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Background: In this study, we assessed the in vitro antischistosomal activity of the active ingredients of Allium sativum (allicin) and Curcuma longa (curcumin) on Schistosoma mansoni. Methods: This study was conducted in Faculty of Science, Port said University, Egypt (2018). Adult worms were exposed to a range of concentrations of AL or CU, and worm survival was assessed 24 h post-exposure to calculate the lethal concentration of the compounds. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess ultrastructural changes in the surface of AL- or CU- treated worms. The genotoxicities of AL and CU on S. mansoni were determined by DNA fragmentation analysis. Results: We determined the concentrations of AL and CU required to kill 50% of S. mansoni (LC50). The LC50 of AL was 8.66 µL/mL, whereas 100% mortality of S. mansoni was achieved by AL at concentrations of 50 µL/mL. The LC50 of CU was 87.25 µL/mL, with the highest mortality of 91.3% seen after 24 h exposure to 100 µg/mL CU. Ultrastructural studies revealed that exposure to either AL or CU led to mild or severe surface damage to S. mansion, respectively. The degree of damage in the worms was sex-dependent. Interestingly, while CU exposure resulted in DNA fragmentation in S. mansoni worms, we observed no genotoxic effects of AL. Conclusion: Both AL and CU exhibit antischistosomal activity; the study provided evidence suggesting that these compounds act through distinct mechanisms. These promising results encourage further investigation into these compounds as potential antischistosomal agents, either alone or as complementary treatments to praziquantel.

Schistosoma species is a blood-parasite causing schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical pathological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This work studied the efficiency of curcumin in restoring liver and spleen ratios to body weight and enhancing the histological architecture in S. mansoni infected mice. Forty CD1 male mice were divided intofour groups (10mice/group). G1 (treated with phosphate buffer and act as control), G 2 (treated with curcumin), G3 (infected-untreated), and G4 (infected & treated with curcumin). After seven weeks of infection, each group was injected for three times/week intraperitoneal. The mice body weights were weekly recorded and they were sacrificed by the end of the 8th week. Liver and spleen were removed immediately and weighted to calculate their ratios to body weight. The histological sections of liver and spleen were prepared to study pathological changes between the different groups. Granuloma number and diameter change rate in liver were done. The result showed that schistosomiasis caused significant retardation in body weights in experimental mice. Curcumin mildly enhanced body weight in certainweeks. Liver ratio to body weight was significantly reduced in infected mice treated with curcumin as compared with infected untreated ones. There was a marked improvement in liver and spleen histopathology in curcumin-treated mice.

Schistosomiasis is endemic mainly in Africa and the Middle East Countries, causing acute and chronic clinical pathogenicity. This study evaluated the potential antischistosomal efficiency of allicin against S. mansoni infected mice. Twenty CD1 male Albino mice were divided into two groups (10 mice/group). G1 (infected and treated with 0.9% NaCl), and G2 (infected and treated with 20mL/kg of allicin). Seven weeks post-infection, each group was intraperitoneally injected with allicin (3 times/week), sacrificed at the end of the 8th-week. Liver was harvested for studing worm burden, egg load, and oogram pattern. The recovered worms from both groups were subject to SEM and DNA fragmentation tests to monitor the differences. The results showed a significant reduction in worm burden and changes in oogram pattern ofG2 mice as compared to G1 (control). Allicin gave marked deformation of oral, ventral suckers and atrophy of the tubercles as well as marked fragmentation of the worms DNA.

Light is an important zeitgeber that regulates many behavioral and physiological processes in animals. These processes may become disturbed due to the changes in natural patterns of light and dark via the introduction of artificial light at night (ALAN). The present study was designed to determine the effect of possible consequences of ALAN on reproduction, hatching success, developmental success, growth rate, feeding rate, mortality rate, and locomotor activity of the simultaneous hermaphrodite pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Snails were exposed to different light intensities at night that simulate actual ALAN measurements from the snail's night environment. The data revealed that exposure to ALAN at a low level significantly affected the cumulative number of laid eggs. At the same time, snails exposed to ALAN laid smaller eggs than those laid under normal light-dark cycles. Additionally, high light-intensity of ALAN delayed development and hatching of eggs of L. stagnalis while it showed no effect on hatching percentage. Furthermore, ALAN increased both the feeding and growth rates but did not lead to mortality. The results also show that snails exposed to dark conditions at night travel longer distances and do so faster than those exposed to ALAN. In light of these findings, it is clear that ALAN may have an influence on snails and their abundance in an environment, possibly disturbing ecological stability.

Seven different sites were chosen in Ismailia Governorate representing areas of health and human activities that could be affected with the presence of insect vectors that assess their potential role in mechanical transmission of helminths and protozoa parasites of man. Four groups of insects were collected: Flies, cockroaches, beetles and ants. A total number of 8499 individual insects were collected during the period of study. The summer season was the most abundant season as the total insects count was 3679, autumn and spring came next to summer with 2787 and 1643 trapped insects, respectively. The lowest abundant season was winter in which only 390 insects were collected. The most important species with the highest abundance was Chrysomia putoria followed by Musca domestica with 1717 and 1707 individuals, respectively. Insects species diversity varied slightly among the months of the study period while it is noticed that insects species diversity varied greatly among the months of the study period.

