Egyptian Species Research Articles

Achillea fragrantissima Essential Oil, Wild Grown in Saudi Arabia and Egypt: Detailed Comparative Chemical Profiling, and Evaluation of Allelopathic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities

One of the biologically beneficial oils against many ailments is Achillea fragrantissima essential oil (EO). The current study focused on the comprehensive comparative chemical characterization of A. fragrantissima EOs, which were gathered from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as evaluation of their allelopathic, antioxidant, and antibacterial functions. With a respective total oil mass of 96.9% and 96.1%, 40 compounds were found in the EOs from Saudi Arabia (38 compounds) and Egypt (26 compounds). Terpenes represented the main constituents including mono- (52.6% and 75.4% from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, respectively) and sesquiterpenoids (42.1% and 19.7%, respectively). The α-thujone (12.0%), myrcenyl acetate (10.3%), alloaromadendrene oxide-(1) (5.9%), artemisia ketone (4.9%), β-thujone (4.7%), lavandulol (4.2%), and santolina alcohol (4.0%) represented the main components of the overall oil of the Saudi Arabian plant-derived EO. However, the main constituents of the EO of the Egyptian plant were 4-terpineol (17.4%), myrcenyl acetate (9.1%), artemisia ketone (9.0%), α-thujone (8.6%), yomogi alcohol (6.2%), santolina alcohol (6.2%), and β-thujone (5.8%). The chemometric analysis exhibited a strong association between the two EOs from Saudi Arabia and Egypt in addition to the samples collected from Jordan. The Saudi and Egyptian A. fragrantissima’ EOs were found to have significant allelopathic potencies against the weed C. murale. The seed germination, seedling shoot growth, and root growth of C. murale were all reduced by the EO of the Saudi ecospecies by 79.9, 56.7, and 68.6%, respectively, with IC50 values of 66.5, 68.0, and 69.2 µL L−1, respectively. The two oils from Saudi Arabia and Egypt exhibited potent antioxidant activity against the DPPH free radicals, with IC50 values of 30.94 and 28.72 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the two oils from Saudi Arabia and Egypt exhibited strong abilities to scavenge ABTS radicals with respective IC50 values of 39.02 and 37.13 mg/L. Additionally, the two EOs showed a much higher antibacterial activity than the antibiotics tested against all bacterial strains, with the exception of Enterobacter cloacae. The two oils exhibited antibacterial activity against the examined strains, except Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhimurium, for which the Egyptian species shown greater inhibition. The results revealed that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were more sensitive, while Enterobacter cloacae was more resistant.

Phytochemical and metabolic profiling of the different Podocarpus species in Egypt: Potential antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities

Podocarpus is the most dominant genus of Podocarpaceae, with higher taxonomical proximity to the Taxaceae, having numerous pharmaceutical applications, however, scarce studies dealing with the physiological and metabolic criteria of Podocarpus in Egypt were reported. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the physiological and metabolical patterns of the different species of Podocarpus; P. gracilior, P. elongates, P. macrophyllus and P. neriifolius. The highest terpenoids contents were reported in P. neriifolius, followed by P. elongatus, and P. macrophyllus. P. gracilior had the highest antioxidants amount, followed by P. macrophyllus, P. neriifolius and P. elongatus. From the GC/MS metabolic profiling, caryophyllene, β-cadinene, β-cuvebene, vitispirane, β-cadinene and amorphene were the most dominant metabolites in P. gracilior. β-Caryophyllene was the common in P. gracilior, P. elongatus, P. macrophyllus and P. neriifolius with an obvious fluctuation. The plant methanolic extracts have an obvious activity against the multidrug resistant bacteria; E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. pyogenes and S. aureus, and fungi; A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger and C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. The highest Taxol yield was assessed in the extracts of P. elongatus (16.4 μg/gdw), followed by P. macrophyllus, and P. neriifolius. The chemical identity of Taxol derived from P. elongatus was resolved by LC/MS, with molecular mass 854.6 m/z, and similar structural fragmentation pattern of the authentic one. The highest antitumor activity of P. elongatus extracted Taxol was assessed towards HCT-116 (30.2 μg/ml), HepG-2 (53.7 μg/ml) and MCF-7 (71.8 μg/ml). The ITS sequence of P. elongatus “as potent Taxol producer” was deposited on Genbank with accession #ON540734.1, that is the first record of Podocarpus species on Genbank.

