Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Stability in human and environmental matrices, and potential hazards.

In the context of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in human excreta and environmental matrices. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental compartments raises questions on its fate and stability in these matrices and its potential to spread in the exposed communities. This review focused on the stability of the SARS-CoV-2 in human excreta, wastewater, soils, crops, and other environmental matrices, that may be reached through human excreta and sewage products spreading. Little is known about the persistence and survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Up to now sewage sludge, soil and crops are seldom investigated implying the convenience of considering future researches focusing on SARS-CoV-2 in soils receiving wastewater and sewage sludge, as well as on grown crops. Information regarding SARS-CoV-2 persistence in environmental media is crucial to establish and implement effective policies and measures for mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 and tackling eventual future outbreaks.

Occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in excreta, sewage, and environment: epidemiological significance and potential risks.

The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patients' excreta raises the issue of its occurrence and fate in sewage. This review has focused on the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in human excreta, wastewater, sewage sludge, and river waters. It explored the potential use of the wastewater-based epidemiology approach to report on the situation of current and eventual future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. The main concern of the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment is the public health risks at sites of sewage products disposal and reuse, especially in low-income countries with inadequate sanitation, where direct discharge and reuse of raw sewage are common practices. The review also addressed the role sewage-irrigated agriculture can have in SARS-CoV-2 spread in the environmental compartments reached through sewage products application. An overview was made on the interest of sewage management, water safety, and hygienic practices for controlling the environmental dissemination of SARS-CoV-2.

Setaria labiatopapillosa (Filarioidea, Nematoda) in Moroccan cattle: atypical localization and morphological characterization of females and microfilariae by light and scanning electron microscopy.

Filarioid nematodes are parasites of the tissues and tissue spaces of all vertebrates except fish. Females produce microfilariae that enter the host's blood circulation or skin and may cause ocular and neurological pathology, leading to important implications in veterinary and public health. The present work is the first investigation on Setaria labiatopapillosa conducted in Morocco to characterize the morphological features of both adult and microfilaria forms. Two adult female nematodes were found free in the thoracic cavity of a slaughtered 3.5-year-old (6 teeth) Moroccan enhanced cross-breed bull which was born and raised in Morocco. The worms were identified as S. labiatopapillosa by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the basis of their characteristic features of the anterior and posterior parts of the worms. The two S. labiatopapillosa worms measured 90 mm and 105 mm in length and 0.55 and 0.64 mm in width, respectively. Microfilariae were detected in the fully developed eggs contained in the uterus of both nematodes. A detailed morphology of both the adult females and larvae of S. labiatopapillosa is described using LM and SEM. Although the origin of S. labiatopapillosa analyzed in the present study is unknown and there is currently no evidence that Setaria spp. have invaded Morocco, further surveillance is warranted to determine the incidence of setariasis, identify its vectors, and take appropriate measures to protect the livestock and cattle industry of the country.

Epidemiological features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in diagnosed patients from an endemic area (central Morocco).

Cutaneous leishmaniasis represents the most neglected tropical disease across the world. In Morocco, this disease is endemic and constitutes a major public health problem, with a national control program been implemented. The current study aimed to determine the pattern and epidemiological features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in affected patients in an area covered by the CL control and prevention program (Central Morocco). A total of 161 patients suspected for cutaneous leishmaniasis were diagnosed according to WHO laboratory methods, and 82 cases were confirmed positive for CL. The reports were analysed by patients' socio-geographic status, gender and age. The number and distribution of CL lesions by location, gender and age were investigated. Overall the confirmed cases, 89 % were infected by Leishmania tropica versus 21 % for Leishmania major. Females were significantly more affected than males (p < 0.01). Children (0-15 years), especially those ≤ 7 years of age, were the most affected. For the distribution of lesions, single lesion cases were largely preponderant (70.7 %) compared to multiple lesions. Face location was significantly more frequent (62.2 %) compared to limbs (26.8 %). Face lesions were found more prevalent in children than in adults while limb lesions were highly observed in adults. The pattern of the disease is affected by many factors (e.g. environment, gender, age, etc.) and has specifics to be considered in prevention and control programs in endemic areas.

