Benikhlef Razika

Dr. Benikhlef Razika


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

26Years (2001-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
29 April 2021 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
KAKarim Aoun
Karim Aoun
ABAbdelkarim Boudrissa
Abdelkarim Boudrissa
MAMeriem Ben Abid
Meriem Ben Abid
CKCherif Kamel
Cherif Kamel
ZHZoubir Harrat
Zoubir Harrat
Algeria ranks second after Afghanistan for the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) worldwide. Here, we report a 34-years retrospective analysis of CL in Algeria and focused on the most affected region, the M’Sila province. All 66 cutaneous isolates corresponded to Leishmania (L.) major. Our study of the sandfly and rodent fauna further highlighted the high density of Phlebotomus papatasi and additional phlebotomine species of medical importance, not previously identified in M’Sila. Wild rodents belonging to nine species were trapped in M’Sila, and Psammomys obesus and Meriones shawi were found infected by L. major. In addition, Leishmania infantum was isolated from two visceral leishmaniasis cases, one dog and its proven vectors (P. perniciosus, P. longicuspis, and P. perfiliewi) inventoried during the survey. The high incidence of CL in the M’Sila province is likely a consequence of the increase in minimum temperatures recorded that constitutes suitable conditions for establishing a high endemicity and leads to an explosive rise in leishmaniases cases in this region. A thorough investigation of the underlying risk factors is urgently needed to detect new cases earlier. All these would improve the preparedness to fight the disease.

1 January 2004
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
ZHZ Harrat
Z Harrat
MTM Toudjine
M Toudjine
ADA Djerbouh
A Djerbouh
SBS Bendali-Braham
S Bendali-Braham
MBM Belkaid
M Belkaid

1 March 2001
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
FPF Pratlong
F Pratlong
ZHZ Harrat
Z Harrat
NSN Seridi
N Seridi
SBS Bendali-Braham
S Bendali-Braham
JDJ P Dedet
J P Dedet

1 April 2018 in Acta Tropica
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
NENaouel EDDAIKRA
Naouel EDDAIKRA
KIKherachi Djenad Ihcene
Kherachi Djenad Ihcene
BSBensegheir Sofiane
Bensegheir Sofiane
KAKhatima Ait-Oudhia
Khatima Ait-Oudhia
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
DSDenis Sereno
Denis Sereno

10 October 2025 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
NENaouel EDDAIKRA
Naouel EDDAIKRA
ABAssia Beneldjouzi
Assia Beneldjouzi
MDMaria Dekar
Maria Dekar
LHLydia Hamrioui
Lydia Hamrioui
DSDenis Sereno
Denis Sereno
Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease and a significant global public health concern worldwide and in Algeria. In this study, we investigated the potential role of ticks and fleas as carriers of Leishmania in endemic regions of Algeria. Methods: Adult ectoparasites were collected from reservoir dogs and cohabiting animals across three provinces: Tizi-Ouzou (northeast), M’Sila (southeast), and Tébessa (extreme east). A subset of 247 ectoparasites was randomly selected for Leishmania DNA screening using ITS1-PCR. Results: Morphological identification revealed two tick species, Rhipicephalus turanicus (378 specimens) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l (127 specimens), and one flea species, Ctenocephalides felis (94 specimens). Dogs were the most heavily infested hosts (74.12%), followed by sheep (9.51%) and cats (9.34%). Leishmania DNA was detected in 36.43% (90/247) of the tested specimens, with higher positivity in ticks (41.32%) compared to fleas (17.64%). Infection rates varied by host species, with dogs harboring the majority of positive ectoparasites (62/90), primarily R. sanguineus s.l (19/30) and R. turanicus (40/115). Leishmania DNA was also detected in ectoparasites collected from cats and sheep, whereas goats and rabbits were free from Leishmania DNA. Conclusions: This investigation highlights the high detection rate of Leishmania DNA in ticks and fleas from animals in Algerian endemic regions, indicating exposure to infected hosts. Together with previous reports, these findings support the view that ticks and fleas may act as incidental hosts or mechanical carriers of the parasite. However, their role in parasite transmission remains unconfirmed and warrant further investigation, particularly through studies assessing vector competence. These results emphasize the need for additional research to clarify the contribution of these ectoparasites to Leishmania transmission and multi-host dynamics.

16 September 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
BRBenikhlef Razika
Benikhlef Razika
NENaouel EDDAIKRA
Naouel EDDAIKRA
ABAssia Beneldjouzi
Assia Beneldjouzi
MDMaria Dekar
Maria Dekar
LHLydia Hamrioui
Lydia Hamrioui
DSDenis Sereno
Denis Sereno

Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease and a significant global public health concern worldwide and in Algeria. In This study we have investigated the potential role of ticks and fleas as carriers of Leishmania in endemic regions of Algeria. Methods: Adult ectoparasites were collected from reservoir dogs and cohabiting animals across three provinces: Tizi-Ouzou (northeast), M'Sila (southeast), and Tébessa (extreme east). A subset of 247 ectoparasites was randomly selected for Leishmania DNA screening using ITS1-PCR. Results: Morphological identification revealed two tick species, Rhipicephalus turanicus (378 specimens) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l (127 specimens), and one flea species, Ctenocephalides felis (94 specimens). Dogs were the most heavily infested hosts (74.12%), followed by sheep (9.51%) and cats (9.34%). Leishmania DNA was detected in 36.43% (90/247) of the tested specimens, with higher positivity in ticks (41.32%) compared to fleas (17.64%). Infection rates varied by host species, with dogs harboring the majority of positive ectoparasites (62/90), primarily R. sanguineus s.l (19/30) and R. turanicus (40/115). Leishmania DNA was also detected in ectoparasites collected from cats and sheep, whereas goats and rabbits were free from Leishmania DNA. Conclusions: This investigation highlights the high detection rate of Leishmania DNA in ticks and fleas from animals in Algerian endemic regions, indicating exposure to infected hosts. Together with previous reports, these findings support the view that ticks and fleas may act as incidental hosts or mechanical carriers of the parasite. However, their role in parasite transmission remains unconfirmed and warrant further investigation, particularly through studies assessing vector competence. These results emphasize the need for additional research to clarify the contribution of these ectoparasites to Leishmania transmission and multi-host dynamics.