A Survey on Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) Infection in Domestic Animals in a Surra Endemic Area of Southern Algeria.

Background: Trypanosoma (T.) evansi infection is endemic in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) of southern Algeria. Materials and Methods: In order to assess the presence of T. evansi in other domestic animals living together with dromedary camels, a study was conducted in the wilayate of Béchar, El Bayadh, Ouargla and Tamanrasset, between 2015 and 2017. Authorisation to conduct the survey was obtained from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries). A total of 190 animals were sampled, including 42 cattle (Bos taurus), 11 dogs (Canis familiaris), 44 horses (Equus caballus), 3 donkeys (Equus asinus) and 1 mule, 49 goats (Capra hircus) and 40 sheep (Ovis aries). These animals were examined by parasitological (Giemsa stained thin smear, GST), serological (card agglutination test for trypanosomosis (CATT/T. evansi), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/Variant Surface Glycoprotein/Rode Trypanozoon antigen type 1.2 [ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2], immune trypanolysis [TL]) and molecular tests (T. evansi type A specific RoTat 1.2 PCR). Results and Conclusions: The CATT/T. evansi was positive in 10/42 cattle, 0/11 dogs, 2/48 equids, 27/49 goats and 15/40 sheep. On the other hand, 20/38 cattle, 1/9 dogs, 21/42 equids, 17/44 goats and 31/39 sheep were positive in ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2. However, no single animal was positive in TL. In addition, the T. evansi parasite could not be demonstrated by either GST or RoTat 1.2 PCR in any of the examined animals. This may suggest cross-reactions of CATT/T. evansi and ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2 with other pathogenic or commensal trypanosome species such as T. vivax or other parasites. Based on these data, in particular taking into account the high specificity of the TL for T. evansi type A, this study does not support the hypothesis that T. evansi circulates in the studied domestic animal species and that they would act as reservoirs for the parasite that causes trypanosomosis in dromedary camels.

Epidemiological investigations on Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels in the South of Algeria.

An epidemiological study of Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) infection in dromedaries was conducted in four wilayate (localities) of Southern Algeria: Béchar, El Bayadh, Ouargla, Tamanrasset. Between February 2014 and April 2016, 1056 camels of different ages and both sexes from 84 herds were sampled. The prevalence was determined through parasitological examination (Giemsa stained thin smear, GST), serological tests (CATT/T. evansi, ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2, immune trypanolysis), and molecular tests (T. evansi type A specific RoTat 1.2 PCR and T. evansi type B specific EVAB PCR). The overall prevalence was 2.4 % with GST, 32.4% with CATT/T. evansi, 23.1% with ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2, 21.0% with immune trypanolysis (TL), 11.2 % with RoTat 1.2 PCR and 0% with EVAB PCR. El Bayadh was the most affected wilaya with 11.8% positives in GST, 74.9% in CATT/T. evansi, 70.1% in ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2 and 62.2% in immune trypanolysis. Only in Béchar, a non-significantly higher prevalence (13.6%) was observed with RoTat1.2 PCR than in El Bayadh (13.0%). We didn't find any evidence of the presence of T. evansi type B in the study area.

Redescription of Naobranchia variabilis Brian, 1924 (Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae), parasitic on the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus Gmelin in Algerian coastal waters.

Adults of both sexes of Naobranchia variabilis Brian, 1924 (Lernaeopodidae) are described based on material collected from the gill filaments of Balistes capriscus Gmelin, caught off the coast of Algeria. This is the second species of Naobranchia Hesse, 1863 to be found in the Mediterranean and the host record is new. Morphological comparisons are made with existing descriptions of N. variabilis and it is inferred, from small variations between material from different hosts and different localities, that N. variabilis may represent a species complex. The corrugated lobes on the head of Naobranchia females are interpreted as novel structures involved with temporary attachment during feeding.

[Redescription of the species of Calyptrobothrium Monticelli, 1893 (Tetraphyllidea: Phyllobothriidae) parasites of Torpedo marmorata in Torpedo nobiliana (Elasmobranchii: Torpedinidae)]. / Redescription de trois espèces de Calyptrobothrium Monticelli, 1893 (Tetraphyllidea: Phyllobothriidae) parasites de Torpedo marmorata et T. nobiliana (Elasmobranchii: Torpedinidae). Remarques sur leur spécificité parasitaire et sur la position taxonomique des espèces auparavant attribuées à C. riggii Monticelli, 1893.

A study of the cestodes from the intestinal parasites of torpedinid elasmobranchs off the coast of Algeria, revealed the presence, in Torpedo marmorata Risso, of a species of Calyptrobothrium Monticelli, 1893, which we believe is identical to C. riggii Monticelli, 1893. This species, which has not been re-examined since its original description, is redescribed. We consider that the cestode from T. marmorata, described by Zschokke (1888) under the name of Tetrabothrium longicolle Molin, 1858, is conspecific with C.riggii. In Torpedo nobiliana Bonaparte, from the Mediterranean, we found C. occidentale Linton, 1900 and C. minus Linton, 1907. These two species are redescribed based on the type-material from the North American Atlantic coast, as well as from specimens collected off Sète and Algeria. We place several specimens, previously identified as C. riggii, as conspecific with C. minus. An amended diagnosis for Calyptrobothrium is proposed. We discuss the attribution of Bilocularia hyperapolytica Obersteiner, 1914 from Centrophorus granulosus (Centrophoridae) to Calyptrobothrium. C. chalarosomum Alexander, 1963 from Cephaloscyllium isabellum (Scylliorhinidae) off New-Zealand is excluded from the genus and placed close to Crossobothrium Linton, 1889.

A new species of Prohatschekia Nunes-Ruivo, 1954 (Copepoda: Hatschekiidae) parasitic on Scorpaena elongata (Cadenat) off Algeria.

A new species of parasitic copepod, Prohatschekia mediterranea n. sp. (Siphonostomatoida: Hatschekiidae), is described from a scorpaenid fish, Scorpaena elongata, collected off Algeria. This is the seventh species of Prohatschekia Nunes-Ruivo, 1954 to be described and the first record of the genus from the Mediterranean Sea. The new species is most closely related to P. cremouxi Nunes-Ruivo, 1954, known from a congeneric host collected in Senegal. A key is provided to distinguish the new species from other members of the genus.