The prevalence of selected vector-borne diseases in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) affecting dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) have considerable importance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of the consequences associated with production decline and economic losses. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of selected VBDs in camels in the UAE and identify risk factors. This research is currently affected by the low number of epidemiological molecular surveys addressing this issue. Blood samples were obtained from 425 dromedary camels from different locations across the UAE. Whole genomic DNA was isolated, and PCR screening was done to detect piroplasmids (Babesia/Theileria spp.), Trypanosoma spp., and Anaplasmataceae spp. (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia and Wolbachia spp.). Amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Trypanosoma sequences were identified as T. brucei evansi, whereas Anaplasmataceae sequences were identified as A. platys-like. All camels were negative for Babesia/Theileria spp. (0%); however, 18 camels were positive for T. b. evansi (4%) and 52 were positive for A. platys-like (12%). Mixed infection with T. b. evansi and A. platys-like was found in one camel. Statistical analyses revealed that camels with a brown coat colour were significantly more prone to acquire the A. platys-like strain compared with those having a clearer coat. A similar finding was observed when comparing urban moving camels with desert indoor and urban indoor camels. Continuous disease surveillance is required to ensure and maintain the good health status of the camels in the UAE. Nonetheless, the risk of disease outbreak remains if the misuse of drugs continues.

A smart economic way to control camel parasites and improve camel production in Egypt.

Treatment of the parasites in camels strategically by administration of the specific drugs (Ivomec 1% SC injection, Amprolium hydrochloride orally, Naganol SC injection and Deltamethrin, poure on) at a specially selected time concerning the transmission season of Nematodes, Coccidia, Trypanosoma, Ticks & mite infection respectively causes relief to the animal from the stress of the parasite, minimizes the number of eggs shedding, and improves its general health conditions. However, the present study designed and applied three selected treatment regimes to 300 parasitically infected and controlled camels in Middle Egypt. The first regime was performed by treating animals two times/year during the peak of infection; the first was in April against internal parasites, and in July against external parasites. The second program was conducted by treating animals three times/year; the first was in March against early-arrived internal parasites, the second was in June against external and internal ones, and the third treatment was in August against the rest of the external parasites. Furthermore, the last suggested regime was applied by applying 4 treatments/year: the first was in February against the internal parasites, the second was in May against the early infection by external parasites as well as the remaining internal parasites, and the third was in July against the external parasite. The fourth treatment was in September to eradicate the remaining internal parasite and keep the animal parasite-free during winter. Treatment was applied to the whole flock; however, the movement of treated and control animals was restricted. The study proved a significant decrease in the incidence and level of parasite burden in animals that received 3 and 4 treatments/year, associated with marked improvement in the mean body score, blood parameters, and rate of pregnancy and its related hormones, as well as enhancement in liver and kidney function parameters. The selection of 3 or 4 treatment regimens will be evaluated concerning their economic cost and total income after another year after each protocol's end.

Genotyping of Trypanosoma brucei evansi in Egyptian camels: detection of a different non-RoTat 1.2 Trypanosoma brucei evansi in Egyptian camels.

Trypanosoma brucei evansi (T. b. evansi) is an enzootic organism found in Egyptian camels, which genetically classified into types A and B. To detect the parasite genotype circulating in Egyptian camels, we collected 94 blood samples from three distant districts and subjected them to different PCR assays; T. brucei repeat (TBR), internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1), and variable surface glycoproteins (VSG) (RoTat 1. 2, JN 2118Hu) and EVAB PCRs. The highest prevalence was obtained with TBR (80/91; 87.9%), followed by ITS-1 (52/91; 57.1%), VSG JN 2118Hu (42/91; 46.2%), and VSG RoTat 1. 2 (34/91; 37.4%). We reported a different non-RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi for the first time in Egyptian camels. Results showed that 47 (58.7%) out of 80 samples were classified as T. b. evansi. Of these, 14 (29.8%) were RoTat 1. 2 type, 13 (27.6%) were non-RoTat 1. 2 type, and 20 (42.6%) samples were from mixed infection with both types. All samples were tested negative with EVAB PCR. RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi was the most prevalent in Giza and El Nubariyah, whereas, in Aswan, the only type detected was non-RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi. The nucleotide sequences of the VSG RoTat 1.2 and JN 2118Hu PCR products were submitted to DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) and GenBank under the accession numbers LC738852, and (OP800400-OP800403). Further research is required to increase the sample size and verify the new sequences to corroborate the prevalence of a new variant of non-RoTat 1.2 T. b. evansi in Egypt.

