Microscopy detection and molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis infection in outpatients seeking medical care in Egypt.

Introduction: Giardiosis remains one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic infections globally. Earlier molecular-based studies conducted in Egypt have primarily focused on paediatric clinical populations and most were based on single genotyping markers. As a result, there is limited information on the frequency and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis infections in individuals of all age groups. Methods: Individual stool samples (n = 460) from outpatients seeking medical care were collected during January-December 2021 in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, northern Egypt. Initial screening for the presence of G. duodenalis was conducted by coprological examination. Microscopy-positive samples were further confirmed by real-time PCR. A multilocus sequence typing approach targeted amplification of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes was used for genotyping purposes. A standardised epidemiological questionnaire was used to gather basic sociodemographic and clinical features of the recruited patients. Results: Giardia duodenalis cysts were observed in 5.4% (25/460, 95% CI: 3.6-7.9) of the stool samples examined by conventional microscopy. The infection was more frequent in children under the age of 10 years and in individuals presenting with diarrhoea but without reaching statistical significance. Stool samples collected during the winter period were more likely to harbour G. duodenalis. All 25 microscopy-positive samples were confirmed by real-time PCR, but genotyping data was only available for 56.0% (14/25) of the isolates. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (78.6%, 11/14) and B (21.4%, 3/14). All assemblage A isolates were identified as sub-assemblage AII, whereas the three assemblage B sequences belonged to the sub-assemblage BIII. Patients with giardiosis presenting with diarrhoea were more frequently infected by the assemblage A of the parasite. Conclusion: This is one of the largest epidemiological studies evaluating G. duodenalis infection in individuals of all age groups in Egypt. Our molecular data suggest that G. duodenalis infections in the surveyed population are primarily of anthropic origin. However, because assemblages A and B are zoonotic, some of the infections identified can have an animal origin. Additional investigations targeting animal (domestic and free-living) and environmental (water) samples are warranted to better understand the epidemiology of giardiosis in Egypt.

Medical prospects of cryptosporidiosis in vivo control using biofabricated nanoparticles loaded with Cinnamomum camphora extracts by Ulva fasciata.

Background and Aim: Global efforts are continuing to develop preparations against cryptosporidiosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of biosynthesized Ulva fasciata loading Cinnamomum camphora oil extract on new zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs shorten to ZnNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as alternative treatments for Cryptosporidium parvum experimental infection in rats. Materials and Methods: Oil extract was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, loaded by U. fasciata on ionic-based ZnO and NPs, and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Biosafety and toxicity were investigated by skin tests. A total of 105 C. parvum oocysts/rat were used (n = 81, 2-3 W, 80-120 g, 9 male rats/group). Oocysts shedding was counted for 21 d. Doses of each preparation in addition to reference drug were administered daily for 7 d, starting on post-infection (PI) day (3). Nitazoxanide (100 mg) was used as the reference drug. After 3 weeks, the rats were sacrificed for postmortem examination and histopathological examination. Two blood samples/rat/group were collected on the 21st day. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples were also used for analysis of biochemistry, hematology, immunology, micronucleus prevalence, and chromosomal abnormalities. Results: C. camphora leaves yielded 28.5 ± 0.3 g/kg oil and 20 phycocompounds were identified. Spherical and rod-shaped particles were detected at 10.47-30.98 nm and 18.83-38.39 nm, respectively. ZnNPs showed the earliest anti-cryptosporidiosis effect during 7-17 d PI. Other hematological, biochemical, immunological, histological, and genotoxicity parameters were significantly fruitful; hence, normalized pathological changes induced by infestation were observed in the NPs treatments groups against the infestation-free and Nitazoxanide treated group. Conclusion: C. camphora, U. fasciata, ZnNPs, and AgNPs have refluxed the pathological effects of infection as well as positively improved host physiological condition by its anticryptosporidial immunostimulant regenerative effects with sufficient ecofriendly properties to be proposed as an alternative to traditional drugs, especially in individuals with medical reactions against chemical commercial drugs.

