Epidemiological update of cystic echinococcosis in livestock and assessment of practices related to its control in the Mediterranean area.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic parasitic disease that still represents a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. The Mediterranean basin is recognized as one of the major hotspots of CE due to several factors, including the presence of diverse intermediate host species as well as socio-economic and cultural conditions of local communities. This study aims to take a closer look at epidemiological data on CE in the Mediterranean area and assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of shepherds towards this disease in four countries (Algeria, Greece, Italy and Tunisia), highly endemic for CE, with the final goal of identifying highly endemic risk areas and practices in use which might potentially allow the persistence of E. granulosus infection in these areas. To update the epidemiological scenario of CE in Mediterranean areas, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on CE prevalence data published during the 2017-2023 period was carried out and, through a geographical information system (GIS), a map displaying the current CE distribution in the Mediterranean area was generated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted through in-depth interviews of the farmers to collect information on their management system as well as knowledge attitudes and practices towards CE. From the farmer-participatory survey some risky practices emerged including the non-regular deworming of dogs or the use of ineffective drugs or dosing, as well as the provision of uncooked animal viscera to dogs. Finally, lower levels of knowledge and awareness of the disease was observed among farmers from North Africa compared with those of European countries. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that CE is still a very serious problem in Mediterranean areas and increased efforts are needed to promote awareness among farmers and to turn research results into policy in order to reduce the spread of this disease, according to the One Health perspective.

Current status of ruminant anaplasmosis in Algeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The 'meta' package in the R software was used for the meta-analysis, and the random effects model was chosen to pool the data. Meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning 19 years (2004-2023), out of an initial pool of 737 articles retrieved from various databases. The study included a total of 1515 cattle, 190 sheep, and 310 goats, and the overall Anaplasma infection rate was estimated at 28% (95% CI, 17-41%). The analysis revealed varying infection rates among species, with cattle at 20%, sheep at 30%, and goats at 61%. Five classified species and two unclassified strains belonging to Anaplasma genus were identified in ruminants, which are A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-like strains, and A. platys-like strains. Among these, A. marginale was prevalent in ten out of eleven cattle studies. The data also revealed regional variations, with Northeastern Algeria showing a higher infection rate (26%) compared to North-central Algeria (9%). In the subgroup analysis, clinically healthy cattle had a higher infection rate (28%) compared to suspected disease cattle (16%). Molecular biology screening methods yielded a significantly higher infection rate (33%) than microscopy (12%). Gender analysis suggested slightly higher infection rates among male cattle (19%) compared to females (16%). Age analysis indicated that Anaplasma infection was more common in cattle less than 12 months (14%) compared to those over 12 months (9%). This systematic review provides valuable insights, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and potential preventive strategies in different regions and among different animal populations in Algeria.

Histopathological Study of Breast Cancer at the Oran University Hospital Center on a Population from Western Algeria.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide and also in Algeria. Despite therapeutic progress, it remains a cancer with serious physical and psychological consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to perform a histological analysis on 244 patients from the western Algerian population who were receiving treatment at the Oran University Hospital. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The findings of our study indicates that women are more likely to be affected, with a predominance of tumors in the right breast (77%), we also found that (72%) of patients had a personal history risk of developing breast cancer. The majority of the cases that were examined were in the age range of 40 to 50. In addition, we noticed that unemployed and married women were the most affected, with (86% and 95%, respectively). Total of (63%) patients used contraceptives known to be endocrine disruptors and (68%) of cases were breast-feeding.Our results revealed that the most frequent histological type is the infiltrative ductal carcinoma (77%) followed by the ductal carcinoma in situ which is (13%), on the other hand the infiltrative lobular carcinoma presents a very low percentage (9%). The SBR II grade is the most dominant with (81%) followed by the SBRIII grade (18%) and no cases of SBR I grade were observed. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer is one of the most complex and difficult to control diseases, especially in developing countries. Breast cancer screening remains a powerful way of improving early detection and survival rate. The Findings of our study demonstrate that histopathological analysis provides an important prognostic information and, if the grading protocol is followed consistently, reproducible results can be obtained for a favorable prognosis and management of breast cancer to reduce the burden of the disease. KEY WORDS: Breast cancer, risk factor, histopathology, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Microscopic and molecular prevalence and associated risk factors with Toxocara and Blastocystis infection in dogs and cats in Mitidja, Algeria.

Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.

Prevalence and characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales among inpatients and outpatients in Skikda, Algeria.

INTRODUCTION: The spread of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs) has become a significant concern in Algeria, with limited data available on their presence in community settings. This research investigated the resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CREs) collected from hospitals and the community in Skikda city, Algeria, between December 2020 and June 2022. METHODOLOGY: The study collected Enterobacterales strains resistant to ertapenem from inpatient and outpatient populations. An automated system was used for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. ß-lactamase production was evaluated through phenotypic tests and confirmed by standard PCR. Lastly, the carbapenemase genes were sequenced using the Sanger method. RESULTS: 17 CRE were isolated, with 9 from inpatients and 8 from outpatients. These isolates belonged to four species: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 8), Escherichia coli (n = 6), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 1), and Proteus mirabilis (n = 1). Of 15 CPEs, 11 were extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) positive, 5 were plasmid-mediated cephalosporinase (AmpC) positive, and 1 harbored all three ß-lactamases. All metallo-ß-lactamase-producing strains carried the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase gene (blaNDM), including 5 NDM-1 and 7 NDM-5 variants. The presence of blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-244 was observed in one outpatient strain each. NDM was associated with Cefotaximase Munich (CTX-M) ESBL in 8 isolates, while Cephamycinase (CMY) was detected in 3 NDM-5-producing E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the rising prevalence of carbapenemases NDM-1 and NDM-5 among inpatients and outpatients and supports the notion that OXA-48 is becoming increasingly widespread beyond Algerian hospitals.

Italian peninsula as a hybridization zone of Ixodes inopinatus and I. ricinus and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in I. inopinatus, I. ricinus, and their hybrids.

BACKGROUND: Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain on the basis of morphology and partial sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. However, several studies suggested that morphological differences between I. inopinatus and Ixodes ricinus are minimal and that 16S rDNA lacks the power to distinguish the two species. Furthermore, nuclear and mitochondrial markers indicated evidence of hybridization between I. inopinatus and I. ricinus. In this study, we tested our hypothesis on tick dispersal from North Africa to Southern Europe and determined the prevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in I. inopinatus, I. ricinus, and their hybrids. METHODS: Ticks were collected in Italy and Algeria by flagging, identified by sequencing of partial TROSPA and COI genes, and screened for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of specific markers. RESULTS: Out of the 380 ticks, in Italy, 92 were I. ricinus, 3 were I. inopinatus, and 136 were hybrids of the two species. All 149 ticks from Algeria were I. inopinatus. Overall, 60% of ticks were positive for at least one TBP. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 19.5% of ticks, and it was significantly more prevalent in Ixodes ticks from Algeria than in ticks from Italy. Prevalence of Rickettsia spotted fever group (SFG) was 51.1%, with significantly greater prevalence in ticks from Algeria than in ticks from Italy. Borrelia miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in low prevalence (0.9% and 5.2%, respectively) and only in ticks from Italy. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that I. inopinatus is a dominant species in Algeria, while I. ricinus and hybrids were common in Italy. The higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Rickettsia SFG in I. inopinatus compared with that in I. ricinus might be due to geographical and ecological differences between these two tick species. The role of I. inopinatus in the epidemiology of TBPs needs further investigation in the Mediterranean Basin.

Who was the first to visualize the malaria parasite?

Human malaria, an ancient tropical disease, is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium and is transmitted by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Our understanding of human malaria parasites began officially in 1880 with their discovery in the blood of malaria patients by Charles Louis Alphonse Lavéran (1845-1922), a French army officer working in Algeria. A claim for priority was made by Philipp Friedrich Hermann Klencke (1813-1881) in 1843, who wrote a chapter entitled: "Marvellous parallelism between the manifestations of vertigo and the presence of animalcule vacuoles in living blood." We should not lose sight of this old controversy, which is rarely mentioned in historical reviews on malaria.

Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases.

