Nacira Ramdani

This study provides the first comprehensive nanoscale and functional evaluation of camel myofibrillar proteins subjected to long‐term frozen storage. A combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), biochemical assays, and electrophoresis was employed to investigate structural integrity, gelation capacity, and protein stability in Biceps femoris and Longissimus lumborum muscles, analyzed in both fresh and preserved states (−20°C for 1 year), including post‐heating conditions simulating gel formation. AFM revealed significant topographical alterations in preserved samples, particularly in L. lumborum , including increased surface roughness, disrupted fibrillar architecture, and enlarged cross‐sectional dimensions. These nanoscale changes were accompanied by increased solubility and surface hydrophobicity, alongside significantly reduced sulfhydryl group availability, which results in oxidation, aggregation, and compromised gel matrix stability. In contrast, fresh samples retained a compact, homogeneous network with smoother surfaces, reflecting superior molecular organization and functional integrity. SDS‐PAGE confirmed progressive degradation of key myofibrillar proteins—MHC, actin, α‐actinin, troponin T, and MLC, with preserved L. lumborum exhibiting additional low‐molecular‐weight bands, indicative of extensive proteolysis. These structural disruptions correlated with reduced gel cohesiveness and potentially diminished water‐holding capacity, key quality attributes in muscle‐based food systems. Overall, this study demonstrates that prolonged freezing induces pronounced nano‐structural and functional destabilization of myofibrillar proteins, with responses that differ according to muscle‐specific composition.

Background and Aim: Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed zoonosis with major public health and livestock production implications. Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are increasingly recognized as important reservoirs, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Jordan, however, comprehensive national-level data integrating serology, molecular detection, and spatial epidemiology are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the serological and molecular prevalence of Q fever in camels, identify associated risk factors, and describe the spatial distribution of infection across Jordan. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2022 using a two-stage cluster sampling design. A total of 468 camels from 31 villages across all camel-rearing governorates were sampled. Serum samples were tested for anti-C. burnetii antibodies using a commercial indirect multi-species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while whole blood was examined for C. burnetii DNA using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting IS1111 and CB-1 genes. Survey-weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate survey-weighted logistic regression. Spatial distribution was mapped at the governorate level. Results: The weighted prevalence of Q fever was 88.75% (95% confidence interval: 79.26%–98.23%) using parallel interpretation of serological and molecular tests. Individually, prevalence was 44.02% by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 68.93% by PCR. Significant risk factors included age ≥3 years, contact with other camel herds, Sofor breed, light or absent tick infestation, and improper disposal of abortion materials. Co-herding with other species and a history of abortion were associated with reduced odds of positivity. Marked spatial heterogeneity was observed, with the highest prevalence in Tafilah governorate and the lowest in Zarqa. Conclusion: This first nationwide, integrated serological, molecular, and spatial study demonstrates an exceptionally high burden of Q fever in Jordanian camels, highlighting their critical role as a reservoir. The findings underscore the urgent need to incorporate camels into national Q fever surveillance and control programs within a coordinated One Health framework involving animal, human, and environmental health sectors. Keywords: camel epidemiology, Camelus dromedarius, Coxiella burnetii, Jordan, molecular detection, Q fever, risk factors, spatial distribution.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue (BT), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are major emerging and re-emerging viral infections affecting ruminants. These diseases can threaten livestock health, food security, and economic stability in low- and middle-income countries, including Algeria. However, their dynamics remain mostly unknown, limiting the implementation of effective preventive and control measures. We analyzed outbreak data reported by Algerian veterinary authorities and the WAHIS database from 2014 to 2022 for FMD; from 2006 to 2020 for BT; and from 2011 to 2022 for PPR to investigate their spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers. Over these periods, Algeria reported 1142 FMD outbreaks (10,409 cases; 0.16/1000 incidence), 167 BT outbreaks (602 cases; 0.018/1000), and 222 PPR outbreaks (3597 cases; 0.096/1000). Small ruminants were the most affected across all diseases, although cattle bore the highest burden of FMD. BT primarily impacted sheep, and PPR showed a higher incidence in goats. Disease peaks occurred in 2014 for FMD, 2008 for BT, and 2019 for PPR. Spatial analyses revealed distinct ecological hotspots: sub-humid and semi-arid zones for FMD and BT, and semi-arid/Saharan regions for PPR. These patterns may be influenced by species susceptibility, animal movement, trade, and climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall. The absence of consistent temporal trends and the persistence of outbreaks suggest multiple drivers, including insufficient vaccination coverage, under-reporting, viral evolution, and environmental persistence. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted species- and region-specific control strategies, including improved surveillance, cross-border coordination, and climate-informed risk mapping. Strengthening One Health frameworks will be essential to mitigate the re-emergence and spread of these diseases.

This study examines the potential effects of extending London’s third COVID-19 lockdown for an entire year (January–December 2021) using a deterministic SEAIRD compartmental model. The research compares real-world COVID-19 case data with simulated outcomes under prolonged lockdown conditions. Key findings show that, in the real-world scenario, cases peaked on December 29, 2021, with over 36,000 daily infections, whereas in the simulation, strict lockdown measures led to near elimination of cases within 171 days. The simulated attack rate (0.085%) and cumulative incidence (7,517 cases) were significantly lower than real-world values (14.11% and 1.24 million cases, respectively). The study highlights the effectiveness of strict public health interventions in controlling viral spread but also acknowledges the trade-offs, such as economic and social disruptions. These insights contribute to discussions on pandemic response strategies and the balance between containment measures and societal well-being. IMPACTS The study demonstrates how long-term lockdowns can effectively reduce the spread of contagious diseases, highlighting the importance of timely and strict public health interventions. It reveals the significant gap between real-world and simulated pandemic outcomes, showing that stricter measures could have substantially limited case numbers and fatalities. The research underscores the trade-offs of pandemic management, emphasizing the need for a balance between controlling infections and minimizing the social and economic impacts of containment measures.

