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ABSTRACT Fish, like all other species, can be impacted by a variety of environmental conditions, including parasitic infections. Although there are several parasitological researche on ectoparasitic monogeneans, few are published on those that infect sparid fish. Forty samples of Acanthopagrus bifasciatus were collected during this study from coastal regions along the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia). Gills from all fish were isolated and examined to identify monogeneans. The parasites were studied morphologically using light microscopy. Overall prevalence and mean intensity were 20% and 9, respectively. Eight out of 40 (20%) fish samples were found to be naturally infected with a monogenetic species, namely, Bivagina pagrosomi (Murray, 1931) Dillon and Hargis, 1965 belonging to Microcotylidae (order Mazocraeidea). This parasite is characterized by the presence of haptor provided 43-47 clamps of microcotylid-type that deeply penetrated the gill lamellae and caused severe pathological impacts including hyperplasia, telangiectasis, and deformity of the respiratory epithelial cells Our finding indicates that this is the first report of A. bifasciatus being infected with B. pagrosomi from Saudi marine waters as well as the research of its deleterious effects on its host gills. More research is needed to confirm the parasite species’ taxonomic status at the molecular level.

ABSTRACT Plasmodium species are responsible for the transmission of malaria, which is still one of the most dangerous diseases to humans in the world. This study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effect of SB on parasitemia in mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi infection. A total of 30 disease-free mice were randomly assigned to six groups. The first control non-infected group received only distilled water daily for 7 days by oral route. After being infected with 106 of P. chabaudi in the other five groups, the mice were gavaged with 0.2mL/mice of a solution containing either 25%, 50%, or 100% of SB, respectively. The fifth group orally received 10mg/ kg chloroquine phosphate (CQ). The sixth set of mice served as the infected group. Following the administration of treatments during a suppression test that lasted for five days, a daily examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa was performed. Sheep bile was able to decrease parasitemia nearly to the used reference drug, chloroquine. In addition, bile significantly decreased the diarrhea rate of infection in mice, the survival rate of mice, the parasitemia percentage, and the suppression ratio. The parasite's caused histological change was enhanced by the SB. After treatment, there was also a rise in the amounts of the liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Findings indicate that bile has antimalarial activity and can control parasitemia percentage and parasite suppression. We need further investigations to determine the mechanisms of action of the bile in vivo.

ABSTRACT For centuries, medicinal plants with abundant supplies of phytochemicals that are physiologically active have been used in traditional medicine. Numerous of these contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that help lower the risk of numerous diseases. The illness coccidiosis affects many animals and results in huge monetary losses. Drug-resistant strains of Eimeria spp. have emerged because of drug addiction and usage. Therefore, Artemisia sieberi (Asteraceae family) leaves methanolic extract (ASLE) was assessed for its Phytochemical components, in vitro cytotoxicity, and anticoccidial activity. Using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the components of ASLE were detected. Additionally, different extract concentrations were tested for their anticancer activities when applied to breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell lines (A549). ASLE was prepared and tested in vitro as anticoccidial using the oocyst of Eimeria papillate. Fifteen different functional groups were found to be present in ASLE using (FT-IR). Also, quantitative results showed phenolics and flavonoids of 235.5±2.7 and 47.89 ± 0.3 respectively in ASLE. Moreover, ASLE showed significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The LC50 of ASLE was obtained at 98.6± 1.8μg/mL for the A549 and 253.9±4.4μg/mL for the MCF-7 cell lines. At 96 h, significant inhibition of process sporulation for E. papillata oocysts was observed when exposed to ASLE (300mg/mL) and formalin 5%, while amprolium, DettolTM, and phenol showed different levels of inhibition. Our findings demonstrated the presence of anticoccidial in ASLE, which encourages the performance of multiple in vivo investigations to find an effective treatment.

ABSTRACT Fish is considered one of the nutritive protein sources affected by various parameters including parasitism. Monogeneans are an ectoparasitic species infecting fish’s skin, fins, and gills. During the present investigation, a total of 40 fish samples of the twobar seabream, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (Perciformes: Sparidae) were collected from the coastal region along the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia). The collected fish samples were dissected and examined for the presence of monogenetic parasites. The recovered parasite species were collected and identified by applying light microscopic examinations. Five out of 40 (12.5%) fish samples were found to be naturally infected with 2 monogenetic species belonging to two families within Polyopisthocotylea (order Mazocraeidea). They recorded two parasite species, namely, Pseudodiscocotyla opakapaka Yamaguti, 1965 and Kannaphallus raphidium Kritsky and Martin, 2023 belonging to families Discocotylidae and Heteraxinidae, respectively. Morphological and morphometric characterizations revealed some differences between the present species and others detected previously. The present findings of P. opakapaka and K. raphidium in A. bifasciatus (fish host) of the Arabian Gulf represent a new host and geographical record for these parasites. Furthermore, more studies are required to include the advanced molecular tools for these monogenetic species and their associated histopathological effects on the infection site.

