Acute sporadic hepatitis E in the Zhejiang coastal area of China: a 14-year hospital-based surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: To examine the epidemiological trends and changes of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and the potential risk factors for severe infection in the Zhejiang eastern coastal area of China. METHODS: We analyzed statutory hepatitis E cases notifications and inpatient data held by the national surveillance and hospital information systems in Wenzhou, Taizhou, Ningbo, and Zhoushan cities of the Zhejiang eastern coastal area of China. RESULTS: Nine thousand four hundred sixteen hepatitis E cases were reported from 2004 to 2017, with an average incidence of 2.94 per 100,000. The overall death rate was 0.06% (6/9416). A gradual decline of hepatitis E cases was found in the coastal areas since 2007, while a rise was identified in the non-coastal areas. Annual incidence in non-coastal cities was much higher than that in coastal cities (4.345 vs. 2.945 per 100,000, relative risk = 1.5, P value < 0.001). The mean age was 52 years old and 50.55 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.32:1 and 2.21:1 in coastal and noncoastal areas respectively (all P > 0.05). Hepatitis E cases prevalence increased with age, highest among men in their 70s (9.02 vs. 11.33 per 100,000) and women in their 60s (3.94 vs. 4.66 per 100,000) groups for both coastal and noncoastal areas respectively. A clear seasonal pattern was observed, with a peak in March (0.4429 per 100,000) in coastal areas. 202 inpatients were documented, of which 50.50% (102/202) were severe cases. Male individuals with alcohol consumption, alcohol hepatic diseases, and superinfection were the three independent highest risks for severe infections (all with P value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is to our knowledge the largest epidemiological study of hepatitis E cases in the eastern coastal area of Zhejiang province of China. The patterns of infection across the coastal areas were similar to those of the non-coastal areas, but the incidence was substantially lower and decreased gradually since 2007.

Divergent Cryptosporidium parvum subtype and Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in dromedary camels in Algeria.

Little information is available on the occurrence of the zoonotic protists Cryptosporidium spp. and none on Enterocytozoon bieneusi in camels. This preliminary study was conducted to examine the identity of Cryptosporidium subtypes and E. bieneusi genotypes in dromedary camels in Algeria. A total of 39 fecal specimens were collected from young camels. PCR-sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA was used to detect and genotype Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium parvum present was further subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene. PCR-sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer gene was used to detect and genotype E. bieneusi. Altogether, two and eight of the specimens analyzed were positive for C. parvum and E. bieneusi, respectively. The former was identified as a new subtype that is genetically related to the C. hominis If subtype family, whereas the latter was identified as two related genotypes (Macaque1 and a novel genotype) in the newly assigned E. bieneusi genotype group 8. Although they are not known hosts for C. parvum and E. bieneusi, camels are apparently infected with genetically distinct variants of these pathogens.

Comparative epidemiology and virology of fatal and nonfatal cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in mainland China from 2008 to 2014.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology and virology of fatal and nonfatal hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Mainland China. A total of 10,714,237 survivors and 3046 deaths were reported from 2008 to 2014 June, with a case fatality rate of 0.03%. The morbidity of the survivors increased from 37.6/100,000 in 2008 to 139.6/100,000 in 2013 and peaked in 2012 at 166.8/100,000. However, the mortality varied around 0.03-0.04/100,000 across the time. Most of the survivors were distributed in the southern and eastern China, predominantly in the Guangxi and Hainan Province, whereas deaths were dominant in southern (Guangxi) and southwestern (Guizhou) China. The two groups showed similar seasonal fluctuations from 2008 to 2014, peaking in spring and early summer. Of the total cases, 93.97% were children less than 5 years of age, with those ≤ 2 years old accounting for 60.08% versus 84.02% in the survivor and death groups, respectively. Boys were at higher risk of infection than girls in both groups. Five years of virological surveillance showed that 43.73%, 22.04%, and 34.22% of HFMD cases were due to EV71, CoxA16 and other enteroviruses, respectively. EV71 was encountered in most deaths, with no substantial effect of age, gender, month, and year on incidence. Subgenotype C4a was the prevalent EV71 strain in Mainland China, with no significant difference in the VP1 gene related to virulence between the two groups. In conclusion, based on the largest population study, fatal and nonfatal HFMD cases, mainly caused by C4a of EV71, are circulating in Mainland China with a low-cause fatality rate.

