Serological and molecular surveys of Anaplasma spp. in Egyptian cattle reveal high A. marginale infection prevalence

Molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of Theileria orientalis in cattle

Theileria orientalis (T. orientalis) is a benign species of Theileria that is found all throughout the world, including Egypt. The purpose of this work was to determine the current status of T. orientalis infection in cattle, as well as to define T. orientalis genetic diversity using the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) genes. In 2020, blood samples from 500 asymptomatic cattle were collected, which live in four different governorates at northern Egypt and examined using PCR assay based on MPSP gene. Overall, 44 blood samples (8.8%, 44/500) were positive for T. orientalis, and the highest prevalence rate was observed in Kafer ElSheikh while it was relatively low in Gharbia governorate. Moreover, based on multivariable analysis, the risk of infection with T. orientalis infection was higher in mixed breed cattle and in animals of age group more than 3 years compared to other. Additionally, absence of acaricide application, infestation with ticks, and communal grazing system were identified as potential risk factors for T. orientalis infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates studied belonged to two MPSP genotypes, types 1 and 2. These findings reveal that the MPSP genotypes discovered in the present work displayed genetic variation that was linked to geographic area. Therefore, further research should be focused on developing an effective T. orientalis monitoring and preventive program.

Larvicidal and adulticidal effects of some Egyptian oils against Culex pipiens

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases represent an increasing global challenge. Plant extract and/or oils could serve as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The larvicidal effects of 32 oils (1000 ppm) were screened against the early 4th larvae of Culex pipiens and the best oils were evaluated against adults and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC mass) and HPLC. All oils had larvicidal activity (60.0-100%, 48 h Post-treatment, and their Lethal time 50 (LT₅₀) values ranged from 9.67 (Thymus vulgaris) to 37.64 h (Sesamum indicum). Oils were classified as a highly effective group (95-100% mortalities), including Allium sativum, Anethum graveolens, Camellia sinensis, Foeniculum vulgare, Nigella sativa, Salvia officinalis, T. vulgaris, and Viola odorata. The moderately effective group (81-92% mortalities) included Boswellia serrata, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma aromatic, Allium sativum, Melaleuca alternifolia, Piper nigrum, and Simmondsia chinensis. The least effective ones were C. sativus and S. indicum. Viola odorata, Anethum graveolens, T. vulgaris, and N. sativa provide 100% adult mortalities PT with 10, 25, 20, and 25%. The mortality percentages of the adults subjected to 10% of oils (H group) were 48.89%, 88.39%, 63.94%, 51.54%, 92.96%, 44.44%, 72.22%, and 100% for A. sativum, An. graveolens, C. sinensis, F. vulgare, N. sativa, S. officinalis, T. vulgaris, and V. odorata, respectively. Camellia sinensis and F. vulgare were the most potent larvicides whereas V. odorata, T. vulgaris, An. graveolens and N. sativa were the best adulticides and they could be used for integrated mosquito control.