Light microscopical and parasitological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles and various myrrh extracts against Trichinella spiralis infection in mice.

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs "AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies", myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 µg/mL for AgNPs, and 40 µg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infection. These findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs that are both effective and safe. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Myrrh extract has the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. During intestinal phase of T. spiralis, varying levels of nanoparticle precipitation were detected in the liver, brain, lung, and intestine. During the muscular phase, the highest amount of AgNPs precipitation was detected in the liver, followed by the brain, and lung.

Epidemiological, Morphological, and Morphometric Study on Haemonchus spp. Recovered From Goats in Egypt.

Goats can be infected by multiple groups of external and internal parasites. Haemonchus spp. are among abomasal parasites that can result in higher mortality and several considerable economic losses in goats. Early detection of parasites and better understanding of the major risk factors associated with infection are among the main strategies for controlling the infection. Considering this, information on hemonchosis in goats from Egypt, and the contribution of goats in the maintenance of the epidemiological foci of the disease is limited. This study investigated the prevalence of Haemonchus species among 240 abomasum samples collected during postmortem examination of goat carcasses from Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Moreover, the association of the major risk factors to describe the epidemiological pattern of the disease was explored. This study demonstrated that 16.66% of abomasa samples harbored Haemonchus species. Additionally, age, sex, and sampling season were the most significant risk factors associated with infection. Following the variable factors under study, goats aged 1 year or older were at higher risk, with an infection rate of 22.14% (31 of 140), than those younger than 1 year (9%) [p = 0.008; odds ratio (OR) = 2.87; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-6.35]. The infection rate was 25% (19 of 76) in males and 12.8% (21 of 164) in females [p = 0.024; odds ratio (OR) = 2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13-4.53]. Moreover, the exposure to infection was higher in summer (22.22%) than in winter (8.33%) (p = 0.007; odds ratio (OR) = 0.318; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.139-0.725). More importantly, three species of the parasite-Haemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placei, and Haemonchus longistipes-were identified for the first time, and the confirmation of the identification and morphological characterization of the worms was performed using light microscopy and SEM. Collectively, this study reveals interesting epidemiological, morphological, and morphometric findings associated with the occurrence of hemonchosis among goats in Egypt. This study suggests further research for exploring the major circulating species of the parasite in Egypt, which is mandatory for controlling the disease.

Epidemiological, Morphometric, and Molecular Investigation of Cystic Echinococcosis in Camel and Cattle From Upper Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications.

Cystic echinococcosis has been considered one of the major parasitic zoonoses which is associated with severe economic losses. The present study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence, organ distribution, cyst fertility, and viability of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered camels and cattle from various abattoirs in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The work also involved morphological, morphometric, and molecular identification of the parasite. The occurrence of hydatid cysts was investigated in total number of 100 lungs of camels and 574 liver and lungs of cattle admitted to three slaughterhouses at Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Moreover, several individual variable factors, including organ involvement, age, sex, and hydatid cyst characteristics, were studied to identify their possible association with the occurrence of the disease. Genomic DNA was extracted from the hydatid cysts, followed by molecular identification of the parasite through amplification of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Hydatid cysts were found in 6 camels (6%) out of 100 inspected camels, while 5 hydatid cysts (0.87%) were detected in a total number of 574 cattle examined. The parasite was detected exclusively in lungs of camels, while lungs were the main organ infected by the parasite in cattle and one hydatid cyst was found in the liver (0.17%). In camel, 66.7, 16.65, and 16.65%of detected cysts were fertile, sterile, and calcified, respectively, while in cattle, these percentages were 60, 20, and 20%, respectively. None of the studied variable factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease in camels, with the exception that all cysts were found in the lung. Conversely, we found a significant association (P < 0.05) between the age and sex of the slaughtered cattle and the occurrence of hydatid cysts. In this respect, the rate of infection was higher in female cattle and those cattle more than 5 years (P < 0.05). The morphological, morphometric, and molecular studies confirmed the presence of the parasite. Taken together, our results concluded that camels and cattle play a potential role in maintaining the transmission cycle of this zoonotic parasite.

