M'hammed Sarih - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by M'hammed Sarih

Research paper thumbnail of Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG Antibodies 3 Months after COVID-19 Onset in Moroccan Patients

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

ABSTRACT. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ... more ABSTRACT. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses serious global public health problems. Characterization of the immune response, particularly antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, is important for establishing vaccine strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against spike protein (S1) for up to 3 months in a cohort of 169 COVID-19 patients. We enrolled COVID-19 patients at two regional hospitals in Casablanca, Morocco, between March and September 2021. Blood samples were collected and N-specific IgM and S-specific IgG levels were measured by a commercial Euroimmun ELISA. IgM antibodies were assessed 2–5 (D00), 9–12 (D07), 17–20 (D15), and 32–37 (D30) days after symptom onset; IgG antibodies were assessed at these time points plus 60 (D60) and 90 (D90) days after symptom onset. We found that at 3 months after symptom onset, 79% of patients had detectable SAR...

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses 5 Months Post Complete Vaccination of Moroccan Healthcare Workers

Vaccines, 2022

Data about the duration of antibodies after vaccination show that the protection against SARS-CoV... more Data about the duration of antibodies after vaccination show that the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decline over time. This study aims to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG levels in healthcare workers five months after the second vaccination dose. We collected samples from 82 participants who were fully vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BBIBP-CorV. We assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using a Euroimmun ELISA and an Abbott Architect ™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. Of the 82 participants, 65.85% were seropositive for IgG using ELISA, and 86.59% were positive for IgG according to the Abbott Architect ™ test. Individuals vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.810 AU/mL [interquartile range (IQR), 1.080–3.7340] and 171.7 AU/mL [79.9–684.6] according to the Euroimmun ELISA and Abbott Architect test, respectively. These tests indicated that people vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.840 AU/mL...

Research paper thumbnail of Insecticide resistance and target site mutations (G119S ace-1 and L1014F kdr) of Culex pipiens in Morocco

Parasites & Vectors, 2018

Background: Control of the mosquito vector Culex pipiens with insecticides is the main way to con... more Background: Control of the mosquito vector Culex pipiens with insecticides is the main way to control arboviruses that the species can transmit such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). However, its efficiency has been hampered by the emergence of insecticide resistance. Little is known about the insecticide-resistance status and underlying resistance mechanisms of field-collected populations of Cx. pipiens in Morocco. Methods: Mosquito adults from Mohammadia city in Morocco were reared from immature stages. The level of their susceptibility to insecticides was assessed using standard WHO bioassay. The two forms of the Cx. pipiens complex and their hybrids were identified by a multiplex PCR. Identified mosquitoes were then tested for the presence of the G119S ace-1 and L1014F kdr mutations using PCR-RFLP and PCR assays, respectively. Results: WHO bioassays indicated that Cx. pipiens was resistant to all tested insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin (49% mortality), permethrin (63% mortality), DDT (16% mortality), malation (52% mortality) and bendiocarb (39% mortality). The frequency of the 119S allele was almost identical in the pipiens form and hybrids (0.11 and 0.15, respectively) whereas it remained low in the molestus form (0.03). No significant correlation was observed between the G119S allele and the resistance phenotype to two tested insecticides (malathion and bendiocarb). The frequency of the L1014F allele was identical in the pipiens form and hybrids (0.44) whereas it was low in the molestus form (0.36) but no significant difference was detected (χ 2 = 1.46, df = 1, P = 0.225). The presence of the L1014F kdr mutation was significantly associated with resistance to three tested insecticides in pipiens form (P = 0.0019, P = 0.0023 and P = 0.023, respectively, to lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and DDT) whereas no significant correlation was observed between the L1014F kdr mutation and resistance phenotype in molestus form and hybrids to the three tested insecticides. Conclusion: These findings showed that wild populations of Cx. pipiens have developed resistance against the main insecticide families with different modes of action: organochlorines (DDT), organophosphates (malathion), carbamates (bendiocarb), pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin). Therefore, urgent action should be taken to manage the resistance in this species to maintain the effectiveness of arbovirus control.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and comparative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD and N based ELISA tests in various African endemic settings