Systematic review of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: virology, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was firstly discovered in China in 2010, followed by several reports from many other countries worldwide. SFTS virus (SFTSV) has been identified as the causative agent of the disease and has been recognized as a public health threat. This novel Bunyavirus belongs to the Phlebovirus genus in the family Bunyaviridae. This review also describes the different aspects of virology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical symptoms on the basis of the published article surveillance data and phylogenetic analyses of viral sequences of large, medium, and small segments retrieved from database using mega 5.05, simplot 3.5.1, network 4.611, and epi information system 3.5.3 software. SFTS presents with fever, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, and considerable changes in several serum biomarkers. The disease has 10~15% mortality rate, commonly because of multiorgan dysfunction. SFTSV is mainly reported in the rural areas of Central and North-Eastern China, with seasonal occurrence from May to September, mainly targeting those of ≥50 years of age. A wide range of domesticated animals, including sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, dogs, and chickens have been proven seropositive for SFTSV. Ticks, especially Haemaphysalis longicornis, are suspected to be the potential vector, which have a broad animal host range in the world. More studies are needed to elucidate the vector-animal-human ecological cycle, the pathogenic mechanisms in high level animal models and vaccine development.

Development of an immunomagnetic bead separation-coupled quantitative PCR method for rapid and sensitive detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in calf feces.

Cattle feces are the environmental vehicle for the zoonotic Cryptosporidium oocysts, but there are drawbacks associated with reliability of the existing methods for the detection of oocysts in the feces. Quantification of the immunomagnetic bead separation (IMS) coupled with real-time TaqMan PCR (qPCR) was accomplished by comparing the fluorescence signals obtained from the calf fecal samples of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts with those obtained from standard dilutions of C. parvum oocysts. TaqMan qPCR assays were developed for the detection of C. parvum based on 18S rDNA gene. This IMS-qPCR assay allowed a reliable quantification of C. parvum oocysts over seven orders of magnitude with a baseline sensitivity of 8.7 oocysts. The newly developed IMS-qPCR technique proved specific as confirmed by negative reactivity against a wide panel of non-parvum Cryptosporidium oocysts. As a field application, experimentally infected calves (15 infected and 9 non-infected) were screened for oocysts shedding on 16, 18, and 21 days postinfection. Acid-fast staining microscopy of infected calves revealed oocysts in the feces of 11, 7, and 4 calves, respectively, compared to 15, 15, and 12 in case of screening by IMS-qPCR. Taken together, the proposed IMS-qPCR method significantly improved the diagnostic capacity for C. parvum infection in calves, making the technique a useful, sensitive, reliable, and time-saving.

Prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Nile River delta provinces, Egypt.

Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in industrialized nations have mostly shown a dominance of Cryptosporidium parvum, especially its IIa subtypes in pre-weaned calves. Few studies, however, have been conducted on the distribution of Cryptosporidium species and C. parvum subtypes in various age groups of dairy cattle in developing countries. In this study, we examined the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle in four Nile River delta provinces in Egypt. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast microscopy was used to screen for Cryptosporidium oocysts in 1974 fecal specimens from animals of different ages on 12 farms. Positive fecal specimens were identified from all studied farms with an overall prevalence of 13.6%. By age group, the infection rates were 12.5% in pre-weaned calves, 10.4% in post-weaned calves, 22.1% in heifers, and 10.7% in adults. PCR-RFLP and DNA sequence analyses of microscopy-positive fecal specimens revealed the presence of four major Cryptosporidium species. In pre-weaned calves, C. parvum was most common (30/69 or 43.5%), but Cryptosporidium ryanae (13/69 or 18.8%), Cryptosporidium bovis (7/69 or 10.2%), and Cryptosporidium andersoni (7/69 or 10.2%) were also present at much higher frequencies seen in most industrialized nations. Mixed infections were seen in 12/69 (17.4%) of genotyped specimens. In contrast, C. andersoni was the dominant species (193/195 or 99.0%) in post-weaned calves and older animals. Subtyping of C. parvum based on sequence analysis of the 60kDa glycoprotein gene showed the presence of subtypes IIdA20G1 in nine specimens, IIaA15G1R1 in 27 specimens, and a rare subtype IIaA14G1R1r1b in one specimen. The common occurrence of non-C. parvum species and IId subtypes in pre-weaned calves is a distinct feature of cryptosporidiosis transmission in dairy cattle in Egypt. The finding of the same two dominant IIa and IId C. parvum subtypes recently found in humans in Egypt suggests calves can be potential reservoirs of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis.

Microsatellite analysis of Fasciola spp. in Egypt.

Recently, the topic of diversity in Fasciola population in Egypt is controversial. The present study was performed to study the genetic diversity of isolated flukes based on microsatellites markers. Fasciola worms were collected from different hosts and geographical locations in Egypt. Control samples of Fasciola hepatica from France as well as Fasciola gigantica from Cameroon were included in the study. Collected flukes were identified morphologically and subjected for analysis using four microsatellite markers. Results of microsatellite profile (FM1 and FM2) proved that both species of Fasciola are distributed in Egypt irrespective of geographical location and host. Nevertheless, the microsatellite profile of some analyzed loci (FM2 and FM3) proved that Egyptian flukes showed more alleles compared to the reference ones. Differences of microsatellite profile in Egyptian isolates than that of corresponding reference samples indicate the remarkable diversity of these isolates. The present results highlighted the utility of microsatellite profile to discriminate between Fasciola species and to elucidate the diversity within the species. To our knowledge, this is the first time to study microsatellite polymorphism in Fasciola populations in Egypt.

Prokaryotic expression and identification of 3-1E gene of merozoite surface antigen of Eimeria acervulina.

Eimeria acervulina was isolated from chicken at Hebei province, China. The gene of merozoite surface antigen 3-1E was amplified and cloned into pET28a(+) vector and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 strain. Results showed that 3-1E fusion protein band of about 22 kDa was identified by SDS-PAGE. Western blot analysis indicated that the recombinant protein specifically reacted with E. acervulina polyclonal antibody.

Bovine serum albumin/chitosan-nanoparticle bio-complex; spectroscopic study and in vivo toxicological - Hypersensitivity evaluation.

This study, investigates the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with synthesized chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) using steady-state fluorescence and UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy as well as picosecond time-resolved fluorescence technique. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of BSA by CSNPs indicates the presence of both static and dynamic mechanism. The loading efficiency of BSA-CSNPs exhibited a decrease by about 6% in neutral pH under physiological temperature. Transmission electron microcopy (TEM) images revealed the Synthesized CSNPs were irregular in shape with size of ~42 nm. The safety and biocompatibility of BSA-CSNPs inside the body was investigated after intraperitoneal (IP) injection of male mice for nine days, analysis of in vivo results, revealed no toxicity with a hypocholesterolemic effect and a predicted mild activation of WBCs due to CSNPs adjuvant and immunogenic peptides in BSA. Accordingly, no signs of hypersensitivity were observed due to the administration of such formulations. The results can be used for a better understanding the interaction of CSNPs within biological protein environment.

Construction, screening and identification of a phage display antibody library against the Eimeria acervulina merozoite.

