smears of secretions from the respiratory tract. An antiprotozoal such as metronidazole is always effective.

CONCLUSION

In patients with unexplained cough, asthma, and pneumonia or lung abscess which do not respond to ordinary therapy, rare pathogens such as hypermastigotes need to be considered.