Molecular epidemiology and associated risk factors of Anaplasma marginale in camels and possible co-infections.

Anaplasma spp. is an important pathogen that affects a wide range of animals, including camels. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of six Anaplasma spp. in 400 camels from Ismailia, Suez, and Sharkia governorates in northern Egypt, as well as their associated risk factors and possible coinfections. Blood and fecal samples were examined using bacterial culture, the vitek2 system, and PCR. Genetic divergence among Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) isolates was characterized using the msp4 gene. The overall prevalence of A. marginale was 19.5%. Sequencing analysis confirmed the PCR results, and a single A. marginale genotype was recognized by msp4 sequencing. The phylogenetic tree indicated that the study A. marginale isolates clustered together and were close to Egyptian A. marginale identified from buffalo (OP142725 and OP142726). Age, sex, housing type, tick infestation, body conditions, and tick control factors were significantly associated with camel anaplasmosis using a logistic regression model (odds ratio >1, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the infection was 2.03, 1.9, 2.6, 1.9, and 1.8 times higher in females, semi-enclosed housing, ages >5 years, tick infestation, and emaciated camels. The risk of infection due to a tick control factor increased by 4.4 and 2.6 times when no control was applied or with irregular control, respectively. This is the first molecular report of A. marginale infection in camels in Ismailia, Suez, and Sharkia in northern Egypt, indicating a moderate prevalence of A. marginale and the involvement of multiple bacterial infections, mainly Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective management and control for camel anaplasmosis.

Molecular prevalence, associated risk factors and genetic characterization of Trypanosoma evansi in camels.

Surra is a major infectious disease of camels being caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) in developing countries, including Egypt. However, the identification of changes in the T. evansi prevalence in Egypt is important. In this study, the prevalence of T. evansi and its associated risk factors as well as the genetic characterization of the parasite were estimated. Blood samples were collected from 163 camels from two governorates in Lower Egypt. PCR targeting RoTat 1.2VSG was used for the detection of T. evansi and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) was used for sequencing analysis and genetic characterization. Overall prevalence was 19.6% using RoTat 1.2VSG. The risk of the infection in females was 4 times higher than in males (P = 0.0004, OR = 4; 95% CI = 0.79-8.96) and in camels with a history of clinical signs it was 2.3 times higher than camels without clinical signs (P = 0.04, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.035-5.15). Analysis of the ITS-1 sequences of four T. evansi isolates showed little heterogeneity compared to similar sequences in the database. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS-1 region, confirmed the presence of two distinct genotypes of T. evansi in Egyptian camels with more than 99% similarity with T. evansi isolates from different countries across the ITS-1 region and were closely related to Filipino and Chinese isolates. The results of the study can be used for the observation and prevention of disease and updating the epidemiological data.

Use of nanoparticles, a modern means of drug delivery, against cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium is a primary cause of waterborne epidemics, despite being previously considered only an opportunistic pathogen. The disease is associated with significant economic losses in humans and animals that are brought on by diarrhea, which frequently causes dehydration. Contact with diseased people or animals, as well as polluted water, is the major cause of infection. Different drugs are used to control the parasites. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), which is an anti-protozoan and anti-viral drug, can be used to control helminths, viruses, and protozoan parasites as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been approved by the food and drug authority (FDA). However, the problem is the development of resistance over a period of time in these parasites. Nanoparticles have received significant attention as possible anti-parasitic agents in recent years. By directing medications to specific cellular locations, targeted drug delivery minimizes the side effects of medications. Nanoparticles have demonstrated effectiveness against different Cryptosporidium species. Nanoparticles loaded with NTZ are found to be an effective remedy for C. parvum in young ones and decrease the oocyst count shed in the stools. Additionally, silver nanoparticles have proven to be effective against C. parvum by releasing silver ions that breach the cell wall of the oocyst, causing the escape of intracellular contents and the destruction of sporozoites within the oocyst. Implementing tiny particles for the purification of consuming water from Cryptosporidium is an economical and environmentally sustainable process. However, the use of nanoparticles in medicine requires more research.

Eimeria falconensis sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus (Falconiformes: Falconidae) in Saudi Arabia.

The oocysts of Eimeria falconensis sp.n. is described from the feces of the lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus, from the falcon market in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid in shape, measuring 27.2x18.1 (25.4-29.5x 16.3-20.4) JLm; shape index (length/width ratio) is 1.5 (1.35-1.68microm. The oocyst wall is smooth and bi-layered. Mmicropyle and polar granule are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 11.0 x6.9 (10.1-12.6 x 5.8-7.9) microm; with shape index of 1.59 (1.43-1.68) microm, with a smooth single-layered wall and a prominent Stieda body, but there is no subs-tieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of numerous small granules. Sporozoites are comma-shaped, each contains two refractile bodies.