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.

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.

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.

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.