Endophytic fungal diversity and bioactive potentials: investigating antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

This study investigates the colonization of endophytic fungi in nettle leaf tissues and evaluates their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Using an inverted optical microscope, extensive fungal colonization was observed in all leaf parts, with hyphae prevalent in epidermal cells, parenchyma cells, and vascular tissues. 144 endophytic fungal isolates were isolated from 800 leaf fragments, indicating an 18% retention rate. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0. 001) in colonization frequencies among 20 subjects, with subject 3 showing the highest frequency (40%) and subject 11 the lowest (2. 5%). Ethyl acetate extracts of the three most abundant endophytic fungi demonstrated notable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Inhibition zones ranged from 9. 5 to 15. 16 mm, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0. 19 to 25 mg/mL. Alternaria sp. exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging test and FRAP method. All extracts showed substantial free radical scavenging properties, with IC50 values close to those of standards like BHT. Alternaria sp. had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by Epicocum sp. and Ulocladium sp. The FRAP method confirmed high reducing potential, with Alternaria sp. again exhibiting the highest activity. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic fungi in nettle leaves as sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, with significant implications for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

Enhancing Antibiotic Efficacy and Combating Biofilm Formation: Evaluating the Synergistic Potential of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria remain a global public health issue due to the barrier imposed by their outer membrane and their propensity to form biofilms. It is becoming imperative to develop new antibacterial strategies. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Origanum vulgare essential oil (OEO), alone and in combination with antibiotics, as well as its antibiofilm action against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative strains. OEO components were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion test and the microdilution method. Interactions between OEO and antibiotics were examined using the checkerboard method, while antibiofilm activity was analyzed using the crystal violet assay. Chemical analysis revealed that carvacrol was the major compound in OEO (61.51%). This essential oil demonstrated activity against all the tested strains, with inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) reaching 32.3 ± 1.5 mm. The combination of OEO with different antibiotics produced synergistic and additive effects, leading to a reduction of up to 98.44% in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). In addition, this essential oil demonstrated an ability to inhibit and even eradicate biofilm formation. These results suggest that OEO could be exploited in the development of new molecules, combining its metabolites with antibiotics.

Assessment of antibacterial activity, modes of action, and synergistic effects of Origanum vulgare hydroethanolic extract with antibiotics against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.

This study evaluates the antibacterial effectiveness of Origanum vulgare hydroethanolic extract, both independently and in combination with antibiotics, against Escherichia coli strains associated with avian colibacillosis-a significant concern for the poultry industry due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant E. coli. The urgent demand for new treatments is addressed by analyzing the extract's phytochemical makeup via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which identified sixteen phenolic compounds. Antibacterial activity was determined through agar diffusion and the measurement of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC), showing moderate efficacy (MIC: 3.9 to 7.8 mg/mL, MBC: 31.2 to 62.4 mg/mL). Combining the extract with antibiotics like ampicillin and tetracycline amplified antibacterial activity, indicating a synergistic effect and highlighting the importance of combinatory treatments against resistant strains. Further analysis revealed the extract's mechanisms of action include disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity and inhibiting ATPase/H+ proton pumps, essential for bacterial survival. Moreover, the extract effectively inhibited and eradicated biofilms, crucial for preventing bacterial colonization. Regarding cytotoxicity, the extract showed no hemolytic effect at 1 to 9 mg/mL concentrations. These results suggest Origanum vulgare extract, particularly when used with antibiotics, offers a promising strategy for managing avian colibacillosis, providing both direct antibacterial benefits and moderating antibiotic resistance, thus potentially reducing the economic impact of the disease on the poultry industry.