The role of cockroaches in the mechanical transmission of human parasites in Ismailia Governorate was studied. A total 1135 cockroaches, belonging to two families and four species, were collected from seven different sites using sticky traps. The cockroaches were examined for the presence of parasites. The total number of parasites was six, The Helminths were: Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp., Hymenolepis sp., Entrobius sp, and Taenia sp. The protozoa was: Entamoeba histolitica. The total prevalence of parasites in body surface was 12.1%, in the gut was 13.2% and in whole insect was 13.5%. The highest prevalence was recorded at the summer in whole insect with 18.8% while the lowest prevalence was at the spring on the body surface with 3.5%. On the other hand, parasites were not recorded in winter. The highest prevalence was recorded with Periplaneta americana occurring in the whole insect with 15.6% while the lowest prevalence was recorded with Blattella germanica occurring on the body surface with 12.6%. On the other hand, parasites were not recorded with Blatta orientalis and Supella longipalpa. The prevalence of parasites recorded in cockroach’s sexes and stages. The highest prevalence was recorded with females occurring in the whole insect with 20%, followed with males occurring in the whole insect too with 10.3% and the lowest prevalence was recorded in nymphs with 3.2% in the gut. The present study further confirms that cockroaches play an important role as mechanical vectors of protozoan and helminth parasites. Hence, it is recommended that appropriate control measures must be taken particularly to make human dwellings as well as food preparation areas, including hospitals, hostels, schools and farms free of cockroaches.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of site and temperature on the percentage of leaves infested by the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and on the density of the spider mite and its predators on three crop species of economic importance. From February 2014 to January 2015, a survey was conducted on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) (plots situated at Abu-sawyer and Sarabium regions, Ismailia, Egypt) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) (plots situated on the east side of the Suez Canal and El Koraim regions, Ismailia, Egypt). Results showed that there were monthly variations on the percentage of infested leaves, and on the density of the adults of T. urticae and its predators. The significant highest density of T. urticae adults was recorded in April on cucumber and eggplant, and in December on moringa. The highest density of T. urticae was recorded in Sarabium region for cucumber and eggplant, and in El-Koraim region for moringa. Three predator species were detected on cucumber and eggplant: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Scolothrips longicornis Priesner and Stethorus gilvifrons Punctillum. No predator was recorded on moringa. The density of predators was affected by site and temperature. In conclusion, sites and monthly variations of the temperature apparently were key factors affecting spider mite and its predator’s population, and their effects were host plant dependent.

Seasonal changes in the natural light condition play a pivotal role in the regulation of many biological processes in organisms. Disruption of this natural condition via the growing loss of darkness as a result of anthropogenic light pollution has been linked to species-wide shifts in behavioral and physiological traits. This review starts with a brief overview of the definition of light pollution and the most recent insights into the perception of light. We then go on to review the evidence for some adverse effects of ecological light pollution on different groups of animals and will focus on mollusks. Taken together, the available evidence suggests a critical role for light pollution as a recent, growing threat to the regulation of various biological processes in these animals, with the potential to disrupt ecosystem stability. The latter indicates that ecological light pollution is an environmental threat that needs to be taken seriously and requires further research attention.

Background: Human schistosomiasis was considered a tropical disease causing histological deformation in different organs.Aim of the Work: To focus on the possible therapeutic efficiency of praziquantel (PZQ), allicin (AL), and curcumin (CU) in healing the histopathological disorders in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.Material and Methods: Ninety mice were divided into two main groups; uninfected and infected groups. From the 7th week, post-infection, the groups begin their treatment with the different regimens. PZQ (300 mg/kg) groups were given the drug orally for two successive days. The groups of AL (40 mL/kg) or CU (40 mg/kg) were given by intraperitoneal injection for two weeks. The histological changes of the liver, spleen, and kidney were recorded to determine the effect of each treatment.Results: AL and CU were able to ameliorate these histopathological lesions resulted from infection competitively with PZQ. In the liver, the highest reduction rate in granuloma number was recorded in the infected mice treated with CU while the highest reduction rate in granuloma diameter was recorded in the PZQ-treated group. The infected groups treated with PZQ or AL showed mild alternation in splenic structures. The most ameliorative healing effect was noticed in the infected mice treated with CU as there were no lesions recorded in spleen tissue. The all tested elements caused lesions in both the non-infected and the infected animals.Conclusion: This promising research suggests the potential efficacy of AL, and CU in ameliorating the histopathological effects of schistosomiasis, in a competitive manner with PZQ. We recommended for further investigations to use AL and CU as complementary drugs with PZQ and to study the effect these drugs on different organs' functions based on the biochemical tests.

Seasonal abundance of the phytophagous mite Oligonychus mangiferus and its predator Amblyseius swirskiiassociated with mango orchard trees was investigated at the experimental farm of the agriculture faculty of the Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. This study was carried out during two successive years from October 2014 to September 2016. Results showed that the temperature and moisture R.H.% were significantly affected the mean abundanceof the phytophagous mite O. mangiferus and its predator A. swirskiiassociated with mango orchard trees. The highest mean abundance of O. mangiferus was recorded in the summer season (2.96 ± 0.6 indv./leaf) and (1.33 ± 0.05 indv./leaf) for A. swirskii, respectively in the first year (from October 2014 to September 2015). On the other hand, the lowest mean abundance was recorded in the autumn (0.6 ± 0.11) for O. mangiferus, (0.23 ± 0.09 indv./leaf) for A. swirskii. The mean abundance of O. mangiferuspopulations increased to (3.43 ± 0.7 indv./leaf) in the second year of study in contrast to the populations of its predator. The results stated that the temperature had a significant effect on the population abundance of the phytophagous mite, O. mangiferus and its predator while the relative humidity had a negative effect on both populations.

Field study was carried out on mite species inhabiting some fruit trees in Ismailia Governorate, during the period from October 2014 to September 2016. Survey of mites proved the occurrence of 44 mite species belonging to 36 genera and 21 families belong to 2 orders and 4 suborders. Order: Acariformes include three suborders; Prostigmata, Astigmata and Cryptostigmata. Suborder Prostigmata was represented by 14 families: Tetranychidae (7 species), Tenuipalpidae (8 species), Eriophyidae (one species), Stigmaeidae (2 species), Neophyllobiidae (2 species), Caligonellidae (one species), Raphignathidae (one species), Cheyletidae (3 species), Eupalopsellidae (one species), Bdellidae (one species), Cunaxidae (one species), Eupodidae (one species), Tydeidae (3 species) and Tarsonemidae (one species). Suborder: Astigmata was represented by two families: Acaridae (two species) and Glycyphagidae (one species). Suborder Cryptostigmata was represented by two families: Oppiidae (one species) and Oribatulidae (one species). On the other hand, order: Acariformes include one suborder: Mesostigmata, which represented by three families: Phytoseiidae (4 species), Ologamasidae (one species) and Ameroseiidae (one species).

