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Introduction: Eimeria spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa causing economic losses to various wild and domestic animals. An eimerian species infecting Columba livia domestica was identified in this study. Methods: A total of 15 faecal samples were examined by floatation technique, a prevalence rate of 60% was reported. Eimerian oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution then identified using morphological and molecular (DNA amplification of the 18S rRNA and ITS-1 genes) diagnostic techniques. Results: Sporulated oocysts were identified as Eimeria labbeana-like, after morphometry with typical bi-layered wall with spherical to subspherical oocysts morphology. A polar granule is present, but no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongated ovoidal with stieda body. Sporocyst residuum with many granules and sporozoites with refractile bodies and nucleus. Both 18S rRNA and ITS-1 sequences have been deposited in GenBank database. DNA sequences from the partial 18S rRNA generated from the oocysts were found to be related to eimerian and isosporan parasites found in domestic pigeons. For the first time, ITS-1 sequences for E. labbeana-like were provided. Conclusion: The necessity of using molecular techniques to describe pigeon intestinal coccidian parasites in conjunction with traditional morphology-based tools was emphasized in this work in order to understand the biology of such parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the infectious agents. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the Eimeria species that affect broiler chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Twenty‐five faecal samples were collected from the broiler chickens in a commercial poultry farm in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Using the floatation technique, faeces were examined microscopically for the Eimeria occurrence. Identification of Eimeria species was performed based on morphological criteria and molecular tools (DNA amplification for the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐1, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. In this study, 32% (8 out of 25) of collected samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis. After sporulation in potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), the sporulated oocysts were observed as ovoid and measured 18.37–23.19 µm (19.87) long and 15.07–18.67 µm (16.46) wide, with the anterior location of a polar granule and absence of micropyle. These Eimeria oocysts were assumed to size and shape characteristics of Eimeria acervulina. Molecular analysis was conducted on the sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products from the three genes studied (18S rRNA, ITS‐1, and COI). At the three genes, results showed that the resultant sequences clustered with E. acervulina from different regions confirming morphological description. This study highlighted the importance of molecular techniques to detect avian Eimeria species more than the traditional morphology‐based tool to optimise the appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long‐term control in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increasing awareness of the role of dyslipidemia in lupus nephritis patients, no researchers have studied dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Tabuk. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between dyslipidemia and lupus nephritis in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative longitudinal hospital-based study was conducted at a rheumatic clinic in the North West Armed Force Hospital (NWAFH) during the period April 2014–June 2015. Seventy-three patients diagnosed with SLE were invited to participate in the study. All participants were required to sign a written informed consent, following which they were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data collected include demographic data, clinical characteristics, fasting lipid profile, renal function tests, urine analysis, antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded antibodies, complement levels, serum albumin, anticardiolipin, ant bodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Lupus nephritis was ascertained by renal biopsy. The research was approved by the ethical committees of both the University of Tabuk and the NWAFH and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Out of 73 patients with SLE, 86.3% were females with a mean age of 34 ± 6.4 years. Lupus nephritis was evident in 26% of the patients, proteinuria in 44.1%, high total cholesterol in 17.8%, high low-density lipoprotein in 15.1%, high triglycerides in 27.3%, and low high-density lipoproteins in 52.1%. Patients with lupus nephritis had high total cholesterol, high LDL, high TG, and low HDL than those without lupus nephritis p < 0.05. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia was more common among patients with SLE nephritis, and an aggressive treatment is recommended to reduce this serious complication. The relatively small size of the study group and the fact that the study was conducted at a single tertiary center are the limitations of this study.