ABSTRACT Specimens of the genus Diplostomum von Nordmann, 1832 (Trematoda, Diplostomidae) were collected from the intestine of the herring gull, Larus argentatus (Laridae), from El-Manzala Lake (Port Said City, Egypt). This parasite species was morphometrically, morphologically, and molecularly studied using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) gene region. The presence of a trematode species of Diplostomum spathaceum Rudolphi, 1819 (Diplostomidae) was observed in 70 % of the examined gull species. This species has generic features of the genus Diplostomum. Distinct criteria that discriminated this species from congeners were the division for body parts, the egg-shaped forebody with a smaller length than the hind body, the ventral sucker being smaller in size than the oral one, the position of the ventral sucker being near to the holdfast, vitellaria was compact and rarely extend anteriorly to the holdfast organ, and smaller egg size. Partial ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences from diplosomite recovered in this study showed that they grouped with members of the genus Diplostomum and formed a monophyletic group supporting the morphological description. Findings obtained from molecular analysis are consistent with data from morphological classification where the parasite recorded was morphologically similar to Diplostomum spathaceum with a first record in Egyptian gulls.

ABSTRACT The use of biosynthesized nanoparticles is one of the broad research areas where silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have anti-parasitic disease properties. The biological synthesis of silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles using methanolic extracts of the Indigofera oblongifolia leaf was evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, total of phenolics, and flavonoids, and MTT assay were used. In addition, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and TEM analysis. produced was stable and simple-to-synthesize AgNPs by UV light radiation. Classes of compounds expected to be biologically active were identified in the extract. Also, Quantitative results showed phenolics and flavonoids at 219 ± 1.079, and 19 ± 0.150 (mg TAE/g DW), respectively. Moreover, IC50 was obtained at 151.569 ± 8.5 ng/mL for Hep-G2 cell lines. Examination of IOLEAgNPs using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the nanoparticles were spherical with a smooth surface, which indicates that the prepared nanostructure content is highly pure with good morphology. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract (AgNPs-leaf) were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Its activities have been tested as anti-malaria. OILEAgNPs were able to reduce parasitemia.

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of many plants has been reported as anthelmintic and anticoccidial because they possess active compounds. Excessive use of drugs has led to the emergence of drug-resistant Eimeria species. This study was designed to evaluate anticoccidial and anthelmintic activity of Achillea fragrantissima flower extract (AFFE) and leaves extract (AFLE). Infrared spectroscopy showed nine phytochemical compounds. Chemical examination revealed AF rich in phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Flower extract showed the highest percentage inhibition of DPPH radical at 500 µg/mL (82.2%) compared to leaves extract (74.5%). AFFE and AFLE (100 mg/ml) caused paralysis and earthworm death by 13.67±1.96 and 15.25±2.48 min and 4.19±0.05 and 4.70±0.28 min, respectively, compared to mebendazole. In histological study, a clear defect was found in surface architecture of treated groups of worms with extract. At 96 h, significant inhibition (100%) of process sporulation for E. papillata oocyst was observed when exposed to AFFE (300 and 200 mg/mL), while AFLE was 98.4 and 96%, respectively. Additionally, amprolium, DettolTM, phenol, and formalin 5% showed different levels of inhibition. Results revealed anticoccidial and anthelmintic activities of AFFE and AFLE, which encourages conducting many in vivo studies to find an effective and cheap treatment.