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in healthy dairy cows in Algeria: antibiotic resistance, enterotoxin genes and biofilm formation.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus can colonize and infect a variety of animal species. In dairy herds, it is one of the leading causes of mastitis cases. The objective of this study was to characterize the S. aureus isolates recovered from nasal swabs of 249 healthy cows and 21 breeders of 21 dairy farms located in two provinces of Algeria (Tizi Ouzou and Bouira). METHODS: The detection of enterotoxin genes was investigated by multiplex PCRs. Resistance of recovered isolates to 8 antimicrobial agents was determined by disc-diffusion method. The slime production and biofilm formation of S. aureus isolates were assessed using congo-red agar (CRA) and microtiter-plate assay. Molecular characterization of selected isolates was carried out by spa-typing and Multi-Locus-Sequence-Typing (MLST). RESULTS: S. aureus was detected in 30/249 (12%) and 6/13 (28.6%) of nasal swabs in cows and breeders, respectively, and a total of 72 isolates were recovered from positive samples (59 isolates from cows and 13 from breeders). Twenty-six of these isolates (36.1%) harbored genes encoding for staphylococcal enterotoxins, including 17/59 (28.8%) isolates from cows and 9/13 (69.2%) from breeders. Moreover, 49.1% and 92.3% of isolates from cows and breeders, respectively, showed penicillin resistance. All isolates were considered as methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). Forty-five (76.3%) of the isolates from cows were slime producers and 52 (88.1%) of them had the ability to form biofilm in microtiter plates. Evidence of a possible zoonotic transmission was observed in two farms, since S. aureus isolates recovered in these farms from cows and breeders belonged to the same clonal lineage (CC15-ST15-t084 or CC30-ST34-t2228). CONCLUSIONS: Although healthy cows in this study did not harbor methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates, the nares of healthy cows could be a reservoir of enterotoxigenic and biofilm producing isolates which could have implications in human and animal health.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Nasal Samples of Healthy Dairy Goats in Algeria.

The present study aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from the nasal swabs of goats. A total of 232 nasal samples (one per animal) were collected from goats on 13 farms located in two regions of Algeria and were analyzed for the presence of S. aureus. The detection of virulence factors was carried out using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of the recovered isolates was assessed using the disc diffusion method. The biofilm formation ability was assessed by the Congo red agar method and a microtiter plate assay, and the molecular characterization of isolates was carried out by spa-typing, and for selected isolates also by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Overall, 36 out of 232 nasal swabs (15.5%) contained S. aureus, and 62 isolates were recovered. Regarding the virulence factors, at least one staphylococcal enterotoxin gene was detected in 30 (48.4%) isolates. The gene tst encoding the toxic shock syndrome toxin was detected in fifteen isolates (24.2%), but none of the isolates harbored the gene of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (lukF/S-PV). Nine different spa-types were identified, including the detection of a new one (t21230). The recovered isolates were assigned to three clonal complexes, with CC5 (51.8%) being the most common lineage. Two isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and belonged to ST5 (CC5) and to spa-types t450 and t688. Moreover, 27 (43.5%) of the S. aureus isolates were found to be slime producers in Congo red agar, and all of the recovered isolates could produce biofilms in the microtiter plate assay. Our study showed that the nares of healthy goats could be a reservoir of toxigenic and antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus isolates, including MRSA, which could have implications for public health.

Enhancing the efficiency and functionality of xylanase from Bacillus sp. RTS11: Optimization, purification, characterization, and prospects in kraft pulp bleaching.

Bacillus sp. RTS11, a xylanolytic strain, was isolated from the Algerian desert rocks. Genetic analysis revealed a remarkable 98.69% similarity to Bacillus pumilus. We harnessed optimization techniques, including Plackett-Burman screening and Box-Behnken optimization design, to amplify xylanase production and activity. The outcome of these efforts was an optimized medium that yielded an impressive xylanase production titer of 448.89 U, a threefold increase compared to the non-optimized medium (146 U). The Purification of xylanase was achieved through the three-phase partitioning technique, employing t-butanol and various chromatographic methods. Notably, anion exchange chromatography led to isolating a highly pure enzyme with a molecular weight of 60 kDa. The xylanase exhibited its peak activity at a temperature of 60°C and a pH of 9.0. When applied to pulp pretreatment, 20 U/g of xylanase demonstrated a substantial increase in the release of phenolic and chromophore compounds while reducing sugar content in the pulp. Furthermore, this versatile xylanase shows its ability to efficiently hydrolyze a variety of agro-industrial residues, including wheat bran, corn and grape waste, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse. These findings underscore the significant potential of this xylanase enzyme in biobleaching processes and the utilization of agro-industrial waste, opening up exciting avenues for sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial applications.

