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Purpose: Alternative and affordable tick control strategies are crucial to control and prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases., Methods: In this study, we evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of 35 aqueous plant extracts (17%) against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii., Results: The phytochemical profile indicated the presence of various secondary substances. Plants were classified into three groups according to their mortality percentage 15 days post-treatment with 17%. This highly effective group (91%-95%) comprised Ocimum basilicum, Mespilus germanica, and Viola alpine followed by Carum carvi, Cucurbita pepo (peel), and Peganum harmala. A moderately effective group (80%-90%) included Acacia nilotica, Apium graveolens, Capsicum annuum, Ceratonia siliqua, Cucurbita pepo (seeds), Equisetum arvense, Eruca sativa, Ginkgo biloba, Plantago psyllium, Phyllanthus emblica, Punica granatum, and Ziziphus spinachristi. The 20 remaining plants were assigned to the less effective group (< 80%). Viscum album (58.3%), which was the least effective reference plant. The high potency of six plant extracts as acaricides may be attributed to the high content of active principles, e.g., phenols, flavonoids, and tannins., Conclusion: All of these highly effective plants are recommended for use as an acaricide, in case of facing acaricidal resistance or limited options for tick control., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Although anticoccidial drugs have been used to treat avian coccidiosis for nearly a century, resistance, bird harm, and food residues have caused health concerns. Thus, Nannochloropsis oculata was investigated as a possible coccidiosis treatment for broilers. A total of 150 1-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were treated as follows: G1-Ng: fed a basal diet; G2-Ps: challenged with Eimeria spp. oocysts and fed basal diet; G3-Clo: challenged and fed basal diet with clopidol; G4-NOa: challenged and fed 0.1% N. oculata in diet, and G5-NOb: challenged and fed 0.2% N. oculata . Compared to G2-Ps, N. oculata in the diet significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased dropping scores, lesion scores, and oocyst shedding. Without affecting breast meat colour metrics, N. oculata improved meat quality characters. At 28 days of age, birds received 0.2% N. oculata had significantly ( P < 0.05) higher serum levels of MDA, T-SOD, HDL, and LDL cholesterol compared to G2-Ps. Serum AST, ALT, and urea levels were all decreased when N. oculata (0.2%) was used as opposed to G2-Ps. Histopathological alterations and the number of developmental and degenerative stages of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal epithelium were dramatically reduced by 0.2% N. oculata compared to G2-Ps. Molecular docking revealed a higher binding affinity of N. oculata for E. tenella aldolase, EtAMA1, and EtMIC3, which hindered glucose metabolism, host cell adhesion, and invasion of Eimeria . Finally, N. oculata (0.2%) can be used in broiler diets to mitigate the deleterious effects of coccidiosis.

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a growing health challenge over time. Numerous potential phytochemicals are target-specific, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The larvicidal activity of essential oils, a jasmine blend consisting of Jasmine oil and Azores jasmine (AJ) (Jasminum sambac and Jasminum azoricum) and peppermint (PP) Mentha arvensis and their nanoformulations against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens, was evaluated after subjecting to different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Two forms of phase-different nanodelivery systems of layered double hydroxide LDH and oil/water nanoemulsions were formulated. The synthesized nanoemulsions showed particle sizes of 199 and 333 nm for AJ-NE and PP-NE, with a polydispersity index of 0.249 and 0.198, respectively. Chemical and physiochemical analysis of TEM, SEM, XRD, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, and drug release measurements were done to confirm the synthesis and loading efficiencies of essential oils' active ingredients. At high concentrations of AJ and PP nanoemulsions (2000 ppm), O/W nanoemulsions showed higher larval mortality than both LDH conjugates and crude oils. The mortality rate reached 100% for 2nd and 4th instar larvae. The relative toxicities revealed that PP nanoemulsion (MA-NE) was the most effective larvicide, followed by AJ nanoemulsion (AJ-NE). There was a significant increase in defensive enzymes, phenoloxidase, and α and β-esterase enzymes in the treated groups. After treatment of L4 with AJ, AJ-NE, PP, and PP-NE, the levels of phenoloxidase were 545.67, 731.00, 700.00, and 799.67 u/mg, respectively, compared with control 669.67 u/mg. The activity levels of α-esterase were 9.71, 10.32, 8.91, and 10.55 mg α-naphthol/min/mg protein, respectively. It could be concluded that the AJ-NE and PP-NE nanoformulations have promising larvicidal activity and could act as safe and effective alternatives to chemical insecticides., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Hyalomma dromedarii is an important tick species infesting livestock. This work evaluated the novel adulticidal, insect growth-regulating, and enzymatic efficacy of ethanol plant extracts of Aloe vera and Rheum rhabarbarum and their nanoemulsions against males and engorged females of the camel tick, H. dromedarii. The physicochemical properties of nanoemulsions were evaluated. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses indicated that the extracts contained polyphenols and flavonoids, which could enhance their acaricidal effect. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the nanoemulsions of A. vera and R. rhabarbarum were 196.7 and 291 nm, whereas their zeta potentials were - 29.1 and - 53.1 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicated that nanoemulsions showed a regular spherical shape (less than 100 nm). Fifteen days post-treatment (PT) with 25%, the mortality% of A. vera and R. rhabarbarum were 88.5 and 96.2%, respectively. Five days PT, the median lethal concentration values of A. vera, R. rhabarbarum, and their nanoemulsions were 7.8, 7.1, 2.8, and 1.02%, respectively, and their toxicity indices were 91.02, 100, 36.4, and 100%, respectively. Their median lethal time values PT with 3.5% were 6.09, 5.09, 1.75, and 1.34 days, respectively. Nanoemulsions enhanced the efficacy of the crude extract 1-7 folds, 5 days PT, and accelerated their speed of killing ticks 2-4 times. The total protein and carbohydrates, Acetylcholinesterase, Alpha esterase, and Amylase were affected PT. The reproductive potential of engorged females was adversely impacted. In conclusion, the novel A. vera and R. rhabarbarum extracts were promising acaricides, and their nanoformulations enhanced their efficacies., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

