Scrotal Myiasis in a Child Due to Cordylobia anthropophaga.

Human myiasis is caused by the invasion of tissue or organs by maggots of certain dipterous flies. The present case is of an eight-year-old boy complaining of painful swelling in the scrotum with localized discharge. A maggot was removed and sent to a specialized laboratory for identification. The case was diagnosed as a scrotal myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga. The wound was cleaned with antiseptics, then antibiotic treatment was applied. Two days later, the wound healed completely. All previously documented cases of scrotal myiasis were associated with Dermatobia hominis. We document here the first case of scrotal myiasis in children caused by C. anthropophaga, and the necessity to raise awareness of myiasis among health professionals.

Corrigendum: In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374116.].

In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol.

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic disease widely distributed worldwide. Although Cryptosporidium sp. causes asymptomatic infection in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in this category of patients. So, there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives for cryptosporidiosis. Recently, the potential uses of Eugenol (EUG) have been considered a promising novel treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections. Consequently, it is suggested to investigate the effect of EUG as an option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Materials and methods: The in silico bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and determine the binding affinities and intermolecular interactions of EUG and Nitazoxanide (NTZ) toward several Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) lowa II target proteins. For animal study, five groups of immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. Group I was left uninfected (control), and four groups were infected with 1,000 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three infected groups received NTZ, EUG, and EUG + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post-infection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed 30 dpi. The efficacy of the used formulas was assessed by counting the number of C. parvum oocysts excreted in stool of infected mice, histopathological examination of the ileum and liver tissues and determination of the expression of iNOS in the ileum of mice in different animal groups. Results: treatment with EUG resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocysts secreted in stool when compared to infected untreated mice. In addition, oocyst excretion was significantly reduced in mice received a combination therapy of EUG and NTZ when compared with those received NTZ alone. EUG succeeded in reverting the histopathological alterations induced by Cryptosporidium infection either alone or in combination with NTZ. Moreover, mice received EUG showed marked reduction of the expression of iNOS in ileal tissues. Conclusion: Based on the results, the present study signified a basis for utilizing EUG as an affordable, safe, and alternative therapy combined with NTZ in the management of cryptosporidiosis.

Global scenario of genetic diversity in cox1 and nad1 genes of Moniezia expansa.

Monieziasis is a parasite-borne production-limiting disease of livestock. Moniezia expansa is the most important species having cosmopolitan distribution. Despite of numerous prevalence reports, very little information is available about the evolutionary biology and population genetics of M. expansa. To close this research gap, this study was undertaken to recognize and inspect the genetic variation of M. expansa populations around the world using the cox1 and nad1 genes and deduce phylogenetic relationships with M. expansa populations. The cox1 and nad1 gene sequences were downloaded from the NCBI GenBank database. Followed by sequence alignment, median-joining networks were constructed using PopArt software. Diversity and neutrality indices were computed through DnaSp software while MEGA software was used to draw the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree. Thirty-two cox1 sequences, from five different countries, and 9 nad1 sequences from three different countries, were among the sequences used in this study. The cox1 and nad1 gene sequences had mutations in 97 and 36 different places, respectively. Twenty and 7 unique haplotypes were discovered for the cox1 and nad1 gene sequences, respectively. Comparable haplotype diversities were observed for both the genes under study (cox1 = 0.950; nad1 = 0.944). Negative Tajima's D and Fu Fs were found for the cox1 gene while these indices were positive for the nad1 gene. Phylogenetic analysis also showed the existence of unique haplotypes for both the cox1 and nad1 genes. The results of this study indicate that there is the existence of a huge genetic diversity in M. expansa isolates. For future studies, it is recommended that longer gene sequences should be used to describe genetic variation among M. expansa isolates as the length of the gene under study affects the genetic variation. Moreover, additional mitochondrial markers should also be investigated because the assertive strength of a group of gene targets is superior to defining genetic diversity.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and comparison of detection techniques for soil-transmitted helminths among newly arrived expatriate labors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Diversity in clinical signs and symptoms are associated with soil transmitted diseases (STD), which are spread to humans by intestinal worms and transmitted in a variety of ways. There is a need for the present study, which aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to compare between the common detection techniques for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among newly arrived expatriate labors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 188 stool samples were analyzed by macroscopic examination, and microscopic examination using direct iodine smear and the formal ether sedimentation technique. Trichrome and modified Kinyoun's stains were used to confirm the morphology of any detected protozoa stages and oocyst of Cryptosporidium, respectively. A chromatographic immunoassay kit was used for Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium. In addition, real-time PCR was employed only to identify various STHs. Results: Out of 188, several types of parasites were detected in 35 samples (18.62%), of which some with multiple infections. Nine samples (4.79%) were positive for Entamoeba coli, seven samples (3.72%) for Trichuris trichiura, six samples (3.19%) for Necator americanus, four samples (2.13%) for Strongyloides stercoralis, four samples (2.13%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, four samples (2.13%) for E. histolytica, three samples (1.60%) for Blastocystis hominis and two samples (1.06%) for Ancylostoma duodenale. In comparison between laboratory techniques for STHs, real-time PCR was able to detect the DNA of 19 samples (10.1%) followed by Ritchie sedimentation technique (18, 9.6%), and direct smear (7, 3.7%) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The high rate of newly arrived foreign workers infected with intestinal parasites could lead to a risk to society. Continuous and regular surveys are needed to deal with the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections including STHs. To improve the identification of these infections, we recommend a supporting infrastructure for the application of concentration methods and molecular assays.