As ectoparasites and efficient vectors of pathogens fleas constitute a source of nuisance for animals as well as a major issue for public health in Algeria. In this study, a molecular survey has been conducted to investigate the presence of pathogens in fleas infesting domestic and wild carnivores in the central north and eastern north and south of Algeria. The molecular screening that targeted Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Bartonella spp.,and Dipylidium caninum, was supplemented by a comprehensive analysis of risk factors related to flea-borne pathogens, drawing data from all documentation across multiple languages and sources from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In the current study, several Bartonella spp. 56/430 (13.02%) and Dipylidium caninum 3/430 (0.7%) were identified. The sequencing results revealed 5/23 (21.74%) B. clarridgeiae, 3/23 (13.04%) B. henselae, and 3/23 (13.04%) B. vinsonii. The two haplotypes, H1 and H2, of D. caninum were identified for the first time in North Africa. The results of the Artificial Neural Network risk analyses unveiled that the prevalence of pathogens and the presence of host generalist fleas as well as the vectorial competence are the most determinant risk factors of flea-borne diseases in Maghreb.

Molecular characterization and haplotypes of hydatid cyst isolates collected from humans and ruminants in Setif Province (northeast of Algeria) based on mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene sequences.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease has significant health and economic impacts worldwide, particularly in endemic areas. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hydatid cysts in ruminants (cattle and sheep) (n = 2060) from the Setif Province of Algeria using microscopy. The results showed that hydatid cysts were detected in 9.6% (198/2060) of ruminants, with a higher prevalence in cattle (16.8%; 56/333) compared to sheep (8.2%; 142/1727). Molecular techniques were used to analyze a subset of animals consisting of 30 sheep and 4 cattle. Specifically, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene was sequenced and compared to sequences from seven humans from the same region. The results indicated that all isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Haplotype analysis identified 19 E. granulosus s.s. haplotypes arranged like a star, with the dominant haplotype (Hap04) at the center. Hap04 has been assigned a total of 17 positives, including positives from sheep, cattle, and two humans. This study is noteworthy for being the first to use a molecular approach to human and ruminant echinococcosis in Setif, a significant breeding region in Algeria.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria.

Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.

Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria: The case of Oran Province / Surmortalité pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 en Algérie : le cas de la wilaya d'Oran

Objective: This study aimed to estimate excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oran between March 2020 and December 2022. Method: Monthly all-cause data used to estimate excess mortality were modeled against the pre-pandemic period (January 2011-February 2020). Excess mortality between March 2020 and December 2022 was estimated using a quasi-Poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by age group. Results: From March 2020 to December 2022, there was a 30% excess mortality rate, corresponding to an average of 112 monthly excess deaths. Observed numbers of deaths were higher than expected for the age groups 20­39, 40­59, 60­79, and 80 and above. The age group 0­19 did not show excess mortality. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality in Oran. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring all-cause excess mortality as an indicator of the disease burden in situations such as the current pandemic.

Objectif: Cette étude avait pour objectif d'estimer la surmortalité pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19 à Oran entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022. Méthodes: Les données mensuelles toutes causes confondues utilisées pour estimer la surmortalité ont été modélisées par rapport à la période pré-pandémique (janvier 2011 à février 2020). La surmortalité entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022 a été estimée à l'aide d'une régression de quasi-Poisson. Les analyses ont été stratifiées par groupes d'âge. Résultats: De mars 2020 à décembre 2022, le taux de surmortalité était de 30 %, correspondant à une moyenne de 112 décès excédentaires mensuels. Le nombre de décès observés était plus élevé que prévu pour les groupes d'âge 20-39 ans, 40-59 ans, 60-79 ans et 80 ans et plus. Le groupe d'âge 0-19 ans n'a pas montré de surmortalité. Conclusion: La pandémie de COVID-19 a été associée à une augmentation significative de la mortalité toutes causes confondues à Oran. Nos résultats mettent en évidence l'importance de surveiller la surmortalité toutes causes confondues en tant qu'indicateur de la charge de morbidité dans des situations telles que la pandémie actuelle.

Initial characteristics of cystic fibrosis in Algeria: Description of 34 pediatric cases.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare disease in Algeria, and its prognosis is poor in developing countries. The clinical and demographic knowledge of Algerian pediatric patients diagnosed with CF is incomplete due to the nonexistence of a national medical registry. Hence, the present study is the first Algerian multicentre study on CF. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in western Algeria. Over 1 year, the study included all pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CF in the pediatric hospital of Oran. Patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, and the prescribed treatment were reported. RESULTS: Thirty-four children (16 boys and 18 girls) participated in this study. Only 15 were diagnosed before the age of 6 months. The sweat chloride test was positive in all patients. Respiratory manifestations were found in all patients, chronic diarrhoea in 29 of them, and growth retardation in 10. Moreover, 25 (73.5%) had low to low intermediate socioeconomic levels. After diagnosis, respiratory complications marked the evolution of the 34 patients, with bronchial congestion observed in 33 of them, while 10 (29.4%) patients presented severe bronchopneumonia and 4 (11.8%) were affected by asthma. Consequently,  three (8.8%) died at an average age of 9 years mainly because of respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of CF is poor in Algeria compared to other developed countries due to the longer diagnostic delay and limited therapeutic alternatives. This representative subset of Algerian pediatric patients with CF will serve as a reference for future studies on CF in Algeria.