Characterizing Two New Henneguya Species in the Respiratory Organs of African Sharptooth Catfish.

Henneguya species are myxozoans, a suborder of Cnidaria, which can affect the gills and extrarespiratory organs of the African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus. This research describes natural infection-induced histological alterations caused by the Henneguya species present. The Henneguya species were also identified molecularly using DNA sequenced from infected tissue cysts, and phylogenetically analyzed. Clinical investigations revealed cyst-like nodules on the fish gill filaments and extrarespiratory organs. Within a milky fluid inside the cysts were several Henneguya-like spores. Henneguya sp. infested 27.5% of the fish, with the highest prevalence in the gills compared to the extrarespiratory organs. The Henneguya species parasitized the gill and the dendritic tissues, resulting in histopathological characteristics. The plasmodia's developmental stages resulted in destructive damage which manifested as marked necrosis, which was replaced by a focal aggregation of inflammatory cells. Amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA from the fish parasites was followed by sequencing, which confirmed their identities as new species Henneguya qenabranchiae n. sp. and Henneguya qenasuprabranchiae n. sp. with 99.53 and 99.64% identities, respectively, to Henneguya sp. 1 HS-2015. The two C. gariepinus myxozoans shared some characteristics based on morphologic and phylogenetic analysis as previously published, where it was proposed that they were a sister lineage to Henneguya species in Egypt, and it is now proposed that they are new species.

The Transmission of Pseudomonas putida in Some Tilapia species in Egypt: The Potential Role of Clinostomum Infestation

The Transmission of Pseudomonas putida in Some Tilapia species in Egypt: The Potential Role of Clinostomum Infestation

The Middle-Upper Eocene benthic foraminifera from north-west Fayoum area, Egypt: Paleoecology and their similarity to the Tethyan provinces

This study deals with the Middle–Late Eocene benthic foraminiferal assemblage from the Um Rigl succession that is exposed in the northwest of Fayoum area, Egypt. Stratigraphically, two rock units are recognized from base to top as the Gehannam Formation and Birket Qarun Formation. The examination of benthic foraminiferal community identifies 63 species belonging to 36 genera, 22 families and four suborders. Their distribution aids to recognize one benthic foraminiferal biozone, Bulimina jacksonensis-Uvegerina jacksonensis Zone. To detect the paleocological conditions that prevailed during the deposition of the studied succession, a quantitative analysis is done on the foraminiferal assemblage, including the number of taxa, the relative abundances of the recorded suborders, calcareous species, agglutinated species and common species. The morphology of benthic foraminiferal tests is strongly associated with their microhabitat preferences. Therefore, the percentages of epifaunal and infaunal species are also calculated to detect the level of oxygenation. Accordingly, two ecozones are established, ecozone 1 represents the Gehannam Formation, whereas ecozone 2 represents the Birket Qarun Formation (excluding the barren zone in the upper part). Ecozone 1 is dominated by calcareous species (90–100%) and infaunal species (38–99%), while epifaunal species range from 2 to 62%. The most abundant taxa are Bolivina, Bulimina, Uvigerina, Nonion and Lenticulina. Therefore, the ecozone 1 was deposited under an inner-outer neritic environment, with normal salinity and eutrophic to mesotrophic conditions. On the other side, ecozone 2 is characterized by changes in the composition of foraminiferal assemblage, where infaunal species dominate the base of this ecozone, followed by a strong decline in the middle part and then increase again in the upper part. Also, a notable increase in epifaunal species is documented in this ecozone. This variation in foraminiferal assemblage reflects changes in water depth and oxygen content. Consequently, ecozone 2 was deposited under an inner to middle neritic environment, with normal salinity and mesotrophic to oligotrophic conditions. Regarding the paleobiogeographic outline, the results of multivariate analyses indicate that the Egyptian species show a strong similarity to those from the Southern Tethyan Province (Tunisia and Libya), whereas they show a reasonable similarity to the Western Tethyan Province (Spain, Italy, France). This deduction reflects a probable marine connection between both provinces during Eocene.