This study aimed to determine aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in dairy sheep, goats, and camel milk in Hail, Saudi Arabia, and evaluate methods for reducing AFM1. A total of 67 milk samples were collected from Ghazala and Al-Shweimis villages, Hail. AFM1 in milk samples was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Results revealed concentration of AFM1 in goat and camel milk samples from Ghazala was higher than that in goat and camel milk samples from Al-Shweimis with a significant difference (p<0.05) using both ELISA and HPLC methods. The mean AFM1 concentration using ELISA for goat milk was (12.96 ± 2.23 ng/l), while the AFM1 concentration for camel milk was (1.54 ± 0.29 ng/l). Microwave heating and boiling are effective methods to reduce the AFM1 in milk. The highest AFM1 removal percent was 42.96% by microwave and 12.32 % by boiling milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross sectional study was conducted during the period 2014–2015, to estimate the prevalence and assess contribution of some risk factors for the occurrence of enterotoxaemia in sheep, goats, cattle and camels in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia. A total of 1593 animals from 476 herds were investigated. ELISA tests were conducted using a commercial kit for the detection of different toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens causing the disease. The toxicogenic typing of C. perfringens in clinical samples by ELISA kit, revealed that the predominant types were C. perfringens type A (67.2%) followed by type D (16.4%), then type B (13.4%) and type C (3%). Further confirmation of representative C. perfringens isolated from enterotoxaemia positive animals was performed using polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of enterotoxaemia disease at the animal and herd level was 27.2% and 26.47% respectively. There were significant differences in the prevalence of enterotoxaemia in animals between the different regions in KSA, animal species and months of the year. The highest prevalence was detected in Aljouf region (41.7%), followed by Hail region (40.9%), Qassim (37.8%), Jazan (31.1%), the eastern region (26.1%) and Riyadh region (10.4%). The prevalence was the highest cattle (64.3%), followed by goats (29.9%), camels (21.5%) and sheep (21.4%). Risk factors such as regions (χ2 = 89.65, p = 0.000), months of the year (χ2 = 76.65, p = 0.000), animal species (χ2 = 50.81, p = 0.000), disease presence by years (χ2 = 29.75, p = 0.000), herds prevalence (χ2 = 1443.6, p = 0.000) showed statistically significant association with enterotoxaemia disease. In the multivariate analysis, species of animals (OR = 4.88, p = 0.000) was found to be the most statistically significant risk factor associated with enterotoxaemia. Cattle were found to be approximately five times more likely to have infection with enterotoxaemia (OR = 4.88, CI = 2.55–9.37, p = 0.0001) compared to other animal species. High overall prevalence of enterotoxaemia cases in all animal species occurred during the period August–December of the year 2015 with the highest prevalence in September (50%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Worldwide, medical education and assessment of medical students are evolving. Psychometric analysis of the adopted assessment methods is thus, necessary for an efficient, reliable, valid and evidence based approach to the assessment of the students. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of psychometric analysis of our courses conducted in the academic year 2018-2019, in an innovative curriculum. Methods: It was a cross-sectional-design study involving review of examination items over one academic session -2018/2019. All exam item analysis of courses completed within the three phases of the year were analyzed using SPSS V20 statistical software. Results: There were 24 courses conducted during the academic year 2018-2019, across the three academic phases. The total examination items were 1073 with 3219 distractors in one of four best option multiple choice questions (MCQs). The item analysis showed that the mean difficulty index (DIF I) was 79.1 ± 3.3. Items with good discrimination have a mean of 65 ± 11.2 and a distractor efficiency of 80.9%. Reliability Index (Kr20) across all exams in the three phases was 0.75. There was a significant difference within the examination items block (F = 12.31, F critical = 3.33, P < 0.05) across all the phases of the courses taken by the students. Similarly, significant differences existed among the three phases of the courses taken (F ratio = 12.44, F critical 4.10, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The psychometric analysis showed that the quality of examination questions was valid and reliable. Though differences were observed in items quality between different phases of study as well as within courses of study, it has generally remained consistent throughout the session. More efforts need to be channeled towards improving the