The active ingredients allicin and curcumin have a wide range of actions against fungi, bacteria, and helminths. Therefore, the study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of allicin (AL) and curcumin (CU) as antischistosomal drugs and their biochemical effects in normal and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Praziquantel (PZQ) was administrated for two successive days while AL or CU was given for two weeks from the week 7th postinfection (PI). The possible effect of different regimens on Schistosoma worms was evaluated by measuring the percentage of the recovered worms, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern. Serum alanine transaminase activity and levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and uric acid were measured. Liver tissue malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels besides, the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were assessed for the oxidative/antioxidant condition. DNA electrophoresis of liver tissue was used to indicate the degree of fragmentation. There was a significant reduction in the recovered worms and egg load, with a marked change of oogram pattern in all treated groups with PZQ, AL, and CU in comparison with infected-untreated mice. PZQ, AL, and CU prevented most of the hematological and biochemical disorders, as well as significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and enhanced DNA fragmentation in the liver tissue of schistosomiasis mice compared to the infected-untreated group. These promising results suggest that AL and CU are efficient as antischistosomal drugs, and it would be beneficial to test their combination to understand the mechanism of action and the proper period of treatment leading to the best result.

The work was aimed to assess the heavy metals concentrations in the Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The determination of heavy metal bioaccumulation and their antioxidant alterations on Oreochromis niloticus were considered. The gonads and the liver of the fishes were analyzed for essential metals (Cu, Mn, Fe & Zn) and non-essential metals (Pb) levels seasonally and their bioaccumulation factors. The results revealed that concentrations of the metals differ significantly between the gonads and the liver of the sampled fishes. During summer, liver bioaccumulation of the metals was in the order of Mn > Pb > Fe > Zn > Cu at area I and Mn> Pb> Zn> Fe > Cu at area II. However, the degree of tissue alterations in the gonads can accumulate the heavy metals in the following order Mn >Zn>Pb >Fe>Cu and Mn> Pb >Zn> Fe at the same season, for the areas I and II, respectively. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the liver tissue was higher than in the gonads of the O. niloticus. The antioxidant changes in the liver and gonads were mildly and moderately damaged, respectively. These indicated that Zn, Cd, Pb, and Fe polluted the Sharkia Governorate in the two selected areas. Elevation of lipid peroxidation in fishes was parallel with increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidants that could be to compensate for the stress.

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of helminths infecting Clarias lazera and the seasonal variations. Moreover, the relationship between helminthes and host length and sex was studied. C. lazera fish were collected from Ismailia canal (Ismailia city) and examined for intestinal helminths. The total species recorded were three trematodes (Allocreadium sp, Astiotrema reniferum and Orientochreadium batrachoides); two cestodes (Monobothrioides sp and Polyenchobothrium clarias) and two nematodes (Procamallanus laeviconchus, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx). The highest prevalence of infection was observed in winter (72.5%), while the lowest was recorded in summer (52%). Prevalence of infection with intestinal helminthes was higher in males than in females. The medium-sized and large fish showed the highest prevalence and intensity of infection, while the small fish showed low infection rates. Further studies are recommended on C. lazera helminths taking in to consideration the effect of seasonal variations, length and sex of the fish on the prevalence and intensity of infection along Ismailia canal.

The effects of sub-lethal concentrations of bisphenol A on some biochemical parameters in Biomphalaria alexandrina snail's hemolymph and tissues as well as on histological changes of the hermaphrodite gland were evaluated. Adult snails were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations for four weeks and samples of snails were investigated after two and four weeks. Total protein and albumin levels in hemolymph, as well as lipid peroxidation and glutathione contents of snails’ tissues, were measured. After two weeks of exposure, total protein content and albumin levels decreased in all groups. Elevation of lipid peroxidation levels was correlated with decreasing glutathione content in the treated snails. Histological examination of the hermaphrodite gland revealed deformations in eggs and affected sperm production.

This work aimed to study the effect of host biological factors on the different parasitic helminthes in Clarias gariepinus from Lake Manzala. The sex, weight and length of fish were determined. Examination of C. gariepinus fish for helminthes revealed the presence of three morphologically distinct adult helminthes in the digestive tract which were Polyonchobothrium clarias and Monobothrium wageneri (Cestodes) and Neoechinorhynchus rutili (Acanthocephala) and there were also the cestodes larvae (Plerocercoid) and undifferentiated cestodes. Two types of defined mataceracariae were observed in the different tissues which were Ornithodiplostomum sp. and Prohemistomum sp. (trematodes). The undifferentiated metacercariae were also recorded. Results showed that the highest prevalence of infection was found in smaller fish (weight and length) and in females (sex). The occurrence of each of the helminthes gives a different response to these factors as discussed in this work.

Subclinical bovine coccidiosis is an economic problem worldwide because they appear normal outwardly, but developmental stages damage the absorptive surface of the intestine and weaken the immune system.

Susceptibility and response of bivalves, the clam Ruditapes decussatus, to zinc (Zn) were studied by monitoring behavior using valve movement and some biochemical parameters. The LC50 was 4.1 mg L−1 at 7 days. Depuration of Zn from their tissues was also followed. Accumulation of Zn increased with concentration and duration of exposure. After 20 days, Zn caused impairment of valve movement as well as the antioxidant system, decreasing glutathione and protein levels and increasing the lipid peroxidation which is indicative of oxidative damage. Results suggested that behavior and biochemical parameters of clam R. decussatus were sensitive and suitable responses for assessing the effects of Zn on the aquatic ecosystems. It could be concluded that there is a time–dose–response relationship of Zn with behavior and oxidative stress of R. decussatus.

