Egyptian Governorates Research Articles

Modeling regional innovation in Egyptian governorates: Regional knowledge production function approach

Knowledge and innovation have become a significant source of modern regional development. The paper aims to study the spatial association of innovation and model innovation, besides critiquing regional innovation policy, using the regional knowledge production function approach. At the level of the Egyptian governorates, the number of patent applications has been used as a proxy for innovation. The study uses cross‐sectional data for patents in 2018 with lagged time variables for knowledge input factors. The study contributes towards applying the knowledge production function at the level of the Egyptian governorates for the first time. Exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression are used, using the knowledge sources and localized characteristics. Our analysis found that research and development activities for academic institutions are associated with innovation outputs. In the context of the Egyptian regional innovation system, the contribution of private research activities is perceived to be negligible, and the innovation outputs are highly associated with the spatial association of the Egyptian governorates.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for bovine leptospirosis in Egypt

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira and is one of causative agents of reproductive problems leading to negative economic impact on bovine worldwide. The goal of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in cattle in some governorates of Egypt's Nile Delta and assess the risk factors for infection. A total of 410 serum samples were collected from cattle and examined using microscopic agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 10.2% and the most prevalent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Canicola. In addition, the potential risk factors were associated Leptospira spp. infection were age, herd size, history of abortion, presence of dogs and rodent control. Thus, leptospirosis is common in dairy cattle in the Nile Delta and the presence of rodents in feed and dog-accessible pastures increases the risk of Leptospira spp. infection among animals.

AntimicrobialResistance and Virulence of Shiga-Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Milk Samples of Some Cattle Farms Al-Buḥayrah Governorate Egypt

Objective: Contamination of milk with Escherichia coli (E. coli) can pose significant public health and economic concerns. The current study was conducted to explore the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli in milk samples of dairy cows in Egypt. Study Design: Twenty milk samples were gathered from dairy cattle (ten from healthy cows and ten from mastitic cows) and examined for the presence of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli using Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Molecular detection of virulence genes and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance were performed. Results: E. coli was isolated from 65% (13/20) of the total milk samples (90% from mastitic cows and 40% from normal healthy cows). The virulence gene profiling of E.coli by polymerase chain reaction revealed that 84.62% (11/13) were Stx2a, 69.23% (9/13) were Stx2f, and 61.54% (8/13) were positive for Stx1 and Stx2 similarly. All the isolates showed resistance to Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Linezolid, Penicillin G, and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, while 92.3% expressed resistance to Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid, and Tylosin, and 84.62% of the isolates were resistant to Oxytetracycline indicating multidrug-resistant profiles. Conclusion: The present work highlights the presence of various E. coli strains, including potential pathogens and multidrug-resistant isolates, in milk samples from dairy cows. Regular milk testing and improved mastitis control measures are the key to reduce the public health risks and to safeguarde dairy farm productivity.

Prevalence of Rifampicin resistance tuberculosis among presumptive tuberculosis patients in Egypt-2021: a national health facility-based survey

BackgroundThe magnitude of MDR-TB cases was noticeable in Egypt. However, the last national survey was 11-years ago. The current survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of rifampicin resistance among sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Egypt.MethodsA national health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 randomly selected governorates in Egypt between August 2020 and September 2021. All presumptive TB cases, either new or previously treated according to WHO definitions, with no gender, age, or nationality limitations, and provided informed consent were included in the study. Each patient completed a case report form (CRF). The CRF included socio-demographic and clinical data. Sputum samples were collected according to standard techniques and cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) medium. Gene X-pert test was carried out first on the samples for simultaneous identification of MTB and rifampicin resistance. The prevalence of RR was calculated using crude, cluster, and weighted methods. Factors associated with RR were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate techniques.ResultsAmong the total 849 presumptive TB patients enrolled in the study, 710 (83.6%) patients were subjected to Gene X-pert testing (MTB/RIF). The crude prevalence of RR was 3.32% (95% CI: 1.89–4.76%) among the new cases and 9.46% (95% CI: 2.63–16.29%) among the retreated cases with an overall estimate of 3.99%; (95% CI: 2.51–5.47%). By cluster analysis the overall prevalence of RR was 5.01% (95% CI: 2.90–7.13). Factors associated with the prevalence of RR were co-morbidity with bronchial asthma, drug abuse and history of contact with a family member with TB.ConclusionThe prevalence of RR among either new or retreated cases TB patients was lower than the previous Egyptian rates in 2010–2012. The strongest predictor associated with RR was comorbidity with bronchial asthma.