The control of the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii is very crucial. This study evaluated the novel toxicity of photosensitizers and Phoxim insecticide against H. dromedarii males using the adult immersion tests. Ticks were subjected to sunlight for 10 min post-treatment (PT). The optical characters of the applied materials were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy (250-900 nm wavelengths). The intensity of spectra decreased as dye concentration decreased. The optical bandgap energies of the dyes at different concentrations were not changed as the concentration changed and decreased as the absorption peak of individual dyes red-shifted. The mortalities 72 h PT reached 42.2%, 44.4%, 51.1%, 71.1%, 46.7%, 48.9%, 44.4%, and 55.6% for chlorophyllin, echinochrome, field stain, methylene blue, phthalocyanine, rhodamine 6G, riboflavin, and safranin, respectively. Methylene blue recorded the highest median lethal concentration (LC 50  = 127 ppm) followed by safranin, field stain, rhodamine 6G, phthalocyanine, echinochrome riboflavin, and chlorophyllin (LC 50  = 209, 251, 271, 303, 324, 332, and 362 ppm, respectively, 72 h PT). Their median lethal time, LT 50 , values PT with 240 ppm were 45, 87, 96, 72, 129, 115, 131, and 137 h, respectively. The relative toxicities of the LC 50 values 72 h PT showed that chlorophyllin, echinochrome, field stain, methylene blue, phthalocyanine, rhodamine 6G, riboflavin, and safranin were 3.2, 3.6, 4.6, 9.1, 3.8, 4.3, 3.5, and 5.6 times, respectively, more effective than Phoxim. Methylene blue, safranin, and field stain showed a broad absorbance area indicating a large photoactivity and better phototoxicity and could be used as alternative agents to synthetic acaricides., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The blow fly, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a primary facultative ectoparasite controlled by insecticides that have environmental and safety concerns; therefore, its natural and safe control is crucial. L. sericata eggs were subjected to 400 μL of 5% of 24 materials of plant-borne origin. The number of hatched and unhatched eggs were counted 24 h postexposure. Stopmyasis ® expressed the highest ovicidal effect, followed by cedarwood, orange, and tea tree oils. The mean ovicidal results were 46.09-95.24% grouped as Class A, which provided the lowest hatchability rates. Even though benzoin, vanillin, citronella, and camphor oils grouped as Class B provided moderate ovicidal effects (33.69-43.92%), their efficacy differed significantly from those of the treatments in Classes A and C containing the control group and vetiver, eucalyptus, Olbas ® , neem, sunflower, oil blends, patchouli, frankincense, p -menthane-3,8 diol (PMD), lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, calry sag, myrtle, and silicone oil. According to our knowledge, most (19 out of 24) applied materials were used as ovicides against L. serricata for the first time, except orange, eucalyptus, patchouli, cinnamon oils, and six of them were applied as ovicides against pests for the first time. Stopmyasis containing Géraniol and PMD is the drug of choice as an ecofriendly product to prevent blow fly strikes through correct diagnosis and prompt treatment preventing a disastrous and destructive course of the disease and improving quality of life.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in dogs were conducted in Blida, North-Central Algeria. The study was carried out over 131 clinically healthy dogs, from March to June 2019, by coprological methods. Of the 131 collected dogs, 61.07% (n = 80) were found infected by gastrointestinal parasites. Sixty-four dogs were carriers of a single infection with the following parasites Ancylostoma spp (15.27%), Uncinaria spp (14.50%) Toxocara canis (4.58%), Trichuris vulpis (3.82%), Toxascaris leonina (2.29%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (2.29%), Mesocestoides spp (0.76%), Cystoisospora spp. (3.05%) and Neospora caninum-like (2.29%). Sixteen dogs harbored mixed infection. Male (OR = 1.18) German shepherds' dogs were more infected (OR = 1.08) by helminthic parasites (OR = 13.64). The frequency of single infections (OR = 6.86) increased with the animal's age (OR = 1.73-3.46). Identifying hookworms, T. canis, and T. vulpis suggests a continuing risk of contamination of pet dogs as a source of human infection with the zoonotic parasites in Blida., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Botanical insecticides are promising pest control agents. This research investigated the novel pesticidal efficacy of Araucaria heterophylla and Commiphora molmol extracts against four ectoparasites through treated envelopes. Seven days post-treatment (PT) with 25 mg/mL of C. molmol and A. heterophylla , complete mortality of the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii and cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus were reached. Against H. dromedarii , the median lethal concentrations (LC 50s ) of the methanol extracts were 1.13 and 1.04 mg/mL and those of the hexane extracts were 1.47 and 1.38 mg/mL, respectively. The LC 50 values of methanol and hexane extracts against R. annulatus were 1.09 and 1.41 plus 1.55 and 1.08 mg/mL, respectively. Seven days PT with 12.5 mg/mL, extracts completely controlled Haematopinus eurysternus and Hippobosca maculata ; LC 50 of Ha. eurysternus were 0.56 and 0.62 mg/mL for methanol extracts and 0.55 and 1.00 mg/mL for hexane extracts, respectively, whereas those of Hi. maculata were 0.67 and 0.78 mg/mL for methanol extract and 0.68 and 0.32 mg/mL, respectively, for hexane extracts. C. molmol extracts contained sesquiterpene, fatty acid esters and phenols, whereas those of A. heterophylla possessed monoterpene, sesquiterpene, terpene alcohols, fatty acid, and phenols. Consequently, methanol extracts of C. molmol and A. heterophylla were recommended as ecofriendly pesticides.

