This study provides a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of Enterobius vermicularis prevalence in Thailand from 2013 to 2024, revealing significant regional disparities and key demographic risk factors. We provided a consolidated analysis of E. vermicularis prevalence in Thailand, encompassing data from 2013 to 2024 by reviewing findings from international databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), and local Thai publications. The studies reported a striking average prevalence of 11.39% in the Northern region, with alarmingly high rates reaching 46.55% in Sukhothai’s Satchanalai District, where children aged 1-4 years accounted for 83.33% of cases. In contrast, the Southern region showed a much lower average prevalence of 1.82%, influenced by hygiene practices, parental education, and sibling presence. The Central region’s average prevalence of 4.74% was associated with age, gender assigned at birth, and parental education. Housing conditions, including inadequate sanitation and overcrowding, consistently exacerbated transmission across all regions. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including routine screenings for young children, enhanced hygiene education, and improved sanitation infrastructure, to combat E. vermicularis infections throughout Thailand effectively. Reporting this epidemiological evidence is crucial for informing and guiding effective public health policies and interventions, ultimately contributing to the reduction of E. vermicularis burden and improved population health.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) in reducing the incidence of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) among military personnel in Isfahan Province, Iran.
Methods:  The ATSB solution was prepared and applied to vegetation located approximately 500 meters from residential areas to target and eliminate sand fly vectors. Clinical samples were subsequently collected from individuals with suspected CL. The number of CL new cases among military personnel in 2022 was compared with collected historical data from 2012 to 2021, including the number of CL new cases, demographic characteristics, and seasonal incidence patterns. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA to assess whether the intervention led to a significant reduction in disease occurrence.
Results: Following the application of ATSB, the new cases of CL among military personnel decreased from an average of 196 cases per year (2012–2021) to 55 cases in 2022. Seasonal analysis revealed a decline across all seasons, with the most notable reduction observed in autumn. Demographic analysis showed reductions in both male and female groups. However, statistical analysis using ANOVA indicated that the observed differences before and after the intervention were not statistically significant (P=0.087).
Conclusion: Despite a decline in CL case numbers in the studied areas, the reduction following ATSB application was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, ATSB may serve as a promising complementary approach for controlling CL in endemic regions. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are recommended to validate its effectiveness.

Background: Hydatidosis is one of the common parasitic diseases common to both humans and animals with global spread. The disease is very important from both public health and economic perspectives. The parasite presents with highly diverse genetic features, including a different genotype which affect the life cycle of the parasite, its transmission routes, pathogenicity, immunogenicity, response to drugs, epidemiology and disease control. Therefore, we aimed to identify the genotype of hydatid cysts isolated from slaughtered animals in Sabzevar and Neyshabour slaughterhouses by sequencing and high-resolution melting curve analysis.
Methods: Out of 35 hydatid cyst samples, including 19 from sheep (15 liver and 4 lung samples) and 16 from cattle (9 liver and 7 lung samples) were included in this study. After the extraction of protoscoleces and DNA, a high-resolution melting curve analysis method was used to identify the genotype of the samples using pre-determined G1, G3, and G6 standard samples.
Results: Out of 35 hydatid cyst samples, 89.5% G1 and 10.5% G6 were detected in sheep samples, and 93.7% G1 and 6.3% G6 were detected in cattle samples. Results showed in the Sabzevar City, dominant genotype there was G1 and COX1 gene considered a perfect biomarker in a molecular identification and phylogenetic study of this parasite.
Conclusion: G1 was the most prevalent in samples of hydatid cysts (both sheep and cattle) in Sabzevar, while in Neyshabour samples, G1 and G6 were the most dominant types.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a common intracellular parasite implicated in chronic infections that may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The potential role of T. gondii in triggering or exacerbating neuroinflammatory processes has been suggested in several recent studies. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti T. gondii IgG antibodies in MS patients compared to healthy individuals and to evaluate associated demographic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors.
Methods:  In this cross-sectional case-control study at the Comprehensive MS Center of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, 99 MS patients and 92 matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum samples were tested for T. gondii IgG using ELISA, and data on demographics, pet ownership, diet, untreated water consumption, COVID-19 history, and MS symptoms (muscle weakness, bowel dysfunction, balance disorders, speech disturbances, and attack frequency) were collected. Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between T. gondii seropositivity, clinical symptoms, and environmental factors.
Results: T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in the MS group (22%) compared to controls (8%) (P = 0.013). Pet ownership, particularly cat ownership, was identified as a significant risk factor (OR = 5.089, P = 0.037). No significant associations were found between seropositivity and raw or undercooked meat consumption, unwashed vegetable intake, or history of COVID-19. Additionally, among clinical symptoms in MS patients, muscle weakness and bowel dysfunction showed significant positive associations with T. gondii seropositivity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential link between chronic T. gondii infection and MS, indicating that the parasite may play a role in modulating neuroinflammatory responses. Further longitudinal and multicenter studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the impact of antiparasitic treatments in MS management.

