Zoonotic Importance Research Articles

Identification and Characterization of P0 Protein as a Vaccine Candidate Against Babesia divergens, Blood Parasite of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance.

The molecular identification and antigenic characterization of P0 protein in Babesia divergens, a blood parasite of veterinary and zoonotic importance, were carried out in this study for use in developing subunit vaccines against B. divergens infection. Recombinant protein encoding P0 (BdP0) was developed in Escherichia coli, and its antiserum was generated in mice for further molecular characterization. Anti-rBdP0 serum had a specific interaction with the corresponding legitimate B. divergens protein, as confirmed by Western blotting and indirect fluorescent antibody tests. ELISA was used to assess the immunogenicity of BdP0 in a group of 68 bovine field samples, and significant immunological reactivity was found in 19 and 20 positive samples of rBdp0 and B. divergens lysate, respectively. The in vitro growth of B. divergens cultures treated with anti-rBdP0 serum was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after 6 h of incubation with 2 mg/ml anti-rBdP0 serum, the ability of pre-incubated free merozoites to invade bovine erythrocytes was reduced by 59.88%. The obtained data suggest the possible use of rBdP0 as diagnostic antigen and may serve as a vaccine candidate against babesiosis caused by B. divergens either in animal or human.

Next-Generation Technologies and Systems Biology for the Design of Novel Vaccines Against Apicomplexan Parasites.

Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa are the causative agents of important diseases such as malaria, toxoplasmosis or cryptosporidiosis in humans, and babesiosis and coccidiosis in animals. Whereas the first human recombinant vaccine against malaria has been approved and recently recommended for wide administration by the WHO, most other zoonotic parasitic diseases lack of appropriate immunoprophylaxis. Sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and statistics, have opened the “omics” era into apicomplexan parasites, which has led to the development of systems biology, a recent field that can significantly contribute to more rational design for new vaccines. The discovery of novel antigens by classical approaches is slow and limited to very few antigens identified and analyzed by each study. High throughput approaches based on the expansion of the “omics”, mainly genomics and transcriptomics have facilitated the functional annotation of the genome for many of these parasites, improving significantly the understanding of the parasite biology, interactions with the host, as well as virulence and host immune response. Developments in genetic manipulation in apicomplexan parasites have also contributed to the discovery of new potential vaccine targets. The present minireview does a comprehensive summary of advances in “omics”, CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, and in systems biology approaches applied to apicomplexan parasites of economic and zoonotic importance, highlighting their potential of the holistic view in vaccine development.

Minimum risk of intestinal parasitic infection to the visitors of Ghandruk, Kaski, Nepal: a pilot survey.

Ghandruk is one of the famous destinations of both international and domestic tourists situated in Kaski, Nepal. Travel-related diseases are an important aspect that one should consider before making a travel plan. Among diseases, zoonotically important ones make serious worries among visitors. In order to assess the existence of the zoonotically important parasitic disease in Ghandruk, a pilot survey was carried out by examining representative stool samples (n=51) of local residence, domestic animals, pet animals in Ghandruk. Samples were examined using direct smear as well as concentration methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted to see the associated risk factors among residents and their livestock of Ghandruk. None of the faecal samples from residents (n=14) found positive for any kind of intestinal parasites (IPs), while samples from most of the livestock: chicken (86%, 6/7), pigeons (75%, 3/4), cow (66%, 2/3), mule (60%, 3/5), and dog (60%, 3/5) showed heavy infection, except goat and buffalo indicated no infection. Eimeria spp., Ascardia spp. and cestodes spp. were the most prevalent IPs in livestock. Periodic deworming, walking outdoor with sandals/shoes, frequent use of soap and water for handwashing as reported by most of the residents (>80%) could be the main reason behind zero prevalence of IPs in them. The heavy infection among livestock may be incriminated to the contaminated vicinity and free-range livestock and poultry which were noticed in contact with river, sludge, and toilets during our field observation. Conclusively, it indicates that the residents of Ghandruk are conscious about their health, but have not paid satisfactory attention to the hygiene of their domestic animals including livestock, poultry and even pet. Though the observed parasites in livestock are of minimal zoonotic importance regarding safety of visitors, it is deemed necessary for at least to apply some preventive measures to mitigate the burden of parasites in their animals.

