2023 Impact Factor: 0.9
2023 CiteScore: 1.8
pISSN: 1735-7020
eISSN: 2008-238x
Editor-in-Chief:
Gholamhossein Edrissian, Pharm. D.
This journal is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of, the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Vol 2 No 1 (2007)
Articles
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Background: The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Iran in comparison with non-HIV individuals. Methods: A total of HIV+/AIDS patients (Group I) and 1220 clinically healthy individuals (Group II) were submitted to coproparasitological examination from 2003 to 2005. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in group I and group II was 11.4% and 11.6%, respectively, without significant difference between two groups. The prevalence of infection for each helminth and pathogenic protozoan, in every group, was as follows: Group I: Blastocystis hominis (6.1%); Giardia lamblia (4.2%); Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%); Isospora belli (0.26%); Strongyloides stercoralis (0.26%); Hymenolepis nana (0.13%); and Rhabditis axei (0.13%). Group II: Blastocystis hominis (6.5%); Giardia lamblia (4.1%); Strongyloides stercoralis (0.33%); Hymenolepis nana (0.16%); and Trichostrongylus sp. (0.16%). Although the prevalence of infection for extracellular parasites was not statistically different between two groups, however, the infection rates for enteric coccidians including Cryptosporidium spp. and I. belli were significantly higher in patients at AIDS stage than Group II. Conclusion: The results emphasize the needs for especial consideration of enteropathogenic intracellular coccidians in immunocompromised patients.
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Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by cosmopolitan coccidian Parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. One of the most important sources of human infection is feeding from raw or uncooked meat of infected animals. In this study the prevalence of toxoplasmic infection in three important meat producing animals in Iran was studied. Methods: Using indirect immunoflourcent antibody assay (IFA), 483 serum samples of goats, sheep and cattle from industrial slaughterhouse of Kermanshah, western Iran were tested for total antibodies against T. gondii. Results: Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 23.7% of goats, 22.5% of sheep and 4.8 % of cattle at titer of ≥1:20. The highest titers observed in goats, sheep and cattle were 1: 2560, 1: 1280 and 1: 640, respectively. Conclusion: It is suggested that feeding of raw or undercooked meat of goats and sheep is important in transmition of toxoplasmic infection to human in Kermanshah district.
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Background: The distribution and ecological preferences of ticks of domestic animals in North of Iran were studied four times a year from 2002 to 2005. Methods: A total of 1720 tick specimens were collected from cattle, sheep and goats from different localities of Caspian Sea areas consisting of Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan and Ardebil provinces, Iran. Results: Fourteen tick species were identified as Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (5.23%), H.marginatum (20.34%), H.detritum (3.48%), Haemaphysalis punctata (12.79%), Haem. Parva (0.58%), Haem.concinna (0.58%), Haem.choldokovsky (6.97%), Ixodes ricinus (2.32%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (19.76%), Rh.bursa (4.65%), Boophilus annulatus (9.88%), Dermacentor niveus (6.39%), D. marginatus (1.74%) and Ornithodoros lahorensis (5.23%). Both Dermacentor and Ornithodoros were found only in Ardebil with cold climatic conditions and high altitude. The only ticks, which were found in forest area, were Boophilus annulatus and Ixodes ricinus. Conclusion: The veterinary and public health importance of the above species should be emphasized.
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Background: Cat as definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The object of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii as well as parasite isolation from faeces and brain tissues of stray cats in Kashan, central Iran. Methods: The prevalence of T. gondii was determined in serum, feces and brain tissue of 50 stray cats. IgG specific antibody to T. gondii was assessed by indirect fluorecent antibody test (IFAT). Results: Overall infection rate was 86% in 1:20 to1:640 titers. The highest percentage (22%) was for 1:160 and the least (6%) were for 1: 640. T. gondii tissue cyst isolated from 2(4%) cats by bioassay in mice. No oocysts detected from cat stool by direct and concentration methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats is high in Kashan region.
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Background: To determine the morphological specifications of the bird schistosomes cercaria from Lymnaea gedrosiana and to detect the surface carbohydrates as receptors for host lectins in the host-parasite relationship systems such as avian schistosomiasis and human cercarial dermatitis. Methods: One hundred ninety two snails collected from Dezful areas in Khuzestan Province, in the south west of Iran, during 2005-2006 were examined for cercariae using shedding and crushing methods. In addition, surface carbohydrates on the cercariae were detected by lentil (Lens culinaris) lectins. Results: From the total number of Lymnaea gedrosiana, which examined for bird schistosomes cercaria, 9(4%) snails were found to be infected with furcocercus cercaria of the bird schistosomes (probably Gigantobilharzia sp.). Mannose monosaccharide CH2OH (CHOH)4CHO as surface carbohydrate was also detected on the cercariae. Conclusion: Mannose carbohydrate on these cercariae may be used as receptor by lectins.
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Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is a common parasitic nematode in Iran, especially in north of the country. The early diagnosis and treatment of S. stercoralis is crucial to prevent complicated cases of strongyloidiasis. The value of the preference of agar plate culture, in detection of S. stercoralis compared to formalin ether concentration method, reported in different studies in the world is variable from 1.6 to 6 times. Therefore, the current study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of agar plate on some isolates from north of Iran. Methods: Nine hundred stool samples were randomly collected from rural areas of Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. All samples were examined by agar plate culture, formalin ether concentration and direct smear. Results: Agar plate was 2 times superior to formalin ether; however, it showed some false negative results, too. The direct method could only detect cases of hyperinfection strongyloidosis. Conclusion: On the whole, combination of agar plate culture and formalin ether concentration is recommended to obtain higher efficacy.
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Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are widespread in the general populations and entrobiasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between parasitic infection of Enterobius vermicularis and the absorbing levels of vitamin B12 and the minerals such as copper, zinc, and magnesium. Methods: Nine hundred sixty eight stool samples and cello-tape anal swabs were collected from 3- 6 year old children in Tehran. From the whole population, 60 children were chosen for case group who had only E. vermicularis infection. Also 30 children without parasitic infection were chosen as the control group. Both groups had no record of serum shortage of mentioned factors and malnutrition. Amount of copper, zinc and magnesium along with vitamin B12 were measured in both groups. Results: Comparison of the case and control groups showed a significant difference in serum mineral levels and vitamin B12 in patients and control groups (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infection could avoid these serum mineral and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
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Background: The effect of temperature and humidity on the maturation of Toxocara cati eggs in an in vitro system was investigated. Methods: Suspensions of Toxocara cati eggs, with 5% formalin/saline or 2.5% formalin/ringer were prepared and maintained at 37 °C under 40% humidity or at 25 °C under 98% humidity for 3 weeks for egg development. Results: The suspension sample mixed by 2.5% formalin/ringer and maintained at 25 ºC and 98% humidity could fully embryonated the eggs of Toxocara cati in 3 weeks. Conclusion: The main advantage of this method is the increase of recovery and also reducing of the eggs maturation time.
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A 20 year old male patient from Afghanistan with a history of G6PD deficiency and clinical manifestations of malaria referred to Bou-Ali Hospital in Tehran, capital of Iran. Giemsa stained thick blood films revealed an infection of Plasmodium falciparum with 33700 parasite/μL of blood. The patient was successfully treated according to malaria treatment guideline.
