Dromedary Research Articles

MORPHOLOGY OF THE DROMEDARY CAMEL STOMACH WITH REFERENCE TO PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are adapted to their desert habitat where they are able to survive and reproduce despite very high temperatures, little vegetation, and limited water availability. The mechanism of thermoregulation in camels is highly efficient, which makes them maintain the appropriate body temperature to carry out their physiological activities. Compared to other mammals, camels are environmentally tolerant as they can be bred for milk and meat production in areas with scant natural resources depending on their unique physiological, anatomical and behavioral characteristics. The camel's digestive system has unique morphological features that make it highly adapted to its natural environment. Although the stomach of camels is divided into compartments, as in ruminants, they are referred to as pseudo-ruminants because they do not have the clearly divided four-chambered stomach found in true ruminants. However, their stomach is larger and more efficient in dealing with dry, tough, and fibrous food. Therefore, the current study aimed to review the gross anatomical and histological peculiarities and characteristic features of the dromedary camel stomach with respect to their physiological importance. The morphological characterization of the dromedary camel stomach might elucidate the functions of its different compartments. Thus, this review could add to our understanding of the physiology of the digestive system in dromedary camels.

Influences of glycine supplementation during vitrification on the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes.

Oocytes experience detrimental osmotic stress during vitrification and warming procedures because of the osmolality imbalance between the vitrification-warming fluids and the intracellular environment. Cellular osmotic homeostasis can be preserved by glycine, a powerful osmolyte with antioxidant properties. We aimed to examine the influences of supplementing glycine to the vitrification solutions (VS) on the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes following IVM/IVF and in vitro embryo culture (IVC). Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from dromedary camel ovaries and randomly allocated into two groups namely control (oocytes subjected directly to IVM) and vitrified (COCs were vitrified into VS supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mM glycine). For vitrification, COCs were equilibrated for 3 min in 12.5% ethylene glycol; EG plus 12.5% dimethyl sulfoxide; DMS and then they were vitrified for 60 s in VS composed of 25% EG + 25% DMSO using solid surface vitrification (SSV). Warming of vitrified oocytes was conducted in decreasing concentrations of trehalose solution. Following vitrification and warming, the morphologically viable oocytes were subjected to IVM for 36 h. Matured oocytes were then fertilized in vitro by epididymal spermatozoa and cultured for seven days. The results showed that the percentage of viable oocytes assessed by trypan blue stain was significantly higher (p ≤ .05) in the 1.0 mM glycine-supplemented group than 0.0- and 2.0-mM glycine-supplemented ones (90.0 % vs. 80.0% and 76.6%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed between 0.5 mM glycine and other vitrified groups. Nuclear maturation rates, cleavage (48-h post-insemination; pi) and blastocyst rate (7-days pi) were significantly lower in vitrified groups than control ones (p ≤ .05). Among vitrified groups, these parameters were the highest in the 1.0 mM glycine-supplemented group. Taken together, supplementation of vitrification solutions with 1.0 mM glycine could enhance the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes.

A Brief Review of Endemic Fluorosis in Dromedary Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) and Focus on Their FluorideSusceptibility

Chronic fluoride poisoning in the form of fluorosis in diverse species of domestic animals, viz. cattle (Bos taurus), water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), horses (Equus caballus), donkeys (Equus asinus), and dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) is the resultant of prolonged consumption or exposure of high fluoride through drinking water, food, and air. In general, fluorosis can be recognised by the presence of dental mottling (dental fluorosis) and bone deformities (skeletal fluorosis). In animals, skeletal fluorosis often results in reduced mobility as a result of bone damages or changes due to exostosis, osteosclerosis, osteoporosis, and osteophytosis. In addition, fluoride-induced non-skeletal disorders like gastro-intestinal disturbances, neurological disorders, reproductive dysfunctions, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, genotoxicosis, and teratogenic effects have also been observed in fluorosed domestic and experimental animals. The maximum prevalence, 19.4% and 17.9% of dental and skeletal fluorosis at >3.0 ppm fluoride concentration in drinking water has been observed in domesticated dromedary camels in India, respectively. The prevalence and severity of fluorosis varies from one fluoride endemic region to another and depends on a number of determinants or factors. However, the major determinants are fluoride concentration and its frequency and duration of exposure, rate and density of bio-accumulation of fluoride, and food nutrients. Among different species of domestic animals, camels are found to be less susceptible to fluoride or have a relatively higher fluoride tolerance. In present communication, fluorosis in camels, determinants of fluoride toxicity, and fluoride susceptibility in camels are briefly and critically reviewed. Simultaneously, research gapes have also been highlighted for further research work on chronic fluoride intoxication in diverse species of animals. This review is significant for researchers in understanding of chronic fluoride toxicity in grazers (cattle and buffalo) and browsers (equines, flocks, and camels).