Pericardial Abscess Associated with Mycoplasma arginini: A Rare Case from a Cat

A two and half-year-old, mixed breed, male cat was admitted to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Teaching Hospital with respiratory distress and coughing lasting for a month. During the initial examinations of ultrasound and radiography, a pericardial abscess was detected near the right side of the heart and was drained with pericardiocentesis. Percardial biopsy material was screened for the bacterial isolation and identification. Bacteriological methods based on colony morphology, sugar fermentation tests, and molecular confirmation using 16S rRNA-23S rRNA specific primers were performed. Result on conventional and molecular analysis, Mycoplasma arginini (M. arginini) were detected. The patient was treated with azithromycin and enrofloxacin. Full recovery was observed during follow-up examination after a month. The findings of this case increase awareness of pathogen M. arginini in cats and zoonotic importance has been emphasized for pet owners.

Sebekia sp. (Eupentastomida, Sebekidae) in Pygocentrus piraya (Actinopterygii: Serrasalmidae) from marginal lagoons of the middle São Francisco River basin, Brazil.

Pygocentrus piraya is an endemic species of the São Francisco River basin. In this study, 342 carnivorous fish were examined, nymphs specimens of Sebekia sp. and its ecological indexes are recorded only in piranhas, of the total of 53 collected from three marginal lagoons of the middle São Francisco River basin: 17 specimens from Curral de Varas lagoon; 15 from Maris lagoon, both of state of Minas Gerais; and 21 specimens from Mocambo lagoon, state of Bahia. The prevalence (P) and mean abundance (MA) of Sebekia sp. nymphs in intermediate hosts were as follows: in Curral de Varas lagoon, P = 11.8%, MA = 0.18; in Maris lagoon, P = 46.6%, MA = 0.47; and in Mocambo lagoon, P = 14.3%, MA = 1.05. Despite the lower number of fish examined from Maris lagoon, this lagoon had the highest number of piranhas (seven) parasitized by Sebekia sp. Pentastomids have zoonotic importance and evaluation of the indirect life cycle of sebekids in lagoons is necessary for defining the intermediate and final hosts involved. This record is novel and stems from collection of piranhas in the marginal lagoons of the São Francisco River, in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil.

Prevalence of cestodes infection among school children of urban parts of Lower Dir district, Pakistan.

Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Occurrence of Hymenolepis diminuta: a potential helminth of zoonotic importance in murid rodents.

The study reveals the prevalence of a potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminth species, Hymenolepis diminuta in commensal rodents caught from irrigated and rain-fed areas of Swat, Pakistan. Three hundred and fifty rodents (269 rats and 81 mice) trapped during vegetative, flowering/fruiting and mature/harvesting stages of crops were studied from 2011-2013. Hymenolepisdiminuta eggs were identified on the basis of their shape, size, colour and markings on the surface of the egg shell and three pairs of embryonic hook-lets. Overall prevalence of H. diminuta was 3.14% (n=11/350). The highest prevalence 3.49% (n=5/143) of H. diminuta was noted at harvesting stages of the crops whereas the lowest 2.59% (n=2/77) during vegetative stage. Infection was higher in males 3.25% (n=7/215) than females 2.96% (n=4/135). Adult rodents were highly infected while no sub-adult was found infected. Infection was higher in mice 3.70% (3/81) than rats 2.69% (8/269) while no significance (p=1.0000:0.1250 to 32.00 CI). Rats and mice appears to show the most suitable reservoirs by hosting H. diminuta a zoonotic helminth. The presence of these rodents in all possible habitats can act as a main channel of transferring parasites through various habitats and can pose a hazard to humans in the area.

