The genus Xylaria comprises numerous species, particularly prevalent in tropical ecosystems such as those of Ecuador. Despite its ecological importance, the taxonomy of the genus remains challenging, and much of its diversity in the Neotropics remains under-documented. This study provides a preliminary characterization of the Xylaria diversity at the Estación Científica San Francisco, an Andean biodiversity hotspot in Southern Ecuador. Through an integrated approach including detailed macro- and micro-morphological descriptions and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA ITS and LSU) phylogenetic analyses, 20 Xylaria specimens were examined. As a result, ten species were recognized: Xylaria adscendens, X. cf. anisopleura, X. apiculata, X. curta, X. enterogena, X. fissilis, X. globosa, X. aff. telfairii, X. tuberoides, and X. aenea, the latter representing a new record for Ecuador. The phylogenetic analysis presented here serves as a preliminary systematic positioning of these specimens within the genus rather than a comprehensive global reconstruction. While these ribosomal markers provided preliminary insights into species relationships, partial incongruence with morphospecies highlights the evolutionary complexity of certain lineages and underscores the need for future multilocus studies. Furthermore, four additional phylotypes found in their anamorphic state are documented, suggesting that local diversity exceeds current records. By providing detailed morphological documentation supported by preliminary barcode data from a poorly sampled region, this study contributes vital information to the global understanding of Xylaria and underscores the importance of Southern Ecuador as a reservoir of fungal diversity.

Despite the critical public health implications of viral disease transmission, limited public understanding of virology often fosters widespread misinformation, inadequate risk perception, and stigma. This study describes ‘Viruscopia,’ an interdisciplinary public health communication initiative that bridges biology and art, using physical 3D models as a narrative tool intended to support health literacy and viral risk awareness. During the Loja International Festival of Living Arts (FIAVL 2025 in spanish) in Ecuador, ten high-fidelity physical 3D models representing viral structures were exhibited to the public through guided interactive tours. Public perception of the intervention was assessed after the visit through a mixed-methods approach, using an ad hoc questionnaire with high internal consistency (α = 0.88) voluntarily completed by 480 of approximately 800 visitors. Descriptive results showed a predominant positive perception, with median scores of 5.0 across most items, indicating a marked ceiling effect. Inferential analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant age-based variations in the “Reflection” variable (p < 0.05), with the over–65 cohort showing a strong concentration of responses at the maximum score (Me = 5.0; IQR = 0.00) compared with participants aged 12–17. No significant differences were found regarding biological sex. The results suggest that integrating physical 3D models with artistic interpretation was well received as a public health risk communication resource. From this perspective, art goes beyond simple illustration; combined with scientific content and guided explanations, it can serve as a preventive communication tool that helps demystify complex pathogen structures and may support viral health literacy and informed reflection on public health challenges. Consequently, this approach offers a useful model for making complex scientific knowledge more accessible to the public, although, given the single-group, post-visit design, these findings reflect self-reported perceptions rather than objectively measured learning outcomes.

Brucellosis is an important infectious disease affecting livestock worldwide, causing reproductive losses in small ruminant production systems and representing a persistent challenge for animal health and public health under a One Health perspective. Despite its importance, epidemiological information on ovine brucellosis in Ecuador remains scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. infection in sheep at both the individual and herd levels and to identify potential risk factors associated with infection. This study represents the largest epidemiological investigation conducted to date on ovine brucellosis in Ecuador, covering the main sheep-producing regions of the country (more than 95% of the national sheep population). Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 970 sheep from 385 farms were sampled. Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA assay, and epidemiological information was obtained through structured farm surveys. Statistical analyses included bivariate tests and a multivariable model using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). The overall individual seroprevalence was 5.1% (49/970), while herd-level prevalence reached 7.5% (29/385). Multivariable analysis identified abortion rate (OR = 1.045; 95% CI: 1.016–1.074) and isolation of sick animals (OR = 2.843; 95% CI: 1.150–7.027) as factors associated with seropositivity, whereas access to technical advisory services was identified as a protective factor. These findings provide essential epidemiological evidence to support surveillance programs and improve biosecurity and veterinary extension strategies in Ecuadorian sheep production systems.