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases represent an increasing global challenge. Plant extract and/or oils could serve as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The larvicidal effects of 32 oils (1000 ppm) were screened against the early 4th larvae of Culex pipiens and the best oils were evaluated against adults and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC mass) and HPLC. All oils had larvicidal activity (60.0-100%, 48 h Post-treatment, and their Lethal time 50 (LT 50 ) values ranged from 9.67 (Thymus vulgaris) to 37.64 h (Sesamum indicum). Oils were classified as a highly effective group (95-100% mortalities), including Allium sativum, Anethum graveolens, Camellia sinensis, Foeniculum vulgare, Nigella sativa, Salvia officinalis, T. vulgaris, and Viola odorata. The moderately effective group (81-92% mortalities) included Boswellia serrata, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma aromatic, Allium sativum, Melaleuca alternifolia, Piper nigrum, and Simmondsia chinensis. The least effective ones were C. sativus and S. indicum. Viola odorata, Anethum graveolens, T. vulgaris, and N. sativa provide 100% adult mortalities PT with 10, 25, 20, and 25%. The mortality percentages of the adults subjected to 10% of oils (H group) were 48.89%, 88.39%, 63.94%, 51.54%, 92.96%, 44.44%, 72.22%, and 100% for A. sativum, An. graveolens, C. sinensis, F. vulgare, N. sativa, S. officinalis, T. vulgaris, and V. odorata, respectively. Camellia sinensis and F. vulgare were the most potent larvicides whereas V. odorata, T. vulgaris, An. graveolens and N. sativa were the best adulticides and they could be used for integrated mosquito control., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The present investigation aimed to determine the fungal toxicity of Isaria tenuipes (My-It) against the dengue mosquito vector Aedes aegypti L. and its non-target impact against the aquatic predator Toxorhynchites splendens . Lethal concentrations (LC 50 and LC 90 ) of My-It were observed in 2.27 and 2.93 log ppm dosages, respectively. The sub-lethal dosage (My-It-1 × 10 4 conidia/mL) displayed a significant oviposition deterrence index and also blocked the fecundity rate of dengue mosquitos in a dose-dependent manner. The level of major detoxifying enzymes, such as carboxylesterase (α-and β-) and SOD, significantly declined in both third and fourth instar larvae at the maximum dosage of My-It 1 × 10 5 conidia/mL. However, the level of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) declined steadily when the sub-lethal dosage was increased and attained maximum reduction in the enzyme level at the dosage of My-It (1 × 10 5 conidia/mL). Correspondingly, the gut-histology and photomicrography results made evident that My-It (1 × 10 5 conidia/mL) heavily damaged the internal gut cells and external physiology of the dengue larvae compared to the control. Moreover, the non-target toxicity against the beneficial predator revealed that My-It at the maximum dosage (1 × 10 20 conidia/mL) was found to be less toxic with <45% larval toxicity against Tx. splendens . Thus, the present toxicological research on Isaria tenuipes showed that it is target-specific and a potential agent for managing medically threatening arthropods.

House flies are global pests and notoriously difficult to control. Essential oils of vetiver, cinnamon, and lavender and their blends were tested for toxic and repellent effects against larval and adult flies. All of the oils had moderate toxicity for eggs. Mortality of 2 nd instar larvae was 57-78% in dipping assays, 38-100% in contact assays, and 94-100% in treated media. Lavender was less effective (38% mortality) than the others (91-100%) in contact bioassays. Oil blends were not more effective against larvae than individual oils. Vetiver and cinnamon oils were strongly repellent (84 and 78%, respectively) for larvae in treated media. None of the oils were repellent for adult house flies in olfactometer assays, but testing of additional products demonstrated significant repellency for neem oil, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), and vanillin. Contact/fumigant toxicity of vetiver, cinnamon, and lavender oils was 100%, significantly higher than mortality from sunflower oil (67%). Blends of oils were not more effective against adults than the individual oils, but blends diluted with sunflower oil were as effective as the individual oils. Essentials oils of vetiver and cinnamon may have potential for fly management in situations where conventional insecticides cannot be used., (© 2019 The Society for Vector Ecology.)

