Green synthesis and anthelmintic activity of silver nanoparticles using Morus Alba Fruit extract against different stages of equine strongyles.

The current study was designed to green synthesize silver nanoparticles (GRAgNPs) using Morus alba fruit extract and evaluate their nematicidal effects against strongyle nematodes compared to commercial silver nanoparticles (CAgNPs) in vitro. The nanoparticles were characterized by Ultraviolet-visual absorption spectrography, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Next, uptake of AgNPs by the first stage larvae (L1), egg hatch inhibition (EHI) and the motility of infectious larvae (L3s), and the ultrastructural analysis of the eggs and worms were conducted. Moreover, some of oxidative/nitrosative stress indicators, including total antioxidant status content (TAC), protein carbonylation (PCO), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and DNA damage were assessed in the homogenized samples of strongyle L3s. We found that the GRAgNPs had spherical shape, 20-30 nm in diameter with rough surface. Following incubation with GRAgNPs at concentrations of 43.40, 21.70 and 10.85 ppm and CAgNPs at concentrations of 43.40 and 21.70, EHI was more than 90%. In addition, concentrations of 43.40 and 21.70 ppm of GRAgNPs led to inhibition of larval motility by more than 90%. The LC50 at 24 h of treatment for GRAgNPs and CAgNPs was determined to be 8.62 and 10.34 ppm, respectively. GRAgNPs and CAgNPs, in a concentration-dependent manner, resulted in the induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress evidenced by decreased TAC levels, and increased levels of MDA and PCO, together with increased DNA damage. The uptake of AgNPs by the L1 larvae revealed that FITC labeled GRAgNPs fluoresced with high intensity largely in the intestinal area. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of eggs and larvae revealed that GRAgNPs penetrated the cuticle of larvae, changed the tegmentum, and ultimately killed the worm. In conclusion, GRAgNPs had more robust anthelminthic effects than the standard antiparasitic and CAgNPs. They could be considered as a promising antiparasitic agent.

In vitro assessment of the anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on egg and adult stages of Fasciola hepatica: evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage.

OBJECTIVES: Fasciolosis is of significant economic and public health importance worldwide. The lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance in flukes to the drug of choice, triclabendazole, has initiated the search for alternative approaches. In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for their anthelmintic effects. This study investigates the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Fasciola hepatica. METHODS: The in vitro study was based on egg hatchability test (EHA), adult motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, ROS levels, as well as several biomarkers of oxidative stress, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). For this purpose, different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) (1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm) were used to evaluate the anthelmintic effect on different life stages, including egg and adults of Fasciola hepatica, over 24 h. RESULTS: In vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could significantly increase ROS production and oxidative stress induction (decreased SOD, GST and GSH and increased MDA) compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it seems that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs may be effective in the control and treatment of F. hepatica infection. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.

In vitro anti-Trichomonas gallinae effects of Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze extracts.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas gallinae is a parasite that causes canker and severe loss and death, especially in young pigeons. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the recommended drug for treating avian trichomoniasis. Due to drug resistance, non-chemical alternatives, such as medicinal plant extracts, are also considered possible therapies for this disease. OBJECTIVES: This study compares the antitrichomonal effects of MTZ with extracts of Camellia sinensis and Ziziphus vulgaris on T. gallinae in vitro. METHODS: Samples of T. gallinae were taken from infected pigeons. Multi-well plates with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) of plant extracts were used for the in vitro study. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. sinensis extract was 25 µg/mL over 24 h, compared to 50 µg/mL for MTZ. The MIC value of the Z. vulgaris extracts was 50 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the extracts of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis, as potential natural agents, could have anti-avian trichomoniasis properties. This study also shows that MTZ, C. sinensis and Z. vulgaris are equally effective in preventing the growth of T. gallinae trophozoites in the culture.

In Vitro anthelmintic efficacy of medicinal plant essential oils against Marshallagia marshalli: Evidence on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers, DNA damage, and egg hatchability.