The genera Philanthus Fabricius, 1790 and Philanthinus de Beaumont, 1949 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Philanthinae) in Egypt, with a new record and the description of a new species

The digger wasps of the genera Philanthinus de Beaumont and Philanthus Fabricius (Crabronidae: Philanthinae) of Egypt are reviewed. One species in Philanthinus and 10 in Philanthus are recorded. Philanthus ammochrysus is newly recorded for the country, and a new species, Philanthus pulawskii Malash, Edmardash and Gadallah is described. The following species and subspecies are doubtful records: Philanthus sulphureus F. Smith, P. venustus (Rossi), and P. triangulum obliteratum Pic. A key to the Egyptian species of Philanthus is provided. Illustrations to all important characters of species under study are also provided.

NEW RECORD OF THE EGYPTIAN MAASTRICHTIAN PLANKTIC FORAMINIFERA PLUMMERITA HAGGAGAE ANAN IN IRAQ

The latest Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal Egyptian species Plummerita haggagae Anan from the planktic foraminiferal zonation P. hantkeninoides Zone of Duwi section (Qusseir area, Red Sea coast, Eastern Desert of Egypt) has last spine-like prolongation of the three penultimate of four-chambered volution test, and also recorded here from the same stratigraphic horizon of Per Fat section (Duhok area, Kurdistan region of Iraq). This species represents the third group of Plummerita (Plummerita haggagae group of Anan). The other two groups of Plummerita, which produced by Brönnimann (1952) from Trinidad, are: Plummerita hantkeninoides group (last five-chambered volution: P. hantkeninoides, P. costata, P. inflata), and Plummerita reicheli group (last six-chambered volition: P. reicheli, P. pustulata, P. hexacamerata). P. haggagae is distinguished by its four-chambered volition in dextral coiling, with axially pointed spine-like prolongation for the three penultimate chambers, but without spine-like prolongation of the last fourth inflated chamber. The fauna of Gabal Duwi in central Egypt is predominantly considered here to be related to MTF (middle-upper neritic environment (100-200 m water depth).

Threats affecting the distribution of Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. and its associated species in the Western Mediterranean desert of Egypt: Perspectives of conservation

The current study intends to evaluate the many hazards affecting the spread of the significant fodder grass Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex. L. and its associated species in Egypt's Western Mediterranean Desert over the past 60 years (from 1958 to 2020); depending on the data of the previous literature and the current situation evaluation by recent field trips. It also aims to assess its ecosystem services. Sixty-nine stands were collected from previous studies and unpublished data, in addition to 30 stands (10 m2) were added including 5 field trips during the period from spring 2019 to spring 2020. Measurements were taken to create a classification of this vegetation and to determine the main threats that affect its distribution composition. There are 142 species associated with the distribution of the studied plant in 6 habitats. While only 107 species were recorded in the recent stands in 7 habitats. Vegetation groups (G1- G8) obtained from TWINSPAN classification indicating that G1 (wadis) is the most diverse group with a species richness 34.7 species per stand, while G6 (dune) has the highest species turnover (4.57) during the period of 1958 to 2014. But in recent stands; G5 (saline and non-saline depression) is the most diverse group (30.875), while G2 (dunes) has the highest species turnover (4.819). Medicinal plants are the most represented (79.86%), followed by grazing plants (72.9%). The most common service is sand stabilization (92% of total services), followed by windbreak (natural) (40%). Threatened species represent 92.4%; habitat loss is the most affected threat (95 species), followed by over-collecting and over-cutting (82 species). Twenty out of 99 stands (20.2% of the total stands) have been destroyed due to human activity. Continuous monitoring of remaining patches of Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast was required to save its natural flora from extinction.

Natural Parasitic and Bacterial Coinfection in Some Fish Species in Egypt

Natural Parasitic and Bacterial Coinfection in Some Fish Species in Egypt

First Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis Buffalonis in Goats Worldwide in Misan Governorate, Iraq

