Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 164 170 EN Saloomeh Shirali Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Basic science, Ahvaz branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Hamidreza Haddadzadeh Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Mehdi Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Bahram Kazemi Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Narges Amini Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background:There are several methods, such as vaccination, to control visceral leishmaniasis. Although there is no efficient vaccine, it seem DNA vaccination with stimulates both cellular and humoral immunity apparently is the best way. The aim of this study was cloning and expression of LACK gene, a 36kD protein, as a can-didate protein for vaccination against Iranian L.infantum. Methods:Iranian strain of L. infantum [MCAN/IR/07/Moheb-gh] was used as a template for PCR to amplify LACK gene. The LACK gene was cloned in pTZ57R/T vector and after confirmation it was digested by restriction enzymes (BamH1) and cloned in pcDNA3.1 expression vector. Recombinant plasmid was extracted and analyzed by sequencing, restriction digestion analysis and PCR reac-tion. The pc- LACK recombinant plasmid was purified from transformed E.coli (DH5α) and its expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Results:The results of sequencing, restriction digestion analysis and PCR reaction revealed that LACK gene was cloned correctly in pcDNA3.1 vector and the results of SDS PAGE and Western blot emphasized that LACK protein of Iranian L. in-fantum is a well-expressed protein.  Conclusion:We amplified, cloned and expressed Iranian L. infantum LACK genes successfully. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/336 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/336/463

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 146 156 EN Hossein Hooshyar Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Parvin Rostamkhani Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Mostafa Rezaeian Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasite of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background:The number of valid of pathogen and non-pathogen species of Entamoeba has continuously increased in human and animals. This review is per-formed to provide an update list and some summarized information on Entamoeba species, which were identified up to the 2014. Methods:We evaluated the Entamoeba genus with a broad systematic review of the literature, books and electronic databases until February 2014. The synonyms, hosts, pathogenicity and geographical distribution of valid species were considered and recorded. Repeated and unrelated cases were excluded. Results:Totally 51 defined species of Entamoeba were found and arranged by the number of nuclei in mature cyst according to Levin's grouping. Seven of these spe-cies within the 4 nucleate mature cysts group and 1 species with one nucleate ma-ture cyst are pathogen. E. histolytica, E. invadence, E. rananrum and E. anatis causes lethal infection in human, reptiles, amphibians and brides respectively, four species causes non-lethal mild dysentery. The other species were non-pathogen and are important to differential diagnosis of amoebiasis. Conclusion:There are some unknown true species of Entamoeba that available information on the morphology, hosts, pathogenicity and distribution of them are still very limited and more considerable investigation will be needed in order to clarify the status of them. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/338 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/338/461

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 296 300 EN Hossein Mortazavi Dept. of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mehdi 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. Yasaman Taslimi Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Pardis Sadeghipour Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Mahsa Ansari Dept. of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Kambiz Kamyab Department of Pathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Marjan Talebi Dept. of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Khamesipour Skin and Leprosy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Herein, a 28-year-old man with hoarseness, skin and oral lesions is presented. At the time of admission, the patient had an erythematous plaque on his chin near his lower lip and an erythematous-violaceous plaque on his palate near the open-ing of the pharynx and 20 kg weight lost in last one year. The biopsy of his skin lesions by hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed an infiltration of the dermis by lymphoplasma and histiocytic cells with a loose granuloma formation sugges-tive of leishmaniasis. Biopsy of mucosal lesions revealed Leishman bodies in dermis. PCR was performed on the specimens of skin, bone marrow, mucosa, and saliva, the results were positive. The pathogenic agent was identified as Leishmania major by the nested PCR. Serologic tests including direct agglutination test (DAT) and indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) were positive with high titers of anti-L. infantum antibodies (1:102400 versus 1:800, respectively), indicative of visceral involvement. The patient responded to a combination of miltefosine and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®). Visceral involvement due to L. major is rarely reported. To the best of our knowledge, probably hoarseness due to L. major has not been previously reported from Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/319 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/319/493

