Hydatidosis of Camels and Sheep Slaughtered in Aswan Governorate, Southern Egypt

Occurrence and Phylogenetic Description of Cystic Echinococcosis Isolate from Egyptian Camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most significant cyclo-zoonotic diseases of major economic and public health significance worldwide. The current study was carried out to determine the epidemiological profile of cystic echinococcosis as well as to investigate its molecular and phylogenic status from one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the southern region of Egypt. In the present work, 110 camels freshly slaughtered at Daraw abattoirs, Aswan governorate were inspected for the presence of Hydatid cysts (HCs) visually and manually by palpation and incision, over a period of one year (June, 2018 - May, 2019). Furthermore, fourteen fertile hydatid cyst samples were collected from lungs of slaughtered camels. DNA extraction from two fertile samples was successfully achieved followed by phylogenetic analysis on two mitochondrial genes (cox1and nad1). Out of 110 camels slaughtered 11 (10 %) were found harboring hydatid cysts. The infection was found to prevail throughout the year, with the highest peak encountered in winter (45.5 %). The lungs were the most frequently infected organs (72.7 %) with liver cysts occurring at a significantly lower rate (27.3 %). The mean value of total protein, glucose, urea, cholesterol, magnesium, potassium, copper and creatinine was higher in cystic fluid from camels as compared to cattle. Blast and phylogenetic analysis on sequenced genes showed the presence of Echinococcus intermedius, originally the pig genotype (G7) in camels for the first time in Egypt. To the best of our knowledge, the current research provides a description of the current epidemiological and molecular situation of camel hydatidosis in the southern region of Egypt. Furthermore, the current results may have significant implications for hydatid disease control in the studied region.

Cystic echinococcosis in humans and animals in Egypt: An epidemiological overview

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato), is a serious neglected zoonotic disease in many parts of the world, including Egypt. Thus far, the actual incidence of CE in the Egyptian population remains unknown. Infection with E. granulosus (s.l.) is common among stray dogs in rural and suburban areas owing to the spread of parasite eggs. Herein, we present an updated review of published data on the incidence of CE in humans and animals as well as the genotypes prevalent in Egypt. CE occurs in most parts of Egypt; however, available data are mostly from northern Egypt, particularly Cairo and Giza. In southern Egypt, the disease is likely to be underdiagnosed or underreported. A few risk factors were studied. In the Egyptian population, residency in rural areas, farming, and age were significant factors for acquiring CE. In livestock, age, sex and season have been associated with high prevalence of CE. Several genotypes have been identified among livestock (G1, G4, G5, G6 and G7) and humans (G1, G6 and G7). This literature review underscores the need for a precise national surveillance system to track CE distribution in humans and animals and design appropriate preventive and control strategies for this disease.

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A review summarizing the epidemiological data for Echinococcus granulosus (s.l.) infections in Egypt.

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Egypt is an endemic area for cystic echinococcosis in the human population and livestock.

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Genotypes G1, G4, G5, G6 and G7 of E. granulosus (s.l.) were reported in Egypt.

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A national surveillance system to track cystic echinococcosis in Egypt is needed.