Usefulness of molecular typing methods for epidemiological and evolutionary studies of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine intramammary infections.

In cattle, Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen of increasing importance due to its association with intramammary infections (IMIs), which are a primary cause of antibiotic use on farms and thus of the rise in antibiotic resistance. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which are frequently isolated from cases of bovine mastitis, represent a public health problem worldwide. Understanding the epidemiology and the evolution of these strains relies on typing methods. Such methods were phenotypic at first, but more recently, molecular methods have been increasingly utilized. Multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), a high-throughput molecular method for determining genetic diversity and the emergence of host- or udder-adapted clones, appears to be the most useful PCR-based method. Despite the difficulties present in reproducibility, interlaboratory reliability, and hard work, it is agreed that pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) remains the gold standard, particularly for short-term surveillance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a good typing method for long-term and global epidemiological investigations, but it is not suitable for outbreak investigations. Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing is the most widely used method today for first-line typing in the study of molecular evolution, and outbreaks investigations. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing has gained popularity for the evolutionary analysis of MRSA strains. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and DNA microarrays that represent relatively new DNA-based technologies, provide more information for tracking antibioresistant and virulent outbreak strains. They offer a higher discriminatory power, but are not suitable for routine use in clinical veterinary medicine at this time. Descriptions of the evolution of these methods, their advantages, and limitations are given in this review.

Use of the proteomic tool MALDI-TOF MS in termite identification.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has proved effective for the identification of many arthropods. A total of 432 termite specimens were collected in Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Switzerland and France. Morphologically, 22 species were identified, including Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Amitermes evuncifer, Cryptotermes brevis, Cubitermes orthognathus, Kalotermes flavicollis, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes herus, Macrotermes ivorensis, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Microcerotermes parvus, Microtermes sp., Odontotermes latericius, Procubitermes sjostedti, Promirotermes holmgreni, Reticulitermes grassei, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Reticulitermes santonensis, Trinervitermes geminatus, Trinervitermes occidentalis, Trinervitermes togoensis, Trinervitermes sp., Trinervitermes trinervoides and Trinervitermes trinervius. Analysis of MALDI-TOF MS spectra profiles from termites revealed that all were of high quality, with intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity. Blind testing of the spectra of 389 termites against our updated database with the spectra of 43 specimens of different termite species revealed that all were correctly identified with log score values (LSVs) ranging from 1.65 to 2.851, mean 2.290 ± 0.225, median 2.299, and 98.4% (383) had LSVs > 1.8. This study is the first on the use of MALDI-TOF for termite identification and shows its importance as a tool for arthropod taxonomy and reinforces the idea that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool in the field of entomology.

Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS characterisation of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks collected from turtles and their associated microorganisms in Algeria.

The identification of ticks and their associated pathogens is important for knowledge on tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to use morphological, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and/or molecular biology tools to identify ticks collected from turtles in north-eastern Algeria, as well as to investigate the microorganisms associated with these ticks. A total of 471 adult ticks were collected and identified morphologically as Hyalomma aegyptium, of which 248 (52.7%) were female and 223 (47.3%) were male. amongst them, 230 specimens were randomly selected for molecular and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Molecular biology confirmed that our ticks were Hy. aegyptium. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that 100% of the spectra were of excellent quality. Four spectra were selected to update our own database MALDI-TOF MS arthropod. The blind test of the 226 remaining spectra showed that all ticks were correctly identified, with scores ranging from 1.774 to 2.655 with a mean of 2.271 ± 0.16 of which, 223 (98.6%) had log score value (LSV)>1.8. Molecular biology screening showed that the ticks carried the DNA of Borrelia turcica, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae and with the Anaplasmataceae were close to a potentially new, undescribed Ehrlichia sp. This study confirms that MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable tool for the identification of ticks and that ticks collected from turtles in Algeria are carriers of several species of microorganisms which may be responsible for diseases in humans and animals.

Fleas (Siphonaptera) of domestic and wild animals in extreme northeastern Algeria: first inventory, hosts, and medical and veterinary importance.