quality in the future is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eimerian infection is one of the most serious infections that can decrease rabbit productivity since it can lead to serious diseases. There is little information about Eimeria media and Eimeria stiedai infections in Saudi Arabia, and molecular data is particularly weak. To establish the prevalence, morphological and molecular characterization of E. media and E. stiedai isolated from spontaneously infected rabbits, the current study was conducted. Ten healthy rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus , whose feces were collected and kept at the laboratory were examined for protozoan parasite infection using the floatation method. Purified oocysts were used to extract DNA, which was then used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers that amplified a partial sequences of the 18S rDNA gene. Seven rabbits had coinfections with two eimerian species. Sporulated oocysts of E. media had an obvious micropyle and were oval, measuring 24.92–30.03 (28.04) µm in length and 16.33–19.63 (18.31) µm in width. In contrast, E. stiedai were ellipsoid and measured 31.03–36.47 (33.79) µm in length and 18.21–20.93 (19.32) µm in width. The identity of the species of Eimeria parasites detected from the host (rabbits) was verified by the results of the sequences for the 18S rDNA gene. Both organisms (E. media and E. stiedai) grouped with rabbit eimerian parasites with distinct association with the group that contains oocysts residual body. Sequences from E. stiedai revealed insertions on two sites that had never been detected in E. stiedai sequences previously deposited in GenBank. The current parasite species are closely related to the previously described and deposited E. media and E. stiedai and are deeply embedded in the genus Eimeria (family Eimeriidae). This study emphasized the significance of combining taxonomy with morphological and genetic data in the identification of Eimeria species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) emerged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2012 causing a critical challenge to public health. The epidemiology of MERS-CoV remain enigmatic as human-to-human transmission is not fully understood. One possible scenario that might play a role in the virus transmission is the cultural waterpipe smoking. Cafés providing waterpipe smoking in cities within Saudi Arabia have been moved to areas outside city limits that frequently place them close to camels markets. We report results of a surveillance study wherein waterpipe hoses throughout several regions in Saudi Arabia were tested for the presence of MERS-CoV. A total of 2489 waterpipe samples were collected from cities where MERS-CoV cases were continuously recorded. MERS-CoV RNA wasn't detected in collected samples. Irrespective of the negative results of our survey, the public health risk of waterpipe smoking should not be underestimated. To avoid a possible transmission within country where MERS-CoV is prevalent, we recommend the replacement of resusable hoses with "one-time-use" hoses in addition to a close inspection of waterpipe components to assure the appropriate cleaning and sanitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serological surveys have confirmed Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in dromedary camels, but molecular surveys and genetic characterisation of camel-associated Anaplasma species are lacking. In this study, we detected tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in 30 of 100 (30%) healthy dromedary camels screened using a combined 16S rRNA– groEL PCR-sequencing approach. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed Anaplasmataceae genome presence in 28 of the 33 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples, with two additional positive samples, for which 16S rRNA sequence data were ambiguous, being identified by groEL gene characterisation. Phylogenetic analyses of a 1289 nt segment of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of a unique Ehrlichia lineage and a discrete Anaplasma lineage, comprising three variants, occurring at an overall prevalence of 4% and 26%, respectively. Genetic characterisation of an aligned 559 nt groEL gene region revealed the camel-associated Anaplasma and Ehrlichia lineages to be novel and most closely related to Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis . Based on the confirmed monophyly, minimum pairwise genetic distances between each novel lineage and its closest sister taxon, and the inability to isolate the bacteria, we propose that Candidatus status be assigned to each. This first genetic characterisation of Anaplasmataceae from naturally infected, asymptomatic dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia confirms the presence of two novel lineages that are phylogenetically linked to two pathogenic canid species of increasing zoonotic concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work represents the most