The current study was conducted in Misan Governorate to detect the parasite Sarcocystis spp. by both conventional and molecular methods and to identify the species of this genus in goats as intermediate hosts for multiple species of this parasite. Regarding to the traditional study, the rates of infection with the macroscopic type of Sarcocystis spp. were low and recorded 2% in esophageal samples only in goats. The sizes of macroscopic parasite cysts ranged between 1-10 mm in length and 2-6 mm in width. Infection with the microscopic type of parasite recorded high rates. When comparing the efficiency of the traditional methods used in our study to diagnose the infection of the microscopic type in all of the examined organs isolated from goats, which included the methods of digestion with pepsin, squeezing, trichinoscopy. It was found that the method of digestion with pepsin was the most efficient traditional method for diagnosing the microscopic type of parasite, followed by the trichinoscopy. While the squeezing method recorded the least efficient traditional method for diagnosing Sarcocystis spp. microscopically. The molecular study of Sarcocystis spp. included molecular diagnosis of the parasite's identity at the species level through gene amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the target segment of DNA extracted from the parasite samples of goats for 18S rRNA gene by 120 microscopic samples and 4 macroscopic samples. 87.9% of goat samples, showed positive infection with the 18S rRNA gene; In which 100% of the macroscopic and microscopic samples of the esophagus were recorded, and both animals had a positive infection, while the infection rates for the diaphragm, tongue and heart samples were recorded as 90%, 86.7 and 80%, respectively. The results obtained from sequence analysis of 18S rRNA gene for six samples showed that four microscopic samples of goats (OP474017.1, OP474018.1, OP476699.1 and OP474036.1) were closely related to the Malaysian species; S. capracanis with accession number (KR155191.1) with identity score percentages as 99.50%, 99.01%, 99.76% and 99.13%, respectively. Finally, the two macroscopic samples of goats (OP474061.1 and OP474062.1) were identical with the Egyptian species; S. buffalonis, with accession numbers (KU247913.1) and (KU247913.1) respectively, with a matching percentage of 84.39% and 85.64% respectively. S. buffalonis has identified in goats at the first time globally in present study. Keywords: Sarcocystis buffalonis, Goats, OP474061.1, OP474062.1.

Potential of Marava arachidis, a Newly Recorded Earwig Species in Egypt as a Biological Control Agent of Rhipicephalus annulatus Tick in Laboratory.

Simple SummaryBased on both the morphological and molecular data of the earwig samples collected from a bakery in Beni-Suef, Egypt, we identified the species as Marava arachidis (Spongiphoridae). The predation capability of M. arachidis against the eggs and larvae (in-ground stages) of the Rhipicephalus annulatus tick under laboratory conditions was assessed. Laboratory findings revealed that this species has predation capability on R. annulatus tick eggs and larvae.In Egypt, only five species of Dermaptera (earwigs) have been reported. Based on both the morphological and molecular data of the earwig samples collected from a bakery in Beni-Suef, Egypt, we identified the species as Marava arachidis (Spongiphoridae), a cosmopolitan species with no prior records in Egypt. The current study was designed to analyze its predation capability on newly emerged eggs and larvae of the Rhipicephalus annulatus tick. A laboratory functional response study was set up by applying a predation test with various predator-prey ratios as treatments. This experiment was applied using the undefined mix of collected earwigs and the laboratory-collected eggs and the larvae of R. annulatus. The laboratory results showed that the mean number of predated tick eggs was 18.64 ± 11.18 in 24 h under the highest predator-prey ratio (1:10) examined, accompanied by 12.04 ± 4.38 broken but unconsumed eggs. Moreover, M. arachidis predated an average of 12.32 ± 9.07 tick larvae per day. In contrast, the mean dead larvae increased to 38.4 ± 2.30 per day with the highest predator density (1:10). The number of eggs and larvae consumed increased with the predator density. A linear relationship was detected between earwig density and the consumption rates of tick eggs (R2 = 0.99; p = 0.0001) and larvae (R2 = 0.96; p = 0.003). In conclusion, M. arachidis was first recorded in Egypt. This earwig has predation capability on R. annulatus tick eggs and larvae.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of parasitic copepoda; Ergasilus sieboldiisolated from cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in Egypt, associated with analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers.

