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Introduction: Blood parasites pose a significant threat to livestock production in southern Egypt, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding their circulation and epidemiology in sheep in this region. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of blood parasite infections in sheep in Assiut governorate, Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep of varying ages and genders. The preliminary screening for the presence of piroplasms, mainly Babesia and Theileria spp., via microscopic examination, followed by investigation of the potential risk factors linked with the exposure to infection. Moreover, molecular identification of both parasites on some of positive samples was performed using PCR targeting Babesia 18S rRNA and Theileria annulata Tams1 gene. Results: The microscopic examination revealed that among the examined sheep, there was an overall prevalence of blood parasites at 44% (176 out of 400), with Babesia spp. observed in 14% (56 out of 400) and Theileria spp. in 30% (120 out of 400). Furthermore, the infection rate was non-significantly higher in young animals (50%) compared to adults (38.5%) (P = 0.246). Male sheep exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability to both parasites’ infection (63.3%) compared to females (35.7%) (P = 0.011). Interestingly, the prevalence of both blood parasites was significantly higher during the cold season (66.1%) compared to the hot season (15.9%) (P = <0.001). The molecular analysis identified the presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata among a subsample of the positive sheep’s bloods films. The identified species were recorded in the GenBankTM databases and assigned specific accession numbers (OQ360720 and OQ360719 for B. ovis), and (OP991838 for T. annulata). Conclusions: Taken together, this study confirms a high prevalence of piroplasmosis and oers epidemiological and molecular insights into blood parasites in sheep from Upper Egypt, highlighting the importance of detecting these parasites in various hosts and their competent vectors (ticks) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite's blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples. Methods: We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored. Results: The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion: The study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of helminthes of sheep concerning age, sex, and seasonal variation (the cold and temperate seasons including all months of the year except July and August, were studied in Assiut Governorate, Egypt from February 2022 to January 2023. Fecal examination of 100 sheep revealed 47 (47%) were positive. Mixed infection with at least two species of helminth parasites was recorded. Five genera of helminthes were identified. Of them, three genera were nematodes, namely, Strongyle spp. (33%), Strongyloides papillosus (32%), and Trichuris ovis (5%); one genus was trematodes, namely, Paramphistomum cervi (7%); and one genus was cestodes, namely, Moniezia spp (2 %). The prevalence of helminthes was higher in young sheep aged < 2 years (60.4%) than in adults aged > 2 years (34.6%). Prevalence of helminthes in females was higher (47.1%) than in males (46.7%). Regarding seasonal variation, the prevalence of helminthes was significantly higher in the cold and temperate season (47%) than in the hot seasons (July and August) (0%). A higher prevalence of helminth infection during the cold and temperate season might be due to high humidity, which flourishes the development and growth of the larval stage and intermediate host in pasture, whereas in the hot season, dryness led to killing larval stage and intermediate host. We recommend increasing the prevention and treatment of parasitic infestation during cold and climate seasons by veterinarians to keep higher production of farm animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]