This study aims to investigate the changes of biochemical blood parameters in female dromedary camels during lactogenesis and galactopoiesis in Algeria. Therefore, 56 serum samples were collected from females (monthly) for last four months antepartum (AP) and the first four months postpartum (PP) and biochemical profiles were investigated. The data were statistically analyzed using General Linear Model with repeated measures and Benferroni test as post-hoc test. Glucose increased significantly at the third month PP, with sudden decrease after that. Triglycerides peaked significantly in second month PP compared to fourth month PP and first month AP. Cholesterol elevated significantly at the third month PP comparatively to the first months AP and PP. Low-density lipoprotein increased significantly substantially from the second to the fourth month PP. High-density lipoprotein lowered significantly in the first month AP to rise substantially at third month PP. Calcium increased considerably from second to third months PP. A significant difference of iron was marked between the third month AP and the fourth month PP. Urea dropped abruptly at first month PP and elevated considerably in the second month PP. Creatinine marked a substantial rise from third to first month AP to decrease afterward. It increased significantly at third months PP compared to antepartum period. ALT indices of second month AP decreased notably in the second month PP. These findings indicate that lactogenesis and galactopoiesis period have substantial impacts on metabolites, proteins, hepatic enzymes, and minerals in the blood of female camels.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and the potential risk factors of Brucella infection among goats in family farms in the southern east of Algeria. A total of 196 sera samples were randomly collected from 59 family farms and tested in parallel by Rose Bengal test (RBT) and indirect ELISA (iELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on potential risk factors. Apparent seroprevalence values were 8.7% (95% CI: 5.49-13.45) and 2.04% (95% CI: 0.8-5.13) for RBT and iELISA respectively. The estimated true prevalence values were 11.1% (95% CI: 6.87-17.42) for the RBT test and 1.58% (95% CI: 0.3-4.74) for iELISA. Dog presence in family farm was significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.03) using iELISA, with at least 38 times the odds of brucellosis seropositivity (OR: 38.55, 95% CI: 1.42-1049.17). Goats with previous history of stillbirth were significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.04) using RBT, with almost six (6) times higher odds (OR: 6.62, 95% CI: 1.06-41.55). Origin of animals reared on family farms was also significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.05) using iELISA with higher odds in foreign goats (OR: 12.99, 95% CI: 1.03-163.22) and lower odds in goats born in farms (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.97). Based on these findings, further epidemiological studies related to the perception of the disease by animal owners and brucellosis in herding dogs needed to be conducted.

Thirteen female camels were used in this study to investigate the changes in some haematological parameters during the different stages of lactation including early lactation, mid-lactation and the last stage of lactation. A significant decrease (P<0.001) in mid and late lactation, compared to early lactation was recorded for the following parameters: number of white blood cells, number of lymphocytes, number of monocytes, number of granulocytes, per cent ratio of lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume. While, the levels of per cent ratio of monocytes, per cent ratio of granulocytes, red blood cells and haematocrit were low in early lactation then showed a significant raise in mid and late lactation (P<0.001). Moreover, The levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were high during early lactation, then significantly decreased (P 0.05). The current study gives baseline data about the value change of the main haematological parameters during lactation in female camels in the Algerian desert and these results could be used as a database for the diagnosis of different disorders and also for upcoming research in camels.

(1) Intestinal microbial parasites are major contributors to the global burden of gastrointestinal disease. Such infections are mainly caused by Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. These parasites are transmitted either directly or indirectly through oral–fecal routes. Previous reports suggested that camels could play a role in the zoonotic transmission of various clinically and veterinary important intestinal parasites, however, limited data are available on intestinal infections of camels, particularly on a molecular level. We aimed to explore the occurrence of these three parasites in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria. (2) A total of 68 samples—63 stool samples from camels and five from the environment—were collected from two desert regions in Algeria and analyzed using PCR and qPCR methods. (3) Overall, 7% of the camels tested positive for zoonotic subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp., while 16% of the camels tested positive for G. duodenalis. Two environmental samples also tested positive for G. duodenalis. None of the samples were positive for Entamoeba histolytica. (4) Our results provide one of the first molecular-based identification of these gut parasites in dromedary camels in Algeria. The presence of G. duodenalis in the host and the environment unveils, in part, the circulation route of this parasite. Our results will spearhead further investigations into the prevalence and epidemiology of gut parasites in hoofed animals and raise questions concerning their role in health and disease in the area.

The impact of brucellosis on public health and economy is unquestionable in developing countries such as the case of Algeria. This study aimed to provide further understanding of epidemiological status of brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in the southeast of Algeria. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among small ruminant flocks (n = 51) in El Oued district using simple random sampling strategy. The serum samples collected from 612 sheep and goats (sheep = 280, goats = 332) were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) in parallel on all the serum samples. The seropositive serum samples of both tests were confirmed with the complement fixation test (CFT). A structured questionnaire regarding animal, herd, and farm management was prepared and completed in parallel to sampling. Association between variables and Brucella spp. seropositivity status of herds was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis using simple and binary logistic regression. Estimated true herd prevalence was 27.95% (95% CI, 17.18–42.01), and true individual prevalence was 3.98% (95% CI, 2.51–6.03). Seropositive herds were detected in bordering areas and regions with the highest livestock density. Occurrence of abortions in herds (p = 0.03) increased at least five times (5) the odds of being seropositive (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, 1.20–32.46). Poultry presence in farms revealed to be a protective factor (p = 0.01) (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02–0.61). The high-level seroprevalence quantified in this study in small ruminant flocks reflects the persistent animal infection endemicity and the high risk of human exposure.