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PubMed1993

Experimental copper poisoning in the camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Copper sulphate was administered by the oral or intravenous route to five dromedary camels. Two camels (1 and 2) receiving copper sulphate at 200 mg per kg per day by drench died within 8 days and camel 3, receiving 100 mg per kg per day by the same route, was slaughtered on day 172. Intravenous injection of 2 mg per kg per day caused the death of camel 4 on day 95 and camel 5, treated similarly, was slaughtered on day 138. Anorexia, dullness, diarrhoea, dehydration and recumbency in camels 1 and 2 were probably clinical signs of copper toxicity. Camels 3, 4 and 5 lost weight. Jaundice was not a prominent clinical sign. The main lesions in camels 1 and 2 were fatty change and necrosis of the liver cells, dilatation and necrosis of kidney tubules, catarrhal abomasitis, enteritis and congestion of the blood vessels of the heart. In camels 3, 4 and 5 the hepatic lesions were mild, with leucocytic infiltration and gastrointestinal and heart lesions were either mild (camel 3) or absent (camels 4 and 5). Cytoplasmic copper granules in hepatic cells were generalized in distribution but more concentrated in the centrilobular zone. In the kidney these granules were confined to the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. Copper accumulated in the liver and kidneys of all the camels and zinc accumulated in the liver and kidneys of those receiving copper sulphate intravenously. Macrocytic hypochromic anaemia developed in camels 3, 4 and 5 and haemoconcentration in camels 1 and 2. The concentration of serum copper, zinc and iron increased in animals 1, 2 and 4, and unbound iron binding capacity decreased in four camels. There was a rise in the activity of gamma GT, GOT, LDH and CPK in the serum of all the animals. Serum ALP activity, however, increased in camels 1 and 2 and decreased in camels 3, 4 and 5.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2000

Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen enantiomers after intravenous administration of racemate in camels: effect of gender.

The pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen (KP) enantiomers were studied in ten female and eight male camels after a single intravenous dose (2.0 mg/kg) of racemic KP. A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the quantitation of the R- and S-enantiomers without derivatization of the samples using a S,S-Whelk-01 chiral stationary phase column. The data collected (median and range) were as follows: the areas under the curve to infinity (AUC) (microg/mL per h) were 22.4 (13.5-29.7) and 19.8 (13.8-22.1) for R- and S-KP, respectively, in female camels while the corresponding values in male camels were 16.0 (12.9-22.4) and 14.4 (11.0-19.3). In both sexes, the AUC for the R-enantiomer was significantly larger than that of the S-enantiomer. Total body clearances (Cl(t)) were 44.6 (33.7-74.1) and 50.6 (45.2-72.4) mL/kg per h for R- and S-KP, respectively, in female camels and were 62.8 (44.6-77.8) and 69.6 (51.8-91.1) mL/kg per h for R- and S-KP, respectively, in male camels. In both sexes of camels, the Cl(t) values for R-KP were significantly lower than its corresponding antipode. The steady-state volumes of distribution (Vss) were 97.9 (82.8-147.2) and 102.0 (90.1-169.0) mL/kg for R- and S-KP, respectively, in female camels and were significantly different from each other, while the respective values in male camels were 151.5 (105.3-222.3) and 154.0 (114.7-229.0) mL/kg but were not significantly different from each other. The volumes of distribution (area) followed a similar pattern, where the values for R- and S-KP in female camels were 118.5 (95.6-195.2) and 137.6 (115.8-236.2) mL/kg, respectively, and the respective values in male camels were 215.6 (119.1-270.1) and 229.1 (143.3-277.4) mL/kg. The elimination half-lives (t1/2beta) were 1.88 (1.42-2.34) h and 1.83 (1.67-2.26) h for R- and S-KP, respectively, in female camels and were significantly different from each other, while the corresponding values in male camels were 2.11 (1.50-4.20) and 2.33 (1.52-3.83) h for R and S-KP, respectively, but were not significantly different from each other. The mean residence time followed a similar pattern. All pharmacokinetic parameters for R- and S-KP in female camels were significantly different from their corresponding values in male camels. The extent of protein binding for R- and S-KP was evaluated in vitro by ultrafiltration. The extents of protein binding for R- and S-KP were not significantly different from each other when each enantiomer was supplemented separately. However, when the enantiomers were supplemented together, protein binding of R-KP was significantly higher than that of S-KP in female but not in male camels.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effect of water deprivation on the disposition kinetics of enrofloxacin in camels.

