ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Hybrid isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae x P. cactorum from five different hosts (Cyclamen, Lavandula, Lewisia, Primula, and Spathiphyllum spp.) were identified by their atypical morphology and their well-defined heterozygous isozyme patterns. The hybrid nature of these isolates was tested by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, generating fragments typical for both P. nicotianae and P. cactorum. In hybrid isolates, polymerase chain reactions (PCR) with primers derived from unique parts of the ITS region (ITS-PCR) of both species yielded a combination of unique amplicons typical of both parental species. Eleven hybrid isolates, three isolates of each parental species and two atypical isolates from Rhododendron and Idesia spp. close to P. cactorum, were analyzed for amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). Consistent differences in AFLP patterns existed among the hybrid isolates, strongly indicating that these hybrids have arisen from independent hybridization events between P. nicotianae and P. cactorum. The two atypical isolates morphologically resembling P. cactorum were identical to the latter species in ITS-restriction fragment length polymorphism and response to the specific PCR primers but were intermediate between P. nicotianae x P. cactorum and P. cactorum in isozyme profiles and AFLP patterns. Since the introduction of hydroponic systems in greenhouses in the Netherlands, outbreaks of Phytophthora diseases are occurring in previously unaffected host species. This may be due to interspecific hybridization events resulting in novel pathogenic behavior.
ABSTRACT
An investigation of malariometric indices in relation to immunoglobulin levels, rheumatoid factors, and antithyroglobulins was carried out on 78 members of the Arfak tribe near Manokwari in Western New Guinea, in the course of a WHO assessment of malaria control activities in that region. The population investigated had been exposed to a period of epidemic malaria, as indicated by the small differences in malariometric indices between consecutive age groups. Typically high spleen sizes were recorded, as found generally among Papuans in similar situations. Falciparum malaria was most prevalent, almost equal to cases of vivax and malariae malaria together. IgM levels were very high, while those of IgG, IgA and IgD were not elevated. Total serum protein was rather low. No correlation between malariometric indices, autoantibodies, and immunoglobulin levels could be found. In particular there was no correlation between IgM levels and spleen indices, such as has been found in many other surveys. It is suggested that splenomegaly may show no correlation with the IgM level in Papuan populations without previous selection.
