Population structure analysis of Phlebotomus papatasi populations using transcriptome microsatellites: possible implications for leishmaniasis control and vaccine development.

Background: Phlebotomus papatasi is considered the primary vector of Leishmania major parasites that cause zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in the Middle East and North Africa. Phlebotomus papatasi populations have been studied extensively, revealing the existence of different genetic populations and subpopulations over its large distribution range. Genetic diversity and population structure analysis using transcriptome microsatellite markers is important to uncover the vector distribution dynamics, essential for controlling ZCL in endemic areas.

Molecular diagnosis of Taenia saginata from two patients in Palestine: two case reports.

Background: Taeniasis, is a worldwide foodborne zoonotic disease caused by two principal species; Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. The tapeworm infects the intestine causing taeniasis in humans. Taeniasis is a very rare parasitic infection in Palestine with very few annual cases of unknown species.

First official report of bed bug (Hemiptera, Cimicidae) infestations in Algeria.

Background: Bed bugs are hematophagous insects with a long history of presence in human communities. Over the last three decades, infestations by bed bugs in human dwellings have drastically increased, leading to a rise in bed bug concerns. Nevertheless, very little is known about the bed bug species and their population diversity in Algeria.

Genetic diversity of among immigrant patients exhibiting severe and non-severe clinical manifestations in northern suburbs of Paris.

is the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria. It is a public health issue that mostly occurs in Southeast Asia, followed by the Middle East, Latin, and South Americas and sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is commonly known as an etiologic agent of malaria with mild clinical manifestations, it can lead to severe complications.

Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of Wolbachia endosymbionts in bed bugs (Hemiptera; Cimicidae) collected in Paris.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Wolbachia in field-caught bed bug species in Paris areas.

Methods: The bed bug specimens were captured from various infested localities in Paris and surrounding cities. They belonged to diverse life stages, including egg, nymph, and adult.

Spatiotemporal analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Palestine and foresight study by projections modelling until 2060 based on climate change prediction.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic diseases of public health importance that is prevalent in the West Bank but not in the Gaza Strip. The disease caused by parasitic protozoans from the genus Leishmania and it is transmitted by infected phlebotomine sand flies. The aim of our study is to investigate the eco-epidemiological parameters and spatiotemporal projections of CL in Palestine over a 30-years period from 1990 through 2020 and to explore future projections until 2060.

Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Population Diversity and First Record of in Paris.

and are blood-sucking insects with a long history of presence in human communities. We investigated the molecular diversity of the bed bug population of Paris and its suburb cities using cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) sequencing. A total of 1211 specimens belonging to different life stages were collected from 62 infested human dwellings in Paris (13 out of 20 arrondissements) and the surrounding cities (18 cities).

Recent trends in human brucellosis in the West Bank, Palestine.

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the West Bank over the past 20 years, with a focus on recent trends in disease incidence from 2000 to 2020.

Methods: A long-term descriptive epidemiological study was conducted, based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health records from 2000 to 2020.

Results: The total number of cases was 7935 and the average annual incidence rate (AAIR) was 9.

Population Genetics of from Endemic and Nonendemic Areas for Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Morocco, as Revealed by Gene Subunit I Sequencing.

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Yakimoff & Shokhor and transmitted by (Scopoli) is a public health concern in Morocco. The disease is endemic mainly in pre-Saharan regions on the southern slope of the High Atlas Mountains. The northern slope of the High Atlas Mountains and the arid plains of central Morocco remain non-endemic and are currently considered high risk for ZCL.

Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Parasitic infections are a public health problem that affects all population levels in developing countries including Palestine. The current study describes the epidemiology of parasitic infections in Palestine from 2008 to 2017. Twelve prominent parasitic infections were reported: leishmaniasis (both cutaneous and visceral), malaria, hydatid disease caused by hydatid cysts, toxoplasmosis, ascariasis, oxyuriasis, strongyloidiasis, taeniasis caused by , amebiasis, giardiasis, and scabies.

HIV/AIDS in Palestine: A growing concern.

According to the United Nations AIDS reports in 2018, the Middle East and North Africa region is considered an area of increasing concern for HIV infection due to high mortality associated with AIDS. The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Palestine between 1988 and 2017 as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health was analyzed. A total of 98 cases were reported (79 AIDS patients and 19 HIV positives).