Concentrations of enrofloxacin equivalent activity were determined (by microbiological assay) in the serum of normal camels and camels at the end of a 14-day water-deprivation period following single intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administrations at 2.5 mg/kg. Also, normal camels were given an oral drench of the drug at 5 mg/kg. Pharmacokinetic variables were determined using compartmental and non-compartmental analytical methods. Camels lost on average 12.5% of body weight at the end of the water-deprivation period. The disposition kinetics of i.v. administered drug in normal and water-deprived camels were very similar. The t1/2 beta was 3.0-3.5 h; MRT was 4.0-4.5 h; Vc was 0.3 L/kg; Vss was 1.0 L/kg and ClB was 4.0-4.6 mL/min/kg. The effect of water deprivation on the rate of drug absorption and elimination after i.m. administration was inconsistent, and there was also a large degree of variability in the normal animals that precluded statistical significance. After s.c. administration, the mean absorption half-life (t1/2abs) in the water-deprived camels was significantly longer than in the normal camels. Systemic availability (F) was similar in both normal and water-deprived camels after i.m. dosing but was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in normal camels (0.92 compared with 0.65 in water-deprived camels) after s.c. treatment. In normal camels, urinary recovery at 12 h after i.v. and s.c. dosing was 25% and 15%, respectively, and the extent of serum protein binding ranged between 1.7% at 1.8 micrograms/mL and 24% at 0.33 microgram/mL. The drug was not detected in serum after oral administration. Serum and milk enrofloxacin equivalent activities were determined after i.v. (one camel) and i.m. (one camel) drug administration. Serum drug concentrations were consistently higher than in the milk. The AUCmilk/AUCserum ratios were 0.27 and 0.39 after i.v. and i.m. drug administration, respectively. An i.m. or s.c. treatment regimen of 2.5 mg/kg q.12 h is suggested for clinical and bacteriological efficacy trials with enrofloxacin in normally hydrated and dehydrated camels.

Absorption↗

PubMed1992

Trypanosomal antigen and antibody levels in field camels following treatment with two trypanocidal drugs.

The efficacy of treatment in 61 naturally trypanosome-infected camels was evaluated by antigen and antibody detection. Following treatment of 14 infected field camels with an arsenical drug (RM110) no trypanosomal antigens could be detected in the animals which were treated with 0.6 mg/kg body weight and 1.2 mg/kg body weight, 90 days thereafter. In two out of three camels treated with 0.4 mg/kg body weight no trypanosomal antigens could be detected by day 90 post-treatment. However, there was evidence of trypanosomal antigens in camels treated with 0.2 mg/kg body weight and untreated positive controls. Antibody levels were still high in all the 14 camels, 90 days post-treatment. In another group of 55 field camels, of which 47 camels were parasite-positive and eight parasite-negative, trypanosomal antigens could not be detected in 42 camels, 28 and 48 days post-treatment with Quinapyramine Prosalt. However, antigen levels were still high in five parasite-positive camels, 48 days post-treatment. In all the parasite-positive camels, antibody levels were still high 48 days after treatment. In the eight parasite-negative camels, antigens were detected in four camels before treatment. By day 48 post-treatment, all the four camels were antigen-negative. However, four of the eight parasite-negative camels were still antibody-positive by day 48 post-treatment. These observations indicated that antigen-detection could be used to evaluate the success of therapeutic trials where trypanosome detection tests may fail to pick low patent infections.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

A study on the productivity and diseases of camels in eastern Ethiopia.

