Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 1 9 EN M (Mina) Selseleh Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran H Keshavarz 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 M Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran S Shojaee Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MH Modarressi Genetic Faculty, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MR Eshragian Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M(Monavar) Selseleh Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The assays currently available for the detection of specific anti-Toxoplasma antibodies may vary in their abilities to detect serum immunoglobulins, due to the Lack of a purified standardized antigen. The aim of this study was evaluation the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii SAG1 antigen for the serodiagnosis of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Methods: This study describes an ELISA using recombinant SAG1 for detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in human sera. Genomic DNA of T. gondii (RH Strain) was isolated and PCR reaction was performed. Recovered DNA was cloned into PTZ57R cloning vector. The recombinant plasmid was detected by restriction analysis. The SAG1 gene was subcloned in the pET- 28a expression vector. Protein production was then induced with 1 mM isopropyl-D - thiogalactopyrano­side (IPTG). A total of 204 sera were tested using a commercial IgG and IgM ELISA kit (Trinity, USA) as gold standard prior to testing them with the recombinant antigen. Results: Tested sera were divided into the following groups:(a) The 74 T. gondii IgG positive (b) 70 T.gondii IgM positive (c) 60 sera who had no serological evidence of toxoplasmosis as negative sera.To determine the specificity of the test, we used other parasitic diseases including echinococusis (N=5), malaria (N=14), leishmania­sis (N=7),fasciolasis (N=4 ), sterengyloidiasis (N=1 ). Sensitivity and specificity of the generated recombinant IgG ELISA in comparison with commercial ELISA (Com ELISA) were 93% and 95%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the generated recombinant IgM ELISA were 87% and 95% respectively. Conclusion: The results acquired here show that this antigen is useful for diagnostic purposes and could be replaced by lysed, whole cell antigens for diagnosis of chronic toxoplasmosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/245 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/245/244

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 10 15 EN A Rakhshanpour Zoonoses Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran M Fasihi Harandi Zoonoses Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran SS Moazezi Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran, Iran MT Rahimi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 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 GhH Mowlavi 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 Babaei Zoonoses Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Ariaeipour Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z Heidari Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MB Rokni 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 03 Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Qom Province, central Iran using ELISA test. Methods: Overall, 1564 serum samples (800 males and 764 females) were collected from selected subjects by randomized cluster sampling in 2011-2012. Sera were analyzed by ELISA test using AgB. Before sampling, a questionnaire was filled out for each case. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression for risk factors analysis. Results: Seropositivity was 1.6% (25 cases). Males (2.2%) showed significantly more positivity than females (0.9%) (P= 0.03). There was no significant association between CE seropositivity and age group, occupation, and region. Age group of 30-60 years encompassed the highest rate of positivity. The seropositivity of CE was 2.1% and 1.2% for urban and rural cases respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that males were 2.5 times at higher risk for infection than females. Conclusion: Although seroprevalence of CE is relatively low in Qom Province, yet due to the impor­tance of the disease, all preventive measures should be taken into consideration. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/246 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/246/245

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 16 23 EN SH Hejazi Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran SG Hoseini Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran SH Javanmard Physiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran SH Zarkesh Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran A Khamesipour Center for Research in Skin Disease and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease, which imposes massive human distress and financial costs to the endemic countries. Better understanding of host immune response to the parasite leads to helpful strategies for disease control. Interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β are important immune regulatory cytokines, which appear to develop non-healing forms of leishmaniasis. However, there is little information about the function of IL-10 and TGF-β in old world cutaneous leismaniasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of IL-10 and TGF-β in human cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major infection. Methods: Biopsies were obtained from lesions of twenty proven cases of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. IL-10 and TGF-β positive cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining of frozen sections and compared between two groups of patients with early and late lesions. Results: The mean percentage of IL-10 positive cells were significantly (P= 0.035) higher in late lesions (0.51±0.24) than early ones (0.15±0.07). Similar results were obtained for TGF-β with mean percentages of 0.16±0.05 and 0.53±0.28 in early and late lesions respectively (P= 0.008). Conclusion: IL-10 and TGF-β are present in lesions of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis and contribute to the pathogenesis of long lasting disease forms. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/247 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/247/246