Potential Anti-Toxoplasmosis Efficiency of Phoenix dactylifera Extracts Loaded on Selenium Nanoparticles.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that infects humans and many types of mammals and birds. Objective: To investigate the effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Phoenix dactylifera (Pd) extracts loaded on SeNPs as a new agent to combat chronic T. gondii infections in murine model as an alternative method to standard Spiramycin drug therapy. Methods: A total of 64 female mice were randomly divided into eight groups: GI: Normal control, GII: Positive control, GIII: infected and treated with Spiramycin, GIV: infected and treated with SeNPs, GV: infected and treated with aqueous extract of Pd, GVI: infected and treated with methanolic extract of Pd, GVII: infected and treated with aqueous extract of Pd loaded on SeNPs, GVIII: infected and treated with methanolic extract of Pd loaded on SeNPs. Date palm (P. dactylifera) fruits were identified and collected from the farms of Saudi Arabia. Preparation and characterization of SeNPs were done. The parasitological, histopathological examinations and biochemical changes were evaluated in all groups. Results: Parasitological results showed significant differences in GVII in comparison to GII while GVIII showed significant differences in comparison to GII and GIII. The histopathological section of the cerebral cortex showed obvious alterations in the infected compared with untreated control groups. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. dactylifera loaded on SeNPs treatment showed improvement that indicated by few perivascular cuffing with few inflammatory cell infiltrations. Few granule cells with mild intracellular vacuolation and edema few deformed neurons with deep pyknotic nuclei. Microglia cells expression of Iba-1 and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and INF-γ) in serum of all groups was higher in GII and lowest in GVIII followed by GVII. Conclusion: SeNPs and P. dactylifera extracts loaded on SeNPs could be a potent agent to combat T. gondii infections.

Prevalence of permethrin-resistant kdr mutation in head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) from elementary school students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are a major global concern, and there is growing evidence of an increase in head lice prevalence among Saudi schoolchildren. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of an insecticidal resistance mutation in head lice collected from schoolchildren. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a segment of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene subunit to assess the prevalence and distribution of the kdr T917I mutation in head lice. Subsequently, the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns revealed two genotypic forms: homozygous-susceptible (SS) and homozygous-resistant (RR). The results showed that 17 (37.80%) of the 45 samples were SS, whereas 28 (62.2%) were RR and T917I and L920F point mutations were found in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of RR. Compared to other nations, the frequency of permethrin resistance mutation in the head louse population in Saudi Arabia was low. This study provides the first evidence of permethrin resistance mutation in human head lice in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study will highlight the rising incidence of the kdr mutation in head lice in Saudi Arabia.