A Cryptosporidium parvum vaccine candidate effect on immunohistochemical profiling of CD4+, CD8+, Caspase-3 and NF-κB in mice.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary importance that causes neonatal diarrhea in many vertebrate hosts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of an affinity-purified antigen as a C. parvum vaccine candidate using ileal and liver tissues of experimentally infected neonatal mice by immunohistochemical profiling and immune scoring of CD4+, CD8+, Caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). This vaccine was prepared from the C. parvum oocysts antigen using immune affinity chromatography with cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose-4B beads. METHODS: Thirty neonatal mice were divided into three groups (10 mice/group): (1) non-immunized non-infected, (2) non-immunized infected (using gastric tubes with a single dose of 1 × 105 of C. parvum oocysts in 250 µl PBS solution 1 h before a meal) and (3) immunized (twice with 40 µg/kg of purified C. parvum antigen at 2-week intervals and then infected with 1 × 105 C. parvum oocysts simultaneously with the second group). After euthanizing the animals on the 10th day, post-infection, their ileal and liver tissues were collected and prepared for immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to detect CD4+, CD8+, Caspase-3, and NF-κB levels, which are indicators for T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, apoptosis, and inflammation, respectively. RESULTS: The IHC results showed that CD4+, CD8+, Caspase-3, and NF-κB expression varied significantly (P < 0.001) in both organs in all the groups. We also recorded high CD4+ levels and low CD8+ expression in the non-immunized non-infected mice tissues, while the opposite was observed in the non-immunized infected mice tissues. In the immunized infected mice, the CD4+ level was higher than CD8 + in both organs. While the Caspase-3 levels were higher in the ileal tissue of non-immunized infected than immunized infected mice ileal tissues, the reverse was seen in the liver tissues of both groups. Furthermore, NF-κB expression was higher in the liver tissues of non-immunized infected mice than in immunized infected mice tissues. Therefore, the IHC results and immune-scoring program revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the CD4+, CD8+, Caspase-3, and NF-κB expression levels in both ileal and liver tissues of all mice groups, which might be necessary for immunomodulation in these tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement observed in the immunized infected mice suggests that this vaccine candidate might protect against cryptosporidiosis.

A Novel Designed Sandwich ELISA for the Detection of Echinococcus granulosus Antigen in Camels for Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis.

Echinococcus spp. are important cosmopolitan zoonotic parasitic tapeworms that cause a disease called hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis (CE), which has remarkable economic losses. The objective of our study was to develop a specific IgG polyclonal antigen-based ELISA (Sandwich ELISA; capture ELISA) method for the detection of circulating Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) antigens in camels infected with hydatid cysts before slaughtering and its application in serodiagnosis of CE in animals to assess the positive rate of hydatidosis in camels slaughtered in Giza governorate abattoirs in Egypt. In this study, molecular identification of Echinococcus sp. isolate was performed based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NAD1) gene, revealing the isolate (GenBank: OQ443068.1), which is identical to the G6 E. granulosus sensu lato genotype. The positive rate of hydatid cysts was determined in slaughtered camels' organs (n = 587). The results revealed that hydatid cysts were found in 46.5% (273/587) of the examined camels. Pulmonary echinococcosis was significantly more prevalent in the slaughtered camels (60%, 164/273) than hepatic echinococcosis (39.9%, 109/273), (p = 0.001, Chi Square = 11.081). Cyst fertility rates were higher in hepatic (90.8%, 99/109) than in pulmonary cysts (83.5%, 137/164) and the most viable protoscoleces were recorded from fertile the hepatic cysts (67.85 ± 12.78). In this study, hydatid cyst germinal layer antigen (GlAg) was isolated and used for the immunization of rabbits to raise IgG polyclonal antibodies (anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG). These IgG polyclonal antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography using a protein A column, then labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoretic analysis of IgG polyclonal antibodies and crude GlAg was performed in 10% polyacrylamide gels. The SDS-PAGE revealed four bands at molecular weights of 77 kDa, 65 kDa, 55 kDa, and 25 kDa. The Sandwich ELISA was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity and cross-reactivity of the prepared IgG polyclonal antibodies. The circulating hydatid antigen was found in 270 out of the 273 samples with hydatidosis, with a sensitivity of 98.9% (270/273), a specificity of 94.9% (296/312) and a diagnostic efficacy of 96.8%. Regarding the cross reactivity, anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG showed a low cross-reactivity with Fasciola gigantica infected camel sera (3/8), and Myiasis (Cephalopina titillator larvae; 3/20). No cross-reactivity was recorded with uninfected camel sera (negative sera for E. granulosus), and no cross-reactivity was found with antigens of Eimeria spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., and Hyalomma dromedarii (ticks' infestation). Then, Sandwich ELISA was conducted again to detect E. granulosus antigen in all the collected camel sera, which resulted in a 48.7% (286/587) positive rate of CE compared to 46.5% (273/587) using a postmortem inspection (PM diagnosis) (p = 0.5, Chi Square = 0.302). In conclusion, the Sandwich ELISA technique introduced in this study appears to be a sufficiently sensitive diagnostic assay for the detection of camels' echinococcosis using anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG. In addition, it might offer a significant medical and veterinary importance in helping the early detection of hydatidosis, as well as its early treatment.