One of the major public health problems is drug resistance in parasitic diseases. It is therefore important to find new active ingredients to combat parasites. Herbal products such as essential oils (EOs) may show promise in treating infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of the EOs of Lavandula angustifolia and Quercus infectoria against Marshallagia marshalli. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch test (EHT), adult and larval motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, and several biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress, including superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH -Px], protein carbonylation [PCO], malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant status [TAS], and nitric oxide levels [NO]. Different concentrations of Lavandula angustifolia and Quercus infectoria EOs (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/ml) were used to determine the anthelmintic effect on three stages of the life cycle of M. marshalli, i.e. eggs, larvae and adult parasites, for 24 hr. The results showed that EOs of L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria play an important role as anthelmintics. These essential oils significantly reduced the egg hatching and motility of larval and adult worms. This anthelmintic effect is dependent on concentration and time. Furthermore, the EOs of L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria caused oxidative/nitrosative stress (reduced SOD, GSH-Px and CAT and increased MDA, PCO and NO) and DNA damage, thereby providing significant antihelminthic effects. Based on the results, it seems that the EOs extracted from L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria may be effective in the control and treatment of M. marshalli infections. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Morphological, serological, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi in horses of different regions in Iran.

Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of "surra" is enzootic in Iran. The current study aimed to detect T. evansi in horses from different regions of Iran using morphological, serological, and molecular methods. In 2021, 400 blood samples were collected from horses in eight regions. Eighty horses showed clinical signs such as cachexia (n = 64), fever (n = 36), foot edema (n = 40), and abdominal edema (n = 32), and 320 horses appeared healthy. All samples from the studied regions were evaluated for the presence of trypanosomes using direct analysis of blood smears, mercuric chloride, and PCR-based tests. In total, 12% (95% CI: ± 3.1%), 21% (95% CI: ± 3.9%), and 21% (84) of animals were positive for Trypanosoma in microscopic, serologic, and molecular analyses, respectively. All animals positive for SSU rDNA PCR were from Qom, Semnan, and Golestan regions. Further molecular analyses on 84 PCR-positive horses revealed that 29 horses scored positive in PCR using primers of trypanozoon species and 5 scored positive in PCR using primers of Trypanosoma evansi type A. All samples (n = 5) were from Qom region. The 205-bp fragments of T. evansi RoTat 1.2VSG (accession numbers: ON017789-93) analyzed and compared to other isolates sequence from GenBank BLAST search. It has close similarities with isolates from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, and India. Data herein demonstrated that horses from Iran were at high risk of T. evansi infection. Comprehensive control programs, such as those based on the application of repellants and traps, and also, compliance with quarantine standards are recommended for minimizing the risk of the infection.

Molecular identification of Babesia canis canis genotype A in a dog from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Canine babesiosis is a common and clinically significant tick-borne disease caused by obligate haematozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. PURPOSE: To report Babesia canis canis genotype A infection in a dog. METHODS: A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever, anorexia, depression and vomiting as well as mucosal pallor were noticed on physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia, and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). The specific primers were used for detecting Babesia canis. RESULTS: The result of PCR was confirmed by 18S rRNA gene sequence analyzing and has been registered in GenBank under following accession numbers for Babesia canis canis (MW199108). The sequences were compared to those in GenBank, and alignments showed that the B. canis canis isolate belonged to genotype A. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of B. canis canis genotype A in dog from Iran.

Evaluation of cardiovascular biomarkers and histopathological alterations in cattle naturally infected by Babesia bigemina.

Hemolytic anemia and secondary hypoxia are characteristics of naturally occurring Babesia bigemina infection in cattle. The anemic phase comes with cardiovascular insufficiency due to hypoxia-induced system dysfunction; but to date there is no description of cardiac damage in the infected animals. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate hematological parameters, biomarkers of cardiac function and D-dimer in 13 cattle infected with B. bigemina which were unresponsive to standard treatment. The animals were necropsied and the cardiac tissue was examined for histopathologic alterations. A significant parasitemia burden-dependent increase in the cardiac biomarkers and D-dimer level were recorded in the infected cattle compared to the control animals. Thrombocytes count was also significantly lower in the infected animals than the control. Both macroscopic and microscopic hemorrhage, mononuclear infiltrates, and myocardial necrosis were the evident histopathologic findings. These findings suggest that B. bigemina infection can potentially induce cardiac dysfunction in cattle. Furthermore, mechanistic studies should be conducted to understand the mechanisms beyond cardiac complications.

