Abstract

Aim:The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in feces samples of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria based on microscopic examination.Materials and Methods:A total of 717 fresh fecal samples obtained from 28 farms at Steppe and Northern Sahara regions of Algeria were processed for microscopic examination after concentration by formalin-ether sedimentation and flotation techniques. In addition, microscopic examination of Cryptosporidium spp. was done by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lugol staining procedure was used for the detection of Giardia cysts.Results:Microscopic examination indicated an infection rate of gastrointestinal parasites of 48.26% (346/717). Protozoan infections were recorded at 17.02% (122/717), whereas helminth infections were recorded at 23.71% (170/717). In addition, mixed infection (protozoans and helminths) was seen at 7.53% (54/717). No correlation was found between infection and age of the animals, nor the consistency of the stool samples; in addition, neither influence of sex nor breed of camels was observed. Eighteen genera of gastrointestinal parasites were revealed; including four genera of protozoa, 12 Nematoda, one Cestoda, and one Trematoda. Strongyloides spp. and Eimeria spp. showed the highest rate of parasitism, while Cooperia spp. was observed with the lowest prevalence. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 13 among 717 examined samples (1.81%).Conclusion:The parasite fauna infecting the gastrointestinal tract of the Algerian dromedary is much diversified. The detected parasites in camels are similar to counterparts in other ruminants, posing serious challenge to animal farming. Future studies should be carried out to better understand the epidemiology of these parasitic diseases and their economic and public health impact.

Highlights

  • Camels are important animals for their meat and milk production as well as transportation, especially across deserts in many African and Asian countries

  • Little is known about epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dromedary camels in Algeria

  • The results of the present study indicated that helminthic infections were (170/717; 23.71%) compared to protozoan infections (122/717; 17.02%) in the investigated camels

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Summary

Introduction

Camels are important animals for their meat and milk production as well as transportation, especially across deserts in many African and Asian countries. They are prone to infection by many parasitic diseases [1,2,3,4,5] resulting in considerable economic losses related to decrease in productivity and performance as well as mortality in severe cases [5,6]. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated

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