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Background and Objective: Congenital dislocation of the hip is a malformation of the lower limbs that could be complicated by a disabling physical handicap with long-term psychological and social repercussions if detected late. This study aims to describe the screening for congenital hip dislocation and to investigate the association between the occurrence of this anomaly and possible risk factors in Morocco. Methods: The study was based on the exploitation of the records of children treated at the trauma and orthopedics department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, Morocco. It concerned 160 cases with a 5-year follow-up from January 2016 to March 2021. Results: The results of the study showed that 56.7% of the affected children had a bilateral dislocation and 25.8% of the cases had a left-sided dislocation. The malformation occurred more frequently in females 69.2%. A familial disposition to the malformation was found in about 22% of the cases. The diagnosis was late (at walking age) in 61% of children following the onset of lameness with or without pain in 91% of children. In 41.87% of the hips, the reduction was surgical, with 28% failure dominated by acetabular dysplasia in 11%. Conclusion: The risk factors for congenital hip dislocation identified in our setting were dominated by sex, primiparity, consanguineous marriage, and the presence of a family history of dislocation. Communication of risk factors specific to our setting to healthcare personnel will allow them to guide the diagnosis and increase vigilance in the at-risk population for management that prevents the development of complications.

Background: Congenital malformations are among the most pressing health concerns globally. In Morocco, minimizing the morbidity and mortality associated with congenital malformations is a key health policy objective. In the Marrakech-Safi region, the prevalence and etiology of congenital malformations remain unclear. Objectives: This study seeks to ascertain the prevalence of clinically evident congenital malformations and identify the factors contributing to their incidence in the Marrakech-Safi region. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the maternity ward of the Mohamed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech in 2022. An obstetric chart was utilized to gather sociodemographic, obstetrical, maternal, and neonatal data from the target population, including risk factors. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Results: Out of 17 250 files reviewed, 159 births with malformations were identified, resulting in a prevalence of 0.92% of births. Newborns with multiple malformations constituted 22.64% of all cases, with a prevalence of 2.08/1000 births. Neural tube defects were the most common, with a prevalence of 3.65/1000 births, followed by musculoskeletal defects and digestive tract defects. Chromosomal malformations, specifically trisomy 21, were the fifth most common, with a prevalence of 1.4/1000 births. Facial and urogenital malformations were the least frequent in this study. The occurrence of congenital malformations in this region is influenced by various risk factors, including maternal age, male sex, parity, medical history, and newborn weight at birth. Conclusions: In the Marrakech-Safi region, congenital malformations are influenced by a wide range of risk factors. Identifying these factors is crucial for healthcare providers to enhance surveillance among at-risk populations and develop effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by a variety of routes, including the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. It infects roughly one-third of the world's population and is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite. The goal of this research is to detect the existence and genotypes of T. gondii in beef and mutton, two of the most widely consumed red meats in Gaza, Palestine, using both ELISA and PCR techniques. For this purpose, 60 red meat samples were collected from butcheries in Gaza city, during the period from January to March 2021. These samples were divided evenly between beef and mutton. This study found that beef is devoid of T. gondii, whether tested using ELISA or PCR. On the contrary, both approaches detected T. gondii in mutton; however, the percentage of positive samples reported differed. For example, whereas T. gondii was detected in 14 (46.66 %) of 30 samples using ELISA, only 5 (16.66 %) of positive samples were detected using PCR. The genotyping results of the current investigation showed that the three DNA isolates were T. gondii type II. A Chisquare test was also implemented to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii and the type of red meat samples (mutton and beef) examined using PCR and ELISA. Similarly, in the detection of T. gondii, a comparison of the PCR approach and ELISA was conducted, and all of these relationships were shown to be statistically significant, with p values < 0.05. Meanwhile, this investigation found that beef samples were devoid of T. gondii infection. Regardless of whether it was examined with an ELISA or a PCR, this study revealed the occurrence of T. gondii in mutton. The current study also concluded that eating raw or undercooked mutton is a potential risk factor for the transmission of T. gondii infection to humans. Besides, the occurrence of T. gondii type II in the three genotyped ADNA isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infection caused by Leishmania parasite that affect human and animal. In Morocco, the cutaneous leishmaniasis has spread substantially to the new areas. The surveillance limited to active foci may underestimate the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study aims to investigate the local transmission of CL in rural districts of Youssoufia province, central Morocco, as a potential focus of CL. Methods: For this purpose, parasitological, molecular and entomological investigations were carried out in this area. Data collection concerns potential vectors and human cases. Thus, 402 patients were examined for suspected leishmaniasis lesions in three localities of the province of Youssoufia. In these same localities, 983 sand flies were collected by CDC light traps and sticky paper during one‐night per month during 6 months. These sand flies were all identified morphologically using the Moroccan identification key. Results: The results showed that among the 25 skin lesions detected in a population of 402 individuals, 18 were confirmed by kDNA nested PCR as CL positive patients, of which only 25% were positive by direct examination. Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major were identified as causative agents of CL in the study area. Direct parasitological examination showed a low sensitivity (27.78%), especially for L. major, although its specificity was evaluated at 100%. Regarding entomological results, both genera of the Moroccan sand fly were collected in the study area: Genus/Phlebotomus (75.28%) and Sergentomyia (24.72%). Phlebotomus (P) papatasi, the proven vector of L. major, was the most abundant species (33.98%), followed by Paralongicollum sergenti (22.58%), the confirmed vector of L. tropica; while Sergentomyia (S) minuta, P. longicuspis, S. fallax and P. kazeruni were collected with, respectively, 17.60%, 16.99%, 7.12% and 1.73%. Conclusion: This study constitutes the first report of CL in the study areas, as well as the coexistence of L. tropica and L. major in these rural localities. Local transmission of CL is highly probable, as indicated by the prevalence of the two proven vectors of L. major and L. tropica. To control the spread of this disease, our results suggest the use of highly sensitive molecular methods to detect CL cases in potential leishmaniasis foci, which will improve surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Congenital malformations (CMs) are a group of structural or functional anomalies present at birth. These anomalies result in a high rate of mortality, morbidity, and disability in children. CMs are a major public health problem and place a heavy burden on healthcare systems in both developed and developing countries including Morocco, which has had a CMs surveillance system in place since 2011. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CMs in Morocco. Methods. In this study, the epidemiology of CMs in Morocco was assessed retrospectively using the national surveillance system data gathered from case notification forms from 2017 to 2021. Results. The main results showed that the prevalence of CMs in Morocco is 3.91/1000 live births (LBs), and the minimum annual prevalence of CMs was reached in 2017 (3.10/1000 LBs) while the maximum annual prevalence was recorded in 2018 (4.55/1000 LBs). The majority of CMs are unspecified CMs (68.55%), neural tube defects (NTDs) account for (21.13%), and orofacial clefts (OFCs) account for (10.32%). In addition, the majority of CMs (61.73%) were from rural areas. According to region, the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region recorded the highest prevalence of CMs in Morocco, with 8.81/1000 LBs, while the lowest prevalence was recorded in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, with 2.02/1000 LB. Conclusions. This study reveals that the national prevalence of CMs is high and may be underestimated, as most of the CMS reported is unspecified. The use of a CM registry with detailed reporting of all CMs and the promotion of preventive measures are urgently recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have long been valued for their medicinal and nutritional contributions to human life. Anacyclus pyrethrum, a member of the Asteraceae family, has attracted increasing attention as a source of natural products with diverse applications. In this study, we explored the toxicity and pharmacological properties of the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum (AEAP). The acute toxicity study involved groups of mice subjected to oral administration of varying doses of AEAP, with immediate post-administration observations to detect any signs of toxicity or mortality. Comprehensive biochemical and hematological analyses encompassed assessments of renal function. The pharmacological profile was assessed by evaluating antinociceptive, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects, which were measured using the hot plate test, elevated plus maze, open field test, and forced swim test, respectively. Different doses (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) were administered to rats via gavage for this assessment. The results revealed that the acute toxicity demonstrated the safety of AEAP at the tested doses, with no observed mortality or significant alterations. Moreover, it revealed that AEAP possesses an LD50 value greater than 5000 mg/kg. The pharmacological properties of AEAP demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg, while no antinociceptive effect was observed. These findings underscore the potential of A. pyrethrum as a natural source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to explore long-term and chronic effects for a comprehensive assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of substance use disorders and explored associations between parental substance use disorder history and mental health disorders among psychiatric hospital inpatients in central Morocco. A total of 723 participants were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records, covering psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic characteristics, substance use disorders among patients and their parents, as well as the patient's psychiatric history and length of hospital stay. Participants were divided into two groups: those with parental history of substance use disorders (PSUD) and those without. Patients' mean ages were 34.40 years (± 11) and 35.5 years (± 12), respectively. The prevalence of substance use was notably high among participants, with