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave.

Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries. Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3-0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9-2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs. Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17β concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = -0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations. These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Epidural lidocaine, butorphanol, and butorphanol – lidocaine combination in dromedary camels

BackgroundThe use of general anesthesia in dromedary camels is constrained by risks related to decubitus. Caudal epidural analgesia is an alternative convenient technique providing loco-regional analgesia for numerous invasive and noninvasive painful conditions. Lidocaine is probably the most commonly used local anesthetic in clinical practice, but has a relatively short duration and may not provide significant long term analgesic benefits. Epidural administration of an opioid-local anesthetic mixture would improve the quality and length of analgesia and minimizes the adverse motor effects provoked by local anesthetics. Butorphanol (potent agonist–antagonist opioid) has been used to improve the duration of epidural analgesia in some animal species, but not in camels. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the onset and duration of analgesia as well as the clinical and hemato-biochemical effects produced by the epidural administration of butorphanol (0.04 mg/kg), lidocaine (0.22 mg/ kg), and butorphanol-lidocaine (0.04 mg/kg—0.22 mg/ kg) mixture in nine adult dromedary camels in a crossover experimental study.ResultsThe onset of analgesia was not statistically different between lidocaine (6.5 ± 2.3 min) and butorphanol-lidocaine (7.3 ± 1.5 min) combination. Delayed onset of analgesia was reported after butorphanol administration (14.7 ± 3.5 min). Butorphanol-lidocaine combination produced marked longer duration (175 ± 8.7 min) than lidocaine (55 ± 6.8 min) and butorphanol (158 ± 5.3 min). Mild ataxia was observed in the butorphanol–lidocaine and lidocaine treated animals and slight sedation was reported after butorphanol and butorphanol-lidocaine administration. A transient significant increase in the glucose levels was recorded after all treatments.ConclusionsEpidural administration of butorphanol augments the analgesic effects and duration of lidocaine with minimal adverse effects.

Phenotypic biodiversity characterization of dromedary camels and hybrids in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is one of the rare camel countries with rich camel biodiversity where different dromedary camels, Bactrian camels, and hybrid types are cohabiting at the same territories during centuries. Several data on phenotype biodiversity of local camels are available, mostly published during Soviet Union time using few body quantitative measurements. Unfortunately, those data are not sufficient to place the local breeds among the world camel population. The aim of this study was to describe detailed phenotype parameters of dromedary camels and hybrids in Kazakhstan and to compare our animals with the other camel populations in the world. As the whole, six camel farms were visited, located in different regions of southern Kazakhstan. In total, 185 female camels (Aruana breed camels and hybrids) were described by the phenotype questionnaire. There was a significant effect of "breed" on the different parameters except udder depth and body length. Most of the measurements were lower in Aruana compared to hybrids. The discriminating factorial analysis confirmed the clear separation between the breed based on their body measurements with a total of 95% of well-classed. The main discriminating parameters (allowing distinguishing the populations) were in the order: (i) the length of the head, (ii) the neck length, (iii) the neck circumference, (iv) the teat length, and (v) the udder length.

Impact of Selected Bacterial and Viral Toll-like Receptor Agonists on the Phenotype and Function of Camel Blood Neutrophils.