Question of agent of camel balantidiosis solved: Molecular identity, taxonomic solution and epidemiological considerations.

Domestic camels (Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel; and Camelus dromedarius, the dromedary) are pseudo-ruminant herbivores kept as livestock in rural, inhospitable regions (cold deserts and dry steppes of Asia, arid to semi-arid regions of Africa, western and central Asia). Their close contact with humans makes them a potential reservoir for zoonotic parasite infections, as has been suggested for human balantidiasis. However, there is confusion about the ciliate species that infects camels: Infundibulorium cameli was originally described in dromedaries, but this name has almost never been used and most authors identified their findings as Balantioides coli and, to a lesser extent, Buxtonella sulcata, a cattle ciliate. To clarify the taxonomic status of the parasite and the corresponding zoonotic significance for camels, we performed morphological characterization of cysts and genetic analysis (SSU-rDNA and ITS markers) of B. coli-like isolates from Bactrian camels from Bulgaria and from dromedaries from Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Our results indicate that the camel ciliate is not B. coli, nor is it B. sulcata, but is a different species that should be placed in the same genus as the latter. Thus, camels are not a reservoir for human balantidiasis. Although the correct genus name would be Infundibulorium according to the principle of priority, this would lead to confusion since this name has almost fallen into disuse since its initial description, but Buxtonella is almost universally used by researchers and veterinarians for the cattle ciliate. We therefore propose to apply the reversal of precedence and use Buxtonella as the valid genus name. Consequently, we propose Buxtonella cameli n.comb. as the name for the camel ciliate.

Molecular and genetic diversity in isolates of Trypanosoma evansi from naturally infected horse and dogs by using RoTat 1.2 VSG gene in Madhya Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma evansi is a protozoan parasite that can infect a wide range of animals and is widespread around the world. In this study, we analyzed four fatal cases of T. evansi infection using clinical, parasitological, and molecular approaches. We also explored the genetic diversity, demographic history, and population-genetic structure of T. evansi using available Rode Trypanozoon antigenic type (RoTat) 1.2 gene sequences. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical findings of infected animals revealed high fever, anemia, weakness, and anorexia. The animals were treated with diminazene aceturate, which was moderately effective, and hematobiochemical parameters showed changes in hemoglobin and glucose levels. The molecular and genetic diversity of T. evansi was analyzed using the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis revealed two distinct clusters of T. evansi circulating in India. The genetic diversity indices, neutrality tests, gene flow, and genetic differentiation outcomes confirmed the genetic diversity of the T. evansi population, with a lack of uniformity. The identification of two distinct clusters, exhibiting differential demographic histories and evolutionary forces, implies that the clusters may have undergone independent evolutionary trajectories or experienced different environmental pressures. CONCLUSION: The present findings underlined the need of an early and precise diagnosis in order to treat and control T. evansi infections, and the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene is an important genetic marker for understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of T. evansi. This knowledge can be used to create tailored strategies to control and manage the infection in an endemic region.

Validation of in vitro-produced and freeze-dried whole cell lysate antigens for ELISA Trypanosoma evansi antibody detection in camels.