Evaluation of some acute phase proteins in cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina.

Bovine babesiosis due to Babesia bigemina infection induces systemic inflammation, evidenced by increased sialic acid (SA) levels and declined cholinesterase activity. The current study was undertaken to assess further indicators of the systemic inflammation in the naturally infected cattle. To this end, serum levels of some selected acute phase-proteins (APPs) including serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and fibrinogen were measured. Additionally, sensitivity and specificity of the APPs were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve. The correlation among APPs, SA and cholinesterase activity were also assessed. Our previous blood specimens were used to measure APPs. Briefly, the diseased animals were divided into two groups according to the parasitemia: 12 mildly (20 % <) and 8 severely (20 %>) infected animals. Moreover, 10 healthy animals as the control were included. The levels of all APPs were measured to be significantly elevated in a parasitemia burden-dependent fashion as compared to the control. Furthermore, all the APPs showed 100 % specificity, but only SAA and Cp had 100 % sensitivity. A strong and positive correlation was calculated between the APPs and SA; however, cholinesterase activity was inversely correlated with AAPs and SA. In conclusion, inflammatory reactions play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis and APPs can be considered as the potential indicators of inflammation.

Assessment of hepatic oxidative damage, paraoxonase-1 activity, and lipid profile in cattle naturally infected with Ba7besia bigemina.

Naturally occurring Babesia bigemina infection in cattle is associated with changes in the status of oxidative stress, trace elements, sialic acid, and cholinesterase activity in blood. However, to date there is no description of hepatic damage in the infected animals. More importantly, the majority of the above-mentioned causative factors are synthesized or stored in the liver. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate biomarkers of hepatic function, paraoxonase-1 activity, and lipid profile in 13 cattle infected with B. bigemina which did not respond to standard treatment. The animals were necropsied and the histopathology of the liver and DNA damage of hepatocytes were examined. Blood analysis revealed a significant parasitemia burden-dependent increase in the activities of hepatic enzymes and total bilirubin and a decrease in albumin concentrations in the infected cattle compared to the control ones. Paraoxonase-1 activity was remarkably lower in the infected animals than the control. A significant decrease in the blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein and a significant increase in the triglyceride concentration were observed in the infected animals. Severe oxidative damages were also recorded in the haptic tissue evidenced by significant alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, suppression of total antioxidant capacity, and oxidation of biomolecules. Congestion of blood vessels, bile duct hyperplasia, and hepatocyte necrosis were the evident histopathologic findings. Our results revealed significant changes in the indices of liver function in the diseased cattle, leading to the conclusion that the parasite can potentially cause liver dysfunction.

Babesia canis caused clinical babesiosis in a female Shih Tzu dog.

A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever and pale mucosa were noticed in physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). Regenerative anemia characterized by a marked reticulocytosis, significant intra-vascular hemolysis, nucleated RBCs, left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, high serum creatinine and urea concentrations were recorded following hemato-biochemical analysis. Abundant bilirubin crystals and abnormal reddish color after centrifugation were observed in urinalysis. Molecular analysis was performed using specific primers for detection of Babesia canis. Diminazene aceturate, ciprofloxacin, ivermectin and phosphorus-vitamin B12 were prescribed and the clinical signs improved after four days. Two months follow-up showed no recurrence. Such studies would significantly contribute to the development of appropriate preventive strategies and successful treatment. This communication reports a clinical case of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in a female Shih Tzu dog.

Hemolytic anemia associated with Trypanosoma theileri in a cow from Kurdistan province, West of Iran.