A study concerning performance traits of the Ethiopian camel indicated that, in the camel herds examined, there was one active bull camel for 25 females. The bull camel was 5 years old at puberty; it reached rutting vigour at the age of 9 years, the number of mountings per day was 8 during the breeding season, and the reproduction span was 10 years. The female camel reached puberty at 4 years of age; the age at first calving was 5 years, and the lactation period was one year; the calving interval was 2 years, the calving rate was 50%, and the reproduction span was 10-15 years. The survival rate of the newborn calves was 50%. The average milk yield was 2.5 L per day; the price of camel's milk was higher than that of cow's milk at US$0.5. Adult camels weighed around 500 kg; the dressing-out percentage was 52%. Mutton was preferred to camel meat, which came second in popularity, costing US$2/kg. Owing to their poor reproductive performance, camels are not efficient for producing meat. The camels worked for 16 h per day, covering 60 km. Animal health problems encountered were trypanosomosis, camel pox, camel pustular dermatitis, camel cephalopsis, dermatomycosis, mange mite, tick infestation and balantidiosis, most of which mainly affected the young animals.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1999

Efficacy of closantel plus albendazole liquid suspension against natural infection of gastrointestinal parasites in camels.

Oral administration of closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg plus albendazole in a dose of 5 mg/kg liquid suspension was studied in 75 camels naturally infected with various types of gastrointestinal parasites. The camels involved were 15 pregnant she-camels, 20 non-pregnant she-camels and 40 male camels of various ages. Each camel received a single oral dose of closantel (10 mg/kg) plus albendazole (5 mg/kg) orally. Two weeks later, 20 camels of this group were re-dosed again with the same dose of the anthelmintic. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from all camels at the time of treatment and again 14 and 42 days post treatment. Fecal egg counts and generic determination of third stage larvae was performed. Results indicated that six different species of gastrointestinal tract parasites were identified in camels. Single treatment of closantel plus albendazole mixture reduced egg counts in camels by 100%, 100%, 98% and 77% for Haemonchus longistipes, Ascaris spp., Monezia expansa and Fasciola hepatica, respectively. However, administration of the drug twice on the base of 2 weeks apart significantly raised the efficacy of the drug for clearance of the parasites from 92.5% to 100% in camels infected with various parasites. Camels were not adversely affected by treatment.

Albendazole↗

PubMed1995

Control of Brucella melitensis infection in a large camel herd in Saudi Arabia using antibiotherapy and vaccination with Rev. 1 vaccine.

The authors describe an attempt to control Brucella melitensis infection in a large camel herd in Saudi Arabia. Sera from the entire herd (2,536) were examined by the Rose Bengal and standard United States of America buffered plate agglutination tests. The overall Brucella seroprevalence was 8%. Milk samples from the 120 seropositive milking camels were cultured on Brucella-selective media. B. melitensis biovars 1, 2 and 3 were isolated from 41 camels (34%). Seropositive camels (202) were treated for the first time with a combination of long-acting oxytetracycline (OTC) at a dose of 25 mg/kg administered intramuscularly (i.m.) every 2 days for 30 days and streptomycin at 25 mg/kg i.m. every 2 days for 16 days. In addition, milking camels were given OTC-intramammary infusion at a rate of 10 ml/teat every 2 days for 8 days. This regimen was found to be effective in eliminating the shedding of Brucella organisms by camels, with no relapse. Moreover, all treated camels became seronegative within 16 months after treatment. Seronegative camels (2,331) were vaccinated for the first time with the B. melitensis Rev. 1 strain vaccine, as follows: a) 175 young camels (aged three months to one year) were each inoculated subcutaneously with a full dose (1-2 x 10(9) viable organisms in 1 ml). Brucella antibody titres between 1:50 and 1:200 were detected 2-4 weeks post-vaccination. Brucella antibodies decreased gradually until the animals became seronegative 8 months after vaccination. b) 2,156 camels aged more than one year were each inoculated subcutaneously with a reduced dose (1-2 x 10(6) viable organisms in 1 ml). Antibody titres measured 2-4 weeks post-vaccination varied from 1:25 to 1:200. The titres decreased gradually, until the animals became seronegative 3 months post-vaccination. No Brucella organisms were recovered from repeated udder secretion samples from all vaccinated milking camels, and no abortions were recorded among pregnant vaccinated camels.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Identification of multiple HLA-DR-restricted epitopes of the tumor-associated antigen CAMEL by CD4+ Th1/Th2 lymphocytes.