Molecular Characterization of Fasciola hepatica in Sheep Based on DNA Sequences of Ribosomal ITS-1.

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) considers Fascioliasis as a neglected tropical disease that requires global efforts for disease control. Data from the genetic characterization of Fasciola population shed light on the spread of infections among animals which could help in the development of effective parasite control. The aim of the present work was to genetically characterize Fasciola adult worms isolated from sheep in Saudi Arabia by sequence analysis of ITS-1 region. Methods: A total of 12,653 slaughtered sheep in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia were examined for the presence of Fasciola spp. adult worms. The ITS-1 region of all parasites was amplified and sequenced. Results: Overall, 12 variants DNA sequences were obtained. The variance of isolates ranged from 0.00771 to 0.34405. BLAST search showed that all obtained sequences were Fasciola hepatica and had >99.3% similarity with F. hepatica isolates from Spain and USA (from different hosts other than sheep). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Fasciola isolates were closely related to isolates from different countries. Discussion: The current study showed that F. hepatica was the only spp. isolated from sheep in Jeddah. Further studies from different localities in Saudi Arabia are needed to help in the development of disease control.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles produced by Zingiber officinale ameliorates acute toxoplasmosis-induced pathological and biochemical alterations and reduced parasite burden in mice model.

BACKGROUND: Although, approximately 30% of the world's population is estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) with serious manifestations in immunocompromised patients and pregnant females, the available treatment options for toxoplasmosis are limited with serious side effects. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify novel potent, well tolerated candidates for treatment of toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Zingiber officinale against acute toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. METHODS: The ethanolic extract of ginger was used to prepare ZnO NPs. The produced ZnO NPs were characterized in terms of structure and morphology using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV- spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared formula was used in treatment of T. gondii RH virulent strain. Forty animals were divided into four groups, with ten mice per group. The first group was the uninfected, control group. The second group was infected but untreated. The third and the fourth groups received ZnO NPs and Spiramycin orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg/day respectively. The effect of the used formulas on the animals survival rate, parasite burden, liver enzymes -including Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)-, nitric oxide (NO) and Catalase antioxidant enzyme (CAT) activity was measured. Moreover, the effect of treatment on histopathological alterations associated with toxoplasmosis was examined. RESULTS: Mice treated with ZnO NPs showed the longest survival time with significant reduction in the parasite load in the livers and peritoneal fluids of the same group. Moreover, ZnO NPs treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and NO and a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of CAT enzyme. SEM examination of tachyzoites from the peritoneal fluid showed marked distortion of T. gondii tachyzoites isolated from mice treated with ZnO NPs in comparison to untreated group. T. gondii induced histopathological alterations in the liver and brain were reversed by ZnO NPs treatment with restoration of normal tissue morphology. CONCLUSION: The produced formula showed a good therapeutic potential in treatment of murine toxoplasmosis as demonstrated by prolonged survival rate, reduced parasite burden, improved T. gondii associated liver injury and histopathological alterations. Thus, we assume that the protective effect observed in the current research is attributed to the antioxidant capability of NPs. Based on the results obtained from the current work, we suggest greenly produced ZnO NPs as a chemotherapeutic agent with good therapeutic potential and high levels of safety in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Annona muricata Leaf as an Anti-Cryptosporidial Agent: An In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis and In Vivo Studies.