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

Research paper thumbnail of ACF-CFMQ Meeting, Paris — October 1993Apoptosis of silica-treated macrophages leads to IL-1β release. Flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence microscopy

Biology of the Cell, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in wild migratory and resident water birds in Eastern and Northern India

Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Additional file 2: of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

Detailed results of identification of the Culicidae mosquitoes, by laboratory. (XLSX 23 kb)

Research paper thumbnail of Additional file 1: of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

List of the 19 member laboratories of the MediLabSecure medical and veterinary entomology network... more List of the 19 member laboratories of the MediLabSecure medical and veterinary entomology network, who took part in the EQA. (XLSX 14 kb)

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

Parasites & Vectors, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of First report of L1014F-kdr mutation in Culex pipiens complex from Morocco

Parasites & Vectors, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Correction: The Epidemiology and Geographic Distribution of Relapsing Fever Borreliosis in West and North Africa, with a Review of the Ornithodoros erraticus Complex (Acari: Ixodida)

Research paper thumbnail of Borrelia crocidurae Infection of Ornithodoros erraticus (Lucas, 1849) Ticks in Tunisia

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2010

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by Borrelia species transmitted to humans by infected... more Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by Borrelia species transmitted to humans by infected Ornithodoros sp. ticks. The disease has been rarely described in North Africa, and in Tunisia the local transmission of TBRF seems to have disappeared or is undiagnosed. A longitudinal study was conducted in 14 sites located in four different bioclimatic zones of Tunisia to assess both the distribution of Ornithodoros sp. and their infection rate with the relapsing fever Borrelia sp. Three polymerase chain reaction methods targeting the 16S rRNA, the intergenic spacer, and the fla (flagellin) genes were used and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Three hundred and fifty-eight specimens of Ornithodoros were collected: O. erraticus (previously termed ''small variety'') (n ¼ 190) and O. normandi (n ¼ 168). Borrelia crocidurae DNA was detected in 15.1% of O. erraticus (small variety) (24 out of the 159 randomly selected for testing) collected in rodent burrows situated in the arid and Saharan areas in southern Tunisia. Molecular analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the noncoding intergenic spacer domain showed good resolution for this Borrelia sp., although no molecular polymorphism was evidenced according to location. In contrast, none of the 133 O. normandi, also randomly selected for testing, was infected by Borrelia sp. and these ticks were restricted to the subhumid and semiarid zones in northern Tunisia. Both O. erraticus (small variety) and O. normandi were found in Tunisia and the high B. crocidurae infection rate found in O. erraticus highlights the risk of TBRF transmission in the southern part of the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection and Identification of Ehrlichia spp. in Ticks Collected in Tunisia and Morocco

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

A broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay followed by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was use... more A broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay followed by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used for the detection of members of the family Anaplasmataceae in ticks in North Africa. A total of 418 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Tunisia and Morocco, as well as 188 Rhipicephalus ticks from dogs and 52 Hyalomma ticks from bovines in Tunisia, were included in this study. Of 324 adult I. ricinus ticks, 16.3% were positive for Ehrlichia spp., whereas only 3.4 and 2.8% of nymphs and larvae, respectively, were positive. A large heterogeneity was observed in the nucleotide sequences. Partial sequences identical to that of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) were detected in I. ricinus and Hyalomma detritum , whereas partial sequences identical to that of Anaplasma platys were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus . However, variants of Anaplasma , provisionally designated Anaplasma- like, were predominant in the I. ricinus tick population in Maghreb. Otherwise, tw...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Borrelia lusitaniae Isolates Collected in Tunisia and Morocco