cannabis use being the most prevalent (90.6%). Educational level was associated with PSUD, with participants having no formal education showing a higher likelihood of having parents with SUD (unadjusted odds ratio, UOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.03). Polysubstance use was also associated with the PSUD group (UOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.73 to 3.40). Regarding psychiatric disorders, one in five patients in the PSUD group had schizophrenia (21.35%), followed by acute psychotic episodes (20.5%), depression (20.29%), and anorexia (8.24%). The study revealed a high overall prevalence of substance use among participants with mental health disorder, highlighting the significance of parental SUD history as a predictor for patients' mental health disorders. This suggests the need for special attention and preventive measures. [Psychiatr Ann. 2024;54(2):e56–e66.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trihexyphenidyl (THP)—a synthetic anticholinergic medication used to manage parkinsonism and extrapyramidal symptoms—has gained significant clinical recognition. However, there is a critical gap in understanding its withdrawal effects. This study investigates the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and oxidative stress during THP withdrawal. Furthermore, it explores the therapeutic potential of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP) for alleviating the associated adverse effects. This comprehensive research combines behavioral tests, biochemical analysis, gut microbiome assessment utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and oxidative stress measures. The results reveal that the chronic administration of THP leads to severe withdrawal syndrome, marked by heightened anxiety, depressive-like behaviors, increased cortisol levels, elevated oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis. However, the administration of AEAP alongside THP shows a significant capacity to mitigate these deleterious effects. Co-treatment and post-treatment with AEAP increased bacterial density and diversity, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria associated with improved gut health. Furthermore, AEAP administration reduced cortisol levels and exhibited potent antioxidant properties, effectively countering the THP-induced oxidative damage. This study highlights the withdrawal effects of THP and underscores the therapeutic potential of AEAP for managing these symptoms. The findings reveal its promising effects in alleviating behavioral and biochemical impairments, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring gut microbiota, which could significantly impact the clinical management of THP withdrawal and potentially extend to other substance withdrawal scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary metabolites derived from plants have demonstrated significant biological activity and hold both edible and medicinal significance. These compounds play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the context of inflammatory disorders and chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical characterization, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial properties of the aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP). To achieve this, we employed various analytical techniques including HPLC–ESI–MS/MS, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the AEAP was assessed using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and reducing power assays, while antibacterial activity was evaluated against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium) using the broth microdilution assay. Our findings demonstrated significant antioxidant activity of the AEAP, as well as broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. HPLC analysis identified important bioactive compounds, notably pellitorine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Overall, the AEAP demonstrated potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, suggesting its potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds with various therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggests the existence of a 'brain–gut axis' as the involving connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiome (GM). Dysbiosis of the GM has been associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, malignant, and inflammatory conditions. However, little is currently known about the involvement of this axis in modulating the GM in response to psychoactive substances. In this study, we investigated the effect of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy")-dependence on the behavioral and biochemical responses, and the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome in rats post-treated (or not) with aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP), which has been reported to exhibit anticonvulsant activity. The dependency was validated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, behavioral, and biochemical tests, while the gut microbiota was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The CPP and behavioral tests confirmed the presence of MDMA withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, treatment with AEAP led to a compositional shift in the GM compared to the MDMA-treated rats. Specifically, the AEAP group yielded a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter, while animals receiving MDMA had higher levels of E. coli. These findings suggest that A. pyrethrum therapy may directly modulate the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential target for regulating and treating substance use disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected skin disease that poses a serious health problem in many countries including Morocco. Although treatment is free of charge at state health facilities, there is under-utilization of health services by patients. The objective is to know and understand the obstacles faced by people with cutaneous leishmaniasis when seeking anti-Leishmania treatment. Qualitative study was conducted among people affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Morocco in rural communes in the province of El Hajeb. In-depth individual interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was used to process and present these data. In total, fourteen people with cutaneous leishmaniasis were recruited with an average age of 45 years, 78.6 % of whom lived in rural areas. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Perception of the disease and trivialization of skin lesions; (2) Popular treatmentseeking behavior; (3) Gender and decision to seek treatment; (4) Therapeutic preferences and refusal of injection. This research showed that patients did not seek medical treatment for their disease until the lesions persisted despite the application of traditional remedies. Socio-cultural aspects were the most important factors preventing patients from seeking and receiving timely medical care. The female gender was a determinant for seeking health care from caregivers. The trivialization of skin lesions and the use of traditional practices were socio-cultural factors limiting the use of medical treatment by those affected. These factors, together with the fear of pain caused by the injection, were the decisive point for abandoning anti-Leishmania treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand flies are the exclusive vectors of leishmaniasis. This group of parasitic diseases is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The aim of this study was to investigate the sand fly fauna, mainly the species composition, biodiversity, and seasonal activity of sand flies in El Hajeb in central Morocco. A total of six stations (Aït Naaman, Aït Rbaa, Aït Brahim, Ain Taoujdate, Sidi Mbarek, and Aït Oufella) were studied, five of which had recently recorded cases of leishmaniasis. Sand fly bimonthly captures were carried out using a sticky paper trap in different biotopes from March to December 2019. A total of 14590 adult sand flies were collected. The activity of the sand fly started in April and declined in November. The periods of high abundance were July, September, and November. Morphological identification of sand flies shows the presence of twelve species: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. longicuspis, P. perniciosus, P. sergenti, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. dreyfussi, P. ariasi, Sergentomyia fallax, S. minuta, S. schwetzi, and S. antennata. The analysis showed that species belonging to the genus Phlebotomus were the most dominant (93.3%) and the risk periods were spread during the summer and autumn seasons. The present study provides for the first time information on the species of sand flies in El Hajeb. It, therefore, provides decision makers with an important tool to conduct vector control actions during peak periods in order to limit the transmission of leishmaniasis. A preprint was made available by the research square in the following link: "https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1409330/v1/dfef7013-0327-4a54-897f-214924a2d950.pdf?c=1646838874." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of newly described sandfly-borne phleboviruses has been steadily growing in recent years. Some phleboviruses are human pathogens, but their health relevance is largely uncharacterized. We aimed to investigate the circulation of these viruses in the Emilia-Romagna region where several have already been described. A total of 482 sandflies were collected in a site in Reggio Emilia in 2019 and 2020. Sandflies collected in 2020 were grouped in 21 pools with a maximum of 25 sandflies per pool, submitted to real time PCR, and isolated in Vero cell culture. Complete genome sequencing showed the isolation of a strain of a Ponticelli III virus. This virus, which belongs to the species Adana phlebovirus, differed in the M segment from the Ponticelli I and Ponticelli II viruses. Analysis performed on the genomic segments of the newly isolated virus compared with other phleboviruses highlighted a strong purifying selection in the L segments, and different substitution saturation, highest in the M segments. Future research should address the ecological processes driving the occurrence of these novel phleboviruses and their possible impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the introduction of active teaching methods, health science education has undergone considerable transformation. These methods help students become more motivated and develop communication, analytical and critical thinking skills, which influence students' learning practices.The objective of this study is to evaluate effects of role-play simulation-based case studies on motivation and learning strategies among health sciences.One hundred sixty-two students participated in this randomized trial. Students in the control group (n = 86) attended traditional interactive lectures, whereas students in the experimental group (n = 76) participated in role-play simulation-based case studies. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was administered both before and after educational intervention for both groups.Compared to the control group, the scores of the experimental group are higher for Intrinsic goal orientation, Task value, Self-efficacy for learning and performance, Metacognitive self-regulation, Elaboration and critical thinking, Peer learning and help seeking (p< 0,001). In addition, we observed a positive association between role-play simulation-based case studies and Post-test sore of MLSQ for Task value, Self-efficacy for learning and performance, and Peer learning and help seeking (p < 0.05).The study findings support the use of role-play simulation-based case studies in improving the motivation significantly and changing learning strategies for health care students. This active method can be recommended as a promising method for teaching health science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Morocco