Lucilia sericata is a facultative ectoparasite causing fly strike or myiasis in warm-blooded vertebrates. It is controlled by traps or insecticides, but both have drawbacks and alternative ways of control are urgently needed. Essential oils (EOs) of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and their blends (OBs); OB1 (2 ml of each EO plus 4 ml of sunflower oil as a carrier) and OB2 (2 ml of each EO) were tested. Oils were tested at 5% for deterrence assays, and a dose response assay 0.01-0.6%, was conducted to determine forced-contact toxicity. We evaluated the efficacy of oils as oviposition deterrents, repellents/attractants, and their effects on mortality and longevity of adult L. sericata. Our data indicated that 0.2% EOs killed all flies by 5 min post-treatment and that vetiver oil greatly deterred flies from the oviposition medium and reduced adult longevity. Sunflower oil repelled all flies from ovipositing and greatly reduced the lifespan of treated adults. The blend of the four oils (OB1) had the greatest repellent effect on the flies. EOs have insecticidal, repellent, and oviposition-deterrent activities against L. sericata that could be used for suppression of blow fly populations., (© 2018 The Society for Vector Ecology.)

Background: Myiasis induced by the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata, represents a public health problem widely distributed throughout the world. L. sericata larval stages feed on both humans and animals. L. sericata adults and larvae can play a role in spreading agents of mycobacterial infections., Objectives: It is critical to establish new and safe alternative methods of controlling L. sericata., Methods: The insecticidal effectiveness and growth inhibition potential of three commercially available essential oils (EOs), vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), as well as their blends, were tested against the second (L2) and third (L3) larval stages of L. sericata. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil was used as a carrier and tested on L2 and L3 larvae. To the best of our knowledge, all applied essential oils, except lavender, and oil blends were tested against L. sericata for the first time., Results: All applied oils did not repel L2 from the treated liver but adversely affected their development. Contact treatments on L. sericata L3 indicated that vetiver and cinnamon oils significantly affected treated larvae. Total mortality rates were 93.33 and 95.56%, respectively. Furthermore, oil blends tested through contact assays killed larvae when used at higher concentrations; adult emergence was eliminated post-treatment with doses >30% for oil blend 1 and >10% for oil blend 2., Conclusion: Overall, cinnamon and vetiver oils (5%) were selected as reliable and cheap biopesticides for controlling larvae of L. sericata. The tested oils are inexpensive and represent new promising botanical insecticides in the fight against blowflies causing myiasis., (© 2018 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are vectors of important pathogens and parasites, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and Zika virus. The application of synthetic insecticides causes development of resistance, biological magnification of toxic substances through the food chain, and adverse effects on the environment and human health. In this scenario, eco-friendly control tools of mosquito vectors are a priority. Here single-step fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using a cheap aqueous leaf extract of Zornia diphylla as reducing and capping agent pf Ag(+) ions has been carried out. Biosynthesized AgNP were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The acute toxicity of Z. diphylla leaf extract and biosynthesized AgNP was evaluated against larvae of the malaria vector Anopheles subpictus, the dengue vector Aedes albopictus and the Japanese encephalitis vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Both the Z. diphylla leaf extract and Ag NP showed dose dependent larvicidal effect against all tested mosquito species. Compared to the leaf aqueous extract, biosynthesized Ag NP showed higher toxicity against An. subpictus, Ae. albopictus, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus with LC50 values of 12.53, 13.42 and 14.61μg/ml, respectively. Biosynthesized Ag NP were found safer to non-target organisms Chironomus circumdatus, Anisops bouvieri and Gambusia affinis, with the respective LC50 values ranging from 613.11 to 6903.93μg/ml, if compared to target mosquitoes. Overall, our results highlight that Z. diphylla-fabricated Ag NP are a promising and eco-friendly tool against larval populations of mosquito vectors of medical and veterinary importance, with negligible toxicity against other non-target organisms., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) as vectors for important diseases and parasites causing millions of deaths every year. The use of synthetic pesticides against Culicidae leads to resistance and environmental concerns. Therefore, eco-friendly control tools are a priority. In this research, Nicandra physalodes-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was conducted, in order to control larval populations of three important mosquito vectors, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Biofabricated Ag NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM analyses. Ag NPs were highly toxic against the three mosquito vectors. Maximum efficacy was detected against A. stephensi (LC50=12.39μg/mL), followed by Ae. aegypti (LC50=13.61μg/mL) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50=14.79μg/mL). Interestingly, Ag NPs were safer for the non-target aquatic organism Diplonychus indicus sharing the same aquatic habitats of mosquito larvae. LC50 and LC90 values were 1032.81 and 19,076.59μg/mL, respectively. Overall, our results highlight that N. physalodes-fabricated Ag NPs are a promising for development of eco-friendly larvicides against mosquito vectors, with negligible toxicity against non-target aquatic water bugs., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two of the most important challenges facing humanity in the 21st century comprise food production and disease control. Eco-friendly control tools against mosquito vectors and agricultural pests are urgently needed. Insecticidal products of marine origin have a huge potential to control these pests. In this research, we reported a single-step method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using the aqueous leaf extract of the seaweed Hypnea musciformis, a cheap, nontoxic and eco-friendly material, that worked as reducing and stabilizing agent during the biosynthesis. The formation of AgNP was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance band illustrated in UV-vis spectrophotometer. AgNP were characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD analyses. AgNP were mostly spherical in shape, crystalline in nature, with face-centered cubic geometry, and their mean size was 40-65nm. Low doses of H. musciformis aqueous extract and seaweed-synthesized AgNP showed larvicidal and pupicidal toxicity against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti and the cabbage pest Plutella xylostella. The LC50 value of AgNP ranged from 18.14 to 38.23ppm for 1st instar larvae (L1) and pupae of A. aegypti, and from 24.5 to 38.23ppm for L1 and pupae of P. xylostella. Both H. musciformis extract and AgNP strongly reduced longevity and fecundity of A. aegypti and P. xylostella adults. This study adds knowledge on the toxicity of seaweed borne insecticides and green-synthesized AgNP against arthropods of medical and agricultural importance, allowing us to propose the tested products as effective candidates to develop newer and cheap pest control tools., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aedes aegypti is a primary vector of dengue and chikungunya. The use of synthetic insecticides to control Aedes populations often leads to high operational costs and adverse non-target effects. Botanical extracts have been proposed for rapid extracellular synthesis of mosquitocidal nanoparticles, but their impact against predators of mosquito larvae has not been well studied. We propose a single-step method for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using the extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNP were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM and XRD showed that AgNP were polydispersed, crystalline, irregularly shaped, with a mean size of 30-70 nm. EDX confirmed the presence of elemental silver. FTIR highlighted that the functional groups from plant metabolites capped AgNP, stabilizing them over time. We investigated the mosquitocidal properties of A. vulgaris leaf extract and green-synthesized AgNP against larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti. We also evaluated the predatory efficiency of Asian bullfrog tadpoles, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, against larvae of Ae. aegypti, under laboratory conditions and in an aquatic environment treated with ultra-low doses of AgNP. AgNP were highly toxic to Ae. aegypti larval instars (I-IV) and pupae, with LC50 ranging from 4.4 (I) to 13.1 ppm (pupae). In the lab, the mean number of prey consumed per tadpole per day was 29.0 (I), 26.0 (II), 21.4 (III), and 16.7 (IV). After treatment with AgNP, the mean number of mosquito prey per tadpole per day increased to 34.2 (I), 32.4 (II), 27.4 (III), and 22.6 (IV). Overall, this study highlights the importance of a synergistic approach based on biocontrol agents and botanical nano-insecticides for mosquito control.