The acaricidal activity of some essential and fixed oils against the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch were evaluated at 15 °C, 27 °C and 35 °C under laboratory conditions. The essential oils namely, rosemary (0.125%), garlic (0.5%), jojoba (0.25%) and the fixed vegetable oil (soyabean and sunflower oil (0.125%)) were tested in this study. The acaricidal activity was evaluated by studying the mortality, fecundity and fertility rates of the adult females at three different temperatures. Results showed that highest mortality rates among T. urticae were recorded for garlic oil followed by vegetable, jojoba and rosemary oils at 15 °C and for garlic, jojoba, rosemary and vegetable oils at 35 °C. Interestingly, no mortality rates were recorded for all the tested oils at 27 °C. At 15 °C, garlic oil caused a significant effect on both the fecundity and fertility rates as compared to the other oils. On the other hand, at 27 °C and 35 °C, most of the tested oils caused significant effects on the fec...

INTRODUCTION: We studied the potential in vitro antischistosomal activity of Cerastes cerastes venom on adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. METHODS: Live specimens of the horned viper snake, C. cerastes were collected from the Aswan Governorate (Egypt). Venom was collected from snakes by manual milking. Worms of S. mansoni were obtained from infected hamsters by perfusion and isolated from blood using phosphate buffer. Mortality rates of worms were monitored after 3 days of exposure to snake venom at LC50 and various sublethal concentrations (10, 5, 2.5µg/ml). Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate tegumental changes in treated worms after exposure to LC50 doses of venom. RESULTS: The LC50 of C. cerastes venom was 21.5µg/ml. The effect of C. cerastes venom on Schistosoma worms varied according to their sex. The mortality rate of male and female worms after 48-h exposure was 83.3% and 50%, respectively. LC50 of C. cerastes venom induced mild to severe tegumental damage in Schistosoma worms in the form of destruction of the oral sucker, shrinkage and erosion of the tegument, and loss of some tubercle spines. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that C. cerastes venom exerts potential in vitro antischistosomal activity in a time and dose-dependent manner. These results may warrant further investigations to develop novel schistosomicidal agents from C. cerastes snake venom.

The objective of this work was to study gastrointestinal nematode community infecting Acomys dimidiatus in different wadis of St. Katherine, South Sinai, Egypt. Fieldwork was conducted in three Wadis over a 4 weeks period during April-May, 2003 in St. Katherine, South Sinai, Egypt. Faecal samples from 47 spiny mice were analysed for gastrointestinal nematode community. The nematodes community consisted of four genera Dentostomella spp., Syphacia spp., Aspicularis spp. and Spirurids species. The overall prevalence of infection was 55.3 %. A significant difference in prevalence was found per wadis. Wadi Toffaha showed the highest diversity when compared to other Wadis. Mean species richness was higher in Wadi Tlah (0.87) when compared to other Wadis. Syphacia spp. was frequently found coexisting with other nematodes. A significant interaction was found between both site and co-infection for Aspicularis spp. The spatial stability of nematode community was discussed compared to other related studies. In terms of similarity, the nematode community from Wadi Toffaha was closest to Wadi Tlah. In conclusion, this study showed that there is spatial variation in the distribution of nematode community. Possible factors affecting the stability of parasite community were discussed and further studies are needed.

The objective of this work is to study some environmental and biological factors affecting metacercarial infections in Tilapia zilli from two sites at Lake Timsah, Ismailia, Egypt. Fish were collected monthly from two sites during a period from March 2009 to February 2010. Fish length and sex were determined. Five different trematode metacercariae were recovered from T. zilli fish, namely, Euclinostomum sp., Pygidiopsis sp, Phagicola sp., and Stictodora sp. and some were undifferentiated. Infection was higher in site 2 (42.4%) than site 1 (32.59%). The highest infection was recorded in winter (79.76%), and the lowest in spring (9.52%). It was the highest (40.51%) in medium-sized fish. Males were more infected (38.93%) as compared to females (30.04%). Prevalence, intensity and abundance of each metacercaria species showed different responses to the considered factors as discussed in this work.

The objective of this work is to study the environmental and biological factorsaffecting metacercarial infections in O. niloticus from brackish water, Ismailia, Egypt.Fish were collected monthly during the period from March 2009 to February 2010from two sites in El Sayadeen pool at Ismailia. Nine different trematode metacercariaeand undifferentiated cyst were recovered from O. niloticus fish. The identifiedmetacercariae were Euclinostomum sp., Pygidiopsis sp., Prohemistomum sp.,Phagicola sp., Bolbophorus sp., Stictodora sp., and Haplorichis sp. The totalprevalence was higher in site 2 (75.44%) than site 1 (71.41%). The highest infectionwas recorded in winter (75%), and the lowest in spring (24.67%). Infection was thehighest (76.86%) in the largest fishes in weight and size. Infection was higher infemale fish (77.57%) compared to males (70.73%). Prevalence, intensity andabundance of each metacercaria species showed different responses to the consideredfactors.

This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of heavy metal pollution across sites and some biological factors on helminth communities infecting the lizard, Chalcides ocellatus. The possibility of heavy metal accumulation by such helminths was also investigated. A total of 202 C. ocellatus were collected from three different sites (industrial, rural, and urban systems) in Ismailia governorate, Egypt, during summer 2009. The lizards were classified according to their sex and size and were examined for the intestinal helminths. Heavy metal levels were detected in the intestinal tissue of the lizards and the recovered helminths. Species richness was 6, 5, and 3 in rural, urban, and industrial systems, respectively. Significant site variations regarding infection prevalence, intensity, and abundance were encountered at different levels. Some noticeable effects of the host size were found. The significant differences found between the metal levels of the intestinal tissues and the recovered helminths and the other relations found in this study may be indications for a possible metals accumulation capacity by helminths. The cestode Oochoristica tuberculata could be a promising biomonitor for Cu and Pb, while the intestinal nematodes were less sensitive to the pollution. Differences in the accumulation capacity may be attributed to the intensity of infection, parasite species, and metal. The observed patterns of distribution and occurrence of helminths and the metals accumulation capacity reflect the need for more studies since this study proposes the model intestinal helminth/C. ocellatus as another promising bioindication system in the terrestrial habitat, especially in areas where the lizard C. ocellatus are available.