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 280 528 EN Ahmet Carhan Dept. of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey. Ozcan Ozkan Experimental Research and Application Center, Drug and Medical Devices Agency, Ankara, Turkey. Ethem Ozkaya Ozkaya Medical Center, Ankara, Turkey. 2015 10 14 Background: As a zoonotic pathogen, Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a cause of serious disease in animals and people. The present study was to evaluate the health status examination of this seropositive animal care worker in our pre-vious study. Methods:Blood samples were taken from five workers. CIA test was ap-plied to detect antibodies against E. cuniculi in blood serum. The indirect immunofluorescence antibody test was used as confirmation test. Seroposi-tive worker had a complete medical examination. Results:Only one worker was found to be seropositive according to the results of the serological test. Sera positive to E. cuniculi was confirmed with IFAT and spores were detected in the urine sample of the worker. The worker was treated with albendazole. Conclusion:Rabbits should be examined routinely for the presence of anti-E. cuniculi antibody. People working with laboratory animal should avoid contact with urine and faeces of infected or pay attention to personal hy-giene. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/322 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/322/486

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 171 180 EN Qasem Asgari Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Hossein Keshavarz Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Rezaeian Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hossein Sadeghpour Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Ramin Miri Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Motazedian Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background:This study was undertaken to evaluate the viability, infectivity and immunity of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites exposed to 2-(naphthalene-2-ylthio)-1H-indole.  Methods:Tachyzoites of RH strain were incubated in various concentrations of 2- (naphthalene-2-ylthio)-1H-indole (25-800μM) for 1.5 hours. Then, they were stained by PI and analyzed by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). To eval-uate the infectivity, the tachyzoites exposed to the different concentrations of the compound were inoculated to 10 BALB/c mice groups. For Control, parasites ex-posed to DMSO (0.2% v/v) were also intraperitoneally inoculated into two groups of mice. The immunity of the exposed tachyzoites was evaluated by inoculation of the naïve parasite to the survived mice. Results:The LD50 of 2-(naphthalene-2-ylthio)-1H-indole was 57 μmol. The lon-gevity of mice was dose dependent. Five mice out of group 400μmol and 3 out of group 800μmol showed immunization to the parasite.  Conclusion:Our findings demonstrated the toxoplasmocidal activity of the com-pound. The presence of a well-organized transporter mechanism for indole com-pounds within the parasite in conjunction with several effective mechanisms of these compounds on Toxoplasma viability would open a window for production of new drugs and vaccines. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/335 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/335/464

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 157 163 EN Maryam Niyyati Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Rezaeian Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Backgrund:Free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba have an environmental distribution. Amoebic keratitis due to these protozoan parasites continue to rise in Iran and worldwide. In Iran, there are various researches regard-ing both morphological and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp. in envi-ronmental and clinical samples. However, there is no thorough review about Acan-thamoeba genotypes and their distribution in environmental sources such as water, dust and biofilm in Iran. Besides, according to increasing cases of Amoebic kerati-tis in the region awareness regarding the pathogenic potential of these sight-threatening amoebae is of utmost importance.  Methods:We conducted a thorough review based on the database sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed and Google scholar. No restrictions were placed on study date, study design or language of publication. We searched all valuable and relevant information considering the occurrence of the Acanthamoeba in both environmental and clinical samples. Results:According to our thorough review Acanthamoeba belonging to T4 geno-type is the most prevalent type strain in environmental and clinical samples in sev-eral regions in Iran and worldwide, however, there are reports regarding Acan-thamoeba belonging to other genotypes such as T2, T3, T5, T6 and T11 and the mentioned point could leads us to more researches with the goal of presenting the real genotype dominance of Acanthamoeba and related disease in the country. Conclusion:Overall, the present review will focus on present status of genotypes of Acanthamoeba in Iran during recent years. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/337 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/337/498

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 301 305 EN Evi Ioannidou Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Dimitra Psalla Laboratory of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Elias Papadopoulos Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Anastasia Diakou Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Vasiliki Papanikolopoulou Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Harilaos Karatzias Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Zoe S Polizopoulou Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Nektarios D Giadinis Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 2015 10 14   Coenurosis is a disease of the central nervous system in sheep, caused by Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Multiceps multiceps, which inhabits the small intestine of Canidae. A case of regurgitations in a 2.5 month old lamb with acute coenurosis is being reported. The lamb was presented with a sudden onset of ataxia and re-gurgitations for 10 days. The post-mortem examination revealed 4 immature C. cerebralis cysts between 0.5 and 1.5 cm in diameter located in the brainstem and cerebellum, and histopathological examination revealed multifocal pyogranuloma-tous meningoencephalitis, so a diagnosis of acute coenurosis was established. Thus, acute coenurosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of regurgi-tations in lambs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/318 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/318/494