Diagnosis and control of cryptosporidiosis in farm animals.

Cryptosporidium is a pathogenic protozoan parasite infecting the gastrointestinal epithelium of human and animal hosts. In farm animals, cryptosporidiosis causes significant economic losses including deaths in newborn animals, retarded growth, increased labor involved and high cost of drugs. The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples is traditionally dependent on examination of stained slides by light microscope or by advanced microscopical tools such as: electron microscopy and phase contrast microscopy. Immunological diagnosis using either antibody or antigen detection could offer high sensitivity and specificity. Examples for these tests are Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunochromatographic tests, Immunochromatographic lateral flow (ICLF), Immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and Flow cytometry coupled with cell sorting. Molecular methods could differentiate species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and help in studying the epidemiological features of this parasite with rapid, simple and sensitive procedures. Nanotechnology-based platforms could improve the sensitivity and specificity of other detection methods like: ELISA, ICLF, IFA and polymerase chain reaction. As the available prophylactic and therapeutic drugs or natural products treatments are insufficient and no approved vaccines are available, the best approach to control this parasite is by following firm hygienic measures. Many vaccine attempts were performed using hyperimmune colostrum, live or attenuated vaccines, recombinant and Deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines. Also, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 technology could help in Cryptosporidium genome editing to improve drug and vaccine discovery. Another approach that could be useful for assigning drug targets is metabolomics. Probiotics were also used successfully in the treatment of acute diarrhea and they proved a limiting effect on cryptosporidiosis in animal models. In addition, nanotherapy-based approaches could provide a good strategy for improving the potency of any type of drugs against Cryptosporidium and give good anti-cryptosporidial effects. In conclusion, accurate diagnosis using advanced techniques is the key to the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis.

Parasitological, Molecular, and Epidemiological Investigation of Cryptosporidium Infection Among Cattle and Buffalo Calves From Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications.

Details about the epidemiological patterns and real contributions of different reservoir animals in maintaining the transmission cycle of Cryptosporidium spp. in Upper Egypt remain lacking. This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle and buffalo (n = 608) from Upper Egypt. The parasite for the resulting positive samples by fecal examination was molecularly identified using nested PCR targeting the small subunit rRNA. Moreover, several explanatory variables, including animals' age, sex, condition, seasonal variations, were examined to describe the epidemiological pattern of the disease. Interestingly, the fecal examination revealed that 33.55% (204/608) of the animals under study were infected with Cryptosporidium, including 38.27% among cattle and 28.16% among buffalo. The parasite was molecularly identified using nested PCR, and their amplicons were identified in almost all fecal samples using microscopy (202/204). According to age as an individual variable factor, the infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle calves with ages of <1, 1-3, and >3 months were 39.13, 34.04, and 54.54%, respectively. Meanwhile, in buffalo calves, the occurrence rates were 28.57, 27.27, and 29.41%, respectively. Regarding sex, female cattle calves were more susceptible to Cryptosporidium infection (51.28%) than males (26.19%) (p < 0.05), whereas male buffalo calves had a higher infection rate (32.25%) than females (25%). According to seasonal variations, the infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle calves during spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 42.11, 30.43, 30, and 52.63%, respectively. In contrast, lower infection rates of 30, 21.42, 23.52, and 35% were reported in buffalo calves during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The rate of infection was 45.16% in diarrheic cattle calves and 15.78% in non-diarrheic ones (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the infection rate was 33.96% in diarrheic buffalo calves and 11.11% in non-diarrheic ones (p < 0.05). This study reported a higher occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection among the animals under study and revealed that buffalos and cattle can contribute to maintaining the transmission cycle of this zoonotic parasite in Upper Egypt.

Molecular characterization of some equine vector-borne diseases and associated arthropods in Egypt.