A comparison was made for studying the effect of some Essential oils: Rosemary, Garlic, Jojoba and Fixed/Vegetable oils on the important mite pest, Tetranychus urticae. The sublethal concentrations of Rosemary oil (0.125%), Garlic oil (0.5%), Jojoba oil (0.25%) and Vegetable oil (0.125%) were used. Biological tests were carried out for a susceptible laboratory two-spotted spider mites strain reared under controlled conditions of 27±2°C; 60% R.H. and 16L/8D photoperiod on Sweet Potato leaves. Results showed that Garlic oil caused the highest significant decrease in the number of deposited eggs as compared to the other tested oils. All the oils used have no effects on females mite fertility. Vegetable oil greatly affected the percentage of nymphs that reached adult stages followed by Jojoba oil then Garlic oil while Rosemary had no effects on nymph's developments. Results were tabulated, analyzed, discussed and prepared to be fit in any IPM program for combating these pest animals.

Certain effects of different spectral light colors were studied on some biological attributes of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. Rearing of animals was carried out under conditions of 27±0.5°C; 60% R.H. and 16 L/8 D photoperiod on Sweet Potato leaves. Thus, 5 artificial light colors were applied under controlled laboratory conditions on these animals: blue, red, green, yellow and white Neon. After treatment, the highest number of deposited eggs/female was observed by using the blue color (14.9±0.5 eggs/female) while the lowest one was the yellow (3.1±0.2 eggs/female) compared to 9.9±0.4 eggs/female for the control group. On the other hand, diapause incidence was observed for the target females under conditions of 18±2°C; 60±2% R.H. and the light and dark periods were set at 8 L/16 D, respectively. Results showed that white Neon color caused the highest percentage of diapausing females (88.66±1.8%) followed by green color (78±3.5%), yellow (68.66±2%), the blue color with (54±2%), and finally none of them entered diapause under red color. Results were analyzed and discussed for the aforementioned important economic pest animals.

Factors affecting prevalence and site preferences of heterophyid metacercariae (MC) were investigated in this study. A total of 173 specimens of a freshwater fish, Tilapia zilli were collected during autumn 2008, winter 2009 and summer 2009, from Ismailia fresh water canal, Egypt. Results showed that the total prevalence of heterophyid MC was 95.37 %. The heterophyid MC consisted of Haplorchis yokogawi (47.4 %), Pygidiopsis genata (21.4 %), and Phagicola ascolonga (93.64 %). H. yokogawi MC was detected in striated muscles, P. ascolonga in liver and kidney while, P. genata was detected in muscles, liver and kidney. The aggregation indices showed that all MC were aggregated and the P. genata was the most highly aggregated followed by H. yokogawi and then P. ascolonga . Responses of the heterophyid MC to host sex, weight and season greatly varied according to species of MC. Different responses of interaction for heterophyid MC intensity were found by GLIM analysis and this variation dependant on the type of infection (single or mixed infections). Factors affecting site preference of heterophid MC infection were discussed and further studies in other locations are required to examine the factors affecting site preference.

The present study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of melatonin as an antioxidant separately or in combination with antigens (cercarial; CAP or soluble worm; SWAP) against Schistosoma mansoni infection in hamsters. Each hamster was sensitized with an initial immunization of 0.6 ml of the extracted antigen (30 μg protein/mL). After four days, a second injection of 0.4 mL was given (20 μg protein/mL). Then, each hamster was exposed to 260 ± 20 S. mansoni cercariae followed with melatonin treatment (3.5 mg/ kg) for thirty days from the 1st day of post infection. Levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, catalase (CAT) activity, hepatic glutathione (GSH) and biochemical changes in the liver and kidneys functions were investigated. The results revealed a high significant increasing of LPO and decreasing of CAT and GSH in liver of infected hamsters. Biochemical observations showed severe damage in the liver enzyme activities and increasing cholesterol level in infected animals. Melatonin co-treatment with antigen to the infected-hamster attenuated the increase of LPO and restored the activity of CAT and levels of hepatic GSH. Also, the biochemical damages in the liver and kidneys functions were reduced. The present study suggests that melatonin may be useful in combating free radical-induced damage due to infection toxicity. The immunization with previous antigens resulted in a remarkable improvement on the liver enzyme activities, which were increased after infection. Thus, vaccination of hamsters with antigens (both CAP and SWAP) and melatonin treatment has more potent effect on the enhancement of antioxidant and biochemical of S. mansoni infected-hamster than each treatment separately. Immunization of the hamster with SWAP followed by melatonin was the best way among the other regime treatments to improve the biochemical and antioxidant parameters of the infected-hamsters.

Little is known about the response of Fasciola spp., inside its snail host to pollutant toxicity. The effect of long-term exposure of Lymnaea natalensis to 0.1 microg/l, 10 microg/l, or 100 microg/l cadmium (Cd) on the infection rates with F. gigantica, percentage of cercariae-shedding snails and cercariae shedding pattern was investigated. The snails were exposed to Cd for 7 days either pre-infection with single Fasciola miracidium or during the late pre-patent period of the infection. The possible interaction between metal exposure and acclimatization temperature was also studied in three ranges; 16-18 degrees C, 23-25 degrees C and 30-32 degrees C. Results clearly showed that host exposure to 100 microg/l Cd significantly affected the pattern of Fasciola development inside its snail host, and that the acclimatization temperature was a key factor affecting the role played by Cd. Pre-infection exposure to Cd caused a significant reduction in the infection rates where the effect was temperature-dependent. Post-infection exposure to Cd significantly increased the percentage of cercariae-shedding snails; the effect was temperature-independent. Interestingly, post-infection exposure significantly altered the differential cercarial output pattern, while no clear impact on the total was found. The alteration in the differential cercarial output was represented as a significantly higher proportion of floating metacercaria as compared to fixed ones and also higher proportion of dead cercariae which may directly reduce the transmission of Fasciola to the final host. The mechanisms of cadmium impact are briefly discussed.