Various species of Trypanosoma parasites are known to infect several wild and domestic animals worldwide. A 7-year-old Holstein cow from Baneh, Kurdistan province, was examined by a private veterinarian due to anorexia and depression. Physical examination revealed fever, enlarged subscapular lymph node, and pale mucosa. Blood samples were taken for hemato-logical, parasitological, and PCR examination. The large Trypanosoma spp. was microscopically observed in a stained blood smear. Decreased red blood cells (RBCs) count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration were observed through complete blood cell count. Nucleated RBCs were also found in this case. Species-specific PCR assay confirmed T. theileri infection. Treatment was performed subcutaneously with diminazene aceturate. The clinical signs were improved after two days. Two-month follow-up showed no recurrence. In conclusion, T. theileri is characterized by anemia and pyrexia in a cow. To our knowledge, the present case report describes the first molecular evidence of T. theileri in Kurdistan, West of Iran.

Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers in goats naturally infected with Babesia ovis.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Babesia ovis infection on concentrations of some essential acute phase proteins (APPs) including albumin, fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin as well as total, protein-binding, and lipid-binding sialic acids (TSA, PBSA, and LBSA) and two crucial cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Some hematological parameters also were evaluated. Furthermore, any probable correlation among the APPs, SAs, IFN-γ, and TNF-α was calculated. A total of 420 Marghoz and Raeini goats with the ages of 1-3 years old from the north and northwest of Iran were examined, and 17 goats confirmed to be infected with B. ovis by both routine microscopic examination of blood films and molecular assays. As the control, 17 healthy goats were included. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, and pack cell volume as well as a nonsignificant increase in white blood cell count in the diseased animals compared with the control. Additionally, all the APPs, SAs, and cytokines were remarkably higher in the infected animals than the uninfected ones, except for albumin, which was significantly lower. Moreover, a strong and positive correlation was detected among the parameters mentioned above, except for albumin, which was inversely correlated with the other parameters. In conclusion, B. ovis infection is associated with the induction of severe inflammatory reactions in goats, and both SA and APP are significantly involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Alterations of cardiac and renal biomarkers in horses naturally infected with theileria equi.

Equine theileriosis due to Theileria equi is probably the most widespread and pathogenic disease of equines, which comes with major cardiac and renal complications. This study was undertaken to investigate the biomarkers of cardiac and renal functions in horses infected with T. equi and determine the association between these parameters and the level of parasitemia. Giemsa-stained blood smears from 300 horses with ages of 3-4 years old were examined for detection of T. equi on erythrocytes. Moreover, multiplex PCR was employed for confirmation of the diagnosis in the 28 positive cases. Based on the rate of red blood cell infection, the infected animals were subdivided into horses with low (n = 9), moderate (n = 13) and high (n = 6) parasitemia. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, cystatin-C, cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), homocysteine (Hcy), myocardial fractions of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and d-dimer were determined in control (healthy) horses (n = 20) and the infected animals. The results revealed that both the renal (urea, creatinine and cystatin-C) and the cardiac (cTn-I, Hcy, CK-MB and d-dimer) biomarkers increased in a parasitemia burden-dependent pattern. However, urea, creatinine, cTn-I and d-dimer levels were not significantly influenced in the horses infected with low rate (<1 %) of parasitemia (p> 0.05). Moreover, all of the biomarkers were significantly and positively associated with the parasitemia (R2> 0.5). In conclusion, T. equi infection was related to cardiac and renal complications evidenced by increase in the levels of biomarkers and evaluation of these indices may have promise for early diagnosis of the complications.

Status of oxidative stress, trace elements, sialic acid and cholinesterase activity in cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina.

