On the occurrence and distribution of Synodontis nigrita and Synodontis violaceus (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) in the Nilo-Sudan, and Upper and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal provinces.

Examination of the holotype of Synodontis nigrita, the type specimens of both its (potential) junior synonyms, Synodontis fascipinna and Synodontis ornatus, and an additional 306 specimens, previously identified as S. nigrita, confirmed that the interorbital width is the most important diagnostic character to distinguish S. nigrita from its Nilo-Sudanic (N-S), and Upper and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal province congeners. Results revealed that this species has a typical N-S distribution. In addition, the occurrence of Synodontis violaceus in the Cross River is not corroborated. Therefore, it should be considered a typical West African species.

Potential role for fish in transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer): an environmental study.

This study reports a potential role that fish may play in the transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer). Fish found positive for M. ulcerans DNA all appear to feed on insects or plankton and are believed to concentrate M. ulcerans from this usual food source. These observations provide additional data supporting our previous hypothesis on sources of M. ulcerans and modes of transmission.