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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

First molecular detection and genomic characterization of West Nile virus associated with a naturally aborted sheep in Tunisia.

In September 2025, West Nile virus (WNV) RNA was detected for the first time in a sheep in Zaghouan Governorate, Tunisia. Following sheep abortions, fetal specimens were analyzed and one tested positive for WNV by RT-qPCR. The generated near-complete WNV genome sequence by Oxford Nanopore Technologies belonged to Lineage 1a, previously associated with locally reported human neuroinvasive cases in the same area. Amino acid analysis of the envelope (E) protein confirmed the presence of the conserved NYS glycosylation motif (E154-E156), a characteristic feature of Euro-Mediterranean Lineage 1 WNV strains. These findings further support the endemic circulation of WNV in Tunisia and underline its significance for both animal and public health.

Abortion↗
PubMed2026

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Feline Uropathogens Reveals Multidrug Resistance and Zoonotic Potential in Domestic Cats in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are increasingly recognized as clinically relevant conditions frequently associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria of potential zoonotic origin, yet genomic data on feline uropathogens remain scarce in Tunisia. METHODS: We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize seven bacterial isolates recovered from six cats with clinical signs of UTI: Mammaliicoccus lentus (n = 2), Staphylococcus schleiferi (n = 1), Mammaliicoccus sciuri (n = 1), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 1), Enterococcus casseliflavus (n = 1), and Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 1). RESULTS: Resistome analysis revealed determinants conferring resistance to β-lactams (blaZ, blaCMY-132), methicillin (mecC-type), macrolides (erm(43), ermB), tetracyclines (tet(M), tet(45), tetB), fosfomycins (fosI, fosB, fosA5), and aminoglycosides (aac(6'), aph(3')-IIIa, aph(6)-Id), alongside efflux pump genes (efrA, sepA, sdrM, oqxA, KpnE/F/G), vancomycin-operon genes (vanT, vanY, vanC, vanG), and biofilm/biocide-tolerance genes (salB, qacG). Notably, M. lentus S104 carried mecC-type elements, the first such report in Tunisia, while K. aerogenes displayed an extensive MDR profile, including blaCMY-132 and fosA5. Multilocus sequence typing/ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (MLST/rMLST) identified diverse lineages, including the internationally distributed E. faecalis ST19 and the rarely reported K. aerogenes ST242. Plasmids were absent in all isolates; a Tn916/1545-type transposon occurred in E. casseliflavus, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems were unevenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight companion animals as reservoirs of clinically important resistance genes, reinforcing the need for One Health AMR surveillance.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents in Tunisia: clinical aspects and the paraneoplastic syndrome.

Of 485 cases of NPC collected from the files of our institute between March 1969 and December 1974, 82 (17%) were in children and adolescents (0--19 years old). This relatively high frequency of NPC in young people was not suggested by reports from high-incidence areas (Southern China, for example) but appears to be a characteristic feature of areas of intermediate incidence (Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Tunisia). NPC is the tumour that occurs most frequently in young people between 1 and 20 years old in Tunisia, showing a peak in those 16 years of age. The male:female sex ratio was 3:1. Advanced stages of the disease occured frequently; no clinical anomalies were noted in this age group. The 'nasopharyngeal' type of carcinoma was the histological form seen most frequently; poorly-differentiated squamous-cell carcinomas were not uncommon; and well-differentiated squamous-cell carcinomas were not seen in this series. The five-year survival rate was 32.5% for children and only 20% for adults. This can perhaps be explained by the fact that the 'nasopharyngeal' type of tumour has a better prognosis than other histological types, and, compared to adults, younger patients more frequently have distant metastases (37%) than local recurrences (18.5%). A paraneoplastic syndrome, consisting of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy with occasional generalized lowering of pituitary function, was seen in 12 of the patients. This syndrome has been described only in children, and no cases were found in our series of adult NPC patients. Epidemiological, clinical and histological aspects suggest that NPC in young people is different from that found in adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

[Parasites of fresh water turtles in Tunisia].