CD4(+) Th cells play an important role in the induction and maintenance of adequate CD8(+) T cell-mediated antitumor responses. Therefore, identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigenic epitopes is of major importance for the development of effective immunotherapies with synthetic peptides. CAMEL and NY-ESO-ORF2 are tumor Ags translated in an alternative open reading frame from the highly homologous LAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 genes, respectively. In this study, we investigated whether CD4(+) T cell responses could be induced in vitro by autologous, mature dendritic cells pulsed with recombinant CAMEL protein. The data show efficient induction of CAMEL-specific CD4(+) T cells with mixed Th1/Th2 phenotype in two healthy donors. Isolation of CD4(+) T cell clones from the T cell cultures of both donors led to the identification of four naturally processed HLA-DR-binding CAMEL epitopes: CAMEL(1-20), CAMEL(14-33), CAMEL(46-65), and CAMEL(81-102). Two peptides (CAMEL(1-20) and CAMEL(14-33)) also contain previously identified HLA class I-binding CD8(+) T cell epitopes shared by CAMEL and NY-ESO-ORF2 and are therefore interesting tools to explore for immunotherapy. Furthermore, two CD4(+) T cell clones that recognized the CAMEL(14-33) peptide with similar affinities were shown to differ in recognition of tumor cells. These CD4(+) T cell clones recognized the same minimal epitope and expressed similar levels of adhesion, costimulatory, and inhibitory molecules. TCR analysis demonstrated that these clones expressed identical TCR beta-chains, but different complementarity-determining region 3 loops of the TCR alpha-chains. Introduction of the TCRs into proper recipient cells should reveal whether the different complementarity-determining region 3 alpha loops are important for tumor cell recognition.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of antibody- and antigen-detection enzyme immunoassays for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi infections in camels.

A total of 183 camels from Kenya were examined for circulating trypanosomal antigens by four methods: (1) a monoclonal antigen-detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and circulating anti-trypanosomal antibodies; (2) antibody-detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ab-ELISA); (3) buffy-coat examination (BCE); (4) mouse subinoculation (MI). Thirty-seven camels (20%) were parasite-positive by BCE and 60 camels (33%) were parasite-positive by MI. Sixty-three camels (34%) tested positive on Ag-ELISA. Of the 24 camels which could not be detected by BCE, Ag-ELISA detected 18 (75%). Ab-ELISA detected 90 (49%) positive camels. Of all the parasite-positive camels (61), Ag-ELISA detected 93% and Ab-ELISA 95%. Based on the results of 55 camels, there was a significant statistical difference (P < 0.0001) in Ag-ELISA optical density (OD) values (of either serum or plasma antigen analysis) between parasite-positive and parasite-negative camels. No significant difference was observed in Ab-ELISA OD values between parasite-positive and parasite-negative camels. Diagnosis of T. evansi infection in camels by the use of Ag-ELISA alone or in combination with BCE could therefore be a more preferred approach in assessing patient infection than the use of Ab-ELISA.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Camel-related injuries in the pediatric age group.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Domestic animal-related injuries in general, camel-related in particular, have not been given much attention, and very little is written about them. METHODS: The medical records of all children admitted to our hospital with camel-related injuries were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, mechanism of injury, type of injuries, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-eight children with camel-related injuries were seen at our hospital. Most of them were camel jockeys. All were males, and their ages ranged from 4 to 15 years (mean, 8.6 years). In 74, the cause of injury was a fall from a racing camel, 2 were kicked by a camel, and 1 had a camel bite. Forty-four (56.4%) had head injury, which was moderate to severe in 17, and 6 of them had associated skull fractures, whereas 3 had intracranial hematomas. Twenty-five (32.1%) had fractures of various bones, and 14 of them had fracture of the tibia. One child had L2 and L3 dislocation, with displacement and compression fracture of L2. Two sustained thoracic injuries, whereas 9 had intraabdominal injuries, including liver injury (3), splenic injury (1), renal injury (3), and bowel injury (2). One had a camel bite leading to a fractured mandible, injury to his ear, and intimal tear of the left common carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Camels are a potential cause of serious injuries and a major public health problem for children in this part of the world. This is especially so for camel jockeys. Every effort should be made to prevent such injuries, including limiting camel racing to older children as well as providing adequate protective measures and public education about the proper and compassionate handling of domestic animals.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2026

