Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Erwin J. Gutierrez-Grajales, Daniela Osorio-Navia, Mariana Chacon-Pena, Adrian E. Trejos-Mendoza, Soffia Perez-Vargas, Lorenzo Valencia-Mejia, Luisa F. Marin-Arboleda, J. Paola Martinez-Hidalgo, Maria Angelica Reina-Mora, Luz Victoria Gonzalez-Colonia, Jaime A. Cardona-Ospina, Erika Vanessa Jimenez-Posada, Diego Andres Diaz-Guio, Jean Carlos Salazar, Manuel Sierra, Fausto Munoz-Lara, Lysien Zambrano, Eduardo Ramirez-Vallejo, Juan Camilo Alvarez, Ingrid Lorena Jaramillo-Delgado, Samuel Pecho-Silva, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi, Alvaro A. Faccini-Martinez, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Summary: The study found that dogs infected with canine vector-borne diseases commonly exhibit thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and pancytopenia, highlighting the importance of haematology in diagnosing diseases. These haematological alterations can serve as key indicators for ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and other related diseases, especially in endemic areas.
Article
Microbiology
Dennis Getange, Joel L. Bargul, Esther Kanduma, Marisol Collins, Boku Bodha, Diba Denge, Tatenda Chiuya, Naftaly Githaka, Mario Younan, Eric M. Fevre, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Jandouwe Villinger
Summary: The study revealed a high diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with camels and co-grazing sheep in northern Kenya. In addition, the findings suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, posing a public health threat to pastoralist communities.
Article
Parasitology
Asmaa A. Hegab, Hussein M. Omar, Mai Abuowarda, Souzan G. Ghattas, Nisreen E. Mahmoud, Magdy M. Fahmy
Summary: The study aimed to screen and genetically identify tick-borne pathogens in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. The prevalence of TBPs in dogs was 23.56%, with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia being the most common. The molecular prevalence rate of TBPs was 25.81% in dog blood samples and 29.17% in ticks, with various species of TBPs detected, including Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma marginale being reported for the first time in Egypt.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zhongqiu Teng, Yan Shi, Na Zhao, Xue Zhang, Xiaojing Jin, Jia He, Baohong Xu, Tian Qin
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. A study conducted in Hebei Province, China, collected 646 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from free-ranging domestic sheep. PCR assays and sequence analysis revealed the presence of zoonotic and veterinary important tick-borne pathogens, including Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp. The study provides valuable data for controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region.
Review
Microbiology
Carlo Andrea Cossu, Nicola E. Collins, Marinda C. Oosthuizen, Maria Luisa Menandro, Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora, Ilse Vorster, Rudi Cassini, Hein Stoltsz, Melvyn Quan, Henriette van Heerden
Summary: Ticks in Africa remain a major obstacle in the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the distribution and prevalence of these pathogens in African ticks. The highest prevalence was found for Rickettsia spp., R. africae, R. conorii, A. marginale, E. ruminantium, and E. canis. The prevalence of C. burnetii was low, but higher for Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. The study also identified the effect of tick genera, tick species, country, and other variables on the epidemiology of these pathogens in ticks.
Article
Parasitology
Napassorn Poolsawat, Keiichiro Tazawa, Witchuta Junsiri, Amaya Watthanadirek, Nitipon Srionrod, Runglawan Chawengkirttikul, Panat Anuracpreeda
Summary: This study is the first report on the occurrence and genetic diversity of canine tick-borne pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis) in shelter dogs in Thailand. PCR results showed that 25.82% of the dogs were positive for at least one of the pathogens. The study also revealed the genetic diversity of the pathogens, with Anaplasma platys being the most diverse and Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis being more conserved. These findings can be used to improve the diagnosis and control of tick-borne diseases in Thailand.
Article
Microbiology
Lucyna Kirczuk, Mariusz Piotrowski, Anna Rymaszewska
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens monitoring is a significant issue in global medical and veterinary fields. This study used PCR technique to detect pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Northwest Poland, finding DNA of Rickettsia spp. and A. phagocytophilum, with R. helvetica as the only species of Rickettsia present.