Characterizing EBV-associated Gastric Carcinoma (EBVaGC): A deep dive into LMP1 expression patterns.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious public health issue due to its frequency and severity. It is, for both sexes, one of the most common causes of cancer-related death and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Recent data show that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in different histopathological subtypes of gastric carcinoma and that EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) represents about 10% of all cases. Moreover, the LMP1 protein characterizing the malignant transformation of cells in several cancer models seems to be very rarely expressed in this type of cancer. This study aimed to characterize EBVaGC in our population by detecting LMP1 in gastric carcinomas in about 30 selected patients. The results showed that in our population, nuclear staining predominates, showing that the antrum remains the most sampled site both for these pathologies and for LMP1 positivity (nuclear staining). In general, the LMP1 marking was negative for 22.58%, positive with a nuclear predominance at 64.52%, nuclear and cytoplasmic at 12.90%, and no positive marking for the cytoplasm. Results were not like the different studies on the expression of this oncogenic protein without EBVsCG, probably finding an explanation in the fact that our country is among the endemic regions for this herpes virus. In conclusion, the rate of LMP1 expression among gastric carcinomas does not seem similar to that observed in other countries. This study characterizing EBVaGC in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, reinforces the need for further studies to clarify the role of EBV (LMP1) and to explore its potential value as a predictive biomarker for the development of this type of cancer pathology.

The potential role of Epstein-Barr Virus in breast cancer development.

We are looking into viral components that may contribute to breast cancer in order to find possible therapeutic targets. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which has been found to cause nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma, is thought to play a role in breast cancer. Our series' patients had a median age of 49, with nearly half being under the age of 49. T2 tumors (two to five centimeters in size) make up the vast majority of our collection (60%). Six percent of our patients showed lymph node involvement, with roughly the same number in the N1 and N2 stages (41.17% each). Only 17.64% of people are at the N3 stage. SBR II tumors were the most common (90%). Only 20% of patients have HER2 overexpression, whereas 73.33% have ER expression. EBV was found in 23.33% of breast carcinomas (7 cases/30) after oncoprotein LMP1 expression, but normal surrounding tissues tested negative. We discovered that overexpression of the HER2 protein is inversely related to the two HRs' expression. They have no relationship with EBV infection and, consequently, LMP1 expression. LMP1 expression was not shown to be linked with patient age, tumor grade, tumor size, or lymph node invasion.

Suppression of Nasopharyngeal and Gastric Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model by Antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus LMP1 Protein.

The study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of anti-LMP1 antibodies in EBV-positive nasopharyngeal and stomach cell lines and xenograft models. The study also examined the NF-κB expression and cell cycle activation of NPC-serum-exosome-associated LMP1. Anti-LMP1 antibody treatment before or during cell implantation prevented tumor growth in nude mice. A small dose of antibodies resulted in complete tumor regression for at least three months after the tumors had grown in size. The consumption of antigen-antibody complexes by tumor cells limited tumor growth. In vitro experiments showed that anti-LMP1 antibodies killed EBV-positive NPC- or GC-derived epithelial cell lines and EBV-positive human B-cell lines but not EBV-negative cell lines. Treatment with anti-LMP1 reduced NF-κB expression in cells. The animal model experiments showed that anti-LMP1 inhibited and prevented NPC- or GC-derived tumor growth. The results suggest that LMP1 antibody immunotherapy could cure nasopharyngeal cancer, EBV-positive gastric carcinoma, and EBV-associated lymphomas. However, further validation of these findings is required through human clinical trials.

Anti-leishmanial activities of Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that is often fatal in affected patients and represents a major public health problem. At present, no vaccine is available, and the drug treatments used are costly, long, and have numerous side effects, they also present variable effectiveness, frequent relapses, and a more and more marked resistance towards the parasites. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed, and they are mainly based on the research of active natural products. The objective of our study is the chemical characterization and the quantification of the polyphenol contents contained in the EAF and EAT extracts of the Laperrine olive tree and the evaluation of their antileishmania effect against Leishmania infantum. The quantification of polyphenols, flavonoids and total tannins shows a higher content in the leaf extract. We find respectively 776.76±30.64 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DR; 114.35±14.12 mg quercetin equivalent/g DR and 214.89±.17 mg tannic acid equivalent/g DR.The chemical characterization of Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts show the presence of numerous antileishmanial biomolecules such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, rutin, gallic acid, cafeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin.In this context, we are testing the in vitro leishmanicidal effect of Laperrine olive tree extracts. The results obtained are promising and highlight the effectiveness of the tested extracts against the promastigote form of Leishmania infantum. Indeed, the LD50 is obtained with the leaf extract at a concentration of 7.52±2.71 µl/ml.

Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Aqueous Extract of Rosa sempervirens Leaves.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of an aqueous natural extract obtained from Rosa sempervirens leaves were assessed. The ability of the extract to scavenge DPPH, •OH, and H2O2 radicals, chelate ferrous ions, reduce ferric ions, and protect ß-carotene-linoleic acid in emulsion from peroxidation was investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated by measuring the stability of the membrane of human red blood cells against different hypotonic concentrations of NaCl and heat, as well as by inhibiting the denaturation of albumin. A high total phenolic content (278.38± 11.07 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (34.22± 0.12 mg QE /g) were found in the extract. The extract exhibited significant scavenging activity of DPPH (IC50 6.201 ± 0.126 µg/ ml), •OH (IC50 = 894.57 ± 21.18 µg/ml), and H2O2 (IC50= 107±09.58 µg/ml) radicals, and good antioxidant activity by chelating ferrous ions (IC50 = 2499.086 ± 28.267µg/ml), reducing ferric ions (IC50=141.33±2.34 µg/ml), exhibiting total antioxidant capacity (IC50 465.65 ± 9.71 µg/ml), and protecting ß-carotene-linoleic acid against peroxidation (I% = 90.05 ± 1.65% at 1000µg/ml). R. sempervirens displayed anti-inflammatory activity in aqueous extract by inhibiting heat-induced albumin denaturation and stabilizing the membrane of human red blood cells. It was suggested from the results that R. sempervirens aqueous extract could help prevent oxidative and inflammatory processes due to its good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Evaluating the Synergistic Potency of Essential Oils and Antibiotics Against Klebsiella pneumoniae BLSE Strains.

Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) continues to pose huge therapeutic challenges in the treatment of infections, primarily urinary infections, due to its multidrug resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need for research on this topic to investigate ways to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance, identify novel therapeutic approaches to treat these infections and gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) of Thymus algeriensis, Syzygium aromaticum, and Eucalyptus globulus and assess their activity against K. pneumoniae ESBL strains, as well as the interaction type between these EOs and antibiotics used for the treatment of K. pneumoniae ESBL infections. The composition of the EOs was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The activity of EOs was tested using the disc diffusion and liquid microdilution methods. The type of interaction between EOs and antibiotics was studied using the agar disk diffusion and chessboard methods. The analysis of the EO of T. algeriensis showed that the main compounds were thymol (23.14%), linalool (18.44%), and p-cymene (16.17%). The main constituents of EO of E. globulus were eucalyptol (54.29%), α-pinene (17.32%), aromadendrene (7.02%), and pinocarveol (6.32%). As for the EO of S. aromaticum, the major constituents were eugenol (80.46%) and eugenol acetate (16.23%). Results of the activity tests showed that all three EOs were active against the tested strains, with inhibition diameters ranging from 7.39±0.44mm to 32.4±1.05mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) varying from 2 to 441.5±5.66 mg/ml. A synergistic interaction was obtained between amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and T. algeriensis EO against two strains of K. pneumoniae ESBL. These results demonstrate the potential of our EOs to inhibit multi-resistant pathogenic ESBL strains, as well as their synergistic interaction with antibiotics used in therapy, which could be an alternative to the use of antibiotics alone in treatment to fight against these multi-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Comparative Bioactivity Evaluation of Chemically Characterized Essential Oils Obtained from Different Aerial Parts of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f. (Myrtaceae).

Essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydro-distillation from different parts of twigs (EOT), leaves (EOL), and fruits (EOF) of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f. were screened for their chemical composition, insecticidal, repellence, and antibacterial properties. Based on GC and GC/MS analysis, 23 constituents were identified across the twigs, leaves, and fruits, with 23, 23, and 21 components, respectively. The primary significant class was oxygenated monoterpenes (82.2-95.5%). The main components were 1,8-cineole (65.6-86.1%), α-terpinyl acetate (2.5-7.6%), o-cymene (3.3-7.5%), and α-terpineol (3.3-3.5%). All three EOs exhibited moderate antibacterial activities. EOL was found to have higher antibacterial activity against all tested strains except Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199), for which EOT showed more potency. Globally, Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199) was the most sensitive (MIC ≤ 2 mg/mL), while the most resistant bacteria were Dickeya dadantii (CFBP 3855) and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (CFBP 5387). Fumigant, contact toxicity, and repellent bioassays showed different potential depending on plant extracts, particularly EOT and EOL as moderate repellents and EOT as a medium toxicant.

Role of milk and milk products in the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the dairy production chain.

Milk and milk products can harbor a multiple varieties of microorganisms. Therefore, they can be an important source of foodborne pathogens, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a wide spectrum of infections both in animals and humans. Over the last two decades, the presence of MRSA in foods and food-producing animals, including milk and milk products, has been frequently reported worldwide, raising public health concerns. In order to monitor and prevent foodborne MRSA contamination, it is necessary to understand their sources, the pheno/genotypic characteristics of the strains, and their transmission dynamics. In this review, studies conducted worldwide were summarized in order to assess the prevalence and diversity of MRSA circulating in milk and milk products. The risk factors for the occurrence of MRSA in milk and milk products were also discussed with preventive and control measures to avoid MRSA contamination in the dairy food chain.