extensive genetic study of the grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in Arabia and the first considering genetic data from multiple locations within Saudi Arabia. Previous suggestion of the occurrence of two subspecies of wolves in Arabia is not supported by this study. The genetic evidence suggests that the wolves of Saudi Arabia are genetically variable and more closely related to the Eurasian wolf Canis lupus group (dog included) than to the Indian wolf C. l. pallipes . The genetic diversity observed for C. lupus in Saudi Arabia indicates that the subspecific status C. l. arabs should be retained for the Arabian wolf. What remains unclear is the degree to which genetic introgression from domestic dogs has influenced the composition and integrity of C. lupus in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasma spp. is a group of intra-erythrocytic bacteria that various species of ticks can transmit. Information regarding the prevalence of infections in sheep and goats caused by this group of organisms is scarce in Saudi Arabia. The present study was carried out during 2020–2021 to examine the prevalence of anaplasmosis among sheep and goats in two cities in western Saudi Arabia. The study included samples from 177 sheep (77 from Madina, 100 from Tabuk) and 226 goats (123 from Madina, 103 from Tabuk). The samples were investigated using direct microscopy method as well as a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Assay (cELISA) for the detection of anti- Anaplasma spp. antibodies. A total of 93 (23.1%) of the samples were positive on direct microscopy, whereas 84 (20.7%) were positive on cELISA. Of those samples positive on direct microscopy, 44 (19.5%) were from goats while 49 (27.7%) were from sheep. Of the positive samples on cELISA; 38 (17.0%) were from goats, and 46 (26.0%) were from sheep. A significant difference in the prevalence of anaplasmosis was reported (p < 0.05) using microscopic and cELISA in goats and sheep in both regions studied, having a higher prevalence in Tabuk. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anaplasmosis in males and females from Madina and Tabuk using both methods (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of anaplasmosis in older goats (>2 years) and in the summer compared to the winter in samples collected from Tabuk (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence of anaplasmosis was detected for the first time In the Tabuk region from sheep and goats. The difference in the prevalence in the two locations studied was probably due to the variation in climatic conditions and the availability of the vector responsible for the transmission of anaplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To detect Coxiella burnetii ( C. burnetii ) DNA in clinical specimens from camel, goats, cattle and sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 367 clinical samples including blood, milk, faeces and urine were collected from different livestock and subjected to PCR amplification using primers which amplify transposon-like region and transposase gene. Results Positive amplification from both regions was obtained from camel, goats and cattle but not from sheep. A percentage of 10.8% samples yielded positive PCR amplification from both blood and milk, where 15 of 139 blood and 16 of 148 milk samples were positive. Faeces and urine showed higher percentages of positive samples reaching 40.8% and 23.8% respectively. Conclusions The preferred route of shedding in camel appeared to be the faeces followed by urine, while that of goats appeared to be the faeces and that of the cattle appeared to be the milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an investigation of the genetic diversity of spiny mice (genus Acomys) and gerbils (genus Gerbillus) in the Arabian Peninsula. It enumerates the locations in Saudi Arabia sampled, describes the materials used and explains the research procedure. The results are discussed and several diagrams are presented, including one on the maximum parsimony haplotype network for Gerbillus nanus from Saudi Arabia.

The article discusses a study which examined gastrointestinal and external parasites of the Arabian Oryx and their level of infestation at the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Eimeria saudiensis and Cryptosporidium sp. are the parasites identified from the study. The nematode species that have been recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of the collected Arabian oryx are cited.

The article presents a study on the timing and patterns of molt of Kuhl's bat, Pipistrellus kuhlii from Unizah Province, Saudi Arabia. It discusses findings on the molting sequence among adult and young bats which usually occur following the breeding season, comparing the process between males and females. It explores the significance of having clear knowledge of the timing and patterns of molt when collecting hair samples for stable isotope analysis to determine places of origin of migrating bats.