Background: In the leishmaniasis parasitic infection, parasite escapes from the immune system of host or prevents macrophage apoptosis. It seems generating transgenic parasites to express proapoptotic proteins can accelerate the apoptosis of infected macrophage and prevent Leishmania differentiation. Hence, we investigated the efficacy of transgenic L. tropica expressing mLLO-BAX-SMAC in expediting macrophage apoptosis.
Methods: This study was performed at the Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (2022 to 2023), Isfahan, Iran. mLLO-Bax-Smac coding sequence cloned in the pLexyNeo2 was entered into the L. tropica genome using homologous recombination. PCR, Western blot, and hemolysis tests were used to confirm integration accuracy. In addition, the apoptosis percentage of transgenic L. tropica- infected macrophages was assayed by flow-cytometry.
Results: The proper integration of the mLLO-Bax-Smac fragment into the 18srRNA locus of L. tropica and mLLO -BAX-SMAC fusion protein expression was approved. Furthermore, results of flow cytometry showed the mean percentage of apoptosis among the groups is different and transgenic L. tropica leads to a decrease in the apoptosis time of infected macrophages compared to the wild type of Leishmania and to an increase in the immune system response.
Conclusion: The data suggest the transgenic L. tropica can be used as an experimental model to expedite apoptosis of Leishmania-infected macrophage.

Background: A neglected zoonosis, cystic echinococcosis (CE) is the most common diseas in the developing nations worldwide. Vaccination is helpful in preventing the disease. Predicting main biochemical properties of the E. granulosus annexin (ANX) and its possible B-cell and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-binding epitopes as a viable vaccine candidate was the goal of the current study.
Methods: This study was done in Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran. Predictions about transmembrane domain, subcellular localization, post-translational modification (PTM) sites, physico-chemical, antigenic, and allergenic profiles, secondary and 3D structure, tertiary model refinement, and validations were done using online servers.
Results: The cytoplasmic 79.05 kDa protein was non-allergenic, hydrophilic (GRAVY: -0.490), stable (instability: 39.30), with improved thermotolerance (aliphatic: 80.07) and 122 post-translational modification sites. The secondary structure mostly included helices and extended strands. The 3D model was generated using Robetta server (confidence: 0.59) and was refined and validated subsequently. Shared B-cell epitopes were discovered using ElliPro, ABCpred and SVMTriP servers with antigenicity, allergenicity, and solubility screening. Moreover, multiple human and mouse MHC-binding epitopes were predicted and screened in E. granulosus ANX.
Conclusion: This work offers a foundation for further investigation regarding designing an effective vaccination against CE. Further empirical research using examined protein alone or in conjunction with other antigens/epitopes is needed in the future.