Fleas are an important member of the North African entomofauna. An understanding of the risks of flea-borne diseases to public and veterinary health can be gained with surveys of their abundance, distribution, and hosts. The aims of this study were to make an initial assessment of flea (Siphonaptera) species collected from a selected number of mammalian hosts in Algeria and debate their medical and veterinary importance. To do so, an entomological survey was conducted on several animal species (goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, hedgehogs, and mongooses) in six localities of El Tarf region located in extreme northeastern Algeria. During the survey, flea specimens were collected from hosts, stored in alcohol, and identified using a taxonomic key. More than 1,200 specimens were collected and identified; including four species: Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans, and Archaeopsylla erinacei (s.l.). Goats and dogs were the most infested animals, followed by cats and hedgehogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the most prevalent flea among all infested animals, with 631 collected specimens, followed by Pulex irritans with 433 samples. Overall, this study is an initial assessment of flea species recovered from selected common mammals in northeastern Algeria.

Investigation of flukes (Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum sp.) parasites of cattle in north-eastern Algeria.

Fasciolosis due to Fasciola hepatica is one of the dominant pathologies in Algeria. On the other hand, gastroduodenal paramphistomosis are little studied and little known. Our work consisted of an epidemiological survey in the Souk-Ahras region to investigate these two parasites in cattle. Regarding the epidemiological investigation, it took place in the Souk-Ahras abattoirs, where 530 cattle were inspected for the presence of both parasites. The prevalence of fasciolosis was 12.3%, while the prevalence of paramphistomosis was 7.9% in cattle. Elderly animals were more infected than those under two years of age and females were more infected than males and for both parasites. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration both parasitic diseases and appropriate control measures are strongly recommended to improve cattle productivity.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among animals in Algeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals. It is responsible for considerable economic losses in some regions and farming systems. This review aims to synthesize current findings on the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in animal species in Algeria. It was performed according to the recommendations of the PRISMA guideline. A total of 14 papers from 1955 to 2020 were eligible to be included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study including a number of 10,187 animals of which 2594 were positive cases (25.46 %) (24.62-26.31 %, 95 %CI). Prevalence of Toxoplasma-infection was 20.04 % in cattle, 22.57 % in sheep, 33.61 % in goats, 28.17 % in horses, 30 % in donkeys, 70.31 % in stray cats, 14.57 % in local rabbits, 30.47 % in dogs and 50.70 % in poultry farms. Adult animals and females were most infected. The highest prevalences were reported in stray cats and poultry. Rabbits were the least infected. This analysis showed a trend of increasing infection since 2015 (R² = 0.129, p > 0.05) which requires further studies to provide better prevention strategies.

Identification of Lice Stored in Alcohol Using MALDI-TOF MS.

Lice pose major public and veterinary health problems with economic consequences. Their identification is essential and requires the development of an innovative strategy. MALDI-TOF MS has recently been proposed as a quick, inexpensive, and accurate tool for the identification of arthropods. Alcohol is one of the most frequently used storage methods and makes it possible to store samples for long periods at room temperature. Several recent studies have reported that alcohol alters protein profiles resulting from MS analysis. After preliminary studies on frozen lice, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of alcohol preservation on the accuracy of lice identification by MALDI-TOF MS. To this end, lice stored in alcohol for variable periods were submitted for MS analysis and sample preparation protocols were optimized. The reproducibility and specificity of the MS spectra obtained on both these arthropod families allowed us to implement the reference MS spectra database (DB) with protein profiles of seven lice species stored in alcohol. Blind tests revealed a correct identification of 93.9% of Pediculus humanus corporis (Linnaeus, 1758) and 98.4% of the other lice species collected in the field. This study demonstrated that MALDI-TOF MS could be successfully used for the identification of lice stored in alcohol for different lengths of time.