Re-characterization of Potential Zoonotic Trematode Parasite Parasitizing Intestine of Snakehead Fish, (Channa striata) Utilizing Multiple Sequence Alignment Tools (MSA)

Metacercariae of Clinostomum Leidy, 1856 are frequently encountered in freshwater fish. The species configuration and taxonomic antiquity of the genus Clinostomum has been very unsteady and under discussion. Two species, i.e. Clinostomum complanatum Rudolphi, 1814 and Clinostomum marginatum Rudolphi, 1819, have been specifically troublesome and their taxonomic validation has been debated. 19 human incidences of Clinostomum complanatum have been reported to cause pharyngitis and lacramalitis from Japan, Thailand and Korea. Clinostomum marginatum is commonly known as yellow grub as it causes pinhead sized lumps in fishes that are white to yellow or black. In the present communication, we have made use of cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene as DNA barcode for validating the taxonomy of C. complanatum and C. marginatum harboring phylogenetic studies and multiple sequence alignment tools. Currently, in India species of this group are distinguished mainly on the basis of morphological characters that underlie possible confusions. Therefore, we disinterred the species through molecular analysis. The current findings are salient to authenticate the phylogenetic place and relationship among two trematode spp. and bypass misidentification regarding their validation, as it is more necessary in that case when many species harbours the same host and are of zoonotic importance.

Molecular detection of Salmonella isolated from commercial chicken.

Salmonella in chicken, specially, the motile salmonellae, causes the food chain unsafe from farm to table and is considered a significant global threat to public health. The present study was carried out for molecular detection of Salmonellae in commercial poultry using PCR. The study was conducted for eight months, from July 2019 to February 2020, and a total of 26 poultry farms, including 15 broiler and 11-layer farms, were visited individually. Pooled faecal samples were obtained from the sheds. A total of 189 necropsy cases were examined for gastrointestinal lesions. Isolation and identification of the organism were done using microbe culture method, and the molecular characterization was performed via PCR targeting invA and ent genes. The prevalence of salmonellosis in the broiler and layer farms was recorded at 20.0% and 45.4%, respectively, through the traditional gold standard culture method. From 189 necropsy birds, salmonellosis was recorded at 1.58% dead cases. Molecular detection of Salmonella isolates by PCR targeting invA gene was confirmed in 13.33% of the broiler farms and 36.3% of the layer farms. Further detection of Salmonella enteritidis was performed by PCR targeting ent gene by which 11.11% positivity was determined. This study, focused on the Salmonella prevalence, highlighted the zoonotic importance of the bacterium in the commercial poultry farms, which can subsequently be dispersed into the human food chain causing harmful health effects.

An Appraisal of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Abattoir Workers and Butchers on Bovine Tuberculosis in Kaduna Central Abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a chronic infectious and contagious zoonotic disease of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. This research involved abattoir workers who are personnel involved in the management of animals before and during the slaughtering process. Three hundred pretested, well-structured and closed-ended questionnaires were self-administered to abattoir workers made up of 13 Veterinarians, 8 Animal Scientists, 37 Para-veterinarians, 197 butchers and 45 unskilled labourers to determine the level of their knowledge, attitude and practices on tuberculosis. The study revealed that the abattoir workers in this study had low knowledge of bTB 32(10.6%). Their knowledge on the transmission pathways, prevention, control measures against bTB and its zoonotic importance were also sought. Detection of tubercle lesions of bTB in slaughtered cattle makes their potential source of infection to human and pose a public health risk. There is the need for enhanced public education and awareness campaigns among meat handlers and abattoir workers especially on the mode of transmission, aetiology and public health importance of bTB in Kaduna State

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Giardia duodenalis Assemblage D of Dogs in Egypt, and Its Zoonotic Implication

Background, Methods: To elucidate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia infection in dogs, a cross-sectional study was performed on stray and housed dogs from different localities of Egypt. Results: A total of 986 fecal specimens were collected from dogs. The overall infection rate was 8.5%. The diarrheic dogs revealed higher prevalence of 14.43% than asymptomatic animals. The infection was more prevalent in younger dogs ( &lt; 6 months) (9.5%) compared to older animals. Higher prevalence of infection was observed during the cold winter months (11.24%). The community owned dogs (stray dogs in the street) showed (11.75%) higher prevalence rate than pet dogs in the household environment (5.59%). Moreover, it was found that dogs fed on undercooked meat, and offal's were showing higher prevalence of giardiasis than dogs fed on canned meat. On the other hand, dogs subjected to regular grooming and good hygienic practices had lesser prevalence rate of the infection compared to unclean neglected dogs. Conclusions: The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the amplicons of 18SrRNA gene of G. duodenalis revealed that; they were closer to assemblage D necessitating urgent attention due to their zoonotic importance.

