Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 1 7 EN A Bairami Kuzehkanan Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Public Health, School of Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Iran M Rezaeian Dept. 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 H Zeraati Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Mohebali Dept. 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 Z Babaei Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerma L Kashi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Heydarnezhadi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Rezaie Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The main goal of the present study was to develop a new sensitive and specific PCR based method for Identification of Cryptosporidium sp. using novel primers from 18S ribosomal RNA. Cryptosporidi­osis in high-risk host groups particularly in neonates and immuno-compromised individuals may result in death. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding develop a new PCR based method to diagnose the cryptosporidiosis in Iran. Methods: A total of 850 human fecal samples from patients clinically suspected to cryptosporidiosis and 100 healthy and diarrheic cattle stool specimens were collected. The simplified formol-ether concentration method was carried out for all samples. They were then examined microscopically by modified Ziehl-Neel­sen staining method. Total DNA was extracted by QIA amp DNA stool mini kit was carried out by using designed prim­ers. Results: Twenty nine cases of cryptosporidiosis infection in human and 30 samples from cattle microscopi­cally were posi­tive. The described primary and nested PCR method could detect all Cryptospori­dium positive samples from human and cattle. Regards to suspected negative samples in pri­mary PCR examination, the Nested PCR could ap­prove two more positive results. Furthermore, Nested PCR analysis was able to detect one more case which was nega­tive in both microscopically examination and primary PCR. Specificity of the test was 100%. Sensitivity of Nested PCR in comparison to our gold standard; microscopy after Ridley concentration modified ziehl-Neelsen, was 100 %. Conclusion: Our developed PCR based method by using new primers devised from 18S ribosomal RNA revealed the ability for identification of the Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum and C. huminis with high specificity and sensitivity. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/198 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/198/197

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 8 16 EN N Kalantari Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Center, Laboratory Sciences Group, Faculty of Paramedical, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, S Ghaffari Parasitology and Mycology group, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum- infected red blood cells to endothelial cells is an important mechanism for parasite survival and a major trigger for diseases pathology. Here, we de­scribe a new adhesion assay in which different cell types (CHO, CHO/CD36 and CHO/ICAM-1) are at­tached to Cytodex beads in a mini-column format to measure the relative sizes of various binding subpopula­tions as a percentage of the total population. Methods: Relative size of CD36 and ICAM-1-binding subpopulations of erythrocytes infected with P. falcipa­rum were measured by amount of parasitemia before and after passing the infected erythrocytes through a particular column. Results: The mini-column adhesion assay was a suitable method as parasitemia always reduced after pass­ing through a particular column in independent experiments. For example, in a typical experiment us­ing P. falciparum ITG line, 75% of the parasites are retained on a CHO/ICAM-1 while 0% of clone 3D7 is retained. Conclusion: This work introduced and validated a method for measuring the relative size of parasite bind­ing subpopulations and the selection of them. Also, the mini-column method is of value for assessments of cytoadherence and can be used as tool for different applications. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/199 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/199/198

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 17 22 EN M Assady Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A Farahnak Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A Golestani Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MR Esharghian Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The purpose of this comparative study was to detect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica parasites, infected and healthy liver tissues in order to determine of species effects and liver infection on SODs activity level. Methods: Fasciola spp. parasites and sheep liver tissues (healthy and infected liver tissues), 10 samples for each, were collected, homogenized and investigated for protein measurement, protein detection and SOD enzyme activity assay. Protein concentration was measured by Bradford method and SODs band protein was detected on SDS-PAGE. SODs activity was determined by iodonitrotetrazolium chloride, INT, and xanthine substrates. Independent samples t-test was conducted for analysis of SODs activities difference. Results: Protein concentration means were detected for F. hepatica 1.3 mg/ ml, F. gigantica 2.9 mg/ml, healthy liver tissue 5.5 mg/ml and infected liver tissue 1.6 mg/ml (with similar weight sample mass). Specific enzyme activities in the samples were obtained 0.58, 0.57, 0.51, 1.43 U/mg for F. hepatica, F. gigantica, healthy liver and infected liver respectively. Gel electrophoresis of Fasciola spp. and sheep liver tissue extracts revealed a band protein with MW of 60 kDa. The statistical analysis revealed significant difference between SOD activities of Fasciola species and also between SOD activity of liver tissues (P<.05). Conclusion: Fasciola species and liver infection are effective causes on SOD enzyme activity level. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/200 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/200/199

