Ultra-structure, genetic characterization and Immunological approach of fish borne zoonotic trematodes (Family: Heterophyidae) of a redbelly tilapia

Smart application of silver nanoparticles in the treatment of chicken coccidiosis in combination with special supplement to alleviate its toxicity

This study investigated the efficacy of a locally formulated nano-silver particle (Ag-NPs) treatment for controlling Eimeria spp. in chickens. Various concentrations of Ag-NPs were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the sporulation of five Eimeria species oocysts in vitro, with LC50 and LC100 values determined. The most effective concentrations (20 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL) were administered to experimentally infected chickens for five consecutive days through their feed, either as a normal diet or supplemented with a Vitamin A, E, C, and selenium complex (VSeC). Results showed a significant reduction in the number of oocysts shed, lower lesion scores, and improved weight gain in chickens treated with Ag-NPs, with effects comparable to the reference drug Amprolium. Ag-NPs at 25 μg/mL exhibited the highest efficacy, though mild silver toxicity was observed. Supplementation with VSeC enhanced all parameters and mitigated the mild toxicity associated with the high-dose Ag-NP treatment. Further analysis of redox parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and liver (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and kidney function (serum urea, creatinine) revealed slight elevations in these markers, which were negligible in the VSeC-supplemented groups. In conclusion, Ag-NPs at doses of 20-25 μg/mL for five days were effective in controlling Eimeria infection in chickens. The inclusion of VSeC in the feed provided protective effects, alleviating potential toxicity and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Vector-borne pathogens in dogs in Egypt: Molecular and immunological insights

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) constitute a significant global health challenge, impacting dogs and posing zoonotic risks to humans. These diseases are transmitted through blood-feeding vectors such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. This study, conducted in Cairo and Giza, Egypt, aimed to assess the prevalence, diversity, and clinical impact of CVBD in both domestic and stray dogs. Using microscopic and molecular diagnostic techniques, several pathogens were identified, including two primary zoonotic blood pathogens, Anaplasma platys and Leishmania spp., as well as other blood pathogens with varying degrees of zoonotic potential, such as Ehrlichia canis (E. canis), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia canis vogeli (B. canis vogeli), Hepatozoon canis, and Trypanosoma evansi. Stray dogs exhibited a higher prevalence of infection than domestic dogs, frequently presenting with co-infections. Clinically, infected dogs displayed clinical signs including weight loss, pale mucous membranes, lethargy, and anorexia, with more severe manifestations observed in cases with co-infections, particularly involving B. canis vogeli and E. canis. The immune response in these dogs was marked by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and interleukin-1β, which were significantly higher in symptomatic dogs, indicating a robust immune defense against the pathogens. Furthermore, markers of oxidative stress, including glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide, were elevated in infected dogs, suggesting increased cellular damage due to prolonged infection and inflammation. The findings underline the key significance of stray dogs in the transmission and maintenance of CVBD and emphasize the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic, preventive, and control strategies to mitigate the prevalence of these diseases in dog populations and their potential zoonotic impact on human health.

Multifaceted analysis of equine cystic echinococcosis: genotyping, immunopathology, and screening of repurposed drugs against E. equinus protoscolices

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock and poses health risks to humans, necessitating improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study investigates CE in donkeys using a multifaceted approach that includes molecular identification, gene expression analysis, serum biochemical profiling, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, and in vitro drug efficacy evaluation. Molecular analysis of hydatid cyst protoscolices (HC-PSCs) from infected donkey livers and lungs revealed a high similarity to Echinococcus equinus (GenBank accession: PP407081). Additionally, gene expression analysis indicated significant increases (P < 0.0001) in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels in lung and liver homogenates. Serum biochemical analysis showed elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and globulin levels, alongside decreased albumin compared to non-infected controls. Histopathological examination revealed notable alterations in pulmonary and hepatic tissues associated with hydatid cyst infection. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), indicating a robust inflammatory response. In vitro drug evaluations revealed that Paroxetine (at concentrations of 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) demonstrated the highest efficacy among repurposed drugs against HC-PSCs, resulting in the greatest cell mortality. Colmediten followed closely in effectiveness, whereas both Brufen and Ator exhibited minimal effects. This study identifies Paroxetine as a promising alternative treatment for hydatidosis and provides a framework for investigating other parasitic infections and novel therapies.

Targeted pre-partum strategies to suppress Toxocara vitulorum hypobiotic larvae: Reducing transmission to calves and genotypic insights into buffalo infections

Background and Aim

Toxocara vitulorum infections in lactating buffaloes pose significant health and economic challenges due to maternal transmission of inhibited larvae to calves via colostrum and milk. This study aimed to identify T. vitulorum species morphologically and genetically and to evaluate a novel strategic treatment using fenbendazole to suppress larval transmission.