Abstract: The gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of infestation in the Arabian red fox Vulpes vulpes arabica Thomas, were investigated at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Thumamah, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Faecal samples were collected from 58 wild caught foxes while under anaesthesia and examined for gastrointestinal parasites stages. Male and female foxes were infected with three major groups of parasites; cestodes, nematodes, protozoa as well as an acanthocephalan. Faecal analyses revealed that 22 foxes (37.9%) were infected with two different Isospora spp. and three (5.2%) with an undescribed Eimeria sp., 12 (20.7%). Nine individuals (15.5%) harboured hookworms, (Trichosomoides sp.), two (3.5%) were infected with Trichuris sp. (probably Trichuris vulpes) and one individual (1.7%) with Taenia sp. (probably Taenia hydatigena). Carcasses of five male and three female foxes were necropsied. Four of the necropsied carcasses yielded Ancylostoma caninum, two each harboured Pterygodermatitis affinis, T. vulpes and Macracanthorhynchus catalinus, in six foxes Joyeuxiella echinorynchoides was found. Five and four foxes were infected with T. hydatigena and Diplopylidium nölleri, respectively. The possible role of the Arabian red fox as an intercalary host essential for the life cycle of Trichosomoides sp., common to the Libyan jird, Meriones libycus, in particular and the importance of this species as a vector for zoonotic infections and in the spread of other parasites to wild and domestic animals in general is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Ethiopian hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) is an insectivore which is known to occur in northern an eastern Africa and in most of the Arabian Peninsula. Few recent studies on the reproduction, parasitology and ecology are available, but none has been published on the hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals. Hence the present study was conducted in order to establish haematological and biochemical for free ranging apparently healthy hedgehogs using automated haematology and biochemistry analyzers. Variation and differences in blood values between males and females as well as before and after hibernation were evaluated. Blood samples from 50 males and 35 females were used for the establishment of the reference interval for the haematological and biochemical variables. Data from males and females were compared using student's t -test in the computer program SPSS. Significant sex-related haematological differences were observed in the total WBCs, monocytes, RBCs, MCV and MCH values. Males showed significantly higher WBCs compared to females whereas females showed significantly higher values form monocytes, RBCs, MCV and MCH than males (p < 0.05–0001). Changes in the biochemical profiles were significant in AlP, BUN and Na. ALP and BUN were higher in males while Na was higher in females (p < 0.05–0.01). The effect of hibernation was evidenced by increase in the RBCs, haemoglobin, haematocrit and MCHC and decrease in the total protein and phosphorus in animals after hibernation. These findings are considered the first regarding the reference intervals for the desert hedgehog and it will constitute a basis for any further haematological and biochemical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Since 2012, MERS-CoV has caused up to 2220 cases and 790 deaths in 27 countries with Saudi Arabia being the most affected country with ~83.1% of the cases and ~38.8% local death rate. Current serological assays such as microneutralization (MN), plaque reduction neutralization, immunofluorescence, protein microarray or pseudoparticle neutralization assays rely on handling of live MERS-CoV in high containment laboratories or need for expensive and special equipment and reagents and highly trained personnel which represent a technical hurdle for most laboratories in resource-limited MERS-CoV endemic countries. Here, we developed, compared and evaluated three different indirect ELISAs based on MERS-CoV nucleocapsid protein (N), spike (S) ectodomain (amino acids 1–1297) and S1 subunit (amino acids 1–725) and compared them with MN assay. The developed ELISAs were evaluated using large number of confirmed seropositive (79 samples) and seronegative (274 samples) MERS-CoV human serum samples. Both rS1- and rS-ELISAs maintained high sensitivity and specificity (≥90%) across a wider range of OD values compared to rN-ELISA. Moreover, rS1- and rS-based ELISAs showed better agreement and correlation with MN assay in contrast to rN-ELISA. Collectively, our data demonstrate that rS1-ELISA and rS-ELISA are more reliable than rN-ELISA and represent a suitable choice for seroepidemiological testing and surveillance in MERS-CoV endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little information pertaining to the reproductive biology of the Baluchistan gerbil ( Gerbillus nanus ) despite a broad distribution throughout the Middle East. In the current study, body mass, reproductive–tract morphometrics plus gonadal histology and endocrine profiles of males and females were studied over 12 consecutive months in a field population of Baluchistan gerbils from the western region of Saudi Arabia in an attempt to gain insights into a) the environmental zeitgeber ( s ) that correlate with reproduction as well as b) to assess if reproduction is seasonal or aseasonal in this species. With the exception of testosterone all male reproductive indicators varied seasonally and were lower during winter than the rest of the year and most increased with rainfall. In contrast, ovarian mass and volume as well as immature follicle counts showed no seasonal patterns and were independent of rainfall or temperature. First pregnancies were observed in late spring coinciding with the increased progesterone concentrations and peaked in summer. This was accompanied by seasonal peaks in the number of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea in females and these parameters were significantly correlated with temperature, but not rainfall In the Arabian Peninsula male, but not female Baluchistan gerbils show seasonal recrudescence and this appears to be correlated largely to rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]