Equine vector-borne diseases (EVBDs) are emerging and re-emerging diseases, and most of them are zoonotic. This study aimed to investigate EVBDs in equines and associated arthropods (ticks and flies) from Egypt using molecular analyses, in addition to a preliminary characterization of associated ticks and flies by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and molecular techniques. In this study, 335 blood samples were obtained from equines that appeared to be in good health (320 horses and 15 donkeys) in Cairo and Beni Suef provinces, Egypt. From the same animals, 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected. Ticks and flies were preliminary characterized by the MALDI-TOF and molecular tools. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed on the DNA of equines, ticks, and flies to screen multiple pathogens. The MALDI-TOF and molecular characterization of arthropods revealed that louse fly (Hippobosca equina) and cattle tick (Rhipicephalus annulatus) infesting equines. Anaplasma platys-like (1.6%), Anaplasma marginale (1.6%), Candidatus Ehrlichia rustica (6.6%), a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%), and Borrelia theileri (3.3%) were identified in R. annulatus. Anaplasma sp. and Borrelia sp. DNAs were only detected in H. equina by qPCR. A. marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Theileria ovis recorded the same low infection rate (0.6%) in donkeys, while horses were found to be infected with Theileria equi and a new Theileria sp. Africa with recorded prevalence rates of 1.2% and 2.7%, respectively. In conclusion, different pathogens were first detected such as A. platys-like, Candidatus E. rustica, and a new Ehrlichia sp. in R. annulatus; A. marginale, A. ovis, and T. ovis in donkeys; and a new Theileria sp. "Africa" in horses.

Evaluation of a vaccine candidate isolated from Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst in mice.

Background and Aim: Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide and is an animal and public health burden. This study aimed to evaluate the protective potential of affinity-purified Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst antigen as a vaccine candidate according to fecal oocyst shedding, humoral and cellular immune responses, histopathological changes, and the number of parasite developmental stages in ileal and hepatic tissues. Materials and Methods: We isolated oocysts from naturally infected buffalo calves and identified them molecularly as C. parvum isolates (GenBank: ON730707 and ON730708) by targeting the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. We propagated the C. parvum oocysts in mice. In addition, we prepared crude antigen from the isolated oocysts by purification using cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose-4B affinity chromatography coupled with rabbit hyperimmune serum. Then, we divided 81 parasite-free mice into three groups: (1) non-vaccinated non-infected mice, (2) mice orally infected with 1 × 105 C. parvum oocysts on week 4 of the experiment, and (3) mice immunized twice with 40 µg/kg of the purified fraction at 2-week intervals. Then, we challenged the vaccinated group with C. parvum oocysts after 2 weeks, and the positive control group was infected at the same time. Results: We observed a prolonged prepatent period and decreased oocyst shedding in the vaccinated infected mice compared with the non-vaccinated infected mice (t < 0.001). The vaccinated mice had significantly higher immunoglobulin G levels than those in the other two groups at all examined weeks. In addition, the production of cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, and IL-15 was activated post-vaccination. After the challenge, all tested cytokines were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the two infected groups compared with the non-vaccinated non-infected group, with the highest levels in the vaccinated infected group. Vaccinated infected mice exhibited significantly fewer pathological lesions in the ileum and liver than non-vaccinated infected mice, which showed prominent histopathological lesions. Endogenous developmental stages of C. parvum indicated that the ileum was more parasitized than the liver and that vaccination resulted in a lower number of oocysts in ileal and hepatic tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our prepared affinity-purified vaccine candidate could be promising in protecting against cryptosporidiosis.

Copro-microscopical and immunological diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in Egyptian buffalo-calves with special reference to their cytokine profiles.

Cryptosporidiosis is considered to be one of the most devasting gastrointestinal diseases in calves. The aim of this study was to investigate Cryptosporidium parvum infection (C. parvum) in buffalo-calves with both copro-microscopic examination and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two C. parvum prepared antigens with regards to their cytokines profile; interferon- γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-14 to achieve a proper diagnosis. All collected buffalo- calves' fecal samples were examined by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. ELISA was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the two C. parvum prepared antigens; crude whole oocyst (CWO) and crude sonicated oocyst (CSO) in detection of anti-C. parvum IgG in buffalo-calves' sera. As well, concentrations of INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 in the buffalo-calves' serum samples were estimated. The results revealed that the overall parasitological incidence of cryptosporidiosis was 40%. However, the serological diagnosis by ELISA assay showed 53.75% and 27.5% when using CWO and CSO antigen, respectively. Also, the diagnostic efficacy parameters of both antigens; CWO and CSO showed a significant high specificity (83.3%) achieved by CSO antigen and a high sensitivity (71.8%) by CWO antigen. The levels of INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 were significantly increased in positive Cryptosporidium infected group by both coprological and serological assays followed by the group which was positive for cryptosporidiosis by copro-microscopic examination only. The present study concluded that a combination of coprological and serological examination with reference to the cytokines profile is needed for proper diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in buffalo-calves.