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 286 2899 EN Fariba Berenji Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Abdul Ghayoum Movahedi Rudy Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Abdolmajid Fata Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Mousa Tavassoli Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Mojtaba Mousavi Bazaz Dept. of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Ghodratolah Salehi Sangani Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Toxocariasis is an important disease caused by the larvae of parasitic worms such as Toxocara canis and T. cati. Public parks can be the source of toxocariasis for small children. This survey was conducted to de-termine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. ova in parks of Mashhad and Khaf northeastern Iran. Methods:In this descriptive cross-sectional study, performed in November 2011 to June 2012, overall, 340 soil samples were collected from 39 parks of Mashhad and 29 parks in Khaf city. Flotation method and direct smear were used, and the samples were evaluated using a light microscope. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Chi-square test. Results:In the evaluation of 195 and 145 soil samples, 18 (9.2%) and 16 cases (11.3%) of contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs were detected, re-spectively. Conclusion:Although the prevalence of Toxocara eggs in soil samples was low, parks can be a source of Toxocara infection of children in these areas. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/321 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/321/488

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 181 188 EN Maryam Niyyati Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mahyar Mafi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Haghighi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mojdeh Hakemi Vala Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background:Acanthamoeba- bacteria interactions enable pathogenic bacteria to tolerate harsh conditions and lead to transmission to the susceptible host. The present study was aimed to address the presence of bacterial endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba isolated from recreational water sources of Tehran, Iran. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding occurrence of bacteria in environmental canthamoeba spp. in Iran. Methods:A total of 75 samples of recreational water sources were collected. Samples were cultured on non- nutrient agar 1.5% plates. Positive Acanthamoeba  spp. were axenically grown. DNA extraction and PCR reaction was performed using JDP1-2 primers. All positive samples of Acanthamoeba were examined for the presence of endosymbionts using staining and molecular methods. The PCR products were then sequenced in order to determine the genotypes of Acan-thamoeba and bacteria genera. Results:Out of 75 samples, 16 (21.3%) plates were positive for Acanthamoeba according to the morphological criteria. Molecular analysis revealed that Acan-thamoeba belonged to T4 and T5 genotypes. Five isolates (35.7%) were positive for bacterial endosymbionts using staining method and PCR test. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Agrobacterium tumefasiens. Conclusion:The presence of Acanthamoeba bearing pathogenic endosymbionts in water sources leads us to public health issues including improved sanitation and decontamination measures in recreational water sources in order to prevent amoebae-related infection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report regarding the isolation of A. tumefasiens from Acanthamoeba in Iran and world-wide.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/334 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/334/466

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 290 295 EN Yaoqian Pan College of Animal Science and Henan Higher Education Engineering Technology Research Center for Animal Diseases Control and Residues Supervision, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China. Shuai Wang College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China. Xingyou Liu College of Animal Science and Henan Higher Education Engineering Technology Research Center for Animal Diseases Control and Residues Supervision, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China. Ruizhen Li College of Animal Science and Henan Higher Education Engineering Technology Research Center for Animal Diseases Control and Residues Supervision, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China. Yuqian Sun College of Animal Science and Henan Higher Education Engineering Technology Research Center for Animal Diseases Control and Residues Supervision, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China. Javaid Ali Gadahi College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China AND Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. 2015 10 14 Background: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of this parasite in rabbits and humans in China. Methods: Overall, 300 serum samples each from clinically healthy rabbit and hu-man were collected from three regions of China (Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality and Jilin Province) from January to September 2013 and tested for anti- E. Cuniculi antibodies using an ELISA. Results: An overall seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was recorded as 56/300 (18.76%) and 29/300 (9.76%) in rabbit and human sera, respectively. The seropositivity of rabbit samples collected from Jilin province was 41%, which was significantly higher (P<0.01) than Sichuan Province (9%) and Chongqing Municipality (6%). Three breeds of rabbit were used in the present study and antibody detection in Rex Rabbit was significantly (P<0.01) higher than Japanese White and New Zea-land Rabbit. In human, Jilin province was more prevalent (18%) followed by Si-chuan Province (6%) and Chongqing Municipality (5%). Conclusions The E. cuniculi was present and widespread among healthy rabbits and humans in China. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/320 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/320/491