Serosurvey and Associated Risk Factors for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in Dromedary Camels in Egypt

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a disease that affects ruminants globally, including camels, and causing significant financial losses. The epidemiology of BVD in camels in Egypt are not well understood. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-BVD virus (BVDV) antibodies in camels and identify the potential variables associated with the infection. A total of 400 camel sera from three Egyptian governorates were examined using commercial ELISA kit. The total seroprevalence was 4.8% in examined camels and the BVDV seropositivity were more prevalent in camels from Giza governorate. The highest seropositivity was found in aged camels more than 8 years (OR = 8.62, 95%CI: 1.03–71.87), camels from herd size less than 30 (OR = 4.20, 95%CI: 0.89–19.78), previously aborted animals (OR = 5.98, 95%CI: 2.12–16.92), and in animals kept in contact with sheep or goats (OR = 7.48, 95%CI: 2.56–21.86). Consequently, the camels may be a significant source of BVD infection for other ruminant animals in the same herd due to their susceptibility to the viral infection.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli from Fecal Samples of Cattle Farms Al-Buḥayrah Governorate Egypt

Escherichia coli that produce the Shiga toxin (STEC) has become one of the most significant foodborne pathogens linked to serious illnesses. Our study was aimed to detect the existence, antimicrobial profiles, and virulence repertoire of different STEC serotypes from fecal samples of dairy cattle.
 We collected 19 fecal samples (12 diarrheic and 7 non-diarrheic) from dairy cattle. E. coli isolation and identification were performed. Shiga toxins genes were detected and the antimicrobial resistance was investigated.
 E. coli was detected at the rate of 13/19 (68.4%) from the fecal samples. The frequency of Stx2a represented 12/13 (92.3%), Stx2 represented 3/13 (23.14%), and Stx1d, Stx2f, Stx2g, and eae represented 2/13 (15.4%). While the virulence genes Stx1, Stx1c, Stx2c, Stx2d, Stx2e, and ehxA represented 0/13 (0%). The most effective antimicrobials were tulathithromycin 30 (53.84%) followed by ceftiofur 30 and marbofloxacin (46.16%), amikacin (15.38%), and the least resistance was recorded for nalidixic acid and oxytetracycline (7.70%). The resistant antibiotics with percentages reached to 100% were Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Ninezolid, Nitrofurantoin, Penicillin G, Streptomycin, and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, followed by chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, oxytetracycline, and Tylosine (92.30%), Amikacin and Ampicillin (84.62%), Ceftiofur (23.07%), Marbofloxacin (15.38%) and Tulathithromycin 30 (7.70%).
 The findings demonstrated that E. coli that are resistant to numerous groups of antimicrobials spread through feces and may pose a risk to human and animal health.

Serosurvey and associated risk factors for bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in cattle in Egypt.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is widely spread, poses a considerable risk of infection in the majority of dairy farms, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive problems. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and the risk variables associated with the seroprevalence of BVDV infection in cattle in four Egyptian governorates. A total of 680 blood samples were collected from cattle and examined for the presence of antibodies against BVDV using indirect ELISA (iELISA). Reproductive and management factors were considered, and epidemiological surveys were conducted. The total seroprevalence of BVDV in cattle was 18.24% (124/680) and it was significantly higher in females 19.66% (116/590), cattle older than 8years 22.14% (62/280), dairy animals 22.65% (94/514), introduction of new animals to herd 21.39% (89/416), breeding with artificial insemination 28.46% (74/260), animals with history of abortion 28.76% (49/357), or during lactation stage 23% (89/387). The present findings suggest that BVD is prevalent in Egyptian dairy cattle and has an impact on farm productivity and production. Therefore, older, lactating, and aborted animals should also be identified for the disease, pose a risk of infection, and be handled appropriately.

