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The present study used Litchi chinensis peel extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This technique is eco-friendly and can be performed in a single step; thus, it has attracted great attention for NPs biosynthesis. Herein, we biosynthesized AgNPs with L. chinensis peel extract and examined their anticoccidial activity in rabbit hepatic coccidiosis induced by E. stiedae infection. Thirty-five rabbits were allocated into seven groups: a healthy group (G1), an infected control group (G2), four groups infected before treatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis peel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G3, G5) or 50 mg/kg amprolium (G4, G6), and rabbits infected after two weeks of pretreatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis eel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G7). In this study, both pre-and post-treatment with AgNPs produced a substantial reduction in fecal oocyst output, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological hepatic lesions relative to the infected group. In conclusion, L. chinensis peel extract-prepared AgNPs should be considered harmless and efficient in the cure of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.

The present study used

In this study, we designed novel truncated Babesia caballi (B. caballi) recombinant proteins from the previously used B. caballi proteins; 134-Kilodalton Protein (rBC134) and Merozoite Rhoptry 48 Protein (rBC48). Then, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the newly designed proteins when used as a single antigen or when used as cocktail antigen consists of rBC134 full length (rBC134f) + newly designed rBC48 (rBC48t) or newly designed rBC134 (rBC134t) + rBC48t for the detection of B. caballi infection in horse using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). We used one dose and a half of each antigen in the cocktail formulas. The serum samples were collected from different endemic areas in addition to the sera collected from horses experimentally infected with B. caballi were used in the present study. Cocktail antigen in full dose of (rBC134f + rBC48t) exhibited the highest optical density (OD) values with B. caballi–infected sera and showed the lowest OD values with normal equine sera or B. caballi, and Theileria equi mixed infected sera in comparison with the single antigen. Interestingly, the same cocktail antigen exhibited the highest concordance rate (76.74%) and kappa value (0.79) in the screening of 200 field serum samples collected from five B. caballi endemic countries, including South Africa (n = 40), Ghana (n = 40), Mongolia (n = 40), Thailand (n = 40), and China (n = 40) using iELISA and the results were compared to those of indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) as a reference. Moreover, the identified promising cocktail full dose antigen (rBC134f + rBC48t) showed that it can detect the infection as early as the 4th day post-infection in sera collected from experimentally infected horses. The obtained results revealed the reliability of the rBC134f + rBC48t cocktail antigen when used in full dose for the detection of specific antibodies to B. caballi in horses which will be useful for epidemiological surveys and control of equine babesiosis.

Background An innovative approach has been introduced for identifying and developing novel potent and safe anti-Babesia and anti-Theileria agents for the control of animal piroplasmosis. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of Malaria Box (MBox) compounds (n = 8) against the growth of Babesia microti in mice and conducted bioinformatics analysis between the selected hits and the currently used antibabesial drugs, with far-reaching implications for potent combinations. Methods A fluorescence assay was used to evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effects of the selected compounds. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using hierarchical clustering, distance matrix and molecular weight correlation, and PubChem fingerprint. The compounds with in vivo potential efficacy were selected to search for their target in the piroplasm parasites using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results Screening the MBox against the in vivo growth of the B. microti parasite enabled the discovery of potent new antipiroplasm drugs, including MMV396693 and MMV665875. Interestingly, statistically significant (P Theileria equi in vitro culture in comparison with untreated cultures. MMV396693/clofazimine and MMV665875/atovaquone (AV) showed maximum structural similarity (MSS) with each other. The distance matrix results indicate promising antibabesial efficacy of combination therapies consisting of either MMV665875 and AV or MMV396693 and imidocarb dipropionate (ID). Conclusions Inhibitory and hematology assay results suggest that MMV396693 and MMV665875 are potent antipiroplasm monotherapies. The structural similarity results indicate that MMV665875 and MMV396693 have a similar mode of action as AV and ID, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that MBox compounds provide a promising lead for the development of new antibabesial therapeutic alternatives. Graphical Abstract

