Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 1 17 EN A Dalimi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran A Abdoli Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases worldwide. Although estimated that one third of the world's population are infected with Toxoplasma gondii, but the most common form of the disease is latent (asymptomatic). On the other hand, recent findings indicated that la­tent toxoplasmosis is not only unsafe for human, but also may play various roles in the etiol­ogy of different mental disorders. This paper reviews new findings about importance of latent toxop­lasmosis (except in immunocompromised patients) in alterations of behavioral parameters and also its role in the etiology of schizophrenia and depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alzheimer's diseases and Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, headache and or migraine, men­tal retardation and intelligence quotients, suicide attempt, risk of traffic accidents, sex ratio and some possible mechanisms of T. gondii that could contribute in the etiology of these alterations. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/214 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/214/213

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 18 25 EN S Tolouei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran K Ghaedi Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Royan Institute for Animal Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran A Khamesipour Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Akbari School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran M Baghaei Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran SJ Hasheminia Department of Immunology, 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 SH Hejazi Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: In this study the level of IL-23 and IL-27 produced by macrophages derived from peri­pheral blood mononuclear cell culture collected from patients with healing or non-healing form of cutane­ous leishmaniasis lesion were compared before and after treatment with live Leishmania to explore whether IL-23 or IL-27 plays any role in healing process of cutaneous lesions induced by L. major. Methods: Twenty patients resident in Isfahan Province, with healing or non-healing form of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion caused by Leishmania major participated in this study. In vitro productions of IL-23 and IL-27 by peripheral blood derived macrophages, before and after stimulation with live L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were evaluated using ELISA method. Patient with healing form of le­sion received no treatment and patient with non-healing form of lesion received at least 2 courses of glucan­time. Results: The mean production of IL-23 and IL-27 from macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion was significantly higher than patients with non-healing form of lesion. The levels of IL-23 and IL-27 in culture supernatants before and after stimulation in healing form of CL was significantly higher than non- healing form of CL (P < 0.001). Conclusion: IL-23 and IL-27 might play a role in human leishmaniasis and further studies are needed to understand the role of IL-23 and IL-27 in leishmaniasis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/215 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/215/214

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 26 31 EN A Motevalli Haghi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Nateghpour 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 GhH Edrissian 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 Z Sepehrizadeh Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmacy faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MR Khoramizade Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Sabouri Shahrbabak Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmacy faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Moghimi Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Plasmodium vivax is responsible for approximately 80 million malaria cases in the world. Apical membrane antigen1 (AMA-1) is a type I integral membrane protein present in all Plasmo­dium species. AMA-1 interferes in critical steps of invasion of human hepatocytes by sporo­zoites and red blood cells by merozoites and is one of the most immunodominant antigens for elicit­ing a protective immune response in human. It is considered as a promising antigen for inclusion in a vaccine against P. vivax. Since more knowledge is needed to lighten the scope of such antigen we com­pared genetic variation in P. vivax AMA-1from an Iranian isolate with those reported from some of the other malarious countries so far. Methods: P. vivax genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood of an Iranian patient with pa­tent P. vivax infection. The nucleotide sequence for 446 amino acid (AA) residues (42-488 of PvAMA-1) was amplified by PCR and cloned in pUC19 vector for sequencing. Results: Sequence analysis of the antigen showed a high degree of identity (99%) with strong homol­ogy to the PvAMA-1 gene of P. vivax S3 and SKO814 isolates from India and Korea (Asian isolates) respectively, and 96% similarity with P. vivax Sal-1 AMA-1 gene from El Salvador. Conclusions: We cloned and characterized three domains of PvAMA-1 gene from an Iranian patient. Predicted protein sequence of this gene showed some discrepancies in corresponding protein in compar­ing with similar genes reported from other malarious countries. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/216 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/216/215

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 32 35 EN SZ Coskun Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Uludag, Turkey A Eslami Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran A Halajian Dept. Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran A Nikpey Dept. of Biology, Basic Sciences Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Knowledge about the amphistomid fauna in Iranian domestic ruminants depends on the studies conducted almost 30 years ago. The last situation in cattle is introduced here in the provinces in south coast of Caspian Sea. Methods: Amphistomid species were collected from cattle at slaughter houses of the provinces Gilan and Mazanderan in 2010. Median sagittal sections were prepared by the conventional me­thod. Species were identified by the histomorphological pecularities of the muscular argans. Results: Five amphistomid species,  Paramphistomum cevri, P. gotoi,  Calicophoron calicopho­rum,  Carmyerius spatiosus and Gastrothylax compressus,  recovered. Calicophoron calicopho­rum is a new species for Iran. Criteria used in identification of the species were illustrated. Conclusion: Iran has a rich amphistomid fauna and mostly under the influence of oriental condi­tions. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/217 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/217/216