Trichomonas gallinae is the causative agent of canker in pigeon. This work was carried out to investigate in the vitro and in vivo efficacy of aqueous water extract of garlic (AGE) on the growth of T. gallinae infecting pigeons compared to those of metronidazole (MTZ). MTZ and AGE were added, at different concentrations, to glucose-serum broth medium containing 1 × 10(4) trophozoites/ml. In the in vivo experiment, 48 squabs were grouped into four groups. The first group (gr. I) was not infected and not treated. Each squab of the other group was infected with 1 × 10(4) trophozoites. The second group (gr. II) was infected and not treated. On day 0, the third group (gr. III) was treated with MTZ (50 mg/kg BW) and the fourth group (gr. IV) was treated with AGE (200 mg/kg BW) for seven successive days in drinking water. In vitro study revealed that the MLC, 24, 48, and 72 h post treatment were 50, 25, and 12.5 μg/ml, respectively, for MTZ and 75, 50, and 50 mg/ml, respectively, for AGE. Garlic (200 mg/kg BW) had the highest antitrichomonal effect and shortened course of treatment of pigeons from 7 days in gr. III to 5 days. Squabs in gr. II suffered from macrocytic hypochromic anemia, whereas squabs in grs. III and IV showed normal blood pictures. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin were increased, whereas AST, ALT, and the total cholesterol were decreased in grs. III and IV when compared to those of gr. II. Pigeons protected with AGE showed increased body weight and reduced mortality percentage than the other groups. Our results indicated that garlic may be a promising phytotherapeutic agent for protection against trichomoniasis in pigeons.