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 24 30 EN S Rabiee Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatemieh Women Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Iran A Bazmani Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran M Fallah Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran M Matini Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Metronidazole is drug of choice recommended by WHO for treatment of trichomoniasis, however, some reports claims drug resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis isolates recently. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of metronidazole in resistant and sensitive strains, as well as genetic patterns of these stains by PCR method. Methods: From February 2006 to March 2007, in a cross sectional study, clinical and wet mount examination of vaginal smear along with culture were performed on 683 women attending to public and private outpatient clinics in Hamadan. Trichomoniasis marked based on major clinical symptoms. Diagnosis confirmed using wet mount microscopically and culture in Diamond medium. A serial concentration of metronidazole was provided and all isolated Trichomonas strains (resistant and sensitive) tested by standard method. Finally, all sensitive and resistant strains examined by PCR technique. Results: Only 15/683, (2.2%) of patients clinically diagnosed trichomonal vaginitis were positive for T. vaginalis by wet smear and culture. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for clinically sensitive isolates was 25 µg/ml; however, this concentration for resistant isolates was 200 µg/ml after 24 h and 100 µg/ml after 50 h. The results of PCR examination of DNA from sensitive and resistant isolates had same pattern. The lanes appeared by two primers were 98 bp and 261 bp for both clinically sensitive and resistant strains. Conclusion: Resistance to metronidazole in T. vaginalis has not relation to genetic variations and might be related to some physiologic pathways of organism. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/248 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/248/247

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 31 37 EN BH Oladeinde Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria R Omoregie School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria M Olley Department of Pathology, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria JA Anunibe Department of Pathology, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria AA Onifade Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria AND Faculty of Health & Social Care, St George’s University of London & Kingston University London OB Oladeinde Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua Edo State. Nigeria 2015 10 03 Background: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria and anemia among child­ren in rural community of Okada, Edo State Nigeria, as well as to assess the level of use of Insecti­cide treated bed nets and its impact on prevalence of malaria and anemia among study population. Methods: Thick blood films from 226 children with signs and symptoms of malaria in Okada commu­nity were stained and examined for presence of malaria parasites. Hemoglobin concentra­tion of all children was also determined using standard method. Result: A total of 185 (81.9%) children were infected with malaria parasite. Malaria parasitaemia was significantly affected by age (P =0.003). A significantly higher number of positive cases of malaria and anemia was observed in rainy season as compared to dry season (P<0.05). The prevalence of anemia in children was 47.3%. Malaria was a risk factor for development of anemia in children (OR=2.551; 95% CI=1.227, 5.305; P=0.015). Use of insecticide treated bed nets was recorded in 11(4.9%) of children studied, and did not significantly reduce the prevalence of malaria and anemia. However among malaria parasite infected children, its use significantly reduced the prevalence of anemia (OR=0.126; 95%CI = 0.015, 1.047; P= 0.031). Conclusion: Malaria and anemia among children was high malaria intervention progammes by rele­vant agencies is strongly advocated. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/249 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/249/248