Based on the beneficial influence of melatonin administration on the course of schistosomiasis and on its possible action on the immune system, we aimed in this study to establish an immunization program using Schistosoma mansoni adult worm antigen (SWAP) and cercarial antigen (CAP) alone or concurrently with melatonin treatment, for 30 successive days, in an attempt to enhance their efficacy against the infection in hamsters. Results showed that the worm reduction percentages were 53.8%, 67.01%, 56.4% and 99.3% for CAP, CAP+melatonin, SWAP, SWAP+melatonin, respectively, indicating that melatonin enhanced efficacy of SWAP but only produced a slight increase in efficacy of CAP. Highly significant reductions in egg load in the liver and alteration in the oogram pattern with a high percentage of immature eggs and few dead eggs were recorded in the groups that received melatonin treatment suggesting a possible role for melatonin in the regulation of egg production and development. On the other hand, melatonin clearly improved the oxidative status in the immunized groups. No antibody (Ab) response was recorded in the groups immunized with SWAP+melatonin while low Ab level was seen in the other melatonin-treated group. In addition to the antioxidant properties of melatonin, our results suggested that the early and continuous melatonin administration may result in immunomodulatory actions which in turn enhanced the efficacy of SWAP and CAP in different ways. This indicates the importance of further investigation of the mechanisms of melatonin action and the possible application in a vaccination program.

Spinosad is a bioinsecticide with a high degree of selective toxicity towards insects of different orders, but its toxicity towards the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is under debate. In this study, we compared the acaricidal properties of spinosad with the commercial bioacaricide abamectin on the life stages of TSSM. Adulticide and ovicide bioassays were performed on a susceptible laboratory strain using direct spraying of leaf disks with five rates of spinosad (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 mg/l), five rates of abamectin (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2.5 mg/l), sublethal concentrations or a combination of spinosad and abamectin. Both adulticidal and ovicidal effects of spinosad against T. urticae in the laboratory were apparent, based on morality rates of the adults, reduction of female fecundity and death of offspring. Abamectin was also found to significantly reduce female fecundity and killed offspring when applied directly on the eggs. Interestingly, sublethal concentrations of spinosad reduced female fecundity stronger than abamectin. When a mixture of spinosad and abamectin was applied at LC50, mortality was 74%, fecundity reduction was comparable to abamectin alone and egg hatching rate was lower than by either compound alone. In conclusion, spinosad was more harmful than abamectin for TSSM life stages and the combined application is recommended.

Our aim was to quantify the bioaccumulation of 13 metals in two edible bivalves (Ruditapes decussatus and Paphia undulata) in Lake Timsah, Egypt. A potential human health risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the hazards from bivalve consumption. Fe, Al, Zn, and Sr had the highest concentrations in the bivalve samples. The levels of Cd were much lower than the maximum permissible level, while Pb concentrations in the two bivalves were nearly two times the permissible level. The extent of bioaccumulation factor was site- and species-specific. For low and high bivalve-consuming groups, the estimated daily intake of Pb and Cd ranged from 0.01 to 0.76 μg/kg/day. For low and high bivalve-consuming groups, hazard quotients (HQs) for metals were found to be less than 1 for both bivalve species, except for Co in the high-consuming group. In conclusion, even though there was no apparent risk to bivalve consumers from being exposed to single metals, there is a risk from being exposed to the 13 studied metals together, especially for high bivalve-consuming groups such as fishermen.

la variation de la composition de la communaute des helminthes qui parasitent le lezard Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal, 1775) a ete etudiee selon les saisons, le poids et le sexe de l'hote. 120 lezards ont ete collectes au cours de l'annee 2004 a Al Firdan, gouvernerai d'Ismailia, en Egypte. Six especes d'helminthes ont ete observees (cinq nematodes et un cestodej. La composition varie selon le sexe de l'hote. La prevalence totale d'helminthose est de 67,6 % dont Thelandros schusieri (43,4 %), Pharyngodon mamillatus (3,9 %), Parapharyngodon bulbosus (13,2 %), Cosmocerca vrcibradici (5,31%), Spauligodon petersi (6,6 %) and Oochoristica maccoyi (14.3 %). L'etuda montre que la saison est le principal facteur influant sur la variete et l'abondance du parasitisme. De plus, on observe des interactions entre la saison, le sexe de l'hote et l'abondance de P. bulbosus. la prevalence de plusieurs especes de ces helminthes intestinales varie de facon significative en fonction du poids de l'hote et de son sexe. L'intensite de l'infection est independante du sexe de l'hote. Mais, des correlations sont observees entre l'abondance totale d'helminthes et le poids de l'hote En definitive, la communaute helminthique de C. ocellatus est pauvre et les facteurs etudies ont une influence variable selon les especes qui le parasitent. Et il n'est pas possible de dire si le nombre reduit d'especes et les taux d'infestation observes dans la presente etude sont caracteristiques de l'hotes, ou s'ils sont dus aux caracteristiques de la zone geographique, puisque aucune autre donnee de ce type n'existe pour d'autres populations de C. ocellatus.

This study was established to evaluate and monitor both the humoral and haematological responses to Fascioliasis and its treatment in rabbit model. Rabbits were orally inoculated with viable F. gigantica metacercariae and then divided into four groups. Infected rabbits were orally administered a single dose of Triclabendazole (TCBZ) (10 mg kg-1) at week 4, 8 or 12 post- infection (pi), respectively. Antibody (Ab) response against infection was monitored using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Total red blood cell counts (Rbcs), haemoglobin content (Hb) and total and differential white blood cells (Wbcs) were also determined. Infected rabbits were found to produce Ab against excretory-secretory products (ESP) of adult flukes two weeks pi where ELISA enabled the early diagnosis of infection. Ab level reached to the peak at week 10 pi. In TCBZ-treated groups, the early Ab responses prior to treatments were similar to response of infected-untreated rabbits. But, after different treatment regimens, Ab levels showed a significant decreases that were depended mainly on both time and hence efficacy of the treatment. In addition, significant reductions in both Rbcs and Hb values accompanied with mild anemia were found among infected group at week 12 &10 pi, respectively. TCBZ-treatment prevented the development of anaemia. Eosinophil numbers significantly increased starting from week 2 pi and peaking at week 4 or 6 pi in all groups. Hence, both eosniophilia and anaemia might be characteristic aspects for experimental fascioliasis.

