Identification of Camel Prion Disease in Tunisia: evidence of an emerging prion disease in North Africa

 Proceedings of the Prion 2025 - Advancing the understanding and treatment of prion diseases

ISBN: 978-65-80968-48-0

Identification of Camel Prion Disease in Tunisia: evidence of an emerging prion disease in North Africa

Amara, Abdelkader 1Bari, Michele Angelo Di 2Andolsi, Rihab 1Elmhatli, Kéfia 3Malek, Atef 1Bruno, Rosalia 4Chiappini, Barbara 5Vanni, Ilaria 6Esposito, Elena 5Riccardi, Geraldina 5Smida, Boubaker Ben 7Kessa, Haykel 8Chandoul, Walid 9Zrelli, Malek 10Abid, Obaid Allah Ben 5Marcon, Stefano 5Nonno, Romolo 5Agrimi, Umberto 5Vaccari, Gabriele 6Pirisinu, Laura 6
Vol 1, 2025 - 329818

Abstract Prion 2025

Abstract 

Introduction: Camel prion disease (CPrD), a recently identified prion disease in dromedary camels from Algeria, has raised concerns regarding its potential spread in North Africa and possible implications for animal and public health.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the presence of CPrD in Tunisia by investigating clinically suspect dromedary camels and characterizing the pathological and biochemical features of the disease.

Methods: Brain and lymph nodes from eight dromedary camels showing neurological and behavioral signs were sampled from the Tataouine and Sousse governorates. Samples were analysed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology techniques. PrP gene sequencing was also performed.

Results and Discussion: PrPSc accumulation was detected in six out of eight animals, with positivity confirmed in brain and, when available, lymph nodes. They showed molecular and neuropathological features closely resembling Algerian CPrD, clearly distinct from classical scrapie and BSE. All genotyped animals were homozygous for the wild-type PRNP allele. The detection of PrPSc in lymphoid organs, together with the relatively young age of some affected individuals, suggests the possibility of a contagious nature and early-life exposure.

Conclusion: This study provides the first identification of CPrD in Tunisia and underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and the need to better understand the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and zoonotic potential of this emerging prion disease.

Funding: This work was supported by grants: Bando Ricerca Indipendente ISS 2020-2022 (ID ISS20-97e1d82bda5a) by Istituto Superiore di Sanità;   Bando “Dottorati di Ricerca Italia-Africa 2023” (DB04-id: 5165) by Università La Sapienza di Roma and Istituto Superiore di Sanità.

https://proceedings.science/prion-2025/papers?prod_proceedings_papers%5BrefinementList%5D%5Btrack.title.en%5D%5B0%5D=Animal%20prion%20diseases

https://kuru-tse.blogspot.com/