Microscopic and molecular detection of piroplasms among sheep in Upper Egypt.

Introduction: Blood parasites pose a significant threat to livestock production in southern Egypt, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding their circulation and epidemiology in sheep in this region. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of blood parasite infections in sheep in Assiut governorate, Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep of varying ages and genders. The preliminary screening for the presence of piroplasms, mainly Babesia and Theileria spp., via microscopic examination, followed by investigation of the potential risk factors linked with the exposure to infection. Moreover, molecular identification of both parasites on some of positive samples was performed using PCR targeting Babesia 18S rRNA and Theileria annulata Tams1 gene. Results: The microscopic examination revealed that among the examined sheep, there was an overall prevalence of blood parasites at 44% (176 out of 400), with Babesia spp. observed in 14% (56 out of 400) and Theileria spp. in 30% (120 out of 400). Furthermore, the infection rate was non-significantly higher in young animals (50%) compared to adults (38.5%) (P = 0.246). Male sheep exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability to both parasites' infection (63.3%) compared to females (35.7%) (P = 0.011). Interestingly, the prevalence of both blood parasites was significantly higher during the cold season (66.1%) compared to the hot season (15.9%) (P = < 0.001). The molecular analysis identified the presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata among a subsample of the positive sheep's bloods films. The identified species were recorded in the GenBank™ databases and assigned specific accession numbers (OQ360720 and OQ360719 for B. ovis), and (OP991838 for T. annulata). Conclusions: Taken together, this study confirms a high prevalence of piroplasmosis and offers epidemiological and molecular insights into blood parasites in sheep from Upper Egypt, highlighting the importance of detecting these parasites in various hosts and their competent vectors (ticks).

Molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Upper Egypt.

Introduction: Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite's blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples. Methods: We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored. Results: The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion: The study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.

Extended Use of Full-Thickness Skin Grafts, Employing Variable Donor Sites.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) is a very versatile tool regularly used in small sizes. With the established knowledge of the graft take through the margins as well as wound bed, we extended the use of the FTSG for reconstruction of large-sized defects with satisfactory results. METHODS: We presented our experience in wound reconstruction using FTSG in 28 patients. We selected cases with graft size equal to or more than 130 cm2. Seven patients had chronic but healthy granulating wounds and 21 patients had fresh raw areas. Sizes of FTSG used varied between 130 to 452 cm2 of outstretched skin at donor sites. We used subgluteal skin crease in most of cases, though groin, upper medial thigh and medial arm aspects were also used. RESULTS: There was no difference in graft take between fresh and chronic wound sites. Almost complete graft take was the rule in all cases apart from mild epidermal skin peeling in four cases and small spots of graft necrosis in three cases. Primary wound healing at donor sites was the rule with scar hypertrophy in six cases necessitating scar conservative care for few months. CONCLUSION: Use of FTSG for reconstructing raw areas in acute and chronic wounds has to be safely reconsidered regardless of wound size. It's still a sound and reliable tool which can decrease the necessity of complex flap coverage. Subgluteal skin crease is relatively a new donor site to be considered for large grafts with primary direct closure.