Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from Saudi Arabia / Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em camelos dromedário (Camelus dromedarius) da Arábia Saudita

Abstract Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels—from different cities in Saudi Arabia—was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Resumo A triagem sorológica para a detecção de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum no camelo dromedário foi realizada investigando 199 amostras de soro coletadas em diferentes cidades da Arábia Saudita. As amostras foram testadas utilizando imunoensaios enzimáticos para a detecção de anticorpos de ambos os parasitas coccídeos formadores de cistos (Laboratórios IDEXX, Bommeli Diagnostics, AG, Berna, Suíça). Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram detectados em 68 (34,2%) amostras, enquanto 33 (16,6%) apresentaram anticorpos contra N. caninum. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii (51,2%) foi relatada em Taif, enquanto a menor soroprevalência (15,1%) foi relatada em Riyadh e Hofuf. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi relatada em Jizan (35,9%), enquanto a menor foi em Taif (2,4%). Um total de 47 machos e 21 fêmeas revelou anticorpos para T. gondii , enquanto 19 machos e 14 fêmeas revelaram anticorpos para N. caninum . A detecção de ambos os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum foi de 18 indivíduos. Foi demonstrado que os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum são predominantes em camelos de diferentes cidades do Reino da Arábia Saudita.

In-vitro evaluation of Nigella sativa and Punica granatum effect on protoscolices of hydatid cysts / Avaliação in vitro do efeito de Nigella sativa e Punica granatum em protoescólices de cistos hidáticos

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) are commonly found in the liver and lungs of affected hosts. The treatment approach is usually surgical, or giving drugs in conjunction before surgery to kill protoscolices, to avoid anaphylactic shock from leakage of hydatid fluid into the peritoneum and to decrease opportunities for recurrences. The present study was to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum peel and Nigella sativa, on the protoscolices of CE that collected from the lungs of infected camels. Different concentrations of extracts with different exposure times were used and a viability assay was applied to measure the scolicidal effect. N. sativa showed its highest scolicidal efficacy at 100 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL concentrations after 30 and 60 min. P. granatum peel extract showed its maximum scolicidal efficacy at 100 mg/mL concentration after 120 min. All experiments of the current study revealed that the extracts of both N. sativa and P. granatum had a scolicidal effects on the protoscolices of camel hydatid cysts. It could be concluded that N. sativa extract is more potent than P. granatum peel extract regarding scolicidal effect, but the efficacies of both extracts were of moderate significant correlation to exposure time and concentrations.

Resumo Os cistos hidáticos (equinococose cística, CE) são comumente encontrados no fígado e nos pulmões dos hospedeiros afetados. A abordagem do tratamento geralmente é cirúrgica, e algumas drogas são administradas em conjunto antes da cirurgia para matar protoscólices e evitar choque anafilático devido ao vazamento de fluido hidático no peritônio e diminuir as oportunidades de recorrência. O presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia in-vitro do extrato hidroalcoólico de casca de Punica granatum e Nigella sativa, sobre os protoescólices de cistos hidáticos, que foram coletados dos pulmões de camelos infectados. Concentrações dos extratos com diferentes tempos de exposição foram utilizados e um ensaio de viabilidade foi aplicado para medir o efeito escolicida. A N. sativa apresentou sua maior eficácia escolicida nas concentrações de 100 mg/mL e 10 mg/mL após 30 e 60 min. O extrato de casca de P. granatum mostrou sua máxima eficácia escolicida na concentração de 100 mg/mL após 120 min. Todos os experimentos do presente estudo revelaram que os extratos de N. sativa e P. granatum tiveram efeito escolicida dependente da dose e do tempo nos protoescólices dos cistos hidáticos de camelo. Pode-se concluir que o extrato de N. sativa é mais potente que o extrato de casca de P. granatum em relação ao efeito escolicida, mas a eficácia de ambos os extratos foi de correlação significativa moderada com o tempo de exposição e as concentrações.

