Water can act as a vector for several microbes with significant pathogenic potential for both humans and animals. Waterborne infections are a critical public health concern as they cause more than 3.4 million deaths annually. Total and thermotolerant coliforms and intestinal enterococci have traditionally been used to assess the quality and suitability of drinking water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of groundwater from six sub-basins located in the upper Choluteca River basin in Honduras and to determine the E. coli phylogroups isolated in these samples. Our findings show high rates of fecal contamination, which suggests that the groundwater in the basin is unsafe for human consumption. Phylogroups B1 and D were the most frequent among 99 E. coli isolates, while C and F were the least frequent phylogroups. Measures must be taken to raise awareness about sanitation and good practices for the management of household waste as well as the waste generated by agro-industrial activity and livestock.

Pine is one of the important coniferous genera in America. In Honduras, Pinus oocarpa is the most critical conifer species since it plays an essential role for the country's economy and represents a symbol of national identity. Endophytic fungi are defined as microorganisms that reside in the internal tissues of plants without causing any obvious immediate negative effects and are an integral part of their associated microbial communities. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the endophytic fungi present in the pines of Honduras through the amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal RNA gene's internal transcribed spacer (ITS). A total of 7 pines from the department of El Paraíso in eastern Honduras were analyzed. A total of 14 fungi grouped into 6 genera and 7 species were isolated: Fusarium lateritium, F. pseudocircinatum, Pestalotiopsis pini, P. microspora, Xylaria grammica, Trichoderma atroviride, y Nigrospora oryzae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endophytic fungal species in pines in Honduras. Although some endophytic fungi may be mutualistic or saprophytic, the present study shows the presence of several genera of endophytic fungi that have been reported as pine pathogens. The presence of these fungi in the pines of Honduras represents a potential threat to the health of the forest. Further research is needed to increase knowledge about the importance of these fungi and the potential impact they could have on pine forests in Honduras. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, Pinus oocarpa, Honduras

In the last 45 years, there has been a significant increase in Candida infections among the general population, reported as the fourth cause of nosocomial blood infections (1). These infections have been observed more frequently in critically ill patients. Identification of Candida species is necessary because, among strains, different patterns of natural resistance to antifungal drugs are present. This resistance could disrupt the effectiveness of the treatment, thus increasing hospital stay and mortality among critically ill patients. To determine the ecology of Candida species found in different areas of the Departmentof Pediatrics of HEU in 55 Candida-positive cultures from different types of pediatric samples using germ-tube, CHROmagar and PCR-RFLP, Implementing the latter technique as a diagnostic method. The general prevalence of Candida within the areas of the Department of Pediatrics of the HEU using PCR-RFLP as a gold standard was C. tropicalis 25.5%, C.albicans 21.8%, C. parapsilosis 12.7%. C. glabrata con 7.3% and C. Krusei 5.5%. A higher percentage of positivity was observed in Pediatric Oncology Room 12 (21.8%), followed by Nutrition Room 12 (21.8%) and Infants Room 10 (18.2%). The most frequent type of sample was urine with 31 isolates (56.4%). The PCR-RFLP method is a valuable tool for the identification of species causing infection and differentiates between co-infections among Candida species. This characteristic of the PCR-RFLP method evidenced that this is a fast and useful method in the treatment, prophylaxis, and in the design of strategies of reduction of mortality by this genre.

Fusarium circinatum (anamorph of Gibberella circinata) is the etiological agent of resinous canker in conifers, especially within the genus Pinus. This pathogen can impact all phases of tree development. Infections caused by F. circinatum in pine forests have been catastrophic in numerous countries globally, underscoring the necessity of understanding the geographical distribution of this fungus to enhance ecological comprehension and inform effective control measures. This study aims to report the existence of F. circinatum as a potential pathogen of pine trees in Honduras. Samples were obtained from mature trees and tree nurseries of Pinus oocarpa in three departments of Honduras, exhibiting symptoms such as chlorosis, needle wilting, and progressive mortality. Samples underwent microbiological and molecular identification. The isolates were identified using phenotypic approaches focused on micro and macro morphology, followed by the amplification and sequencing of three genes: ITS, EF-1α, and Beta-tubulin. Three isolates of the fungus were identified as F. circinatum. No genetic diversity was seen among the three isolates; nevertheless, some diversity was evident in comparison to sequences deposited in databases from different geographic regions. This is the first report and molecular characterization of F. circinatum isolated from Pinus oocarpa in Honduras.