Epidemiological distribution of respiratory viral pathogens in marketable vaccinated broiler chickens in five governorates in the Nile Delta, Egypt, from January 2022 to October 2022

Background and Aim: Respiratory viral infections significantly negatively impact animal welfare and have significant financial implications in the poultry industry. This study aimed to determine the frequency of the most economically relevant respiratory viruses that circulated in Egyptian chicken flocks in 2022. Materials and Methods: Chickens from 359 broiler flocks in five different Egyptian governorates in the Nile Delta (Beheira, Gharbia, Giza, Monufiya, and Qalyoubia) at marketing time (33–38 days of age) were used in this study. Combined oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples were collected from clinically diseased or freshly dead birds suffering from respiratory disease. Avian influenza (AI)-H5, AI-H9, Newcastle disease (ND), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 359 flocks examined, 293 tested positive, whereas 66 were completely negative for the four viruses evaluated, with the highest positive results in Beheira. Out of 293 positive flocks, 211 were positive for a single virus, with Beheira having the highest rate, followed by Qalyoubia, Giza, and Monufiya. ND virus (NDV) was found to be the highest across all governorates, followed by IBV, AI-H9, and AI-H5. A double infection was detected in 73 flocks with either H9 or ND, or both H9 and IB could coinfect each other. The most common viral coinfections were H9 + IB, ND + IB, and ND + H9. Giza had the highest prevalence of ND + H9, H9 + IB, and ND + IB coinfection in the governorates, followed by Monufiya and Beheira. Only six out of 359 flocks were tribally infected with ND + H9 + IB in Giza, Monufiya, and Beheira governorates. On the basis of the number of flocks and the month of the year, July had the lowest number of flocks (23), while September and October had the highest number (48 flocks). Positive flock numbers were highest in October and lowest in January. Conclusion: From January to October 2022, prevalent respiratory viral infections (H5N1, NDV, H9N2, and IBV) were detected in broiler chickens across the Delta area governorate, according to the findings of the present study. In addition, IBV and H9, either alone or in combination, significantly contributed to the respiratory infection observed in broiler chickens. Regardless of the type and origin of the vaccine used, it is not possible to protect broiler chickens from the development of the infection and the subsequent dissemination of the virus into the poultry environment. In the presence of face-infectious field virus mutations, poultry vaccinations must be regularly reviewed and updated, and poultry farms must take further biosecurity measures. Keywords: avian influenza virus, chicken, Egypt, infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, subtype H5 and H9.

Simulation of Rock-Water Interaction in the Southwestern Part of El Minya Governorate of Egypt

Abstract Twenty-one groundwater samples were picked up from the southwest of El Minya Governorate, Egypt. These samples’ physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. Using a water quality index software (WQI) and the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) staff chart, water samples were assessed for drinking and irrigation applications. The interaction between water and rock was assessed using the saturation index (SI), chloro-alkaline indices (CAI), Gibbs ratios (GC and GA), end-member diagram (END), corrosion ratio (CR), factor analysis, and dendrogram. Datasets elucidated that water samples were distinguished by SO42-, Na+, and Cl- dominance, excessive mineralization, hardness, and fresh to slightly saline water. The examined water is divided into two types: SO4. Ca-Cl. Mg (30%) and SO4. Na-Cl (70%). All samples were over-saturated with anhydrite, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, and gypsum minerals except for halite and sylvite minerals dissolution, according to SI. The existence of reversible ion exchange between alkaline earth’s (Ca2++Mg2+) ions in water and alkalis’ ions (Na++ K+) in solids; this is explained by the negative values of the chloro-alkaline indices, which point to recharging from rainfall. The Gibbs diagram showed that the dominant interaction is rock weathering. The silicate weathering and evaporite mineral dissolution control the water composition and salinity, which led to an excess of the dominant ions, as demonstrated by the END. Three wells in the research area are potentially unhealthy and unfit for irrigation and drinking.