A single-chain antibody library against Eimeria acervulina merozoites was constructed by phage display approach. Antibody-displaying phage was selected in four panning rounds against cryopreserved E. acervulina merozoites. Five clones were randomly selected from the fourth panning round, and their nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared to mouse germ-line sequences. Soluble antibody was produced in a non-suppressor Escherichia coli strain, purified by protein A affinity chromatography, and characterized by Western-blotting. Immunofluorescence assay showed localization of the produced recombinant antibody fragment on the surface E. acervulina merozoites. These resultant antibody fragments showed high specificity and binding capacity for soluble antigens and intact fixed merozoites which seems promising as diagnostic, therapeutic and/or vaccine tools against coccidiosis.

Phylogenetic analysis and molecular characteristics of seven variant Chinese field isolates of PRRSV.

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has now been widely recognized as an economically important disease. The objective of this study was to compare the molecular and biological characteristics of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) field isolates in China to those of the modified live virus (MLV) PRRS vaccine and its parent strain (ATCC VR2332). RESULTS: Five genes (GP2, GP3, GP4, GP5 and NSP2) of seven isolates of PRRSV from China, designated LS-4, HM-1, HQ-5, HQ-6, GC-2, GCH-3 and ST-7/2008, were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide sequence of the ORF2-5 and NSP2 showed that the seven Chinese isolates belonged to the same genetic subgroup and were related to the North American PRRSV genotype. Comparative analysis with the relevant sequences of another Chinese isolate (BJ-4) and North American (VR2332 and MLV) viruses revealed that these isolates have 80.8-92.9% homology with VR-2332, and 81.3-98.8% identity with MLV and 80.7-92.9% with BJ-4. All Nsp2 nonstructural protein of these seven isolates exhibited variations (a 29 amino acids deletion) in comparison with other North American PRRSV isolates. Therefore, these isolates were novel strain with unique amino acid composition. However, they all share more than 97% identity with other highly pathogenic Chinese PRRSV strains. Additionally, there are extensive amino acid (aa) mutations in the GP5 protein and the Nsp2 protein when compared with the previous isolates. CONCLUSIONS: These results might be useful to study the genetic diversity of PRRSV in China and to track the infection sources as well as for vaccines development.

Multilocus genetic analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum from Egypt.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a ubiquitous zonootic parasite causing enteritis in man and animals. Cryptosporidium infection was confirmed microscopically in neonatal calves (less than 6 weeks of age) at Kafr El Sheikh Province, Egypt. Multilocus analysis using a wide array of genetic markers was carried out to assess genetic diversity of C. parvum isolates. PCR amplification and partial sequence analysis of 70 kDa heat shock protein, dihydrofolate reductase, alpha-tubulin, elongation factor 1 alpha as well as thrombospondin-related anonymous protein of Cryptosporidium-1, and thrombospondin-related anonymous protein of Cryptosporidium-2 gene markers were achieved. Data indicated that the analyzed isolates belong to C. parvum genotype II with obvious sequence heterogeneity compared with counterparts deposited in Genebank.

Molecular analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum HNJ-1 isolated in Japan.

Cryptosporidium parvum HNJ-1 is widely used as a reference strain in Japan. In the present study, the parasite was subjected for further molecular analysis including transcribed ribosomal region (ITS rRNA), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and surface glycoprotein (GP60) genes. Partial sequence analysis of these genes indicated extensive polymorphism in ITS region compared with relevant sequences of other Cryptosporidium parvum isolates. In addition, this strain was identified as C. parvum IIaA15G2R1 subtype, based on the sequence results of GP60 gene locus.

First detection of Cryptosporidium baileyi in Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) in China.

Fecal samples from Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea, were screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Five samples out of 148 ones (3.38%) were confirmed to be positive. DNA was extracted individually from positive samples and used for PCR amplification of SSU rDNA and HSP70 gene loci. The obtained PCR products were cloned in E. coli (TG1 strain) using pMD18-T vector and sequenced using standard methods. Microscopical and molecular analyses identified the obtained isolates as Cryptosporidium baileyi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detection of C. baileyi from Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea, in China.