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is infreq... more Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is infrequently isolated in Europe. In contrast, this species is by far the most predominant in North Africa and in Portugal. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, at several loci, of a large population of isolates from free-living Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Tunisia and Morocco. We found a moderate diversity of the whole genome by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis as well as in the ospA gene sequences, compared to a high level of strain homogeneity in the small noncoding ribosomal spacer. In contrast, a high diversity of this locus has been previously reported for Portuguese isolates. We hypothesize that B. lusitaniae strains isolated in North Africa constitute a clone of Portuguese origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks, Morocco

Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Borrelia hispanica Relapsing Fever, Morocco

Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Spotted fever group rickettsioses documented in Morocco

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Maturation des macrophages : expression de cytokines, activite antitumorale et apoptose

Dans le present travail, nous avons etudie la production du frm (facteur remplacant les macrophag... more Dans le present travail, nous avons etudie la production du frm (facteur remplacant les macrophages) de l'il-1, de l'il-6, du tnf (tumor necrosis factor) et du nitrite au cours des differents stades menant a l'activation des macrophages pour definir les relations entre le frm et les autres cytokines et determiner si l'activation est liee a la production de certains facteurs. Nous avons etudie si la survie des macrophages est perturbee au cours du processus de maturation. Le frm partage plusieurs proprietes avec le precurseur de l'il-1beta (pro-il-1beta). La silice induit la maturation et la liberation de l'il-1beta, aux depens de la production du frm et declenche parallelement l'apoptose. L'utilisation du vecteur d'expression pt7-6, a permis d'exprimer d'adnc du pro-il-1beta dans e. Coli en faible quantite (1 ng/ml), mais ce dernier est instable (demi-vie de 15 mn), son activite frm n'a donc pas pu etre mesuree. La production de cytoki...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular identification of Leishmania infection in the most relevant sand fly species and in patient skin samples from a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus, in Morocco

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mar 2, 2018

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Lei... more Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Leishmania and transmitted by several species of sand flies. CL is among the most neglected tropical diseases, and it has represented a major health threat over the past 20 years in Morocco. The main objectives of this study were to identify relevant sand fly species and detect Leishmania infection in the most prevalent species and patient skin samples in Taza, a focus of CL in Northeastern Morocco. Methodology and finding A total of 3672 sand flies were collected by CDC miniature light traps. Morphological identification permitted the identification of 13 species, namely 10 Phlebotomus species and 3 Sergentomyia species. P. longicuspis was the most abundant species, comprising 64.08% of the total collected sand flies, followed by P. sergenti (20.1%) and P. perniciosus (8.45%). Using nested-kDNA PCR, seven pools of P. sergenti were positive to Leishmania tropica DNA, whereas 23 pools of P. longicuspis and 4 pools of P. perniciosus tested positive for Leishmania infantum DNA. The rates of P. longicuspis and P. perniciosus Leishmania infection were 2.51% (23/915) and 7.27% (4/55), respectively, whereas the infection prevalence of P. sergenti was 3.24%. We also extracted DNA from lesion smears of 12 patients suspected of CL, among them nine patients were positive with enzymatic digestion of ITS1 by HaeIII revealing two profiles. The most abundant profile, present in eight patients, was identical to L. infantum, whereas L. tropica was found in one patient. The results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS1 DNA region. Conclusion This is the first molecular detection of L. tropica and L. infantum in P. sergenti and P. longicuspis, respectively, in this CL focus. Infection of P. perniciosus by L. infantum was

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological features of a recent zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreak in Zagora province, southern Morocco

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background Leishmania major is an endemic vector-borne disease in Morocco that causes zoonotic cu... more Background Leishmania major is an endemic vector-borne disease in Morocco that causes zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), especially in arid pre-Saharan regions where its unique vector and reservoir are Phlebotomus papatasi and Meriones shawi, respectively, and may cause epidemics. In late 2017, the Zagora province, an endemic focus for ZCL in southern Morocco, had CL outbreak. The main objective of our investigation was to analyze the epidemiological features of this latest ZCL outbreak.