Could Fish Feeding Behaviour and Size Explain Prevalence Differences of the Nematode Eustrongylides excisus among Species? The Case Study of Lake Garda

The nematode Eustrongylides excisus is a parasite of freshwater fish- and fish-eating birds, with known differences on prevalence values among fish species. Thus, the present study aims to explore the hypothesis that the feeding behavior and the size of fish belonging to different trophic levels could explain such differences. For that, 14 sampling sites were selected to perform a fish parasitological survey on Lake Garda (Italy) during spring-summer 2020. Amplification of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences of nematodes morphologically ascribable to the genus Eustrongylides allowed to identify them as E. excisus. From the five studied fish species (Perca fluviatilis, Lepomis gibbous, Coregonus lavaretus, Alosa fallax lacustris and Micropterus salmoides), only three presented the parasite E. excisus: P. fluviatilis, L. gibbous and M. salmoides, with significant differences in prevalence values among species (p = 0.002). Additionally, there were differences in prevalence values within the same fish species captured from different sampling sites. Findings showed that mainly piscivorous fish were positive for E. excisus and how the prevalence was highest in M. salmoides. As regard the fish size, a negative correlation between body size and E. excisus was found in P. fluviatilis due to the feeding habit of juvenile perch which feed mainly zooplankton and benthic invertebrates (i.e., oligochaetes, which are the first intermediate hosts of E. excisus). The study findings advance novel knowledge in the field of pathogens of zoonotic importance in the aquatic environment.

Prevalence and risk factors of Brucella spp. in goats in Borana pastoral area, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Goat production plays an important role in the livelihood of Borana pastoralists. Optimal utilization of the goat population, is however, impaired by diseases such as brucellosis. Brucellosis is considered as one of the serious diseases incurring considerable loss to the goat industry through reproductive wastages. The situation of brucellosis has not been investigated in goats in Borana pastoral areas despite the frequent occurrence of abortion. This study wasconducted from November 2016 to April 2017, aimed at determining the prevalence of infection with Brucella species, identify the risk factors of infection and understand the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pastoralists about the disease. Serum samples were collected from a total of 789 goats from three randomly selected pastoral districts. The samples were tested using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The study survey results showed that most of the pastoralists (≥64.2 %) and (≥81.6 %) had poor knowledge about brucellosis and its zoonotic importance, respectively. From a total of 789 sera samples 137 (17.36 %; 95 % CI: 14.78, 20.19) tested positive for anti-Brucella antibodies. The highest seroprevalence was observed in Elwaya (71/252; 28.17 %; 95 % CI: 22.71, 34.16) followed by Moyale (48/332; 14.46 %; 95 %CI: 10.86, 18.71), whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in Yabello district (15/208; 8.78 %; CI: 5.29, 13.52). The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sex and age of goats were significantly associated with seroprevalence of brucellosis. The odds of infection was nearly 7 times (OR: 6.97) higher in female goats than in males (P < 0.001). Adult goats were 12 times (OR: 12.19) more likely to be infected than their younger counterparts (P < 0.001). For goats raised in large sized flocks (OR = 2.57; P = 0.028) and for those goats originated from Elwaya district, the risk of infection was significantly higher (OR = 7.91; P < 0.001). The history of occurrence of reproductive problems in female goats is significantly associated with seropositivity to Brucella infection (OR = 5.32; P < 0.001). This study showed that a significant proportion of goats in Borana pastoral districts were infected with Brucella, suggesting its economic implication and zoonotic importance.

Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis and Associated Risk Factors in Western Ethiopia.

BackgroundBrucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease, which affects domestic animals, humans, and wildlife in Ethiopia and other countries.MethodsA cross-sectional study design using a simple random sampling technique was conducted in Diga, Guto, Gida, and Sibu Sire districts of East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, from November 2019 to July 2020 to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify associated risk factors. A lottery method was used during serum collection and risk factors identified during interview.ResultsA total of 1152 serum samples were collected from cattle of 6 months age and above. Serum samples were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 1.82% (21/1152). Statically significant variation (P<0.05) in seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was recorded among potential risk factors such as breed [P≤0.05; OR:8.905; CI:1.568–50.573], parity [P≤0.05; OR:0.017; CI:0.042–5.195], retained fetal membrane [P≤0.001; OR:0.018; CI:0.00–2.169], and abortion history [P≤0.001; OR:0.030; CI:0.004–0.212]. Conversely, seroprevalence variations in sex, district, villages, body condition score, and age were statistically insignificant (P>0.05).ConclusionThe current study revealed bovine brucellosis is posing a threat to livestock with no strict control and prevention scheme in place. Therefore, public awareness creation about the zoonotic importance of the disease is crucial and the Government should establish legislation, support, control, and prevention of the disease recommended.

Zoonotic Significance and Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella in Poultry in Bangladesh for the Period of 2011–2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella in poultry poses a serious human health threat as it has zoonotic importance. Poultry is often linked with outbreaks of Salmonella-associated foodborne illness. Since antimicrobials are heavily used in poultry in Bangladesh, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella is quite frequently found there. MDR Salmonella is challenging to treat with antimicrobials and often causes a severe economic loss in the poultry sector. By horizontal gene transfer and/or evolutionary mutations, antimicrobials primarily exert selection pressure that contributes to antimicrobials resistance. In addition, resistance patterns can vary with variations in time and space. Without having prior knowledge of resistance patterns, no effective drugs could be prescribed. Therefore, it is crucial to have updated knowledge on the status of AMR in Salmonella in Bangladesh for effective treatment and management of the flocks against salmonellosis. There are several review articles on AMR in Salmonella in poultry in Bangladesh; they lack the whole scenario of the country and particularly do not have enough data on the poultry environment. Considering this scenario, in this review, we have focused on AMR in Salmonella in poultry in Bangladesh (2011–2021), with particular emphasis on data from the poultry and farm environments on a divisional zone basis.

Molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with tick-borne pathogens in cattle in western Kenya

BackgroundTick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income.ResultsTick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and January 2019 were identified by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products of genus-specific primers. Of the 422 cattle sampled, 30.1% (127/422) were infected with at least one TBP, while 8.8% (37/422) had dual infections. Anaplasma spp. (19.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by Theileria (12.3%), Ehrlichia (6.6%), and Babesia (0.2%) spp. Sequence analysis of the TBPs revealed them to be Anaplasma platys-like organisms (13.5%), Theileria velifera (7.4%), Anaplasma marginale (4.9%), Theileria mutans (3.1%), Theileria parva (1.6%), and Babesia bigemina (0.2%). Ehrlichia ruminantium, Rickettsia spp., and arboviruses were not detected. Exotic breeds of cattle were more likely to be infected with A. marginale compared to local breeds (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 3.04–22.02, p < 0.001). Presence of ticks was a significant predictor for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.32–3.69, p = 0.003) and Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.22–7.23, p = 0.022) infection. Cattle sampled at slaughterhouses were more likely to be positive for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70, p = 0.048) and A. marginale (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.43–12.21, p = 0.012), compared to those sampled at livestock markets.ConclusionThis study reports TBP prevalence and associated risk factors in western Kenya, factors which are key to informing surveillance and control measures.

Compounds from the Medicines for Malaria Venture Box Inhibit In Vitro Growth of Babesia divergens, a Blood-Borne Parasite of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance.