Groundwater Quality and Pollution Index for Heavy Metals in Saïs Plain, Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals contamination threatens groundwater resources in many areas around the world. Various methods to evaluate groundwater quality have been used to characterize sources of contamination and associated parameters. For assessment of heavy metals contamination, calculation of pollution indices is an effective tool for assessing water quality. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to assess heavy metal concentrations and determine distributions in Saïs plain, Morocco using multivariate analysis. METHODS: A total of 144 groundwater samples were collected from twelve stations in Saïs from January 2018 to January 2019, and were analyzed for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, total chromium, lead, copper, iron, manganese and zinc) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Chromium was found to be a major contaminant affecting water quality in Station 2 (0.057 mg/l) and Station 8 (0.065 mg/l), while elevated levels of iron were found in Station 7 (1.4 mg/l) and Station 11 (0.45 mg/l), and elevated levels of copper (2.9 mg/l) and zinc (3.39 mg/l) were found in Station 11, relative to other heavy metals. The high concentrations of these elements are related to anthropogenic pollutants. The factor analysis showed two components controlling groundwater chemistry. The results of the present study demonstrate that the concentrations of toxic metals, like Fe and Cr, are present in slight excess in one or two stations during one season. The calculated heavy metal pollution level for the groundwater of Saïs plain was below the index limit of 100. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that groundwater is not polluted with respect to heavy metals and is acceptable for drinking. However, precautionary measures, such as managing the use of agricultural inputs and avoiding the use of wastewater in agriculture, are recommended in this area. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no completing financial interests.

Groundwater Quality in Sidi Slimane, Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for human and animal populations and therefore should be protected from pollution. The study area, Sidi Slimane, is in the western region of Morocco, which is a highly important agricultural area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking in the Sidi Slimane region. METHODS: Twenty (20) samples were collected from different locations in the study area in 2015 in order to evaluate the quality of groundwater for human consumption. Collection, transportation and analysis of samples were performed according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater of the American Public Health Association (APHA), 2017. The major ions (cations and anions), ammonium (NH4 +), pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the groundwater samples were analyzed. Total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH) parameters were calculated on the basis of obtained chemical data. ArcGIS program (version 10.4.1) was used in the preparation of topographic and hydrological maps of the study area. RESULTS: Groundwater showed high concentrations of most parameters of drinking water quality according to Moroccan and international standards. Groundwater was brackish and very hard. The results showed that sodium and chloride ions were the predominant ions. Salinity was present at low depths. The majority of groundwater samples in the study area (18 out of 20) were sodium chloride type, and only 2 samples were mixed calcium-magnesiumchlorine type. DISCUSSION: The obtained results were compared with the Moroccan standards for drinking water. The results show that 100%, 75%, 70%, 70%, 65% and 55% of groundwater samples exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water quality according to the Moroccan standard with regard to sodium, calcium, TDS, EC, chlorine, and nitrate, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the groundwater samples in the study area showed poor drinking water quality. Groundwater quality must be protected by controlling the use of pesticides, fertilizers, manure, and harmful irrigation practices. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

A survey of Haemonchus contortus parasite of sheep from Gharb plain, Morocco.

The study was designed to determine the prevalence of Haemonchus contortus, intestinal helminthes parasite of sheep in the Gharb plain (Morocco). A total of 1154 sheep were randomly selected from farms, pastures and abattoirs, the samples were examined using a flotation techniques for determination the eggs of Haemonchus contortus. In order to identify Haemonchus contortus among the different gastrointestinal strongyles present in mixed infections, a faecal culture was carried out for each farm and pasture. This study was carried between November 2016 and October 2017. The data were analysed with respect to sex, age, season and body condition of sheep examined. Out of (1154) samples examined, (23.92%) harbored H. contortus. Prevalence among female (30.98%) was higher than that of the males (15.63%), there was significant difference between prevalence of infection and sex (P < 0.05). Based on age group, prevalence of haemonchosis was 6.25% and 43.22% in young and aged animals respectively showing the statistical significance (P < 0.05). Seasonal variation was recorded throughout the year and was highest during spring (36.36%) and autumn (32.37%) against a low rate of 2.7% in the summer with significance difference (P < 0.05). Regarding the relationship between Haemonchosis contortus and body condition, maximum prevalence (80.83%) was recorded in animals with poor body condition, followed by those with moderate body condition (34.26%), while the lowest infestation rate (6.88%) is noted in animals with good body.

The pattern of cystic echinococcosis in children in an endemic area in Morocco.

Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection of major public health concern. The infection is generally acquired during childhood and the disease incubation period can last many years. The occurrence and characteristics of the disease in children were not well studied. The present study aimed to explore the pattern and features of cystic echinococcosis in children in rural and urban environments in Morocco. A total of 338 children diagnosed and treated for cystic echinococcosis were investigated. The trend of the infection, risk and exposure factors and the distribution of the anatomic locations of cysts were studied. A non-uniform decrease in proportions of infected children was found. Children from rural environs had significantly higher infection rates than children from urban environs (p < 0.001). Males were significantly more infected than females. Children aged 7-11 years were the most affected. For cysts locations, single organ involvement was found in 94.4% of the children versus 5.6% with multi-organ localization. Despite control program, active transmission of echinococcosis still occurred in children and remains a major public health problem. The infection in younger population may have some features that need to be considered in the prevention and control programs in endemic areas.