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 38 42 EN H Khazan Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran M Khazaei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran SJ Seyyed Tabaee Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran A Mehrabi Department of Hygiene, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The objective of the present research was to determine the frequency of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil samples of public parks, in the city of Tehran, Iran. Methods: A total of 600 soil samples were taken from 120 parks between Aprils to November, 2008. Soil samples were collected from 5 distinct sites in the parks. The samples were washed with saline solution and the collected sediment from each park were equally divided and examined by floatation and Petri dish methods for Toxocara eggs. Result:  Ten percent were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. The number of observed Toxocara eggs in each microscopic field was varied from 1-3. No significant differences were o stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The infection is particularly important in terms of economic and medico-veterinary aspects in endemic areas including Iran. Considering the possibility of organ-tropism in E. granulosus strains, the present study was aimed to identify the genotypes of E. granulosus in different organs involved in patients, undergone surgery in Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2005-2015. Methods: Overall, 29 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPT) from patients with histologically confirmed CE including liver (N: 14) lungs (N: 6) abdomen (N: 2), pancreas (N: 2) and each of spleen, gallbladder and, muscles (N: 1) plus unknown organs (N: 2) were used and genetically characterized using polymerase chain reaction, followed by partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene subunit 1(cox1) and analyzed. Results: Nineteen out of 29 isolates including liver (N: 6) lungs (N: 4) abdomen (N: 2), pancreas (N: 2) and each of spleen, gallbladder, and muscle (N: 1), unknown organs (N: 2) obtained from paraffin-embedded blocks of human CE created an acceptable sequence in two directions. All 19 isolates regardless of the organ involved were recognized as E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1). Conclusion: The sequence alignments of the isolates displayed two profiles. All sequenced samples showed E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) with no organ-related genotype. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2846 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2846/1021

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 11 155 157 Gilberto SILVA NUNES BEZERRA Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil AND Department of Parasitology, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil Walter Lins BARBOSA JÚNIOR Department of Parasitology, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil Nilma CINTRA LEAL Department of Microbiology, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil Zulma Maria DE MEDEIROS Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil AND Department of Parasitology, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil 2020 03 11 Abstracts Abstracts Abstracts Abstracts https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2854 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2854/1026

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 22 30 Hossein MAHMOUDVAND Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran AND Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Amir TAVAKOLI KARESHK Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Mohammad NABI MORADI Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Lianet MONZOTE FIDALGO Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", La Lisa, Havana, Cuba Seyed Reza MIRBADIE School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran Massumeh NIAZI Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Mehrdad KHATAMI Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran 2020 03 09 Background: Broad spectrums of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial activity have been attributed to Zataria multiflora Boiss (Laminaceae). The in vivo efficacy and safety of Z. multiflora essential oil (ZM-EO) were evaluated against acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (Sarcocystidae) in mice. Methods: Z. multiflora (aerial parts) was obtained from the rural districts of Kerman city (Kerman Province) Southwestern Iran, in May of 2016. Male NMRI mice were orally treated with normal saline (control group) and ZM-EO at the doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg once a day for 14 d (8 mice in each group). On the 15th day, the mice were infected with 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain by intraperitoneal route. The mortality rate and parasite load were determined in the infected mice. Additionally, 24 mice were applied to examine the sub-acute toxicity of ZM-EO at the above doses after treatment during 14 d. Results: GC/MS analysis displayed that the key constituents were thymol (45.4%), carvacrol (23%) and p-cymene (10.6%), respectively. Overall, 100% mortality was observed on the 8th and 9th days in treated mice with the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg, respectively. The mean number of tachyzoites in the mice treated with 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg of ZM-EO were 189×104 and 76×104 cell/mL, respectively, meaningfully (P<0.05) reduced compared with the control mice. Results also demonstrated that ZM-EO had no important toxicity on mice. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the efficacy of ZM-EO against acute toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, supplementary surveys are mandatory to examine its precise effects, mainly immunomodulatory effect on toxoplasmosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2829 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2829/1008