CAN THE SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS OF NAVEL ORANGE RESIST THE STABILITY OF THE FARM GATE PRICES AND THE SOAR OF THE INPUT PRICES WITHIN THE BIOPHYSICAL FACTORS?

Egypt Navel orange planted area reached about 174.6 thousand acres during the average period of 2012-2020. Delta governorates is the major orange’s productive region in Egypt with 97.4% of the total production of the country. 87.2% of orange’s planted area came from only five Delta governorates. The top planted area governorates are El Behera with an acreage area representing about (41.3%), followed by Qalyoubia (16.7%), Ismailia (11.1%), Menufia (9.54%) and Sharqiya (8.52%) of total planted areas during the period 2012-2020. El-Behera is the major Navel orange’s productive governorate in Egypt with (43.9%) of Egyptian total production of Navel orange, followed by Qalyoubia (18.8%), Menufia (9.2%), Ismailia (8.3) and Sharqiya (7.7%) of Navel orange total production during the period 2012-2020. In recent years, small scale farmers have experienced technical, environmental and economic problems. This study will shade light on the economic problems because fruit prices have come to a standstill or even decreased while the production costs have risen continuously. The present study depends on data collected from the private small farm planted with Washington Navel orange trees [Citrus sinensis L.(Osbeck)] since 1968, which is located in Minyat as Siba, Benha-Qalyoubia governorate, Egypt. The result shows that the average values of fertilizers, pests and diseases account for a large proportion of the total costs, representing about 42.57% and 26.47% respectively from the total production costs during 2012-2022. Prices received for Navel oranges fluctuate markedly from year to year. This combined with fluctuations in yields. Over the period 2012 to 2022 farm gate prices of Navel orange averaged 2905 Egyptian pound (LE) per ton, with the minimum of LE 1750 per ton in 2012 and the maximum of LE 4000 per ton in the 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Evidence for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Egypt: Results of a nationwide survey in 2022.

Viral hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) were at the top of Egypt's most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 14.7% of its population having antibodies to HCV in 2008. Egypt issued an ambitious action plan in 2014 to eliminate viral hepatitis through strengthening infection control and improving patient care. In 2018, an extensive HCV mass screening campaign was conducted for the entire country's population with treating more than 4 million patients with antivirals. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of viral hepatitis in Egypt after all these efforts. A cross-sectional household cluster survey was conducted in all 27 Egyptian governorates to obtain a representative sample of Egypt's population. Subjects aged 1-70 years were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire that included demographics, viral hepatitis knowledge, previous infection and risk factors data. Laboratory testing was performed for all subjects for anti-HCV and HBsAg using chemiluminescence. Subjects positive for anti-HCV were further tested for HCV-RNA by RT-PCR. Prevalence rates were calculated by demographic groups and compared to the demographic health survey 2015 results. Of 20 881 subjects interviewed, 48.8% were males, 20.2% were children <15 years of age, and 53.7% were residents of rural areas. Of all subjects, 92 (0.4%) were HCV-infected, 1577 (7.6%) were anti-HCV positive and 177 (0.8%) were HBV-chronically infected, including one patient who had mixed HBV and HCV current infection. The prevalence of HCV-current and HBV chronic infections decreased by 93% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2015. Egypt achieved the elimination of the viral hepatitis goal. To maintain low rates of viral hepatitis, community health education, in addition to maintaining infection control and blood safety programs, is essential.