The community structure of monogenean parasites of Oreochromis niloticus and its relation to the variations of heavy metal concentrations in water and the host reproductive cycle (gonadosomatic index, GSI) was studied. Fish were collected from Fishermen Lake, Ismailia. Monogenea community consisted of seven species, Cichlidogyrus halli typicus (57.8%), C. thurstonae (35.3%), C. ergensi (13.8 %), C. tiberianus (16.4%), C. arthracanthus (13.8%), Scutogyrus longicornis (22.4%) and Gyrodadtylus cicchlidarum (18.9 %). The overall mean species richness per host was 4.45 +/- 0.34. Responses of monogenea regarding their prevalence, abundance and intensity to the host sex and seasonal variations varied according to the species. Monogenean community showed different responses to the heavy metal concentrations and GSI. Positive correlations were found between species richness and both gonadosomatic index (rs = 0.2, P = 0.03) and Cd concentrations (rs = 0.89, P=0.04). Prevalence of C. halli typicus and C. thurstonae showed significant negative and positive correlations, respectively with the levels of Cu and Pb. G. cicchlidarus showed significant positive correlation with Cd level. The abundance and intensity of those species showed also correlations with the metal concentrations. Other monogenean species did not show any response to the metal levels such as C. tiberianus. Zn did not show any effect on the infection parameters of any species of monogenean community. The possibility of using some monogenean species to act as indicators for environmental pollution was discussed.

Aiming to study the influence of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) alone or concurrently with praziquantel (PZQ) on Schistosoma mansoni -infected mice, this study was established. ASU (300 mg/kg) was administered orally at 3 time intervals; 30 days prior to infection, 1 day post-infection (pi), 3 weeks pi and continued until week 7 pi. All the mice were sacrificed 9 weeks pi. Administration of ASU either prior to the infection or 1 day pi resulted in significant elimination of 30.2% and 19.1% of the recovered worms, respectively, and caused mild, to moderate surface, ultrastructure damage in some worms. The reduction in worm burden was proportional to the number of coupled worms, indicating a possible uncoupling nature of ASU. ASU significantly decreased the number of eggs/g of the liver and altered oogram pattern in both infected and PZQ-treated groups. The time and duration of ASU administration clearly affected the worm and egg loads. ASU significantly reduced granuloma sizes, and the levels of the cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), in both infected and PZQ-treated groups indicating its anti-inflammatory activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that long term administration of ASU may result in a mild course of murine schistosomiasis and may be a promising complementary treatment to PZQ.