Research paper thumbnail of Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG Antibodies 3 Months after COVID-19 Onset in Moroccan Patients

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

ABSTRACT. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ... more ABSTRACT. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses serious global public health problems. Characterization of the immune response, particularly antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, is important for establishing vaccine strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against spike protein (S1) for up to 3 months in a cohort of 169 COVID-19 patients. We enrolled COVID-19 patients at two regional hospitals in Casablanca, Morocco, between March and September 2021. Blood samples were collected and N-specific IgM and S-specific IgG levels were measured by a commercial Euroimmun ELISA. IgM antibodies were assessed 2–5 (D00), 9–12 (D07), 17–20 (D15), and 32–37 (D30) days after symptom onset; IgG antibodies were assessed at these time points plus 60 (D60) and 90 (D90) days after symptom onset. We found that at 3 months after symptom onset, 79% of patients had detectable SAR...

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses 5 Months Post Complete Vaccination of Moroccan Healthcare Workers

Vaccines, 2022

Data about the duration of antibodies after vaccination show that the protection against SARS-CoV... more Data about the duration of antibodies after vaccination show that the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decline over time. This study aims to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG levels in healthcare workers five months after the second vaccination dose. We collected samples from 82 participants who were fully vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BBIBP-CorV. We assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using a Euroimmun ELISA and an Abbott Architect ™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. Of the 82 participants, 65.85% were seropositive for IgG using ELISA, and 86.59% were positive for IgG according to the Abbott Architect ™ test. Individuals vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.810 AU/mL [interquartile range (IQR), 1.080–3.7340] and 171.7 AU/mL [79.9–684.6] according to the Euroimmun ELISA and Abbott Architect test, respectively. These tests indicated that people vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.840 AU/mL...

Research paper thumbnail of Insecticide resistance and target site mutations (G119S ace-1 and L1014F kdr) of Culex pipiens in Morocco

Parasites & Vectors, 2018

Background: Control of the mosquito vector Culex pipiens with insecticides is the main way to con... more Background: Control of the mosquito vector Culex pipiens with insecticides is the main way to control arboviruses that the species can transmit such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). However, its efficiency has been hampered by the emergence of insecticide resistance. Little is known about the insecticide-resistance status and underlying resistance mechanisms of field-collected populations of Cx. pipiens in Morocco. Methods: Mosquito adults from Mohammadia city in Morocco were reared from immature stages. The level of their susceptibility to insecticides was assessed using standard WHO bioassay. The two forms of the Cx. pipiens complex and their hybrids were identified by a multiplex PCR. Identified mosquitoes were then tested for the presence of the G119S ace-1 and L1014F kdr mutations using PCR-RFLP and PCR assays, respectively. Results: WHO bioassays indicated that Cx. pipiens was resistant to all tested insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin (49% mortality), permethrin (63% mortality), DDT (16% mortality), malation (52% mortality) and bendiocarb (39% mortality). The frequency of the 119S allele was almost identical in the pipiens form and hybrids (0.11 and 0.15, respectively) whereas it remained low in the molestus form (0.03). No significant correlation was observed between the G119S allele and the resistance phenotype to two tested insecticides (malathion and bendiocarb). The frequency of the L1014F allele was identical in the pipiens form and hybrids (0.44) whereas it was low in the molestus form (0.36) but no significant difference was detected (χ 2 = 1.46, df = 1, P = 0.225). The presence of the L1014F kdr mutation was significantly associated with resistance to three tested insecticides in pipiens form (P = 0.0019, P = 0.0023 and P = 0.023, respectively, to lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and DDT) whereas no significant correlation was observed between the L1014F kdr mutation and resistance phenotype in molestus form and hybrids to the three tested insecticides. Conclusion: These findings showed that wild populations of Cx. pipiens have developed resistance against the main insecticide families with different modes of action: organochlorines (DDT), organophosphates (malathion), carbamates (bendiocarb), pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin). Therefore, urgent action should be taken to manage the resistance in this species to maintain the effectiveness of arbovirus control.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and comparative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD and N based ELISA tests in various African endemic settings

