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Parasitic Helminths and Arthropods Infections in Camel: Diagnosis and Control

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Camels are important domestic adaptable mammal native to dry and semi-arid climates. It not only provides transportation to individuals living in arid climates, but also milk and meat. Parasites from all three major parasite categories, protozoa, helminths, and arthropods, can infect camels. Some of them are frequently linked to disease and have thus been thoroughly investigated in this study. The helminths; nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Onchocerca sp., and Microfilaria), trematodes (Fasciola sp.), and cestodes (Cystic echinococcosis) and arthropods; ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii), mites (Sarcoptic mange), and flies (Cephalopina titillator) (Nasal myiasis) are affect and endanger camels, which may result in significant economic losses due to decreased productivity and performance, as well as mortality in serious situations. Camels carry infections that they can transfer to humans and animals as a zoonosis, and tick-borne diseases are serious health and economic problems. Macroscopic and microscopical diagnosis of parasitic helminths and arthropods are usually dependent on the detection of the parasites in fecal examination to primary detection of eggs or segments of helminths or attached animal body as in ticks or sarcoptic mites. Histopathology and various serological assays based on antibody–antigen reactions can also be used. Furthermore, molecular diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, then phylogenetic analysis are employed to accurately identify parasite species. This review article discussed the different diagnostic procedures of parasitic helminths and arthropods in camels. Also included are descriptions of various control and management techniques for camels to limit the danger of theses parasite infection.

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Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary, Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

    Nagwa I. Toaleb & Nadia M. T. Abu El Ezz

  2. Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary, Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Tahrir Street, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

    Raafat M. Shaapan

  3. Department of Hydrobiology, Veterinary, Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

    Wafaa T. Abbas

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Contributions

All authors;Nagwa I. Toaleb, Raafat M. Shaapan, Nadia M.T. Abu El. Ezz, and Wafaa T. Abbas contributed to develop the concept and worked cooperatively while collection of information related to this review article. Raafat M. Shaapan wrote the manuscript and prepared it for publication.

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Correspondence to Raafat M. Shaapan.

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Camels have a variety of parasitic helminths and arthropods that could have a significant impact on camel health, output and the camel industry. Identification of parasites in camels, early diagnosis of parasitic infections using various techniques such as microscopic, immunological investigations, and molecular approaches which are the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. More research is needed to determine the active component, route of administration, lethal dose, and which parasite species or developmental stages are most susceptible to the extract's effects in order to improve their anthelmintic effectiveness. Ivermectin and albendazole, in general, have shown promising activity against helminths and arthropods and can still be considered as effective chemotherapeutic choices for camel parasitosis control. Some studies to develop particular vaccinations may also be beneficial in achieving some control of these parasite illnesses.

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Toaleb, N.I., Shaapan, R.M., Abu El Ezz, N.M.T. et al. Parasitic Helminths and Arthropods Infections in Camel: Diagnosis and Control. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-024-01565-9

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