Trypanosoma evansi is a blood parasite responsible for surra in mammals, with a high impact in camels and horses. The WOAH-recommended reference method for detecting immunoglobulin G directed against T. evansi is ELISA, using whole cell lysate antigens (WCLAs). WCLAs are prepared with T. evansi produced in laboratory rodents, separated from blood cells using DE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography. As parasite lysates are fragile, antigens are preserved frozen pending use. For these reasons and others, T. evansi WCLAs are not commercially available. They are produced in small quantities, in a limited number of specialized laboratories, and they require a reliable and expensive cold chain for their shipment. In this study, we assessed and validated in vitro production of T. evansi and lyophilization of WCLAs in comparison with the reference method using frozen WCLAs prepared with parasites produced in rodents. Using a set of 400 samples monthly collected from 12 naturally infected camels followed-up for 1384 days, and two batches of referenced serum samples (infected, n = 12; non-infected, n = 15), statistical studies on qualitative and semi-quantitative results of the ELISAs did not show any significant difference when comparing the four combinations of parasites produced in vivo or in vitro, and frozen or freeze-dried WCLSAs. A repeatability study (28 repeats in 9 serum samples) was fully satisfying (p-value = 0.055). With the more convenient in vitro-produced freeze-dried WCLAs it was possible to: (i) avoid the ethical concern of in vivo production, (ii) improve the standardization of antigen production, (iii) secure antigen preservation during shipment and (iv) save a considerable amount of money (DE52-cellulose and dry-ice cold chain being avoided). Additional studies with other Trypanosoma spp are required for further extending ELISA to regional laboratories in enzootic areas, especially in view of the current progress in the "Progressive Control Pathway" (PCP) for trypanosomes in Africa.

HARD TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING ARABIAN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN MEDINA AND QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA.

Ixodid ticks are hematophagous obligatory ectoparasites that occur worldwide and transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates, causing economic livestock losses. The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) is an important livestock animal in Saudi Arabia that is vulnerable to parasitism by ticks. The diversity and intensity of ticks on Arabian camels in certain localities in the Medina and Qassim regions of Saudi Arabia were determined. One hundred forty camels were examined for ticks, and 106 were infested (98 females, 8 males). A total of 452 ixodid ticks (267 males, 185 females) were collected from the infested Arabian camels. The tick infestation prevalence was 83.1% and 36.4% in female and male camels, respectively (female camels harbored significantly more ticks than did male camels). The recorded tick species were Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (84.5%); Hyalomma truncatum Koch, 1844 (11.1%); Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke, 1929 (4.2%); and Hyalomma scupense Schulze, 1919 (0.22%). Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species in most regions, with a mean intensity of 2.15 ± 0.29 ticks/camel (2.5 ± 0.53 male ticks/camel, 1.8 ± 0.21 female ticks/camel). The proportion of male ticks was higher than that of female ticks (59.1 vs. 40.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of ixodid ticks on Arabian camels in Medina and Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Camel gastrointestinal helminths in selected districts of Fafan zone, eastern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the incidence and prevalence of helminths in camels in the Jigjiga and Gursum districts of Fafan zone, Somali regional state of Ethiopia. Fecal samples were collected from individual animals and analyzed using a McMaster fecal flotation method. Fecal samples were mixed with water and centrifuged to remove excess debris prior to mixing with flotation solution and performing the McMaster. For each sample, the number and types of parasite eggs present were recorded. 77.3% of examined camels were found harboring gastrointestinal parasites. Trichostrongylid spp. (68.06%) were the predominant parasite followed by Strongyloides spp. (25.6%), Trichuris spp. (15.5%) and Monezia spp. (8.4%). Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite prevalence included age, body condition score and fecal quality (P < 0.05). Camels from the Gursum district had a significantly higher mean egg count than camels from the Jigjiga district (868.9 ± 1064.2 vs 351 ± 422.4; F = 20.8, P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in mean egg count between the sexes (F = 5.9, P = 0.02), with females (724.6 ± 960.6) having higher egg counts than males (373.4 ± 470.6). This study indicates that gastrointestinal helminths are highly prevalent and may affect the health and productivity of the camels in pastoral areas of Fafan zone.

Monitoring of hard tick parasitism in domestic ruminants: A scale evidence for policymakers.