A survey work during 1974-75 on the parasites of aquatic turtles of Tunisia, twenty one specimens (9 males and 12 females) were captured in the watercourses of the northern area of Tunisia and dissected in the Institut Pasteur of Tunis. These turtles belong to the species; Clemmys caspica var. leprosa and Emys orbicularis (L. 1758). The following parasites were recovered from these turtles: Trematodes: Polystomoides tunisiensis and Telorchis temimi (Gonzalez and Mishra, 1977) and T. solivagus (Odhner, 1902); Nematodes: Camallanus parvus (Eduardo Caballero, 1939); Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819) and Spironoura lambdiensis (Seurat, 1918); Protozoa: Haemogregarina stepanovi (Dan, 1886) and Entamoeba invadens (Geiman and Ratcliff, 1936). Ectoparasites: Placobdella costata (Moquin - Tandom). In addition to these parasites, unidentified nematode larvae were detected on several occasions; in the bile ducts and within the hepatic cysts of the turtles examined. Two trematodes P. tunisiensis and T. temimi are recorded and described for the first time.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Reveals the Mutational Spectrum and Clinical Significance of BRCA1/2 and Other Cancer-Susceptibility Genes in Breast Cancer Patients from Southern Tunisia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the mutational spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in a cohort of breast cancer (BC) patients from southern Tunisia, and to evaluate their clinical and prognostic significance. Additionally, this study explores the contribution of other cancer predisposition genes and the prevalence of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). RESULTS: Among the 165 patients included, pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in BRCA1/BRCA2 were identified in 19 cases (11.51%), including 8 in BRCA1 and 11 in BRCA2. The presence of BRCA P/LPVs associated with young patients (p = 0.006) and those with TNBC (p = 0.036). Beyond BRCA1/2, PV/LPVs were detected in other cancer-related genes, including TP53 (n = 3), CHEK2, RAD50 (n = 2 cases each), and MUTYH, BARD1, and BRIP1 (one case each). Furthermore, 56 VUS were identified; among them, 7 were prioritized based on in silico predictive analyses, suggesting a potential deleterious effect. However, these VUS should not be used for clinical decision-making without additional evidence from functional and familial segregation studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic landscape of breast cancer in southern Tunisia, highlighting the clinical relevance of BRCA1/2 mutations and the contribution of other susceptibility genes. These results support the personalized management of breast cancer patients and the implementation of expanded multigene panel testing in routine clinical practice to improve genetic counseling.

BRCA1↗
PubMed2026

Contribution of a combined approach using refined enterotyping and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to the characterization of the gut microbiota in Tunisia, North Africa.

This pilot study aimed to assess the enhanced capabilities of a combined approach using refined enterotyping and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) for identifying specific microbiota patterns in healthy adults in Tunisia. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on 21 stool samples. Taxonomic classification was carried out using Kraken2, followed by Bracken analysis. Enterotype (ET) assignment was performed using a publicly available, reference-based classification tool involving Fuzzy-k-means (FKM) clustering. Next, NMF was applied to identify 'enterosignatures' (ESs). The FKM approach revealed a co-dominance of Prevotella-ET (P-ET, 57%) and Firmicutes-ET (F-ET, 38%) with 41% of P-ET samples exhibiting a significant deviation from the reference enterotype center. These latter had a lower proportion of Prevotella-ES and a higher proportion of Bacteroides/Phocaeicola-, Firmicutes- and/or Bifidobacterium-enriched ESs. The F-ET samples were differentially enriched by Blautia (P = 0.007) and Vescimonas (P = 0.007). NMF revealed within this group, a candidate Firmicutes-associated ES driven by Blautia and encompassing Vescimonas, Akkermansia, and Methanobrevibacter. These findings demonstrate the combined power of refined enterotyping and NMF in characterizing gut microbiota, providing a key methodology for future large-scale research. However, our relatively small sample size limits statistical power and biological interpretation, making this study exploratory in nature. Candidate ES requires validation in larger independent datasets.

Humans↗
PubMed1977

Comparative studies on immunity to EBV-associated antigens in NPC patients in North America, Tunisia, France and Hong Kong.