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

Research paper thumbnail of ACF-CFMQ Meeting, Paris — October 1993Apoptosis of silica-treated macrophages leads to IL-1β release. Flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence microscopy

Biology of the Cell, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in wild migratory and resident water birds in Eastern and Northern India

Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Additional file 2: of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

Detailed results of identification of the Culicidae mosquitoes, by laboratory. (XLSX 23 kb)

Research paper thumbnail of Additional file 1: of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

List of the 19 member laboratories of the MediLabSecure medical and veterinary entomology network... more List of the 19 member laboratories of the MediLabSecure medical and veterinary entomology network, who took part in the EQA. (XLSX 14 kb)

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): an external quality assessment of medical entomology laboratories in the MediLabSecure Network

Parasites & Vectors, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of First report of L1014F-kdr mutation in Culex pipiens complex from Morocco

Parasites & Vectors, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Correction: The Epidemiology and Geographic Distribution of Relapsing Fever Borreliosis in West and North Africa, with a Review of the Ornithodoros erraticus Complex (Acari: Ixodida)

Research paper thumbnail of Borrelia crocidurae Infection of Ornithodoros erraticus (Lucas, 1849) Ticks in Tunisia

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2010

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by Borrelia species transmitted to humans by infected... more Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by Borrelia species transmitted to humans by infected Ornithodoros sp. ticks. The disease has been rarely described in North Africa, and in Tunisia the local transmission of TBRF seems to have disappeared or is undiagnosed. A longitudinal study was conducted in 14 sites located in four different bioclimatic zones of Tunisia to assess both the distribution of Ornithodoros sp. and their infection rate with the relapsing fever Borrelia sp. Three polymerase chain reaction methods targeting the 16S rRNA, the intergenic spacer, and the fla (flagellin) genes were used and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Three hundred and fifty-eight specimens of Ornithodoros were collected: O. erraticus (previously termed ''small variety'') (n ¼ 190) and O. normandi (n ¼ 168). Borrelia crocidurae DNA was detected in 15.1% of O. erraticus (small variety) (24 out of the 159 randomly selected for testing) collected in rodent burrows situated in the arid and Saharan areas in southern Tunisia. Molecular analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the noncoding intergenic spacer domain showed good resolution for this Borrelia sp., although no molecular polymorphism was evidenced according to location. In contrast, none of the 133 O. normandi, also randomly selected for testing, was infected by Borrelia sp. and these ticks were restricted to the subhumid and semiarid zones in northern Tunisia. Both O. erraticus (small variety) and O. normandi were found in Tunisia and the high B. crocidurae infection rate found in O. erraticus highlights the risk of TBRF transmission in the southern part of the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection and Identification of Ehrlichia spp. in Ticks Collected in Tunisia and Morocco

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

A broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay followed by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was use... more A broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay followed by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used for the detection of members of the family Anaplasmataceae in ticks in North Africa. A total of 418 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Tunisia and Morocco, as well as 188 Rhipicephalus ticks from dogs and 52 Hyalomma ticks from bovines in Tunisia, were included in this study. Of 324 adult I. ricinus ticks, 16.3% were positive for Ehrlichia spp., whereas only 3.4 and 2.8% of nymphs and larvae, respectively, were positive. A large heterogeneity was observed in the nucleotide sequences. Partial sequences identical to that of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) were detected in I. ricinus and Hyalomma detritum , whereas partial sequences identical to that of Anaplasma platys were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus . However, variants of Anaplasma , provisionally designated Anaplasma- like, were predominant in the I. ricinus tick population in Maghreb. Otherwise, tw...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Borrelia lusitaniae Isolates Collected in Tunisia and Morocco

