Aim: The aim of this work was to isolate and molecularly identify enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157 in milk and dairy products in Libya, in addition; to clear the accuracy of cultural and biochemical identification as compared with molecular identification by partial sequencing of 16S rDNA for the existing isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 108 samples of raw milk (cow, she-camel, and goat) and locally made dairy products (fermented cow’s milk, Maasora, Ricotta and ice cream) were collected from some regions (Janzour, Tripoli, Kremiya, Tajoura and Tobruk) in Libya. Samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for isolation of E. coli that was detected by conventional cultural and molecular method using polymerase chain reaction and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. Results: Out of 108 samples, only 27 isolates were found to be EHEC O157 based on their cultural characteristics (Tellurite-Cefixime-Sorbitol MacConkey) that include 3 isolates from cow’s milk (11%), 3 isolates from she-camel’s milk (11%), two isolates from goat’s milk (7.4%) and 7 isolates from fermented raw milk samples (26%), isolates from fresh locally made soft cheeses (Maasora and Ricotta) were 9 (33%) and 3 (11%), respectively, while none of the ice cream samples revealed any growth. However, out of these 27 isolates, only 11 were confirmed to be E. coli by partial sequencing of 16S rDNA and E. coli O157 Latex agglutination test. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that majority of local E. coli isolates were related to E. coli O157:H7 FRIK944 strain. Conclusion: These results can be used for further studies on EHEC O157 as an emerging foodborne pathogen and its role in human infection in Libya.
Ibrahim Eldaghayes(11-2016)

Abstract: In Libyan state, the history of backyard poultry rearing goes back to several lapsing decades in which the human life style was still in its simpler forms. The uncontrolled rearing of backyard poultry has resulted in catastrophic spread of viral diseases in many countries throughout the world. In this study a new questioner by Mobil software “EpiCollect plus” was used for the first time in Libya. It is an easy program to use and can store information about all farms and samples in the phone during sample collections at field “without internet connection”, then send to the computer via the network. The surveillance of backyard poultry for both avian influenza type a virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has covered four main geographical regions throughout the greater city of Tripoli. The surveillance was fulfilled through testing the cloacal and tracheal swabs for the presence of viral antigens using the direct ELISA for AIV and RT-PCR techniques for NDV. A total number of 500 samples from non-vaccinated backyard poultry flocks were collected from different geographical locations within the area of Tripoli (Qasr Ben Ghashier, Alsawani, Souq Al-Gomaa, Tajourah, and Einzara). Samples were collected mainly from local breed chicken (244) and native ducks (6). Results have indicated that incidences of infection with AIV in backyard poultry populations during the summer season 2013 were 0%. During early winter 2013, the AIV has been detected in 11 out of 90 samples with an incidence of 12.2%. Among the 11 positive samples: 3 samples were from Souq Al-Gomaa, 4 from Tajourah, 1 from Qasr Ben Ghashier and 3 from Al-sawany. In contrast to AIV during summer 2013, NDV were detected from the backyard chickens, 104 out of 154 backyard poultry were found positive for the virus (67.5 %). Positive samples were distributed over various regions into: 14 from Tajourah, 60 from Qasr Ben Ghashier and 30 from Al-sawany. In the early winter 2013, 21 out of 90 samples were positive for NDV (23.3%). Among the 21 positive samples: 3 were from Tajourah, 13 were from Qasr Ben Ghashier and 5 from Al-sawany. It is obvious that the southern region is the most affected regions within the greater Tripoli. In the Greater Tripoli, many local districts are well known for their dense distribution of commercial poultry farms as well as backyard poultry rearing. Most of poultry farms in Tripoli are found in Tajourah, Qasr Ben-Ghashier, and Al-sawany. Thus, it is expected to face the problems of avian diseases with special concerns to viral diseases such as AI and ND among both commercial and backyard populations in such districts.
هشام عبدالجليل الصيد (2015)

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) was suspected in a herd of approximately 033 sheep after weight loss and scouring had increased in adult animals despite repeated treatment with anthelmintics, antibiotics, multivitamins and minerals. The herd is located near Tarhouna city. Herd history revealed that a total of 60 ewes showed clinical symptoms and deaths during the last two years. The last case that we attended was submitted to the National Center of Animal Health (NCAH) for a detailed laboratory examination. Gross pathological and histological examination of tissue samples revealed results that were highly comparable with Johne's disease. A definitive diagnosis was made only by histopathological identification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in the intestines using Ziehl-Neelsen stain. This is the first documented case of M. paratuberculosis in sheep in Libya.
Ibrahim Eldaghayes(11-2013)