Microfluidic-Based Formulation of Essential Oils-Loaded Chitosan Coated PLGA Particles Enhances Their Bioavailability and Nematocidal Activity

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.

Prevalence, molecular characterization, and physiological impacts of Theileria annulata in bovines across three Egyptian governorates

Theileria annulata infection poses a significant threat to livestock health and production worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence, morphological characteristics, molecular identification, and physiological impacts of T. annulata in cattle and buffaloes across three Egyptian governorates: Beni Suef, Faiyum, and Giza. Blood samples from 300 cattle and 250 buffaloes were analyzed using microscopic examination, molecular techniques, and biochemical assays. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasms and intralymphocytic schizonts. These morphological findings were subsequently confirmed by PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, which definitively identified T. annulata. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA sequences revealed genetic diversity among isolates and their relationships with global strains. The overall prevalence of T. annulata was 25.3 %, with 23.7 % in cattle and 27.2 % in buffaloes. Prevalence varied across governorates: Beni Suef (24.0 % cattle, 27.7 % buffaloes), Faiyum (23.0 % cattle, 27.7 % buffaloes), and Giza (24.0 % cattle, 26.2 % buffaloes). In cattle, infection rates were similar between males and females, while in buffaloes, males showed higher rates than females. Age-wise analysis in cattle revealed an increasing trend with age, while buffaloes exhibited a U-shaped pattern. Seasonal dynamics showed highest infection rates in summer for both species, followed by spring, autumn, and lowest in winter. Oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, and MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) were significantly elevated in infected animals. This multi-faceted approach provides valuable insights into the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and host-parasite interactions of theileriosis in Egypt, highlighting the need for targeted control strategies and further investigation into pathogenesis mechanisms.

Chitosan nanoparticle encapsulation of thymus capitatus essential oil: in vitro release, antioxidant, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells

Thymus capitatus (Th. Ca) is known to treat mouth ulcers and respiratory infections in Cyprus. However, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic potential of Th. Ca. EO on MDA-MB-231 cells and its' encapsulation into nanoparticles has not been well studied. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic potential, loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile of both Th. Ca. EO and Chitosan Nanoparticle (Ch. Np) - Th. Ca. EO. GC-MS analysis revealed 53.97% carvacrol, 14.53% borneol, and 12.09% sabinene presence in EO. The loading efficiency of Th. Ca. EO into Ch. Np. was calculated as 35.27% and the in vitro release profile reached a maximum of 68% in pH 7 for two weeks. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay showed that E. coli had an MIC50 of 0.3215 mg/ml while B. subtilis had an MIC50 of 0.5304 mg/ml. The antioxidant activity of the EO was assessed by performing a DPPH assay with an IC50 = 440 μg/ml. Trypan Blue Assay revealed that 60 µg/ml Th. Ca. EO significantly reduced the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells by 10.7% at 48h and 20.06% at 72h. Overall, Ch. Np. - Th. Ca. EO has shown a promising formulation for the pharmaceutical industry.

Antiviral properties of essential oil mixture: Modulation of E7 and E2 protein pathways in human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clove is used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine for viral diseases. Palmarosa essential oils have been traditionally used in India and Southeast Asia since ancient times and have made considerable use of them. In New Caledonia, niaouli oil is used in aromatherapy and pharmaceutical formulations to treat pain and viral diseases. Since ancient times, the South Pacific region has used tamanu oil as a traditional medicine to treat a wide range of skin conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigates the antiviral properties of essential oils (EOs) from Eugenia aromaticum (clove oil, CL-R030424005 (CL)), Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa oil, PA-R040923008 (PA)), Melaleuca viridiflora (niaouli oil, NI-R290124038 (NI)), and Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu oil, TA-F140224029 (TA)), and their mixture against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A D-optimal mixture design is used to determine the most effective EO combinations and evaluate their antiviral efficacy through IC50 values. The EOs were tested for their ability to inhibit HPV-related oncogenes (L1, L2, E1, E2, E6, and E7) in HPV-infected cells with ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The optimal mixture (31.5% CL, 31.5% PA, and 37% NI) demonstrated significant antiviral activity, reducing viral replication and protein expression in HPV-infected cells. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed higher permeation rates in healthy tissues compared to infected ones, indicating the oils' potential in targeted drug delivery. Additionally, cytotoxicity assessments confirmed the safety of the EOs at effective concentrations in HPVCs, DoTc2, and HEKa cells. Molecular docking studies further elucidated the interactions between EO components and HPV proteins, supporting their antiviral mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that EOs, particularly in optimized combinations, offer a promising natural supportive treatment for managing HPV infections, warranting further in vivo animal tests and clinical trials.