This study compared the relative antibody titers to EBV-related antigens in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and controls from a high-incidence (Hong Kong), an intermediate incidence (Tunisia), and two low-incidence (France, North America) areas to determine which of several EBV antibodies best differentiated NPC patients from controls. Antibodies measured include anti-virus capsid antigen (VCA), anti-early antigen (EA), anti-soluble antigen by complement-fixation (CF) and antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity (ADLC). A matched pair analysis showed that significantly more NPC patients had higher VCA and EA but not CF or ADLC antibody titers than their matched cancer controls. The comparison of geometric mean titers between NPC cases and controls was more than seven-fold (816 vs 11.5) for EA antibody and more than three-fold (359.7 vs 95.4) for VCA anti-body (p less than 0.01). A two-fold difference was seen for CF antibody to soluble antigens (27.3 vs 12.9, p less than 0.01) and a three-fold difference (2657.7 vs 870.9, p less than 0.05) was observed for ADLC. Our finding of significant differences between NPC patients from four countries and their matched controls suggest that if EBV is the etiological agent of NPC in Chinese, it is quite likely to cause the majority of NPC cases in other ethnic groups living in other countries as well.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1978

Rapidly progressing breast cancer (poussée évolutive) in Tunisia: studies on delayed hypersensitivity.

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to a battery of antigens were measured in 145 Tunisian breast cancer patients to determine whether an immunologic mechanism could be detected which might explain the high frequency (60%) of the rapidly progressing form in Tunisian breast cancer patients. Although a greater proportion (30%) of patients with rapily progressing breast cancer reacted to extracts of a breast tumor antigen (2937) than patients without PEV (9%), no significnat difference between PEV and non-PEV patients could be found in reactivity to DNCB, standard microbial antigens, or extracts from tissue culture cell lines. Rapidly progressing breast cancer in Tunisia is not associated with an impairment of delayed hypersensitivity.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1979

A clinical and immunopathological study of 304 cases of glomerulonephritis in Tunisia.

304 cases of glomerulonephritis were biopsied in Tunisia and studied morphologically. The incidence of glomerulonephritis with marked proliferation of endocapillary cells was 60%, a figure considerably higher than in other large series. Using a Clq binding assay, statistically significant levels of immune complexes were found in cases of acute proliferative glomerulonephritis. Amongst other types of glomerulonephritis, circulating immune complexes were frequently found in systemic lupus erythematosus but only in a low percentage of primary glomerulonephritis with or without immunoglobulin deposits.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1978

Antichlamydial antibody in tears and sera, and serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis isolated from schoolchildren in Southern Tunisia.

A predominance of TRIC serotype A has been isolated from schoolchildren in a population in Southern Tunisia with severe hyperendemic trachoma. The serotyping results correspond precisely with the serological findings in patients' tears and sera. Geometric mean titres of serum or tear antibody in defined populations or areas can thus give a useful indication of the prevalent serotypes. Collection of tear fluids on sponges is a more practical method than collection by filter paper strips and gives higher levels of antibody. The presence of antibody to Chlamydia trachomatis in tears correlates well with the presence of infectious agent in the eye and with the intensity of conjunctival inflammatory disease. The measurement of antichlamydial tear antibody can thus provide a meaningful index of the prevalence and intensity of active trachoma in a population. The role these antibodies may play in resistance to re-infection is not yet clear.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1979

Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis from different areas of conjunctiva in relation to intensity of hyperendemic trachoma in school children in Southern Tunisia.

The simplified one-passage technique of culture in irradiated McCoy cells, in conjunction with certain other developments in technique, was used to isolate Chlamydia trachomatis from specimens collected from 78 children with trachoma in Douz, Southern Tunisia. The results show that C. trachomatis is not confined to the upper tarsal area of the conjunctiva in hyperendemic trachoma. The higher isolation rate and corresponding increase in the number of inclusions obtained from swabbings of the upper fornix and lower lid in addition to the conventional collection from the upper tarsus show the superiority of collecting specimens for culture from the whole conjunctiva. Specimens could be collected from the whole conjunctiva by using 1 swab for each eye and pooled for subsequent inoculation, so that the laboratory incurred no additional work. A close correlation was observed between isolation rate, together with the number of inclusions, obtained in cell culture, and intensity of inflammatory disease in hyperendemic trachoma. The sensitivity and practicability of this cultural test should provide a valuable laboratory index for use in epidemiological and therapeutic studies of trachoma.