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is infreq... more Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is infrequently isolated in Europe. In contrast, this species is by far the most predominant in North Africa and in Portugal. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, at several loci, of a large population of isolates from free-living Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Tunisia and Morocco. We found a moderate diversity of the whole genome by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis as well as in the ospA gene sequences, compared to a high level of strain homogeneity in the small noncoding ribosomal spacer. In contrast, a high diversity of this locus has been previously reported for Portuguese isolates. We hypothesize that B. lusitaniae strains isolated in North Africa constitute a clone of Portuguese origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks, Morocco

Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Borrelia hispanica Relapsing Fever, Morocco

Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Spotted fever group rickettsioses documented in Morocco

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Maturation des macrophages : expression de cytokines, activite antitumorale et apoptose

Dans le present travail, nous avons etudie la production du frm (facteur remplacant les macrophag... more Dans le present travail, nous avons etudie la production du frm (facteur remplacant les macrophages) de l'il-1, de l'il-6, du tnf (tumor necrosis factor) et du nitrite au cours des differents stades menant a l'activation des macrophages pour definir les relations entre le frm et les autres cytokines et determiner si l'activation est liee a la production de certains facteurs. Nous avons etudie si la survie des macrophages est perturbee au cours du processus de maturation. Le frm partage plusieurs proprietes avec le precurseur de l'il-1beta (pro-il-1beta). La silice induit la maturation et la liberation de l'il-1beta, aux depens de la production du frm et declenche parallelement l'apoptose. L'utilisation du vecteur d'expression pt7-6, a permis d'exprimer d'adnc du pro-il-1beta dans e. Coli en faible quantite (1 ng/ml), mais ce dernier est instable (demi-vie de 15 mn), son activite frm n'a donc pas pu etre mesuree. La production de cytoki...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular identification of Leishmania infection in the most relevant sand fly species and in patient skin samples from a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus, in Morocco

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mar 2, 2018

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Lei... more Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Leishmania and transmitted by several species of sand flies. CL is among the most neglected tropical diseases, and it has represented a major health threat over the past 20 years in Morocco. The main objectives of this study were to identify relevant sand fly species and detect Leishmania infection in the most prevalent species and patient skin samples in Taza, a focus of CL in Northeastern Morocco. Methodology and finding A total of 3672 sand flies were collected by CDC miniature light traps. Morphological identification permitted the identification of 13 species, namely 10 Phlebotomus species and 3 Sergentomyia species. P. longicuspis was the most abundant species, comprising 64.08% of the total collected sand flies, followed by P. sergenti (20.1%) and P. perniciosus (8.45%). Using nested-kDNA PCR, seven pools of P. sergenti were positive to Leishmania tropica DNA, whereas 23 pools of P. longicuspis and 4 pools of P. perniciosus tested positive for Leishmania infantum DNA. The rates of P. longicuspis and P. perniciosus Leishmania infection were 2.51% (23/915) and 7.27% (4/55), respectively, whereas the infection prevalence of P. sergenti was 3.24%. We also extracted DNA from lesion smears of 12 patients suspected of CL, among them nine patients were positive with enzymatic digestion of ITS1 by HaeIII revealing two profiles. The most abundant profile, present in eight patients, was identical to L. infantum, whereas L. tropica was found in one patient. The results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS1 DNA region. Conclusion This is the first molecular detection of L. tropica and L. infantum in P. sergenti and P. longicuspis, respectively, in this CL focus. Infection of P. perniciosus by L. infantum was

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological features of a recent zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreak in Zagora province, southern Morocco

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background Leishmania major is an endemic vector-borne disease in Morocco that causes zoonotic cu... more Background Leishmania major is an endemic vector-borne disease in Morocco that causes zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), especially in arid pre-Saharan regions where its unique vector and reservoir are Phlebotomus papatasi and Meriones shawi, respectively, and may cause epidemics. In late 2017, the Zagora province, an endemic focus for ZCL in southern Morocco, had CL outbreak. The main objective of our investigation was to analyze the epidemiological features of this latest ZCL outbreak.