Effect of Student Perception on Teaching and Learning Mathematics in Secondary Schools in El’arish in North Sinai Governorate in Egypt

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of students ‘perception on teaching and learning Mathematics students in public Schools in El’arish in North Sinai Governorate in Egypt. The hypothesis of the study was formulated and tested to guide the study.&#x0D; Methodology: The survey research design type was adopted and the targeted population of one hundred and ninety-nine (119) respondents composed by 5 principals, 16 mathematic teachers and 98 students from senior secondary schools, were sampled by using stratified sampling and sample random sampling techniques. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis through the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression.&#x0D; Findings: The results of the findings indicated that the students’ perception was more correlated with teaching and learning Mathematics (r = 0.822; p= 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that students ‘perception contributed to 70.2% of variation on the performance, hence plays a vital role in teaching and learning Mathematics students in secondary schools in El Arish in North Sinai Governorate in Egypt. Additionally, the relationship between perception and students Mathematics performance in the study was very strong.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that Mathematics teacher should be diverse in their use of methodology which can as well help their student in their own area of learning mathematics.

Medicinal plants as a potential strategy to reduce greenhouse gas concentration under Egyptian conditions

The earth’s climate is changing because of the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to recent climate change. The study was carried out in 2019 and 2020 on six-year-old trees of moringa (M. oleifera) and pecan (C. illinoinensis) in two governorates of Egypt (Al-Dakahlia and El-Bihera) to investigate the potential effect of M. oleifera and C. illinoinensis trees on reducing greenhouse gas such as carbon dioxide. The results indicate that growth performance [plant height (m), diameter (m), volume (m3), and biomass (kg/tree)]; carbon content (kg/tree), and carbon dioxide sequestration/tree (kg/tree) of M. oleifera was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to C. illinoinensis. Similarly, the maximum sequestration of CO2 was recorded (97.60 and 111.70 Kg/tree) for M. oleifera in 2019 and 2020, respectively. M. oleifera was the dominant tree in growth, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration than the other species (C. illinoensis). Therefore, M. oleifera can be recommended as a potential crop to mitigate global warming.

Prevalence, molecular characterization, and antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from Egyptian broiler chicken flocks with omphalitis.

Bacterial Omphalitis has been reported as a significant cause of mortalities in newly hatched broiler chicks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of omphalitis among broiler chickens in Gharbia governorate in Egypt. In addition, the bacteria associated with the occurrence of omphalitis in broiler chickens were also investigated and characterized. For this purpose, 43 farms in that area were surveyed. The comparative levels of omphalitis caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were screened in 129 chicks. The drug resistance to eight commonly used antimicrobials in Egyptian poultry farms was screened using the disk diffusion method. The overall incidence rate of omphalitis was 37.21%. In birds with omphalitis, the co-prevalence of S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli was 87.5%. When compared to healthy flocks, broiler chicks with omphalitis caused by Salmonella spp., E. coli, and S. aureus had a greater mortality rate in the first week of life. However, there were no significant differences in the mortality cases caused by these pathogens. Eighty-seven percent of the cases of omphalitis were linked to E. coli and 75% to Salmonella spp. and S. aureus. From the yolk sac of broiler chicks with omphalitis, E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus were isolated at rates of 87.5%, 62.5%, and 45.8%, respectively. The isolates of E. coli and Salmonella spp. exhibited great sensitivity to gentamycin and Tetracycline; however, the strongest drug resistance was observed toward cefpodoxime, sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim, ampicillin, and amoxycillin and clavulanic acid. The recovered isolates of S. aureus showed susceptibility to chloramphenicol (72.37%), oxytetracycline (81.82%), and erythromycin (81.82%). However, every S. aureus isolate that was found resistant to amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, penicillin G and oxacillin. of blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes has been proposed as the genetic cause of β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp. and E. coli. MecA and blaZ; however, were found in every strain of S. aureus. The frequency of omphalitis and its associated mortalities was comparatively high in Gharbia governorate. More efforts should be made to adopt strict hygienic standards for controlling and preventing such disease and this will consequently lead to minimizing the use of antimicrobials in poultry farms.

