Dynamics of camel and human hemoglobin revealed by molecular simulations.

Hemoglobin is one of the most widely studied proteins genetically, biochemically, and structurally. It is an oxygen carrying tetrameric protein that imparts the characteristic red color to blood. Each chain of hemoglobin harbors a heme group embedded in a hydrophobic pocket. Several studies have investigated structural variations present in mammalian hemoglobin and their functional implications. However, camel hemoglobin has not been thoroughly explored, especially from a structural perspective. Importantly, very little is known about how the heme group interacts with hemoglobin under varying conditions of osmolarity and temperature. Several experimental studies have indicated that the tense (T) state is more stable than the relaxed (R) state of hemoglobin under normal physiological conditions. Despite the fact that R state is less stable than the T state, no extensive structural dynamics studies have been performed to investigate global quaternary transitions of R state hemoglobin under normal physiological conditions. To evaluate this, several 500 ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed to get a deeper understanding of how camel hemoglobin behaves under stress, which it is normally exposed to, when compared to human hemoglobin. Notably, camel hemoglobin was more stable under physiological stress when compared to human hemoglobin. Additionally, when compared to camel hemoglobin, cofactor-binding regions of hemoglobin also exhibited more fluctuations in human hemoglobin under the conditions studied. Several differences were observed between the residues of camel and human hemoglobin that interacted with heme. Importantly, distal residues His58 of α hemoglobin and His63 of ß hemoglobin formed more sustained interactions, especially at higher temperatures, in camel hemoglobin. These residues are important for oxygen binding to hemoglobin. Thus, this work provides insights into how camel and human hemoglobin differ in their interactions under stress.

Bacterial species-specific modulatory effects on phenotype and function of camel blood leukocytes.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have reported pathogen-species-specific modulating effects on the innate immune system. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae are important pathogenic bacteria responsible for different infectious diseases in several animal species. In the present study, a whole blood culture with S. aureus, E. coli, or S. agalactiae and flow cytometry were used to investigate, whether stimulation with different bacterial species induces different immunomodulation patterns in camel leukocytes. The expression of different cell surface myeloid markers and cell adhesion molecules on monocytes and neutrophils was investigated. In addition, the capacity of monocytes and neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed. RESULTS: Stimulation with either of the bacterial species resulted in the expansion of the camel CD14highMHCIIhigh monocyte subset with a reduced fraction of CD14highMHCIIlow monocytes. For the CD14lowMHCIIhigh monocytes, however, only stimulation with S. aureus or S. agalactiae increased their fractions in blood. Although all bacterial species elicited the upregulation of cell surface MHC class II molecules on granulocytes, the increase was, however, highest on cells stimulated with S. aureus. The expression levels of the two adhesion molecules, CD11a and CD18, on neutrophils and monocytes were differently affected by bacterial stimulation. Functionally, E. coli failed to stimulate ROS production in monocytes, while induced a strong ROS production response in granulocytes. S. agalactiae elicited a week ROS production in granulocytes when compared to the other two pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: The different responsiveness of monocytes and granulocytes toward different bacterial species indicates different host-pathogen interaction mechanisms for the two cell populations. In addition, the phenotypic and functional differences between cells stimulated with E. coli, S. aureus, or S. agalactiae suggests pathogen-species-specific modulating effects of the bacterial pathogens on the camel innate myeloid cells.

Red Blood Cell Stiffness and Adhesion Are Species-Specific Properties Strongly Affected by Temperature and Medium Changes in Single Cell Force Spectroscopy.

Besides human red blood cells (RBC), a standard model used in AFM-single cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), little is known about apparent Young's modulus (Ea) or adhesion of animal RBCs displaying distinct cellular features. To close this knowledge gap, we probed chicken, horse, camel, and human fetal RBCs and compared data with human adults serving as a repository for future studies. Additionally, we assessed how measurements are affected under physiological conditions (species-specific temperature in autologous plasma vs. 25 °C in aqueous NaCl solution). In all RBC types, Ea decreased with increasing temperature irrespective of the suspension medium. In mammalian RBCs, adhesion increased with elevated temperatures and scaled with reported membrane sialic acid concentrations. In chicken only adhesion decreased with higher temperature, which we attribute to the lower AE-1 concentration allowing more membrane undulations. Ea decreased further in plasma at every test temperature, and adhesion was completely abolished, pointing to functional cell enlargement by adsorption of plasma components. This halo elevated RBC size by several hundreds of nanometers, blunted the thermal input, and will affect the coupling of RBCs with the flowing plasma. The study evidences the presence of a RBC surface layer and discusses the tremendous effects when RBCs are probed at physiological conditions.