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 23 32 EN F Arabkhazaeli Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran AND Engineering Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tehran, Iran S Nabian Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran M Modirsaneii Department of Animal and Poultry Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran B Mansoori Department of Animal and Poultry Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran S Rahbari Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Coccidiosis of domestic fowl, caused by species of the Genus Eimeria, is responsi­ble for important economic losses in poultry production. Because different species and/or strains can vary in pathogenicity and other biological parameters, their precise characteriza­tion is important for epizootiological studies. Methods: Fifty samples from litter, whole intestinal tract and feces were collected from poul­try houses located in different provinces of Iran. One hundred twenty male day-old broi­ler chicks were challenged with three selected isolates. Data on weight gain, Food Conversion Ratio (FCR), food intake, lesion scoring and shedding of oocysts per gram of feces were rec­orded and analyzed by the Duncan's test. Results: In all treatments, the challenged groups had statistically significant lower weight gain than that of unchallenged control group. Isolate three caused the lowest weight gain and food intake and the worst lesion score as well as FCR. Despite originating from close geographi­cal regions for isolates 1 and 2, the difference in biopathologic factors may be either due to different proportion of identified species or the different pathogenicity of the species present in the isolates. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of considering various species of Eimeria in designing the preventive, control and treatment strategies to prevent coccidiosis in different regions of Iran. Further characterization of each isolate would be the next step to provide a basis for coccidiosis research with well-characterized local isolates. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/201 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/201/200

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 33 40 EN Y Hamzavi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran M Vejdani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran N Nazari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran A Mikaeili Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Hydatidosis is the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus. This disease is en­demic in Iran. There are many studies about hydatidosis in different regions of the country, but there is not any information about the disease in Kermanshah Province. This article will review all available data about hydatidosis in this province. Methods: Using web based search engines and a survey on medical student's theses, all the informa­tion about hydatid cysts in the province from 1986 -2008 was collected. Results: During these twenty years, at least 482 proven cases of hydatid cyst have been identified in the province. Accordingly, the trend of hydatid cyst operation in the province has been grow­ing and the average annual number of cases has reached 1.41/100,000. Frequency of disease in urban areas was slightly higher than rural areas and the rate of infection in housewives was more than others. Conclusion: Because of the growing trend of hydatid cyst operation in Kermanshah Province, which may be due to many different reasons, this province should be considered as one of the impor­tant endemic regions of hydatidosis in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/202 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/202/201

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 41 45 EN N Taghipour Dept. of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E Nazemalhosseini- Mojarad Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran A Haghighi Dept. of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A Haghighi Dept. of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Rostami- Nejad Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran S Romani Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran A Keshavarz Dept. of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Alebouyeh Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran MR Zali Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Cryptosporidium is a worldwide protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans and cattle. The aim of the present study was determina­tion of subtypes of Cryptosporidium among children with diarrhea in Tehran by se­quence analysis of the highly polymorphic 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) gene. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 794 diarrheic children. Initial identification of Crypto­spo­ridium was carried out on stool samples by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining method. DNA was extracted from positive microscopically samples and Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes were determined, accordingly. Results: Out of 794 collected samples, 19 (2.40 %) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequences analysis of GP60 gene showed that 17 (89.47 %) of the positive isolates were Crypto­spori­dium parvum and 2 (10.52 %) were C. hominis. All subtypes of C. parvum isolates belonged to allele families IIa (6/17) and IId (11/17). The most common allele in all 17 isolates belonged to IId A20G1a (41.18%). A22G1 (IF) subtype was detected in two C. hominis isolates of the chil­dren. Conclusion: The predominancy of C. parvum species (specially, IId A20G1a sub­type) in current study underlines the importance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium transmission in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/203 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/203/202

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 6 4 2011 12 15 46 50 Ali KARGAR KHEIRABAD Dept. of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Golamreza HATAM Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Shiraz, Iran 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Cystoisospora belli, formerly Isospora belli, as an opportunistic infection agent, is seen in immunocompromised patients like HTLV-1. We describe here cystoiso­sporiasis in an HTLV1 Iranian female in Mashhad, northwestern Iran in 2012 who presented with a debilitating diarrheal illness and great weight loss. C. belli was de­tected in her stool by modified acid-fast staining and then by molecular detection. Serologic testing was negative for HIV but she showed positivity for HTLV-1 in­fection. Treatment with TMP/SMX led to improvement of her diarrhea but she died after one year due to malabsorption syndrome. Adequate detection of C. belli diarrhea in immunocompromise patients of HTLV1 in endemic area can be cured by TMP/SMX. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/820 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/820/664