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Population Structure, Genetic Diversity, and Selection Signatures in Kazakh Dromedary and Bactrian Camels.

Understanding the genomic basis of environmental adaptation is essential for the conservation and genetic improvement of domestic camels. In this study, we investigated the population structure, genetic diversity, and genomic variation potentially associated with environmental adaptation of Kazakh dromedary and Bactrian camels using whole-genome sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing data were generated for Kazakh camels (15 dromedaries and 16 Bactrian camels) and integrated with 131 publicly available genomes representing camel populations from the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Mongolian wild camels. Population structure, genetic diversity, and genome-wide selection were evaluated using principal component analysis, ADMIXTURE, nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium, runs of homozygosity, genomic inbreeding (FROH), and selection scans based on FST, θπ ratio, and XP-EHH. Population genomic analyses revealed clear differentiation between dromedary and Bactrian camels, whereas Kazakh camel populations exhibited higher nucleotide diversity (θπ = 1.307-1.551 × 10-3), and lower genomic inbreeding (median FROH: 0.037-0.056) than Arabian populations. Genome-wide selection analyses identified MC4R as the prominent candidate gene in Kazakh dromedaries and RYR1 as a prominent candidate gene in Kazakh Bactrian camels. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted pathways related to energy metabolism, thermogenesis, calcium signaling, skeletal muscle function, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress response. These findings provide new insights into genomic variation potentially associated with environmental adaptation in Kazakh camels and offer valuable genomic resources for future conservation, breeding, and evolutionary studies.

MC4R↗

PubMed1994

Prevalence and monthly variations of the second and third instars of Cephalopina titillator (Diptera: Oestridae) infesting camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Nine hundred and twenty-three camels slaughtered at Al-Ahsa abattoir, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, were examined for infestation with second and third instars of Cephalopina titillator during the period from December 1991 to November 1992. Four hundred and eighty camels (52%) were infested with second and third instars, with an annual mean of 19.29 +/- 1.09 larvae per camel (L/C). The percentage of infested camels and the mean monthly total number of larvae per camel showed two peaks of abundance, during February (96.06% and 25.06 +/- 2.1 L/C) and September (88.90% and 27.50 +/- 3.97 L/C). Variations in the percentage of infestation were inversely correlated with monthly average temperature and positively correlated with relative humidity. Mean numbers of third instars were significantly greater than those of the second instars during each month of the study period. Two peaks of abundance were observed for each of the second (February and September) and third instars (January and October). Infestation levels showed that the percentages of camels infested with 1-10, 11-20 and 21-30 larvae were 47.90%, 19.16% and 12.71%, respectively. Fewer camels were infested with 31-40 (6.25%), 41-50 (4.37%), 51-60 (3.54%) and 61-70 (2.08%). The greatest number of larvae (101-110) was observed in only three camels (0.62%). It is concluded that adult flies appear twice a year, during the period from late March to early May and in December. Twice-annual larvicidal treatment of camels during February and September is recommended to eliminate most of the larvae infesting camels.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Drug and xenobiotic metabolising enzymes in camel liver: multiple forms and species specific expression.

1. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of phase I mixed-function oxidases (cytochrome P450-dependent) and phase II conjugation (glutathione S-transferase) enzymes in camel liver. This study represents further characterisation of these drug metabolising enzyme systems in camel liver by comparing their catalytic and immunochemical properties with enzymes of rat and mouse liver. 2. Using the specific P450 substrate aniline, the microsomal aniline hydroxylase activity of camel liver was found to be significantly lower than that of rat and mouse. The Km values of the enzyme for aniline was similar in rat and camel liver; however, the Vmax for camel liver enzyme was 50% of the rat liver enzyme. Aminopyrene N-demethylase activity in camel liver, was lower than that of rat but higher than in mouse. Microsomal NADPH cytochrome C-reductase and NADPH-supported lipid peroxidation activities were similar in all three species. 3. The cytosolic phase II conjugation enzyme glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities in camel liver were markedly lower than those of rat and mouse enzymes. However, GSH concentration was similar in all three species. 4. Immunodot blot and Western blot analysis of liver cytosols, using antibodies to specific GST isoenzymes, have shown that camel liver like mouse and rat, expresses predominantly the Alpha and Mu classes of GST. GST Pi on the other hand, was abundant in mouse liver and was underexpressed in camel and rat liver. 5. Our results demonstrate that there are multiple forms of phase I (P450) and phase II (GST) enzymes in camel liver and that they are comparable with the drug metabolising enzymes of rat and mouse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Reactions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of camels with monoclonal antibodies against ruminant leukocytes.

The particular immune system of the camel has been but little investigated. In this work circulating camel peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were studied by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against ruminant leukocytes were used for the detection of cell surface antigens. Monoclonals to T-cell markers, CD4 (CACT138A) and CD8 (CACT80C), exhibited no reactivity towards camel PBMC in contrast to their reactivity to PBMC of other ruminant species and those of cattle in particular. A relatively high percentage (29.1+/-8.9%) of camel PBMC reacted with a non-immunoglobulin cell surface marker, B-B2, comparable to the reactivity of bovine PBMC. The B-B7 cell marker revealed 22.4+/-10.0% of reactive camel PBMC while the CD45 leukocyte common antigen was identified only on 19.4+/-3.1% of camel PBMC as compared to 74.7+/-4.9% for bovine PBMC. IgM (PIg45A) was detected on 9.1+/-1.4% of camel PBMC and on 46.6+/-19.5% of the bovine PBMC. Double fluorescent labeling with two B-cell markers and an anti-ruminant lambda light-chain mAb revealed 7-9% of cells bearing both B and lambda L-chain markers. Light chain reactivity was also assessed using an anti-goat F(ab')(2) antiserum. The values obtained, 14.3+/-5.8% for the camel and 47.8+/-2.7% for the cattle, are close to the values observed for surface IgM. These data suggest that camels, like other ruminants, possess L-chain bearing cells of the B-cell lineage. However, in the camel, Igs are different in that in addition to regular four chain Igs, about 65% of them possess two heavy chain Igs devoid of light chains. Because different sets of V(H) gene segments are used by four and two chain Igs, it is possible that there might be two lineages of B-cells each secreting a different form of antibodies.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Trace elements and their distribution in protein fractions of camel milk in comparison to other commonly consumed milks.