Risk factors for serological evidence of MERS-CoV in camels, Kenya, 2016-2017.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging viral disease and dromedary camels are known to be the source of human spill over events. A cross-sectional epidemiological surveillance study was carried out in Kenya in 2017 to, 1) estimate MERS-CoV antibody seropositivity in the camel-dense counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia and Nakuru to identify, and 2) determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in camels. Blood samples were collected from a total of 1421 camels selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were also collected from camel owners or herders using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The sera from camel samples were tested for the presence of circulating antibodies to MERS-CoV using the anti-MERS-CoV IgG ELISA test. Univariate and multivariable statistical analysis were used to investigate factors potentially associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in camels. The overall seropositivity in camel sera was 62.9 %, with the highest seropositivity recorded in Isiolo County (77.7 %), and the lowest seropositivity recorded in Nakuru County (14.0 %). When risk factors for seropositivity were assessed, the "Type of camel production system" {(aOR = 5.40(95 %CI: 1.67-17.49)}, "Age between 1-2 years, 2-3 years and above 3 years" {(aOR = 1.64 (95 %CI: 1.04-2.59}", {(aOR = 3.27 (95 %CI: 3.66-5.61)}" and {(aOR = 6.12 (95 %CI: 4.04-9.30)} respectively and "Sex of camels" {(aOR = 1.75 (95 %CI: 1.27-2.41)} were identified as significant predictors of MERS-CoV seropositivity. Our studies indicate a high level of seropositivity to MERS-CoV in camels in the counties surveyed, and highlights the important risk factors associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in camels. Given that MERS-CoV is a zoonosis, and Kenya possesses the fourth largest camel population in Africa, these findings are important to inform the development of efficient and risk-based prevention and mitigation strategies against MERS-CoV transmission to humans.

Leukocyte populations in peripheral blood of dromedary camels with clinical endometritis.

Endometritis represents the main cause of reproductive failure in dromedary camels. In dromedary camels, associations between endometritis-causing pathogen-species, disease severity, and systemic changes in the immune system have not been evaluated. In the current study, there was use of flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of membrane proteins for the evaluation of leukocyte subsets and the cellular phenotype in blood of camels with clinical endometritis and evaluations of associations with disease severity and endometritis-causing pathogens. Animals with endometritis had markedly larger numbers of total leukocytes and neutrophils. Although total lymphocyte and monocyte counts did not differ between camels with and without clinical endometritis, there were lesser numbers of total and effector CD4-positive T cells in camels with endometritis. Among monocytes, number of camel inflammatory monocytes (Mo-II) was markedly greater, whereas Mo-III numbers were less in the blood of camels with clinical endometritis. Number of inflammatory monocytes was also indicative of endometritis severity grade. Among camels with clinical endometritis, E. coli- and S. aureus-infected animals had similar endometritis grades and comparable phenotype and composition patterns of leukocytes. Neutrophils and monocytes of camels with clinical endometritis had fewer cell adhesion molecules (i.e., CD11a and CD18). Collectively, the results from the current study allowed for identification of associations between endometritis severity grade and larger numbers of inflammatory monocytes. The results also indicate there is no association between endometritis pathogen-species and changes in phenotype or composition of blood leukocytes.