Materials and Methods

Morphological and genetic characterization of Toxocara species was performed using light and scanning electron microscopy and mitochondrial COX-1 gene analysis. Pregnant buffaloes previously infected with T. vitulorum were administered fenbendazole (10 mg/kg body weight) 15 days before parturition (dbp). The animals were divided into three groups based on the interval between treatment and parturition: 6 days (G-1), 10 days (G-2), and 15 days (G-3). Colostrum, milk, and fecal samples were collected to assess larval and egg counts, respectively.

Results

The genetic analysis confirmed the species as T. vitulorum with 100% nucleotide similarity to reference sequences. The treatment effectively suppressed larval transmission in G-1, with no larvae detected in colostrum or milk, and significantly reduced larval counts in G-2 and G-3. Fecal egg counts of treated buffaloes and their calves were markedly lower than untreated controls. Statistically significant reductions in worm burden were observed, particularly in the group treated 6 dbp.

Conclusion

A single dose of fenbendazole administered 6 dbp effectively interrupted the T. vitulorum transmission cycle, reducing larval presence in colostrum and milk and minimizing worm burdens in buffaloes and calves. Morphological and molecular analyses highlighted the efficacy of COX-1 gene markers in species identification and phylogenetic studies. This strategic intervention represents a practical approach to controlling T. vitulorum infections, improving herd health, and reducing environmental contamination.

Dermanyssus gallinae as a pathogen vector: Phylogenetic analysis and associated health risks in pigeons

Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae) is a nocturnal, blood-feeding ectoparasite that primarily infests poultry, causing significant economic losses. This study aimed to identify poultry red mites and detect associated pathogens using morphological and molecular techniques. Mites and blood samples were collected from naturally infected pigeons. Mite species and blood parasites were identified morphologically, while representative pooled mite samples were cultured on general and selective media to detect microbial pathogens. Molecular identification of mites was conducted using PCR targeting the cytochrome oxidase I (COXI) mitochondrial gene, 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and 16S rRNA for parasites and microbial pathogens, respectively. BLAST analysis of the COXI sequence confirmed a high similarity to D. gallinae. Screening of 100 pooled mite samples revealed vector-borne pathogens, with Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites detected in 18 % and 3 % of mite samples and 15 % and 2 % of blood samples, respectively. Microbiological cultures and molecular analyses identified five bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus (76 %), Escherichia coli (41 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (29 %), Salmonella enterica (21 %), and Listeria monocytogenes (11 %). Additionally, two fungal species were detected: Candida albicans (7 %) and Cryptococcus neoformans (9 %). This study underscores the association of D. gallinae with various pathogens, though its role in transmission remains unclear. Further research is needed to evaluate the biological implications of these associations and the associated health risks.

Can Cryptogonimids of the Same Genus Influence Each Other's Level of Genetic Variation?

Trematodes of the genus Exorchis are parasites that are common in East and Southeast Asia. These parasites are known to infect fish, thus impacting aquaculture significantly. An introspection into the dynamics of infection of these parasites has revealed possible co-infection in shared hosts. But data on the dynamics of their shared host on their population structure and genetic variability is lacking. In this study, we investigate the intraspecific structure of the Exorchis species, Exorchis oviformis, and E. convictus, both of which coexist in the same definitive host. By using partial gene sequences of the mitochondrial cox1 gene (715 bp), including 30 newly obtained sequences from the southern part of the Russian Far East, we found a low level of genetic variation in both species, consistent with previous findings of other trematodes from the same region. We hypothesize that the observed low variability could be attributable to the process of host infection and transmission and abiotic factors influencing a recent decline in host variability and abundance. This is driving a strong selection pressure due to the limited number of parasites reaching the definitive host. This, among other factors, could possibly impact the long-term survival and adaptability of Exorchis and other trematodes at large in the region. However, we also believe that there may be a chance that these closely related species could exert an influence on each other's genetic diversity, potentially limiting the variation within each species. To uncover the dynamics driving these observations, we propose the approach of expanding sampling, broader genetic marker analyses, and investigations of varied host populations that could elucidate the complexities of the Exorchis species genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics.

Novel insights into antioxidant status, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry in an animal model infected with camel-derived Trypanosoma evansi and Theileria annulata

BACKGROUND

Hemoprotozoan diseases, especially trypanosomosis and theileriosis, adversely affect the productivity, growth, and performance of camels. Regular sampling and investigation of camels are challenging due to several factors. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge on camel parasite genotyping, cytokine production, and oxidative stress parameters during infection.