Innate recognition of pathogens depends on the interaction between microbial structures known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in host cells. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are among the most important PRRs being expressed on and in a wide range of immune cell types. Studies on the interaction mechanisms between different pathogen species and the immune system of the dromedary camel are still scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of synthetic bacterial and viral TLR ligands on some phenotypic properties and selected functions of neutrophils purified from dromedary camel blood. Neutrophils were separated from camel blood (n = five animals) and were stimulated in vitro with the TLR ligands LPS, Pam3CSK4, R848 (Resiquimod), and Poly IC or were left without stimulation. Stimulation with the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was used as a positive control stimulation. Shape change, phagocytosis activity, ROS production, the expression of cell surface markers, and cell vitality were compared between stimulated and non-stimulated cells. With exception of the TLR3 agonist Poly IC, all TLR ligands used showed the potential to stimulate camel neutrophils resulting in increased cell size and the upregulation of CD18 and CD14 on their surface. Similarly, the phagocytosis activity of camel neutrophils was significantly improved after priming with all TLR ligands, except Poly IC, which, in contrast, resulted in a reduced percentage of phagocytosis-positive cells. In contrast to stimulation with PMA, which induced a significant ROS production in camel neutrophils, none of the TLR ligands used stimulated ROS generation in neutrophils. Only stimulation with Pam3CSK4 increased the expression of MHCII molecules on camel neutrophils, resulting in an expanded MHCIIhigh fraction within camel neutrophils. Our study indicates selective immunomodulating effects of TLR agonists on purified camel neutrophils without affecting their vitality.

Industrial Fluoride Emissions are Dangerous to Animal Health, but Most Ranchers are Unaware of it

No doubt, industrialization is relatively more important and necessary for the sustainable development and economy for any country or geographical region. That is why many types of factories or industrial activities work day and night for different types of production. But there are many of these factories which continuously emit fluoride in the gaseous and particulate/dust forms into their surrounding environments and contaminate diverse natural resources such as soil, air, reservoirs, herbage, vegetation, ecosystem etc. In the world or in different countries, the major and most common sources of industrial fluoride emissions are coal-fired power plants and industrial activities, such as the production of steel, iron, aluminium, zinc, phosphorus, chemical fertilizers, oil refineries, bricks, glasses, plastic, cement, and hydrofluoric acid. When domestic animals viz. cattle (Bos taurus), water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), horses (Equus caballus), donkeys (Equus asinus), and dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) exposed to industrial fluoride emissions or pollution over a long period of time, it becomes highly toxic and poses a threat to animal health. In the world, thousands of domestic animals have been found to be suffering from a dangerous disease called industrial fluorosis due to chronic exposure of industrial fluoride. In fact, this fluoride affects the teeth and bones and soft organs as well. Due to its chronic toxicosis, teeth become weak and mottled (dental fluorosis) and animals develop lameness (skeletal fluorosis) when fluoride toxicosis becomes more severe. However, immature and bovine animals are found to be more prone to fluorosis. Apart from the health of animals, industrial fluorosis in domestic animals also affects the economy of the livestock farmers. But most ranchers or livestock farmers are unaware of it. In present editorial, the most common sources of industrial fluoride emissions, chronic industrial fluoride toxicosis or industrial fluorosis in domestic animals, and the possible ways for how to prevent animals from this disease have been highlighted. Through this article, it is also to attract the attention of the responsible people so that this health problem caused by industrial fluoride pollution can be prevented in economically important animals.

The Surveillance of Borrelia Species in Camelus dromedarius and Associated Ticks: The First Detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Egypt

A total of 133 blood samples and 1596 adult hard ticks were collected from Camelus dromedaries at Cairo and Giza slaughterhouses in Egypt. Tick species were identified by examining their morphology and sequencing the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Borrelia spp. was detected using nested PCR on the IGS (16S-23S) gene, and positive samples were genotyped using 16S rRNA and glpQ spp. genes specific for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi, respectively. The positive PCR products were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic tree. Analysis of the cox1 gene sequence revealed that the adult ticks belonged to three genera; Hyalomma (H), Amblyomma (Am), and Rhipicephalus (R), as well as 12 species, including H. dromedarii, H. marginatum, H. excavatum, H. anatolicum, R. annulatus, R. pulchellus, Am. testudinarium, Am. hebraeum, Am. lipidium, Am. variegatum, Am. cohaerens and Am. gemma. Borrelia spp. was found in 8.3% (11/133) of the camel blood samples and 1.3% (21/1596) of the ticks, respectively. Sequencing of the IGS (16S-23S) gene found that B. afzelii, detected from H. dromedarii and H. marginatum, and B. crocidurae, which belongs to the RF group, was detected from one blood sample. B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi were discovered in the blood samples and tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of the glpQ gene showed that the B. miyamotoi in this study was of the Asian and European types. These results suggest that the camels can be infected by Lyme borrelia and other Borrelia bacteria species. This study also provides the first insight into the presence of Borrelia miyamotoi and B. afzelii DNA in camels and associated ticks in Egypt.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Bacterial Toll-like Receptor Ligands on the Phenotype and Function of Milk Immune Cells in Dromedary Camel

