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 observed be­tween floatation and Petri dish methods. Conclusion: Our public parks showed a high risk of toxocariasis and the need for preventive studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/250 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/250/249

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 43 47 EN T Mohammadzadeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran SM Sadjjadi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran P Habibi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran B Sarkari Basic in Infectious Diseases Research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by Leishmania parasites.  Growing of drug unresponsiveness in leishmaniasis patients necessitates the development of new drugs and accor­dingly a suitable assay is needed for evaluation of any modalities.  The aim of this study was to compare four drug assays methods, agar dilution, broth dilution, cylinder plate and disk diffusion, for evaluation of anti-leishmanial drugs on Leishmania promastigotes, using glucantime as a currently availa­ble drug for treatment of leishmaniasis.  Methods: For broth dilution method, different concentration of glucantime was added to the para­site culture (promastigotes of Leishmania), while in cylinder plate method wells were punched in agar gel and filled with different concentration of drug and zone of inhibition was measured in each well. In disk diffusion method, the parasites were cultivated on the surface of agar; filter paper disks were enriched with various concentration of glucantime and were placed on the surface of agar. In agar dilution method, various concentrations of drug were incorporated onto blood agar and the parasites were cultivated on the surface of the agar. Results: A direct correlation was found between the drug concentration and size of inhibitory zones in cylinder plate and disk diffusion methods. These two drug assays methods provided much better performance in comparison with broth and agar dilution methods. Conclusion: Cylinder plate and disk diffusion methods seem to be acceptable methods for susceptibil­ity testing of anti-leishmanial compounds on Leishmania promastigotes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/251 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/251/250

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 48 53 EN K Khanaliha Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran MH Motazedian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran B Sarkari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran M Bandehpour Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Biotechnology Department, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z Sharifnia Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Biotechnology Department, 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 Biotechnology Department, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, capable of infecting all species of mammals including man. Congenital toxoplasmosis is more important during pregnancy for the first time. In this study we expressed and purified P43 Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite and bradyzoite specific surface antigen. Methods: The recombinant pGEMEX-1 contained Toxoplasma P43 coding sequence was transformed into E. coli and mass cultured in LB medium contained 100 μg/ml ampicillin at 37°C over night .The T7 promoter was induced by 1mM isopropyl-1-thio-ß-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG. Recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and confirmed by gel diffusion dot blot and western blot,-using specific anti Toxoplasma antibodies. Results: Recombinant plasmid was induced by IPTG and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Recombinant protein was confirmed by Western-blot and dot blot using anti human Toxoplasma antibody. Conclusion: Recombinant Toxoplasma P43 was produced successfully. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/252 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/252/251

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 54 63 EN DP Kateete School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda AND College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda C Alezuyo Family planning and HIV Programs, P.O Box 26 Mubende, Uganda AND College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda A Nanteza College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda C Asiimwe College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda AND Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Kampala, Uganda GW Lubega College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 2015 10 03 Background: There are only four drugs for treating African trypanosomiasis, a devastating disease in sub-Saharan Africa. With slow discovery of better drugs, vaccination is viewed as the best method of control. We previously showed that antibodies to native Trypanosoma brucei brucei tubulin inhibit the growth of trypanosomes in culture. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of antibodies to bacte­rially expressed trypanosome tubulin on T. brucei brucei growth. Methods: T. brucei brucei alpha and beta tubulin genes were individually expressed in Escherichia coli under the tryptophan promoter. Monoclonal tubulin antibodies reacted specifically with the ex­pressed tubulins with no cross-reaction with the opposite tubulin. Rabbits were immunized with 450μg each of the concentrated recombinant tubulin, and production of antibodies assessed by ELISA and Western blotting. The effect of polyclonal antibodies on trypanosome growth was deter­mined by culturing bloodstream T. brucei brucei in up to 25% of antisera. Results: Low antisera dilutions (25%) from the immunized rabbits inhibited trypanosome growth. The most cytotoxic antisera were from one rabbit immunized with a mixture of both alpha and beta tubulins. However, the result was not reproduced in other rabbits and there was no apparent effect on growth at higher antisera dilutions. Conclusion: Antibodies to bacterially expressed trypanosome tubulin are not effective at killing cul­tured bloodstream trypanosomes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/253 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/253/252

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 64 72 GR Habibi Parasite Vaccine Research and Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran AR Imani Veterinary College, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran MR Gholami Pathology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran MH Hablolvarid Brucellosis Vaccine Research and Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran AM Behroozikhah Brucellosis Vaccine Research and Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran M Lotfi Quality Control of Biological Products group, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran M Kamalzade Quality Control of Biological Products group, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran E Najjar Veterinary Organization of Qazvin Province, Qazvin, Iran K Esmaeil-Nia Parasite Vaccine Research and Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran S Bozorgi Parasite Vaccine Research and Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran. Methods: Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathologi­cal observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally. Results: The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three pas­sages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections. Conclusion: The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/254 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/254/253