Background: Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) by cyathostomin nematodes has become a major threat to equine health around the world. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BZ drugs against small strongyle nematodes in horses of western Iran using coprological and molecular examination.
Methods: Faecal egg count reduction tests were performed on 398 horses kept in 16 stables in western Iran (Kermanshah Province), to detect benzimidazole resistance in small strongyle nematodes. Allele-specific PCR was used to identify the F200Y (TAC/TTC) SNP in the beta-tubulin gene codon in cyathostomin larvae.
Results: There was a 96.1%-98.3% (90% CI) reduction in faecal egg counts following mebendazole treatment and a 96.6% - 98.7% (90% CI) reduction in faecal egg counts following fenbendazole treatment. The allele-specific PCR showed BZ-susceptible homozygote genotypes in all examined samples (Two pools of 10 to 50 L₃ of cyathostomin nematodes from each of the 18 selected horses).
Conclusion: Benzimidazole resistance in equine small strongyles has been reported globally, and the results of the present study were unexpected. The probable reasons for the slow development of BZ-resistance are climatic conditions in the country that have significant negative effects on the ability of free stages of the resistant strongyle nematode to survive and develop.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Iraq. However, epidemiological data from Diyala Province are limited. Diyala province is located in eastern of Iraq, on the border with Iran, and adjacent to Kermanshah Province, Iran. We investigated the prevalence and distribution of CL in Diyala Province from 2011-2021.
Methods: Anonymous patient records on 25,474 confirmed CL cases in Diyala during 2011-2021 were analyzed to determine demographic, temporal, and geographic distributions.
Results: Overall, 52% of cases occurred in females and 48% in males. The 5-14 yr age group had the highest burden (33%) while infants <1 year had the lowest (5%). Annual cases peaked at 4,425 in 2015 but declined to 2,158 by 2021. Among districts, Khanaqeen had the most cases (28%) while Mansouriyah had the least (10%). Monthly cases peaked in winter (November-February) and were lowest in summer (June-August).
Conclusion: A high burden of CL was observed in Diyala during 2011-2021, with the highest risk among children. Significant geographic and seasonal variations were also evident. These findings can inform prevention and control strategies. The prevalence in this province in 2019 was 126 per 100000.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is recognized as one of the most important causes of abortion in small ruminants globally. This study was conducted to evaluate T. gondii in aborted fetuses of sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan Province, northwest Iran.
Methods: A total of 62 aborted fetuses were collected from sheep and goat flocks from 2023-2024. The tissue samples following a systematic necropsy were obtained from the brains, livers, and lungs for histopathology and molecular studies. The conventional PCR method using specific primers was performed for molecular evaluations. Additionally, the formalin-fixed tissue samples were routinely conducted for histopathological examinations.
Results: T. gondii was present in 40.32% (25/62) of the aborted fetus. In more detail, one, 7, and 15 positive samples were found in the lungs, livers, and brains, respectively. Additionally, one fetus was positive in both the liver and brain, and one fetus was positive in both lung and liver tissues. Histopathological studies demonstrated moderate to severe hyperemia and focal hemorrhage associated with focal to multifocal gliosis, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, focal to multifocal mononuclear hepatitis, and nonsuppurative pneumonia. Notably, the Toxoplasma tissue cysts were observed in the livers, but not in the lungs and brains. 
Conclusion: The detection of T. gondii genome in the aborted fetuses with high prevalence rate indicates that this infection plays a notable role in the abortion of sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan. Therefore, fundamental management is necessary for the prevention and control of the disease in this region, particularly regarding zoonotic potential.

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), is a serious parasitic disease. Domestic dogs in endemic regions act as primary reservoirs for the parasite. Early diagnosis, control, and regular screening of dogs are essential for effective disease management. This study aims to develop a practical, low-cost immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detecting specific anti-Leishmania antibodies in domestic dogs.
Methods: Overall, 93 canine serum samples were collected from endemic and non-endemic areas of CVL in Iran. Rabbit anti-canine antibodies were conjugated with gold nanoparticles, and strips were coated with Leishmania antigens. A drop of serum was added to each strip, and a positive result was indicated by two red lines. The validity of ICT for the detection of CVL in the field was determined with comparing to direct agglutination test (DAT) as gold serological test on 40 sera with anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥1:320 considered as positive control as well as 53 sera with no anti-Leishmania antibodies including 10 collected from healthy dogs and 43 from other infectious diseases considered as negative control sera.  
Results: A sensitivity of 82.5% (CI 95%.78.1-86.9) and specificity of 90.5% (CI 95%. 87.7-92.5) were found at a 1:320 cut off titer when DAT confirmed cases were compared with negative control. The agreement (0. 871) was found between ICT and DAT using kappa analysis.
Conclusion: A relatively good agreement was found between ICT and DAT. Further researches on test validation with larger populations in endemic and non-endemic areas of CVL, is recommended.

Background: We investigated the prevalence and environmental factors associated with co-infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba spp. in dust from public parks in Eastern Thailand, where industrial activity and air pollution may enhance pathogen survival and pose public health risks.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2023, with 336 dust samples collected from public parks in seven provinces of Eastern Thailand. Samples were analyzed using microscopy and PCR for Acanthamoeba spp. detection, and co-infection with P. aeruginosa was confirmed by PCR. Environmental data, including temperature, humidity, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, were analyzed for associations with infection rates.
Results: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp. was 22.32%, with 75 samples positive microscopically and 43 confirmed by PCR. Of these, 57.33% showed co-infection with P. aeruginosa. Prachinburi province had the highest co-infection rate (75%). Temperature was significantly associated with co-infection rates (P= 0.02), while humidity, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ showed no significant correlations.
Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of P. aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba spp. co-infection in Eastern Thailand’s public parks, emphasizing its link to temperature. The findings underscore the role of dust as a pathogen reservoir and the need for public health strategies to reduce exposure risks.