A chronic moderate methionine administration induced hyperhomocysteinemia associated with cardiovascular disease phenotype in the sand rat Psammomys obesus.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases were defined as coronary artery, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Our previous studies demonstrated the involvement of Hhcy in cardiovascular remodeling in the sand rat Psammomys obesus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental Hhcy was induced, in the sand rat Psammomys obesus, by a daily intraperitoneal injection of 70 mg/kg of methionine for a total duration of 6 months. The impact of Hhcy on the cellular and matrix structures of the heart, aorta and liver was analyzed using histological techniques. Additionally we treatedprimary cultures of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with high concentration of methionine to investigate the effects of methionine at the cellular level. RESULTS: A moderate Hhcy induced a significant increase in the extracellular matrix components particularly collagens which accumulated in the interstitial and perivascular spaces in the studied organs indicating a developing fibrosis. A liver steatosis was also observed following methionine treatment. Further analysis of the aorta showed that Hhcy also induced vascular alterations including SMCs reorientation and proliferation associated with aneurysm formation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show for the first time that Hhcy can induce a cardiovascular and liver diseases phenotype in Psammomys obesus, a species previously shown to be a good model for the studies of diabetes and other metabolism-related pathologies.

Identification of blood source preferences and Leishmania infection in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in north-eastern Algeria.

Leishmaniases are among the most neglected vector-borne diseases, infecting humans as well various animal hosts with clinical outcomes varying from cutaneous disorders to visceral and life-threatening disease. In Algeria, canine leishmaniasis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic mainly throughout the northern regions of the country with the Mediterranean climate that favours the occurrence of Larroussius sand flies, the vectors of the parasite. This study conducted in Bougaa and Kherrata, two regions located in north-eastern Algeria and endemic for CanL, focuses on: i) composition of sand fly fauna, ii) screening of Leishmania parasites and iii) the blood sources of engorged females. Entomological surveys were conducted between June and September 2019 using CDC light-traps in rural areas of both regions. Sand fly specimens were morphologically identified, females were screened for Leishmania DNA using kDNA and ITS1 primers, blood meals in engorged females were identified by peptide mass mapping (PMM)-based MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. Overall, 1940 specimens (844 males, 1096 females) were collected, all belonging to the subgenus Larroussius: Phlebotomus perniciosus, (94.64%), Ph. perfiliewi (4.74%) and Ph. longicuspis (0.62%). No Leishmania DNA was detected in the evaluated pools (n = 106) (1096 females). PMM-based MALDI-TOF MS successfully identified a source of blood in 92% (141/154) of engorged females (135 Ph. perniciosus and 6 Ph. perfiliewi). All blood meals were taken from domestic cattle (Bos taurus) except for one originating from a dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and one from sheep (Ovis aries). Sequencing of host cytochrome B gene confirmed these identifications but showed lower success rate of 58% (29/50), demonstrating the high effectivity of peptide mass mapping (PMM)-based MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for routine identification of blood meals of varying degree of digestion. Our findings represent first record of cattle and dog blood in sand flies in Algeria and striking feeding preference of local sand fly population at domestic sites of studied regions for cattle which may play an important role in parasite transmission. Further studies are needed to better understand potential contribution of cattle to ecology of sand flies and epidemiology of leishmaniasis in north-eastern Algeria.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of endophytic fungi and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves as their host.

Nettle (Urtica dioica L), as a plant rich in biologically active compounds, is one of the most important plants used in herbal medicine. Studies have shown that this plant has antioxidant, antiplatelet, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemia effects. In this study, we characterized three Alternaria endophytic fungi isolated from their host U. dioica. We hypothesized that these endophytic fungi can produce new bioactive metabolites, which may possess the bioactive property with potential application in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against reference and isolated strains, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A wide range of antimicrobial activities similar to those measured in nettle leaves was detected especially for Alternaria sorghi. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant activity detected with DPPH free radical scavenging was measured for A. sorghi and nettle leaves ethyl acetate extracts. In addition, whereas catalase activity was similar in the three isolated fungi and nettle leaves, total thiol content and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly higher in leaves. A. sorghi showed the best activities compared to other isolated fungi. The characterization and further production of bioactive compounds produced by this endophyte should be investigated to fight bacteria and especially those that develop drug multi-resistance.