Since the last survey on gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites infecting dogs in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, was published 40 years ago, the present study detected various GIT parasites in feces of 78 stray dogs in this governorate. Twenty-one dogs (35.9%) had eggs/oocysts of eight different parasites including Toxocara canis (19.2%), Toxascaris leonina (2.6%), hookworms (1.3%), Taenia species (5.1%), Dipylidium caninum (2.6%), Cystoisospora canis (5.1%), Cystoisospora ohioensis (2.6%), and Neospora caninum-like oocysts (1.3%). These results were combined in various meta-analyses with findings of all published surveys on GIT parasites of dogs in Egypt to underline the potential parasitic zoonoses from dogs in the country. Feces and/or gastrointestinal tracts of 19,807 dogs from various Egyptian governorates, but particularly Cairo, have been microscopically tested in 182 datasets published between 1938 and 2022, revealed during our systematic database search. Toxocara canis, interestingly, displayed a twofold higher pooled prevalence (24.7%) when compared to the published global pooled prevalence for T. canis, indicating that dogs represent a major risk for toxocariasis in humans from Egypt. Dipylidium caninum (25.4%) as well as various Taenia species (17.1%) also displayed high pooled prevalences. On the contrary, lower pooled prevalence was estimated for the most important zoonotic taeniid “Echinococcus granulosus” (2.4%) as well as for hookworms (1.8%) in comparison to what has been published from other countries in the region. Relatively high prevalences were estimated for three protozoa detected in dogs and are common to infect children in Egypt; Cryptosporidium (5.5%), Giardia (7.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (9.8%). In general, the pooled prevalence estimated for various parasites detected in dogs from Egypt has decreased in the recent years, sometimes by as much as one-fifth, but this great decline is statistically insignificant, which should alert the veterinary and public health authorities to continue their efforts for controlling these parasites in a “One Health” approach.

In the present investigation, ZnO NPs was fabricated using Eriobotrya japonica leaves extract. The E. Japonica leaves powder was extracted and mixed with 0.2 M zinc nitrate in 2:4 ratio and pH was adjusted using ammonia solution. Different techniques including UV–Visible spectroscopy (U.V-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized ZnO NPs. The peak at 375 nm was observed for ZnO NPs, while the average particle size was 13.0 nm. The elemental composition analysis revealed the NPs was highly pure having irregular platelets shape with aggregates tendency. The as-prepared ZnO NPs was analyzed for their photocatalytic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The ZnO NPs exhibited a promising DPPH scavenging activity and was highly active against S. aureus, P. multocida, E. coli and B. subtilis strains. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) was appraised against the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye and we found 72% degradation within 160 min of treatment. Since the synthesized NPs have shown promising bioactivity and PCA, the synthesis of these NPs using E. japonica leaves extracts is suggested for different applications.

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) are listed among the most serious concerns harming Egyptian livestock’s productivity. Several reports on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) from various geographical regions in the country were published. However, data on the molecular characterization of TBPs are the most beneficial for understanding the epidemiology of this important group of pathogens. In this study, we present the first meta-analysis on the molecular epidemiology and species diversity of TBPs infecting animals in Egypt. All published studies on TBPs were systematically collected from various databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, and Google Scholar). Data from eligible papers were extracted and subjected to various analyses. Seventy-eight studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. Furthermore, ticks infesting animals that were molecularly screened for their associated pathogens were also included in this study to display high species diversity and underline the high infection risk to animals. Theileria annulata was used as parasite model of TBPs to study the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics across different governorates of Egypt. This study extends cross-comparisons between all published molecular data on TBPs in Egypt and provides resources from Egyptian data in order to better understand parasite epidemiology, species diversity, and disease outcome as well as the development and implementation of prevention and control methods for public health, veterinary care practitioners, and animal owners all over the country.