Child↗
PubMed1977

[Multiple sclerosis in Tunisia. Clinical study of 100 cases].

One hundred cases of patients suffering from disseminated sclerosis (52 female and 48 male) were studied clinically and classified into four groups: typical, probable, possible and of acute onset. The present average age was 35.8 years and the age of onset of the disease 31.2 years. The mode of onset was progressive in 48 cases. The signs at onset were motor (44 p. 100), sensory (47 p. 100), ocular or visual (14 p. 100), vestibular (9 p. 100) and cerebellar (9 p. 100). An electronystagmogram was carried out in 74 cases: 44 were irritative in type, 22 deficitary and 8 normal. Electrophoresis of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed an increase in gamma globulins in 47 out of the 62 cases examined. Study of the geographic distribution of the place of birth and residence of the patients showed only a predominance in the northern part of Tunisia, probably related to easier communication from these regions with the Neurology Centre in Tunis.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Multiple sclerosis in Tunisia: cochleo-vestibular study (author's transl)].

The authors undertook in Tunisia a cochleo-vestibular study of multiple sclerosis. 94 cases were included, with the following results:--67 patients had spontaneous nystagmus in the dark.--With provocation studies: - 52 cases showed signs of an irritative-type central vestibular syndrome, - 25 cases had a deficiency-type central vestibular syndrome. All of the patients underwent audition studies but the results showed that only 5 patients had a bilateral and symetrical retro-labyrinthine type perception deafness.

Cochlea↗
PubMed1979

[Sydenham's chorea in Tunisia: a report on 65 cases (author's transl)].

Sydenham's chorea was observed in 65 patients in Tunisia during the period 1971-1976. The average age of onset was 10.8 years, and girls were affected twice as often as boys. Sydenham's chorea is a seasonal disorder; it usually develops between the months of november and march, and its frequency is closely related to that of Bouillaud's disease. A study of the past history of infections disease or rheumatic disorder (ARF), and biological tests for inflammation (sedimentation rate, blood fibrin levels, antistreptolysins O, and culture of throat swabs), showed that it is possible to distinguish cases of true chorea occurring alone from those in which it is associated with a rheumatic affection. These facts are discussed in the light of the data published in the literature. The authors conclude that sydenham's chorea and acute rheumatic fever are but two unrelated expressions of a streptococcal infection. Anti-inlammatory treatment with corticoids, therefore, is only indicated in the presence of signs of rheumatic affection.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Studies of Acanthodactyla in Tunisia. II. Biometrical relations].

The four species of the g. Acanthodactylus Wieg., 1834 occuring in Tunisia are quite individualized by their biometrical relations which, moreover, allow to bring out their relationships. The size of the upper quarter in our sampling oppose two groups of two species each one. The distribution of the ratio between the length of the body and that of the tail place apart A. boskianus from the three other species in a more marked way for adults of both sexes than for juveniles.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mixed sero-epidemiologic study of arbovirus-arenavirus in the small mammals of Tunisia].

Blood samples of 156 small mammals caught in Tunisia in 1976 and 1977 were examined for the presence of antibodies to some arboviruses and arena-viruses. Haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies against West Nile virus were detected in 19.8 0/0 of examined sera, mainly from Mus sp., Rattus rattus, Eliomys tunetae in the northern part of the country and from Ctenodactylus gundi and Pipistrellus kuhli in the south. In addition, antibodies against Uukuniemi and Bhanja were found in 3.2 0/0 and 4.5 0/0 respectively of the same sera.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Community paediatrics in Cap Bon, Tunisia.

The author spent an undergraduate elective period in Tunisia, and some of the features of a community health scheme in rural Cap Bon are described, such as the use of auxiliaries and standardized techniques.

Child↗