Epidemiological and Histopathological Investigation of Sarcoptic Mange in Camels in Egypt.

Mange has been considered one of the most common parasitic infestations among camels. It adversely impacts animal productivity and poses a risk to human health. Given the scarcity of available data about mange in camels, the current study focused on the prevalence of camel mange and its associated risk factors in Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Towards this end, a general visual inspection was conducted on camels (N = 210) in different markets and slaughterhouses in Aswan Governorate. Skin scrapings from suspect infected camels were also examined microscopically. Importantly, these findings were further checked and confirmed by histopathology on samples from suspected cases collected post-slaughter in abattoirs. The possible risk-associated factors, which include the camel's age, sex and sampling season, were recorded and statistically analyzed. Interestingly, the data showed that a total of 100 camels (47.6%) were found exclusively infested by sarcoptic mange. Furthermore, the predominant histopathological changes included burrowing tunnel of mites in the skin, hyperkeratosis and acanthosisconsis of the epidermis, while the dermis showed hemorrhage, mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration around the blood vessels and perifolliculitis. These major histopathological findings are consistent with sarcoptic mange. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the possible associated risk factors, camel's age (p = 0.006), gender (p = 0.032) and sampling season (p = 0.004), were all found to be significantly affected and related to the disease. In this regard, camels ≥2 years old were found at higher risk of infection (odds ratio (OR) = 2.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.345 to 5.604) versus younger animals (OR = 0.36; 95 CI, 0.1784 to 0.743). Females had higher odds of exposure (OR = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.096 to 3.708) compared to males (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.269 to 0.912). Moreover, the exposure to infection was reported higher in winter (OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.297 to 4.098) than in summer (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.244 to 0.771). Collectively, our data provide novel epidemiological and histopathological support for sarcoptic mange being widespread among camels in the studied area. Sarcoptic mange is extremely contagious and zoonotic. Therefore, our baseline investigation indicates an urgent need for additional multicenter-studies to investigate the occurrence of this disease in camels and humans combined with the appropriate control measures of camel importation for combating this disease.

Finding Wolbachia in Filarial larvae and Culicidae Mosquitoes in Upper Egypt Governorate.

Wolbachia is an obligatory intracellular endosymbiotic bacterium, present in over 20% of all insects altering insect reproductive capabilities and in a wide range of filarial worms which is essential for worm survival and reproduction. In Egypt, no available data were found about Wolbachia searching for it in either mosquitoes or filarial worms. Thus, we aimed to identify the possible concurrent presence of Wolbachia within different mosquitoes and filarial parasites, in Assiut Governorate, Egypt using multiplex PCR. Initially, 6 pools were detected positive for Wolbachia by single PCR. The simultaneous detection of Wolbachia and filarial parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) by multiplex PCR was spotted in 5 out of 6 pools, with an overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) of 0.24%. Unexpectedly, the highest ERI (0.53%) was for Anopheles pharoensis with related Wolbachia and W. bancrofti, followed by Aedes (0.42%) and Culex (0.26%). We also observed that Wolbachia altered Culex spp. as a primary vector for W. bancrofti to be replaced by Anopheles sp. Wolbachia within filaria-infected mosquitoes in our locality gives a hope to use bacteria as a new control trend simultaneously targeting the vector and filarial parasites.

PARASITOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ASWAN GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.

This cross sectional study in Aswan Governorate determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to identify the risk factors for infection in primary school children in this geographical area. The results would facilitate evaluation of the endemic level of different intestinal parasites and the determination of whether wiqespread or focal measures of parasite control are required. After obtaining official permission from the school administration, information and consent forms were given to the parents of all the schoolchildren. They were three-hundreds children aged between 6-12 year were enrolled; a detailed questionnaire, complete clinical assessment complete as well as stool analysis was done The study showed that the over-all infection was 31%, single parasitic infection was 26% and mixed one was 5%.The commonest helminthic infection was E. vermicularis 6.6% followed by H. nana 3% Ascaris lumbricoidesl%. The commonest protozoa infection was E. histolytica 8.3% followed by Giardia lamblia 3.7% and Cryptosporidium parvum 1.7%. Mixed infection was E. vernficularis plus E. histolytica (23.4%), E vermicularis plus G. lamblia (17.6%), E. vermicularis plus C. parvum (11.8%), E. histolytica plus H. nana (11.85%), A. -lumbricoides plus E. histolytica (17.6%) and G. lamblia plus E. histolytica in (11.8%). Parasitic infection was more prevalent in boys (53.8%) than girls (46.2%) and more prevalent in rural children (39.73%) than urban ones (20.13%) among age ranged from 6 to 12 years (8.97±1.72).