Studies on camels' milk, whether with respect to concentration or bioavailability of trace elements from this milk, are limited and warrant further investigation. The object of this study was to analyse the concentration and distribution of zinc, copper, selenium, manganese and iron in camel milk compared to those in human milk, cows' milk and infant formula under similar experimental conditions. Camels' milk and cows' milk were collected from local farms, human milk samples were obtained from healthy donors in Kuwait and infant formula was purchased locally. Milk fractionation was performed by ultra-centrifugation and gelcolumn chromatography. The concentration of trace elements was analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry and that of protein was determined spectrophotometrically. The concentration of manganese and iron in camels' milk was remarkably higher (7-20-fold and 4-10-fold, respectively) than in human milk, cows' milk and infant formula. The zinc content of camels' milk was higher than that of human milk but slightly lower than in cows' milk and infant formula. The concentration of copper in camels' milk was similar to that of cows' milk but lower than in human milk and infant formula. The selenium content of camels' milk was comparable to those of other types of milk, Approximately 50-80% of zinc, copper and manganese in camels' milk were associated with the casein fraction, similar to that of cows' milk, The majority of selenium and iron in camels' milk was in association with the low molecular weight fraction, It is recommended that camels' milk be considered as a potential source of manganese, selenium and iron, perhaps not only for infants, but also for other groups suspected of mild deficiency of these elements. Further investigations are required to confirm this proposal.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Sequence and structure of VH domain from naturally occurring camel heavy chain immunoglobulins lacking light chains.

We cloned 17 different PCR fragments encoding VH genes of camel (Camelus dromedarius). These clones were derived from the camel heavy chain immunoglobulins lacking the light chain counterpart of normal immunoglobulins. Insight into the camel VH sequences and structure may help the development of single domain antibodies. The most remarkable difference in the camel VH, consistent with the absence of the VL interaction, is the substitution of the conserved Leu45 by an Arg or Cys. Another noteworthy substitution is the Leu11 to Ser. This amino acid normally interacts with the CH1 domain, a domain missing in the camel heavy chain immunoglobulins. The nature of these substitutions agrees with the increased solubility behavior of an isolated camel VH domain. The VH domains of the camels are also characterized by a long CDR3, possibly compensating for the absence of the VL contacts with the antigen. The CDR3 lacks the salt bridge between Arg94 and Asp101. However, the frequent occurrence of additional Cys residues in both the CDR1 and CDR3 might lead to the formation of a second internal disulfide bridge, thereby stabilizing the CDR structure as in the DAW antibody. Within CDRs of the camel VH domains we observe a broad size distribution and a different amino acid pattern compared with the mouse or human VH. Therefore the camel hypervariable regions might adopt structures which differ substantially from the known canonical structures, thereby increasing the repertoire of the camel antigen binding sites within a VH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

A survey of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan.

Information on incidences of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan is scarce. In this survey, 369 live and 156 slaughtered camels were examined in four Jordanian geographic regions and the proportion of diseased camels was calculated. Intestinal parasite ova were detected in 98% of camels; one or more species of external parasites were found on the skin of all camels; 33% had nasal myiasis; and hydatid cysts were identified in 44% of the slaughtered animals. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli) and trypanasomiasis, two diseases of economic importance, were also diagnosed in 83% and 33% of the 32 and 257 examined camels, respectively. Rabies virus was detected in eight camels by use of fluorescent antibody examination of brain tissues. Foreign-body accumulation within the first and second stomach compartments was the predominant gastrointestinal disease of slaughtered adult camels (22%). Ten percent of slaughtered camels had bacterial pneumonia, with Pasteurella hemolytica most often isolated (56% of pneumonic lungs). Further investigation into the relationship between parasite burden and health in camels is required to assess the significance of the high prevalence of parasites.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli in camel milk.

Camels subsist and produce milk in desert pastures not utilized by other domesticated herbivores. Developing the camel milk industry can improve the economy of desert inhabitants. To comply with sanitary ordinances, camel milk is pasteurized by procedures specified for bovine milk. It is widely accepted that milk composition might affect bacterial thermal death time (TDT). Camel and bovine milks markedly differ in their chemical composition, yet data regarding TDT values of bacteria in camel milk is missing. As a first step toward developing specific heat treatments appropriate for camel milk, TDT curves of Escherichia coli in artificially contaminated camel and cow milks have been compared. Heating the milks to temperatures ranging from 58 to 65 degrees C yields similar thermal death curves and derived D- and z-values. These findings suggest that, in this temperature range, E. coli might behave similarly in bovine and camel milk. Additional TDT studies of various pathogenic species in camel milk are required before establishing pasteurization conditions of camel milk.

Animals↗