ABSTRACT Natural sources are microbiological species and medicinal plants, which could be potential new sources for development of drugs against different diseases. Coccidiosis affects many animals and leads to great economic losses. Drug-resistant strains of Eimeria species have emerged because of overuse and misuse of drugs. In vitro, using Eimeria papillata oocyst and earthworm (Eisenia fetida), we evaluated the anticoccidial and anthelmintic effect of Teucrium polium leaves extract (TPLE). Using infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of thirteen compounds for TPLE. Mebendazole (10 mg/mL) caused paralysis and earthworm death by 13.91±0.373 and 18.2±0.980 min, respectively, while, for TPLE (100 mg/ml) were 4.23±0.077 and 4.817±0.386 min. Also, the histological study revealed obvious surface architecture abnormality for treated worms. Moreover, TPLE (300 mg/mL) and formalin (5%) at 72, 96, and 120 hrs led to inhibition of sporulation by approximately 100% with marked deformities, while TPLE (200, 100, 50, and 25 mg/mL), amprolium, DettolTM, and phenol at 120 hr approximately 65.9%, 23.6%, 4.8%, 3.2%, 12.6%, 68.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. This pilot investigation revealed that TPLE possesses anticoccidial and anthelmintic activity, encouraging additional testing in vivo to create a new medication for the treatment of coccidiosis and helminthiasis.

ABSTRACT Natural products are safe environmentally friendly agents and have no negative impact on the environment, they can be used to combat parasitic diseases. Helminthiasis and coccidiosis are parasitic diseases that harm both health and the economy. This research aimed to see how Anethum graveolens leaves extract (AGLE) worked as an anti-parasitic modulator during oocyst sporulation of an Eimeria papillata infection. FT-IR phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of eight compounds. The time required to induce paralysis and death in worms at the highest concentration (200 mg/mL) was 4.57±0.26 and 5.22±0.10 min, respectively. In an in vitro study, AGLE (300 mg/ml) inhibited sporulation by approximately 100% after 72 and 96 hr. AGLE (200, 100, and 50 mg/ml), amprolium, DettolTM, and phenol induced variable inhibition levels at 96 hr of 5.54%, 1.01%, 37.33%, 81.33%, and 89.33%, respectively. Our findings suggest that AGLE has potent anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties that could be further developed into a novel therapeutic agent.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of wild and domestic animals caused by Eimeria spp. Currently, several drugs are available for the control of this disease but resistance has been confirmed for all them. There is an urgent need, therefore, for the identification of new compounds as alternative treatments to control coccidiosis. Astragalus membranaceus proven to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulating and anticancer activities. The present study was therefore undertaken to assess the in vivo and the in vitro anticoccidial activity of Astragalus membranaceus root (AMR). Mice were divided into five groups, with the first left non-infected and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups being infected with 1 × 103 sporulated oocysts of E. papillata. The third, fourth and fifth groups also received, respectively, an oral dose of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg AMR suspended in physiological saline daily for five consecutive days. 50 mg/kg, was the most effective dose, inducing a significant reduction in the number of oocysts output in mice faeces (by about 57%), accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of parasitic stages in jejunal sections. Moreover, the treatment with AMR increased the number of goblet cells and upregulated the expression of its specific gene, MUC2. In addition, our study proved that AMR reduced oxidative damage since levels of TBARS decreased (indicating reduced lipid peroxidation), levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased, and the mRNA level of iNOS was downregulated. Also, AMR treatment revealed anti-apoptotic activity as it was able to regulate the gene expression of Bcl-2 in the jejunum of E. papillata infected mice. Finally, the in vitro study revealed that AMR significantly inhabited the oocyst sporulation in a dose dependent manner. Overall, therefore, our results indicate that AMR exhibits significant in vivo and in vitro anticoccidial effects. Keywords: Coccidia, Astragalus membranaceus, Oxidative stress, MUC2, iNOs, Bcl2 sporulation