Domestic ruminants such as camels, cattle, goats, and sheep represent a substantial part of the global world economy. Hard ticks are well-known as obligatory bloodsucking ectoparasites of domestic ruminants. Policymakers need to get results that show the global distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitic levels, and their roles as disease vectors in camels, cattle, goats, and sheep. Iran is endemic to a broad range of hard tick-borne diseases. A study that reviews the tick genera and species, life stage, seasonal and attachment site parasitism levels, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution in target animals would be of particular importance. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the above objectives. After evaluating the identified articles, 147 were selected to be part of the survey based on the study objectives. Globally, tick parasitism levels were 28.7, 29.9, 36.0 and 47.6% for goats, cattle, sheep, and camels, respectively. The tick parasitism trends have exhibited an increasing trend for camels and sheep over the years while remaining constant for cattle and goats, indicating that current tick control measures are not being properly followed. Ticks tend to parasitize females more than males because males are more resistant to certain pests than females. The distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitism levels, and their roles as disease vectors provided. This information addresses the needs of decision-makers to make decisions.

New genetic lineage of whipworm present in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus).

With a global population of around 35 million in 47 countries, camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal and desert areas of the world where they survive in harsh conditions. Nonetheless, there is insufficient knowledge regarding camels' parasite fauna which can reduce their milk and meat production. A molecular study for the Trichuris population of Camelus bactrianus from Spain is presented based on sequences of mitochondrial (cox1, cob, rrnL) and ribosomal (ITS1 and ITS2) DNA regions. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods were used to infer phylogenies for (i) each gene separately, (ii) the combined mitochondrial data, and (iii) the combined mitochondrial and ribosomal dataset. Molecular analyses revealed the existence of two different genetic lineages in the Trichuris parasites populations of C. bactrianus. Future studies should focus on whether there is a coevolution process corresponding to the wild or domestic character of C. bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase integrative taxonomic studies on Trichuris spp. based on morphological, biometric, and molecular data, which will inevitably contribute to our knowledge of the etiology of trichuriasis.

Molecular prevalence, associated risk factors and genetic characterization of Trypanosoma evansi in camels.

Surra is a major infectious disease of camels being caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) in developing countries, including Egypt. However, the identification of changes in the T. evansi prevalence in Egypt is important. In this study, the prevalence of T. evansi and its associated risk factors as well as the genetic characterization of the parasite were estimated. Blood samples were collected from 163 camels from two governorates in Lower Egypt. PCR targeting RoTat 1.2VSG was used for the detection of T. evansi and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) was used for sequencing analysis and genetic characterization. Overall prevalence was 19.6% using RoTat 1.2VSG. The risk of the infection in females was 4 times higher than in males (P = 0.0004, OR = 4; 95% CI = 0.79-8.96) and in camels with a history of clinical signs it was 2.3 times higher than camels without clinical signs (P = 0.04, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.035-5.15). Analysis of the ITS-1 sequences of four T. evansi isolates showed little heterogeneity compared to similar sequences in the database. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS-1 region, confirmed the presence of two distinct genotypes of T. evansi in Egyptian camels with more than 99% similarity with T. evansi isolates from different countries across the ITS-1 region and were closely related to Filipino and Chinese isolates. The results of the study can be used for the observation and prevention of disease and updating the epidemiological data.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central desert of Iran.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum infects carnivores as definitive and a wide range of mammals as intermediate hosts. This parasite is regarded as an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses. Although there is serological evidence of infection in Old World camelids, the significance of N. caninum in these animal species is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use molecular and histological methods to detect N. caninum in the blood and tissues of 100 slaughtered one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from blood, brain, portal lymph node and liver of the camels, and nested-PCR assay followed by sequencing were performed. Besides, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied microscopically. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum was attempted on brain samples with positive PCR results. All animals were tested for antibodies against N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by whole tachyzoite-agglutination tests. N. caninum DNA was detected in blood, brain, and portal lymph node, but not in the liver of two (2%) camels. Histopathological examination revealed cysts resembling N. caninum in brain samples of one of these camels; however, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum and T. gondii did not allow a morphological identification. IgG antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 36% and 35% of the camels, respectively. This study provides the first insight into direct detection of N. caninum in C. dromedarius in Iran. Further molecular studies on aborted fetuses, stillborn animals and cases of perinatal mortality are needed to understand the possible involvement of N. caninum in cases of reproductive failure. As the definitive hosts of N. caninum are domestic and wild canids, producers should be advised to monitor and limit exposure of their camelids to these species and their feces.

