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 3 No 4 (2008)
Articles
-
Background: Approximately 85-90% of malaria infections in Iran are attributed to Plasmodium vivax, while little is known about the genetic of the parasite and its strain types in this region. This study was designed and performed for describing genetic characteristics of Plasmodium vivax population of Iran based on the merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequence.
Methods: Through a descriptive study we analyzed partial P. vivax merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequences from 17 clinical P. vivax isolates collected from malarious areas of Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted by Q1Aamp® DNA blood mini kit, amplified through nested PCR for a partial nucleotide sequence of PvMSP-3 gene in P. vivax. PCR-amplified products were sequenced with an ABI Prism Perkin-Elmer 310 sequencer machine and the data were analyzed with clustal W software.
Results: Analysis of PvMSP-3 gene sequences demonstrated extensive polymorphisms, but the sequence identity between isolates of same types was relatively high. We identified specific insertions and deletions for the types A, B and C variants of P. vivax in our isolates. In phylogenetic comparison of geographically separated isolates, there was not a significant geographical branching of the parasite populations.
Conclusion: The highly polymorphic nature of isolates suggests that more investigations of the PvMSP-3 gene are needed to explore its vaccine potential.
-
Background: Determination of the division history of T cells in vitro is helpful in the study of effector mechanisms against infections. Technique described here uses the intracellular fluorescent label carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to monitor the proliferation.
Methods: In a cross sectional study, blood samples were collected from 7 volunteers with history of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and one healthy control from endemic areas in Isfahan province who referred to the Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy (CRTSDL), then CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes and CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using mAbs and magnetic nanoparticles. CFSE labeled CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes cultured with autologous monocytes in the presence of PHA, SLA, live Leishmania major or as control without stimulation. Cells were harvested after 7 days and were analyzed using flow cytometry.
Results: Five consecutive divisions were monitored separately. Stimulation of CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes from CL subjects with SLA showed a significant difference in proliferation comparing with unstimulated cells (P< 0.05). The significant difference in the percentages of CD4+ cells stimulated with SLA was revealed at different divisions for each subject. In CD8+ lymphocyte, significant stronger stimulation of SLA was evident later in the proliferation process. The mean number of divisions in both CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes stimulated with SLA was significantly greater than when stimulated with live L. major (P=0.007 / P=0.012, respectively)
Conclusion: The percentage of divided cells might be calculated separately in each division. The cells remained active following CFSE staining and there is possibility of functional analysis simultaneously.
-
Background: Ornithobilharziosis as one of the parasitic infections may give rise to serious economic problems in animal husbandry. The Aim of the study was to prepare and compare the somatic and excretory-secretory (ES) antigens of O. turkestanicum in gel diffusion test.
Methods: Excretory-secretory (ES) and somatic antigens of Ornithobilharzia turkestanicum were prepared from collected worms from mesentric blood vessels of infected sheep. The laboratory bred rabbits were immunized with antigens and then antisera were prepared. The reaction of antigens and antisera was observed in gel diffusion test.
Results: ES antigens of this species showed positive reaction with antisera raised against ES and also somatic antigens. Somatic antigens also showed positive reaction with antisera raised against somatic and also ES antigens.
Conclusion: The antigenicity of O. turkestanicum ES and somatic antigens is the same in gel diffusion test.
-
Background: In the visceral leishmaniasis (VL), parasites reside in reticuluendothelial system, mainly in macrophages. Endothelial Selectin (E-selectin) might play an important role in leukocyte-endothelium interactions and inflammatory cell recruitment. The aim of this study was determining E-selectin level and its polymorphism in three groups, patients, seropositive and healthy individuals.
Methods: Serum soluble E-selectin levels as well as 2 polymorphisms of E-selectin (Ser128Arg and Leu554Phe) were measured in a cohort of patients with documented VL (n=64), a healthy control group (n=74) and a seropositive for VL but without any symptoms (n=81). Circulation concentration of E-selectin levels was measured by ELIS. The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR procedure was used for detecting polymorphisms.
Results: The mean of E-selectin levels significantly differed between three groups (P<0.026), and were increased in patients in comparison with other groups. Difference was more considerable between two groups of patients and healthy ones (patients 92.8 ng/ml; healthy individuals 71.9 ng/ml). Polymorphisms were associated with soluble E-selectin levels and altogether explained 14.4%, 7.2%, and 8.7% in patients, seropositive and seronegative healthy individuals, respectively. Distribution of polymorphisms of 128Ser/Arg and 554Leu/Phe among three groups was not different significantly; however, there was a considerable arrangement in distribution of Ser128Arg polymorphism and 128Arg allele in healthy group was more than two fold of patients (55% against 20%).
Conclusion: The association between soluble E-selectin levels and visceral leishmaniasis suggests that this molecule might have significant role in the inflammatory process in VL. Moreover, frequency of 128Arg allele in healthy group was higher than patients.