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 73 81 EN W Saksirisampant Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand AND Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand N Choomchuay Dept. of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand K Kraivichian Dept. of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand B Wongsatayanon Thanomsub Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand 2015 10 03 Background: Gnathostoma spinigerum causes larva migran in human which is endemic in Southeast Asia. Information regarding larva migration is limited. In this study, we investigated the parasite migra­tion by recovery of worms from the whole body of mouse after oral infection with advanced third stage larvae (AL3). The percentage of blood eosinophils was examined in parallel. Methods: Mice were orally infected with AL3 and histological study of organs was investigated in order to study the migration of AL3, along with blood eosinophilia. Results: At 1 hr post infection (PI), the larvae remained in the stomach, thereafter at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 24 hr PI; they were recovered from various organs including liver, mesentery, esophagus, diaphragm, lung, heart and dorsal fat. At day 15 PI, they were mostly found in muscles (76.47%). The average worm recovery (5 months) was 78.03%. The worms were found in the liver at every time point. Larva encystment was detected. There was a significant difference in blood eosinophils between the 8 larvae- (average 9.33% + 6.25%) and the 15 larvae-infected groups (average 22.66% + 11.03%). Surprisingly, the blood eosinophils (average 19.00% + 2.92%) were not higher in the higher infective dose- group (25 larvae). Conclusion: Liver was involved by G. spinigerum throughout the study. We detected larva encyst­ment which had never been reported in human gnathostomiasis. The highest percentage of eosino­phil occurred during the invasive stage. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/255 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/255/254

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 82 88 EN S Ghaffari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran SA Mahdavi Health Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Z Moulana Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran S Mouodi Health Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran H Karimi-Nia Health Center, Babolsar, Iran M Bayani Infection and Tropical Disease Research Center; Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine; Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran N Kalantari Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences; Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine; Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran 2015 10 03 Background: Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in tropical and temperate regions. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of malaria in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran during 1997-2012. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 1997 to 2012. The population's study was individuals who registered at health centers of Mazandaran Province. Peripheral blood smear were prepared for each case, stained with Giemsa and examined by light microscope. In addition to demographic data, other parameters including Slide Positive Rate (SPR), Annual Parasite Incidence (API) and Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) were analyzed. Results: In total, 844 cases of malaria were reported. Plasmodium vivax was predominant species with 821 cases (97.4%). The number of malaria cases increased from 1997 to 2005 and then decreased to 3 cases in 2011. Some cities had not reported any cases during last three years. The highest infection rate, 163(20.07%), was seen in 2001-02. The SPR had the highest value (0.54%) in 2004-05. The maxi­mum API and ABER were ob­served in 2001-02 and 1997-98. 641(75.9%) of cases were imported from hyperendemic areas such as Afghanis­tan and South-eastern Iran and 94 (11.1%) malaria pa­tients were recorded as introduced cases. The highest infection rate of malaria (21.3%) was seen in Babolsar. Conclusion: Extensive malaria control should be continued to Mazandaran to become malaria-free region and in prevention of re-introduction stage. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/256 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/256/255

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 89 95 EN CH Zhu School of public health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China AND College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China LL Cui College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China LS Zhang School of public health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China 2015 10 03 Background: Toxoplasma gondii can infect all warm-blooded animals. Modified agglutination test (MAT) and ELISA are widely used for the detection of T. gondii antibodies. However, there is little information on their acceptability for detecting antibodies in companion animals. Methods: This study compared ELISA and MAT for their ability to detect T. gondii infection in natu­rally infected dogs and cats. Blood samples were collected from dogs and cats in different areas of Beijing, China and analyzed by ELISA and MAT. The χ2 test and k analysis were used to evaluate their efficiency and agreement. Results: For dogs, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies detected by ELISA was 34.7%, which was significantly higher than that detected by MAT (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between ELISA and MAT for detecting T. gondii antibodies in cats. Good agreements between MAT and ELISA were seen in both dogs and cats; however, inconsistent results were demonstrated by k analysis and in MAT titer assay. Conclusion: Serum-based ELISA may be more satisfactory for screening test of T. gondii infection in dogs, whereas both methods could be acceptable in cats. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/257 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/257/256

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 96 98 EN AA Ketabchi Department of Urology, Physiology Research Center, Kerman Medical Sciences University, Kerman, Iran GR Moshtaghi-Kashanian Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2015 10 03 This is a case report concerning a 60 years old man who lived for a short period in an endemic area of Khuzestan Province (neighboring province of Persian Gulf in Iran) for approximately 20 years ago. Recently he referred to the Urology Department of Kerman University of Medical Sciences with hematuria and dysuria. In the sonography a polypoid mass on the bladder floor was observed. In the cystoscopy and biopsy a bladder tumor (Simultaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Transitional Blad­der Cell Carcinoma) and schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) was diagnosed. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/258 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/258/257

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 99 102 EN H Mahmoudvand Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran L Farivar Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran I Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran M Fasihi Harandi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran V Moazed Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran S Jahanbakhsh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Z Babaei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran N Zia-ali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2015 10 03 Malaria is a major problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, with high morbidity and mortality. Splenectomy makes patients more susceptible to serious bacterial and parasitic infections. We report for the first time in Iran a fatal case of Plasmodium vivax malaria, confirmed by microscopic and molecu­lar (Semi-nested multiplex PCR) tests in a patient who had undergone splenectomy due to hemolytic anemia. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/259 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/259/258

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 3 2012 09 15 103 106 EN T Chiba Dept. of Dermatology, Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan Y Yasukochi Dept. of Dermatology, Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan Y Moroi Dept. of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan M Furue Dept. of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan 2015 10 03 Cases of Sparganum mansoni, caused by the plerocercoid larva of the tapeworm S. mansoni, occur through­out the world, particularly in Asian, Middle Eastern, and European countries. However, cases of infection with this parasite are rarely seen in Japan. Here, we present a case of a 61-year-old woman with a solitary subcutaneous nodule in left inner aspect of the thigh, from which a long, slender, whitish worm was surgically removed. The parasite was histopathologically identified as S. mansoni. Serological testing confirmed cure of the infection after surgical removal of the parasite. The authors advocate immunoserological examination in case of S. mansoni. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/260 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/260/259