Cryptosporidiosis is a serious parasitic diarrheal disease linked to the occurrence of colorectal cancer in immunocompromised patients. The FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) achieved a temporary effect, and relapses occur. Annona muricata leaf is widely used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of disorders, including antiparasitic and anticancer effects. So, this study aimed to investigate Annona muricata leaf antiparasitic and anticancer properties compared to NTZ in Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) acutely and chronically infected immunosuppressed mice. A molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of some biologically active compounds that represented the pharmacological properties of Annona muricata leaf-rich extract toward C. parvum lactate dehydrogenase compared to NTZ. For the in vivo study, eighty immunosuppressed albino mice were classified into four groups as follows: group I: infected and treated with A. muricata; group II: infected and treated with nitazoxanide; group III: infected and received no treatment; and group IV: were neither infected nor treated. Furthermore, half of the mice in groups I and II received the drugs on the 10th day post-infection (dpi), and the other half received treatment on the 90th day post-infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. The docking analysis showed that the lowest estimated free energy of binding of annonacin, casuarine, L-epigallocatechin, P-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid toward C. parvum LDH, were -6.11, -6.32, -7.51, -7.81, and -9.64 kcal/mol, respectively, while NTZ was -7.03 kcal/mol. Parasitological examination displayed a significantly high difference in C. parvum oocyst mean counts in groups I and II compared to group III (p-value < 0.001), with group I demonstrating the highest efficacy. The analyses of histopathological and immunohistochemical results revealed that group I showed restoration of the normal villous pattern without evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. A. muricata leaf has proved to be a reliable agent for Cryptosporidium treatment. This paper argues for its promising use as an antiparasitic agent and for the prevention of neoplastic sequels of Cryptosporidium infection.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in Egyptian domestic sheep and goats: seroprevalence and risk factors.

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that has been associated with reproductive failure in small ruminants. Although T. gondii infections in ruminants and humans have been recorded in several Egypt's governorates, but little is known about the risk factors associated with T. gondii infections. In this study, 350 sheep and 290 goat serum samples from three governorates in Egypt were examined for presence of antibodies against T. gondii, and evaluate the associate risk factors for the infection. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 24% and 38.28%, respectively. In sheep and goats, age, sex, the presence of cats, and hygienic conditions were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. In addition, the prevalence rates were significantly higher in older animals more than 2 years old, females, among animals contacted with cats, and animals living in bad hygienic condition. In conclusion, sheep and goats in the examined regions are commonly infected with T. gondii. The identification of risk variables defines the sort of actions to be implemented in order to decrease, and prevent T. gondii infection in small ruminant animals and, as a result, human infection.

Prevalence and hepatic histopathological findings of fascioliasis in sheep slaughtered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Hepatic fascioliasis is an important parasitic disease responsible for morbidity and mortality in many domestic ruminants, especially sheep, goats, and cattle, due to Fasciola (F.) hepatica and F. gigantica. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fascioliasis in sheep slaughtered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to describe the morphological and histopathological changes in the liver. A total of 109,253 sheep slaughtered between July 2017 and July 2018 were screened to assess the prevalence of fascioliasis. The livers were grossly investigated for Fasciola infection and morphological changes. Tissue samples were collected for proper histopathological examinations. Livers of local and imported sheep represented infection rates of 0.67% and 2.12%, respectively, and the highest infection rate was in the spring season. Macroscopically, the affected liver showed hepatomegaly, thickened capsule and discoloration with necrosis, fibrosis, dilation of the bile duct, engorgement of the gallbladder and enlargement of the portal lymph nodes. Microscopic examination showed fibrotic thickening, calcification and hyperplasia of the bile ducts filled with debris, as well as massive hemorrhagic foci. Histopathological examinations of the infected liver showed a central vein region with disturbed parenchyma cells, focal lymphocytic infiltration, elongated endothelial cells, blood sinusoids that showed enlarged Kupffer cells, patches of lysed or necrotic hepatocytes, eosinophil infiltration, lymphocytes and proliferating fibroblast, thickening of hepatic artery and arteriolar walls. We concluded that fascioliasis among sheep slaughtered in Jeddah is not uncommon. The identified histopathological changes in the liver of infected sheep reflect tissue damage, which can lead to significant economic losses for the animals.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Horses.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is classified as intracellular protozoa and is one of the major zoonotic parasites. Most warm-blooded intermediate hosts, including humans, are commonly infected by this parasite. The epidemiology of T. gondii infection in Egyptian horses is currently poorly understood. METHODS: 420 blood samples were randomly collected from horses raised in four governorates in Northern Egypt (110 each from Giza and Kafr El Sheikh, and 100 each from Qalyubia and Gharbia) to investigate the existence of antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA kit, and to ascertain the risk factors for the infection. RESULTS: the antibodies for T. gondii were found in 16.2% (68/420) of the examined horses, with no significant differences among the four studied governorates. The highest prevalence rate was observed in Giza. The results revealed that sex, breed, age, and contact with domestic ruminants or cats were recognized as potential risk factors. The high prevalence rate was found in mixed breed horses (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 0.95-7.26), mares (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.31-4.19), and horses aged over 10 years (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.30-3.44). Moreover, the likelihood of seropositivity for T. gondii infection was higher in horses raised in environments with cats (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.44, p = 0.017) or domestic ruminants (OR = 2.16, 1.21-3.86, p = 0.010). This report confirms that horses in Northern Egypt are exposed to T. gondii and thus raises the possibility that people and other animals could contract the disease. CONCLUSIONS: routine examination and management of T. gondii infection in horses in these governorates is advised.