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 36 44 EN H Turki Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Zoghi Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran A A Mehrizi Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran S Zakeri Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran A Raeisi National Programme Manager for Malaria Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran AND Departement of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Khazan Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AA Haghdoost School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: A successful malaria elimination program calls for enough attention to parasite carri­ers, especially asymptomatic malaria, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of clinical cases. Asymptomatic malaria is an infection that patients do not show any symptom; thus, these patients play critical role in the concept of an elimination program. The current investigation was con­ducted to evaluate the presence of these cases in Bashagard District, formerly a high malaria transmis­sion area in Hormozgan Province, Iran. Methods: Blood samples (n=500) were collected from symptomless individuals residing in Basha­gard to evaluate Plasmodium infection by using microscopic, serological and nested-PCR techniques. Results: Regarding the microscopic and nested-PCR analysis, no asymptomatic infection was detected among studied individuals. Totally, 1% of the studied population (5 of 500) had anti PvMSP-119-specific IgG antibody; however, only 0.2% (1 of 500) of the individuals was seroposi­tive to recombinant PfMSP-119, using ELISA. Conclusion: This study showed no asymptomatic malaria infection in the studied population; hence malaria elimination is feasible and can be successfully carried out in this region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/218 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/218/217

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 45 52 EN F Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran I Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Zarean Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Hakimi Parizi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran MR Aflatoonian Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Fasihi Harandi Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran R Zahmatkesh Provincial Health Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Mashayekhi Provincial Health Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AR Kermanizadeh District Health Center, Bam Health System, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis constitutes a major public health problem in many parts of the world including Iran. The primary objective of this study was to identify Leishmania spe­cies in endemic districts of Kerman Province, south-eastern Iran. Methods: This study was conducted by random sampling as cross- sectional descriptive between 2008 and 2010. Overall, 203 skin scraping smears were taken from the patients. Nested -PCR was performed to amplify variable minicircle fragments of Leishmania kDNA. Results: Bam was the most infected district (71.1%), followed by Kerman (14.7%), Jiroft (5.4%), Baft (2.7%), Sirjan (1.6%), Shahr-e Babak (1.5%) and others (3.0%).  L. tropica was the most common species identified (194 cases, 95.6%), while L. major was found in only 9 cases (4.4%). Of 203 identified patients, all species in Bam (l07 cases), Kerman (32 cases), Jiroft (l6 cases) and Shahr-e- Babak (l1 cases) were detected as L. tropica, whereas infected subjects in Baft and Sir­jan showed L. tropica or L. major. Characterization of Leishmania species resulted in generation of 750 bp and 560 bp fragments, corresponding to those of L. tropica and L. major, respectively. Conclusion: L. tropica is the main species (95.6%) caused ACL in endemic areas of Kerman Prov­ince; however L. major is present in low level (4.4%). https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/219 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/219/218

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 1 2012 03 15 53 58 2013 03 15 60 64 EN S Heidary Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. M Bandehpour Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z Valadkhani Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Sj Seyyed-Tabaee Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A Haghighi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ar Abadi Dept. of Social Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran B Kazemi Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 14   Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoon and may be contaminated with dsRNA virus called Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV). The viral infection is an important factor for its patho-genesis and sensitivity to metronidazole. The presence of TVV is associated with qualitative and quantitative expression of cysteine proteinases and surface immunogenic; P270. The purpose of this study was to determine TVV frequency in T. vaginalis clinical isolates in Tehran, Iran. Methods:The 46 T. vaginalis isolates were collected from Tehran Province and cultured in TYI-S-33 culture medium. Viral RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was done. Results:Of 46 T. vaginalis isolates, 8 isolates (17.39%) were infected with TVV-1. There was not any association between patient age and TVV- infected T. vaginalis. There were 17.39% viral infection in T. vaginalis isolates which was lower than that reported by other researchers. Conclusion:This is the first report on T. vaginalis isolates infection by TVV-1 in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/525 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/525/392