In this study, Scaphanocephalus parasite (Platyhelminthes: Heterophyidae) metacercariae were found in Siganus argenteus (forktail rabbitfish or streamlined spinefoot) in the Arabian Gulf of Jubail province, Saudi Arabia. The findings may constitute new host and locality records for this parasite. Based on the number of black spots containing parasite cysts per fish, our study indicated that Siganus argenteus had high infection intensities of encysted metacercariae belonging to the genus Scaphanocephalus. Of the 3500 S. argenteus specimens examined, 800 (22.9%) showed multiple black cysts over the entire body surface, including the membranous parts of fins, while none were seen on the internal organs. The prevalence of infection was highest in summer (June-August) (8.8%). The excysted metacercariae differed morphologically from previously identified Scaphanocephalus spp. Molecular analysis of rDNA showed 100% identity with an unnamed Scaphanocephalus sp. reported in Caribbean fish. Therefore, our findings may indicate a new species of this previously rarely recorded fish parasite. The histopathological examination revealed that the encysted parasites were restricted to the dermal layer of the skin and surrounded by melanophores and a fibrous connective tissue capsule, with focal myositis and Zenker’s necrosis in the underlying muscle tissue. The characteristically ‘winged’ parasite was clearly observed within the cysts. The high prevalence of Scaphanocephalus infection in siganid fish we detected requires further epidemiological study.

Background Thileriosis is a tick -born disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites which has global veterinary and economic implications. Methods Blood samples were collected from 216 sheep and 83 goats from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed to determine whether the animals were infected with Theileria spp. parasites. The parasites were detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the gene of 18S rRNA followed by sequencing. Results According to obtained findings, Theileria spp. were detected in sheep (57.8%, 48/83) and goats (51.9%, 112/216). Phylogenetic analysis to sequence data showed that T. ovis identified in this study were found to be closely connected to an isolate from Turkey, with 84.4–99.8% pairwise identity and 52.35–99.79% coverage.

Highly efficient Ag-doped ZnO (Ag-ZnO)/sulfurized graphitic C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized in a two-step hydrothermal route. Initially, Ag (1–9%) was doped into ZnO nanostructure and checked photocatalytic properties. 7% Ag-doped ZnO (7Ag-ZnO) NPs shown best photocatalytic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under visible radiation, so, it was selected for forming composite with S-g-C3N4. In 1st step, S-g-C3N4 was synthesized by calcinating. In the 2nd step, 7Ag-ZnO/S-g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was formed by in situ formation of 7Ag-ZnO NPs in the presence of different contents of S-g-C3N4 (3.5–75 wt%) through hydrothermal route. As a result of 7Ag-ZnO/S-g-C3N4 heterostructure, a large number of catalytic active sites were generated for photocatalytic degradation. Interestingly, the 7% Ag-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with 25% S-g-C3N4 exhibited 97% MB degraded within 40 min, which was degraded up to 57% by 7Ag-ZnO alone. Moreover, the photo corrosion of ZnO NPs was inhibited by doping with Ag and coupling with S-g-C3N4.

The use of nanocomposites having heterostructured junctions-nanoparticle combination for enhanced photocatalytic degradation ability is in practice. These nanocomposites were considered better photocatalysts due to increased electron-hole pair production and delay in their recombination rate. Thus, photogenerated electron-hole pairs were also reported to be used as good antibacterial agents. In this study, a series of g-C3N4 hybridized with Sn doped ZnO novel nanocomposites were prepared using the unique chemical co-precipitation method. This synthesis method was known as a low-cost, environmentally-friendly, in-situ fabrication process. Zinc acetate, Tin chloride, and urea are being used as precursor materials. The morphology of synthesized g-C3N4 hybridized with Sn doped ZnO nanocomposite was mainly assessed by XRD, FTIR, TEM, and SEM techniques. The elemental determination was performed by using EDS analysis, and band gaps were calculated using the tauc plot method. The photocatalytic ability of synthesized materials was established by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation. To establish reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic mechanism, a series of scavenger experiments were conducted. It was discovered that both O2− and h+ radicals are involved in photodegradation and antibacterial activity. The visible light cropping was assessed by using PL spectroscopy. The surface area calculations were made via BET analysis. The antibacterial properties were assessed against Escherichia Coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus saliverius.

