Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 1 8 EN A Badirzadeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Niyyati Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z Babaei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Amini Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Badirzadeh Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ardebil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran M Rezaeian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Free-living amoebae (FLA) are a group of ubiquitous protozoan, which are distrib­uted in the natural and artificial environment sources. The main aim of the current study was to identify the presence of FLA in the recreational hot springs of Sarein in Ardebil Province of Iran. Methods: Seven recreational hot springs were selected in Sarein City and 28 water samples (four from each hot spring) were collected using 500 ml sterile plastic bottles during three month. Filtra­tion of water samples was performed, and culture was done in non-nutrient agar medium enriched with Escherichia coli. Identification of the FLA was based on morphological criteria of cysts and trophozoites. Genotype identification of Acanthamoeba positive samples were also per­formed using sequencing based method. Results: Overall, 12 out of 28 (42.9%) samples were positive for FLA which Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiid amoebae were found in one (3.6%) and 11 (39.3%) samples, respectively. Se­quence analysis of the single isolate of Acanthamoeba revealed potentially pathogenic T4 geno­type corresponding to A. castellanii. Conclusion: Contamination of hot springs to FLA, such as Acanthamoeba T4 genotype (A. castel­lanii) and Vahlkampfiid amoebae, could present a sanitary risk for high risk people, and health authorities must be aware of FLA presence. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/172 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/172/171

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 9 16 EN M Mokhtari Amirmajdi Department of Mycoparasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran M Sankian Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali research Institute, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran I Eftekharzadeh Mashhadi Department of Mycoparasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran A Varasteh Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali research Institute, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran F Vahedi Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali research Institute, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran A Sadrizadeh Department of Thoracic surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran A Spotin Department of Mycoparasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Modulation of the immune response is an important strategy by which establish­ment and growth of hydatid cyst in the internal organs of human is warranted. Induction of apop­tosis in the lymphocytes might be a considerable component. This study was designed to evaluate apoptotic impact of hydatid fluid (HF) on human lymphocytes. Methods: Human lymphocytes were treated with hydatid fluid. After 6 hours of exposure, cas­pase-3 activity, the central enzyme of apoptosis cascade, was measured by fluorometric assay in the HF-treated lymphocytes and control cells. In addition, the expression of Bax (a pro-apoptotic protein) and Bcl-2 (an anti-apoptotic protein) mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR after 12 hours of exposure. Results: Both the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression and Caspase-3 activity were higher in the HF-treated lymphocytes relative to the control group. Conclusion: Apoptosis could be as a possible mechanism by which Echinococcus granulosus overwhelms host defenses. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/173 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/173/172

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 17 22 EN GA Kojouri Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran E Aghajani School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran S Jahanabadi Pharmacology Department, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran A Kojouri Fascuty of Medicine, Yazd International Medical University, Yazd, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The role of minerals on parasite persistency and the interaction between minerals and animal responses to the parasite infestation is not clear. For these reasons, the present re­search was aimed to compare copper, zinc and iron status in sheep with parasitic myocarditis and healthy ones in 2009. Methods: Blood and heart tissue samples were collected from 145 slaughtered sheep and histopa­thological findings were confirmed as myocardial sarcocystosis in 27 cases. Serum and tis­sue mineral level were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by Sig­mastat program, using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at the level of P<0.05. Results: Myocardial sarcocystosis significantly increase myocardial concentration of Cu, Zn and Fe (P<0.05). Conclusion: These findings may explain the role of copper, zinc and iron in parasite persistency and may discuss the pathogenesis of sarcocystosis, which relates to evocate mentioned micronutri­ent to cardiac muscle. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/174 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/174/173

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 23 30 EN H Moghaddassani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Mirhendi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Hosseini Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MB Rokni Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gh Mowlavi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Eb Kia Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Strongyloidiasis is mostly an asymptomatic infection and diagnosis of latent infec­tions is difficult due to limitations of current parasitological and serological methods. This study was conducted to set up a PCR-based method for molecular diagnosis of Strongyloides stercor­alis infection by detection of copro-DNA in stool samples. Methods: A total of 782 fresh stool samples were collected and examined by agar plate culture. Among those sixteen stool samples, which confirmed to be infected with S. stercoralis were exam­ined as positive control to set up each single and nested PCR, using two primer sets design­ing to amplify partial ribosomal DNA of S. stercoralis genome. Since, single PCR method yielded higher efficacy in detecting positive samples, in the second step, 30 stool samples, which found negative for S. stercoralis by agar plate culture of single stool sample, were examined by sin­gle PCR. Data analysis was performed using McNemar's χ2 test, with consideration of a P-value of <0.05 as indication of significant difference. Results: In amplification of DNA extracted from stool samples, single PCR detected S. stercor­alis DNA target in all 16 positive samples, while nested PCR amplified DNA in only 75% of sam­ples. In the second step, single PCR amplified S. stercoralis extracted DNA in 5 out of 30 sam­ples which were negative by coproculture. Conclusion: Single PCR method amplifying a short (100bp) target represented more efficacies for detection of S. stercoralis in faecal examination compared to agar plate culture and nested PCR, which amplified longer target. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/175 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/175/174