Background: Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid compound, showed high anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral activities. Given the importance of microbial diseases, the lack of definitive treatment for many of them, and the emergence of drug resistance, it is essential to use various natural compounds to investigate their antimicrobial effects. We aimed to assess the anti-bacterial and anti-leishmanial activity in vitro and in vivo study.
Methods: Anti-leishmanial effects of quercetin and nano-quercetin were evaluated on promastigote and amastigote stages in vitro. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth dilution method using six species of clinical pathogenic bacteria strains, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity effects of the drugs were evaluated using MTT assay.
Results: All tested compounds presented anti-leishmanial and anti-microbial properties. Gram-negative bacteria were more resistant than gram-positive bacteria. Quercetin and nano-quercetin in concentrations of 200 and 400 µg/ml showed similar effectiveness on promastigote and amastigote of L. infantum in comparison to positive controls. In all experiments, nano-quercetin was more effective than quercetin. Moreover, no cytotoxicity activity was observed on Normal mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) in vitro.
Conclusion: Nano-quercetin and even quercetin had excellent anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects, and given that no toxicity was observed from these compounds even at higher concentrations, these compounds can be used as a suitable alternative for the treatment of parasitic and microbial diseases.

Background: This study aimed to assess the In vitro effects of Cold Atmospheric Multiple Plasma Jet (CAMPJ) on Leishmania major.
Methods: A plasma jet device was designed in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, incorporating a high-purity air supply, an air flow controller, a DC power supply, a 9-10 Farad capacitor, an oscilloscope, and a cold plasma reactor.  The CAMPJ was applied to L. major promastigotes and amastigotes under various plasma conditions, including different flow rates, voltages, and exposure times. The effectiveness of CAMPJ was compared to amphotericin B and a combination of both therapies. Viability and cytotoxicity were assessed on L. major and macrophage cell lines, using MAT assay, while apoptosis was quantified through flow cytometry.
Results: The optimal experimental conditions were identified as 2 million L. major promastigotes in 500 μL of culture, a flow rate of 500 mL/min, a voltage of 8.6 kV, a distance of 1 cm, and an exposure time of 15 minutes. The CAMPJ showed limited cytotoxicity to macrophage cells.  The CAMPJ treatment significantly reduced the viability of L. major and induced apoptosis. CAMPJ-amphotericin B combination treatment significantly increased the treatment efficacy, when compared with the CAMPJ alone or negative controls.
Conclusion: CAMPJ, alone or in combination with amphotericin B, effectively induces apoptosis in L. major. CAMPJ might be a promising alternative or adjunct therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis, warranting further investigation in animal models and clinical settings.

Background: Syphacia (rodent pinworm), a common nematode in the colon of rodents, has rarely been reported in humans. The morphological identification of some pinworm species is difficult, especially in those cases where only fragments of worms are recovered. We aimed to identify isolates of Syphacia spp. in rodents using morphological and molecular approaches, and to compare them with human Enterobius vermicularis.
Methods: This study was carried out on 10 adult Syphacia worms collected from BALB/c mice and five adult Enterobius vermicularis from humans. Morphological features using existing keys and PCR-sequencing of ITS1 and 5.8s regions were applied to identify Syphacia spp., and its comparison with E. vermicularis.
Results: The total length of esophagus, the length and width of esophageal bulb, and the length and width of the right and left cephalic alae of E. vermicularis were larger than Syphacia. These parameters demonstrated significant morphological differences between E. vermicularis and Syphacia. PCR successfully produced amplicons of approximately 414 bp for Syphacia and 473 bp for E. vermicularis. The molecular method identified the Oxyurid nematodes isolated from BALB/c mice as Syphacia obvelata. The pairwise comparison revealed no differences in nucleotide sequences among S. obvelata isolates, and the sequences were identical and exhibited 100% homology.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated genetic and morphological differences between E. vermicularis and S. obvelata. Since laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are the specific hosts for S. obvelata, controlling these animals is critical to maintaining public health.