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 10 147 152 František ONDRISKA Department of Laboratory Testing Methods in Health Care, Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia AND Department of Parasitology, Medirex (Ltd), Bratislava, Slovakia Vojtech BOLDIŠ Department of Laboratory Testing Methods in Health Care, Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia Marta STANISLAVOVÁ Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia Daniela ANTOLOVÁ Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Košice, Slovakia Martina MITERPÁKOVÁ Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Košice, Slovakia Anton HANÁČEK Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty Hospital of Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia Soňa VEŠPEROVÁ Department of Infectology, Faculty Hospital of Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia Ivan JANČOVIČ ENT Outpatient Department, Bánovce nad Bebravou, Slovakia 2020 03 10 Dirofilaria repens is the causative agent of human subcutaneous or, less often, ocular dirofilariasis. The work presents a rare case of ocular dirofilariasis manifested by previous subcutaneous migration accompanied by severe headache symptoms. In February 2017, a 58-yr-old man from Trnava region, western Slovakia, noticed red and itchy stripes on his left leg. Inflamed but painless stripes disappeared and showed up again every 5–7 days, migrating gradually towards the head. Approximately one month after the first skin´s alterations, strong pain in the left temple, with the swelling of the left face and the enlargement of mandibular lymph nodes appeared. Several days later, the patient felt excruciating pain of the right eyeball accompanied by strong nausea and subsequent vomiting. Ocular examination revealed the presence of a live worm in the subconjunctival space and morphological and molecular analyses of extracted helminth confirmed D. repens as etiological agent of the infection. According to clinical manifestation of the infection, it could be supposed that ocular form of the disease was the result of the migration of a parasite through the subcutaneous tissues. Moreover, a rare phenomenon of lymphadenitis of underlying lymph nodes and the swelling of left face accompanied the migration. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2850 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2850/1024

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 31 39 Shahrokh IZADI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Mohammad Ali MOHAGHEGH Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran AND Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran Zahra GHAYOUR-NAJAFABADI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Mehdi AZAMI Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Farzaneh MIRZAEI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Fatemeh NAMDAR Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Department of Medical Parasitology, 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 Dhammika LESHAN WANNIGAMA Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand AND Davison of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia Seyed Hossein HEJAZI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran AND Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2020 03 09 Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in different groups of immunocompromised patients admitted to the referral hospitals in center of Iran during 2015–2016. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 immunocompromised patients (HIV+/AIDS, Lymphoma, Leukemia and organ transplants) in referred hospitals from central parts of Iran including Isfahan, Markazi, Yazd and Chaharmahale Bakhtiari provinces. Stool samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium species, modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining techniques followed by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods. Results: The total rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3.46% (12/346) in the patients, however, the prevalence of the parasite, was 4.6% (4/87) in HIV+/AIDS patients, 3.6% (6/168) in patients with blood malignancy and 2.1% (2/91) in organ transplant recipients. The SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all microscopic-positive samples was effectively amplified by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequences, exposed the existence of two Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis 91.6% (11/12) and C. parvum 8.3% (1/12). Conclusion: The predominance of C. hominis in the present study may be certifies the importance of anthroponotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in center of Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2830 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2830/1009

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 40 47 Fatemeh HEMATI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Majid MIRSADRAEI Department of Clinical Sciences, Mashhad Azad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Milad HEMATI Atherosclerosis Prevention Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Hadi MOHEBALIAN Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Hassan BORJI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 2020 03 09 Background: The current study was conducted to investigate the antigenic effect of Marshallagia marshalli on the treatment of asthma by measuring the secreted inhibitory cytokine. Methods: Case patients and controls were selected from clinics in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeastern Iran in 2017-18. In this experimental study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 15 patients with asthma and 10 healthy controls and were cultured. PBMCs were then converted to tolerogenic DCs through exposure to GM-CSF, IL-4 and M. marshalli antigen. Then, tolerogenic DCs were exposed to autologous T cells for five days and finally, the level of secreted TGF-β1 was measured. Results: The mean TGF-β1 level in the control and control groups was 210.2 ± 8.2 and 225.4 ± 6.1 pq/ml, respectively. The results showed that TGF-β1 levels in both groups significantly increased in both groups (P<0.001). In addition, TGF-β1 levels in the case group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: M. marshalli antigen increase the level of TGF-β1 and can create antigen-bearing dendritic cells and shift T lymphocytes to the regulatory type. This parasite can be used in dendritic cell therapy to control allergic diseases. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2833 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2833/1010