Epidemiological study of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep in the Gharb plain (North-West of Morocco).

Hydatidosis is considered endemic in Morocco and caused serious health problems in ruminants. The aim of this research is to present an epidemiological study on echinococcosis in sheep. The study was carried out between April 2016 and May 2017. A total number of 1600 sheeps was examined via autopsy for Echinococcus granulosus in various slaughterhouses in the Gharb plain of Morocco. The Results of the study showed that the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis was 7.63%. The infection was not significant among sheep which age is < 1 year (2.67%), while it increases among those which age is from 1 to 3 years old (8.63%). It also grows significantly among sheep which age is over 3 years old (11.71%). Parasitized at 62%, the liver is the most affected organ followed by the lungs (38%). Protoscoleces are only found in liquid cysts and contribute to their fertility which is estimated at 66.66% in the liver and 57.74% in the lungs. In addition, the prevalence of calcified cysts is 12.24% in the liver and 21.11% in the lungs. Examination of the fertile cysts revealed a high level of Protoscoleces viability, whether it's in the liver (65.93%) or in the lungs (59.30%). This study also shows how the evolution of echinococcosis is closely linked to sex and age.

[The modalities of the sexual cycle of Octopus vulgaris in the southern Moroccan Atlantic (Tantan, Boujdour)]. / Les modalités du cycle sexuel du poulpe Octopus vulgaris du Sud marocain (Tantan, Boujdour).

The reproduction of Octopus vulgaris between Tan Tan and Boujdour is studied. The samples used are sorted monthly from commercial catches of coastal trawlers operating in this area from December 2001 to May 2003. The study shows that sexual maturity is in advance for males than for females. Two spawning periods are made out by the follow-up of the RGS: a spring period from March to July, and an autumnal period, which is less intense, between September and October. The division of spermatogonia and spermatocytes reaches its maximal intensity in July and December, whereas the spermiogenesis is active until the time of mating. The vitellogenesis starts in mid-December and extends until the following spawning period. This reveals a later gonadic development for females than for males; approximately seven months for females and three months for males.

[Parasitological analysis of the untreated wastewater of the "Ville Haute" urban emissary (Mâamora district, Kenitra, Morocco)]. / Analyse parasitologique des eaux usées brutes d'un effluent urbain de "la Ville Haute" (commune de Mâamora, Kénitra, Maroc).

The domestic wastewaters of the city of Kenitra (North-East of Morocco) are rejected without preliminary processing by six emissaries into the Sebou river, the Atlantic Ocean and the Fouarate lake. The present study is based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the wastewater parasites load of the "Ville Haute" urban district of Maamora (Kenitra, Morocco). Untreated wastewater samples taken at the exit of the urban emissary are pretreated and analysed by the modified Bailenger method at the parasitological and hydrobiological laboratory of the Sciences Faculty of Kenitra (Ibn Tofail University). For diagnostic confirmation purposes, other complementary analysis were made at the parasitological laboratory of the National Institute of Hygiene (Rabat) The results obtained pointed to the existence of the helminths parasites eggs of Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp., Taenia spp and Fasciola hepatica species with respective concentrations of 3 eggs/L, 17 eggs/L, 7 eggs/L, 2 eggs/L, 1 eggs/L and 1 egg/L. The mean concentration is about 31 eggs/L of untreated wastewater. Furthermore, on the samples examined, the percentages of positives tests is 86% for nematodes, 10% for cestodes, and 4% for trematodes. At the end of this preliminary study we insist on the very high level of parasitic helminths transported by untreated wastewater and we recommend that those wastewater be processed before there are recycled in the Sebou river.

Borrelia crocidurae in Ornithodoros ticks from northwestern Morocco: a range extension in relation to climatic change?

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by Borrelia spirochetes transmitted to humans by Argasid soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros. We investigated the presence of Ornithodoros ticks in rodent burrows in nine sites of the Gharb region of northwestern Morocco where we recently documented a high incidence of TBRF in humans. We assessed the Borrelia infection rate by nested PCR and sequencing. All sites investigated were colonized by ticks of the Ornithodoros marocanus complex and a high proportion of burrows (38.4%) were found to be infested. Borrelia infections were observed in 6.8% of the ticks tested. Two Borrelia species were identified by sequencing: B. hispanica and B. crocidurae. The discovery in northwestern Morocco of Ornithodoros ticks infected by B. crocidurae represents a 350 km range extension of this Sahelo-Saharan spirochete in North Africa. The spread of B. crocidurae may be related to the increasing aridity of northwestern Morocco in relation to climate change.

Contribution of Mobile Teams to Efforts to Eliminate Schistosomiasis at Schistosoma haematobium in Morocco- Narrative Review Article.