Babesiosis is an infectious disease with an empty drug pipeline. A search inside chemical libraries for novel potent antibabesial candidates may help fill such an empty drug pipeline. A total of 400 compounds (200 drug-like and 200 probe-like) from the Malaria Box were evaluated in the current study against the in vitro growth of Babesia divergens (B. divergens), a parasite of veterinary and zoonotic importance. Novel and more effective anti-B. divergens drugs than the traditionally used ones were identified. Seven compounds (four drug-like and three probe-like) revealed a highly inhibitory effect against the in vitro growth of B. divergens, with IC50s ≤ 10 nanomolar. Among these hits, MMV006913 exhibited an IC50 value of 1 nM IC50 and the highest selectivity index of 32,000. The atom pair fingerprint (APfp) analysis revealed that MMV006913 and MMV019124 showed maximum structural similarity (MSS) with atovaquone and diminazene aceturate (DA), and with DA and imidocarb dipropionate (ID), respectively. MMV665807 and MMV665850 showed MMS with each other and with ID. Of note, a high concentration (0.75 IC50) of MMV006913 caused additive inhibition of B. divergens growth when combined with DA at 0.75 or 0.50 IC50. The Medicines for Malaria Venture box is a treasure trove of anti-B. divergens candidates according to the obtained results.

Molecular detection of Babesia microti in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Halayeb and Shalateen, Halayeb, Egypt

There is paucity in the epidemiological screening of a blood parasite of zoonotic importance, Babesia microti (B. microti) in camels in Egypt. Therefore, a total of 142 individuals of one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) that were bred in Halayeb and Shalateen were examined for infection and subjected to phylogenetic analysis on blood parasite infection with B. microti. PCR assay focusing on the Babesia microti small subunit rRNA (ss-rRNA) gene was used for detection of its prevalence in camels. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the detection of 17 case from a total of 142 cases with an infection rate of 11.97% using nested PCR assays. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses showed that B. microti was genetically related with German strain that is isolated from voles and rats in France. In conclusion, this is the first evidence of B. microti infection in camels in Egypt with evidence of the role of one-humped camels in sustaining the babesia transmission in Egypt.

Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in American Bison (Bison bison) at El Uno Ecological Reserve, Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico.

American bison (Bison bison) is listed as near-threatened and in danger of extinction in Mexico. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of several emerging pathogens at the Janos Biosphere Reserve (JBR), inhabited by one wild herd of American bison. Blood samples were collected from 26 American bison in the JBR. We tested for the presence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Rickettsia rickettsii DNA using nested and semi-nested PCR protocols performing duplicates in two different laboratories. Results showed three animals (11.5%) positive for B. burgdorferi s. l., three more (11.5%) for Rickettsia rickettsii, and four (19.2%) for B. bovis. Two individuals were co-infected with B. burgdorferi s. l. and B. bovis. We found no animals positive for A. marginale and B. bigemina. This is the first report in America of R. rickettsii in American bison. American bison has been described as an important reservoir for pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance; thus, the presence of tick-borne pathogen DNA in the JBR American bison indicates the importance of continuous wildlife health surveys.

Systematic examination of the cardiopulmonary, urogenital, muscular and gastrointestinal parasites of the Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Denmark, a protected species recovering from a dramatic decline

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected species in Denmark and at present, the population is recovering due to conservation efforts. The Danish otters are mainly found in the continental part of Denmark (Jutland), but establishment in the main islands (Fyn and Zealand) has been observed. While there is a lack of systematic studies on the parasite fauna of otters in Denmark, this study aims to screen otters for their parasite fauna, especially those of zoonotic and/or veterinary importance. Thirty-three otter carcasses, road-killed (n=30), found dead (n=2) and shot (n=1), were collected between June 2013 and May 2014 and examined for cardiopulmonary, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and muscle helminths by post mortem examination. Faecal samples were analysed by modified concentration McMaster technique and direct immunofluorescence test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. At least one parasite was found in 75.8% of animals. The parasite fauna included 13 species, consisting of five nematodes: Molineus patens (30.3%), Aonchotheca putorii (27.3%), Strongyloides sp. (24.2%), Physaloptera sp. (12.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (10.0%); one cestode: Schistocephalus solidius (6.1%); four trematodes: Metorchis bilis (33.3%), Isthimiophora melis (15.2%), Cryptocotyle sp. (3.0%), Plagiorchis sp. (3.0%); one acanthocephalan: Acanthocephalus ranae (18.2%); and two protozoans: Giardia spp. (3.1%), and Eimeria spp. (3.1%). The study showed that otters carry parasites of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Many of these parasites can also infect native carnivores and birds, and the distribution of these parasites may be affected if the otter population continue to increase in Denmark.