Novel variants of the newly emerged Anaplasma capra from Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Anaplasma spp. are tick-borne Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria that infect humans and a wide range of animals. Anaplasma capra has emerged as a human pathogen; however, little is known about the occurrence and genetic identity of this agent in wildlife. The present study aimed to determine the infection rate and genetic profile of this pathogen in wild animals in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: A total of 253 blood samples [198 from Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus), 53 from raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and one sample each from a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and a roe deer (Capreolus pygargus)] were collected at Chungbuk Wildlife Center during the period 2015-2018. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and screened for presence of Anaplasma species by PCR/sequence analysis of 429 bp of the 16S rRNA gene marker. Anaplasma capra-positive isolates were genetically profiled by amplification of a longer fragment of 16S rRNA (rrs) as well as partial sequences of citrate synthase (gltA), heat-shock protein (groEL), major surface protein 2 (msp2) and major surface protein 4 (msp4). Generated sequences of each gene marker were aligned with homologous sequences in the database and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS: Anaplasma capra was detected in blood samples derived from Korean water deer, whereas samples from other animal species were negative. The overall infection rate in tested samples was 13.8% (35/253) and in the water deer the rate was 17.8% (35/198), distributed along the study period from 2015 to 2018. Genetic profiling and a phylogenetic analysis based on analyzed gene markers revealed the occurrence of two distinct strains, clustered in a single clade with counterpart sequences of A. capra in the database. CONCLUSIONS: Anaplasma capra infection were detected in Korean water deer in the Republic of Korea, providing insight into the role of wildlife as a potential reservoir for animal and human anaplasmosis. However, further work is needed in order to evaluate the role of Korean water deer as a host/reservoir host of A. capra.

Prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in wildlife in Korea: a public health concern.

BACKGROUND: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a unicellular microsporidian fungal pathogen that infects a broad range of animal hosts, including wild and domestic animals and humans. The infection burden of this parasite in wild animals in Korea is largely unknown. In this study, the occurrence and genotypes of E. bieneusi were investigated in wild animal populations in Korea. METHODS: A total of 157 fecal samples (97 from Korean water deer, 48 from raccoon dogs and 12 from other taxa) were collected from wild animals at five wildlife centers in Korea. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and screened by nested-PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rRNA, followed by sequence analysis to determine the genotype(s) of E. bieneusi. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 45.2% (71/157), with rates of 53.6% (52/97) in Korean water deer, 35.4% (17/48) in raccoon dogs and 16.7% (2/12) in other taxa. We detected seven ITS genotypes, including one known (genotype D) and six new genotypes (Korea-WL1-Korea-WL6). Phylogenetically, all detected genotypes clustered with counterparts belonging to group 1, which includes isolates from different animal hosts and humans, suggesting their zoonotic potential. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey results indicate that E. bieneusi circulates widely in wild animals in Korea. These findings address the role of wildlife as a potential source of microsporidiosis in domestic animals and humans.

Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis isolated from patients in Egypt.

Human giardiasis is a common waterborne/foodborne parasitic disease worldwide, especially in developing countries. Prevalence and molecular identity of Giardia parasites are largely controversial. The present study was conducted to determine the occurrence of Giardia parasites and the genetic profile of circulating assemblage(s) in patients attended the outpatient clinic at Kafrelsheikh University hospital, Kafr El Sheikh Province, Egypt. A total of 318 patients, of different age and sex, referred to the clinic were subjected to fecal examination. Microscopic results revealed that 181/318 (56.9%) were positive for Giardia parasites. Multilocus genotyping by PCR/sequencing of beta-giardin (bg), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes of representative number of positive samples (65) revealed that assemblages A, B and mixed infections (A + B) occurred in 26/65 (40.0%), 32/65 (49.2%) and 10.8% (7/65) of the analyzed isolates, respectively. MLGs analysis indicated that assemblage A sequences clustered in two novel types of AII sub-assemblage. In assemblage B sequences, BIII was the predominant (22/23, 95.7%) sub-assemblage compared to BIV (1/23, 4.3%). Collectively, assemblage B MLGs displayed greater levels of genetic diversity compared to assemblage A. Our data indicate that assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis circulate in humans at Kafr El Sheikh Province, Egypt, and that high genetic diversity exists at the assemblage and/or sub-assemblage levels.