(1) Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a family of pattern recognition receptors that sense distinct molecular patterns of microbial origin. Although the immune cell composition of camel milk has been recently described, host-pathogen interaction studies in the camel mammary gland are still scarce. The present study aimed to use a whole milk stimulation assay for investigating the modulatory effect of selected Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands on the phenotype and function of milk immune cells. (2) Methods-camel milk samples (n = 7) were stimulated in vitro with the TLR4 ligand LPS or the TLR2/1 ligand Pam3CSK4, and separated milk cells were evaluated for stimulation-induced shape change, the expression of cell surface markers, phagocytosis, apoptosis, ROS production, and NETosis. Stimulation with PMA was used as a control stimulation. (3) Results-all stimulants induced shape change in milk cells, change in the expression of several cell markers, and increased cell apoptosis and NETosis. In addition, stimulation with Pam3CSK4 and PMA was associated with enhanced ROS production, while only PMA stimulation resulted in enhanced bacterial phagocytosis by milk immune cells. (4) Conclusions-our data indicates selective modulating effects of the TLR ligands LPS and Pam3CSK4 on camel milk phagocytes. These results may have implications for the use of synthetic TLR agonists as immunomodulatory adjuvants of the immune response to intra-mammary vaccines against mastitis pathogens.

From crowd to herd counting: How to precisely detect and count African mammals using aerial imagery and deep learning?

Rapid growth of human populations in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a simultaneous increase in the number of livestock, often leading to conflicts of use with wildlife in protected areas. To minimize these conflicts, and to meet both communities’ and conservation goals, it is therefore essential to monitor livestock density and their land use. This is usually done by conducting aerial surveys during which aerial images are taken for later counting. Although this approach appears to reduce counting bias, the manual processing of images is time-consuming. The use of dense convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has emerged as a very promising avenue for processing such datasets. However, typical CNN architectures have detection limits for dense herds and close-by animals. To tackle this problem, this study introduces a new point-based CNN architecture, HerdNet, inspired by crowd counting. It was optimized on challenging oblique aerial images containing herds of camels (Camelus dromedarius), donkeys (Equus asinus), sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus), acquired over heterogeneous arid landscapes of the Ennedi reserve (Chad). This approach was compared to an anchor-based architecture, Faster-RCNN, and a density-based, adapted version of DLA-34 that is typically used in crowd counting. HerdNet achieved a global F1 score of 73.6 % on 24 megapixels images, with a root mean square error of 9.8 animals and at a processing speed of 3.6 s, outperforming the two baselines in terms of localization, counting and speed. It showed better proximity-invariant precision while maintaining equivalent recall to that of Faster-RCNN, thus demonstrating that it is the most suitable approach for detecting and counting large mammals at close range. The only limitation of HerdNet was the slightly weaker identification of species, with an average confusion rate approximately 4 % higher than that of Faster-RCNN. This study provides a new CNN architecture that could be used to develop an automatic livestock counting tool in aerial imagery. The reduced image analysis time could motivate more frequent flights, thus allowing a much finer monitoring of livestock and their land use.