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 48 56 Bibi Razieh HOSSEINI FARASH Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mehdi 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, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bahram KAZEMI Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Homa HAJJARAN Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abdolmajid FATA Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Reza RAOOFIAN Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Behnaz AKHOUNDI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Majid MOJARRAD Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Pietro MASTROENI Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom Mohammad Kazem SHARIFI-YAZDI Center for Research of Zoonoses of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Hossein TANIPOUR Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2020 03 09 Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of leishmaniasis in Iran with high mortality rates in the case of inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a new rk39 recombinant antigen from an Iranian strain of Leishmania infantum for diagnosis of VL in humans and dogs. Methods: rK39-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti L. infantum antibodies. We screened 84 human sera and 87 dog sera from clinical cases in the endemic area of Meshkin-Shahr, Iran along with 176 sera from healthy controls (collected from 86 humans and 90 dogs) during 2013 -2016. Results: Using the rK39 ELISA, a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 95-99%) and a specificity of 86.0% (95% CI, 95%-99%) were detected in human sera at a 1:800 (cut-off) titer when DAT-confirmed cases were compared with healthy controls; a sensitivity of 96.6% (95% CI, 95%-99%) and specificity of 94.4% (95% CI, 95%-99%) were found at a 1:80 (cut-off) titer compared with DAT. Kappa analysis indicated agreement between the rK39 ELISA and DAT (0.718) when using human sera at a 1:800 (cut-off) titer as well as (0.910) at a 1:80 (cut-off) titer when using dog sera (P<0.05). Conclusion: New rk39 recombinant antigen from an Iranian strain of Leishmania infantum seems to be used for diagnosis of VL in humans and dogs. Further extended field studies are recommended. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2834 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2834/1011

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 57 66 Majid KHANMOHAMMADI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Laboratory Sciences, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran Lame AKHLAGHI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elham RAZMJOU Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza FALAK Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza ZOLFAGHARI EMAMEH Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran Kobra MOKHTARIAN Medical Plant Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Mehdi ARSHADI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Al-Zahra Hospitals', Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Minoo TASBIHI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Reza MEAMAR Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2020 03 09 Background: Dirofilariasis is a globally distributed arthropod-borne parasitic disease of mainly canids and felids. We evaluated to extend the knowledge of morpho-molecular characteristics and outer ultrastructure of Dirofilaria immitis isolated from Northwest of Iran. Methods: Overall, 67 filarial worms including 41 females and 26 males parasites were collected from the cardiovascular system of the 43 stray dogs in Meshkinshar, Ardebil Province, Northwest of Iran in 2017, and subjected to light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as carmine alum staining for morpho-molecular and identification. Molecular methods were used for confirmation of morphological findings by sequencing of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. Results: The partial DNA sequencing of cox1 gene of adult parasites showed considerable homology and close proximity to the previously isolated from Kerman and Meshkinshahr, Iran. The lowest genetic variation and the highest intra-species variability was found in D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively. No similarity was identified between D. immitis nucleotide sequence and Wolbachia species as its endosymbiont bacteria. Conclusion: The SEM technique is an excellent tool for differential recognition of the parasite surface morphology and molecular techniques could differentiate and identify Dirofilaria spp. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2836 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2836/1012

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 1 2020 03 09 67 75 Hatem SHALABY Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Heba ASHRY Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Moataza SAAD Department of Microbial Chemistry, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Tarek FARAG Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt 2020 03 09 Background: Several species of streptomycetes, saprophytic bacteria found widely distributed in soil, water and plants, produce bioactive compounds such as intra and extracellular hydrolases including lytic enzymes which reflecting on their importance in the biological control of insects and parasites. This study assessed the in vitro effects of Streptomyces tyrosinase, produced from Streptomyces spp. isolated from Egyptian soil, on animal-parasitic nematode Toxocara vitulorum, in terms of egg development and adult worm’s cuticular structure, and as an alternative strategy to alleviate this infection. Meth