Development of a control strategy towards elimination of Trypanosoma evansi infection (surra) in camels in Africa.

With an increasing worldwide population that presently exceeds 38 million, camels are important source of meat, milk, and transportation of goods, in many regions of the world. Camels are particularly critical in the northern parts of Africa, above the tsetse belt. However, camel breeding areas are expanding into southern areas, under the pressures of global warming, leading to increasing risk of acquiring parasitic infections in these non-traditional ecotypes. Common biting flies (tabanids, stomoxyine flies, and Hippobosca camelina) act as mechanical vectors, resulting in exposure to trypanosomosis (Trypanosoma evansi; Surra) and high camel morbidity and mortality. In these regions, complicating infections with other Trypanosoma may also occur, particularly Trypanosoma vivax. In many modern camel-breeding areas, human populations are living under political upheaval (terrorism, riots), poverty, and precarity (drought, climate modification). Hence, control and/or elimination of Surra in camels would be beneficial to the economies of these populations. Due to the relatively straightforward epidemiology (single parasite with seasonal transmission in a single host species), control of Surra in Africa is affordable and should be based on implementing: (1) national veterinary services capabilities; (2) efficient diagnosis and control methods; (3) joint integrated control of Surra, gastrointestinal helminthoses (mainly haemonchosis), and sarcoptic mange. We propose that methods to control two economically-critical disease problems, gastrointestinal parasitosis and sarcoptic mange, will support improved Surra control in camels. Aided by decision-makers and donors, elimination of Surra could improve camel health and productivity, and stabilize camel-rearing in regions of the world that suffer from political instability and global warming pressures.

Acaricidal effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract on the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii (Koch, 1844).

The hard tick Hyalomma dromedarii is one of the most injurious ectoparasites affecting camels in Egypt and several other areas of the world. Hyalomma dromedarii engorged females were dipped in alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/mL and then observed over four weeks following treatment. There was a marked increase in dead females following single treatment with the above concentrations, particularly for the two highest which caused ≥ 90% mortality. In addition, the extract caused rapid blood digestion in ticks as well as obvious decrease in their oviposition (40% oviposition for the highest concentration compared to 100% for the control group), hatchability (40-45% egg hatching across concentrations compared to 78% for the control group) and fertility index (0.32 compared to 0.56 for the control group). As the estimated LC50 and LC95 were recorded 63.84 and 1046.11 mg/mL, respectively, the study also revealed that dipping in 200 mg/mL of C. colocynthis alcoholic extract is sufficient to control H. dromedarii as it recorded >85% acaricide efficacy, so it might be selected to be the effective dose. Moreover, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out on alcoholic extract of C. colocynthis fruits and detected its major constituents of decanoic, oleic, linoleic, carbamic and vaccenic acids which have acaricidal activities impacting tick feeding, digestion and survival. The combined effects of alcoholic extract of C. colocynthis fruits indicated by high mortality rate as well as decreased fecundity and reproductive efficacy supports its effectiveness as a promising management agent for the control of H. dromedarii.

Molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato genotypes in dromedary camels from extreme Sahara of Algeria based on analysis of nad2 and nad5 genetic markers.