A Survey on Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) Infection in Domestic Animals in a Surra Endemic Area of Southern Algeria.

Background: Trypanosoma (T.) evansi infection is endemic in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) of southern Algeria. Materials and Methods: In order to assess the presence of T. evansi in other domestic animals living together with dromedary camels, a study was conducted in the wilayate of Béchar, El Bayadh, Ouargla and Tamanrasset, between 2015 and 2017. Authorisation to conduct the survey was obtained from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries). A total of 190 animals were sampled, including 42 cattle (Bos taurus), 11 dogs (Canis familiaris), 44 horses (Equus caballus), 3 donkeys (Equus asinus) and 1 mule, 49 goats (Capra hircus) and 40 sheep (Ovis aries). These animals were examined by parasitological (Giemsa stained thin smear, GST), serological (card agglutination test for trypanosomosis (CATT/T. evansi), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/Variant Surface Glycoprotein/Rode Trypanozoon antigen type 1.2 [ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2], immune trypanolysis [TL]) and molecular tests (T. evansi type A specific RoTat 1.2 PCR). Results and Conclusions: The CATT/T. evansi was positive in 10/42 cattle, 0/11 dogs, 2/48 equids, 27/49 goats and 15/40 sheep. On the other hand, 20/38 cattle, 1/9 dogs, 21/42 equids, 17/44 goats and 31/39 sheep were positive in ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2. However, no single animal was positive in TL. In addition, the T. evansi parasite could not be demonstrated by either GST or RoTat 1.2 PCR in any of the examined animals. This may suggest cross-reactions of CATT/T. evansi and ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2 with other pathogenic or commensal trypanosome species such as T. vivax or other parasites. Based on these data, in particular taking into account the high specificity of the TL for T. evansi type A, this study does not support the hypothesis that T. evansi circulates in the studied domestic animal species and that they would act as reservoirs for the parasite that causes trypanosomosis in dromedary camels.

Epidemiological Survey on Post Mortem Coccidiosis in Broiler Chicken in Bejaia Province, Northern Algeria.

AIM: The epidemiological survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of eimeriosis in broiler chickens slaughtered depending the season, to determine the different Eimeria species causing the coccidiosis in poultry farms; and to assess the impact of Eimeria parasite on histomorphological structure and oxidative stress parameters of the intestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 in the province of Bejaia, Algeria. The intestines chickens (n = 366) were obtained immediately after slaughter, each cut into different segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caecum). Microscopic and parasitological examinations were performed according to standard procedures. Histomorphometric measurements of intestine were obtained using Image J software. Oxidative stress parameters were carried out from intestine tissue. RESULTS: Eimeria spp. were detected in 73.77% (95% CI 71.20-76.34) of broiler gut samples. The prevalence varied significantly according to the season, with the lowest rates in winter (42.81%, 95% CI 40.35-45.27) and the highest in autumn (97.92%, 95% CI 97.6-99.4). All seven Eimeria species were identified, most commonly E. necatrix (27.70%), E. brunetti (26.47%), and E. tenella (20.96%). The mean lesion score ranged from 1.51 ± 0.05 to 1.79 ± 0.04. Significant differences in VH/CD ratio of intestinal epithelium (P < 0.001) were observed in different intestinal portions of infested broiler chickens compared to non-infested. The mean MDA concentration of intestinal segments was significantly higher in Eimeria species infested broilers compared to non-infested (P < 0.05). The results show at least one difference in CAT, SOD, and ABTS-+ concentrations (P < 0.05) in both chicken's groups. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that coccidiosis is extremely prevalent in slaughtered broilers, with an abundance of pathogenic Eimeria species. Also, it was concluded that infestation induces tissue structure alterations which coincides with the oxidative damage.