The effect of season and ovarian storage time on oocytes recovery and quality in dromedary camel

The effect of season and ovarian storage time on oocytes recovery and quality in dromedary camel

INTRODUCTION TO CAMEL ORIGIN, HISTORY, RAISING, CHARACTERISCTICS, AND WOOL, HAIR AND SKIN, A REVIEW

In this review, we discussed about camel origin, history, population, characteristics, raising and wool, hair and skin from camel. The camelides belong to order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) and sub-order Tylopoda. The family Camelidae is divided into 3 genera, The old world camels (genus Camelus, one-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius and The Bactrian or two-humped camel, Camelus bactrianus) and the new world camels (genus Lama with the species L. glama, L. guanicoe, L. pacos and genus Vicugna with the species V. vicugna). The Camelini had reached Eurasia via the Bering Isthmus about 5-3 million years ago, whereas Lamini dispersed to South America via Panam’s Isthmus about 3 million years ago. Scientists have been reconstructed an evolutionary life tree of the camelidae based on its genome sequences analysis. The camel can tolerate severe condition more than other animals and will continue to produce during severe drought in comparison to others. Breeding, feeding, housing, disease control and care all affect the growth and production of camels. In all the arguments against camel raising, the most important fact has been overlooked by the planners and the owners of the camels. The wool and hair of the old world camels is of lesser quality and value than that of the new-world camels. The Bactrian gives more wool than the dromedary and its wool is also of a higher quality. The wool is used for making padded cloth, quilts and mattresses, the hair used for making rope, clothes, tents, carpets, robes, saddlegirths and blankets.

Temporospatial expression of osteopontin in both left and right uterine horns during the peri-implantation period of dromedary camel

Pregnancy in camels is established and maintained predominantly in the left uterine horn (98% frequency), whereas pregnancies occurring in the right horn result in early embryonic death. Aside from other reasons such as asynchrony of conceptus signaling and uterine receptivity, this phenomenon contributes to low reproductive efficiency in camels. The current research focuses on the expression of osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein and adhesion molecule involved in implantation in mammals. Based on the differences in the pregnancy rate between the left and right horns, the temporal and spatial OPN expression was analyzed during the peri-implantation period on Days 8, 10, and 12. Results showed that OPN expression on Day 10 significantly increased by 14.5 fold in the left and 8.4-fold in the right uterine horn. By Day 12, OPN expression increased to 39.4 fold in the left and increased 7-fold in the right horn compared with non-mated females. Only the full length, 70-kDa OPN, was detected and upregulated with advancing pregnancy, with higher intensity in the left uterine horns than in the right. Spatially, OPN was predominantly localized on the apical uterine luminal and glandular epithelium in all camels. Moreover, OPN was detected in the stratum compactum stroma of pregnant camels. In conclusion, OPN mRNA and protein were detected and upregulated during the peri-implantation period, with higher OPN expression detected in the left uterine horn than in the right. OPN may be regulated by the presence of the embryo in the left uterine horn due to its role in embryo adhesion, implantation and placentation.

Relation between Color and Chemical Composition of Dromedary Camel Colostrum.

Camel milk industrialization faces technological problems related to the presence of colostrum in milk. The determination of color parameters may serve to differentiate between colostrum and milk. This work aimed to study the relationship between the chemical composition of camel colostrum and milk and their colors. Samples of colostrum were collected at 2, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 360 h postpartum (n = 16), and their physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, viscosity, color, dry matter, ash, protein, and fat) were analyzed. The results show that all the components decreased during the first 3 days except fat. The content of this later increased from zero in the three sampling on the first day (2, 12, and 24 h) to 1.92 ± 0.61% at 48 h postpartum. The amount of total dry matter and protein decreased from 20.95 ± 3.63% and 17.43 ± 4.28% to 13.05 ± 0.81% and 3.71 ± 0.46%, respectively, during the first 7 days postpartum. There was a weak correlation between the brightness (L*) of the camel milk and its contents of dry matter, protein, and fat; however, these parameters were strongly correlated with redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Ash content was poorly correlated with the color parameters. Hence, the measurement of the color parameters of camel colostrum and milk can be a new tool to evaluate their quality.

A Study on the Prevalence of Mange Among Arabian Camels in Najaf Province / Iraq

The study was carried out at Najaf abattoir and some nomadic areas, &#x0D; for a period of five months , between January and May 2000 . A tota1 &#x0D; of (434) camels were examined clinically, and skin scrapings collected &#x0D; from suspected animals for laboratory investigation. Sarcoptic mange &#x0D; was diagnosed in (114) camels with an infestation rate of (25, &#x0D; 9%).The highest prevalence rate was recorded in January (38%), and &#x0D; the lowest was in May (14.8%). &#x0D; The main clinical findings observed included easlessness, intensive &#x0D; itching, and the affected areas of the skin became hairless, thickened, &#x0D; corrugated and grey in color. Regarding affected regions of the body &#x0D; the highest incidence of mange lesions were recorded on the neck &#x0D; (60.5%) and the lowest incidence were on the tail (5.2%).There were &#x0D; no lesions observed on the hump. &#x0D; Sex of animals showed no effect on the prevalence as well as the &#x0D; severity of the disease. Regarding age, the higher prevalence rate of &#x0D; the disease occurred in animals under 4 years of age.