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant and anti-schistosomal activities of the garlic extract (AGE) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on normal and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. AGE (125 mg kg-1, i.p.) and NSO (0.2 mg kg-1, i.p.) were administrated separately or in combination for successive 28 days, starting from the 1st day post infection (pi). All mice were sacrificed at weeks 7 pi. Hematological and biochemical parameters including liver and kidney functions were measured to assess the progress of anemia, and the possibility of the tissue damage. Serum total protein level, albumin, globulin and cholesterol were also determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the liver tissues as biomarkers for oxidative and reducing status, respectively. The possible effect of the treatment regimens on Schistosoma worms was evaluated by recording percentage of the recovered worms, tissue egg and oogram pattern. Result showed that, protection with AGE and NSO prevented most of the hematological and biochemical changes and markedly improved the antioxidant capacity of schistosomiasis mice compared to the infected-untreated ones. In addition, remarkable reduction in worms, tissue eggs and alteration in oogram pattern were recorded in all the treated groups. The antioxidant and antischistosomal action of AGE and NSO was greatly diverse according to treatment regimens. These data point to these compounds as promising agents to complement schistosomiasis specific treatment. O propósito deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos anti-oxidantes e anti-esquistossômicos do extrato de alho (AGE) e do óleo da Nigella sativa (NSO) em camundongos normais e infectados com S. mansoni. AGE (125 mg/kg, i.p. ) e NSO (0,2 mg/kg, i.p.) foram administrados separadamente ou em combinação por 28 dias sucessivos começando do primeiro dia pós infecção (p.i.). Todos os camundongos foram sacrificados sete semanas p.i. Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos incluindo funções renais e hepáticas foram medidos para avaliar o progresso da anemia e a possibilidade de dano tecidual. O nível total de proteínas séricas, albumina, globulina e colesterol foram também medidos. Níveis de malondialdeído (MDA) e glutationa (GSH) foram determinados em tecido hepático como biomarcações para o estado oxidativo e redutor, respectivamente. O possível efeito dos tratamentos sobre os vermes de Schistosoma foram avaliados através do percentual de vermes recuperados, ovos no tecido e o oograma. Resultados mostraram que a proteção com AGE e NSO preveniu a maior parte das alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas e melhoraram bastante a capacidade anti-oxidante de camundongos com esquistossomose comparados com aqueles infectados e não tratados. Adicionalmente, foi registrado uma acentuada redução nos vermes, ovos no tecido e alterações do oograma. A ação anti-oxidante e anti-esquistossômica do AGE e NSO foi diferente de acordo com os vários tratamentos. Estes dados mostram que estes compostos são agentes promissores para complementar o tratamento específico da esquistossomose.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of the crude extract of Cleome droserifolia (CD) leaves on experimentally infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni. Two groups of mice, showing a patent infection of S. mansoni, one of them was daily treated with an alcoholic extract of CD leaves (0.31 g kg-1 body weight, i.p.) for 21 days. The schistosomicidal activity of the CD extract was evaluated, three weeks post-treatment, on some parasitological and histopathological aspects including worm load, oogram pattern, faecal eggs releasing and granuloma formation. In addition, serum thyroid hormones levels (tri-iodothyronine; T3 and tetra-iodo-thyronin; T4), serum total protein contents and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. Treatment using CD extract resulted in a weak reduction in worm burden (32.46%) and affected the viability of both mature and immature eggs as indicated by the increase in the percentage of dead eggs and the decrease in the percentage of live ones. In addition, a week post-treatment, eggs elimination was observed in the stool of the infected-treated group which was low compared to the infected group. There was a suppressive effect of the extract on granuloma formation that could be due to the antioxidant effect of the extract. These data are confirmed by increasing hepatic GSH, serum total proteins and thyroid hormone levels in the infected-treated group as compared to the infected group. Treatment significantly enhanced b globulin fractions of the protein. Based on these assumptions, CD extract has beneficial effects on thyroid hormones status and anti-schistosomiasis activity. The beneficial effects of CD extract could be related to its direct effects on the parasite, and secondary to its effect on the antioxidant capacity of the host. The present study could emphasize the precise mechanism (s) of CD extract protection. O presente estudo foi realizado para verificar o efeito do extrato cru de folhas de Cleome droserifolia (CD) em camundongos experimentalmente infectados com Schistosoma mansoni. Em dois grupos de camundongos mostrando infecção patente por S. mansoni, um deles foi tratado diariamente com extrato alcoólico de folhas de CD (0.31g kg-1 por peso corporal, i.p.) por 21 dias. A atividade esquistossomicida do extrato de CD foi avaliada, três semanas após o tratamento, em alguns aspectos parasitológicos e histopatológicos incluindo carga parasitária, padrão de oograma, eliminação fecal de ovos e formação de granuloma. Além disto, níveis séricos de hormônio tireoideano (tri-iodotironina: T3 e tetra-iodotironina: T4), conteúdo sérico total de proteínas e glutatione hepático reduzido (GSH) foram avaliados. Tratamento usando extrato de CD resultou em fraca redução da carga de vermes (32,46%) e afetou a viabilidade de ovos maduros ou não, como indicado pelo aumento na porcentagem de ovos mortos e o descrécimo na porcentagem de ovos viáveis. Além disso, uma semana após o tratamento, a eliminação de ovos foi observada nas fezes do grupo infectado-tratado que foi baixa comparada ao grupo infectado. Houve efeito supressivo do extrato sobre a formação de granuloma que poderia ser devido ao efeito antioxidante do extrato. Estes dados são confirmados pelo aumento do GSH hepático, soro total de proteínas e níveis dos hormônios tireoideanos no grupo infecto-tratado quando comparado com o grupo infectado. O tratamento aumentou significativamente as frações beta-globulina da proteína. Baseado nestas afirmativas o extrato de CD tem efeitos benéficos sobre o nível dos hormônios tireoideanos e da atividade anti-esquistossomica. Os efeitos benéficos do extrato de CD poderiam estar relacionados com seu efeito direto sobre o parasita, e secundariamente por seus efeitos na capacidade anti-oxidante do hospedeiro. O presente trabalho poderia enfatizar o(s) mecanismo(s) preciso(s) desta proteção do extrato de CD.

I monitored the persistence, dissemination, and the possible visceralization tendency of Leishmania major , the causative parasite of cutaneous leishmaniasis in North Africa and the Middle East in Syrian hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ). Hamsters were inoculated subcutaneously in the hind footpad, with 1 × 10 6 L. major metacyclic promastigotes and were sacrificed at months 1, 3, 6 and 10 post-infection (pi). Skin lesions, blood, spleens, livers and kidneys were screened by both Giemsa-stained smears and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of L. major amastigotes. A few weeks pi, 61.7% of the inoculated hamsters developed a cutaneous lesion only at the inoculation site, while 38.3% of them developed non-self-healed lesions at sites distant from the inoculation site. PCR identified all the positive stained smears as well as false-negative ones, indicating that PCR was more sensitive than stained smears. The results confirmed the dissemination and persistence of L. major amastigotes in all tissues examined, except the kidneys, for a period extending to 10 months, only in those hamsters suffering from disseminated cutaneous lesions. Parasite DNA was detected in the bloods starting from the first month pi and starting from month 3 pi in the spleens and livers. Some, but not all, the animals with disseminated infections proved to be positive for parasite DNA in their organs. Persistence of the L. major amastigotes in the tissues differed from those of other species causing visceral diseases. These findings demonstrate a possible visceralization tendency for L. major previously recorded for L. tropica and L. mexicana .

Background. Fish farming has been developed due to decline of traditional fishing where tilapia culture is one of the principal sources for fish production. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of helminth infection on the health of cultured hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp.Materials and methods. Prevalence and intensity of helminth infection and histopathological response of infected organs were studied. Changes of biochemical composition, and protein electrophoritic pattern, and heavy metals levels of liver and muscle tissues were determined.Results. Helminth infection was restricted to the liver of 60% of the examined fish. Of this number 33% were infected by undifferentiated nematode larvae and heterophyid metacercariae while 67% showed the metacercarial infection only. Infection caused a noticeable alternation in histological architecture of the liver that was accompanied by depletion in hepatic glycogen, total lipids, and total protein. Moreover, biochemical components of the muscle tissues were significantly decreased along with intensity of infection. Protein fractions of the liver and muscle tissues were highly variable. Intensity of the parasitic infection was directly correlated with Fe and Mn levels in both liver and muscle.Conclusion. s. Cultured fish also suffered from helminth infection that significantly impaired the health and condition of fish as shown by histopathological, biochemical, and protein fractions changes recorded in this study. In additions, intensity of helminth infection might increase the capacity of infected organs in accumulation of heavy metals.