Molecular phylogenetic characyerization of Echinococcus spp. hydatid cyst based on internal transcribed spacer genes in Assiut, Egypt

Hydatidosis is one of the most important parasitic zoonosis and remains a public health and economic problem all over the world. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world. Reports on the species and strains of Echinococcus present in Egypt appear controversial. In the present study hydatid cysts were collected from freshly slaughtered camel at local abattoir, Assiut, Egypt. Hydatid cysts were genetically characterized by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer genes one and two [ITS1 and ITS2] of nuclear ribosomal DNA [rDNA] by using specific primers. The lengths of ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were 583 bp and 517 bp respectively for hydatid sample sequenced. Comparisons of ITS sequences of the examined hydatid sample in the present study revealed that collected hydatid represented Echinococcus Canadensis, which provides foundation for further studies on Echinococcus in Egypt. The data obtained will facilitate the development of diagnostic tools necessary to study the population genetic structure and epidemiology of this enigmatic parasite

Comparative epidemiological studies on Echinococcosis of local and imported livestock in Al Madina Al Munawwarah in Saudi Arabia

This research aims to study the epidemiology of the parasite in livestock by using statistical methods for analyzing the numbers of infections and prevalence of the disease among one year [1431HD] in the camels, cattle, sheep and goats. The genus Echinococcus is of great importance because it can cause the cystic echinococcosis[CE], or hydatid cyst, this disease is one of the serious parasitic diseases that may lead to death, and only can be treated surgically This disease can bring a lot of material loss to livestock and can cause serious ill health in man. The genus Echinococcus contains a number of zoonotic species. There are at least 4 species in the genus. The data where collected regularly each week for among one year from the official slaughter house records for the infected camels, cattle, sheep and goats with the cystic echinococcosis, all the collected data were inserted in tables and divided to four quarters[Q1,Q2,Q3 and Q4] three months in each quarter, then statistical analysis [Chi test for goodness of fit and for independence] where used to analysis the numbers and prevalence of infected animals. The present study have been demonstrated that the prevalence of the CE in the year 1423HD was higher in camels with percentage of 7.21% followed by cattle [6.35%] then sheep [2.60%] and the least in goats [1.84%] for both local and imported livestock ,there were very high significant relation between the local and imported livestock and there were very high significant relation between types of animals and between the fourth quarter Q4 and the other quarters [Q1, 2,and3]. The results obtained in this study showed abundant rate of CE in slaughtered animals, and it proved the presence of echinococcosis the deadly disease in the region of the study, which leads to think strongly to find intensive controlling programs to eliminate or eradicate this disease to avoid losing livestock and reducing man mortalities or infections. More epidemiological studies are needed to watch the changes in the prevalence of the cystic echinococcosis because it is a major public health problem throughout the world and causes serious socio-economic effects

One-humped camel [camelus dromedarius] infestation with linguatula serrata in Tabriz, Iran

Linguatula serrata is one of well known members of Pentastomida which infects both human and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of L. serrata in mesenteric lymph nodes, livers and lungs of camels slaughtered in Tabriz area, Iran. Mesenteric lymph nodes [MLNs], livers and lungs of 140 one-humped camels slaughtered in Tabriz, north-west of Iran were investigated for nymphs of L. serrata from July 2007 to June 2008. The organs were examined macroscopically and then a tissue digestion method was also done for investigation of liver and lung of the camels that had infected MLN. The liver and lung samples were mostly taken from condemned and rejected part of organs. The infection rate of L. serrata nymphs in MLNs, livers and lungs was 13.5%, 1.4% and 1.4% respectively. The number of isolated nymph in infected lymph nodes varied from 2 to 18 with a mean of 4.78. Only one nymph was isolated from each infected livers and lungs. The infection rate increased with age [p<0.05]. No significant difference in different sex groups and seasons was observed [p>0.05]. Considering this fact that consumption of undercooked camel liver was not common in the studied area, the zoonotic importance of this infection should be concluded

[Genetic variation of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from Indian buffalo and Iranian sheep, cattle and camel]