Parasitic copepods are common damaging ectoparasites of cultured marine fish that induce high mortalities in fish farms. The present study aimed to identify the cause of mass mortalities of cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) as one of the highly valuable cultured marine fish species in Egypt. Parasitological examination demonstrated Ergasilus sieboldin (E. sieboldi) adult females of (1.3 ± 0.01mm, n = 55) mean body length and (0.53 ± 0.04mm) body width, lodged in the gill filaments of the forty examined fish with a pair of strong clawed antennae. The detected parasite has six segmented antennules and consists of cephalosome followed by four divided thoracic segments that narrow posteriorly, five pairs of swimming legs, genital segment, abdominal segments followed by furcal rami with unequal caudal setae and two egg sacs at the end of the body. The collected E. sieboldi were confirmed by molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequencing. The obtained sequence in this study was registered in the GenBank with (OM812074) accession number as a first sequence of E. sieboldi from Egypt. Oxidative stress biomarkers in the gills of the parasitized fish were evaluated to describe the host defense mechanisms against E. sieboldi infestation. The current study demonstrated decreasing in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and activity of the anti-oxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), as well as elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) due to exposure to oxidative damage that might have a role in the tissue damage and dysfunction.

Morphological studies on some Orobanche L. species in Egypt

Broomrapes are root holoparasites in the family Orobanchaceae. These parasites can cause substantial losses, 5%–95%, in important crops . These plants parasitize legumes, oilseeds, nightshades, and crucifers in warmer areas of Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. A full taxonomic study for seven taxa of Orobanche in Egypt; O. ramose L. var. ramose, O. mutelii F. W., O. lavandulacea Rchb., O. aegyptiaca Pers., O. crenata Forssk., O. cernua Loefl., and O. minor Sm. var. minor is presented in this article. The work includes a key to taxa, taxa descriptions, LM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of pollen, seed, and seed‐coat morphology, and a numerical analysis of results. Macromorphological characteristics are key features for differentiation among taxa. Diagnostic characteristics include simple and branched stems, presence and absence of bracteoles, constriction of corolla tubes, and color and length of corollas. SEM of pollen identified three types: prolate-spherical, oblate-spherical, and spherical. Three apertures were also recorded; inaperturate- tricolpate, tricolpate, and inaperturate. Ornamentation included only microreticulate and scabrate-verrucate. LM investigation of seeds recognized three shapes: ellipsoid to ovoid, ovoid to ellipsoid, and ovoid. SEM identified four morphological groups.

Economic losses, morpho-molecular identification, and identity of Fasciola species recovered from Egypt.

A retrospective study to estimate economic losses caused by livers condemnation, due to fascioliasis, of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes in Egypt during the period of 2016-2020, was done. Moreover, a morpho-molecular identification of collected liver flukes from slaughtered animals in municipal abattoirs was conducted. Livers of naturally infected carcasses were obtained from slaughtered animals in Beni-Suef, Cairo and Tanta provinces, Egypt during 2019-2020 for phenotypic characterization of recovered Fasciola species and molecular identification of collected worms using PCR targeting the ITS-1 region. Findings of the retrospective study revealed that percentages of livers condemnation of cattle and buffaloes ranged from 0.79 to 0.66% during the period from 2016 to 2020. The highest percentages were detected in the south Egypt (2.5-6.0%) with the highest economic losses (261850-616300 USD annually). Morphometrically, collected flukes categorized into Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. No intermediate forms (Fasciola sp.-like) were detected. Sequencing analysis of ITS-1 PCR products showed that only Fasciola hepatica (26/34) and F. gigantica (8/34) isolates were found, with no intermediate forms, Fasciola sp.-like, could be identified. Currently, Fasciola hepatica was 100% identical with the Egyptian species (LC076196 and JF294998), French species (JF294999), and Iranian species (MF969009 and MK377150). Moreover, the obtained F. gigantica species showed 100% identity with Egyptian ones (LC076125, LC076108 and KX198619), Iranian (KF982047 and MF372919), and other GenBank specimens from Vietnam, Cameroon and India. In conclusion, South Egypt showed the highest economic losses due to fascioliasis, especially Aswan province. Fasciola hepatica was more common than F. gigantica, while the hybrid form was not detected.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bovine Mycoplasma Species in Egypt.