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 65 72 EN Maha Ma Basyoni Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Azza Abd El-Wahab Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible use of Biomphalaria alexandrina snail antigens in diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni using enzyme linked immunolectrotransfere blot (EITB). Methods: S. mansoni adult worm crude antigens (AWA), feet and visceral humps of B. alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus were used. Hyperimmune mice sera (HIS) versus each antigen were prepared for di-agnosis of S. mansoni using western blot (WB). Results: Snail foot antigens were more specific in antibodies detection than visceral hump antigens. Three of five polypeptides of B. alexandrina foot antigen identified by S. mansoni HIS showed specific positive reactivity. These polypeptides were at MW of 31/32 and 43 kDa. While, only one of the six polypeptides of B. alexandrina hepatopancrease antigen identified by S. mansoni HIS, at a MW of 43 kDa was specific. Similarly, 2 polypeptides at MW of 44 and 55 kDa were specific in detection of anti- S. haematobium antibodies. However, the antigenically active polypeptide of B. truncatus hepatopan-crease antigen had no specific reactivity towards anti-S. haematobium antibodies. Conclusion: B. alexandrina foot antigens were the most specific of the tested snail antigens in diagno-sis of schistosomiasis mansoni. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/524 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/524/393

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 73 77 EN Yb Zeng Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. H Dong Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. Hy Han Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. Ll Jiang Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. Qp Zhao Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. Sh Zhu Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. Wj Ma Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. J Cheng Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. B Huang Key Laboratory for Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academic of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China. 2015 10 14   Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections of humans and other mammals. This study was aimed to understand the mechanism of action of veterinary medicine-sulfachloropyrazine (SPZ, 99.97%) against Toxoplasma gondii. Methods: T. gondii tachyzoites were soaked in PBS (as a control) or SPZ (250 mg/mL) for 2 h at 37 °C. After being processed, any ultrastructural changes of the tachyzoites that had occurred were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results: The tachyzoites from control groups with a uniform size had a smooth surface and intact cell or nuclear membranes. In addition, an oval-shaped nucleus, conoids and micronemes were also observed. By contrast, many parasites from the SPZ-treated groups were detrimentally affected by the treatment. Some appeared to be of the vacuolization in their cytoplasm, with the substantial re-duction in the number of dense granules and the blur of some organelles. Conclusion: The morphology and ultrastructure of tachyzoites can be affected significantly by SPZ, which might kill the parasite by inhibiting its energy metabolism, inducing apoptosis and damaging its structure. The study provides an experimental basis for further study on the mechanism of SPZ against T. gondii. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/523 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/523/394

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 78 84 EN B Kamranrashani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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 I Mobedi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Mohebali 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 Z Zarei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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 H Hajjaran Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mr Abai Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Sharifdini Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z Kakooei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Mirjalali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Charedar Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of the study was to determine the helminthic species occurring in great gerbil Rhombomys opimus collected from Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, northeast Iran. Methods: During 2010-2011, a total of 77 R. opimus were captured from rural areas of Maraveh Tap-peh, Golestan Province, using Sherman live traps and examined for infectivity with any larva or adult stages of helminthic parasites. Results: Overall, 63 R. opimus (81.8%) were found infected with different helminthic species. The rate of infectivity with each species was as follows: Trichuris rhombomidis 31.2%, Trichuris muris 32.5%, Trichuris spp. 10.4%, Syphacia muris 2.6%, Dipetalonema viteae (Acanthocheilonema viteae) 37.7%, Skrjabinotaenia lobata 15.6%, Hymenolepis (=Rodentolepis) nana fraterna 5.2%, and Taenia endothoracicus lar-va 1.3%. Conclusion: R. opimus is host for several species of cestodes and nematodes in the study area. The high rate of infectivity with D. viteae indicates the susceptibility of these gerbils to this filarial nema-tode. Synchronous infections occurred up to four species of helminthes in one host. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/522 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/522/395

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 85 91 EN M Akhoundi ANSES, JE2533 - USC «Transmission vectorielle et épidémiosurveillance de maladies parasitaires (VECPAR)», Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Faculté de Pharmacie, France AND Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. H Hajjaran Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A Baghaei Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran M 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 2015 10 14   Background: The goal of this study was to know the identity of Leishmania species responsible of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Fars Province, southern Iran. Methods: Five counties of Shiraz, Firouz Abad, Ghir-Karzin, Farashband and Larestan were pros-pected. Forty-four patients exhibiting cutaneous lesions were selected. Samples collected on skin le-sions were examined both microscopically (after Giemsa staining) and molecularly (after PCR-RFLP). Results: On the 44 examined patients, 39 exhibit Leishmania sp. by microscopical examination, all confirmed by PCR. For five patients with negative microscopical examination, PCR was positive for three of them. Among these 42 positive samples, 3 (7%) were infected by L. tropica and 39 (93%) by L. major. Conclusions: Leishmania major is the most prevalent species in prospected area and L. tropica occurs in Shiraz and Ghir-Karzin counties. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/521 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/521/396