Detection of anti-Fasciola isotypes among patients with fascioliasis before and after treatment with Mirazid.

Stool examination using modified Kato thick smear method was performed to detect Fasciola eggs and other parasites. Abdominal pain was the major presenting symptom (87.7%) followed by pallor (83.3%) and fever (16.7%). Anaemia and hepatomegaly were recorded in 77.7% of patients compared to 27.7% with splenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly and common bile duct dilatation in 77.7% of patients. Moreover, 5 cases showed diagnostic. Olympic game rings All patients had positive IgG4 levels, 55 cases were positive for specific total IgG and IgG1, whereas, only 24 cases had positive IgG2 levels (26.6%). All negative control group showed no cross reactions. On the other hand, ELISA detecting IgG4 showed the highest specificity (95%), followed by IgG2 (85%) and the least specific test was obtained with detection of IgG (70%) and IgG1 (65%). One month after treatment, 91.1% of patients (82/90) were completely cured and even after another two months follow-up. In completely cured patients none of anti-Fasciola isotypes was significantly changed. So, detection of anti-Fasciola isotypes especially IgG4 is very specific for the accurate diagnosis of human fascioliasis.

Resistance to praziquantel, effect of drug pressure and stability test.

Various isolates of S. mansoni, originally showed marked diminished susceptibility to PZQ, were used in this work. These isolates were taken from patients not cured after two or three doses of the drug. They were passed in experimental mice and treated with sub-curative doses of PZQ to determine the effect of drug pressure on the offspring of these isolates. Upon treatment of the second generation of these isolates with curative doses of PZQ, they showed significant less response to the drug in terms of both the drug efficacy (percent of worm reduction), and the ED50 (the effective dose that kills 50% of worms). Also, stability test was performed on some S. mansoni isolates. This means repeated treatment of unsusceptible isolates that have been passed for several passages in the lab. and results compared to that of a control susceptible isolate (originally taken from a patient cured after a single dose of PZQ). The results showed that repeated passage of S. mansoni isolates in the lab. does not render them more susceptible to PZQ. Indeed, these resistant isolates showed less susceptibility to the drug than before, or at least they retain their original level of insusceptibility to PZQ.

Detection of E. histolytica, G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium copro-antigens in stool samples.

A double antibody sandwich ELISA technique, using a chromatography purified antisera against E. histolytica, G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium antigens, was applied to detect copro-antigens of the corrosponding parasites in 90 patients. All positive cases were diagnosed by parasitological examination and proved to have the infection solely. Beside the 90 positive cases, 40 age-matched controls were included in the study, of which 20 individuals were infected with other parasites but not Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica or G. lamblia (acted as an infected control group) and the other 20 individuals with no intestinal parasites (normal control group). The assay could detect 100% of those infected with both of G. lamblia and E. histolytica and 96.6% (29/30) of patients with Cryptosporidium infection. False positive reactions were detected in 3 cases using G. lamblia antisera (92.5%), 5 cases using E. histolytica antisera (87.5%) and 2 cases using Cryptosporidium antisera (95%). A direct increase in the mean antigen level was observed with the increasing intensity of infection in the 3 parasites, so higher mean O.D. readings was observed in heavily infected cases than moderately infected cases than lighter intensity of infection. Only those in elder age group (> 20 years) infected with E. histolytica were found to have statistically higher O.D. readings of the antigen than middle age group (10-20 years). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was observed between different age groups and antigen level in cases with either G. lamblia or Cryptosporidium.