Cystic echinococcosis is parasitic disease caused by the metacestodes belonging to the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) species complex. Cystic echinococcosis is of considerable economic and public health importance. It is endemic in both livestock and humans in North African countries, including Algeria. The present study aimed to characterize E. granulosus s.l. genotypes in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from the extreme Sahara of Algeria, using recently developed mitochondrial genetic markers (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5) for reliable identification of different genotypes. A total of 75 Echinococcus cysts were collected from 49 dromedary camels, including 65 and 10 cysts from 45 and four camels originating from two slaughterhouses of Tindouf and Illizi provinces, respectively. E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) G1 and G3 were identified in camels from both areas based on nad5 (649 bp) gene sequences, whereas E. granulosus s.l. G6 was identified in camels from Tindouf region based on concatenated nad5 and nad2 gene sequences (total 1336 bp). Identified samples clustered into 11 different haplotypes (ALG1-ALG11), including four haplotypes (ALG8-ALG11) for E. granulosus s.s. G1, one haplotype (ALG7) for E. granulosus s.s. G3, and six haplotypes (ALG1-ALG6) for E. granulosus s.l. G6. The present study provides valuable molecular data, including genotyping and haplotypic variability, on E. granulosus s.l. in dromedary camels from two regions in the extreme Sahara of Algeria. Future characterization of the G1, G3, and G6 samples based on sequencing of complete mitochondrial genomes would be of considerable significance for a more comprehensive understanding of molecular epidemiology of CE in Algeria.

Microscopic and serological survey of Trypanosoma evansi infection in Tunisian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Camels are the most adapted species to the harsh ecosystems of the African continent where they represent 80% of world's population. However, they can be susceptible to many pathogens such as Trypanosoma evansi. This parasite is widely distributed in Africa and represents a real threat to animal health and production. In Tunisia, despite its importance, this disease is underestimated and only a few data are available. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of the disease by combining microscopic and serological tests. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 307 dromedary camels randomly selected from Southern Tunisia. Collected blood samples were microscopically examined and tested with Card Agglutination Trypanosomiasis Test to detect anti-T. evansi antibodies. The microscopic and serological prevalence were estimated at 2.93 and 62.54%, respectively. Microscopic examination showed morphological features of T. evansi. All positives samples were collected from aged males (>5 years old). Seroprevalence was similar for both sexes but it was higher in dry season and in the southwest of Tunisia. The present study revealed high prevalence of T. evansi infection among dromedary camels. This highlights the need for adequate control measures based on the detection and treatment of infected animals and vector control. We recommend investigating the prevalence of infection in other domestic animals living in the same environment.

Prevalence and animal level risk factors associated with Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels.

Surra is a non-cyclic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) and spread by biting flies. The disease has a severe impact on camel health, productivity, and market value, posing a significant threat to food safety and the economy. In a cross-sectional study, 370 blood samples were collected from camels in three Egyptian governorates. Samples were tested using parasitological (thin blood smear (TBS)), card agglutination test for T. evansi (CATT), and PCR to estimate the prevalence of T. evansi infection. Overall, the prevalence of T. evansi among examined camels was 17.3%, 18.9% and 22.7% using TBS, CATT and PCR methods, respectively. The risk of T. evansi infection in older camels (> 10 years) is higher than that in young ones (odds ratio (OR) = 9; 95% CI: 3.5-23.1), particularly during spring (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.7). Furthermore, females and poor conditioned camels were 2.6 and four times more likely to get infection than males and good conditioned camels, respectively. The level of agreement between diagnostics tests were perfect kappa (> 0.83). Moreover, CATT showed higher sensitivity (0.83; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91) than TBS (0.76; 95% CI: 0.66-0.85) and both had perfect specificity (100%). In conclusion, our findings revealed a high rate of T. evansi infection in camels from the three Egyptian governorates. The CATT is a good test for routine use in control program of trypanosomiasis in camels.

Prediction of Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedaries using artificial neural network (ANN).