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 189 196 EN Behnam Meshgi Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes). Fatemeh Jalousian Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes). Zahra Masih Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes). 2015 10 14 Background:Haemonchosis has a negative effect on the farming industry throughout the world, especially in the tropic and sub-tropic countries. The present study was carried out to differentiate Haemonchus species from its main hosts in Iran, including sheep, goat and camel.  Methods:The identification took place based on the morphometrics of the spic-ules and molecular characters. Two hundred seventy adult male nematodes were collected from the abomasums of different ruminants (90 samples from each ani-mal) at the slaughterhouses from different localities in Iran. Samples were morpho-logically identified according to the spicules’ morphometric measurements. In the section on molecular study, 10 samples of each Haemonchus isolates were genetically examined. A simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS2-rDNA) were described to confirm the PCR results. Results:PCR-RFLP profile obtained from the restriction enzyme HPa1 in H. con-tortus and H. longistipes indicated 1 (278 bp) and 2 (113 and 135 bp) different frag-ments, respectively. The morphological parameters clearly distinguish H. contortus from H. longistipes. Moreover, regarding the ITS2-rDNA, sequences of 295 bp and 314 bp were obtained from H. contortus and H. longistipes, respectively. Conclusion:The genotypic results are in agreement with the phenotypic findings of both species. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/333 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/333/468

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 197 205 EN Hadi Mirahmadi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Adel Spotin Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shirzad Fallahi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Niloofar Taghipour Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Habibollah Turki Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background:Haemonchosis has a negative effect on the farming industry throughout the world, especially in the tropic and sub-tropic countries. The present study was carried out to differentiate Haemonchus species from its main hosts in Iran, including sheep, goat and camel.  Methods:The identification took place based on the morphometrics of the spic-ules and molecular characters. Two hundred seventy adult male nematodes were collected from the abomasums of different ruminants (90 samples from each ani-mal) at the slaughterhouses from different localities in Iran. Samples were morpho-logically identified according to the spicules’ morphometric measurements. In the section on molecular study, 10 samples of each Haemonchus isolates were genetically examined. A simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS2-rDNA) were described to confirm the PCR results. Results:PCR-RFLP profile obtained from the restriction enzyme HPa1 in H. con-tortus and H. longistipes indicated 1 (278 bp) and 2 (113 and 135 bp) different frag-ments, respectively. The morphological parameters clearly distinguish H. contortus from H. longistipes. Moreover, regarding the ITS2-rDNA, sequences of 295 bp and 314 bp were obtained from H. contortus and H. longistipes, respectively. Conclusion:High similarity of cloned PvMSP-142 kDa gene in comparison to reference sequence and other sequences could be beneficial as a remarkable mo-lecular marker for serological diagnostic. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/332 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/332/469