Cell-mediated and humoral immune profile to hydatidosis among naturally infected farm animals.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm infect different intermediate hosts including sheep, cattle, and camels. The intermediate host's immune response to the hydatid cyst is still conflict and complex. The current study was designed to evaluate the immune response in sera of hydatid naturally infected sheep, cattle, and camels in the form of features of inflammatory cell infiltrations, levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, besides the humoral specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine sheep, 74 cattle, and 79 camels' sera were collected and considered as CE naturally infected and ten samples from each species were graded as non-infected. Lung specimens were collected for histopathological examination. The quantitative concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were determined. Different antigens were prepared from hydatid cyst; hydatid cyst fluid of lung origin hydatid cyst fluid of liver origin, hydatid cyst protoscoleces of lung origin (HCP-g), hydatid cyst protoscoleces of liver origin, hydatid cyst germinal layer of lung origin, and hydatid cyst germinal layer of liver origin; and characterized by gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis. The total specific IgG level against E. granulosus infection was measured using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The results indicated that the cellular immune response in the infected tissues was characterized by inflammatory cell penetration. The pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokine profile was predominant in infected animals in comparison with non-infected ones. However, the humoral immune response was seen as a high level of IgG in infected animals. The presented data approved that the HCP-g antigen could be considered as a delegate antigen for all other prepared antigens with an immunoreactive band at molecular weights 32 kDa. CONCLUSION: This study provides a fundamental insight into the events that manipulate cellular and humoral immune profiles in an intermediate host; sheep, cattle, and camel that naturally infected with CE. Hence, it was concluded that CE is a constant disease and confirm the reactivity Th1 in combating hydatid cyst. Besides, it could lead to the activation of the humoral immune response in the form of a high level of IgG.

Assessment of Haemonchus contortus larval and adult somatic antigens in sero-diagnosis of haemonchosis in naturally infected sheep and goats.

The current work was carried out to evaluate the potency of larval and adult somatic Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) antigens in detection of haemonchosis among sheep and goats using ELISA. Two hundred and forty-three fecal and blood samples were randomly collected from small ruminants (107 sheep and 136 goats) in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt, during the period from June to August 2018. The fecal analysis exhibited that 26.33% of the small ruminants were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The overall prevalence of H. contortus was reached 22.22% whereas it was 27.10% and 18.38% among sheep and goats, respectively. The current study elucidated that the larval antigen has claimed more superior diagnostic results compared to the adult somatic H. contortus antigen. The apparent overall sero-prevalence among small ruminants was reached 51.85%. Separately, it was 64.48% in sheep and 41.91% in goats. The larval antigen had proved 96.55% sensitivity and 47.43% specificity, for sheep serum samples. Meanwhile, sensitivity and specificity for goats' sera were 100% and 71.17%, respectively. Diagnostic efficacy of ELISA was recorded 60.74% in sheep and 76.47% in goats. This study deduced that the larval antigen has proved the priority and the potency for diagnosis of H. contortus infection. Moreover, haemonchosis is a prevalent disease among the examined sheep and goats.

Variabilities of hydatidosis in domestic animals slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs, Egypt.

