Epidemiological profile and fertility assessment of hydatid cysts surgically removed from patients in Djelfa province, Algeria.

A survey on human cystic echinococcosis was carried out in two public health establishments including the state hospital and one private medical clinic in Djelfa province (Algeria) to report the epidemiological profile of surgical cases and to examine the fertility of collected cysts. Total 18 hydatid cysts from 11 patients of different ages living both in rural and urban areas were obtained. Liver localization was noted in 73% of cases compared to lung localization (27%). Microscopic examination showed a fertility rate of 94.45% against 5.55% of sterile cysts.

Gastrointestinal parasites of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria.

AIM: The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in feces samples of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria based on microscopic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 717 fresh fecal samples obtained from 28 farms at Steppe and Northern Sahara regions of Algeria were processed for microscopic examination after concentration by formalin-ether sedimentation and flotation techniques. In addition, microscopic examination of Cryptosporidium spp. was done by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lugol staining procedure was used for the detection of Giardia cysts. RESULTS: Microscopic examination indicated an infection rate of gastrointestinal parasites of 48.26% (346/717). Protozoan infections were recorded at 17.02% (122/717), whereas helminth infections were recorded at 23.71% (170/717). In addition, mixed infection (protozoans and helminths) was seen at 7.53% (54/717). No correlation was found between infection and age of the animals, nor the consistency of the stool samples; in addition, neither influence of sex nor breed of camels was observed. Eighteen genera of gastrointestinal parasites were revealed; including four genera of protozoa, 12 Nematoda, one Cestoda, and one Trematoda. Strongyloides spp. and Eimeria spp. showed the highest rate of parasitism, while Cooperia spp. was observed with the lowest prevalence. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 13 among 717 examined samples (1.81%). CONCLUSION: The parasite fauna infecting the gastrointestinal tract of the Algerian dromedary is much diversified. The detected parasites in camels are similar to counterparts in other ruminants, posing serious challenge to animal farming. Future studies should be carried out to better understand the epidemiology of these parasitic diseases and their economic and public health impact.