Univariate associations between housing, management, and facility design factors and the prevalence of lameness lesions in fourteen small-scale dairy farms in Northeastern Algeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the associations between different types of housing, management, and facilities on the prevalence of lame, causing lesions in smallholder dairy farms in Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The on-site investigation took place between December 2012 and May 2015. All cows were locomotion scored on a four-point scale, and foot lesions causing lame were diagnosed and recorded. Factors related to the farm and the cows' conditions were also assessed. The association between the possible risk factors and lame lesions was assessed using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 349 cows evaluated, 13% were lame (lameness score ≥2), with higher lameness values recorded for the hind feet than for the forefeet. Cows without lameness were classified as healthy. The two most frequent lesion diagnoses observed in lame cows were interdigital dermatitis/heel horn erosion (ID/HE; 39%) and interdigital phlegmon (IP; 35%), followed by traumatic lesions (T; 11%), digital dermatitis (DD; 8.7%), and laminitis-related diseases (L; 6.5%). The risk of being lame was increased in large herds with cows of the Holstein breed, and those in the third parity and above. Tie housing, concrete floor, concentrate feeding, zero-grazing, and the use of foot trimming occasionally were associated with increased risk for the presence of lame lesions. The region and footbathing frequency had no association with the prevalence of lame lesions (p≥0.05). CONCLUSION: These results have important implications; they indicate that several aspects of housing, management, and facility design are common protective factors for the prevalence of lame lesions. These factors should be maintained correctly to not only reduce the number of lame cows in these herds but also decrease the direct and indirect costs associated with cases of lameness.

Development of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the identification of lice isolated from farm animals.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is now routinely used for the rapid identification of microorganisms isolated from clinical samples and has been recently successfully applied to the identification of arthropods. In the present study, this proteomics tool was used to identify lice collected from livestock and poultry in Algeria. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of 408 adult specimens were measured for 14 species, including Bovicola bovis, B. ovis, B. caprae, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes meleagridis, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis and laboratory reared Pediculus humanus corporis. Good quality spectra were obtained for 305 samples. Spectral analysis revealed intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity that were consistent with the morphological classification. A blind test of 248 specimens was performed against the in-lab database upgraded with new spectra and validated using molecular tools. With identification percentages ranging from 76% to 100% alongside high identification scores (mean = 2.115), this study proposes MALDI-TOF MS as an effective tool for discriminating lice species.

TITLE: Développement de la spectrométrie de masse MALDI-TOF MS pour l'identification de poux isolés d'animaux de ferme. ABSTRACT: La Spectrométrie de Masse à Temps de Vol par Désorption/Ionisation Laser Assistée après Matrice est maintenant utilisée pour l'identification rapide des microorganismes isolés à partir d'échantillons cliniques et a récemment été appliquée avec succès pour l'identification des arthropodes. Dans cette étude, cet outil protéomique a été utilisé pour identifier les poux prélevés sur le bétail et la volaille en Algérie. Les spectres MALDI-TOF MS de 408 spécimens adultes ont été mesurés pour 14 espèces, dont Bovicola bovis, B. ovis, B. caprae, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes meleagridis, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis et Pediculus humanus corporis élevé en laboratoire. Des spectres de bonne qualité ont été obtenus pour 305 échantillons. L'analyse spectrale a révélé une reproductibilité intra-espèce et une spécificité inter-espèces qui concordaient avec la classification morphologique. Un test à l'aveugle de 248 échantillons a été effectué par rapport à la base de données de notre laboratoire mise à niveau avec de nouveaux spectres et validée à l'aide d'outils moléculaires. Avec des pourcentages d'identification allant de 76 à 100 % et des scores d'identification élevés (moyenne : 2,115), cette étude propose MALDI-TOF MS comme un outil efficace pour distinguer les espèces de poux.

Molecular detection of avian spirochete Borrelia anserina in Argas persicus ticks in Algeria.

Argasid ticks are one of the most important poultry ectoparasites. They affect poultry directly through blood meal and indirectly through the transmission of pathogens essentially Borrelia anserina, agent of avian borreliosis, one of the most widespread poultry diseases in the world, and is of great economic importance. This study was conducted between April 2014 and March 2015 in the region of Ksar El Boukhari, Algeria, in order to investigate the presence of soft ticks in laying hen farms and to detect B. anserina bacteria using molecular tools. DNA was extracted and screened for the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Borrelia spp. screening was performed using primers and probe targeting the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 83 traditional laying hen farms were visited, of which 39 (46.98 %) were found infested with A. persicus tick. Molecular analysis revealed that 2/34 (5.88 %) of ticks were infected by B. anserina. None of the ticks tested were positive for Rickettsia spp., and Coxiella burnetii. These results constitute the first report in Algeria of A. persicus harboring B. anserina.

Molecular identification of protozoal and bacterial organisms in domestic animals and their infesting ticks from north-eastern Algeria.