AIM: The effect of some variables on hydatidosis in animals slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs was investigated and the influence on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological lesions caused by these parasites as a consequence was estimated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of some variables on hydatidosis in 397 sheep, 401 cattle, 435 buffaloes, and 341 camels slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs was investigated, and the influence on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity and histopathological lesions caused by these parasites as a consequence was estimated. RESULTS: The results revealed that 39 sheep (9.8%), 74 cattle (18.4%), 95 buffaloes (21.8%), and 79 camels (23.25%) were infected. Concerning age variations, 165 young and 232 adult sheep, 215 young and 186 adult cattle, 194 young and 241 adult buffaloes, and 112 young and 229 adult camels were examined. The prevalence of hydatidosis was higher in adult sheep, cattle, and camel; 32 (13.8%), 49 (26.3%), and 56 (24.5%) than the younger ones 7 (4.2%), 25 (11.6%), and 23 (20.5%), respectively. Two hundred and eighty-eight sheep, 171 cattle were examined during winter. However, 109 sheep, 230 cattle were examined during summer. Hydatidosis infection in sheep and cattle was higher in winter 26 (9.01%) and 47 (27.5%) than in summer 13 (11.9%) and 27 (11.7%), respectively. Out of 133 sheep and 128 camels slaughtered in El-Basatin abattoirs, 36 (15.3) and 38 (29.7%) showed higher prevalence than that from El-Warak and El-Moneib abattoirs. Comparing with the non-infected groups, alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in hydatid-infected animals, while cholesterol and liver enzymes activities increased. Total lipid and triglyceride levels decreased in infected camels. Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase decreased in hydatid-infected animals. CONCLUSION: The disturbance in the biochemical parameters, liver enzymes, and the antioxidant activities was consistent with the pathological findings that indicated the risk of hydatidosis infection. Finally, this study clarified the variabilities of hydatidosis in Cairo and Giza abattoirs as a starting point for future studies in different regions in Egypt.

Cellular immune response and scanning electron microscopy in the evaluation of Moringa leaves aqueous extract effect on Cryptosporidium parvum in buffalo intestinal tissue explants.

Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan parasite of human and animals and is considered as an important co-factor in neonatal diarrhea. In this study, an explant culture was used as an in vitro model of buffalo intestine to evaluate the effect of Moringa leaves extract on Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocysts using light and scanning electron microscopy and measuring IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 in the culture supernatants. C. parvum oocysts were collected from naturally-infected calf feces, isolated, excysted and then co-inoculated with ileal tissue explants culture medium. The prepared Moringa leaves extract was then introduced to the infected tissues in the concentrations of 100 mg/ml and 300 mg/ml. After 24 h, tissues were collected and processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Also, culture supernatants were collected for cytokines measurement. C. parvum parasitophorous vacuoles were found attached to the surface of tissue in Cryptosporidium-infected ileal tissue explants. High magnification imaging of ileal tissue explants using scanning electron microscopy showed that Moringa leaves extracts had a great effect on Cryptosporidium-infected ileal tissue explants. There was a high significant (P < 0.001) increase in IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 (375, 275 and 90 pg/ml, respectively) in the supernatants of infected non-treated ileal tissue explant culture plate wells compared to the control non-infected ones (74.66, 75 and 50 pg/ml, respectively). A concentration of 100 mg/ml Moringa extract exhibited the highest anticryptosporidial effect causing a significant decrease in IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 levels (225, 150 and 65 pg/ml, respectively) compared with supernatants of infected non-treated ileal explant culture plate wells. In this study, explant culturing of buffalo ileal tissues allowed investigating the pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis using light and scanning electron microscopy and studying changes in cytokine levels in tissues with and without Moringa leaves extract treatment. This model could help to understand the regulation of intestinal secretory and inflammatory responses, and could be useful for the screening of potential anticryptosporidial candidate compounds.

Comparative ovicidal activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica eggs.

BACKGROUND: Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting the productive performance of farm animals in Egypt. AIM: The aim of the present study was comparing the ovicidal effect of different extracts as an alcoholic (Methanolic and Ethanolic) and aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tested concentrations of extracts ranged from 12.5 to 800 mg/ml. Nitroxynil was used as reference drug with a dose of 100 mg/ml. RESULTS: M. oleifera alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed a concentration-dependent ovicidal effect on F. gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. Based on LC50 values, water extract showed the highest ovicidal activity since it registered the lowest values of 2.6 mg/ml on non-embryonated eggs. Non-embryonated eggs were more susceptible to aqueous extract than developed eggs. On the other hand, the developed eggs were more susceptible to ethanolic extract than non-embryonated eggs even the lowest LC50 (12.38 mg/ml). CONCLUSION: M. oleifera leaf extracts especially aqueous extract could be a promising step in the field of controlling fascioliasis. Further, in vivo studies are needed to enlighten the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera extracts in treating F. gigantica infection.