Pathological Findings and Oxidative Stress Status Associated with Hydatidosis in Dromedary Camels.

(1) Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic helminth disease that causes severe economic losses. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and viability of cystic echinococcosis in examined camels. In addition, assessing the histological, morphological, oxidative, and antioxidant state related to the cystic echinococcosis infection; (2) Methods: The study was performed on 152 slaughtered dromedary camels between March and September 2022 at El-Basatin abattoir in Cairo Governorate, Egypt; (3) Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of hydatidosis was 21.7% in slaughtered camel and the highest infection rate observed in lungs was 87.87%, while it was 9% in livers. Camels' liver infections were rare, whereas their lung infections were more common. By comparing to non-infected camels, the level of MAD was significantly increased with hydatid cysts infection, while the level of GSH, SOD and CAT was significantly decreased. Histopathological section of camel cyst revealed layered membranes surrounded by a zone of cellular infiltration and an outermost fibrous tissue reaction. In addition, there was evidence of atelectasis, emphysema, hemorrhage, congestion, and fibrosis in the surrounding tissues. Nonetheless, the degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes and other pathological alterations in liver cyst sections were remarkably comparable to those seen in the lungs. Furthermore, calcification was detected.

Livelihood activities, human mobility, and risk of malaria infection in elimination settings: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Livelihood activities and human movements participate in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases and influence malaria risk in elimination settings. In Saudi Arabia, where malaria transmission intensity varies geographically, it is vital to understand the components driving transmission within specific areas. In addition, shared social, behavioural, and occupational characteristics within communities may provoke the risk of malaria infection. This study aims to understand the relationship between human mobility, livelihood activities, and the risk of malaria infection in the border region of Jazan to facilitate further strategic malaria interventions. In addition, the study will complement and reinforce the existing efforts to eliminate malaria on the Saudi and Yemen border by providing a deeper understanding of human movement and livelihood activities. METHODS: An unmatched case-control study was conducted. A total of 261 participants were recruited for the study, including 81 cases of confirmed malaria through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy and 180 controls in the Baish Governorate in Jazan Provinces, Saudi Arabia. Individuals who received malaria tests were interviewed regarding their livelihood activities and recent movement (travel history). A questionnaire was administered, and the data was captured electronically. STATA software version 16 was used to analyse the data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine if engaging in agricultural activities such as farming and animal husbandry, recent travel history outside of the home village within the last 30 days and participating in spiritual gatherings were related to malaria infection status. RESULTS: A logistical regression model was used to investigate components associated with malaria infection. After adjusting several confounding factors, individuals who reported travelling away from their home village in the last 30 days OR 11.5 (95% CI 4.43-29.9), and those who attended a seasonal night spiritual gathering OR 3.04 (95% CI 1.10-8.42), involved in animal husbandry OR 2.52 (95% CI 1.10-5.82), and identified as male OR 4.57 (95% CI 1.43-14.7), were more likely to test positive for malaria infection. CONCLUSION: Human movement and livelihood activities, especially at nighttime, should be considered malaria risk factors in malaria elimination settings, mainly when the targeted area is limited to a confined borderland area.