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 31 37 A Alipour Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Shojaee Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Mohebali Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Tehranidoost Dept. of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran F Abdi Masoleh Dept. of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran H Keshavarz Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic, and often debilitating neuropsychiatric disor­der. Its causes are still poorly understood. Besides genetic and non-genetic (environmental) fac­tors are thought to be important as the cause of the structural and functional deficits that character­ize schizophrenia. This study aimed to compare Toxoplasma gondii infection between schizo­phrenia patients and non-schizophrenia individuals as control group. Methods: A case-control study was designed in Tehran, Iran during 2009-2010. Sixty-two pa­tients with schizophrenia and 62 non-schizophrenia volunteers were selected. To ascertain a possible relationship between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected by indirect-ELISA. Data were statistically analyzed by chi- square at a confidence level of 99%. Results: The sero-positivity rate among patients with schizophrenia (67.7%) was significantly higher than control group (37.1) (P <0. 01). Conclusion: A significant correlation between Toxoplasma infection and schizophrenia might be ex­pected. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/176 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/176/175

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 2 2011 06 15 38 44 EN A Halajian Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran A Eslami Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran I Mobedi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran O Amin Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran J Mariaux Curator Department of Invertebrates, Natural History Museum, Geneva, Switzerland J Mansoori Department of Environment, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Mazandaran, Iran S Tavakol Department of Fisheries, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Mazandaran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine birds including crows, rooks, mag­pies, jays, chough, and ravens. These birds are migratory species, especially in the shortage of foods, so they can act like vectors for a wide range of microorganisms. They live generally in temper­ate climates and in a very close contact with human residential areas as well as poultry farms. There is no available information in the literature concerning the parasitic infections of these three species of corvidae in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, so this study was con­ducted to clarify this. Methods: As there are three species of corvid birds in Mazandaran Province, 106 birds including 79 magpies, 11 rooks, and 16 carrion crows were examined between winter 2007 and spring 2008 at post mortem for gastrointestinal helminths. The helminths were drawn and identified morphologi­cally in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Re­search Branch, Tehran and also partly in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, based on the reference books and identification keys like Soulsby, Khalil et al. and Anderson et al. Results: Four species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes, 1 species of trematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalans were identified in these three corvid species. Conclusion: Five species of the helminths are identified for the first time in Iran, and the acantho­cephalan species is new host record for rooks. It is clear that these corvid birds have di­verse range of helminths and can act as cf Iran. By extension of such studies in future to other animal hosts (buffalo and goat) and including more regions to sam­pling, the reliability of the results and their  application for control programs in zoonotic diseases will be increased. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/188 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/188/187

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15 60 65 EN S Tolouei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran SJ Hasheminia Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran M Narimani Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran A Khamesipour Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MA Shatalebi School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran SH Hejazi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Based on the efficacy of paromomycin ointment and recent ongoing clinical trials of combination of paromomycin and gentamicin, a new physical form of films of the paromomy­cin and gentamicin was prepared and anti-Leishmania activities of the prepared films were as­sessed in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Paromomycin 15% and gentamicin 0.5% was incorporated in a film using ethyl cellu­lose and HPMC (Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose). In order to assess the drug release and anti-Leishmania activities of the preparation, a clone L. major parasite was established using a set of modified NNN medium without overlay liquid layer. Therapeutic effects of the films were evalu­ated using Balb/c mice model. The mice were inoculated with 2×106 L. major promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) and then when the lesions developed the mice were randomly divided in 3 groups, 10 mice per group, and treated with either perpetrated films or placebo for 28 days or left untreated. Results: Growth inhibition of cloned promastigotes showed that the films have enough releasing capacity and in vivo system, the films containing paromomycin and gentamicin was able to re­duce the lesion size and induced complete cure in 80% of the mice but relapse was seen in 60% of the cured mice and overall 50% cure rate was seen during 20 weeks period of the study. Conclusion: It seems that the prepared films might be further used in human clinical trials. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/189 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/189/188

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15 66 73 EN J Pazooki Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, G. C., Tehran, Iran F Tajbakhsh Goorabzarmakhi Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, G. C., Tehran, Iran M Masoumian Department of Fish Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Research and Training Organization, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: In Anzali Lagoon, there are some endemic and exotic fishes. The present study was conducted to compare the parasitic fauna of Blicca bjeorkna, as an endemic fish and Hemicul­ter leucisculus, as an introduced fish to the lagoon. Methods: A parasitological investigation was done on 78 specimens of B. bjoerkna and 114 of H. leu­cisculus. The fishes were collected from August 2009 to April 2010 by the electro fishing from Anzali Lagoon. Results: Eleven parasites species were found in 192 fish samples. The prevalence and mean inten­sity of parasites in each host were as follows: Parasites from B. bjorkna were  Trichodina perforata (53.85%); Myxobolus musayevi (27.19%, 1±0.79); Dactylogyrus difformis (88.05%, 8±7.24) and D. sphyrna (5.18%, 0.95±0.51), Diplostomum spataceum (98.72%, 9.51±9.01), Post­hodiplostomum cuticula (15.38%, 4.25±2.5), Ripidocotyle sp. (1.28%, 2±0.74); Contracaecum osculatum (17.95%, 1.64±0.79), Philometra rischta (12.8%, 1.4±0.54), and Raphidascaris acus (1.04%, 0.03±0.26). The H. leucisculus were infected with T. perforata (27.19%), D. spataceum (7.89%, 1.33±0.54), Ps. tomentosa (7.02%, 1.62±0.49) and R. acus (0.88%, 3±0.28). B. bjoerkna was presented as a new host for M. musayevi and C. osculatum, while H. leucisculus was intro­duced as a new host for T. perforata and Ps. tomentosa. Conclusion: The prevalence of parasites was significantly more in native fish than that of exotic fish (P<0.05). This reduction in parasitic infection in H. leucisculus may be due to its immune system resistance, well adaptation to the new environment, host-specific limitation for endemic parasites and disability of introduced parasite to complete its life cycle in the new host as well. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/190 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/190/189