Prevalence and etiology of mastitis in dairy cattle in El Oro Province, Ecuador.

This study described the occurrence of clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis in 250 cattle from 5 dairy farms around the cities of Santa Rosa and Machala, El Oro Province, Ecuador. Clinical mastitis (CM) was determined based on obvious changes in milk (mild), signs of inflammation in the udder (moderate), and/or generalized clinical symptoms (severe). Subclinical mastitis (SCM) was assessed using the California mastitis test. CM and SCM were detected in 30 (12.0%) and 150 (60%) of the 250 tested cattle, respectively. Prevalence at the udder quarter level was 57.7% (577/1,000), which was higher among forequarters (369/577; 63.9%) than hindquarters. Of the 577 mastitic milk samples subjected to microbiological analysis, 35 were excluded due to contamination and 20 tested negative. Identification of bacterial isolates revealed that 33.3% of the 93 CM samples contained coliforms, 25.8% coagulase-positive staphylococci, 20.4% coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 9.7% streptococci, 7.5% Bacillus spp., and 3.2% Klebsiella spp. Bacterial profiling of the 429 SCM milk samples showed that 55.4% contained CNS, 22.1% Bacillus spp., 9.3% streptococci, and 6.1% coagulase-positive staphylococci. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing of the obtained isolates indicated that all were susceptible to amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, gentamicin, and neomycin. No multidrug-resistant strains were observed.

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in lambs and goat kids in Algeria.

BACKGROUND: Little is known on the occurrence and identity of Cryptosporidium species in sheep and goats in Algeria. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Cryptosporidium species in lambs and goat kids younger than 4 weeks. METHODS: A total of 154 fecal samples (62 from lambs and 92 from kid goats) were collected from 13 sheep flocks in Médea, Algeria and 18 goat flocks across Algiers and Boumerdes. They were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested-PCR analysis of a fragment of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analyses to determine the Cryptosporidium species present. Cryptosporidium parvum and C. ubiquitum were further subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene. RESULTS: Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 17 fecal samples (11.0%): 9 from lambs (14.5%) and 8 from goat kids (8.7%). The species identified included C. parvum in 3 lambs, C. xiaoi in 6 lambs and 6 goat kids, and C. ubiquitum in 2 goat kids. Cryptosporidium infections were detected mostly in animals during the first two weeks of life (7/8 for goat kids and 7/9 for lambs) and in association with diarrhea occurrence (7/17 or 41.2% goat kids and 7/10 or 70.0% lambs with diarrhea were positive for Cryptosporidium spp.). Subtyping of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum isolates identified the zoonotic IIaA13G2R1 and XIIa subtype families, respectively. Minor differences in the SSU rRNA gene sequences were observed between C. xiaoi from sheep and goats. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that three Cryptosporidium species occur in lambs and goat kids in Algeria, including zoonotic C. parvum and C. ubiquitum. They are associated with the occurrence of neonatal diarrhea.

Clinical, pathological, and molecular data concerning Coenurus cerebralis in Sheep in Egypt.

This article contains information related to a recent study "Prevalence and Identity of Taenia multiceps cysts "Coenurus cerebralis" in Sheep in Egypt" (Amer et al., 2017) [1]. Specifically, affected sheep showed neurological disorders manifested as depression, head shaking and circling, altered head position, incoordination and paralysis in some cases. Brain-derived cysts were molecularly identified by PCR-sequence analysis at mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene marker. Cyst-induced pathological changes included degenerative changes and demyelination in brain tissue, infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. Cystic fluids were biochemically analyzed for protein, lipids and electrolytes. The data of this study provides more understanding on phylogeny, epidemiology and pathology of coenurosis in sheep.