Hygiene practices and factors influencing intestinal parasites among food handlers in the province of Belgarn, Saudi Arabia.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between socio-demographic status, and hygienic habits among food handlers with intestinal parasitic infections. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which 112 participants were recruited, from Belgarn province of Saudi Arabia. The descriptive analysis was used to evaluate demographic data and categorical variables. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and Relative Risk regression analysis was performed for each investigated factor. p-value of <0.05, was assumed to be statistically significant. Results: One hundred and twelve food handlers with a mean age of 33.5 ± 9.2 years were included in this study. The food handlers were from 15 different countries (11 Asians and four Africans). The majority of the food handlers were cooks (87, 77.7%), and waiters and dish washers (24, 21.4%). Among them, 106 (94.6%) used uniforms, and gloves at work. In hand washing practices, 104 (92.9%) wash their hands with soap before handling and preparing food and eight (7.1%) wash without soap, 98 (87.5%) wash with soap before meals and 14 (12.5%) wash without soap, 105 (93.8%) wash with soap after visiting toilets and seven (6.2%) wash without soap. Twenty-five (42.3%) of infected food handlers are not used to trim their fingernails. Intestinal infection was observed in 59 (52.68%) participants with mean age (32.5 ± 8.1 years) for infected participants. Conclusion: In this study, food handlers had a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. Although some of the food handlers had a high level of education, the infection with intestinal parasites was detected. In addition to regular screening for intestinal parasites among food handlers, there is a need for educational programs on proper hygiene habits, modes of transmission and prevention of the infection.

Identification and Genetic Characterization of Fasciola hepatica Isolated from Cattle in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Based on Sequence Analysis of Mitochondrial (COI) Gene.

Background: In Saudi Arabia, more than US$ 0.2 million annual losses are caused by liver condemnations due to fascioliasis. Data obtained from the genetic characterization of Fasciola population sheds light on parasite transmission which could eventually help in development of effective parasite control measures. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Fasciola spp. isolated from cattle in Saudi Arabia by sequence analyses of COI gene. Materials and Methods: A total of 325 cows slaughtered at the central municipal abattoir in Jeddah city, Jeddah Province, Saudi Arabia were examined for fascioliasis in the period from 1st of June to 1st of July 2020. DNA was extracted from adult Fasciola worms and used for PCR and DNA sequence using a primer pair targeting COI gene. Analysis of the obtained sequences was done using BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Bovine fascioliasis was diagnosed in 18 out of 325 cattle (5.5%). Forty-eight flukes were extracted from infected animals and DNA was successfully amplified from all flukes. Overall 12 different DNA sequences were obtained. BLAST search showed that all obtained sequences were F. hepatica and had >97% similarity with F. hepatica isolates from Tanzania, Europe and Iran. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed that Fasciola isolates from the current study were clustered in one subclade closely related to isolates from North and South Africa and Italy. Conclusion: Reports on the molecular characterization of Fasciola spp. in Saudi Arabia are limited. In the current study, our findings showed that F. hepatica was the only Fasciola species parasitizing cattle in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Further studies using a large number of samples from different localities in Saudi Arabia are needed to provide data that will help the development of control measures against fascioliasis.

Molecular, Microscopic, and Immunochromatographic Detection of Enteroparasitic Infections in Hemodialysis Patients and Related Risk Factors.

Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Patients with CRF are more prone to infections due to acquired immunodeficiency caused by uremia. This study aims at determining the prevalence of parasitic intestinal infections in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and at comparing the techniques used for the detection of intestinal parasites. One hundred stool samples were collected from Saudi HD patients from two dialysis centers of two hospitals in Makkah City, and 50 samples were collected randomly from healthy individuals that served as control. The laboratory tests were carried out at King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. One stool sample was collected from each participant and examined with different techniques. The diagnosis was carried out using the direct wet smear with normal saline and native-Lugol's, Ritchie technique, rapid diagnostic test (ImmunoCard STAT! CGE), and molecular techniques (real-time polymerase chain reaction). The relation between age, gender, weight, and height to calculate body mass index, level of education, time of the HD, lifestyle, residence status, several gastrointestinal symptoms, blood pressure, diabetes, irritable bowel disease, and other factors was studied. Intestinal parasites were found in 38% of the HD patients and 36% of the control group. The most encountered intestinal parasites in the HD patients and control group were Blastocystis hominis (31%) and (34%), Entamoeba histolytica (3%) and (2%) respectively, Endolimax nana (4%) in the HD group, Giardia lamblia (4%) in the control group, and no positive results for Cryptosporidium or helminths in both groups. The IPIs should be suspected in all cases of immunodeficient patients, and stool samples should be ordered as routine with other tests in interval times and examined using special techniques. The physicians should be aware of the similarity between HD and intestinal parasitosis symptoms to perform diagnostic tests and determine the suitable treatment.

A potential herbal therapeutic for trichinellosis.

Background: Trichinellosis is a helminthic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Current estimates indicate that 11 million humans have trichinellosis, worldwide. The effective use of anti-trichinella medications is limited by side effects and resistance which highlight the critical need for safe and effective drugs, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua (A. annua) in treatment of experimentally induced trichinellosis. Materials and methods: Trichinellosis was induced experimentally in male 6-8 weeks BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, 10 mice each. One group was left uninfected and untreated, whereas three groups were infected with T. spiralis. One infected group of mice was left untreated (negative control) while the remaining two infected groups received either 300 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract of A. annua or 50 mg/kg of albendazole (positive control). All treatments started from the third day post-infection (dpi) for 3 successive days. All animals were sacrificed on the 7th dpi for evaluation of treatment efficacy. Results: Our findings showed that A. annua treatment reduced the T. spiralis adult-worm count in the intestine of infected animals. Moreover, treatment with A. annua restored the normal intestinal architecture, reduced edema, alleviated inflammation as demonstrated by reduced inflammatory infiltrate and expression of TGF-ß in intestinal tissues of A. annua-treated animals compared to infected untreated animals. Conclusions: Our findings show that A. annua extract is effective in treating experimentally induced trichinellosis which highlight the therapeutic potential of A. annua for intestinal trichinellosis.

Prevalence, type of infections and comparative analysis of detection techniques of intestinal parasites in the province of Belgarn, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The study was conducted to observe the prevalence and type of infection caused by intestinal parasites and to compare the techniques that are available for the detection. Method: A total of 112 stool samples were obtained from study participants, and the laboratory examinations were performed at Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. One hundred and twelve participants were included in this study. Result: The color of positive specimens was mainly brown (86.4%). Stool consistency in infected cases was soft in (64%) samples. There was no statistically significant difference with the physical characteristics of the stool (P > 0.05). In total, 59 of the 112 participants were infected with intestinal parasites, representing 52.7%. Different intestinal protozoa parasites were identified in which Blastocystis hominis (86.4%) was highest. None of the intestinal helminths were detected. Out of the 59 infected cases, single infections were found in (62.7%) samples. The intestinal protozoan parasites in single infections were B. hominis (78.4%), Giardia lamblia (8.1%), and (2.7%) from each Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, and Chilomastix mesnili. Microscopy, RDTs, and real-time PCR were used for detection and identification of G. lamblia, E. histolytica, and C. parvum. Conclusion: The study reported a high rate of intestinal parasitic infections, mainly with B. hominis. There were no statistical differences in parasite detection between the three techniques in detection of the thirteen cases infected with the pathogenic protozoa.