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 206 212 EN Mohammad Reza Lashkarizadeh Dept. of Surgery and the Research Center for Tropical and Infectious diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Keivan Asgaripour Dept. of Surgery and the Research Center for Tropical and Infectious diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Ebrahim Saedi Dezaki Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Majid Fasihi Harandi Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background:Haemonchosis has a negative effect on the farming industry throughout the world, especially in the tropic and sub-tropic countries. The present study was carried out to differentiate Haemonchus species from its main hosts in Iran, including sheep, goat and camel.  Methods:The identification took place based on the morphometrics of the spic-ules and molecular characters. Two hundred seventy adult male nematodes were collected from the abomasums of different ruminants (90 samples from each ani-mal) at the slaughterhouses from different localities in Iran. Samples were morpho-logically identified according to the spicules’ morphometric measurements. In the section on molecular study, 10 samples of each Haemonchus isolates were genetically examined. A simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS2-rDNA) were described to confirm the PCR results. Results:PCR-RFLP profile obtained from the restriction enzyme HPa1 in H. con-tortus and H. longistipes indicated 1 (278 bp) and 2 (113 and 135 bp) different frag-ments, respectively. The morphological parameters clearly distinguish H. contortus from H. longistipes. Moreover, regarding the ITS2-rDNA, sequences of 295 bp and 314 bp were obtained from H. contortus and H. longistipes, respectively. Conclusion:High similarity of cloned PvMSP-142 kDa gene in comparison to reference sequence and other sequences could be beneficial as a remarkable mo-lecular marker for serological diagnostic. https://ijpa.tted"> 2019 06 18 Background: Dogs can act as reservoirs of canine leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania species. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis using a PCR technique among stray dogs living in three provinces of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Al-Ahsa Oasis and Al-Qaseem, where the disease is endemic; and to identify and document different Leishmania to species levels Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted, from Mar 2016 to Apr 2018, in three parts of Saudi Arabia: Central province (Riyadh), Eastern province (Al-Ahsa Oasis) and Al-Qaseem province. Blood samples were collected from 526 dogs; 40 presented cutaneous nodules so were suspected clinically of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Biopsy tissue collections and parasite cultures were performed. A generic kDNA was performed using different primers for Leishmania differentiation. Results: All blood samples were negative for Leishmania infantum infection by molecular analysis, though forty dogs had thick cutaneous lesions in different parts of their body. Four dogs’ skin lesions were associated with dermatitis, splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly. Parasite culture was used to diagnose cutaneous leishmaniasis, identifying 31/40 (77.5%) positive samples. Overall, of 526 samples, the prevalence of L. major and L. tropica was found to be 4% and 1.9%, respectively. Gender and age had a significant effect on Leishmania prevalence: (P=0.0212 and 0.0357), respectively. Conclusion: This was the first molecular study of dog leishmaniasis from Saudi Arabia of dogs confirmed to have cutaneous leishmaniasis. Further epidemiological and molecular investigations of domestic and wild canine infections with L. major, L. tropica and L. infantum in endemic and nonendemic areas of Saudi Arabia are required, for leishmaniasis control. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2094 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2094/939

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 19 240 249 EN Enas Fakhry ABDELHAMED Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt Eman Magdy FAWZY Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt Said Mahmoud AHMED Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt Rabab Sayed ZALAT Department of Medical Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt Hayam Elsaid RASHED Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt 2018 03 21 2018 09 03 Background Cryptosporidium parvum  is a dangerous intestinal pathogen due to its  devastating  effect in immunocompromised individuals. Considering low efficacy, high toxicity in addition to the development of resistance for the drugs used, this study aimed to find a new alternative treatment having the advantage of lower doses and minimal toxicity. As complementary for our previous research, we used a novel combination between artesunate loaded polymeric nanofiber and nanozoxide that had not been tried yet. Methods Our experiment was performed on 60 immunocompromised mice that divided into six groups of 10 mice each: G I: infected control, G II: infected and treated with nanozoxide, G III: infected and treated with combination of artesunate, G IV: infected and treated with combination of nanozoxide and artesunate loaded nanofiber, G V: infected and treated with artesunate-loaded nanofiber, Group VI: uninfected control. Group IV had the highest oocyst reduction rate. Results The novel combination between artesunate loaded polymeric nanofiber and nanozoxide  has a harmonizing effect in reducing oocyst shedding, increasing total antioxidants activity, decreasing oxidative stress in tissues in addition to the marked improvement of histopathological features. Conclusions This combination has a promising therapeutic effect against cryptosporidiosis particularly in immunocompromised individuals considering minor toxicity. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2065 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2065/940

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 19 250 257 EN Fariba ORUJZADEH Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh TABATABAIE Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khadijeh KHANALIHA Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Lame AKHLAGHI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Farah BOKHARAEI-SALIM Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Soudabeh FALLAH Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abdoulreza ESTEGHAMATI Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein MASOUMI-ASL Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 09 16 2019 06 19 Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection cause trichomoniasis. In this study prevalence and genotype of Iranian isolates of T. vaginalis infected (dsRNA) viruses were evaluated by PCR-RFLP and obtained patterns were then confirmed by sequence analysis and genotype of these Iranian isolates confirmed again. Methods: Ten strains of T.vaginalis were collected from 1700 vaginal samples of women referred to hospitals associated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran during Feb 2016 to Jul 2017, evaluated in points of infection to T. vaginalis Virus (TVV-1) were used in a PCR-RFLP. All of ten isolates of T. vaginalis were examined by designed nested PCR for actin gene and then digestion patterns of three endonuclease enzymes of HindII, MseI and RsaI were evaluated and genotype of these isolates was defined. Results: By combination of fragments pattern of three enzymes of HindII, RsaI and MseI, three genotypes were found; six genotypes E, two genotypes G and two genotypes I. The most dominant genotypes were genotype E. Among four TVV infected isolates two genotype E, one genotype G and one genotype I were found, however among six uninfected T. vaginalis isolates to TVV-1, all of three genotypes were also found. Conclusion: Three genotypes E, G and I in T. vaginalis infected with dsRNA isolates were found, however, these three genotypes in T. vaginalis without virus were also observed. Further study is needed to evaluate genotypes of T. vaginalis, which infected virus in more great T. vaginalis population. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1758 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1758/957