METHODS

The present study investigated two critical blood protozoa infecting camels in Egypt, Trypanosoma evansi and Theileria annulata, using molecular methods, specifically 18S rRNA gene analysis. Following molecular confirmation, experimental infections were induced in Swiss albino mice to assess the expression of immune response genes and oxidative stress parameters. The study further explored the correlation between histopathological alterations and inflammatory reactions in the kidney, spleen, and liver of infected mice, alongside the immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

RESULTS

Trypanosoma evansi and T. annulata isolated from naturally infected camels were molecularly identified and deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OR116429 and OR103130, respectively. Infection with T. evansi and T. annulata caused significant adverse effects on the immune condition of infected mice, increasing the pathogenicity of the infection. This was evidenced by a significant increase in oxidative stress parameter levels in both naturally infected camels and experimentally infected mice compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the expression of immune response genes was significantly elevated in infected mice. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed a pronounced upregulation of caspase-3, PCNA, and TNF in the infected groups relative to the control group. These findings are the first to be reported in Egypt.

CONCLUSIONS

This study successfully identified and genotyped two economically important blood protozoa, T. evansi and T. annulata, from camels in Egypt. Additionally, the experimental animal model provided valuable insights into the immune response, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes induced by these parasites, demonstrating comparable results to naturally infected camels. These findings highlight the potential of this model to study parasite-host interactions and immune responses, contributing to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of T. evansi and T. annulata infections. This model may be useful for future studies focused on disease control and therapeutic interventions.

Phylogenetic position of the pigeon mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, with amplification of its immunogenetic biomarkers in Egypt

Ornithonyssus sylviarum (O. sylviarum) is an obligatory, blood-sucking ectoparasite widely distributed among poultry and other mammals, causing significant economic losses. This study represented the first report of molecular genotypic identification of O. sylviarum from pigeons, Columba livia domestica, in Egypt. PCR and sequencing of the 28S rRNA gene were conducted. The resulting mite sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis, revealing 90-100% similarity to O. sylviarum in all tested samples. The sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers PP049086 and PP033720. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to compare the obtained species with related species worldwide. Additionally, infected pigeons showed increased expression of IL-1, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-β3 genes and elevated serum levels of stress biomarkers. The increased level of these cytokines indicates there was a disturbance in the immune status of the infected host with parasite compared with control healthy ones. This increases the susceptibility to infection with other pathogens.

Innovative molecular and immunological approaches of heterophyiasis infecting some Egyptian marketed fishes

Heterophyiasis is a highly endemic disease in the Nile Delta, Egypt, where people consume raw or undercooked Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus. Birds and rats play a crucial role in fish-borne zoonotic trematode transmission since they serve as natural and experimental hosts. This study aimed to update the epidemiological information, morphological description, molecular identification and gene expression of two distinct heterophyid metacercariae in Giza, Wadi Al-Rayan, and Lake Manzala, Egypt, whereas various heterophyid infections could be expected. The present Centrocestus formosanus, Heterophyes heterophyes, and Heterophyes nocens with accession numbers OR947651.1, OR947700.1, and OR947719.1, respectively, matched with those recorded in the GenBank. Findings of the current investigation indicated that various cytokines like IL-1β, MHC-II, and TNF-α rapidly elevated in the infected pigeon's intestines. Additionally, the infection expanded due to the parasite's ejection from the host and the host's clinical affliction, which induced humoral immune responses. Interestingly, investigation of other trematode species is in extreme demand in terms of zoonoses. We suggest controlling snails, managing migratory birds, and examining and frying fishes to the point when the encysted metacercariae is destroyed.

Molecular and immunological studies on Theileria equi and its vector in Egypt

Equine piroplasmosis is not fully understood regarding pathogenicity, prophylaxis, host immune response expression, and specific vectors. Accurately identifying the parasite vector is crucial for developing an effective control plan for a particular infection. This study focused on morphologically identifying two Hyalomma species (H. anatolicum and H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus annulatus (R. annulatus) at the species level. The identification process was followed by phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene as a specific vector for Theileria equi (T. equi) in horses. T. equi was diagnosed morphologically and molecularly from infected blood samples and crushed tick species using conventional PCR. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis based on the amplification of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. The obtained sequence data were evaluated and registered in GenBank under accession numbers OR064161, OR067911, OR187727, and OR068139, representing the three tick species and the isolated T. equi, respectively. The study demonstrated that T. equi infection leads to immune system suppression by significantly increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD) (P ≤ 0.0001), with this elevation being directly proportional to parasitemia levels in infected blood cells. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between parasitemia levels and the expression of immune response infection genes (IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, and IL-1β cytokines) in infected horses compared to non-infected equine. Common macroscopic symptoms indicating T. equi infection in horses include intermittent fever, enlarged lymph nodes (LN), and tick infestation.