Nasopharyngeal myiasis of camels is caused by the larvae of Cephalopina titillator. We determined the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima; lupinus, Lupinus luteus; garlic oil, Allium sativum; and peppermint, Mentha piperita, against the third larval stage of C. titillator using larval immersion tests. The positive control group was treated with ivermectin and the negative control one was treated with distilled water and few drops of Tween 80. Larvae were reared until adult emergence. The data indicated that complete larval mortalities were reached 24 h post treatment (PT) with 2 % pumpkin, 7.5 % garlic and peppermint, 30 % lupinus, and 0.15 % ivermectin. The lethal values, LC50s, were 0.20, 0.44, 0.42, 0.47, and 0.03 %, respectively. Pumpkin and ivermectin were 2 and 17 times, respectively, more effective than the other EOs. Ivermectin was seven times more intoxicating than pumpkin oil. Formation of pupae had been stopped after treatment of larvae with 2 % pumpkin, 7.5 % garlic and peppermint, 30 % lupines, and 0.04 % ivermectin. Adult emergence had been completely ceased following treatment of larvae with 0.5 % EOs and 0.04 % ivermectin. Morphological abnormalities were pronounced after treatments, and peppermint oil was the foremost cause of deformation in larvae (44 % PT with 7.5 %) and pupae (40 % PT with 2 %). Pumpkin oil (6 %) was selected to be the drug of choice for controlling C. titillator. Besides their insecticidal effects, EOs are much safer than ivermectin regarding health and environmental issues. Consequently, EOs described herein merit further study as potential nasal drench for C. titillator control.

1. The effect of butyric acid glycerides (BAGs) with and without clopidol (CLP) on Eimeria maxima on growth and associated biochemical variables was investigated in broiler chickens. 2. One-day-old chicks were divided into 6 equal groups (Gps) of 30 chicks each; each group was subdivided into 6 equal subgroups. Gp 1 was not infected and not treated. Chicks in Gp 2 were not infected and fed on a ration mixed with 4 g BAGs/kg for 6 successive weeks. Chicks of the other groups were directly inoculated intra-crop with 1 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. maxima at 14 d of age. Gp 3 was infected and not treated. Chicks in the remaining three groups were given diets mixed with the tested drugs for 6 successive weeks. Gp 4 was fed on a diet mixed with CLP (125 g/kg). Gp 5 was given a diet mixed with BAGs (4 g/kg diet). Gp 6 was fed on a diet mixed with both BAGs (4 g/kg diet) and CLP (125 g/kg). 3. Birds in Gps 5 and 6 showed a reduction in the mean oocyst count, lesion scores and developmental stages in the lamina propria and improved growth and biochemical variables. BAG supplementation enhanced growth and production of healthy broilers. 4. It was concluded that BAGs were a useful supplement in broiler diets as an alternative to growth promoters and antimicrobial drugs.

The fowl tick, Argas persicus (Oken), is of veterinary importance as a parasite of poultry and wild birds. The antitick efficacy, in vitro and in vivo, of peracetic acid (PAA) and deltamethrin (DMT) was tested separately against A. persicus through the dipping technique. PAA (0.5%) was highly efficient against soft tick larvae (A. persicus), resulting in 100 % mortality after 2 min. The lethal concentrations LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ were 0.310 and 0.503 %, respectively. The lethal time values LT₅₀ and LT₉₅ were 5.34 and 40.00 min, respectively, after treatment with PAA (0.25%). Two minutes after exposure to DMT, LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values were 0.0033 and 0.0052% (33.204 and 51.527 mg/L), respectively. The LT₅₀ and LT₉₅ values were 27.03 and 305.46 min, respectively, after treatment with 0.0025% DMT (25 mg/L). After dipping in PAA (0.5%), the chickens did not show respiratory signs or inflammation on the eyes and/or skin. By contrast, temporary coughing, sneezing, and ocular inflammations without dermatitis were observed in chickens dipped in DMT (0.005 % or 50 mg /L). Seven days posttreatment (PT), the reduction in the percentages of A. persicus infesting laying hens were 99.15 and 63.42% after dipping in PAA and DMT, respectively. However, complete elimination of the number of ticks occurred after 28 days PT with DMT. PAA inhibits molting effectively (28%) when compared with that of DMT (52%). Results indicated that PAA is a more potent and promising acaricide against A. persicus (in vitro and in vivo) than DMT.

Camels are very important livestock particularly in arid and semiarid lands. The oestrid fly, Cephalopina titillator (Clark), causes nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, and it is widely distributed in many camel breeding areas triggering health hazards and severe economic losses in camels. The prevalence of infestation of camels (slaughtered at Tokh's slaughterhouse, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, during the period from September 2011 to March 2012) was 41.67 % (100 out of 240). Most infested camels developed clinical signs of nasal discharge, restlessness, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, frequent sneezing, and snoring. Postmortem examination of infested camels explained that breathing of the animal is greatly impaired because of blockage of the nasopharynx by larvae and/or mucofibrinous secretions. The larval count per camel ranged from 1 to 250 (mean 28.45 ± 6.48). In vitro larval immersion tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of doramectin (0.003 %) as well as some essential oils (50 % each) such as lavender, camphor, and onion oils against the second and third larval stages (L2 and L3) of C. titillator. Another trial had been done for imitating what could happen if the area around camels were treated with an insecticide or an insect repellent. All treated L2 died 18 h posttreatment (PT) with both doramectin and lavender, and 100 % mortality was reached for L3 after 24 and 30 h PT with lavender and doramectin, respectively. Doramectin and lavender induced the highest response against C. titillator as their lethal time (LT50) values after treatment of L2 were 3.40 and 3.60 h, respectively, and those of L3 were 4.99 and 5.53 h, respectively. Against both L2 and L3 of C. titillator and based on LT50 values of onion oil and those of other applied materials, doramectin and lavender oil were four times more effective than onion oil, and camphor oil was two times more effective than onion oil. Based on LT50 values of essential oils and those of doramectin, as a reference substance, the relative speed of efficacy indicated that camphor and onion oils were, respectively, two and four times less effective than doramectin and lavender. With regard to fumigant technique, neither the insecticide, New Pyrosol, nor the insect repellent, Keto, was effective in controlling C. titillator larvae. Our results indicated that doramectin and lavender could be selected as drugs of choice for controlling C. titillator, but it is not permitted to use doramectin on dairy animals during lactation. Lavender (50 %) has a great potential to be developed as a novel larvicide and could be used as nasal drench against nasal botfly which will reflect on camel production and the national economy.

Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi is one of the most important veterinary ectoparasites in rabbits and results in considerable loss of weight, productivity, and wool quality. The acaricidal activity of aqueous leaf extract of neem (CAN) and ivermectin (IVR) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against S. scabiei var. cuniculi. Rabbits were classified into four groups (ten rabbits each). The first group (group 1) was designated as the negative control group. Each rabbit of the other groups was experimentally infested with 50 mites. One month post-infestation, the second group (group 2) was not treated and taken into account as the positive control group. The third group (group 3) was subcutaneously injected with 1 % IVR (200 μg/kg body weight, three times within a week interval). The fourth group (group 4) was treated topically with CAN (25 %) every 3 days for three consecutive weeks. Index scoring of lesions was described weekly. The number of live mites (larvae, nymphs, and adults) on each rabbit was counted on the 14th, 28th, and 42th day post-treatment (PT). Blood samples were taken 28 and 42 days PT for estimation of some chemical parameters. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain were recoded 14, 28, and 42 days PT. CAN (40 %) was highly efficacious against larvae of S. scabiei var. cuniculi as 100 % mortality was reached 24 h PT. On the other hand, all treated mites with CAN (20 %) and IVR died 48 h PT. The lethal values of CAN (LC50, LC90, LC95, and LC99) were 7.496, 14.67, 17.75, and 25.37 %, respectively, 48 h PT. Lesion scoring in groups 3 and 4 were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05), reaching 0.20 and 0.40, respectively, when compared with that of group 2 (4.00), 42 days PT. Twenty-eight days PT, the reduction percentages of mites infesting rabbits were 93.38 and 93.09 % for IVR and CAN, respectively. However, complete mite reduction was reached 42 days PT. Rabbits treated with CAN did not show signs of restlessness or irritation, respiratory signs, or inflammation on the eye and/or skin at the time of application or afterwards. Regarding biochemical analysis, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and total cholesterol in rabbits treated with CAN were decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) than those of rabbits of the positive control group and those treated with IVR. On the other hand, the levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin of rabbits in group 4 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased when compared with the corresponding values of groups 2 and 3. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain of rabbits treated with CAN were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with such values of groups 2 and 3, 28 and 42 days PT. The present data indicated that CAN had in vitro and in vivo acaricidal efficiency similar to that of IVR and improved the performance of rabbits without inducing adverse effects on treated rabbits; consequently, CAN could be suitable as a promising alternative acaricide for veterinary use.

The fowl tick, Argas persicus (Oken), is of veterinary importance as a parasite of poultry and wild birds. The antitick efficacy, in vitro and in vivo, of peracetic acid (PAA) and deltamethrin (DMT) was tested separately against A. persicus through the dipping technique. PAA (0.5 %) was highly efficient against soft tick larvae (A. persicus), resulting in 100 % mortality after 2 min. The lethal concentrations LC(50) and LC(95) were 0.310 and 0.503 %, respectively. The lethal time values LT(50) and LT(95) were 5.34 and 40.00 min, respectively, after treatment with PAA (0.25 %). Two minutes after exposure to DMT, LC(50) and LC(95) values were 0.033 and 0.052 % (33.204 and 51.527 mg/L), respectively. The LT(50) and LT(95) values were 27.03 and 305.46 min, respectively, after treatment with 0.025 % DMT (25 mg/L). After dipping in PAA (0.5 %), the chickens did not show respiratory signs or inflammation on the eyes and/or skin. By contrast, temporary coughing, sneezing, and ocular inflammations without dermatitis were observed in chickens dipped in DMT (0.05 % or 50 mg /L). Seven days posttreatment (PT), the reduction in the percentages of A. persicus infesting laying hens were 99.15 and 63.42 % after dipping in PAA and DMT, respectively. However, complete elimination of the number of ticks occurred after 28 days PT with DMT. PAA inhibits molting effectively (28 %) when compared with that of DMT (52 %). Results indicated that PAA is a more potent and promising acaricide against A. persicus (in vitro and in vivo) than DMT.

