Zoonotic Protozoan Parasites Infecting Camels, Diagnosis and Control – A Review

Toaleb, Nagwa Ibrahim; Shaapan, Raafat Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2023.251609.1686

Zoonotic Protozoan Parasites Infecting Camels, Diagnosis and Control – A Review

Document Type : Review Artical

Authors

¹ Prof of Parasitic immunology, Veterinary Research Division

² Dept. of Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre

10.21608/ejvs.2023.251609.1686

Abstract

Camels are important domesticated animals that provide milk and dietary meats, as well as they are working animals that represent vital means of transportation, especially in desert habitats. However, they are susceptible to many parasitic diseases, which lead to substantial economic losses related to reducing productivity and performance along with fatalities in severe cases. Camels also carry pathogens and may transmit them to humans and other animals. Parasitic infections in camels include protozoa, helminths, and arthropods. There are many protozoal diseases that affect and endanger camels such as blood protozoa (trypanosomiasis, babesiosis and theileriosis), gastrointestinal protozoa (eimeriosis and cryptosporidiosis), and tissue protozoa (sarcocystosis and toxoplasmosis). Microscopical diagnosis of parasitic protozoan diseases is usually dependent on the detection of the parasites in blood smear in case of blood parasites and fecal examination to detect the protozoal oocysts. Other methods such as micro-hematocrit centrifugation (MHCT) and quantitative buffy coat methods are used in the diagnosis of certain parasites such as the detection of motile and live trypanosomes. Histopathology can also be used, and different serological assays. Moreover, molecular diagnosis is used for the accurate identification of parasite species such Camel, Parasites disease, Zoonotic Protozoa, Diagnosis, Control as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. This review highlights different diagnostic techniques and strategies for controlling parasitic protozoan diseases in camels. Also outlines of different control and management protocols to reduce the risk of this parasitic infection in camels by using chemical drugs, natural products (plant extracts and bee products), biological control, and by some vaccination trials.

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