where both cutaneous and visceral forms coexist. To date, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) determinants remain poorly investigated in Morocco. However, the disease risk factors identification is vital to determine the specific preventive process. In this aim, a case-control study was conducted in the main active ACL foci in central Morocco. Epidemiological data were extracted from bulletins, registers and annual reports of the regional direction of Health offices. The socioeconomic and environmental data were collected from epidemiological surveys, completed by a questionnaire intended for accessible positive population and control people selected from the cases' entourage. The study included 258 cases and 395 controls. Our results showed that many socioeconomic factors were associated with ACL in Morocco such as the rural habitation (OR = 4.163; 95% CI: 2.91–5.96), movement to endemic area (OR = 4.53; 95% CI: 3.03–6.77), provenance from leishmaniasis foci (in Essaouira focus OR = 5.34; 95% CI: 1.19–24.03) and poverty. In addition, environmental factors like proximity of vegetation (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14–5.25), poor domestic hygiene, particularly the absence of sewage system/waste management (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.35–1.96), and presence of animals (OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.14–5.25) increase the risk of ACL in Morocco. Except for Matrimonial status (married people, OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.80–9.41), there is however no significant association of the disease with the other socio-demographic factors in the study area (p>0.05). These several risk factors must be taken in consideration to prevent this disease through multidisciplinary collaboration and community participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: there is a high proportion of novice midwives assigned to healthcare centers located in rural area difficult to access geographically. To improve professional communication and professionalization of these novice midwives, e-mentoring is proposed as a solution to consolidate support of the novice midwives. The aim of our research is to explore the feasibility and the acceptability of an e-mentoring professional coaching model of midwives in our geographic and professional context. Methods: an exploratory study targeted the Newly Recruited Midwives (NRMW) having less than two years of practice (N = 31) in northern Morocco. The model is inserted in a "Slack" free software where two mentors admitted the NRMW who consented to participate (N=21) in our study. The mentors ensured a synchronous and asynchronous assistance to the participants in their workplace through this platform. A questionnaire was self-administered by the participants in the first meeting. It assessed the professional skills of the participants and their coaching and training needs. The mentors shared documents and set activities in the channels of the platform. Public channels and forums have been launched. The model lasted from April 22 to May 22, 2019. Results: participation rate was 67.7% (21/31). The interactivity with the platform was uninterrupted through the period test. A high level of digital familiarization was noted. A proportion of 95% expressed the willingness to participate in an e-mentoring professional coaching model associated with a remote mentor permanently. Conclusion: the continuous interactivity of novice midwives with the e-mentoring model showed that it is feasible and acceptable in our context. Such model will solve the problems experienced by midwives in their workplace without delay or additive fees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly established that warm blooded animals are extremely vulnerable to the infectious coccidian parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii can be transmitted to poultry and livestock through the ingestion of oocyst (fecal-oral), and placenta (congenital toxoplasmosis) in livestock. Cattle, sheep, and rabbits are some of the most consumed livestock in Palestine. As for poultry, backyard chicken, caged chicken, and caged turkeys are some of the most consumed birds. The aim of the present study is to detect the seroprevalence of Anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG/IgM) among the frequently consumed livestock and poultry, which is collected from farms and slaughterhouses in Gaza, Palestine. For this specific study, blood samples from 213 cattle, 100 sheep, and 99 rabbits were collected. On the other hand, 50 blood samples from each type of poultry mentioned above were also collected. The criteria of samples collection based on a quick survey was performed among animal breeders and slaughterhouses owners in the study area, under the guidance of the colleagues in the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture (veterinary department), as well as with the support of documented references as the targeted animal groups are the most suitable for meat production regardless of age and gender. The collected samples were analyzed through the use of the ELISA technique and Rapid Cassette Test. The results of the present study showed a high seroprevalence of Anti-T. gondii antibodies among sheep, which was 64.00 % and 13.14% among cattle. On the other hand, the results among backyard chicken and caged chicken were 26.00% and 2.00%, respectively. However, no antibodies were detected in the serum of rabbits and caged turkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous obligate intracellular parasite that can infect homeothermic animals, is one of the main pathogens causing foodborne diseases worldwide. In Gaza, Palestine, leafy vegetables are frequently eaten raw. The present study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of T. gondii oocyst in local leafy vegetables. Fifty samples each of six species of leafy plants sold in open-air markets, in supermarkets, and by retail sellers were randomly collected from