Urogenital Myiasis Caused by in a Female Child in Libya.

Urogenital myiasis is a parasitic infestation caused by larvae of spp. and it is very rare in humans. A 10- year old female was presented with urogenital myiasis and 4 stage Larvae of (Diptera: ) were found in urine.

Development of polymorphic EST microsatellite markers for the sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Background: Phlebotomus papatasi is a widely distributed sand fly species in different tropical and sub-tropical regions including the Middle East and North Africa. It is considered an important vector that transmits Leishmania major parasites, the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The development of microsatellite markers for this sand fly vector is of high interest to understand its population structure and to monitor its geographic dispersal.

A pyoderma gangrenous-like cutaneous leishmaniasis in a Libyan woman with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

Background: Several case reports describe diseases presenting with skin ulcerations, which resemble pyoderma gangrenosum especially in immune-compromised patients, often proven on further workup, to have an infective or malignant etiology. However, treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum by systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive agents may worsen the condition.

Case Presentation: We report here, a 45 year-old Libyan woman with rheumatoid arthritis on low dose steroids with pyoderma gangrenosum-like skin lesions and positive pathergy.

Improving anti-trypanosomal activity of alkamides isolated from Achillea fragrantissima.

In previous studies the aerial parts of Achillea fragrantissima were found to have substantial antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity. A bioassay-guided fractionation of a dichloromethane extract yielded the isolation of the essential anti-trypanosomal compounds of the plant. Seven sesquiterpene lactones (including Achillolide-A), two flavonoids, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetine, and four alkamides (including pellitorine) were identified.

Paracetamol biodegradation by activated sludge and photocatalysis and its removal by a micelle-clay complex, activated charcoal, and reverse osmosis membranes.

Kinetic studies on the stability of the pain killer paracetamol in Al-Quds activated sludge demonstrated that paracetamol underwent biodegradation within less than one month to furnish p-aminophenol in high yields. Characterizations of bacteria contained in Al-Quds sludge were accomplished. It was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the bacterium most responsible for the biodegradation of paracetamol to p-aminophenol and hydroquinone.

First report of naturally infected Sergentomyia minuta with Leishmania major in Tunisia.

Background: Many sand fly species are implicated in the transmission cycle of Leishmania parasites around the world. Incriminating new sand flies species, as vectors of Leishmania is crucial to understanding the parasite-vector transmission cycle in different areas in Tunisia and surrounding countries.

Findings: Seventy-four unfed females belonging to the genera Sergentomyia and Phlebotomus were collected in South Tunisia between June and November 2014, using sticky papers.

Moroccan Leishmania infantum: genetic diversity and population structure as revealed by multi-locus microsatellite typing.

Leishmania infantum causes Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Morocco. It predominantly affects children under 5 years with incidence of 150 cases/year. Genetic variability and population structure have been investigated for 33 strains isolated from infected dogs and humans in Morocco.

The neglected navigating web of the incomprehensibly emerging and re-emerging Sarcoptes mite.

Parasite presence in any ecosystem generates complex navigating webs (Parasite-NW) within the system, through which parasites move from one to another host. The appropriate assimilation of parasite navigating web is pivotal for a better understanding of pathogen flow in the ecosystem, with implications for disease control. Sarcoptes mite has been approached from medical, veterinary, entomological, physiological and, recently, molecular sides, to understand its epidemiological navigating web between isolates from different hosts and geographical regions.

Serological and molecular survey of Leishmania parasites in apparently healthy dogs in the West Bank, Palestine.

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by Leishmania infantum in all Mediterranean countries. The Leishmania parasite is transmitted by the bite of a corresponding sand fly vector and primarily maintained in nature by wild and domestic reservoirs, including dogs, foxes and jackals. Infected dogs are the primary reservoir host in endemic regions and are the most significant risk disposing humans to infection.

Epidemiological and clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniases in Jenin District, Palestine, including characterisation of the causative agents in clinical samples.

During 2002-2009, 466 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were reported from Jenin District, Palestine, affecting both genders. The average annual incidence was 23 cases per 100000 inhabitants, increasing with age in children. Most cases presented a single lesion, generally on the face.