Understanding the Relationship Between Critical Care Nurses' Perception of Patient Safety Culture and Adverse Events.

Establishing a positive safety-culture environment is essential in healthcare settings to enhance patient care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture and adverse events. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 nurses working in critical care units in the Damanhour Governorate in Egypt. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including the Hospital Survey of Patients' Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and information on adverse events (AEs). The study revealed areas for improvement in patient safety culture, with low positive response rates in staffing (26.6%), non-punitive response to errors (38%), handoffs and transitions (39.4%), teamwork across and within units (42.3%), and overall perception of patient safety (49.3%). The majority of critical care nurses had a moderate to high level of overall perception of patient safety at 42.5% and 42.0%, respectively. The most frequent adverse events reported daily were complaints from patients or their families (65.5%). Adverse drug events and patient falls occurred several times per week in 56.5% and 57.0% of patients, respectively. A significant association was found between low safety culture perception and higher rates of patient falls (p = .008), adverse drug events (p = .005), and patient/family complaints (p = .030). The findings of the study indicate that nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture are moderate. Adverse medication responses, falls, and complaints from patients or their families were noted. Female nurses aged 31 to 40, especially divorced nurses, had more experience, worked fewer than 8 h daily, and had a higher education level, which appeared to influence overall safety culture perceptions. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the prevalence of adverse events and patient safety culture, with cooperation being the key factor.

Heavy metals load in chicken meat and its reduction by probiotic strains.

Around the world, poultry meat is a staple of everyday meals. However, chicken flesh is not always as healthy as it looks since it becomes contaminated by pollutants from the environment, especially heavy metals, which can bioaccumulate and magnify, and endanger human health. The current investigation set out to evaluate the degree of contamination in a subset of chicken samples and the potential risks to human health associated with the ingestion of chicken meat. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, the heavy metal (lead, cadmium, and copper) contents of chicken samples were evaluated. To assess the residual content, 100 samples of chicken meat, 25 of each from the breast, thigh, gizzard, and liver were randomly selected from chicken butchers in Kafr El-Sheikh and El-Gharbia governorate in Egypt. Lead had mean values of 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.34 ± 0.01, 0.55 ± 0.01, and 0.61 ± 0.02 (mg/kg ww), in the examined breast, thigh, gizzards, and liver, respectively. Cadmium, on the other hand, had mean levels (mg/kg ww) of 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.01, 0.18 ± 0.01, and 0.25 ± 0.01 in the same samples, respectively. The copper residues had mean values (mg/kg ww) of 1.53 ± 0.14, 1.69 ± 0.16, 2.05 ± 0.17, and 2.71 ± 0.22, in the same samples, respectively. Further government efforts are required to reduce environmental pollution and enhance the quality of the El-Gharbia governorate to prevent the accumulation of heavy metals, even though the majority of the samples that were examined fell within the acceptable limits established by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control.

Technical Efficiency and Total Factor Productivity Changes of Dairy Production Sector in Egyptian Governorates: DEA Approach

Technical Efficiency and Total Factor Productivity Changes of Dairy Production Sector in Egyptian Governorates: DEA Approach

Isolation and identification of multidrug resistance bacterial agents implicated in duck enteritis with first record of Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae in Egypt.