Surra is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, a flagellated parasite that affects domestic and wild animals. Surra is a neglected tropical disease causing serious problems to camels breed in Algeria. The aim of our study consists to extract the major risk factors that predict T.evansi infection in dromedaries using artificial neural networks. This investigation was conducted on 115 dromedaries from Ghardaïa district, Southern Algeria. The immune trypanolysis test was used to detect antibodies against T. evansi. Firstly, the gamma test has been used to choose optimal input parameters. The obtained results indicate that the age, gender, breed, clinical manifestations history, herd size, as well as the animal activities were the most predictors of T. evansi infection. Afterward, an artificial neural network method has been performed for modelling the proposed optimal inputs and their accuracy was assessed through seven statistical indicators. The comparative study indicates the effectiveness of the (6-9-1) model trained by the Tansig transfer function. The proposed model has demonstrated a good performance: 0.925 for training data and 0.962 for validation data. Furthermore it could be very useful for the rapid intervention of veterinarians as close as possible to the point-of-care (POC).

Morphological identification and molecular characterization of economically important ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from North and North-Western Egypt.

Ticks represent a major source of growing economic and public health concern, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics. Towards evidencing ticks' invasion in the North and North-Western parts of Egypt, the present study aimed to investigate the morpho-molecular aspects of those ectoparasites using stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sequencing of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA gene (rDNA) and nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). Our analysis confirmed the presence and well-distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. infesting dogs and sheep (Alexandria governorate), Rhipicephalus annulatus infesting cattle (Beheira governorate), and Hyalomma dromedarii infesting camels (Marsa Matruh governorate) from North/North-Western Egypt. 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences of the ticks were amplified using universal and gene-specific sets of primers, sequenced and analyzed. Lengths of amplified 16S rDNA sequences in all examined tick species were found to be similar in size (approximately 460 bp); however, they differed in base pair constitutions, whereas ITS2 lengths were 1,500 bp, 1,550 bp, and 1,800 bp for Rh. annulatus, Rh. sanguineus s.l., and Hy. dromedarii, respectively. Phylogenetically, based on the 16S rDNA results, Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks clustered with the southeastern Europe lineage from Romania and Greece, Rh. annulatus ticks were similar to Turkish populations, and Hy. dromedarii were close to the isolates from Tunisia. Similarly, based on ITS2 sequences, Rh. sanguineus s.l. from dogs were showing 99% similarity to Nigerian populations; however, those collected from sheep were closer to Iranian populations with 4.1% nucleotide divergence between the two populations of different hosts. Rh. annulatus ticks were identical to a population from Romania, whereas Hy. dromedarii was close by 99.7% similarity to a population from Kenya. This is the first study reporting nucleotide sequences of 16S rDNA and ITS2 in integration with morphological identification of ticks from this part of Egypt.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in animal intermediate hosts: What is with the organ location?

Organ or tissue tropism/preference in many parasites is essential for their establishment, survival and pathogenesis. In protozoan parasites e.g. Trypanosoma and Plasmodium, tissue tropism is associated with many important aspects such as transmission, treatment, and pathogenesis. In these parasites, tissue tropism is achieved by mechanisms such as sequestration, extravasation, transcellular migration, and vascular permeability. In contrast, little is known about the mechanism behind organ tropism/preference and the potential implication in parasitic metazoans like Echinococcus. Since intraspecies/genetic variation was described for Echinococcus, the organ preference of currently known species and subspecies among animal intermediate hosts remains unclear or perhaps poorly investigated. Here, analysis of 89,359 Echinococcus cysts from different animal intermediate hosts across 47 countries suggests a potential organ distribution pattern in different animal intermediate hosts. For example, E. granulosus s.s. (G1, G3) and E. canadensis (G7) were found more in the liver of sheep and pigs, respectively than in other organs, whereas E. ortleppi and E. canadensis G6 were significantly higher in the lung of cattle and camels, respectively. While the mechanism of organ tropism in Echinococcus and whether it is species/genotype-dependent, host-dependent, or a combination of both is still a subject of future investigations, further and detailed investigation could provide significant information that may be applicable in the diagnosis and treatment of organ-specific cystic echinococcosis or designing host or genotype-specific interventions.