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 18 258 268 EN Mohammad AHMADI Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Biological Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran Ziba AKBARI Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mahbobeh ALIKHANI Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Biological Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran Reza HAJHOSSIANI Department of Biological Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran Zahra ZAMANI Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mohammad ARJMAND Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2018 05 20 2019 06 18 Background: Xanthium strumarium L. is extensively used as a traditional herb to treat many diseases and is also known as a source of phytochemicals. It has been used traditionally to treat trypanosomiasis, malaria fever, eczema, cancer, ulcer, fever, herpes headache, and skin lesion such as leishmaniasis. In this preliminary study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-metabolomics approaches was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects and metabolic alterations caused by leaf extract of X. strumarium on the stationary phases of promastigotes in Leishmania major. Methods: The promastigotes were cultured in Biochemistry Laboratory at Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2017, stationary phases were obtained from 5 to 6 day-old cultures and treated with different concentrations of the plant’s extract. Antileishmanial activity was assayed by MTT method and cell metabolites were extracted. 1H NMR spectroscopy was applied, and outliers were separated using multivariate statistical analysis. Results: The most affected metabolic pathways in the experimental groups were limited to amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of X. strumarium is a potent growth inhibitor of Leishmania major and can affect vital metabolic pathways of Leishmania promastigotes. The assay provided new perspectives on the development of novel treatment strategies for leishmanial activity derived from natural products. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2138 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2138/941

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 18 269 279 EN Safa ARYAMAND Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Shahram KHADEMVATAN Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Khosrow HAZRATI TAPPEH Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Behnam HESHMATIAN Department of Physiology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Ali JELODAR Department of Medical Parasitology, Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2017 10 10 2018 05 21 Background: We aimed to investigate the scolicidal effects of Holothuria leucospilota extract and CeO2 nanoparticles against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts in-vitro and in-vivo. Methods: Hydatid cysts were collected from, Urmia slaughterhouses between years 2016-2017 and the hydatid fluid aspirated from the fertile cysts. Various concentration of H. leucospilota extract, CeO2 NPs and combination of CeO2-NPs/H. leucospilota were used for 10-60 min to evaluate the viability of protoscoleces by 0.1% eosin method. CASPASE -3 activity measured for assessment of cell apoptosis in treated protoscoleces. BALB/c mice were infected intraperitoneally with 2000 viable protoscoleces and treated daily for 4 wk by intragastrical inoculation with H. leucospilota, CeO2 NPs, combination of CeO2 NPs/H. leucospilota and Albendazole. Cyst development was macroscopically analyzed. Results: H. leucospilota extract and combination of CeO2 NPs/H. leucospilota have potent scolicidal activity at concentration of 20 mg/ml and 15 mg/ml after 60 min treatment. Maximum caspase-3 activity was observed when protoscoleces expose with H. leucospilota and combination H. leucospilota & CeO2 NPs. After treatment of cyst infected mice with extract and CeO2 NPs, combination of CeO2 NPs/H leucospilota and albendazole, a significant decrease in number of cysts, size and volume of cyst (P<0.05) was observed. Conclusion: This result shows an antihydatic and scolicidal effects of H. leucospilota extract and CeO2 NPs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1820 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1820/942