Simple SummaryBovine Mycoplasma species, particularly antimicrobial resistant Mycoplasma bovis are important causes of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, which causes major economic losses worldwide. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of bovine Mycoplasma spp. isolated from cattle’s respiratory tracts, in addition to evaluating the fluoroquinolone resistance in the recovered isolates using broth microdilution and conventional PCR techniques in Egypt. Our result showed that M. bovis was the most common spp. (61%), followed by M. bovirhinis (15%). In total, mycoplasma isolates were more prevalent among all examined lung tissues (38%), followed by nasal swabs (35%), tracheal tissues (28%), and tracheal swabs (27%). All the examined mycoplasma isolates (n = 76) were 100% susceptible to spectinomycin, tulathromycin, spiramycin, and tylosin, but high doxycycline and enrofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values were observed among 43.4% and 60.5% of the tested isolates, respectively. Three and two mycoplasma isolates with high enrofloxacin MICs were confirmed to be M. bovis and M. bovirhinis, respectively, by PCR assays. All molecularly confirmed mycoplasma isolates (n = 5) were positive for the gyrA gene (100%), meanwhile, three isolates (60%) were positive for the parC gene. In conclusion, understanding antimicrobial resistance mechanisms is a significant tool for the future development of genetic-based diagnostic techniques for the rapid detection of resistant mycoplasma strains.Among many bovine Mycoplasma species (spp.), Mycoplasma bovis is recognized as a significant causative agent of respiratory diseases in cattle. In recent years, resistant M. bovis isolates, especially to fluoroquinolones, have been reported globally as a result of the extensive usage of antimicrobials in the treatment of bovine pneumonia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bovine Mycoplasma spp. isolated from the respiratory tracts of cattle in Egypt and to assess the fluoroquinolones resistance in the recovered mycoplasma isolates via broth microdilution and conventional PCR techniques. Conventional phenotypic methods identified 128 mycoplasma isolates (32%) from 400 different samples, with M. bovis being the predominant spp. (61%), followed by M. bovirhinis (15%). Of note, mycoplasma isolates were rarely isolated from total healthy lung tissues (7/55, 12.7%), but they were frequently isolated from pneumonic lungs (31/45, 68.9%). All the examined mycoplasma isolates (n = 76) were sensitive to tilmicosin, tylosin, tulathromycin, spiramycin, and spectinomycin (100% each), while 60.5% and 43.4% of the examined isolates had high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values to enrofloxacin and doxycycline, respectively. Three and two mycoplasma isolates with high enrofloxacin MICs were confirmed to be M. bovis and M. bovirhinis, respectively, by PCR assays. All molecularly confirmed mycoplasma isolates (n = 5) were positive for the gyrA gene (100%); meanwhile, three isolates (60%) were positive for the parC gene. In conclusion, our findings revealed alarming resistance to enrofloxacin and doxycycline antibiotics; thus, antimicrobial usage must be restricted and molecular techniques can help in the rapid detection of the resistant strains.

Insights into Genetic Characteristics and Virological Features of Endemic Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses in Egypt from 2017-2021.

From 2010 to 2013, genotype I avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses of the G1-lineage were isolated from several poultry species in Egypt. In 2014, novel reassortant H9N2 viruses were detected in pigeons designated as genotype II. To monitor the subsequent genetic evolution of Egyptian A(H9N2) viruses, we characterized the full genomes of 173 viruses isolated through active surveillance from 2017 to 2022. In addition, we compared the virological characteristics and pathogenicity of representative viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA indicated that all studied sequences from 2017–2021 were grouped into G1-like H9N2 viruses previously detected in Egypt. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Egyptian A(H9N2) viruses had undergone further reassortment, inheriting four genes (PB2, PB1, PA, NS) from genotype II, with their remaining segments deriving from genotype I viruses (these viruses designated as genotype III). Studying the virological features of the two most dominant genotypes (I and III) of Egyptian H9N2 viruses in vitro and in vivo indicated that both replicated well in mammalian cells, but did not show any clinical signs in chickens, ducks, and mice. Monitoring avian influenza viruses through surveillance programs and understanding the genetic and antigenic characteristics of circulating H9N2 viruses are essential for risk assessment and influenza pandemic preparedness.

Taxonomic review of Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in Egypt, with new records and description of a new species of Arescon

Summary A review of the known Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in Egypt is presented based on the available literature records and new collections made during 2015–2021. Twenty-two named species in 13 genera are known to occur in Egypt, of which three, Arescon Walker, Dicopus Enock, and Stephanodes Enock, are recorded for the first time from the country, each with a single species. Three species, Anagrus frequens Perkins, Camptoptera papaveris Foerster, and Erythmelus flavovarius (Walker), are also recorded here for the first time from Egypt. A new species, Arescon splendidus Gadallah, Edmardash & Abul-Sood, n. sp., is described and illustrated. The genus Polynema Haliday is excluded from the present study and will be treated separately when fresh specimens of the two species described previously from Egypt are collected from the respective type localities. An identification key based on females for all the Egyptian species of Mymaridae is provided.