Morphometric, haematological and physio-biochemical characterization of Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camel at high altitude.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical and haematological parameters have not been determined in Bactrian camels kept at high altitude. Therefore, this study was undertaken to characterise different physiological, haematological, biochemical, and morphometric parameters of Bactrian camels of high altitude. For this, total fourteen high altitude healthy Bactrian camels were selected from Leh-Ladakh, India, a high altitude area, and thereafter divided into three age groups (N = 3 young; N = 6 adult; N = 5 old camels) to characterise for above parameters. All the results were compared with Lowlander Bactrian camels. RESULTS: Morphometric measurement showed significant difference in body height, body length, front-hump height and girth, back-hump height and girth, abdomen girth, neck length, and circumference of the shank in the young age group camels as compared to other age groups of Bactrian camels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all the physiological and haematological parameters were similar in all the age groups of camels (p < 0.05). However, the leukocyte, erythrocyte, Hb, platelets, monocyte, and ESR level were towards the higher side of the normal reference range of Lowlander Bactrian camels. Whereas, the biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in triglycerides and decrease in protein levels in the younger age group as compared to other age groups (p < 0.05). Although, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, iron, magnesium, urea, and creatinine levels were insignificant among the different groups, but observed towards the higher side of the low altitude reference range. Interestingly, the glucose levels in all the groups were observed towards the lower side of the range, which showed metabolic adaptation to high altitude. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested there is morphometric and biochemical variation in Bactrian camel of high altitude. The results further helped in establishing novel reference ranges for these parameters in Highlander Bactrian camel. Hence, this study will be the basis of future research on a Bactrian camel from high-altitude cold desert and helpful for better camel husbandry and health management in high altitude.

Diagnosis and treatment of foreign bodies swallowing syndrome in camels (Camelus dromedarius) with special reference to the role of mineral deficiency.

This study describes the clinical presentation of ruminal and reticular foreign body syndrome (RRFBS), and evaluates the effect of mineral deficiency on its occurrence in dromedary camels. Thirty dromedary camels were divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) included 10 apparently healthy she-camels. Group 2 consisted of twenty dromedary camels diagnosed with RRFBS on the basis of clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations. Clinical findings showed decreased appetite and milk yield, tympany, and gradual body weight loss. Ultrasonographic examinations revealed the presence of hyperechoic material with variable degrees of shadowing. Hematological evaluation showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease of the total erythrocyte and lymphocyte count and a significant increase of neutrophils in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Biochemical tests showed a significant elevation in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), glucose, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and a significant decrease of sodium, chloride, potassium, cobalt, iron, and selenium in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Rumenotomy was performed on the 20 camels as a surgical intervention for treating the RRFBS. By the 6th month postoperatively, all surgically treated camels had completely recovered except for one with tympany and slight swelling in situ. In conclusion, trace element deficiency might play an important role in the occurrence of foreign body ingestion syndrome in dromedary camels. Moreover, clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations are considered as tools assisting in the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment stratagem for RRFBS in camels.

Seroepidemiological Investigation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Sheep and Camels of Inner Mongolia of China.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a highly lethal infectious disease in humans caused by tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). To determine the potential risk of CCHF in the pastoral area of Northwestern China, the presence of antibody to CCHFV in the sera of two most common tick hosts, sheep and camels, in Inner Mongolia of China was evaluated. The purified recombinant nucleocapsid protein (NP) of CCHFV was prepared from a prokaryotic vector expressing the NP encoding gene, which was employed as the antigen to probe antibody against CCHFV in tick vectors using an immunoblotting assay. In total, 58.3% (35/60) and 54% (12/22) of camels were positive of antibody to CCHFV in sera at Alxa Youqi County and Ulan Hudu Gacha Village of Inner Mongolia Province, respectively. However, only 6.7% (2/30) of sera of sheep were determined positive in antibody to CCHFV in the Wulan Hudug check area in this study. Consequently, these results indicate that 54-58.3% camels were infected by CCHFV after exposure to tick bites in Inner Mongolia, which was significantly higher than 6.7% of infection in the sheep in this area, suggesting there is a certain relationship between the serological reactivity and exposure time to ticks, range of activity, living behaviors, and breeding time. Further intensive surveillance of livestock and exposed population is required to better understand the spread of CCHFV in this area.

Dromedary camel CD14high MHCIIhigh monocytes display inflammatory properties and are reduced in newborn camel calves.