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 104 109 Hamed KALANI Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ahmad DARYANI Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehdi SHARIF Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ehsan AHMADPOUR Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ahad ALIZADEH Department of Biostatistics, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mohtaram NASROLAHEI Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shahabeddin SARVI Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Farzad KALANI Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Roghiyeh FARIDNIA Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Background: Toxoplasmosis is considered as one of the most common infectious diseases caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Tachyzoite is the main form of Toxoplasma and continuously is maintained in cell culture or injected into the mice peritoneal cavity. This study was designed to evaluate the survival rate of RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites in different cell free, nutrient and biological media at different temperatures. Methods: This experimental study was performed at the Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, in 2010. One ml of each solution including hypotonic saline (0.3%), normal saline (0.85%), RPMI-1640 (RPMI), RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), RPMI with 20% FBS, ovine hydatid cyst fluid, pasteurized milk of cow, and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) along with 4×104 T. gondii tachyzoites were added to plate wells and incubated in 4 °C, 22 °C, 37 °C, and 37 °C under 5% CO2. The survival rate and viability as­sessment of parasites were performed daily and the results were analyzed using Univariate tests. Result: Tachyzoites survival rate in PBS (4 °C) and normal saline (4 °C) were con­siderably high, compared to other solutions in different conditions (P<0.001). The best temperature for Toxoplasma maintenance was 4 °C (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study introduces two available and economical solutions, PBS (4 °C) and normal saline (4 °C) media, for maintenance of Toxoplasma tachyzoites as appropriate choice media for a noticeable period of time (11 days) in vitro. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/817 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/817/661

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 30 34 Mohammad YAKHCHALI Dep. of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Kia BAHRAMNEJAD Dep. of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Background: Fasciolosis, caused by the liver flukes of the genus Fasciola, is one of the most prevalent diseases of domestic livestock and human throughout the world, imposing considerable economic losses. The present study was aimed to assess the effects of different pH values on hatching rate of Fasciola miracidia. Methods: The flukes were isolated from the infected livers of the slaughtered ruminants at the abattoir of Urmia City, Iran, crushed thoroughly and sieved for isola­tion of the Fasciola eggs. The eggs were washed up several times by PBS (0.01N, pH 7.2). They were incubated at different pH values of 7±0.1 (control) and 3-9.5 (treatments) at 28°C for 16 days. Results: The maximum hatching rate was observed at pH 7 (14.93±0.65%), while no miracidia were hatched at pH 3 and/or pH 9-9.5. There were significant differences between the hatching rate of the treatments and that of the control group. Conclusion: Water pH is proven to be a crucial factor affecting the life cycle of Fasciola and its epidemiology. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/807 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/807/650

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 126 130 Bahador SARKARI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Niloofar BAVARSAD AHMADPOUR Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Abdolali MOSHFE Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Homa HAJJARAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 We describe a case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) due to Leishmania tropica in a 50-year-old Iranian man lived in a VL-endemic area in southwest of Iran. The patient presented with a 3-month history of fever and splenomegaly. Clinical signs and serological findings were suggestive of VL. Spleen biopsy was taken from the patient and intracellular forms of Leishmania amastigotes was seen in Giemsa stained smears. The patient was treated with pentavalent antimonial compound with complete resolution of his systemic signs and symptoms. DNA was extracted from the microscopic slides of the spleen biopsy and the nagt (N-Acetylglucosamine-1-Phosphate Transferase) gene of Leishmania was PCR-amplified. Sequence analysis of the PCR product demonstrated that the case has 99% identity with those of available sequences of L. tropica. Intra-species variation within isolate was 0-0.1%; whereas, inter-species differences of the isolate with those of L. major and L. infantum was significantly higher. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/821 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/821/665

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 110 115 Azzam AFIFI Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan Abdel-Aziz A. AHMED Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan Yassir SULIEMAN Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Shendi, Sudan Theerakamol PENGSAKUL Faculty of Medical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the major communicable diseases of public health and socioeconomic importance in developing countries. This study assessed the situation of schistosomiasis among villagers of the New Halfa Agricultural Scheme, Sudan. Methods: An epidemiological survey was carried out in three randomly selected residential sites: Village 19, Village 26 and Talat shagrat Camp, from October to December 2013. Feces and urine samples were collected from 2433 individual (1195 male and 1238 female) and examined for schistosomiasis infection. The prevalence and intensity of infection were calculated according to study sites and participants’ sex and age-group. Results: There was no infection with Schistosoma haematobium among the examined individuals, while the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 27.4% and the mean intensity among those infected was 261.1 eggs per gram (epg). A high preva­lence and intensity of infection was found among the residents of Talat shagrat Camp, followed by the other two villages. The prevalence of infection among males was 41.4%, and among females was 13.9%. On the other hand, the intensity of in­fection among females was 293.4 epg and among males 187.6 epg. A high preva­lence of infection was found in the age-groups 11-20 years and > 50 years. High intensity of infection was present in the age-groups 31-40 years and > 50 years. Conclusion: The finding of the study shows the need for an integrated control program against schistosomiasis. Mass treatment, provision of adequate clean-water supply and combating the intermediate snail host are suggested. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/818 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/818/662

