BACKGROUND: Trypanosomosis is a blood parasitic disease with veterinary and cosmopolitan importance due to Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) type A in camels, cattle, buffaloes, and equine and type B in camels. OBJECTIVES: We conducted the present study to discriminate Trypanosoma evansi type A and B infection in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Sistan-va-Baluchestan Province, south eastern Iran. METHODS: A total number of 369 blood samples were randomly taken from jugular vein of the examined one-humped camels from different parts of the region. Genomic DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify 205bp-fragment-length and 436bp-fragment-length of RoTat 1.2 VSG gene (T. evansi type A) and Minicircle gene (T. evansi type B), respectively. RESULTS: Molecular findings revealed that all the infected camels were affected by T. evansi type A. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the current study, we could conclude that the cause of infection in the examined camels of the region, like other parts of the world, was T. evansi type A.

Trypanosomosis is an important disease of dromedary camels caused by the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma evansi. This study aimed to compare three different tests for its diagnosis in this species: conventional microscopy, the card agglutination test for trypanosomosis/T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi) and real-time PCR. Whole blood and serum samples collected from 77 dromedary camels of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, were analysed with the test methods stated. Statistical analysis was done using McNemar’s chi-squared test, and Cohen’s kappa index (κ) was calculated. We obtained results with positivity of 18% (14/77) by microscopy, 22% by CATT (17/77) and 60% (46/77) by real-time PCR, with the chain reaction detecting at a respectively three- and two-fold greater rate than the other techniques. Analysis of the data revealed a relative sensitivity of 30.4% and 37.0% for microscopy and CATT, respectively, compared to real-time PCR. The difference between the real-time PCR’s sensitivity and those of the other methods was statistically significant, with X² values of 30.03 and 20.1, respectively (df = 1 and P = 0.05 in both cases). Agreement of microscopy results with those of with CATT was good (κ = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.62–0.82). Cohen’s kappa index showed fair agreement of real-time PCR with microscopy (κ = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.16–0.36) whereas it was in poor agreement with CATT (κ = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02–0.15). Real-time PCR was found to be more sensitive than microscopy and CATT.

Introduction: There is still lack of morphological and phylogenetic information on the pathogenic nematode of the camel Haemonchus longistipes. In the present study, this parasite was isolated in Saudi Arabia and described. Material and Methods: The abomasa of two Arabian camels were collected from a slaughterhouse in Abha province and examined for nematode infection. Worms were described morphologically and morphometrically by electron microscopy. Multiple sequence alignment and the phylogenetic tree of the parasite were constructed from maximum likelihood analysis of its ITS-2 rDNA sequences. Results: These nematodes had a slender body terminating anteriorly at a conspicuous dorsal lancet. A pair of lateral cervical papillae distant from the anterior end was observed. The buccal aperture was hexagonal and surrounded by two amphids, six externo-labial papillae, and four cephalic papillae. Males terminated posteriorly at a bursa supported by spicules and lateral and dorsal rays. Females were linguiform and knobbed morphotypes with distinct ovijectors and a dorsal rim covering the anal pore. The taxonomy was confirmed by the morphology and number of the longitudinal cuticular ridges in a 43–46 range. The sequence alignment and phylogeny revealed 92% homology with H. longistipes (AJ577461.1), and the sequence was deposited into GenBank. Conclusion: The present study describes H. longistipes morphologically and molecularly which facilitates further discrimination of this species worldwide.

The present work was done to investigate the interrelationship between the ovarian activity and each of seasonal environment, hormonal pattern, age and body condition scores(BCS) in shecamel. Over a period of one year (November 2005– October 2006), jugular blood samples were collected from 320 she-camel (5-20 years old) in Cairo–slaughter house during their antimortum inspection and body condition was scored. Immediately, after slaughter both ovaries were individually collected and morphometric findings were recorded. The results of hormonal assay including estrogen (E), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were recorded. The obtained hormonal levels were studied in relation to the ovarian findings and seasonal variation. Moreover the ovarian activity was studied in relation to age and BCS. According to the ovarian findings and hormonal levels, there is clear breeding season in dromedary camel extended from November to April under Egyptian conditions. Otherwise, the period from May to October (non-breeding season) has a lower ovarian activity and concomitant with lower hormonal levels. She-camel reaches its maturity later and has a higher longevity than cattle. The best reproductive capacity of she-camel are found within 8-15 years of age (BCS,2.92±0.21).