Article
Microbiology
Min-Goo Seo, Haeseung Lee, Badriah Alkathiri, KyuSung Ahn, Seung-Hun Lee, SungShik Shin, Seulgi Bae, Kyoo-Tae Kim, Min Jang, Sang-Kwon Lee, Yun Sang Cho, Kyung-Yeon Eo, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the dominant tick populations and identify the pathogenic agents of anaplasmosis in ticks from Gyeongsang, Republic of Korea. A total of 3825 questing ticks were collected from 12 sites near animal farms in Gyeongsang. Molecular genomic analysis was conducted to detect Anaplasma genes in the collected ticks. The most prevalent tick species were Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis sp., Haemaphysalis flava, Ixodes nipponensis, and Amblyomma testudinarium in that order. The infection rates of Anaplasma species varied, with A. phagocytophilum being the most common. The findings of this study provide valuable information for future research on tick-borne diseases.
Article
Parasitology
Roberta Iatta, Alireza Sazmand, Viet-Linh Nguyen, Farzad Nemati, Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz, Zahra Bahiraei, Salman Zafari, Anna Giannico, Grazia Greco, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study highlighted the high prevalence of CVBDs in dogs in Iran and Pakistan, with canine hepatozoonosis being the most frequently detected disease. Effective control strategies are needed to minimize the risk of infection in both animals and humans, considering the zoonotic potential of some pathogens identified.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
AbdElkarim Laatamna, Christina Strube, Deon K. Bakkes, Sabine Schaper, Fatima Zohra Aziza, Hanan Ben Chelef, Nour El Houda Amrane, Ramlia Bedraoui, Gerhard Dobler, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
Summary: A molecular investigation was conducted on important tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto collected from domestic dogs in steppe and high plateau areas of central and eastern Algeria. The study revealed a high prevalence of Hepatozoon spp., with additional detections of Babesia vogeli, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia spp., and Ehrlichia canis. Further large scale studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and distributions of canine tick-borne pathogens in Algeria.
Article
Parasitology
Hong-xi Zhao, Xiao-qing Zan, Jin-zhong Tao, Xin-gang Dan
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of tick-borne pathogens among Bactrian camels in Gansu Province, China and found that the ticks collected from the camels carried various pathogens. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further research on the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in Bactrian camels in this region.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kimberly J. Ledger, Lorenza Beati, Samantha M. Wisely
Summary: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in different land use types in southern Africa. Through molecular techniques, 1716 ticks were screened for infection, revealing multiple pathogen species across seven tick species collected. The findings suggest that tick species and the pathogens they carry may vary according to land use, highlighting the importance of comprehensive surveillance in understanding the diversity and ecology of tick-borne pathogens.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dima Far, Nora Takacs, Monika Gyurkovszky, Norbert Solymosi, Robert Farkas
Summary: The study examined tick infestation and pathogens in dogs from shelters in Jordan, identifying new species of protozoa and bacteria and indicating the need for more attention to the health issues of shelter dogs in Jordan.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Heidy-Carolina Martinez Diaz, Juliana Gil-Mora, Paola Betancourt-Ruiz, Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos, J. Manuel Matiz-Gonzalez, Maria-Alejandra Villalba-Perez, Maria Catalina Ospina-Pinto, Alejandro Ramirez-Hernandez, Luz -Adriana Olaya-M, Eliana Bolanos, Claudia Cuervo, Efrain Benavides, Marylin Hidalgo
Summary: This study aimed to determine the tick species and tick-borne pathogens circulating in rural areas of Cauca department, Colombia. The results showed the presence of various tick species carrying pathogens that are of importance to humans and animals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Warunya Onchan, Onchira Ritbamrung, Phanupong Changtor, Waranee Pradit, Siriwadee Chomdej, Korakot Nganvongpanit, Puntita Siengdee, Urasri Suyasunanont, Kittisak Buddhachat