Epidemiological situation analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Batna (northeast): An important focus in Algeria.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection which poses a real public health problem in various countries, including Algeria. We aimed in this study to investigate the current epidemiological situation of CL in the wilaya of Batna (northeastern Algeria) during 2010-2020 and to discuss some control measures used to combat the disease in the most endemic foci. Data on CL cases and control measures were obtained from the "Direction de la Santé et de la Population (DSP) of Batna" and the "Etablissement Public de la Santé de Proximité (EPSP) of Barika". Data were analyzed and mapped using Microsoft Office Excel 2007, SPSS.21, and ArcGIS 10.3. A total of 9259 cases were notified, with a peak incidence of 1924 cases in 2010. The annual evolution of the disease showed decreasing and increasing trends during the study period. Cases were detected year-round, with a peak notification in November (1957 cases) and January (1663 cases). CL affects both genders and all age groups with predominance for males (58.6%) and infants less than 9 years old (54.4%). Most cases have occurred in western areas of the wilaya especially in the commune of Barika with 2979 cases (32.17%), followed by Abdelkader Azil (13.37%), Bitam (12.32%), Djezzar (8.67%), Ouled Ammar (7.07%), and Amdoukal (4.36%) communes. Spatiotemporal analysis showed that the highest frequencies of CL were exclusively reported in the western regions. There was no evidence of a possible relationship between Deltamethrin house spraying and leishmaniasis incidence. This study revealed that CL is highly endemic in the western areas of Batna, especially in Barika, with children less than 9 years old as the most age group at risk. The development of control measures and the selection of appropriate strategies are necessary to prevent, control, and eradicate the disease.

Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Giardia intestinalis and Other Intestinal Parasites in Children and Adults in Algeria.

Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common causes of parasite-induced diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and malabsorption. Yet, data on the epidemiology of G. intestinalis infections in North Africa are limited. The purpose of this study was to carry out a retrospective survey on the level of intestinal parasitism with a particular emphasis on G. intestinalis in children and adults in Algiers, Algeria. A total of 2,054 individuals from outpatient clinics or hospitalized at Beni-Messous University Hospital of Algiers undergoing stool microscopy for ova and parasites were included. The overall parasite infection rate was 28%. In the 567 parasite-positive samples, Blastocystis was found most frequently (57.3%), followed in frequency by Endolimax nana (41.0%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (19.6%), G. intestinalis (17.1%), Entamoeba coli (13.9%), Chilomastix mesnili (1.0%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.7%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.5%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.2%). Intestinal parasites were generally more common in adults than in children, except for Giardia, which was more common in children (P = 0.0001). Giardia infection was independent of gender (P = 0.94). Compared with other intestinal parasitic infections, clinical manifestations, such as abdominal pain (P = 0.28) and diarrhea (P = 0.82), were found not to be significantly linked to Giardia infection. In conclusion, G. intestinalis is common in individuals referred to the University Hospital of Beni-Messous with digestive symptoms, particularly so in children. However, in our study, intestinal symptoms appeared not to be more linked to Giardia than to other intestinal parasites.

Molecular Characterization of Giardia duodenalis in Children and Adults Sampled in Algeria.

The molecular epidemiology of giardiasis in Africa remains unclear. A study was carried out across four hospitals in Algeria. A total of 119 fecal samples from 55 children, 37 adults, and 27 individuals of undetermined age, all scored positive for intestinal parasites by microscopy, and were screened by real-time PCR for Giardia. Molecular characterization of Giardia was performed by assemblage-specific PCR and PCR targeting the triose phosphate isomerase gene (tpi). Of the 119 samples, 80 (67%) were Giardia-positive by real-time PCR. For 48 moderately-highly real-time PCR-positive samples, tpi genotyping assigned 22 samples to Assemblage A and 26 to Assemblage B. Contrary to Assemblage A, Assemblage B exhibited substantial genetic diversity and allelic heterozygosity. Assemblage-specific PCR proved to be specific for discriminating Assemblage A or B but not as sensitive as tpi genotyping. We confirmed that real-time PCR is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting Giardia in stool samples and that robust amplification and sequencing of the tpi gene is feasible when moderate-to-strongly real-time PCR-positive samples are used. This study is one of the few performed in Africa providing genotyping data on Giardia infections in humans. Both assemblages A and B were commonly seen and not associated with specific sociodemographic data.