New genetic lineage of whipworm present in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

With a global population of around 35 million in 47 countries, camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal and desert areas of the world where they survive in harsh conditions. Nonetheless, there is insufficient knowledge regarding camels’ parasite fauna which can reduce their milk and meat production. A molecular study for the Trichuris population of Camelus bactrianus from Spain is presented based on sequences of mitochondrial (cox1, cob, rrnL) and ribosomal (ITS1 and ITS2) DNA regions. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods were used to infer phylogenies for (i) each gene separately, (ii) the combined mitochondrial data, and (iii) the combined mitochondrial and ribosomal dataset. Molecular analyses revealed the existence of two different genetic lineages in the Trichuris parasites populations of C. bactrianus. Future studies should focus on whether there is a coevolution process corresponding to the wild or domestic character of C. bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase integrative taxonomic studies on Trichuris spp. based on morphological, biometric, and molecular data, which will inevitably contribute to our knowledge of the etiology of trichuriasis.

Signatures of purifying selection and site-specific positive selection on the mitochondrial DNA of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The two species of the Old World Camelini tribe, dromedary and Bactrian camels, show superior adaptability to the different environmental conditions they populate, e.g. desert, mountains and coastal areas, which might be associated with adaptive variations on their mitochondrial DNA. Here, we investigate signatures of natural selection in the 13-mitochondrial protein-coding genes of different dromedary camel populations from the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and southwest Asia. The full mitogenome sequences of 42 dromedaries, 38 domestic Bactrian, 29 wild Bactrian camels and 31 samples representing the New World Lamini tribe reveal species-wise genetic distinction among Camelidae family species, with no evidence of geographic distinction among dromedary camels. We observe gene-wide signals of adaptive divergence between the Old World and New World camels, with evidence of purifying selection among Old World camel species. Upon comparing the different Camelidae tribes, 27 amino acid substitutions across ten mtDNA protein-coding genes were found to be under positive selection, in which, 24 codons were defined to be under positive adaptive divergence between Old World and New World camels. Seven codons belonging to three genes demonstrated positive selection in dromedary lineage. A total of 89 codons were found to be under positive selection in Camelidae family based on investigating the impact of amino acid replacement on the physiochemical properties of proteins, including equilibrium constant and surrounding hydrophobicity. These mtDNA variants under positive selection in the Camelidae family might be associated with their adaptation to their contrasting environments.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central desert of Iran.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum infects carnivores as definitive and a wide range of mammals as intermediate hosts. This parasite is regarded as an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses. Although there is serological evidence of infection in Old World camelids, the significance of N. caninum in these animal species is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use molecular and histological methods to detect N. caninum in the blood and tissues of 100 slaughtered one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from blood, brain, portal lymph node and liver of the camels, and nested-PCR assay followed by sequencing were performed. Besides, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied microscopically. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum was attempted on brain samples with positive PCR results. All animals were tested for antibodies against N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by whole tachyzoite-agglutination tests. N. caninum DNA was detected in blood, brain, and portal lymph node, but not in the liver of two (2%) camels. Histopathological examination revealed cysts resembling N. caninum in brain samples of one of these camels; however, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum and T. gondii did not allow a morphological identification. IgG antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 36% and 35% of the camels, respectively. This study provides the first insight into direct detection of N. caninum in C. dromedarius in Iran. Further molecular studies on aborted fetuses, stillborn animals and cases of perinatal mortality are needed to understand the possible involvement of N. caninum in cases of reproductive failure. As the definitive hosts of N. caninum are domestic and wild canids, producers should be advised to monitor and limit exposure of their camelids to these species and their feces.

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.