-
Background: Amoebiasis is due to infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The patients infected with E. histolytica must be treated right after definite diagnosis and no need to treat infected individuals with E. dispar isolates. Metronidazole is used as a drug of choice against amoebiasis. However, like a lot of other chemical agents, this drug has its own side effects. This prompted us to carry out, an in vitro research into antiamoebic effect of Iranian Allium sativum (garlic), which has been used for centuries, as an herbal medicine, without harmful side effects.
Methods: Hydro-alcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil of 100 gram of crushed A. sativum was isolated and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts and essential oil in comparison with metronidazole were obtained on trophozoite of E. histolytica, HM-1: IMSS strain in TYI-S-33 medium.
Results: The MIC for A. sativum hydroalcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil after 24 hours was 60mg mL-1, 4mg mL-1 and 0.4mg mL-1, respectively. After 48 hours the MIC for A. sativum hexanic extract and essential oil was 3mg mL-1 and 0.3mg mL-1, respectively. MIC for metronidazole was obtained 2μg mL-1 and 1.5μg mL-1 after 24 hours and 48 hours, in that order.
Conclusion: Iranian A. sativum is effective on the trophozoites of E. histolytica species and the essential oil exhibited the greatest antiamoebic activity, at the lowest MIC.
-
Background: The emergence and spread of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the world stimulated some investigators to consider different aspects of chloroquine resistance in human and rodent Plasmodia. Using animal Plasmodia, particularly primate and rodent Plasmodia can be useful model for human Plasmodia studies. In this study we have tried to consider and compare the sequence of chloroquine resistance transporter (crt) gene among chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium berghei.
Methods: This experimental study was performed at the Malaria Laboratory of School of public health. DNA was extracted from two strains of P. berghei which their resistance and sensitivity had been demonstrated in mice with treatment by chloroquine. By using specific primer for crt gene some parts of this gene were amplified by PCR, and obtained fragments were then sequenced and compared.
Results: There were considerable differences in crt gene between two strains. Sequenced 1212 bp of crt gene fragment in the two strains showed 43 differences at nucleotides level and 16 differences in presumed coding amino acids.
Conclusion: crt can be addressed as a considerable gene which involves in induction of resistance to chloroquine in P. berghei, as P. falciparum. The results increased such a promise that considering crt gene in chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant P. berghei can prepare suitable and helpful fields for more understanding the molecular aspects of chloroquine-resistance in Plasmodia and reversing the effectiveness of 4-aminoquinolines particularly chloroquine for treatment of drug resistant Plasmodia.
-
Background: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the ascarid of dogs and cats, the main representative of which is a Toxocara canis. Distribution of the disease is world wide and is more prevalent in children. The present study was carried out in children of Kashmir valley, to determine the toxocariasis seropositivity.
Methods: For the present seroepidemiological study, blood samples were collected at random from children of all the six districts of the Valley. The sampling was carried from Jan 2004 to Dec 2005. A total of 286 children, 162 males and 124 females in age group of 0-16 years were selected for the present study. ELISA was used for detection of IgG antibodies against Toxocara excretory secretary antigen. A questionnaire interview was conducted to obtain the data concerning their age, sex and habits. The particular points in the questionnaire asked were recorded on the format right on the spot.
Results: Gender was found a significant risk factor for the Toxocara infection in children population. Male children were found more infected (41.97% as compared to females (20.94%). The total seroprevalence of T. canis antibodies in children of Kashmir valley was 32.86 %. The risk factors that were found associated with the infection of toxocariasis in children population of Kashmir valley include family back ground, status of living conditions, awareness, etc.
Conclusion: The present study reveals high prevalence of T. canis infection in children of Kashmir valley. It is important to raise the awareness of health professionals, public and educators to the fact that toxocariasis is a public health problem. Health promotion by means of a school based educational approach, diagnosis and continuous programme of treatment are necessary.
-
Background: To compare the pathogenicity differences in two susceptible Balb/c and resistant C57bl/6 mice infected with Leishmania major MRHO/IR/75/ER as a prevalent strain of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran.
Methods: Mice were assigned into four groups as control and infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Experimental leishmaniasis was initiated by (s. c) injection of the 2×106L. major promastigotes into the basal tail of infected groups. The development of lesions was determined weekly by measuring the two diameters. After 10 weeks, all mice were killed humanly, target tissues including lymph node, spleen and liver from each mouse were removed, weighted, and their impression smears were prepared.
Results: Proliferation of amastigotes inside macrophages, pathogenicity signs in two susceptible, resistant hosts was varied, and these variations were depended on mice strain.
Conclusion: Host immunity may modify clinical signs and could affect the proliferation of amastigotes inside macrophages, the size of lesions, the survival rates, the degree of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly and the percentage of amastigotes in lesion, liver, spleen, lymph node and brain smears.
-
A 48-year-old man referred with pain and swelling at the upper and middle third of left tibia with a history of previous osseous hydatid disease three years ago. Despite surgical procedure which was performed in this case, recurrence was observed and repeated exploration with wide resection and oral medical therapy were recommended. Bone hydatid cyst is an uncommon disease with difficult response to treatment. Hydatid disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of bone in endemic regions.