Bacterial infections causing digestive problems are among the most serious threats to Egypt's duck industry, owing to their effects on feed utilization and body weight gain. As a result, the goal of this study was to identify bacterial pathogens causing enteritis in ducks as well as testing their antimicrobials resistance capabilities. Forty-two duck flocks from different localities at four Egyptian Governorates (El-Sharkia, El-Gharbia, El-Dakahlia, and El-Qaliobia) have been subjected to clinical and postmortem examination as well as bacterial isolation and identification. The liver samples have been collected aseptically from freshly euthanized ducks for bacterial isolation followed by identification using conventional biochemical tests, VITEK 2 system, and confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the uid A gene (beta-glucuronidase enzyme) of Escherichia coli. In addition, antimicrobial sensitivity testing for the isolates against different antimicrobials by the VITEK 2 system was used. Forty-six positive bacterial isolates were identified using conventional methods and the VITEK 2 system including Staphylococcus spp. (52.17%), E. coli (41.30%), and 2.17% for each of Enterococcus casseli lavus, Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae, and Enterobacter cloacae. PCR was positive for E. coli uid A gene at 556 bp. The antibiogram patterns of isolated pathogens from naturally infected ducks in our work demonstrated 87% multidrug resistance with varying results against different antimicrobial drugs tested. Such findings supported the fact of the upgrading multidrug resistance of Staphylococci and Enterobacteriacae. The most prevalent bacterial pathogens associated with duck enteritis were Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli with the first report of S. enterica subspecies arizonae causing duck enteritis in Egypt.

Is Egypt leaving no one behind? Tracing Egypt’s progress in SDG indicators

The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs are the latest of a series of global attempts by the United Nations to persuade nations around the globe to work towards a more sustainable future. In 2019, the Egyptian ministry for planning and economic development signed a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to create a series of reports on Sustainable Development Goals SDGs localization in Egypt. The series consists of a report for each of the 27 governorates covering the progress in SDG indicators. Each report identifies SDGs indicators and their targets tailored according to the governorate’s conditions. This paper traces the progress in these indicators with special focus on Egypt’s governorates with the largest vulnerable populations namely El-Menya, Sohag and Assiut governorates in Upper Egypt. The results show that the rate of progress varies across governorates and indicators. A notable remark is that not all seventeen SDGs are included in the report. The report discusses only eleven of the SDGs while disregarding the remaining six i.e. goals 9,10, 12, 13,14, 15. This in itself can be an indicator of the need for more progress in these areas specifically. Moreover, in the goals discussed in the report not all the indicators proposed by the UN are introduced and reported. The paper shows that Egypt’s most vulnerable governorates are working on achieving the SDGs but still have a long way to go.

Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica isolated from Egyptian dairy cattle herds: The prevalence and molecular characteristics.

The pathogens Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica that caused substantial health problems and financial losses were believed to have originated primarily from Egypt's dairy farms. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the occurrence of E. coli and S. enterica in three large dairy farms located in the Egyptian governorate of Sharkia. Furthermore, biochemical and serological characteristics of the isolated isolates were described. Further analysis revealed that several E. coli serovars had the genes stx1, stx2, eaeA, and hylA, while invA, stn, and hilA genes were found in several S. enterica serotypes using a multi-plex PCR. A total of 540 samples of fresh raw cow milk, water, feedstuffs, feces, (108 each), as well as swabs from feeders, milker hands and cattle crushes (36 each ), were gathered and analyzed. The recovery of E. coli from various sampling sources was shown to have an overall prevalence of 62.2% (336/540) in the results. Fecal samples had isolated S. enterica, with a frequency of 0.74% (4/540). The existence of various groups of serovars, such as O26, O44, O55, O78 and O111 for E. coli and Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella inganda for S. enterica was revealed by serological identification of the two species. However, it was discovered that a number of E. coli serovars had much higher percentages of the eaeA and hylA genes as well as shiga-toxin types 1 and 2 (stx1 and stx2). The presence of the invA gene, a diagnostic marker for S. enterica was 100% across all serovars. Salmonella enteritidis possessed both the enterotoxin gene (stn) and the hyper-invasive locus gene (hilA). Salmonella typhimurium had the hilA gene, whereas S. inganda had the stn gene. Escherichia coli and S. enterica recovered in this study have significant genetic risk factors for high pathogenicity and virulence, posing a real threat to dairy population productivity and health, which could spread to the general public through milk.