Abstract  Four new Ceratomyxa species were described from the gallbladder of four Red Sea fishes at Suez and Hurghada, Egypt. These species are Ceratomyxa bassoni sp. n. from Plectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa entzerothi sp. n. from Valamugil seheli (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa swaisi sp. n. from Saurida undosquamis (Richardson 1848) at Suez only and Ceratomyxa hurghadensis sp. n. from Fistularia commersonii Ruppell 1838 at Hurghada only. Their taxonomic affinities to other species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A new multivalvulid species, Kudoa pagrusi sp. n., was described from the sea bream Pagrus pagrus. The cysts were oval to ellipsoidal and restricted to the cardiac muscles. The mean spore measurements were 7.0 μm in length and 6.4 μm in width as well as in thickness, while the mean polar capsule measurements were 3.7 μm in length and 1.5 μm in width. The ultrastructural features of the present species proved that the spore have four polar capsules with four shell valves that are the main criteria for genus Kudoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract   Zschokkella helmii n. sp., a new parasite of Siganus rivulatus from the Red Sea, Egypt, was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. However, the infection was severe; single “histozoic” plasmodium was encountered in the gallbladder wall. Spores are ellipsoid with 9–11 valvar striations. Spore mean length is 10.8 μm (10.0–11.0), while the spore mean width is 7.5 μm (7.0–8.0). Polar capsules are nearly round with a diameter of 2.2 μm (2.0–3.0) and have five filaments. Ultrastructure of the plasmodial wall and sporogenesis of the present species followed the usual pattern valid for most studied myxosporean species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Hysterothylacium species are perhaps the most abundant and diverse group of marine ascaridoids. Identification of larval stages at specific levels is very problematic. This study describes the occurrence of Hysterothylacium larvae parasitizing the peritoneal cavity and mesenteries of Saurida tumbil purchased from fish markets in Saudi Arabia. Fish were visually inspected for nematodes using micro- and macroscopic examinations. Nematodes were assigned to genus level based on morphology and identified at specific level by sequence analyses of 18S rRNA and COI genes. Morphological examination by light microscopy showed that worms identified as third-stage larvae (L3) belonged to genus Hysterothylacium Ward and Magath, 1917. COI sequences from host confirmed identity of host as S. tumbil as it resulted in identical sequences from S. tumbil in GenBank. Identity of L3 based on 18S rDNA sequences confirmed their identity as H. thalassini and showed high similarity to sequences in GenBank. A unique hitherto sequences of L3 related to COI region have been reported herein. This is the first record of Hysterothylacium L3-stage parasitizing lizardfish in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study represents the importance of a combination of morphological and molecular tools for taxonomy and systematics of ascaridoids at specific level and confirming its host identity.

ABSTRACT Genus Eimeria is a group of obligate Protista parasites within phylum Apicomplexa that causes a major threat to animal production. Little information is available about the coccidia of pigeons. This study was undertaken to study experimental infection in domesticated pigeons, its clinical signs, and pathological interpretation due to Eimeria species. Eimeria labbeana-like oocysts were used as a model parasite for experimental infection of pigeons. Twenty pigeons were brought and examined for 7 days to ensure they were coccidia-free. Five pigeons were separated into parasite passage. The remaining pigeons were divided into a control group of five pigeons, and ten pigeons were infected with 3×104 E. labbeana-like oocysts. Infected pigeons showed ruffled feathers, greenish watery diarrhea, weakness, blood-tinged droppings, etc. Pre-patent and patent durations were five and fourteen days of oral inoculation of Eimeria. Oocysts shedding began on the 5th-day p.i. and peaked on the 8th-day p.i. There is a significant loss in body weight due to infection. Histopathological examination showed damage to intestinal mucosa with various Eimeria developmental stages in the duodenal of the small intestine. This study is considered basic information on the first detection of biology of Eimeria species infecting pigeons in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT Fish are considered one of the important sources of protein which are invaded by different parasites. This study aimed to shed light on monogenean parasites that infect fish within the family Sparidae in Saudi Arabia. A total of 30 Argyrops filamentosus specimens were collected from the Red Sea, the city of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and then examined for the presence of monogenean parasites. Parasitic species were isolated and studied morphologically using light microscopic examination and molecularly via the partial sequencing of the 28S rRNA gene. Only a monogenean parasitic species has been identified. This parasite is morphologically and morphometric compatible with previously Acleotrema maculatus Morsy, El-Fayoumi & Fahmy (2014), identified from Plectropomus maculatus in the Red Sea, Egypt. Phylogeny revealed that this putative diplectanid species nested well within a clade clustering Diplectanidae species, which along with morphological data, suggests it is a member of the genus Acleotrema. Query sequences showed identities of 98.92% for 28S rRNA (AF026118.1) of Acleotrema sp. This study reflects the first account of this genus as endoparasite taxa of the examined sparid fish, as well as providing novel DNA data for this species.

