Little is known on the diversity and public health significance of Echinococcus species in livestock in Egypt. In this study, 37 individual hydatid cysts were collected from dromedary camels (n=28), sheep (n=7) and buffalos (n=2). DNA was extracted from protoscoleces/germinal layer of individual cysts and amplified by PCR targeting nuclear (actin II) and mitochondrial (COX1 and NAD1) genes. Direct sequencing of amplicons indicated the presence of Echinococcus canadenesis (G6 genotype) in 26 of 28 camel cysts, 3 of 7 sheep cysts and the 2 buffalo derived cysts. In contrast, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1 genotype) was detected in one cyst from a camel and 4 of 7 cysts from sheep, whereas Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype) was detected in one cyst from a camel. This is the first identification of E. ortleppi in Egypt.

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In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) were used as nanocarrier for ultrasonicated ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (UEERO) as a new nanoformulation against Eimeria tenella. Herein, CsNPs have been synthesized by ionic gelation method at pH 3 (CsNPs3) and pH 5 (CsNPs5), followed by characterization of morphology, size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface charge, and loading efficiency of UEERO. An in vitro sporulation inhibition assay (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.62, 0.31, 0.15, 0.07, 0.04, 0.02, and 0.01 mg/ml normal saline solution) against E. tenella was conducted. Results showed that free CsNPs and UEERO-CsNPs3/5 were cubic- and spherical-shaped with positive charge and average size of ~ 150.8 nm (314.4 nm) and 151.7 nm (321.1 nm), respectively. The total loading efficiency using UV–vis spectrophotometer, was 80.05 at pH 5 and 64.39% at pH 3. The in vitro sporulation inhibition assay revealed that UEERO, CsNPs3/5, and UEERO-CsNPs3/5 showed a potential inhibitory effect on sporulation (%), distortion in wall (%), and sporocyst abnormality (%) in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, the concentration (10 mg/ml) showed the best efficacy after 24 h in UEERO, free CsNPs, and UEERO-CsNPs. Moreover, UEERO-CsNPs3 and UEERO-CsNPs5 had stopped the sporulation (%) after 72 h. Taken all together, UEERO-CsNPs3 and UEERO-CsNPs5 are best effective against E. tenella in a dose-dependent manner in terms of sporulation (%), distortion in wall (%), and sporocysts abnormality. Graphical abstract

T he effect of sublethal concentrations of£ pephis water suspension and praziquantel water solution on the defense system of Biomphalaria cdexandrina was examined by laboratory experiments.The mean number of haemocytes decreased insignificantly after the first week of snail exposure to the plant extract-Thereafter, a significant increase occurred after the second week of exposure. Treatment with praziquantel showed a significant increase in haemocytes after the 3 rd and 4 lh weeks of exposure. Haemocytosis represents a response to external stress or certain stimuli. The haemocytes showed behavioral as well as structural changes after long exposure to the tested mollusclcides. The cells had many cytoplasmic inclusions and produce many long spike-like pseudopodia. Haemocytes exhibited an enhanced tendency to aggregate in clusters. Such alterations may be indicative of a state of haemocytes activation. The total plasma protein concentration after treatment with E. pephis and Praziquantel increased plasma than in control snails while no changes in protein concentration of the digestive gland extract. This may be a result of an imbalance in the rate of protein synthesis and the rate of its degradation.The treatment with E peplus and Praziquantel caused a marked increase in acid phosphatase after the 2nd and 4 lh weeks. On the other hand, alkaline phosphatase activity increased after the 4 th week. This could be explained as defensive and lysosomal activity of the haemocytes. After treatment with the tested substances the plasma and digestive gland extract were capable to agglutinate sheep red 502

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