■白细胞是一种细胞内血液寄生虫,在全球范围内影响各种鸟类,并通过黑蝇载体传播。这种寄生虫是白细胞人畜共患病的原因,一种由于肉类和蛋类产量减少而导致重大经济损失的疾病。在埃及,关于白细胞人畜共患病及其致病物种的流行病学模式的知识有限,尤其是鸽子。
■当前的研究涉及从Qena省各个家庭饲养者和当地市场的家鸽中收集203份血液样本,上埃及。最初使用血液涂片检查样本是否有潜在的白细胞感染,然后评估相关的危险因素。选定样品中寄生虫的分子鉴定(n=11),最初通过血液涂片检查呈阳性,通过巢式PCR和线粒体细胞色素b基因的序列分析进一步完善,以确定存在的白细胞。此外,肝脏的组织病理学检查,脾,脾对血液涂片检测呈阳性的动物进行胰腺检查。
■有趣的是,基于显微镜分析,203个样品中的26个(12.08%)已确认白细胞孢子虫感染。此外,最初通过血液涂片检测为阳性的所有11个样本通过巢式PCR分析确认为阳性,他们的测序揭示了白细胞孢子虫sabrazesi的存在,标志着这种寄生虫在埃及的第一份报告。对潜在危险因素的研究揭示了白细胞菌种的患病率。似乎主机性别依赖,男性感染率明显较高(33.33%)。此外,成年鸟类的感染率明显高于雏鸟,表明患病率呈年龄依赖性趋势。季节性发挥了重要作用,在夏季观察到的最高发生率(37.25%)。组织病理学检查显示存在许多巨裂细胞,伴有淋巴细胞浸润和多个局部缺血性坏死区域。
■据我们所知,这是首次揭示埃及鸽子白细胞人畜共患病的流行病学特征和分子特征的研究。有必要进行进一步的研究,以遏制埃及其他鸟类中白细胞寄生虫的死灰复燃,从而细化对该病的流行病学认识,以便于更有效的控制和预防措施。
UNASSIGNED: Leucocytozoon is an intracellular blood parasite that affects various bird species globally and is transmitted by blackfly vectors. This parasite is responsible for leucocytozoonosis, a disease that results in significant economic losses due to reduced meat and egg production. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiological pattern of leucocytozoonosis and its causative species in Egypt, particularly in pigeons.
UNASSIGNED: The current study involved the collection of 203 blood samples from domestic pigeons from various household breeders and local markets across Qena Province, Upper Egypt. Samples were initially examined for potential Leucocytozoon infection using blood smears, followed by an evaluation of associated risk factors.
Molecular identification of the parasite in selected samples (n = 11), which had initially tested positive via blood smears, was further refined through nested PCR and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to ascertain the Leucocytozoon species present. Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and pancreas was conducted on animals that tested positive by blood smears.
UNASSIGNED: Interestingly, 26 out of 203 samples (12.08%) had confirmed Leucocytozoon infections based on microscopic analysis. Additionally, all 11 samples that initially tested positive via blood smears were confirmed positive through nested PCR analysis, and their sequencing revealed the presence of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi, marking the first report of this parasite in Egypt. The study into potential risk factors unveiled the prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. seems host gender-dependent, with males exhibiting a significantly higher infection rate (33.33%). Additionally, adult birds demonstrated a significantly higher infection prevalence than squabs, suggesting an age-dependent trend in prevalence. Seasonality played a significant role, with the highest occurrence observed during summer (37.25%). Histopathological examination revealed the presence of numerous megaloschizonts accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration and multiple focal areas of ischemic necrosis.
UNASSIGNED: To our knowledge, this is the first study to shed light on the epidemiological characteristics and
molecular characterization of leucocytozoonosis in pigeons in Egypt. Further research endeavors are warranted to curb the resurgence of Leucocytozoon parasites in other avian species across Egypt, thereby refining the epidemiological understanding of the disease for more effective control and prevention measures.