BACKGROUND: In human and different animal species, blood monocytes are classified based on their expression pattern of different monocytic markers into phenotypically and functionally different subsets. In the current study, we used flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies to CD172a, CD14, CD163 and MHCII to identify monocyte subsets in peripheral blood of dromedary camels. RESULTS: Based on CD14, CD163 and MHCII expression, camel CD172a + monocytes were divided into three subsets: The major subpopulation of camel monocytes (mo-I) showed high expression of CD14 and CD163, but low expression of MHCII. A second subset of monocytes (mo-II) expressed highly all three markers, CD14, CD163 and MHCII. A third monocyte subset (mo-III) displayed low expression of CD14 and CD163 with high MHCII expression. While the two MHCIIhigh subsets (mo-II and mo-III) showed higher expression of CD11a in comparison to the MHCIIlow subset (mo-I), CD18 and CD11b were highest expressed on the two CD14high subsets (mo-I and mo-II). Bacterial stimulation of camel leukocytes identified mo-II cells as an antimicrobial monocyte subset with the highest phagocytic and ROS production capacity. The comparison of monocyte counts and phenotype between newborn calves and adult camels revealed significantly reduced numbers of mo-II cells in newborn animals. Monocytes of newborns expressed significantly more CD172a and CD163 molecules but less CD14 and MHCII molecules than monocytes of adult camels. CONCLUSIONS: Camel monocyte subsets, mo-I, mo-II and mo-III are counterparts of bovine classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes respectively. The distribution of camel monocyte subsets is influenced by age.

Screening for reproductive biomarkers in Bactrian camel via iTRAQ analysis of proteomes.

Bactrian camel is an ancient and precious species of livestock; that is, unique resources exist in the desert and have important economic and scientific value. In recent years, the number of Bactrian camels has declined sharply. Due to its long reproductive cycle and seasonal oestrus, the mechanism of oestrus is unknown. To identify candidate biomarkers of reproduction, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of serum from Bactrian camel in oestrus and non-oestrus, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We identified 359 proteins, of which 32 were differentially expressed: 11 were up-regulated and 21 were down-regulated in samples from camels in oestrus. We validated the differential expression of a subset of these proteins using qPCR and Western blot. Gene ontology annotation identified that the differentially expressed proteins function in cellular processes, metabolic processes and immune system processes. Notably, five of the differentially expressed proteins, PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2, are involved in reproductive regulatory processes in other animals. KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment in several cardiac-related pathways, such as 'dilated cardiomyopathy', 'hypertrophic cardiomyopathy', 'cardiac muscle contraction' and 'adrenergic signalling in cardiomyopathy'. Our results suggest that candidate biomarker (PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2) discovery can aid in understanding reproduction in Bactrian camels. We conclude that the profiling of serum proteomes, followed by the measurement of selected proteins using more targeted methods, offers a promising approach for studying mechanisms of oestrus.

Relationship between concentrations of macro and trace elements in serum and follicular, oviductal, and uterine fluids of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between concentrations of macro and trace elements in blood serum, and fluids from small and large follicles (SFF and LFF, respectively), oviduct (OF), and uterus (UF) of female dromedary camels. Fluids from small (2-6 mm) and large follicles (7-20 mm), oviduct and uterus, and blood samples were collected from 19 camels. The results indicated that the concentrations of serum Mg, Fe, and Mn were significantly higher than their follicular fluid, OF, and UF concentrations. Levels of Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Mn were significantly higher in SFF than in LFF. Se and Mo concentrations were higher in LFF. Co concentration was lower in serum than in reproductive tract fluids. Cr concentration was higher in UF and OF than in the serum, SFF, and LFF. High Ca concentration was observed for serum and SFF, followed by LFF. The concentration of Na was about 1.18-fold higher in SFF than in serum, OF, and LFF, and approximately 4.1-fold higher in serum than in UF. K was present in higher concentration in SFF than in serum and LFF; however, its concentration was low in UF and OF. In conclusion, this study shows the concentrations of certain elements in small and large follicular, uterine, and oviductal fluids, which may be low or high depending on their function in the development and growth of follicles. This information can support the development of new media for in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilization of female camels.

Serological evidence of MERS-CoV and HKU8-related CoV co-infection in Kenyan camels.