Catalytic transesterification of vegetable oil is a promising technique for biodiesel production versus a base catalyzed process due to higher contents of free fatty acids (FFA). In transesterification process, FFA converts into mono-esters and oil pretreatment enable furnish optimal methyl ester yield. In the present investigation, Fe, Ni and Cu doped ZnO nano-catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation method and employed for the conversion of neem oil (non-edible) as function of temperature, reaction time, oil to methanol ratio, stirring speed and catalyst dose. In case of Ni doped ZnO, oil to methanol ratio 1:5, stirring speed 150 rpm, time 80 min, 2% catalyst dose and 60 °C temperature yielded 80% biodiesel. Under similar conditions, Fe and Cu doped ZnO furnished 95% and 85% yield, respectively. Kinetics and thermodynamic model used to find out the conversion of oil in to biodiesel and the R2 values of Fe, Ni and Cu doped ZnO catalysts are 0.8233, 0.8935 and 0.9286 and process followed the pseudo first order kinetics. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel were investigated and compared with standards. The result revealed that the Fe, Ni and Cu doped ZnO catalysts are promising heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification of oil to biodiesel under mild reaction conditions.

Heads of sheep (n = 600) and goats (n = 800) slaughtered at Al-Aziziah Abattoir in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were inspected for the presence of O. ovis larvae (L). Heads were split along the longitudinal axes, and larvae (L1, L2, and L3) were gathered. The infestation rate was significantly higher in goats (44.5%, 356/800) than that in sheep (22.3%, 134/600). Out of the 151 collected larvae from sheep, 0% were L1, 1.3% were L2, and 98.7% were L3. Out of the total of 468 larvae from goats, 0% were L1, 1.2% were L2, and 98.8% were L3. The infestation rate was significantly higher in males than that in females. Myiasis-causing larvae collected from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were authenticated as O. ovis, according to morphological characteristics. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a partial fragment (600 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene further confirmed the species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial mtCOI gene sequence demonstrated that 23 unique sequences showed high similarity based on nucleotide pairs of O. ovis accessions retrieved from GenBank.

This study investigated the effect of oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora monlmol Engler (Family: Burceraceae) known as Myrrh and the commercial extract known as Mirazid as a treatment against hepatic coccidiosis induced by the parasite Eimeria stiedae in domestic rabbits. Rabbits were infected with 1000 parasite sporulated oocysts and subjected to two treatment regimens, using crude myrrh suspension and the oleo-resin extract, mirazid, each administered at 500 mg/kg rabbit body weight. Treatments of infected rabbits resulted in significant reduction of the mean oocyst numbers in rabbit faeces by 52.38% in the crude-treated rabbits and by 90.90% mirazid-treated rabbits, compared to the untreated infected rabbits at day 21 post-infection (pi). At day 28 pi no oocysts parasite were observed in the faeces of rabbits. Both treatments resulted in significant recovery of infected rabbits from all symptoms of infection compared to the untreated infected group and healthy control groups. Histopathological examination of liver showed remarkable improvement in all histopathological parameters in G5 and G8 compared with the infected untreated G2. These included an almost complete healing of the hemorrhagic tissue and partial healing of the endothelial lining and hepatocytes encircling the central vein, the hepatocytes laminate regained their original radial shape and disappearance of fat vacuoles from the tissue and remarkable reduction in lymphocytes infiltration, decreased hyperplasia of the epithelial cells with significant decreasing of the parasite stage numbers. Results also indicate that mirazid was more effective than crude myrrh, probably due to higher content of purified active ingredients.