Clinico-epidemiological survey of feline parvovirus circulating in three Egyptian provinces from 2020 to 2021.

Feline parvovirus infection, caused by feline parvovirus and canine parvovirus 2, is a highly contagious, life-threatening disease affecting cats. The available epidemiological data on parvovirus infection in cats in Egypt is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide data concerning the epidemiological profile of cats infected with parvovirus, including the prevalence of parvovirus infection in cats in three Egyptian provinces (Sohag, Assiut, and Cairo) and the associated risk factors. Using rapid antigen tests of fecal samples and conventional PCR, the overall prevalence of parvovirus infection in cats was found to be 35% (35/100) and 43% (43/100), respectively. Anorexia, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, hypothermia, and vomiting were the most common clinical findings significantly associated with parvovirus-infected cats. The geographical location (Sohag) and the season (winter) were both statistically significant risk factors for parvovirus infection. These findings indicate that parvoviruses are circulating in different regions of Egypt. Our study provides baseline epidemiological data for future preventive and control measures against parvovirus infection, as well as highlighting the need for future genomic surveillance studies involving a large study population from various parts of Egypt in order to better shape the epidemiological picture of parvovirus infection.

Oxidative stress in Strongylus spp. infected donkeys treated with piperazine citrate versus doramectin.

Background: Parasitic infection is one of the main problems in equidae, particularly donkeys. Aim: This study evaluated the oxidative stress in donkeys infected with Strongylus spp by determining the correlation between antioxidants levels; malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the severity of parasitic infection. It also compared the therapeutic efficacy of piperazine citrate as an oral anthelmintic drug and Doramectin as an injectable one. Methods: The study was conducted on 40 donkeys naturally infected with Strongylus spp. These donkeys were divided into two groups (20 donkeys each) according to treatment; One group was treated with piperazine citrate (PipTG) and the other with doramectin (DoraTG). Thorough clinical examination, hematological, biochemical, and parasitological assays were performed before (Day 0) and after treatment (Days 7, 14, 21, and 28). All data were statistically analyzed by independent-sample t-test or paired t-test. Results: In both groups, mean values of MDA were significantly reduced, while those of TAC were significantly elevated after treatment on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. These significant changes were reported after treatment between PipTG and DoraTG in favor of DoraTG. Serum concentrations of MDA were significantly reduced, while those of TAC were significantly elevated for DoraTG treatment group when their values were compared with those of PipTG either on days 7, 14, 21, or 28. Significant correlations were reported in PipTG and DoraTG. Negative significant correlations were reported between fecal egg count (FEC) and each of whole blood picture indices (RBCS, Hb, and PCV), serum TAC and faecal egg count reduction percentage FECR%. A positive correlation was seen between FEC and MDA. MDA exhibited a negative correlation with both blood picture and TAC; hence, TAC was positively correlated with these blood picture indices in both PipTG and DoraTG. In PipTG, anthelmintic resistance (R) was present on days 7 and 14, while it was suspected (S) at day 21 then it was absent (N) at day 28. In DoraTG, anthelmintic resistance was suspected (S) on day 7, then it became absent (N) on days 14, 21, and 28 post therapy. Conclusion: The immunological status of the infected donkeys had greatly improved after treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of injectable doramectin was more efficient than that of oral piperazine citrate in Strongylus spp. infected donkeys.

Protozoan and helminthes parasites endorsed by imported camels (Camel dromedaries) to Egypt.

The prevalence and species spectrum of some blood and intestinal parasites affecting imported camels was studied on a total of 120 clinically suspected camels (males) imported to Egypt from Sudan during the period from January till July 2016 in Abu-Simbel quarantine station, Aswan governorate. Blood and fecal samples were collected from all camels under the study. The fecal samples were collected and examined by sedimentation-floatation techniques for detection of parasitic eggs/oocysts. Coprological examination revealed that the prevalence rate of the parasitic infection was 60% (72 out of 120). Eighteen species of helminthes/protozoan parasites eggs/oocysts were encountered stongyles species were the hightest prevalent of nematodes 12.5%. Four genera of flat worms were identified in the present study including Paramphistomum sp. 0.8%, Fasciola sp. 3.3%, Moniezia sp. 7.5% and Dicrocoelim sp. 0.8%. Four species of Eimeria were identified (E. cameli, E. dromedarii, E. rajasthaniand E. pellerdyi) in infected camels the commenst one is E. cameli 15.8%, Cryptospridium sp. and Balatidium coli were recorded with a prevalence rate about 15.8%, 8.3% and 6.7% respectively. Blood smears from jugular vein revealed that 2.5% of camels were infected with Dipetalonema evansi. Wide spectrum and high prevalence of internal parasites were observed in the present study which may be lead to severe economic losses, so the application of control measures and treatment of infected camels with specific and effective drugs during the quarantine period are most important to prevent spreading of parasitic infestation and/or introduction of parasites previously not exist in our country.