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 18 280 287 EN Shohreh AZIMI Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Azar SABOKBAR Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Amir BAIRAMI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Javad GHARAVI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran AND Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 08 28 2018 01 15 Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) remains a leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected patients. The aim of study was to find out P. jirovecii in versatile group of HIV-positive patients prisoners. Methods: Overall, 102 HIV positive patients from Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, Iran from October 2016 to March 2017 without any respiratory symptoms were selected with different medication histories against HIV and PCP. Microscopic and molecular (qualitative real-time PCR) examination were applied on sputum specimens and serological investigation (β-D-glucan assay for fungal diseases) carried out on patient’s sera. Results: Only 3 and 1 patients were positive for PCP by microscopic and molecular testing, respectively. Twenty-four (23.5%) and 78 (76.5%) out of 102 patients were seropositive and seronegative for fungi disease, respectively. Seropositive patients were older than seronegative subjects (P<0.001). Most of seropositive individuals showed less mean value of CD4 counts compared to seronegative group (P<0.001). Of 54 patients who were under HIV therapy, 13 were seropositive compared to 11 out of 24 seropositives who were no adhere to treatment (P<0.001). In terms of prophylactic antibiotic therapy against PCP, of 24 patients who received prophylaxis, 3 (12.5%) and 21 (87.5%) were seropositive and seronegative, respectively (P<0.001). On the contrary, among 78 patients who did not receive prophylaxis, 21 (27%) and 57 (73%) belonged to seropositive and seronegative patients, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: There was no strong evidence for PCP infection/disease among symptomless, HIV positive patients. According to their mean CD4 counts, the hypothesis for being negative in a majority of applied tests would be the absence of severe immunosuppression in the patients. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1740 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1740/943

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 18 288 296 EN Mohammad MATINI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad FALLAH Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Amir Hossein MAGHSOOD Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Massoud SAIDIJAM Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Majid FASIHI HARANDI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2018 04 07 2019 06 18 Background: Cystic echinococcosis, a major public health and economic concern, is a zoonotic helminth infection with worldwide distribution. This study was conducted to investigate the genetic characteristics of hydatid cysts isolated from human and livestock in Hamadan region, western Iran during 2016-2017. Methods: Ten human hydatid cysts and 40 animal hydatid cysts including 32 sheep, 5 cattle and 3 goats were genotyped by PCR amplification of two mitochondrial genes, cox1 and nad1. Genetic identification of the isolates was performed by using bioinformatics software and mtDNA nucleotide sequences of the parasite, available in GenBank database. Results: The PCR amplification was successfully carried out on 50 hydatid cyst isolates and then the nucleotide sequencing was conducted. The sequence analysis of the samples found that the isolates belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto including G1 (42/50, 84%), G2 (4/50, 8%) and G3 (4/50, 8%) genotype. The G1 genotype was detected in human (8/10, 80%), sheep (26/32, 81%), cattle (5/5, 100%) and goat (3/3, 100%) hydatid cysts. The G2 and G3 genotypes were found only in sheep and human isolates. Alignment analysis of the cox1 and nad1 gene sequences revealed thirteen and ten sequence types, respectively. Conclusion: G1 was the prevailing genotype of E. granulosus in the area and dog-sheep transmission cycle should be considered when implementing hydatidosis control programs. In addition, high genetic diversity was detected among the hydatid cyst isolates. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2074 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2074/944

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 19 297 302 EN Hossein HAMIDINEJAT Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Somayeh BAHRAMI Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Bahman MOSALANEJAD Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Sharareh PAHLAVAN Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran 2017 08 20 2018 05 21 Background: Anaplasmosis due to Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an important tick-borne zoonotic disease, which affects dogs, horses, cattle and human as well. This study aimed to probe the existence of this organism by means of molecular biology techniques for the first time in rural dogs of Khuzestan province, Southwestern Iran. Methods: During Sep 2014 to Apr 2015 blood samples of 103 apparently healthy rural dogs (60 males) were collected for A. phagocytophilum detection by light microscopical examination of Giemsa stained slides and Nested PCR on a fragment of 16S rRNA gene. Results: From the examined slides, 11.65% were positive for A. morulae while 57.28% of infection was revealed by Nested PCR method. There was no statistical difference between ages and sexes of dogs and infection in molecular survey of A. phagocytophilum. Conclusion: Molecular prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was noticeably high. It may cause the incidence of disease in human population. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1739 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1739/945

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 2 2019 06 19 303 309 EN Gohain Barua ACHEENTA Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, India Chutia Pawan JYOTI Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, India Raj HIMANGSHU