Novel insights into immune stress markers associated with myxosporeans gill infection in Nile tilapia (molecular and immunohistochemical studies)

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is valued in aquaculture because of its quick development and ability to thrive in various environments. Myxosporeans are among the fish parasites that affect fish productivity, as they impact fish growth and reproduction, resulting in large fish deaths in farms and hatcheries. This study has been focused on morpho-molecular identification for the myxosporean parasites infecting Nile tilapia from three governorates in Egypt and assessment of gene expression of different cytokines (Interleukin-1βeta (IL-1β), major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II), and clusters of differentiation 4 (CD-4) and 8 (CD-8)) in tissues. Additionally, this work aimed to correlate the developed histopathological alterations and inflammatory reactions in gills with immunohistochemical expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Finally, the infected fish's cortisol levels and blood glucose were assessed. Results of BLAST sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA for the collected protozoans confirmed Myxobolus agolus, M. brachysporus, M. tilapiae, and Henneguya species. The molecular characterization of the immunological status of gills revealed marked upregulation of different inflammatory cytokines in the gills of infected fish. There was a significantly increased serum cortisol and glucose level in infected fish compared with control, non-infected ones. Severe histopathological alterations were observed in the infected fish gills, associated with increased expression of iNOS and TNF-α and related to myxosporean infection. The present study provides new insights into oxidative stress biomarkers in Nile tilapia infected with Myxosporeans and elucidates the gill's immune status changes as a portal of entry for protozoa that contribute to tissue damage.

Immunological and molecular evaluation of zoonotic metacercarial infection in freshwater fish: A cross-sectional analysis

Improperly cooked fish, carrying active metacercariae (MCs), can pose a significant risk for transmitting fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (FBZTs) to human consumers. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of FBZTs by conducting a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis involving various fish species, such as Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and red-belly tilapia (Tilapia zillii). These fish specimens were collected from distinct Egyptian governorates, specifically Giza, Kafr al-Shaykh, and Fayoum. The recovered flukes from experimentally infected domestic pigeons were identified as Prohemistomum vivax, Haplorchis pumilio, and Pygidiopsis genata based on morphological features. Furthermore, the identity of the retrieved adult flukes was confirmed using three species-specific primers for PCR amplification and sequencing analysis of the ITS rDNA region and have been deposited in GenBank with the following accession numbers: P. vivax (OR291421.1 and OR291422.1), P. genata (OP099561.1), and H. pumilio (OM439581.1-OP090510.1). Quantitative real-time PCR targeting the immunological genes Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1Β) was employed to compare the cellular immune response between infected with EMCs and uninfected O. niloticus. The results indicated a significant increase in TNF- and IL-1Β levels in FBZTs-infected vs un-infected fishes. Importantly, the presence of adult flukes and EMCs led to substantial histological alterations in both experimentally infected pigeons and naturally infected fish tissues. These changes included the necrosis of fish muscle bundles and a pronounced inflammatory reaction with muscular necrosis in the digestive tracts of experimentally infected pigeons.

Awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Cairo, Egypt

Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.

Efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Trichinella spiralis in mice and the role of multivitamin in alleviating its toxicity

Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. The majority of currently available anti-trichinellosis medications exhibit inadequate efficacy. The efficacy of a natively prepared new formulation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was evaluated in the treatment of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection in mice alone and combined with multivitamin-mineral (MM). After investigating the product's biological and pharmacological characteristics, its therapeutic dose was estimated to be Ag-NPs at 21.5 mg/kg B.W. This dose was orally inoculated to experimentally infected mice at 3-5 days post-inoculation (dpi) against the mature worms, at 8-10 dpi against the newborn larvae, and at 33-35th dpi against the encapsulated larvae. Each treatment's efficacy was assessed by scarifying control and treated mice 3 days post-treatment. The drug alone or in supplement form has a high trichinocidal effect exceeding that of the reference drug. Early treatment (3-5 dpi) by Ag-NPs or Ag-NPs + MM and albendazole revealed high efficacy against the intestinal stage, reaching 93.3%, 94.7%, and 90.6% for the three treatments, respectively. The materials causing a significant (P-value < 0.001) decrease in the mean encapsulated larvae reached 86.61%, 89.07%, and 88.84%/gm of muscles using the three treatments, respectively. Moreover, all larvae extracted from Ag-NPs-treated groups failed to induce infection post-inoculation in new mice. Additionally, combining the material with MM proved to overcome the reversible adverse effects of silver material on the estimated redox parameters and liver and kidney biomarkers, denoting its ability to alleviate Ag-NP toxicity. In conclusion, the high trichinocidal effect of Ag-NPs against the adult and encapsulated larvae during a short inoculation period introduced Ag-NPs as an alternative to other nematicidal drugs.