OBJECTIVE To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). ANIMALS 24 clinically normal dromedary camels. PROCEDURES For each camel, the IOP of both eyes was measured with applanation tonometry. Three measurements with < 5% variance were obtained for each eye on the same day of the week for 3 consecutive weeks. Mean IOP was calculated for each eye on each day for comparison purposes. RESULTS Mean ± SD IOPs for the right (31.1 ± 2.1 mm Hg) and left (30.8 ± 1.9 mm Hg) eyes of immature camels were significantly higher than those for the right (27.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg) and left (28.2 ± 1.2 mm Hg) eyes of mature camels. Intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation (CVs) for IOP measurements of the right and left eyes did not differ significantly between immature and mature camels. Interassay CVs of IOP measurements for the right and left eyes ranged from 1.5% to 12.1% and 1.2% to 10.3%, respectively, for immature camels and from 1.2% to 17.2% and 1.7% to 18.8%, respectively, for mature camels. Intra-assay CVs of IOP measurements for the right and left eyes ranged from 1.5% to 10.6% and 1.9% to 9.6%, respectively, for immature camels and from 2.8% to 16.9% and 2.7% to 12.4%, respectively, for mature camels. Age was negatively correlated (r = −0.403) with IOP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results provided a reference and might aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma and uveitis during complete ophthalmic examinations of dromedary camels.

Surra, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is a re-emerging animal trypanosomosis, which is of special concern for camel-rearing regions of Africa and Asia. Surra decreases milk yield, lessens animal body condition score and reduces market value of exported animals resulting in substantial economic losses. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study of dromedary camels was conducted in Algeria, and major risk factors associated with infection were identified by collecting data on animal characteristics and herd management practices. The seroprevalence of T. evansi infection was determined in sera of 865 camels from 82 herds located in eastern Algeria using an antibody test (card agglutination test for Trypanosomiasis – CATT/T. evansi). Individual and herd seroprevalence were 49.5% and 73.2%, respectively, indicating substantial exposure of camels to T. evansi in the four districts studied. Five significant risk factors for T. evansi hemoparasite infection were identified: geographical area, herd size, husbandry system, accessibility to natural water sources and type of watering. There was no association between breed, sex or age with T. evansi infection. Results of this study provide baseline information that will be useful for launching control programmes in the region and potentially elsewhere.

The present study aimed to clarify the light and electron microscopic structure of the prostate gland of mature (one-humped camels) during different seasons of the year. Glands of seventy-two mature healthy animals (5-7 years old) were collected from the Cairo slaughter house during one year, (6 samples each month) and prepared to be studied microscopically by the light and electron microscope. The prostate gland was found to be consisted of an external dorsal part dorsal to the neck of the bladder and an internal part situated in the submucosa of the prostatic urethra. During active season (winter and spring), the corpus prostate was enveloped by a thick fibromuscular capsule which sent septa, to divide the gland into lobules. The parenchyma formed of compound tubuloalveolar adenomeres. The alveoli and tubules were lined by high columnar cells and few basal ones. The acini appeared at different stages of secretory activity (synthesis, storage, secretion and exhaustion). Ultrastructurally, the acinar cells contained well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), numerous mitochondria and a variable number of secretory granules. The duct system began as central collecting sinuses lined by simple columnar secretory epithelium. The pars interna occurred in the submucosa of the prostatic urethra enveloped by a thick fibro-muscular band. The branched tubuloalveolar parenchyma contained adenomeres lined with simple cuboidal epithelium. During the inactive season (summer and autumn), the stroma showed a marked proliferation of the fibromuscular tissue on the expense of the parenchymatous tissue. The adenomeres became very small or even rudimentary with narrow lumina devoid of secretory materials. Marked reduction in the cytoplasmic organelles with a total absence of the secretory granules was also pronounced.

Objective: Chlamydiosis is of great global public health, veterinary and economic importance. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of chlamydiosis in Abu Dhabi camel (Camelus dromedarius) and its association with hematobiochemical responses towards the infection. Materials and methods: Blood samples (n=245) were collected from both housed and nomadic herds of camels. Anti-chlamydia antibodies were detected by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Camels had history of reproductive failure as abortion and repeat breeding. Besides, clinical reproductive examination was done with the camels. Results: Based on the results of ELISA, the overall seroprevalence of chlamydiosis was 19.59% (n=48/245). The hematological results revealed significant increase in the total hemoglobin concentration (15.65&plusmn;0.28 gm/dL), hematocrit % (36.65&plusmn;2.66%), mean corpuscular volume (37.35&plusmn;0.83 U) and neutrophils % (72.05&plusmn;0.89%) in the affected camels. The biochemical results revealed significant increase of the levels of alkaline phosphatase (61.50&plusmn;3.56 IU/I), creatinine kinase (184.00&plusmn;3.35 IU/I), and aspartate aminotransferase (64.50&plusmn;3.42 IU/I). Nevertheless, significant reduction in glucose (42.25&plusmn;1.97 mg/dL), choloride (107.03&plusmn;0.53 mmol/L), and zinc (43.00&plusmn;3.36 ug/dL) levels were observed in the affected camels. Conclusion: Chlamydiosis is prevailing among the Abu Dhabi camel. Chlamydiosis has great effect on the hematobiochemical parameters and reproductive performance of dromedary camels. Affected camels are suffered from reproductive failure manifested by abortion and/or repeat breeder. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 175-180]