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 92 98 EN A Hodžić Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herezegovina. A Zuko Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herezegovina. R Avdić Department of Anatomy and Histology with Embriology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A Alić Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. J Omeragić Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herezegovina. A Jažić Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herezegovina. 2015 10 14  Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity of the liver based on the activity of specific enzymes and bilirubin in serum and also to investigate the influence of mechanical and toxic effects of Fasciola hepatica on the structures of the blood vessels and biliary tract in the sheep liver. Methods: Blood samples and liver of 63 indigenous sheep of Pramenka breed, slaughtered in the period from March to December 2009 were used. Based on parasitological findings in the liver, all animals were divided into two groups: control (n=34) and infected group (n=29). For investigation and description of pathological changes in sheep liver, naturally infected with F. hepatica, corrosion cast technique was used. Results: Biochemical analysis of tested parameters showed a significant elevation (P≤0.05) of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in infected sheep group comparing with the control group. No significant differences were observed for activity of aspartate aminotranferase (AST) between groups. Vascular and biliary systems of the liver were found to be affected. Conclusion: Results of biochemical analysis are consistent with pathological findings and measuring of tested parameters could be used in early diagnosis of sheep fasciolosis and to test the effectiveness of anthelmintic therapy. Corrosion cast technique is very useful for investigation of pathological changes and neoangiogenesis of vascular and biliary system in sheep liver, caused by mechanical and toxic effects of F. hepatica. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/520 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/520/397

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 99 106 EN M Namavari Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz, Iran. A Oryan Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. F Namazi Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. M Kargar Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. M Mansourian Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz, Iran. A Rahimian Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz, Iran. Y Tahamtan Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Caprine besnoitiosis is an economically important disease of goats. Neospora caninum, another coccidian parasite of worldwide distribution, infects several animal species and is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Combined infections of N. caninum and Besnoitia caprae can occur in geo-graphical areas endemic for both species of parasite in goats. This experiment was conducted to in-vestigate the possible cross-immunity between these two infections in experimentally infected BALB/c mice. Methods: Forty BALB/c mice were divided into four equal groups. The mice of Groups 1 and 4 were inoculated with 1×106 live virulent tachyzoites of N. caninum (NC-1), while animals of Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated with sterile tissue culture medium. Each mouse in Groups 1 and 2 was chal-lenged 28 days later with 1×106 live virulent bradyzoites of B. Caprae (BC-1). Results: Following the challenge, the mice in Groups 1 and 2 showed 100% morbidity and 100% mortality within 9 days post infection, while all the animals of Groups 3 and 4 remained alive. The dead animals were necropsied. The survivors (mice in Group 3 and 4) were euthanized 9 days after inoculation and the gross and histopathological lesions in different organs were investigated. Conclusion: Immunization and challenge experiments with lethal dose of B. caprae in the highly sus-ceptible BALB/c mice showed no cross-protection between N. caninum and B. caprae. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/519 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/519/399

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 107 113 EN I Mobedi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. M Zare-Bidaki Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center (IIDRC), Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Mr Siavashi Department of Medical Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Sr Naddaf Department of Medical Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Eb Kia Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. M Mahmoudi Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Despite Echinococcus granulosus, there are merely two old reports of E. multilocularis in-fection among Iranian canids of Moghan Plain, the only area known endemic for the species. We detected specific DNA markers in fecal samples by PCR (Copro-PCR) for differential diagnosis of Echinococcus species in living canids. Methods: Totally 144 fecal samples from domestic dogs, red foxes and a golden jackal were exam-ined for genus-specific Echinococcus coproantigens using ELISA. Forty two positive or ambiguous samples were further examined for Echinococcus species-specific DNA markers by two different set of nested-PCR. Results: Twenty five out of 144 (17.4%) animals were contaminated with E. granulosus including 14 (23.7%) domestic dogs, 10 (11.9%) red foxes and one (100%) golden jackal. But none of them har-boured E. multilocularis species-specific Copro-DNA. The overall prevalence