Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium spp. protozoa. Although these parasites have been extensively studied in North America and Eurasia, knowledge on the diversity of Plasmodium, its vectors and avian hosts in Africa is scarce. In this study, we report on natural malarial infections in free-ranging sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled at Giza Governorate, Egypt. Parasites were morphologically characterized as Plasmodium cathemerium based on the examination of thin blood smears from the avian host. Sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene showed that the parasite corresponded to lineage PADOM02. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this parasite is closely related to the lineages SERAU01 and PADOM09, both of which are attributed to P. cathemerium. Experimental infection of Culex pipiens complex was successful, with ookinetes first detected at 1-day post infection (dpi), oocysts at 4 dpi and sporozoites at 6 dpi. The massive infection of the salivary glands by sporozoites corroborates that Cx. pipiens complex is a competent vector of PADOM02. Our findings confirm that Plasmodium lineage PADOM02 infects sparrows in urban areas along the Nile River, Egypt, and corroborate that Cx. pipiens complex is a highly competent vector for these parasites. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that this lineage corresponds to the morphospecies P. cathemerium and not P. relictum as previously believed.

Malnutrition is a main threat to honey bees. Health and the inability to resist adverse conditions are the main losses resulting from nutritional deficiencies. To address this problem, substitute diets are provided to honey bee colonies at dearth times. The present study was conducted to examine the vital impacts of 2 new substitutes on caged honey bee workers. The main components of both diets (A and B) were sugar, powdered milk, and brewer's yeast fortified with chamomile extract. Diet A was distinguished with chickpeas and corn. Diet B was distinguished with soybeans and wheat germ. Palatability of both diets has been reported in this study with more tendencies towards soybeans and wheat germ components. In comparison with control workers fed on sugar syrup only (1:1), workers fed on diets A and B have shown higher significant survival rates, in addition to outstanding findings of thoraces weights and mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands development. Accordingly, palatability and nutritional diversity in diet proteinaceous sources should be considered in provided substitutes. Diets A and B are highly recommended to be applied in apiaries.