Ivermectin (Iv) is widely used to control Rhipicephalus annulatus infestations in cattle in Egypt. However, increasing resistance to ivermectin necessitates alternative approaches. This study aimed to address this resistance by investigating the interactions between ivermectin and essential oil components (EOCs)-carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, D-limonene, trans-anethole, and thymol-against four R. annulatus tick isolates collected from Beni-Suef, El-Minia, and El-Fayoum. The larval immersion test was conducted using various ivermectin concentrations (3, 1.5, 0.75, 0.38, 0.19, 0.09, 0.045, 0.025, and 0.0125 mg/mL) prepared in EthTX1 %. Additionally, EOCs were tested at different concentrations (20, 10, 5, and 2.5 mg/mL) prepared by dilution in 5 % ethyl alcohol and EthTX 1 %. Ivermectin and each EOC were tested individually against the isolates. Subsequently, the LC50 of ivermectin was combined with the LC50 of each EOC in a 1:1 ratio to evaluate potential synergistic effects. All EOCs demonstrated significant toxicity against the isolates. The combination of carvacrol and thymol with ivermectin increased mortality, but the combination index (CI) exceeded one for all isolates, indicating no synergism. Similarly, while D-limonene, cinnamaldehyde, and trans-anethole also resulted in high mortality rates, including up to 100 %, no synergism was observed (CI > 1). However, these three EOCs exhibited CIs close to 1, suggesting an additive effect when combined with ivermectin. In conclusion, combining ivermectin with certain EOCs, particularly D-limonene, cinnamaldehyde, and trans-anethole, may offer an effective tool for controlling cattle ticks. Developing topical or pour-on formulations of ivermectin-EOC combinations could be an integral part of integrated management strategies to combat resistance to macrocyclic lactones like ivermectin. Further studies, including tests on adult ticks and field trials, are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these combinations., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The excessive use of conventional medications to treat coccidiosis has led to concerns regarding drug residues in tissues and the emergence of multidrug resistance. Essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities may also have anticoccidial effects. The present study investigated the efficacy of D-limonene and its nanoemulsion form against Eimeria tenella in chickens. An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the sporulation inhibitory effects of D-limonene on Eimeria tenella oocysts. Five D-limonene concentrations (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10% v/v) were tested alongside positive (10% formalin) and negative (2.5% potassium dichromate) controls. Each ELISA plate well was inoculated with 1200 unsporulated oocysts and incubated at 30 °C for 24, 48, and 72 h. Subsequently, samples were microscopically examined to assess sporulation inhibition and calculate the percentage of sporulated oocysts. For the in vivo study, 125 eight-day-old broiler chicks were divided into five groups of 25 birds each. The control negative group remained uninfected and untreated. The control positive group was challenged with 5 × 10 4 sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts. The diclazuril group received 0.2 mg/kg diclazuril in their diet two days prior to, and until 10 days post infection. The D-limonene (DL) and D-limonene nanoemulsion (DLN) groups were challenged with 5 × 10 4 sporulated E. tenella oocysts at 18 days of age and administered 150 mg/L of their respective treatments in drinking water from day eight until the end of the experiment. Results from the in vitro study demonstrated that D-limonene suppressed oocyst sporulation by 50.83% at its highest concentration of 10%. In the in vivo study, both DL and DLN treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in oocyst output per gram of feces (OPG), along with increased body weight and decreased parasite stages in the cecal tissue. Furthermore, these treatments were associated with elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Particularly, DLN treatment remarkably increased the number of goblet cells. In conclusion, D-limonene and its nanoemulsion represent promising alternatives for managing coccidiosis in poultry. They not only effectively control parasites but also promote intestinal health and boost antioxidant defenses., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Glugea sp. found infecting the liver of the teleost fish Carangoides bajad from the Red Sea, Egypt, is described based on light microscopy and ultrastructural characteristics combined with phylogenetic analyses. This microsporidium forms whitish xenomas up to ~4 mm in size. Xenomas display numerous parasitophorous vacuoles totally filled by mature spores, no other life cycle stages were observed. Mature spores ellipsoidal and measuring 6.3 × 4.0 μm in size. The polaroplast appears composed of two distinct regions: an electron-dense vesicular region and a densely packed lamellar region. The polar tubule forms approximately 24-27 coils arranged in three layers encircling the posterior vacuole. The small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and its ITS region were sequenced and showed the highest similarity of 99.4% to other Glugea spp. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses place the novel isolate within the Glugea clade, more specifically within a subclade that predominantly grouped species described from fish inhabiting the Arabian Gulf or Red Sea. The results validate the parasite's classification in the Glugea genus. Nevertheless, until more detailed ultrastructural and molecular data are obtained, the identification of the current Glugea species is hampered by the absence of some developmental stages and the high degree of genetic similarity., (© 2024 International Society of Protistologists.)