Babesia bigemina infection (also known as Texas fever) is reported as the most prevalent and main causative agent of bovine babesiosis, worldwide. The current study was undertaken to assess indicators of oxidative stress including activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidation status of biomolecules and serum levels of trace elements as well as indicators of inflammation including sialic acid (SA) contents and cholinesterase activity in cattle naturally infected with B. bigemina. An infected group comprised of 20 crossbred Holstein cattle (3-4 years old) were diagnosed to be positive by both microscopy and nested PCR assay. The infected animals were subdivided into two groups according to their parasitemia rates (<20 % and>20 %). Furthermore, 10 healthy cattle were included as the control. The infection caused severe anemia in a parasitemia-burden dependent fashion. The activities of catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as well as the levels of TAC, zinc, selenium, copper and manganese were significantly decreased as the parasitemia increased, accordingly. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase as well as the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonylation, DNA damage and iron, were significantly elevated in a parasitemeia-burden dependent manner. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly elevated with the lower rate of parasitemia, but the higher rate had no significant effect as compared to control. Moreover, total, protein and lipid binding SA contents were significantly increased but the activities of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were significantly reduced, parasitemia dependently. Conclusively, the infection was remarkably associated with the induction of anemia, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Evaluation of cytokines and sialic acids contents in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi.

This study was undertaken to assess the effects of T. equi infection on serum concentrations of some important cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, IL-12ß, IL-18, as well as total, protein and lipid binding sialic acids (TSA, PBSA and LBSA). Furthermore, any probable relation among the parasitemia, cytokines and sialic acids (SAs) were calculated using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Almost 300 draft horses (Kurdish-breed) with age of 3-4 years old from north-west of Iran were examined and an infected group comprised of 28 mares, naturally infected with T. equi, was identified and divided into 3 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (low <1 %, moderate 1-3 % and high 3-5 %). Twenty healthy horses were considered as a control. Characterization and differentiation of piroplasmosis were conducted using routine hematological procedures and specific PCR assay. The results revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all of the cytokines and SAs in a parasitic burden-dependent fashion. Additionally, a strong and positive relation was detected among the parasitemia, cytokines and SAs. Conclusively, T. equi infection is associated with induction of severe inflammatory processes in horses and SA plays a pivotal role in pathophysiology of the disease as it is tightly correlated with the parasitemia rate.

Evaluation of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers and DNA damage in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata.

Previously, we evaluated serum sialic acid (SA) levels in buffaloes naturally infected with T. annulata. In the current paper, we conducted a further study on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in erythrocyte lysate samples of the same buffaloes. DNA damage also was assessed. Additionally, we tested whether, there is any correlation between SA and the aforementioned indicators or not. To achieve these aims, several biomarkers including the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), nitric oxide contents (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DNA damage levels were measured. The obtained results showed that the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and TAC levels decreased significantly as the percentage of parasitemia increased accordingly. Also, a significant increase in the levels of PCO, MDA, NO and DNA damage were recorded, depending on the degree of parasitemia. There was a significant correlation between oxidative/nitrosative stress indicators and SA. Conclusively, T. annulata infection in buffaloes is associated with a parasitic burden-dependent oxidative/nitrosative damages to erythrocytes and SA plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of the disease, as it is tightly correlated with oxidative/nitrosative indicators.

Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Theileria lestoquardi, T. ovis and T. annulata in Blood of Goats and Ticks in Kermanshah Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to identify Theileria spp. infections in goats and ticksin Kermanshah Province, western Iran from May-Sep 2015. METHODS: For differentiation of different Theileria spp. both blood and tick samples were examined by nested PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Light microscopy of blood smears revealed Theileria spp. infection in 22 (5.5%), while 68 (17%) of blood samples were positive using nested PCR. Out of 68 positive samples, 85.3% (58/68) and 11.7% (8/68) were respectively positive for Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi. Mixed infection was detected in 3% (2/68) cases. Overall, 420 ixodid ticks belong to seven different hard ticks species were collected from goats. Rhipicephalus turanicus 112 (26.7%), R. sanguineus 95 (22.6%), R. bursa, 91(21.7%), Hyalomma anatolicum, 55(13.1%), H. excavatum 27(6.4%), H. marginatum, 22(5.3%) and Dermacentor marginatus, 18(4.2%) were the main tick species infesting goats. The PCR products obtained from ticks were subjected to the differentiation of Theileria species. Respectively, 2 and 8 pools of H. marginatum and R. turanicus salivary glands were infected with T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. In addition, T. annulata and T. lestoquardi infection weredetected in three pools of H. anatolicum. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of goats and collected ticks to Theileria spp infection in Iran. The results suggest that T. ovis has a higher prevalence than T. lestoquardi. It is also postulated H. marginatum, R. turanicus and H. anatolicum might play an important role in the field as a vector of Theileria spp in this area.