Summary: In this study, a recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD) assay was developed for rapid and accurate detection of Babesia spp. in canine blood specimens based on the 18S rRNA region. The RPA-LFD assay showed high specificity and sensitivity, with the entire process completed in less than 30 minutes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suliman Alomar, Afrah Alkhuriji, Fadwa M. Alkhulaifi, Lamjed Mansour, Abdullah Al-jurayyan, Ghadeer S. Aldossari, Aishah Eid Albalawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes polymorphisms and HLA-I ligands with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Genotyping of 16 KIR genes, HLA-C1 and C2 allotypes, and HLA-G 14-bp indels polymorphisms was performed using the SSP-PCR method in 87 COVID-19 patients and 114 healthy controls. The study found that the frequencies of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL4 genes were higher in COVID-19 positive patients, and the combination of KIR2DL2-HLA-C2 was significantly more common in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Grassi, Matteo Gambini, Marianna Pantoli, Simona Toscano, Anna Albertetti, Deborah Maria Del Frassino, Iniobong Chukwuebuka Ikenna Ugochukwu, Orazio Romeo, Domenico Otranto, Claudia Cafarchia
Summary: This study described a case of lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog in Europe. The infection was confirmed by histology, cytology, and molecular methods. Despite antifungal treatment, the frog died, highlighting the poor prognosis of Cladosporium infections in animals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zafer Saad Al Shehri, Abdullah D. Alanazi, Sultan F. Alnomasy
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-cancer effects and cellular mechanisms of queen bee acid (10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid, 10-HDA) on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The results showed that 10-HDA significantly reduced the viability of HepG2 cells, induced apoptosis, and upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins. These findings confirmed the potent cytotoxic effects of 10-HDA on HepG2 cells with no significant toxicity on normal cells.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aishah E. Albalawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi
Summary: This study evaluated the chemical composition and therapeutic effects of Curcuma zedoaria essential oil (CZEO) compared to metronidazole (MTZ) for Giardia lamblia infection treatment. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that CZEO reduced the viability of G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites, and decreased the number and viability of excreted cysts. The highest reduction of Giardia antigen was observed in mice treated with CZEO. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic effects of CZEO on Giardia infections.
PHARMACOGNOSY MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Najam-ul Lail, Adeel Sattar, Muhammad Ovais Omer, Mian Abdul Hafeez, Abdur Rauf Khalid, Sammina Mahmood, Muhammad Abubakr Shabbir, Waqas Ahmed, Muhammad Tahir Aleem, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mashal M. Almutairi
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of using biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with nigella sativa on Eimeria tenella infected broilers. The results showed that ZnONPs significantly improved the growth performance of infected birds, decreased oocyst shedding, and had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, ZnONPs synthesized with nigella sativa have the potential to enhance anticoccidial effects and improve growth performance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Muhammad Kashif Obaid, Mashal M. M. Almutairi, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Sher Zaman Safi, Tetsuya Tanaka, Abid Ali
Summary: To investigate the resistance of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks to acaricides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, tick specimens were collected and molecular profiling of cypermethrin and amitraz targeted genes was conducted. The sequences of VGSC and OCT/Tyr genes from the ticks showed high similarity with susceptible ticks from other regions. In vitro bioassays revealed increasing mortality rates of tick larvae with higher concentrations of acaricides. These findings indicate the presence of acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yasir Ali, Yangchao Chen, Zia Ul Islam, Aisha Aman, Mashal M. Almutairi, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Aymen Mohammed, Aftab Ali Shah, Zia Ur Rehman, Ibrar Hussain, Abid Ali, Fazal Jalil
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association of single nucleotide variants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Pakistani population. The researchers recruited and genotyped 600 individuals and found a significant association of rs2292832 in MIR149 and rs3746444 in MIR499 with RA.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sana Ayub, Nosheen Malak, Raquel Cossio-Bayugar, Nasreen Nasreen, Afshan Khan, Sadaf Niaz, Adil Khan, Abdallah D. Alanazi, Mourad Ben Said