Coccidiosis is one of the most prevalent diseases found in local rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which is caused by the Eimeria. The study aimed to more reliably identify Eimeria species (Eimeria magna) infecting Local Rabbits in Alkarg City, Saudi Arabia, based the method on the molecular properties and morphological and molecular biological techniques. Sub-spheroidal oocysts measuring 21-27 × 12-16 (24 × 14.4) μm (20 n) and with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 0.9-1.1 (1.0) were identified by microscopic analysis of a fecal sample. Oocysts feature a bi-layered wall that is 1.0-1.2 (1.1) μm thick. About two-thirds of the wall's thickness is made up of a smooth outer layer. A polar granule is present, but neither a micropyle nor an oocyst residuum is present. The ovoidal sporozoites measure 15-18 × 8-11 (16.5 × 9.5) μm, have an L/W ratio of 1.6-1.8 (1.7), and take up around 21% of the oocyst's total surface. The mean size of the sub-Stieda body is 1.4 × 2.3 μm, while the average size of the Stieda body is 0.9 × 1.8 μm. The para-Stieda body is lacking. Sporocyst residuum appears membrane-bound and has an uneven form made up of several granules. With two refractile bodies below the striations and pronounced striations at the more pointed end, sporozoites are vermiform, measuring an average of 11.6 × 4.0 μm. The results of the sequencing for the 18S rDNA gene confirmed the species of Eimeria parasites found in the host (rabbits). The current parasite species is closely related to the previously described and deposited E. magna and deeply embedded in the genus Eimeria (family Eimeriidae). According to the findings, single oocyst molecular identification of Eimeria may be accomplished through consistent use of the morphological and molecular results. It is possible to draw the conclusion that the current research supplies relevant facts that help assess the potential infection and future control measures against rabbit coccidiosis to reduce the financial losses that can be incurred by the rabbit industry in Saudi Arabia., (© 2024 International Society of Protistologists.)

Introduction: Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease in camels caused by an intestinal protozoan parasite of the genus Eimeria , which is linked to significant causes of reduced milk and meat production. In Saudi Arabia, scare literature focused on the coprological investigation of dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ). To determine the taxonomic status of camel parasite species, we performed morphological characterization of oocysts and genetic analysis ( 18S rRNA and ITS-1 gene regions) of Eimeria species collected from camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Methods: A total of 150 faecal samples were obtained from camels at the old camel market. These samples were tested for the presence of Eimeria oocysts using the conventional floatation technique before being sporulated in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria oocysts were morphologically and molecularly examined and identified, and the infection rate of parasitic infections was determined., Results: Our findings revealed that the overall frequency of oocysts was 30%. The identified species was Eimeria rajasthani , which had a typical ellipsoidal oocyst shape. Oocystic polar granule, micropyle, micropylar cap, and oocyst residuum are not visible. Sporocysts are oval with stieda body. Sporocyst residuum contains many granules and sporozoites with refractile bodies and nuclei. Genetic analyses of the sequence data from the partial 18S rRNA and ITS-1 gene regions revealed that the sequences obtained from E . rajasthani oocysts are related to DNA sequences reported from E. lamae from the Alpaca from China, particularly the 18S rRNA sequences., Conclusion: This study emphasized the need to use molecular phylogenetic tools to describe camel intestinal coccidian parasites with traditional morphology-based approaches to better understand their biology. For camel husbandry and disease control, more studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiology of these protozoan parasites., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer SE-A declared a past coauthorship with two of the authors EA-S and RA-G to the handling editor., (Copyright © 2024 Al-Shaebi, Al Quraishy, Omer, Abdel-Gaber and Mohammed.)

The study aimed to verify the pathogenic malarial kidney infections and histopathological pictures in mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi using Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract silver nanoparticles (IOLEAgNPs). Fifty healthy adult female mice C57BL/6 were used. Animals were divided into five groups, with each group of ten mice. The first control non-infected group was given distilled water for 7 days. The second group was orally given 50 mg/kg of IOLEAgNPs. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10 5 parasitized erythrocytes of P. chabaudi . After 1 h, the fourth group received 50 mg/kg of IOLEAgNPs, while the fifth group orally received 10 mg/kg chloroquine phosphate. The histopathology of the kidney was studied by routine histology method with hematoxylin-eosin staining. The kidney revealed cerebral microvessel congestion, hemorrhages, and necrosis. Cast formation, glomerulonephritis, tubular necrosis, and congestion were observed in the kidney cortex. Consequently, the targeted medical IOLEAgNPs reduced this degeneration impact on renal tissue. Proven that plant-source synthesized IOLEAgNPs play a preventive role as antimalarial agents in female mice infected with P. chabaudi., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Authors state no conflict of interest., (© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.)