Dromedary camels are important reservoir hosts of various coronaviruses, including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that cause human infections. CoV genomes regularly undergo recombination during infection as observed in bat SARS-related CoVs. Here we report for the first time that only a small proportion of MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain positive (RBD) of spike protein positive camel sera in Kenya were also seropositive to MERS-CoV nucleocapsid (NP). In contrast, many of them contain antibodies against bat HKU8-related (HKU8r)-CoVs. Among 584 camel samples that were positive against MERS-CoV RBD, we found only 0.48 (8.22%) samples were also positive for NP. Furthermore, we found bat HKU8r-CoV NP antibody in 73 (12.5%) of the MERS-CoV RBD positive and NP negative samples, yet found only 3 (0.43%) of the HKU8r-CoV S1 antibody in the same samples. These findings may indicate co-infection with MERS-CoV and a HKU8r-CoV in camels. It may also raise the possibility of the circulation of a recombinant coronavirus virus with the spike of MERS-CoV and the NP of a HKU8r-CoV in Kenya. We failed to find molecular evidence of an HKU8r-CoV or a putative recombinant virus. Our findings should alert other investigators to look for molecular evidence of HKU8r-CoV or recombinants.

Molecular Detection of Theileria ovis and Theleiria equi in Livestock from Palestine.

Theileria and Babesia are intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of animals. In Palestine, there is limited information on the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia spp. in livestock. We used PCR of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene followed by DNA sequencing to detect and identify parasite DNA in blood samples from sheep (n = 49), goats (n = 48), horses (n = 40), camels (n = 34), donkeys (n = 28) and mules (n = 2) from four districts of Palestine. DNA of T. ovis and T. equi was detected in 19 and 2 ovine blood samples, respectively. None of the camels, donkeys, and goats were positive for T. ovis. Sheep had a significantly higher rate of infection than other animals (P < 0.05). Theileria ovis is highly prevalent in sheep, while T. equi DNA was detected in a small proportion of the equids in Palestine.

Effect of heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, and lead on the semen variables of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

In this study, there was investigation of the effect of heavy metals on the fertility of dromedary camels. Fourteen camels at the Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, and 41 infertile dromedaries admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used for semen evaluation during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and blood serum were collected from all males until analysis. Concentrations of three heavy metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] were determined in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate there are differences (P < 0.05 - P < 0.01) in pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormalities between the fertile and infertile male camels. In seminal plasma, there were marked differences (P < 0.01- P < 0.0001) between the control and infertile male camels in As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. In serum, there were differences (P < 0.01 - P < 0.001) between the fertile and infertile camels in serum As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.77 and r = 0.94, respectively) between serum and seminal plasma concentrations of both As and Cd in the infertile dromedaries. In the control group, there was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.70) between seminal plasma concentrations of Cd and percent sperm abnormalities. In conclusion, relatively greater seminal plasma and serum concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb are associated with lesser values for semen quality variables and infertility in dromedary camels.

Foot and mouth disease virus serological study of dromedary camels in Oman.

The potential role of camels in the epidemiology of foot and mouth disease in Oman was investigated. Sera from local dromedaries (n = 151) that graze with animals (cattle and small ruminants) positive for foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) non-structural protein antibody (NSP-Ab) were tested for the detection of FMDV NSP-Ab. The samples were tested using a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) , a rapid immunochromatographic assay and a solid-phase cELISA for the detection of antibodies specific to FMDV serotype O. The results from all three assays were negative when tested with dromedary sera. This indicates that FMDV was not transmitted to dromedary camels kept with FMDV NSP-Ab-positive ruminants.

Une étude a été entreprise dans le but de déterminer le rôle potentiel joué par les camélidés dans l'épidémiologie de la fièvre aphteuse à Oman. À cette fin, des échantillons ont été prélevés à partir de dromadaires autochtones (n = 151) qui pâturaient sur les mêmes prairies que des bovins et des petits ruminants possédant des anticorps contre la protéine non structurale du virus de la fièvre aphteuse en vue de rechercher la présence de ces anticorps. Les sérums ont été soumis à trois tests sérologiques : une épreuve immuno-enzymatique de compétition (cELISA), un essai immunochromatographique rapide et une cELISA en phase solide pour la détection spécifique d'anticorps dirigés contre le sérotype O du virus de la fièvre aphteuse. Les sérums des dromadaires ont tous donné des résultats négatifs aux trois tests. Ces résultats indiquent qu'il n'y a pas eu transmission du virus de la fièvre aphteuse entre les ruminants possédant des anticorps contre la protéine non structurale du virus et les dromadaires.

Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a estudiar la posible función del dromedario en la epidemiología de la fiebre aftosa en Omán. Tras extraer suero de dromedarios locales (n = 151) que pastaban junto con animales (ganado vacuno y pequeños rumiantes) positivos para el anticuerpo contra la proteína no estructural del virus de la fiebre aftosa, se sometieron las muestras de suero a técnicas de detección de ese anticuerpo, empleando para ello: un ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA) de competición comercial; una prueba rápida de inmunocromatografía; y un ELISA de competición en fase sólida para la detección de anticuerpos específicos contra el serotipo O del virus. Las tres técnicas arrojaron resultado negativo ante los sueros de dromedario, hecho indicativo de que los rumiantes con anticuerpos contra la proteína no estructural del virus de la fiebre aftosa no habían transmitido el virus a los dromedarios con los que convivían.

Seroprevalence and participatory epidemiology of camelpox in Afar region of Ethiopia.

Camelpox is endemic in most camel rearing regions of the world, causing significant economic losses. However, its epidemiology is not extensively investigated. We conducted a cross sectional seroprevalence study of camelpox in Amibara and Awash Fentale districts in Afar region of Ethiopia from November 2014 to May 2015. In addition, participatory epidemiology (PE) was conducted to identify seasonal occurrence of the disease in the study districts. Blood samples were collected from 384 dromedary camels from 31 herds distributed in five pastoral associations (PAs) in the two districts. Serum samples were separated from the blood samples and tested for the presence of viral antibodies using virus neutralization test. Seroprevalence data were analyzed using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models accounting for the 4-level hierarchical data structure (camels nested in herds-herds in PA, and PA in district). For the participatory data, Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to assess agreements between the informants in identifying seasonal occurrences of the top five camel diseases. Camelpox antibodies were detected in 19.3% of camels (n = 384), 81% of herds (n = 31), and in all five PAs from the two districts in the Gabi Rasu zone of Afar region, Ethiopia. The seroprevalence did not significantly vary between herds, PAs or districts suggesting the widespread occurrence of the disease. Estimated age stratified basic reproduction number (R0) was 1.25 (95% CI: 0.62-2.19). Camelpox was identified as one of the top five common camel diseases in the area. The widespread occurrence of the disease can be attributed mainly to the commingling of camels from many herds during seasonal migration in search of feed and water, a practice very common under pastoral production systems. Although the PE informants indicated the clinical disease to be more common in young animals, seropositivity was higher in older animals. Camelpox commonly occurs during the minor and major rainy seasons. In conclusion, camelpox is found to be endemic in Afar pastoral region with sporadic outbreaks occurring during rainy seasons. Vaccination and improved camel management practices particularly during the high-risk period can be viable strategies to reduce the burden of the disease.

Plasma disposition of cefoperazone after single intravenous and intramuscular administrations in camels (Camelus dromedarius).

The plasma disposition of cefoperazone was investigated after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administrations of 20 mg/kg as a single dose in six camels (Camelus dromedarius) in a crossover design. Blood plasma samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After IV administration, elimination half-life (t1/2ß), volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss), total body clearance (Cltot) and mean residence time (MRT) of cefoperazone were 1.95 h, 0.38 L/kg, 0.17 L/h/kg and 2.16 h, respectively. After IM administration of cefoperazone, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 21.95 µg/mL and it was obtained at (tmax) 1.23 h. Absorption half-life (t1/2ab), elimination half-life and mean absorption time were 0.45 h, 2.84 h and 2.07 h, respectively. The bioavailability of cefoperazone was 89.42%. The lack of local reaction or any other adverse effects and the very good bioavailability following IM administration indicate that cefoperazone might be a promising alternative treatment for a variety of infectious diseases in camels.

Blood meal identification in the cryptic species Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii using MALDI-TOF MS.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently emerged in entomology as a technique to identify arthropods and their blood meal source. In this study, female Anopheles gambiae were fed on five host blood sources: ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), binturong (Arctictis binturong), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), jaguar (Panthera onca) and Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), while Anopheles coluzzii were fed on three hosts: dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) and pig (Sus scrofa). We obtained the MS spectra from 240 engorged mosquito abdomens and selected high quality ones from 72 mosquito abdomens to upgrade our home-made database. We excluded from the analysis any spectra of low quality (n = 80), and the remaining 88 specimens were subjected to a blind test analysis against the home-made database. We obtained 100% correct identification of the blood meal source for the specimens collected, 1, 12 and 24 h post-feeding, whereas for the specimens collected 36 h post-feeding, the correct identification rate decreased dramatically. We confirm here that MALDI-TOF MS can be used to identify the blood meal origin of freshly engorged mosquitoes, which opens new perspectives for further studies, including the impact of the mosquito species on blood meal identification.