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15 74 81 EN MJ Gharavi Department of Medical Parasitology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Research Institute for Islamic & Complementary Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Nobakht Department of Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran AND Research institute for Islamic & Complementary Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran SH Khademvatan Department of Parasitology, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran E Bandani Fculty of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Bakhshayesh Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Roozbehani Fculty of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The study was aimed to show the effect of molecular mechanism of Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) on expression of IFNγ and iNOS genes in Leishmania major. Methods: Leishmania major promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) were added to the in-vitro cultured J774 cell line, the cells were incubated for 72 hours. Various concentrations of garlic extract (9.25, 18.5, 37, 74, 148 mg/ml) were added to the infected cells. MTT assay was applied for cellular proliferation. After 72 hours of incubation, supernatants were collected and total RNA was extracted from the infected cells. The express of IFNγ and iNOS genes were studied by RT-PCR method. Results: The colorimetric MTT assay after 3 days of incubation showed cytotoxic effect of garlic extract with an IC50 of 37 mg/ml. In addition, IFNγ and iNOS genes expression by RT-PCR indicated that garlic extract lead to over expression of these genes in J774  cell line infected with L. major. Conclusion: Garlic extract exerts cytotoxic effect on infected J774 cell line. In addition, the hypothesis that garlic can improve cellular immunity with raising the expression of IFNγ and of iNOS genes con­firmed. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/191 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/191/190

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15 82 88 EN R Ghasemikhah Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Mirhendi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND National Institute of Health Research, Tehran, Iran EB Kia Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gh Mowlavi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Sarmadian Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran B Meshgi Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran B Golestan Dept. of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran I Mobedi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Backgrounds: Genus Trichostrongylus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) is one of the most impor­tant zoonotic nematodes with wide geographic distribution in the world. The purpose of the present study was to describe morphological and morphometrical characteristics of male Trichostrongylus species, currently prevalent in domestic ruminants of Khuzestan Province, south­west Iran. Methods: Gastro-intestinal organs of 1600 sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalos, slaughtered in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran, were examined for infectivity with Trichostrongylus spe­cies. For examination and measurements of helminthes, Azo-carmine staining was per­formed, followed by camera lucida drawings of morphological characters and measurements of morphometrical criteria with a calibrated microscope. Using valid nematodes systematic keys, almost all the parasites were identified at the level of species. Results: Overall, 114 animals were found infected with at least one species of Trichostrongy­lus. Considering morphological characteristics of male Trichostrongylus, six species were identi­fied including T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, T. probolorus, T. capricola, T. longispicu­laris and   Trichostrongylus sp. Conclusion: Although, compared to the previous decades, currently Trichostrongylus is much less prevalent in the domestic ruminants of the study area, but still different species occur in these animals.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/192 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/192/191

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15 89 95 EN S Nabian Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran K Ahmadi Veterinary Organization of Iran, Tehran, Iran MH Nazem Shirazi Veterinary Organization of Iran, Tehran, Iran A Gerami Sadeghian Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Nosemosis of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is present in bee colonies world­wide. Until recently, Nosema apis had been regarded as the causative agent of the disease, that causes heavy economic losses in apicultures. Nosema ceranae is an emerging microsporidian para­site of European honeybees, A. mellifera, but its distribution is not well known. Previously, nosemosis in honeybees in Iran was attributed exclusively to N. apis. Methods: Six Nosema positive samples (determined from light microscopy of spores) of adult worker bees from one province of Iran (Savadkouh- Mazandaran, northern Iran) were tested to determine Nosema species using previously- developed PCR primers of the 16 S rRNA gene. As it is difficult to distinguish N. ceranae and N. apis morphologically, a PCR assay based on 16 S ribosomal RNA has been used to differentiate N. apis and N. ceranae. Results: Only N. ceranae was found in all samples, indicating that this species present in Iran apiar­ies. Conclusion: This is the first report of N. ceranae in colonies of A. mellifera in Iran. It seems that intensive surveys are needed to determine the distribution and prevalence of N. ceranae in differ­ent regions of Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/193 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/193/192

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 3 2011 09 15