Dogs as a source for the spreading of enteric parasites including zoonotic ones in Giza Province, Egypt

To investigate the impact of domestic and stray dogs on the transmission of zoonotic and other parasites to humans in contact with them, fecal samples were collected from 80 domestic dogs that presented at a clinic with health disturbances and 220 randomly selected stray dogs housed in shelters. The parasitological examination of these samples revealed infection by six zoonotic and four non-zoonotic parasites in varying percentages. The zoonotic parasites included Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Cryptosporidium species, and Giardia cysts and trophozoites. The other parasites included Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia species eggs, and Isospora canis oocysts. The infection rate was higher in stray dogs (60%) than in domestic dogs (40%). Infected dogs in both groups were generally unhealthy, with poor body condition recorded in 13.8% of domestic dogs and 63.6% of stray dogs. The infection rate was higher (92%) among shelter workers than among domestic dog owners (66.7%). Giardia assemblages A and D from dogs and assemblage A from humans, as well as two isolates of Cryptosporidium canis (C. canis), one from dogs and the other from humans, were submitted in the GenBank with the accession numbers OQ870443, OQ870444, and OQ919265 for Giardia and OQ917532 & OQ915519 for C. canis of dogs & human, respectively. In conclusion, domestic and stray dogs play an essential role in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans in contact with them, and regular deworming and strict hygienic measures are recommended to minimize their impact on human health.

Trichinocidal activity of a novel formulation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite in vitro

Curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CO-NC), a novel formulation of nano-curcumin, was produced and characterized. By evaluating the death rate and DNA damage inflicted on adult Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) worms using the comet test and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the effectiveness of the substance against these worms was assessed in vitro. The mortality effects of CO-NC on the parasite adult worms were increased with the upgrading in the concentration and exposure time from 1 to 24 h using concentrations from 10 to 100 ppm. LC₅₀ was determined to be 10.0 ppm/18 h, 20.0 ppm/9 h, 40.0 ppm/6 h, 80.0 ppm/2 h, and 100.0 ppm/1 h, while LC₁₀₀ was 40.0 ppm/24 h, 80.0 ppm/12 h, and 100.0 ppm/6 h. The comet assay was utilized to examine DNA damage in control and dead worms exposed to varying doses. A direct correlation (P ≤ 0.05) was found between the increase in CO-NC dose and the degree of DNA damage as indicated by alterations in DNA % in the tail segment, tail length (μm), tail moment (μm), and olive tail moment with the control samples. The sub-epidermal layer was detached, the cuticle was partially sloughed off, and the usual creases, ridges, and annulations were altered in the T. spiralis exposed worms. As a result, the tested new trichinocidal drug formulation of nano-curcumin on an oil base was confirmed to be an efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly alternative. The medication has the potential to severely and irreversibly harm the DNA and ultrastructural morphology of adult worms.

Chitosan–silver nanocomposites as a promising tool for controlling the bed bug: Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae)

This study evaluates the use of chitosan–silver nanocomposites (CSN) as an insecticide against the bed bug ( Cimex lectularius). Adult bed bugs were collected from infested residential areas and identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CSN were prepared and photographed for characterization using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The insecticidal effect of different concentrations of CSN (400–1000 ppm) was compared to that of 0.1% cypermethrin as a positive control and normal saline as a negative control. The bugs ( n = 25) were immersed for 20 min in the corresponding medium, dried with filter papers, and then incubated at 27–28°C and 70% RH with a 12:12 h light–dark photoperiod. The mortality rates were recorded at different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h post-incubation (hPI)), and the entire experiment was repeated five times. Image analysis showed round- to spherical-shaped CSN ranging in size from 34 to 72 nm. The mortality rates were positively associated with increasing concentrations of CSN. The mortality rate first reached 100% for concentrations of 800 ppm at 24 hPI and 1000 ppm at 12 hPI. The calculated LC50 was found at a concentration of 1165 ppm at 2 hPI, and the LC99 was found at a concentration of 1914 ppm at 2 hPI. The positive control, cypermethrin, induced 100% mortality among the bugs at 2 hPI, while the negative control caused no mortality. These results clearly show the potential of CSN as an insecticide against C. lectularius. Future studies on best practices for implementing these particles in clinical settings are recommended.