Molecular screening of gastric Helicobacter pullorum recovered from different avian species in Egypt.

Helicobacter pullorum (H. pullorum) is a bacterium that colonizes the intestines of poultry and causes gastroenteritis. Because these species are known as human and/or animal pathogens, identification of H. pullorum is becoming increasingly necessary. The bacterium has been linked to colitis and hepatitis in humans after being transmitted by infected meat consumption. Misdiagnosis of other enteric zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter and other Helicobacter species makes the diagnosis of H. pullorum extremely difficult. This study focused on the molecular detection of H. pullorum from the stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of different avian species as new target organs for detection and transmission between avian species. Proventriculus and gizzards were obtained from 40 freshly dead chickens and resident wild birds (n=40). Diarrhea was found in the farms that were surveyed. DNA was extracted from all collected samples to conduct PCR amplification. The samples were screened for Helicobacter genus-specific 16s using C97 and C05 primers. To confirm the existence of H. pullorum, the positive samples were sequenced. H. pullorum was recorded in two out of 40 chicken samples. In addition, H. pullorum was recorded in one out of 40 resident wild birds. The 16S rRNA gene sequence for Helicobacter genus-specific in poultry and wild birds showed a 100% homology. In conclusion, broiler chickens and resident wild birds are possible reservoirs for H. pullorum, according to this report, and possibly act as a source of infection for humans via the food supply.

First record of the genus Acletoxenus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and its predaceous species A. formosus (Leow, 1864) in Egypt, with some field observations and biological remarks

BackgroundThe genus Acletoxenus (tribe Gitonini, subfamily Steganinae, family Drosophilidae) is a small widespread genus, comprising only four species worldwide, namely: Acletoxenus indicus Malloch, 1929, A. quadristriatus Duda, 1936, A. meijerei Duda, 1924 in addition to A. formosus (Leow, 1864), the species of the present study. The larvae of Acletoxenus spp. are known as predators of whiteflies.ResultsThe genus Acletoxenus and its predaceous species A. formosus (Leow, 1864) are recorded in the present study for the first time from Egypt. This species was found associated with the immature stages of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, 1856 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) feeding on the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis L. which has been grown at the Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. The morphological diagnoses, in situ predatory behavior in the field and ex situ biological remarks in the laboratory were discussed.ConclusionThe predaceous drosophilid fly, Acletoxenus formosus (Leow, 1864), is recorded herein with its genus for the first time from Egypt as the second representative of the tribe Gitonini (subfamilies Steganinae, family Drosophilidae) in the country. The recording of this species in Egypt is of a great interest as it will encourage and lead to further research on different biological aspects. This drosophilid is a beneficial fly as its larvae are predators of immature stages of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) and it could be used as a potential biological control agent.

Comparative craniometric measurements of two Canid species in Egypt: the Egyptian red fox and the Egyptian Baladi dog

The Egyptian red fox (Vulpes vulpes aegyptiaca) and Egyptian Baladi dog (Canis familiaris) are two members of the Family Canidae that are widely distributed in Egypt. The skulls of different Canid species vary greatly in their size and shape; therefore, they can be used as a tool to study the evolution and evolutionary history of these animals. The craniometric measurements are crucial for species identification and determination of the specific sites for nerve blocks. The present study compared the craniometric measurements of the red fox and Baladi dog skulls by measuring 47 parameters on each skull and calculation of 8 indices. The red fox skull had significantly lower values of 41 craniometric measurements (approximately 87% of the measurements done), including skull length, width, and height, cranial length and width, palatal and mandibular length, and dental measurements. In contrast, the red fox had significantly higher values of only 3 measurements (approximately 6% of the measurements done) including the tympanic bulla measurement. While only three skull measurements did not differ significantly between the red fox and dog. Statistics revealed that domestic dog had significantly higher values of foramen magnum and palatine indices, and significantly lower value of nasal index than those of red fox. The present work reported variations in the gross and craniometric measurements of skull between the red fox and dog. The measured cranial parameters of both adult animals provide valuable information that can be used in ecological studies, comparative anatomy, and clinical veterinary sciences.