March to August 2019, for a total of 300 samples. The samples were examined by light microscopy after flotation in Sheather’s sucrose solution and by PCR assay of the pelleted samples. All suspect T. gondii oocysts were confirmed with a PCR assay. With the PCR assay of the pelleted samples, only 19 (6.33%) of the 300 samples were positive for T. gondii, whereas with the Sheather’s flotation method, 35 (11.66%) of the 300 samples were positive. With the PCR assay, among the six plant types mint had the highest T. gondii prevalence (10.00% of samples) followed by watercress and dill (both 8.00%), parsley (6.00%), thyme (4.00%), and lettuce (2.00%). Even though the relative prevalence of T. gondii in the contaminated plant species was similar with both the PCR and Sheather’s flotation methods, the actual prevalences were different. With Sheather’s flotation, T. gondii prevalence was highest in mint (18.00% of samples) followed by watercress (14.00%), dill (13.00%), parsley (10.00%), thyme (10.00%), and lettuce (6.00%). The relationship between T. gondii contamination and the time of year the samples were collected was also significant. The highest prevalence recorded was in July followed by June and August. These findings indicate that leafy vegetables, particularly mint, can be contaminated with T. gondii and are a potential risk factor for transmitting T. gondii to humans in Gaza, Palestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases caused by Leishmania species and transmitted by the bite of sand flies. The genus Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus of sand flies are known to be the responsible vector for transmitting almost all Leishmania species to humans. The detection of Leishmania DNA in species of the genus Sergentomyia, in different regions, suggests their likely role in Leishmania transmission. Methods: Our objective was to determine the potential geographical distribution of Sergentomyia minuta, the most dominant Sergentomyia species in Morocco, using ecological niche modeling. Results: The results showed the widespread geographical distribution of S. minuta in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco where visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis foci occur. There were six abiotic factors affecting the distribution of S. minuta whose annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and precipitation of driest month as the most important ecological variables of the model. Conclusion: A positive statistical correlation between human leishmaniasis cases and S. minuta abundance was noted suggesting the potential involvement of S. minuta in local Leishmania transmission cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmaniasis remains a major public health problem in African nations, including Morocco, where little is known about the vertebrate reservoirs involved in the causal parasites' transmission cycles. The present study investigates the role of rodent species as potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. in central Morocco, where both L. tropica and L. infantum have been reported. Methods: Rodents were caught from 22 sites in central Morocco, by using Sherman metal traps, and identified morphologically. For each specimen, genomic DNA was extracted from different tissues using the Speed Tools DNA extraction Kit. Then, samples were PCR-analyzed, targeting the SSU rRNA gene to detect Leishmania spp. DNA, followed by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and its sequencing to identify the species. Results: A total of 197 rodents belonging to ten species were captured and identified: Rattus rattus (40.61%), Mus musculus (25.38%), Apodemus sylvaticus (8.63%), Mus spretus (7.11%), Meriones shawi (5.58%), Rattus norvegicus (4.57%), Meriones libycus (3.05%), Mastomys erythroleucus (2.03%), Gerbillus campestris (2.03%) and Lemniscomys barbarus (1.01%). Molecular analysis revealed the presence of Leishmania species in 18 specimens: six R. rattus (out of 80 captured; 7.5%), 11 M. musculus (out of 50 captured; 22%), and one R. norvegicus (out of 9 captured; 11.11%). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, L. infantum and L. tropica were identified in rodent species for the first time in Morocco. These findings suggest that rodent species may be involved in L. infantum and L. tropica transmission cycles in this country but that further studies are needed to confirm their role as reservoirs of Leishmania species in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cutaneous leishmaniasis ranks among the tropical diseases least known and most neglected in Libya. World Health Organization reports recognized associations of Phlebotomus papatasi, Psammomys obesus, and Meriones spp., with transmission of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL; caused by Leishmania major) across Libya. Here, we map risk of ZCL infection based on occurrence records of L. major, P. papatasi, and four potential animal reservoirs (Meriones libycus, Meriones shawi, Psammomys obesus, and Gerbillus gerbillus). Ecological niche models identified limited risk areas for ZCL across the northern coast of the country; most species associated with ZCL transmission were confined to this same region, but some had ranges extending to central Libya. All ENM predictions were significant based on partial ROC tests. As a further evaluation of L. major ENM predictions, we compared predictions with 98 additional independent records provided by the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); all of these records fell inside the belt predicted as suitable for ZCL. We tested ecological niche similarity among vector, parasite, and reservoir species and could not reject any null hypotheses of niche similarity. Finally, we tested among possible combinations of vector and reservoir that could predict all recent human ZCL cases reported by NCDC; only three combinations could anticipate the distribution of human cases across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]