Background: Cytauxzoonosis is a tick borne hemoprotozoal disease of wild and domestic felids. Its epidemiology and clinical importance is less appreciated in India. The aim of this study was to diagnose the disease in domestic cats and identify the associated clinico-haemato-biochemical changes.
Methods: Three hundred ninety domestic cats, presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bihar Veterinary College and three private clinics in Bihar, India were screened, out of which 90 cats showing symptoms of cytauxzoonosis were included in microscopic and molecular examination. The clinical, haematological and biochemical findings of the positive cats were recorded.
Results: The microscopic and molecular prevalence was 26.66% (24/90) and 37.77% (34/90) respectively. Lethargy, fever, anorexia, tachypnea and tachycardia were the most common clinical findings. The significant haematological changes recorded were decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit, TEC and thrombocytopenia. The significant biochemical changes were increased ALT and AST activities, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoproteinaemia with hypoalbuminemia and increased BUN concentration.
Conclusion: The infection of Cytauxzoon sp. has reached the domestic cats of Bihar, India which was earlier thought to be endemic in North America. The clinical manifestations and hemato-biochemical changes are somewhat similar to other hemoprotozoan diseases. Molecular diagnosis is inevitable for confirmation of infection. Further studies are required to reveal the vector responsible for transmission of the parasite in India.

Beef tape worm a zoonotic helminth of platyhelminth phylum, is reported here in a 28-year-old female patient from Tehran, Iran taking advantage of microscopic and molecular techniques. The occurrence of this infection has been recorded high in previous decades in Iran while its record nowadays looks rare in the country. Two 18s and Cox1 fragments were amplified and sequenced successfully using specific primers. This case underscores the potential for Taenia saginata transmission in the region, warranting rigorous slaughterhouse inspections and enhanced public awareness efforts.

Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is a rare and severe form of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), particularly uncommon in Uzbekistan. Leishmaniasis remains a major opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, especially in those with HIV, where co-infection with Leishmania spp. can result in atypical clinical manifestations, delayed diagnosis, and poor treatment response. This is a retrospective descriptive case report of a single pediatric patient. We report the first known case of DCL in an HIV-infected pediatric patient in Uzbekistan. A 14-year-old boy presented with multiple, non-ulcerative, progressively worsening skin lesions on the face and extremities over six months. Although he had no travel history to known endemic areas, he resided in a region with reported local transmission. Physical examination revealed extensive infiltrative plaques and nodules. Laboratory investigations, including Giemsa staining and PCR, confirmed Leishmania infection. Histopathological analysis showed both intravascular and extravascular amastigotes, and species identification revealed L. major. Imaging ruled out visceral involvement. Given the patient’s immunosuppressed status and the disseminated skin involvement, a diagnosis of DCL was established. Liposomal amphotericin B was initiated as first-line therapy. This case illustrates the diagnostic complexities of leishmaniasis in HIV-positive patients, where initial misdiagnoses (e.g., scabies or Kaposi’s sarcoma) may delay appropriate treatment. It highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion, better diagnostic tools, and improved physician awareness in endemic and emerging transmission areas. In the context of rising HIV rates and growing domestic tourism to endemic zones, early screening and structured public health interventions are essential to reduce disease burden and improve patient outcomes in Uzbekistan.

A 3-year-old cow which suffered from anorexia and high fever for the last 2 days was investigated at farmer door step. Detailed examination of cow showed high temperature (40.5 ⁰C, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, increased size of pre-scapular lymph nodes and severe tick infestation. Examination of blood smear showed the presence of Theileria spp. Haematological values showed low value of hemoglobin (4 gm/dl), TEC (2.3x10⁶/µl), PCV (14%) with mild leukocytosis (14.5x10³/µl). The biochemical values were almost within the normal reference range except for AST (88U/L). PCR amplification of the hsp70 gene was done from genomic DNA which was isolated from cattle blood and the results showed amplification of approx. 270 bp. In silico analysis of the generated DNA sequence confirm the species of the parasite as T. annulata and the phylogenetic inference of the generated sequence (MH178373) showed cladding with Theileria infecting domesticate bovines. This study proposed the use of heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene of Theileria species for inter-species characterization and phylogeny. Treatment with intra-muscular single dose of Buparvaquone (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India; 2.50mg kg^-1along with intra-muscular anti-pyrectic drugs Meloxicam and Paracetamol combination (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India;15 mg kg^-1 q24)for 2 days and oral preparation of haematinics (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India;  50 ml q24) for 10 days. This is the first report on molecular detection of Theileria annulata infection from cattle in Tripura, as per available scientific literature.