Background: Myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is widely distributed throughout the world and affects both humans and animals. In addition, L. sericata larvae and adults may play a role in spreading causal agents of mycobacterial infections. Therefore, it is important to establish new and safe alternative methods of controlling this blowfly., Methods: The insecticidal effectiveness of four commercially available essential oils [lettuce (Lactuca sativa), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), anise (Pimpinella anisum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)] against third larval instars of L. sericata was evaluated. The effects of sublethal concentrations of these oils on pupation rates, adult emergences, sex ratios, and morphological anomalies were also determined., Results: The oils were highly toxic to L. sericata larvae, with median lethal concentrations (LC(50) ) of 0.57%, 0.85%, 2.74%, and 6.77% for lettuce, chamomile, anise, and rosemary oils, respectively. Pupation rates were markedly decreased after treatment with 8% lettuce oil, and adult emergence was suppressed by 2% lettuce and chamomile oils. Morphological abnormalities were recorded after treatment with all tested oils, and lettuce was the major cause of deformation. There was a predominance of males over females (4 : 1) after treatment with lower concentrations of chamomile and rosemary; such a skew toward males would lead to a population decline., Conclusions: The four tested oils are inexpensive and may represent new botanical insecticides for controlling blowflies., (© 2011 The International Society of Dermatology.)

The lousicidal and repellent effects of five essential oils were investigated for the first time against the buffalo louse, Haematopinus tuberculatus, and flies infesting water buffaloes in Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. For the in vitro studies, filter paper contact bioassays were used to test the oils and their lethal activities were compared with that of d-phenothrin. Four minutes post-treatment, the median lethal concentration, LC50, values were 2.74, 7.28, 12.35, 18.67 and 22.79% for camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), onion (Allium cepa), peppermint (Mentha piperita), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and rosemary oils (Rosmarinus officinalis), respectively, whereas for d-phenothrin, it was 1.17%. The lethal time (50) (LT50) values were 0.89, 2.75, 15.39, 21.32, 11.60 and 1.94 min after treatment with 7.5% camphor, onion, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary and d-phenothrin, respectively. All the materials used except rosemary, which was not applied, were ovicidal to the eggs of H. tuberculatus. Despite the results of the in vitro assays, the in vivo treatments revealed that the pediculicidal activity was more pronounced with oils. All treated lice were killed after 0.5-2 min, whereas with d-phenothrin, 100% mortality was reached only after 120 min. The number of lice infesting buffaloes was significantly reduced 3, 6, 4, 6 and 9 days after treatment with camphor, peppermint, chamomile, onion, and d-phenothrin, respectively. Moreover, the oils and d-phenothrin significantly repelled flies, Musca domestica, Stomoxys calcitrans, Haematobia irritans and Hippobosca equina, for 6 and 3 days post-treatment, respectively. No adverse effects were noted on either animals or pour-on operators after exposure to the applied materials. Consequently, some Egyptian essential oils show potential for the development of new, speedy and safe lousicides and insect repellents for controlling lice and flies which infest water buffaloes.

Background: The larvae of Lucilia sericata induce myiasis and transmit mycobacterial infections to humans and animals. Consequently, the blowfly should be controlled for human welfare and economic reasons., Methods: The insecticidal effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), celery (Apium graveolens), radish (Raphanus sativus), and mustard (Brassica compestris) against the third larval instars of L. sericata was evaluated, for the first time, through ingestion assays. The effect of sublethal concentrations on certain biological aspects, such as the pupation rates and adult emergence, was revealed., Results: The LC(50) values were 2.81, 4.60, 6.93, and 7.92% for fenugreek, celery, radish, and mustard, respectively. The adverse effects on larval treatment also included the survival of pupae and adults. The pupation rate was strongly decreased after treatment with 16% fenugreek and celery. Moreover, adult emergence was suppressed after treatment of larvae with 8% mustard, 12% radish, and 16% fenugreek and celery oils. The number of emerged males exceeded the number of females, which could lead to population decline. Morphologic abnormalities of larvae, pupae, and adults were recorded after treatment with all tested oils., Conclusion: The results suggest that oils may represent new and safe potential insecticides for the control of blowflies.

The insecticidal effect of six commercially available plant oils was tested against 4th larval instars of Culex pipiens. Larvae were originally collected from Meit El-Attar, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, and then reared in the laboratory until F1 generation. The LC50 values were 32.42, 47.17, 71.37, 83.36, 86.06, and 152.94 ppm for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum), earth almond (Cyperus esculentus), mustard (Brassica compestris), olibanum (Boswellia serrata), rocket (Eruca sativa), and parsley (Carum ptroselinum), respectively. The tested oils altered some biological aspects of C. pipiens, for instance, developmental periods, pupation rates, and adult emergences. The lowest concentrations of olibanum and fenugreek oils caused remarkable prolongation of larval and pupal durations. Data also showed that the increase of concentrations was directly proportional to reduction in pupation rates and adult emergences. Remarkable decrease in pupation rate was achieved by mustard oil at 1000 ppm. Adult emergence was suppressed by earth almond and fenugreek oils at 25 ppm. In addition, the tested plant oils exhibited various morphological abnormalities on larvae, pupae, and adult stages. Consequently, fenugreek was the most potent oil and the major cause of malformation of both larval and pupal stages. Potency of the applied plant oils provided an excellent potential for controlling C. pipiens.