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 35 45 Ying ZHANG Dept. of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China Young-An BAE Dept. of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 440-746, South Korea Hong-Ying ZONG Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China Yoon KONG Dept. of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 440-746, South Korea Guo-Bin CAI Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Background: Parasite proteases have important roles in cleavage of host proteins during the invasion of host tissues and participate in the parasite’s evasion from the host’s immune response. The aim of the present study was to estimate a metalloproteinase properties of Taenia solium metacestode (TsMP) during host-parasite interactions, and evaluate its potential as a serodiagnostic antigen for cysticercosis. Methods: The cDNA coding for the mature catalytic domain of TsMP was cloned into pGEX-6P-1 expression vector. A recombinant glutathione S-transferase and TsMP fusion protein was induced. After refolding and purification, enzymatic properties of the recombinant metalloproteinase were observed. Immunoblot assay was processed to evaluate its potential as a serodiagnostic antigen for cysticercosis. Results: The recombinant TsMP protein showed proteolytic activity, which preferred host extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin as degradable substrates. In immunoblot assay, 87.5% of sera from patients with cysticercosis showed strong reactivity. In sera from patients with other parasitic infections and from normal controls, it showed high specificity. Conclusions: TsMP might be involved in the processing of numerous host proteins and play an important role in the parasite life cycle. A single recombinant TsMP antigen could have a potential value for serodiagnosis of cysticercosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/808 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/808/651

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 131 135 Seyed Masoud ZOLHAVARIEH Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Alireza NORIAN Dept. of Pathobilogy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Morteza YAVARI Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Dioctophyma renale infection is found in a wide range of mammalian species, typically in temperate areas of the world. Here, we report for the first time, the parasitism of a domestic dog by D. renale in Hamedan, Iran, a mountainous cold region, lacking significant amounts of rainfall, high humidity and temperature. A 2.5 yr old male mixed breed dog was presented with a two months history of progressive hematuria and muscle weakness. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were performed with results indicating impaired renal function. Urinalysis, showed hematuria as well as parasitic eggs, suggestive of D. renale infection. Urinary system ultrasonography revealed a hypoecogenic tubular structure in the right kidney. The animal was treated with fenbendazole (45 mg/kg, PO, QD - five days) and ivermectin (0.02 mg/kg, SC, single dose). One week later, repeated laboratory examination confirmed presence of at least one alive worm in the affected kidney. A unilateral nephrectomy was performed; one female (60 x 5 cm) and one male (30 x 3.8 cm) live worm were taken out of the extremely thin walled right kidney. One month later, due to failure of the remained kidney and poor condition, the patient deceased. We conclude that dioctophymosis can be found in cold and or relatively dry area. Moreover, the results showed that the worm was not affected with common anthelmintic drugs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/822 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/822/666

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 46 51 Mohammad MATINI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran AND Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amir-Hossein MAGHSOOD Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mahdi MOHEBALI Dept. 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 Soghra RABIEE Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatemieh Women Hospital, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad FALLAH Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Sassan REZAIE Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mostafa REZAEIAN Dept. 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 2016 03 14 2016 03 14 Background: Metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole derivative, is the main antitrich­omonal agent of choice for treatment of trichomoniasis. Since 1962, some cases of treatment failure with metronidazole have been reported and recently drug re­sistance is now on the rise in the world. This study was aimed to determine current susceptibility of Iranian isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis to metronidazole. Methods: This study was performed on 50 T. vaginalis isolates collected from west and central areas of Iran. After axenisation of the parasites, susceptibility testing was carried out by using serial twofold dilutions of metronidazole (400 to 0.1 µg/ml). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of the trichomonads were determined after 48 h incubation at 35.5 °C. Drug susceptibility assays of the all isolates were carried out two times in triplicate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Results: Ninety-eight percent of the T. vaginalis isolates (49/50) were sensitive to metronidazole. Metronidazole resistance was defined as aerobic MIC ≥50 µg/ml, detected in one isolate. The means of aerobic MICs and MLCs and that of anaero­bic MICs of the parasites were 2.91, 1.95 and 0.28 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: This investigation showed in vitro low-level tolerance to metronida­zole in a few T. vaginalis isolates that may be leading to the development of drug resistance. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/809 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/809/652

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 1 2016 03 14 52 64 Hossein GALAVANI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Saber GHOLIZADEH Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran AND Medical Entomology Department, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Khosrow HAZRATI TAPPEH