TITLE: Identification du repas sanguin des espèces cryptiques Anopheles gambiae et Anopheles coluzzii par l'utilisation de MALDI-TOF MS. ABSTRACT: L'identification par spectrométrie de masse à temps de vol par désorption/ionisation assistée par matrice (MALDI-TOF MS) a récemment émergé en entomologie pour l'identification des arthropodes et de leur source de sang. Des femelles d'Anopheles gambiae ont été nourries de sang de cinq hôtes, ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), binturong (Arctictis binturong), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), jaguar (Panthera onca) et babouin Hamadryas (Papio hamadryas), et des femelles d'Anopheles coluzzii ont été nourries sur trois hôtes, dromadaire (Camelus dromedarius), mouflon à manchettes (Ammotragus lervia) et porc (Sus scrofa). Nous avons obtenu les spectres MS à partir de 240 abdomens de moustiques engorgés et avons sélectionné ceux de 72 abdomens de moustiques de haute qualité pour améliorer notre base de données maison. Nous avons exclu de l'analyse les spectres de faible qualité (n = 80) et les 88 échantillons restants ont été soumis à une analyse de test en aveugle contre la base de données maison. Nous avons obtenu 100 % d'identification correcte de la source de sang pour les échantillons collectés, 1, 12 et 24 heures après l'alimentation, mais le taux d'identification correct a diminué de façon spectaculaire pour les échantillons collectés 36 heures après l'alimentation. Nous confirmons ici que la MALDI-TOF MS peut être utilisée pour identifier l'origine des repas sanguins des moustiques fraîchement engorgés et ouvre de nouvelles perspectives pour d'autres études, y compris l'impact des espèces de moustiques sur l'identification des repas sanguins.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus circulation in Tunisia.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) was detected for the first time in Tunisia and in other Northern African countries in 2006. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether EHDV circulated in Tunisian livestock before and after the officially-reported outbreak of 2006. Thus, serum samples from cattle and dromedaries collected in different time periods (before and after 2006) and from different regions of Tunisia were screened for the presence of EHDV antibodies. Serological investigations conducted on cattle and dromedary sera collected in 2000 and 2001 demonstrated no virus circulation on these dates. However, viral circulation was evidenced in 2012 and 2013, although no EHDV cases were officially reported in these years. Serum-neutralization assessed on few ELISA positive samples, confirmed the presence of antibodies against EHDV serotype 6, which was the serotype involved in the EHDV outbreak in the Maghreb region in 2006.

The effect of subclinical mastitis on the concentration of immunoglobulins A, G, and M, total antioxidant capacity, zinc, iron, total proteins, and calcium in she-camel blood in relation with pathogens present in the udder.

The present study aims to evaluate the amount of immunoglobulins A, G, and M in she-camel blood serum in relation with the presence of pathogens in the udder, and to compare the antioxidative capacity and the concentration of zinc, iron, total proteins, and calcium. Milk and blood samples from she-camels from south Jordan were taken; according to milk bacteriological examination, the animals were divided into two groups: (Gm) which contained samples of milk contaminated with bacteria and (Gh) which contained uncontaminated milk samples. Milk and blood were sampled from 30 females and examined for the concentration of immunoglobulins A, G, and M and for the presence of pathogens in milk. Total antioxidant capacity, zinc, iron, total proteins, and calcium concentrations in blood were determined. Milk samples were checked for the presence of pathogens. She-camels for the study were of similar age and productivity in the middle stage of lactation. It was determined that the presence of pathogenic bacteria infecting the udder quarters had considerably influenced the values of immunoglobulins G, A, and M, total antioxidant capacity, and zinc and total protein concentration (p < 0.05) in blood serum; no significant difference in iron and calcium concentration was determined. Subclinical mastitis has a crucial role in increasing the concentration of immunoglobulins in serum; some parameters measured in blood (zinc, total antioxidant capacity, total proteins) could be indicative for the presence of inflammation in she-camels.