Summary: A recent study explored the effectiveness of Pinus roxburghii plant extract in controlling populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. The study found that the plant extract showed high efficacy in vitro against different tick stages and demonstrated strong binding interaction between the plant's phytochemicals and the tick protein. This suggests the potential use of P. roxburghii as a promising anti-tick agent.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iman Touati, Mohnad Abdalla, Yassir Boulaamane, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mohammed Reda Britel, Amal Maurady
Summary: GPCRs play a significant role in neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated the effects of combining A2AR antagonist and 5-HT1A agonist on PD and found that the drug combination improved involuntary movements while maintaining motor activity, providing new possibilities for PD treatments. The study also identified a potential dual-target compound (STOCK2N-00171) through computational methods.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aneela Aneela, Mashal M. Almutairi, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Haroon Ahmed, Tetsuya Tanaka, Itabajara da Silva Vaz, Shun-Chung Chang, Chien-Chin Chen, Abid Ali
Summary: This study collected tick specimens from livestock in Pakistan and molecularly detected and genetically characterized Rickettsia species, including the first discovery of R. hoogstraalii in Pakistan and the first global discovery of R. hoogstraalii in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks. These findings provide important knowledge about the global epidemiology of R. hoogstraalii.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Muhammad Shahid Khan, Saeed Ahmad Buzdar, Riaz Hussain, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Muhammad Tahir Aleem, Muhammad Farhab, Muhammad Arshad Javid, Rana Waseem Akhtar, Iahtasham Khan, Mashal M. Almutairi
Summary: This study aimed to determine the toxicity of synthetic cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles in rabbits. Sixteen rabbits were divided into two groups and administered the nanoparticles intravenously. Blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. Different histological ailments were observed in the treated rabbits' visceral organs. The nanoparticles appeared to induce toxicity in rabbits.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi, Sara Epis, Giulia Maria Cattaneo, Noemi Guerrini, Alessandro Manenti, Diego Rubolini, Paolo Gabrieli, Domenico Otranto, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Emanuele Montomoli, Claudio Bandi
Summary: The mucosal immune system is crucial for combatting infections and can serve as the first line of defense against various pathogens. Mucosal vaccination has shown promise in protecting against infections acquired through ingestion, inhalation, or the urogenital system, and can also induce systemic immune responses. This study investigated rectal administration of Leishmania parasites as a potential method for generating anti-Leishmania immunity, demonstrating a specific antibody response and a shift towards a Th1-biased immune response. These findings suggest the development of novel vaccines based on rectal immunization against Leishmania parasites should be further explored.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdullah D. Alanazi, Qais A. H. Majeed, Sultan F. Alnomasy, Hamdan I. Almohammed
Summary: This study evaluated the in vitro, in vivo, and safety effects of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. methanolic extract (SLME) against acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in mice. The results showed that SLME had significant in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects and improved the survival rate and liver function of infected mice, suggesting its potential prophylactic effects against Toxoplasma infection.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Iftikhar Ahmad, Shafi Ullah, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mashal M. Almutairi, Muhammad Numan, Tetsuya Tanaka, Shun-Chung Chang, Chien-Chin Chen, Abid Ali, Clive J. C. Phillips, Francesca Mancianti, Simona Nardoni, Valentina Virginia Ebani
Summary: This study provides the first morphological and molecular confirmation of Dermacentor marginatus in Pakistan, along with the identification of associated pathogens Anaplasma marginale and Rickettsia raoultii. The findings are significant for understanding the ticks and associated pathogens in the northern areas of Pakistan.
Article
Parasitology
Q. A. H. Majeed, H. Gattan, B. M. Al-Ahmadi, A. F. Shater, A. D. Alanazi, M. S. H. Alazemi
Summary: The green synthesized silver nanoparticles (SNP) showed promising acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent activity against Hyalomma dromedarii ticks. SNP dose-dependently increased the mortality rate of adult ticks and reduced the viability rate of larvae. Additionally, SNP decreased the level of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activity, and induced oxidative stress in larvae.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