Pathological characteristics of Linguatula serrata (aberrant arthropod) infestation in sheep and factors associated with prevalence in Iran.

Linguatula serrata is a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasite in which carnivores and herbivores serve as final and intermediate hosts, respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the L. serrata nymphal infection rate and intensity of infection (mean number of nymphs ±â€¯standard error) to the appearance and pathological changes of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) infected with L. serrata using sheep slaughtered in Tabriz, Iran. In addition, the effect of age, sex, and season on the prevalence of L. serrata infection was evaluated. For this purpose, over a four-year period, 31,078 MLNs from 3199 sheep were examined, with 4972 (15.99%) MLNs infected representing 518 (16.20%) sheep. Collected MLNs were categorized by color as normal, red or black and by consistency as normal, soft or hard. L. serrata were found in 8.88% of normal-colored MLNs, 14.45% of red (hemorrhagic) MLNs and 44.57% of black-colored MLNs, with the difference being significant for infection and infection intensity (P < 0.0001). In regards to MLN consistency, 7.98% of normal, 31.52% of soft and 5.42% of hard lymph nodes were found to be infected with the infection rate and intensity in soft nodes being significantly different (P < 0.0001). Pathological changes in MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with normal color and consistency had calcification of the L. serrata nymph, granulomatous inflammation around the nymph and some neutrophils. Granulomatous inflammation around the L. serrata nymph, haemosiderophage, macrophage and lymph node depletion from lymphocytes were observed in MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with soft consistency. In addition, MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with hard consistency and black color contained neutrophils in the capsule's wall, caseous necrotic mass and L. serrata surrounded by a thick capsule. In regards to prevalence, age, sex and season (autumn) were significant (P < 0.0001, P < 0.01, respectively). These study results suggest that targeted meat inspection and targeted animal interventions could be used to decrease human exposure to L. serrata and animal infection.

Trypanosoma evansi and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae" Co-Infection in One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) from the Northwest of Iran: A Case Report.

A 4-year-old male one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) was referred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University, Iran in 2017 with anorexia, weakness, depression and pale mucosa. Decreased red blood cell count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration were detected by complete blood cell count. In Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears Trypanosoma spp. trypomastigotes scattered between erythrocytic spaces and Mycoplasma-like organisms were observed attached to the surface of erythrocytes. Species-specific PCR assay confirmed T. evansi and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae (CMhl) co-infection. Administration of diminazene aceturate, oxytetracycline 20%, flunixin meglumine and phosphorus-vitamin B12 were not effective in treatment. Hemoplasmosis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis of conditions associated with hemolytic anemia in camel.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, serum trace mineral levels and cholinesterases activity in cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale.

This study was undertaken to assess the influence of an Anaplasma marginale infection on oxidative stress and antioxidant status, trace elements and cholinesterase as markers of the inflammatory process and biomarkers of oxidative imbalance. An infected group comprised of 35 crossbred Holstein cattle, about 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale, were divided into 4 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-10%, 10-20%, >20%) and also 10 healthy cattle as control were selected. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes including erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), median corpuscularfragility (MCF) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and serum concentrations of antioxidant trace minerals (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were determined. In addition, as an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb concentration as well as the activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, G6PD, TAC, MCF and AChE and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Se and BchE in the infected cattle. In contrast, significantly increased (P < 0.05) levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility as well as serum concentration of iron were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the notable increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Furthermore, decrease of cholinesterase in infection by A. marginale can and directly or indirectly lead to increase acetylcholine levels potent anti-inflammatory molecules, thereby inhibiting inflammation.