Molecular detection and MST genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in ruminants and stray dogs and cats in Northern Algeria.

Aiming at identifying the reservoir and contamination sources of Coxiella burnetii in Northern Algeria, we investigated the molecular presence of the bacterium in 599 samples (blood, placenta, liver, spleen, and uterus) collected from cattle, sheep, dogs and cats. Our qPCR results showed that 15/344 (4.36%) blood samples and six/255 (2.35%) organ specimens were positive for C. burnetii. In cattle, three (4%) blood and liver samples were positive. In sheep, one blood (1.19%) and 3 (8.57%) placenta samples were positive. At the Algiers dog pound, 8 (10%) and 3 (5%) blood samples were qPCR positivein dogs and cats, respectively. In addition, MST genotyping showed that MST 33 was present in cattle and sheep, MST 20 in cattle,andMST 21 in dogs and cats.

Access to kidney transplantation for patients with end-stage renal failure in Maghreb countries: state of art and recommendations / Accès à la transplantation rénale des patients en insuffisance rénale chronique terminale dans les pays du Maghreb : état des lieux et recommandations

We present an overview of kidney transplantation activity in the Maghreb countries, based on data from the 9th Colloque France-Maghreb (Paris, May 20 and 21, 2022). For Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, the incidence of end stage renal failure is respectively 120, 130 and 130 per million inhabitants, its prevalence 626, 900 and 833 per million inhabitants and the part of patients with a functional graft of 10.3, 1.8 et 8.5% with an annual number of transplants of 6.5, 0.8 and 8.7 per million inhabitants. Living donor transplants account for 99% of transplants in Algeria, 93% in Morocco and 80% in Tunisia. In conclusion, access to transplantation remains low in the Maghreb countries. All the modalities (living donor with enlargement of the circle of donors, deceased donors) must be further developed. Recommendations were issued to support activity.

Nous présentons un état des lieux de l'activité de transplantation rénale dans les pays du Maghreb à partir des données du 9e Colloque France-Maghreb (Paris, 20 et 21 mai 2022). Pour l'Algérie, le Maroc et la Tunisie, l'incidence de l'insuffisance rénale chronique terminale est respectivement de 120, 130 et 130 par million d'habitants, sa prévalence de 626, 900 et 833 par million d'habitants et la part des patients porteurs d'un greffon fonctionnel est de 10,3, 1,8 et 8,5 % avec un nombre annuel de transplantations de 6,5, 0,9 et 7,7 par million d'habitants. La transplantation avec donneur vivant représente 99 % des transplantations en Algérie, 93 % au Maroc et 80 % en Tunisie. En conclusion, l'accès à la transplantation reste faible dans les pays du Maghreb. Toutes les modalités (donneur vivant avec élargissement du cercle des donneurs, donneurs décédés) doivent être développées. Des recommandations ont été émises pour soutenir cette activité.

Prevalence of Eimeria Species, Detected by ITS1-PCR Immobilized on FTA Cards, in Future Laying Hens and Breeding Hens in Six Provinces in Northeastern Algeria.

PURPOSE: Avian coccidiosis is an important and widely distributed disease that affects global agricultural economies through losses. In Algeria, there is limited epidemiological and ecological knowledge about this disease and this hinders implementation of control strategies. A recent study, in Algeria, demonstrated a high prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in broiler chickens. However, very little is known about the Eimeria species that exist on chicken farms raised on the floor and older than broiler chickens (for example, future laying hens and breeding hens) in Algeria. METHODS: Samples were collected from 32 poultry farms located in 6 northeastern Algerian provinces (Algiers, Batna, Bejaia, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Jijel, Mila). These included 22 pre-laying pullet farms, with hens aged between 11 and 17 weeks, and 10 breeding hen farms with older hens (over 20 weeks). FTA cards were used to capture DNA and internal transcribed Spacer 1 PCR (ITS1-PCR) was used to determine the prevalence and composition of Eimeria species in the chickens. RESULTS: This showed the presence of six species of Eimeria with a diverse prevalence range. Eimeria necatrix (63%) was the most common species, followed by E. maxima (53%), E. tenella (31%), E. brunetti (19%), E. acervulina and E. mitis (both 0.3%). Eimeria praecox was absent. Eimeria infection affected all farms studied where co-infections by different Eimeria species (63%) were more frequent than single infections (38%). The number of oocyts, per ml of enriched oocyst suspension was higher in breeding hen farms compared to pre-laying pullet farms. CONCLUSION: This study, taken alongside a previous study involving broiler farms, demonstrated that the infection with this parasite is a significant problem in Algeria.