A molecular survey was undertaken to determine the presence of protozoal and bacterial organisms in 120 ticks and 87 blood samples collected from mammals in north-eastern Algeria. Eight tick species were morphologically identified including 70 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, 23 Rhipicephalus bursa, five Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, 11 Hyalomma impeltatum, five Hyalomma scupense, two Hyalommma marginatum, one Hyalomma anatolicum and three Ixodes ricinus. Quantitative PCR screening of the ticks showed that Theileria annulata, "Candidatus Ehrlichia urmitei", Theileria buffeli and Anaplasma platys were detected in Rh. annulatus. Rickettsia massiliae and Anaplasma ovis were detected in Rh. sanguineus s.l. and Rh. bursa. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hy. marginatum, Hy. scupense and Hy. impeltatum. Finally, "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" was detected in Rh. bursa. In the screening blood samples, Theileria equi, T.annulata, T. buffeli, Babesia bovis, Anaplasma marginale, A. ovis and Borrelia spp. were detected in cattle. Theileria ovis, T. annulata, and A. ovis were detected in sheep. In addition, A. ovis and T. equi were detected in goats and equidea respectively. In this study, T. equi and "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" were identified for the first time in Algeria as well as potential new species of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Although molecular detection does not indicate vector/reservoir competence when investigating ticks removed from animals, this study expands the knowledge of the microorganisms detected in ticks in north-east of Algeria.

Molecular evidence of bacteria in Melophagus ovinus sheep keds and Hippobosca equina forest flies collected from sheep and horses in northeastern Algeria.

The sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus, and the forest fly, Hippobosca equina, are parasitic dipteran insects of veterinary importance. As hematophagous insects, they might be considered as potential vectors of diseases which may be transmissible to humans and animals. The purpose of this study was to present initial primary data about these two species in Algeria. To do so, we conducted a molecular survey to detect the presence of bacterial DNA in flies collected in Algeria. A total of 712 flies including, 683 Melophagus ovinus and 29 Hippobosca equina were collected from two regions in northeastern Algeria. Monitoring the monthly kinetics of M. ovinus infestations showed something resembling annual activity, with a high prevalence in January (21.67%) and May (20.94%). Real-time quantitative PCR assays showed that for 311 tested flies, 126 were positive for the Bartonella spp. rRNA intergenic spacer gene and 77 were positive for Anaplasmataceae. A random selection of positive samples was submitted for sequencing. The DNA of Bartonella chomelii and Bartonella melophagi were amplified in, respectively, five and four H. equina. 25 M. ovinus positive samples were infected by Bartonella melophagi. Amplification and sequencing of the Anaplasma spp. 23S rRNA gene revealed that both species were infected by Wolbachia sp. which had previously been detected in Cimex lectularius bed bugs. Overall, this study expanded knowledge about bacteria present in parasitic flies of domestic animals in Algeria.

Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Plant Species of Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae against the Vector of Tropical Bovine Theileriosis: Hyalomma scupense (syn. Hyalomma detritum).

The present study aimed to investigate the acaricidal properties of six essential oils. They were extracted from some plant species (Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae) using the technique of hydrodistillation with the Clevenger apparatus. The chemical compositions of the essential oils under study were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). An Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and a Larval Immersion Test (LIT) were used to evaluate the acaricidal activity of these essential oils against the adults and larvae of Hyalomma scupense. GC-MS analysis showed the major constituents of each essential oil: 25.49% of α-thujone (lavender); 46.82% of carvacrol (oregano); 78.78% of carvacrol (thyme); 40.27% of 1,8-cineole (blue gum); 17.45% of p-cymene (river red gum); and 26.96% of 1,8-cineole (rosemary). The biotests on the essential oils revealed that they inhibit the reproduction of H. scupense engorged females at a rate of 100 % with doses of 0.781 µl/ml of rosemary, 1.562 µl/ml of thyme, 3.125 µl/ml of lavender and oregano, and 6.250 µl/ml of blue gum and river red gum. After a treatment that lasted for 24 hours, essential oils showed a larvicidal activity with respective values of lethal concentrations (LC): LC50, LC90, and LC95 (0.058, 0.358, and 0.600 µl/ml for thyme; 0.108, 0.495, and 0.761 µl/ml for rosemary; 0.131, 0.982, and 1.740 µl/ml for oregano; 0.155, 2.387, and 5.183 µl/ml for blue gum; 0.207, 1.653, and 2.978 µl/ml for river red gum; and 0.253, 2.212, and 4.092 µl/ml for lavender). This is the first report on the acaricidal activity of these essential oils against H. scupense. The results obtained showed that the essential oils with chemotype carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, α-thujone, and p-cymene are highly acaricidal, and they can be used for ticks control. However, further studies on their toxicity in nontarget organisms are required.

MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks of domestic and wild animals in Algeria and molecular detection of associated microorganisms.

Recent studies have reported the reliability of MALDI-TOF MS for arthropod identification, including fresh or alcohol-preserved ticks based on leg-derived mass spectra. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of alcohol-preserved Algerian ticks collected from different domestic and wild hosts. Secondly, we conducted a molecular survey to detect the presence of bacterial DNA in all ticks that were previously subjected to MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 2635 ixodid and 1401 argasid ticks belonging to 9 distinct species were collected in nine different regions of northeastern Algeria. The legs of 230 specimens were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS assays. Spectral analysis revealed intra-species similarity and inter-species specificity for the MS spectra, which was consistent with the morphological identification. Blind tests against the in-lab database revealed that 93.48% of the tested specimens were correctly identified. The accuracy of the morphological and MALDI-TOF MS identifications was validated by sequencing the 12S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA) for 33 specimens and all the ticks were correctly identified. The quantitative PCR screening showed that for 219 tested ticks, 15 were positive for Rickettsia spp., 8 for Borrelia spp. and 17 for Anaplasmataceae. The PCR tests were negative for Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella spp. This study supports MALDI-TOF MS being a reliable tool for the identification of arthropods and brings new data that sheds light on tick species diversity and tick-borne diseases in Algeria.

Inventory of lice of mammals and farmyard chicken in North-eastern Algeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lice are permanent ectoparasites, extremely specific to their hosts. Their great importance in veterinary medicine remain significant, they can cause their direct pathogenic actions like irritability, dermatitis, anemia, decreased weight gain, and milk production. The purpose of this work was to made the first time an inventory of mammalian lice in North-eastern Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our survey of lice infestation was conducted on several animal species from five provinces of North-eastern Algeria. A total of 57 cattle, 83 sheep, 77 goats, 111 wild boars, and 63 farmyard chickens were examined. The collection of lice was carried out much more in mammals and chickens during the winter period. Lice were collected either manually or using brushing and kept in flasks containing 70% ethanol. The identification of lice was achieved in the laboratory using a binocular loupe. RESULTS: Concerning cattle, 63% and 27% of those examined subjects from Souk-Ahras and Guelma study areas, respectively, were carriers of lice. Damalinia bovis was the louse most frequently found on cattle in these two regions. Three other species were identified in Souk-Ahras: Haematopinus eurysternus (25%), Linognathus vituli (10%), and Solenopotes capillatus (5%). Regarding sheep, 39% and 24% of examined animals in Souk-Ahras and Guelma, were carrying lice. Damalinia ovis was the most frequently encountered lice on sheep in both regions. Linognathus ovillus also was identified in Souk-Ahras, representing 0.3% of the collected lice. Concerning goats, 53% and 30% of examined animals in Souk-Ahras and Guelma, were parasitized of lice. Two species of lice were found: Damalinia caprae and Linognathus africanus. For farmyard chickens, 69% and 100% of the farmyard chicken in Souk-Ahras and Mila were parasitized by lice, respectively. Menopon gallinae was the most frequently encountered louse in farmyard chicken in both regions. Eight other species were identified in Mila and four other species only in Souk-Ahras. Finally, 25% and 28% of the wild boars in Annaba and El Tarf were parasitized by lice, respectively. Haematopinus suis was the only species found on wild boars in both regions. CONCLUSION: These results are to be taken into account for lice control schemes and louse-borne diseases.

Molecular Evidence of Rickettsia slovaca in Wild Boar Lice, in Northeastern Algeria.

Using molecular assays, Rickettsia slovaca, the agent of a spotted fever group rickettsia was assessed in 92/325 lice collected on 117 wild boars hunted in the far northeast of Algeria. Overall, 7/92 (7.61%) Haematopinus suis were found positive to R. slovaca. The presence of R. slovaca DNA on H. suis questions about the relationship that may exist between R. slovaca and lice.