India and Iran are an important endemic focus of cystic hydatid disease [CHD], where several species of intermediate host are commonly infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Strain characterization of E. granulosus is significant for the development of an effective control programme and to asses the infectivity. In present study, genetic variations in tapeworms causing cystic echinococcosis in the North of India and Iran were investigated and compared. Isolates of E. granulosus were collected from buffalo [India] and sheep, cattle, and camel isolates from Iran. PCR linked RFLP approach of ITS1 region of rDNA. Repeat was used in the present study to characterize buffalo isolates from sheep, cattle and camel. 17 pooled samples of protoscoleces from various animals were used for DNA extraction and PCR-RFLP analysis respectively. The PCR products of each isolates were digested separately with 5 restrictive endonucleases enzymes [AluI, HhaI, MspI, TaqI and EcoRI]. Based on the PCR-ITS1 method, the buffalo [liver and lungs] isolates have shown different genotypes and the sheep, cattle and camel isolates appeared to have the same genotype. The RFLP patterns of buffalo lung isolates differed from liver isolates with Taq1 and Hha1, however, showed a similarity with Msp1, EcoR1 and Alu1. Furthermore, differences in numbers and sizes of bands were also observed between buffalo, sheep and camel isolates with Taq1 and Msp1. The sheep and camel isolates differ in the number and sizes of fragments with Msp1 and Taq1. The buffalo lung isolate were quite different from other isolates, with the liver isolate showing a similarity with the sheep isolate. RFLP pattern of isolates from sheep and camel origin was identical, along with the same patterns. Moreover, the existence of buffalo strains [G1 and G3] and sheep strain [G1] were confirmed and our results support the previous studies in Northern India and Iran. These results are relevant for the possibility of transmission of G1 and G3 genotype, between livestock, animals and humans. It can be speculated that buffalo lung isolates represent G3 genotype and liver isolate as G1 genotype. Further, the existence of sheep [G1] strain was also confirmed in Iran by this study. However, more molecular studies, particularly, mitochondrial gene and amino acid sequencing are required, which can provide valuable data for a better understanding of the differences between different cysts localization

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in camels [Camelus dromedarius] in Isfahan Province, center of Iran

The aim of this study was to investigate the sero-prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in Camelus dromedaries; the most popular camel species in Iran. Totally, 310 serum samples were collected from camels in Isfahan Province during 2008 and tested in Shahrekord University using indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFAT] for serodiagnosis of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies as a cross-sectional study. Among evaluated serum samples, 10 [3.22%] had anti-N. caninum antibodies detectable in dilutions of 1:50 and 1:100. to rule false positive results due to cross-reactivity of this protozoan parasite with the closely related protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, an IFA was also performed for T. gondii infection in dilution of 1:16 for positively reacted serum samples against N.caninum. no concordant infections of these two protozoan parasites were detected. Presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in camels in Iran emphasizes the necessity of further studies to detect the role of this organism as a pathogen and possibly economic importance in camels population

Some epidemiological and parasitological studies on prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of dromedary camels at Shalatin region, Red Sea governorate, Egypt and trails of treatment [with 6 tables and 3 plates]

A Parasitological survey was carried out on 530 camels of different ages, sex and seasons to clear- up the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites at Shalatin region, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt in period of Jan. 2005 till Dec. 2005. It was found that 72.83% of the examined camels were positives. Out of positive cases 45.66% were harbouring helminthes eggs, 10.94% coccidian oocysts and 16.22% mixed infection. Prevalence of infection with nematodes eggs: Trichostrongylus sp. was the most common parasites detected 35.06%, followed by Oesophagostomum sp., 16.15%, Trichuris sp., 12.19%, Haemonchus sp., 10.67%, Ostertagia sp., 8.84%, Chabertia sp., 8.53%, Nematodirus sp., 4.87% and Strongyloides sp. 1.82%. Prevalence of infection with cestodes eggs: Moniezia sp. 1.82% and coccidian oocysts as Eimeria cameli oocysts 48.61%, Eimeria dromedary oocysts 27.87 and Eimeria Rajathani oocysts 5.6%. Coproculture producing third stage larvae of Trichostrongylus sp., Strongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp., and Ostertagia SP. The prevalence rate of infection was lower in young ages and higher in older ages. Females tend to be highly affected than males. The highest rate of infection was noticed in winter and spring. Therapeutical trials with different anthelmintic drugs were carried out on some infested camels and concluded that Albendazole was the choice drug in treatment of camel's helminthiosis. Conversely, Zanide was less effective

Prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in meat-producing animals in Mongolia.