Since it was first diagnosed in 1914 in Marrakesh, schistosomiasis has been a public health problem in Morocco for decades. A national control program launched in 1982 has led to a considerable reduction in the incidence and morbidity associated with the disease. Consequently, the program has shifted from disease control to an elimination process launched in 1994. This process aimed to eliminate disease transmission by the end of 2004 and has helped to clear all known foci. Mobile teams were a key element that contributed to the success of this program. They played three important roles: monitoring and control, response, and the transmission of messages.

The epidemiology and geographic distribution of relapsing fever borreliosis in West and North Africa, with a review of the Ornithodoros erraticus complex (Acari: Ixodida).

BACKGROUND: Relapsing fever is the most frequent bacterial disease in Africa. Four main vector / pathogen complexes are classically recognized, with the louse Pediculus humanus acting as vector for B. recurrentis and the soft ticks Ornithodoros sonrai, O. erraticus and O. moubata acting as vectors for Borrelia crocidurae, B. hispanica and B. duttonii, respectively. Our aim was to investigate the epidemiology of the disease in West, North and Central Africa. METHODS AND FINDINGS: From 2002 to 2012, we conducted field surveys in 17 African countries and in Spain. We investigated the occurrence of Ornithodoros ticks in rodent burrows in 282 study sites. We collected 1,629 small mammals that may act as reservoir for Borrelia infections. Using molecular methods we studied genetic diversity among Ornithodoros ticks and Borrelia infections in ticks and small mammals. Of 9,870 burrows investigated, 1,196 (12.1%) were inhabited by Ornithodoros ticks. In West Africa, the southern and eastern limits of the vectors and Borrelia infections in ticks and small mammals were 13°N and 01°E, respectively. Molecular studies revealed the occurrence of nine different Ornithodoros species, including five species new for science, with six of them harboring Borrelia infections. Only B. crocidurae was found in West Africa and three Borrelia species were identified in North Africa: B. crocidurae, B. hispanica, and B. merionesi. CONCLUSIONS: Borrelia Spirochetes responsible for relapsing fever in humans are highly prevalent both in Ornithodoros ticks and small mammals in North and West Africa but Ornithodoros ticks seem absent south of 13°N and small mammals are not infected in these regions. The number of Ornithodoros species acting as vector of relapsing fever is much higher than previously known.

Epidemiology of tick-borne borreliosis in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: The presence in Morocco of Argasid ticks of the Ornithodoros erraticus complex, the vector of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in North Africa, has been known since 1919, but the disease is rarely diagnosed and few epidemiological data are available. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Between 2006 and 2011, we investigated the presence of Ornithodoros ticks in rodent burrows in 34 sites distributed across Morocco. We also collected small mammals in 10 sites and we investigated TBRF in febrile patients in Kenitra district. The prevalence of Borrelia infections was assessed by nested PCR amplification in ticks and the brain tissue of small mammals, and by evaluation of thick blood films in patients. A high proportion of burrows were infested with ticks of the O. erraticus complex in all regions of Morocco, with a mean of 39.5% for the whole country. Borrelia infections were found in 39/382 (10.2%) of the ticks and 12/140 (8.6%) of the rodents and insectivores studied by PCR amplification, and 102 patients tested positive by thick blood film. Five small mammalian species were found infected: Dipodillus campestris, Meriones shawi, Gerbillus hoogstrali, Gerbillus occiduus and Atelerix algirus. Three Borrelia species were identified in ticks and/or rodents: B. hispanica, B. crocidurae and B. merionesi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Tick populations belonging to O. erraticus complex are widely distributed in Morocco and a high proportion of ticks and small mammals are infected by Borrelia species. Although rarely diagnosed, TBRF may be a common cause of morbidity in all regions of Morocco.

The dynamics of the nematode Anguillicola crassus, Kuvahara 1974 in eel Anguilla anguilla (L. 1758) in the Sebou estuary (Morocco).

The European eel is a vulnerable fish by its complex life cycle, by the impact of pollution of the near total of freshwater aquatic environments, and by the gravity and the diversity of its parasites (nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, the Copepoda, Coccidia...). It is classified in the red book of threatened species. The anguillulose is the principal parasitic pathology of an eel either in the natural environment or in the aquaculture. The eels taken in the three zones of the Sebou estuary of varied environmental conditions were dissected for the research of parasites. Of the fish, 85.7% are infested upstream of the estuary, whereas only 71% shelter this parasite in their swim bladder, with an abundance of 2.09 per fish downstream and 83.8 in zone 2. The present study suggests the development stage of the fish, and therefore its diet, has an influence on the parasitic infestation. The estuaries and the lagoons constitute a very significant medium for the safeguarding and the disinfection of parasitized eels.