Knowledge, awareness and practice regarding cystic echinococcosis in Algeria: A cross-sectional survey among the general population.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonotic disease with a widespread occurrence, particularly in developing countries. Known as a neglected disease, it is highly prevalent in Algeria with a significant public health concern and substantial financial losses. The objectives of this study was to explore knowledge and awareness and practice of the Algerian population regarding this disease. A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted between July 15 and September 25, 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire targeting all Algerian people of more than 18 years of age. Out of the total respondents, 87.7% have ever heard of CE with livestock rearing connection (OR:2.550, CI 95% OR: 1.108-5.870) and educational level (OR:3.826, CI 95% OR: 1.599-9.156) as the main factors associated with the level of awareness. Regarding their knowledge, results showed dispersing notions about the disease. The majority (84.8%) were aware of the zonnotic nature of the disease while only 49.6% knew that CE is caused by parasitic disease. Also, 83.3% were knowledgeable of the role of contaminated offal in the contamination of dogs which are considered as the main source of contamination of humans (65.19%). Regarding their practices, even home slaughtering was common (92.96%), some positive attitudes were prevalent where most of the participants declared washing vegetable before consumption (97.41%) and washing their hands after touching a dog (91.11%). Also, 68.29% among the dog owners declared that deworming their pets. This study has revealed that despite the high level of awareness and some positive attitudes, the level of knowledge about CE among the Algerian public has shown some gaps related to the epidemiology of the disease. These results could be helpful for the awareness campaigns programmers in their missions through focusing their efforts on raising the level of knowledge for the items that have shown a lack of understand which will be of great importance in the strategy of CE elimination.

Prevalence and socio-economic determinants of consanguineous marriages in Algeria according to Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 data (MICS6).

Consanguineous marriage is still a customary social phenomenon in Arab-Muslim communities. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of consanguineous marriages in the Algerian population and to identify the socio-economic determinants associated with the practice of this form of union. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study included data for 21141 ever-married women aged 15-49 years, from the MICS6 Algeria (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey database), conducted in 2019. Using a logistic regression model, we assessed the influence of socio-economic and geographical determinants on the practice of consanguineous marriages. The prevalence of consanguinity was 23.0% (95% CI: 22.4-23.6). According to multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, low level of education, early age at marriage (15-19; 20-30 years), rural area of residence, all geographical regions except the north-western territorial programming space, economic activity, and the lowest wealth index were the main determinants that assist in the prevalence of high rates of consanguineous marriages in Algeria. Considering these explanatory variables could help national health policy decision-makers to create and implement national preventive action plans that are intended alter behaviors attitudes toward preference of consanguineous marriages and, thus, reduce the burden of genetic disorders or congenital abnormalities associated with consanguinity.

Welfare evaluation of dairy cows reared in the East of Algeria.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of dairy cows raised in local conditions through health criteria. Important health problems have been identified as well as their effect on the milk yield. One hundred seven farms in eastern Algeria were visited. Data on health, productivity, and management practices were collected. Clinical examination of 1210 dairy cows was conducted to assess health scores. The relationship between herd health and milk yield was investigated using multiple linear regression models. The average milk yield per cow was 16.1 kg/day, and the average prevalence of thin cows (body condition score ≤ 2) was 35.1%. The cow dirtiness was a sign of poor facility hygiene, with 24.3% of cows had dirty udders, 44.5% had dirty flanks/upper legs, and 59.6% had dirty hind legs. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥ 3) and severe lameness (locomotion score ≥ 4) were 24.7% and 8.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hocks, knees, and neck injuries (score > 1) with wound and/or swelling ranged from 0 to 46.2%, 0 to 71.4%, and 0 to 14.3%, respectively. The clinical examination showed a percentage of cows with mastitis of 15.4%, diarrhea of 6.9%, cough of 3.2%, nasal discharge of 7.5%, and ocular discharge of 1.8%. Thus, the milk yield had associated with severe lameness, mastitis, thinness, and dystocia. In conclusion, the welfare indicators in this study reflect the serious health problems in dairy farming which influence the expression of the cow genetic potential.