Molecular evidence of tick-borne hemoprotozoan-parasites (Theileria ovis and Babesia ovis) and bacteria in ticks and blood from small ruminants in Northern Algeria.

Using qPCR, standard PCR and/or sequencing, we investigated the presence of tick-associated microorganisms in ticks and blood from sheep and goats from Souk Ahras, Algeria. Borrelia theileri, was detected in (7/120, 5.8%) blood from sheep and (13/120, 10.8%) goats. Anaplasma ovis was screened in (38/73, 52%) Rhipicephalus bursa and (5/22, 22.7%) R. turanicus and in (74/120, 61.7%), (65/120, 54.2%) blood of sheep and goats respectively. Coxiella burnetii tested positive in R. bursa (4/73, 5.5%) and (7/120, 5.8%) blood of sheep and (2/120, 1.7%) goats. Theileria ovis was detected in (50/147, 34%) R. bursa and (3/22, 13.6%) R. turanicus and in (64/120, 53.3%) blood of sheep and (25/120, 20.8%) goats. Babesia ovis was screened positive in (23/147, 15.6%) R. bursa and (7/48, 14.6%) R. turanicus. Our findings expand knowledge about the repertoire of tick-borne microorganisms present in ectoparasites and/or the blood of small ruminants in Algeria.

Detection of Bartonella tamiae, Coxiella burnetii and rickettsiae in arthropods and tissues from wild and domestic animals in northeastern Algeria.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the scope and importance of emergent vector-borne diseases has increased dramatically. In Algeria, only limited information is currently available concerning the presence and prevalence of these zoonotic diseases. For this reason, we conducted a survey of hematophagous ectoparasites of domestic mammals and/or spleens of wild animals in El Tarf and Souk Ahras, Algeria. METHODS: Using real-time PCR, standard PCR and sequencing, the presence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp. and Coxiella burnetii was evaluated in 268/1626 ticks, 136 fleas, 11 Nycteribiidae flies and 16 spleens of domestic and/or wild animals from the El Tarf and Souk Ahras areas. RESULTS: For the first time in Algeria, Bartonella tamiae was detected in 12/19 (63.2%) Ixodes vespertilionis ticks, 8/11 (72.7%) Nycteribiidae spp. flies and in 6/10 (60%) bat spleens (Chiroptera spp.). DNA from Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, was also identified in 3/19 (15.8%) I. vespertilionis from bats. Rickettsia slovaca, the agent of tick-borne lymphadenopathy, was detected in 1/1 (100%) Haemaphysalis punctata and 2/3 (66.7%) Dermacentor marginatus ticks collected from two boars (Sus scrofa algira) respectively. Ri. massiliae, an agent of spotted fever, was detected in 38/94 (40.4%) Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato collected from cattle, sheep, dogs, boars and jackals. DNA of Ri. aeschlimannii was detected in 6/20 (30%) Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and 6/20 (30%) Hy. scupense from cattle. Finally, Ri. felis, an emerging rickettsial pathogen, was detected in 80/110 (72.7%) Archaeopsylla erinacei and 2/2 (100%) Ctenocephalides felis of hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus). CONCLUSION: In this study, we expanded knowledge about the repertoire of ticks and flea-borne bacteria present in ectoparasites and/or tissues of domestic and wild animals in Algeria.

Survey of bovine mycotic mastitis in different mammary gland statuses in two north-eastern regions of Algeria.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mycotic mastitis in different mammary gland statuses. The study was conducted on 304 dairy cows from ten farms in two north-eastern regions in Algeria; Guelma and Souk Ahras with 922 and 199 samples, respectively, forming thus a total number of 1,121 milk samples. A total of 321 milk samples were collected from clinical mastitis, 544 milk samples from subclinical mastitis and 256 milk samples from healthy mammary glands. Mycological analyses revealed that 10.17% of the treated samples were positive recording 114 species of fungi including 88 yeasts and 26 moulds. The most frequent species was Candida kefyr followed by C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. famata, C. tropicalis, C. colliculosa, C. krusei, C. rugosa, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. inconspicua, Trichosporon sp., Rhodotorula glutinis and Saccharomyces fragilis. Mould species have also been isolated from samples of both healthy milk and clinical mastitis milk. Aspergillus amstelodami (from glaucus group), A. fumigatus and Geotrichum candidum were identified, while the other species including Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. were not identified.