A survey of Sarcocystis infection was conducted in Mongolia between June 1998 and July 1999. Samples of muscle were taken from the diaphragm, heart, tongue, esophagus,and intercostal region of cattle, yak, hainag, sheep, horses, and camels. A muscle compress method was used to determine the prevalence of infection: cattle 90.0% (27/30), yak 93.3% (28/30), hainag 100% (30/30), sheep 96.9% (753/777), horses 75% (3/4) and camels 100% (5/5). Of the various muscles, heart was the most commonly infected in cattle (100%), yak (86.7%), and hainag (100%); tongue was most likly to be infected in sheep (100%) and horses (100%).

Two species of tabanids [order,diptera] in Aswan district, Egypt

Tabanus taeniola and Hematopota minuscula were trapped on camels and equines at daytime. Many species of Tabanus and few species of Hematopota were reported in Egypt. This paper emphasized on the medical and veterinary importance of these vectors

Bionomics of ticks collected from Sinai peninsula: 2-abundance, attachment sites, and density estimators of ticks infesting arabian camels

In this study, ten camels were examined monthly. A total of 5468 adult ticks of six species and subspecies of genus Hyalomma; H. dromedarii, H. Impeltatum, H. A excavatum, H. A. anatolicum, H. schulzei and H. marginatum rufipes in addition to 115 Hyalomma nymphs species were collected. Of these, the first four types represented about 96.2% of the total collection. The infestation rate was higher during the period from March to November. The large number of the adult ticks was concentrated on tail, brisket, anus and udder which totaled 68.2%. Attachment sites of males and females were not significantly correlated in most species. Nymphs were localized in few sites; whereas 91.6% of the total nymphs were attached to hump, neck, head [ear] and side. H. Dromedarii, H. Impeltatum and H a. excavatum were found on most of the body sites, tail, brisket, udder and anus totaling 79.9%. Males exceeded females in all sites and were on neck and legs. Females were the only stage collected from udder. Both sex of H. a. anatolicum were collected from tail. H. Schulzei and H. m rufipes were concentrated in brisket, udder, anus and tail

Myiasis caused by cephalonia titrator [Clark] in slaughtered camels in Al Arish abattoir, North Sinai governorate, Egypt

The oestrid fly or the camel nasal botfly Cephalopina titillator [Clark] is an insect that causes health hazards in camels. No doubt, camels are very important livestock, particularly in arid and semi- arid lands. In this paper, the monthly and seasonal prevalence of C. titillator larvae in slaughtered camels were studied. The rate of camel infestation was 25%. The highest prevalence was recorded in October and the highest prevalence season was autumn. The 3 larval instars were demonstrated in the infested camels. However, the 3rd instars were the predominant stage [60.59%], followed by the 2nd instars [30.58%] and then the 1st instars [8.83%]. In general, some myiasis producers are zoonotic parasites. Nevertheless, the control of the adult C. titillator and its larval instars is a must for the sake of the animal and for the human welfare

Studies on hydatid cyst fluid antigens in livestock

By using double diffusion test, some differences were observed between whole hydatid fluid antigens derived from camel, sheep and cattle. The previously mentioned antigens reacted with the hyperimmune serum prepared against whole hydatid cyst fluid of camel and gave four, three and two lines, respectively. Hydatid antigen [5] was detected in whole hydatid cyst fluids of both sheep and cattle origin

Changes in the integument of nymphal and adult hyalomma [hyalomma] dromedarii koch[Acari: Ixodoidea: Ixodidae] I the effects of feeding and moulting

The integument of the dorsal alloscutum in nymphal and female H. dromedarii consists of the cuticle underlined by epidermis. The cuticle contains two layers, a thin external epicuticle and a thick internal procuticle. The procuticle is distinguished into an outer endocuticle and an inner endocuticle. Changes occuring in the cuticle and epidermis in symphal and adult H. dromedarii are correlated with moulting and feeding

Studies on tape worms infesting camels in Behera Governorate, Egypt

Various groups of living and slaughtered camels at Behaira Governorate, Egypt, were investigated for enteric tape worms. The infestation rate was recorded to be 9.5% and 35.6% among living and slaughtered camels, respectively. The detailed identity of the detected worms and its infestation rate was mentioned: Moniezia expansa [17.5%], Moniezia benedeni [16.25%], Stilesia globipunctata [22.5%], and Avitallina centripunctata [1.25%]. The seasonal incidence of the detected tape worms among living and slaughtered camels was denoted