Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 445 451 EN Khadijeh Khanaliha Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hamed Mirjalali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 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 (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Fatemeh Tarighi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Rezaeian Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14  Background: This study aimed to compare three staining methods including: Calcofluor white, Chromotrope and Quick Hot Gram chromotrope used in diagnosis of intestinal microsporidial spores. Methods: One hundred and seventy five stool specimens were collected from patients referred to Laboratory of Intestinal Protozoology at the School of Public Health, Tehran university of Medical Sciences during 2012-2013. All of specimens were evaluated by nested PCR. The formalin–fixed stool samples were prepared from each specimen and dried at room temperature for 10 min, followed by 10 min methanol fixation. All the collected stoolsamples were evaluated blindly by calcofluor white, Chromotrope and Quick Hot Gram chromotrope staining methods separately. Results : Microsporidial spores were recognized using Chromotrope, Quick Hot Gram chromotrope and Calcofluor white, in16 of 18 (88.8%), 17 of 18 (94.4%) and 18 of18(100%) samples that were positive by nested PCR respectively. Regarding 14 stool samples that were negative by nested PCR, 14 cases were negative bychromotrope and Quick hot Gram chromotrope and 13 samples were negative by Calcofluor white. One discordant sample interpreted as false positive. Conclusion: Calcofluor white staining had the best performance for the detection of intestinal Microsprora spores and can be used as initial screen test for the detection of intestinal Microspora spp   https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/379 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/379/365

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 452 460 EN Hossein Mahmoudvand Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mojtaba Shakibaie Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Razieh Tavakoli Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Sareh Jahanbakhsh Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Iraj Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Sensitive and glucantime (MA) resistance Leishmania tropica are referred to those isolates, which are responsive, or non-responsive to one or two full courses of treatment by MA systematically and/or intra-lesionally, respectively. In this study, we evaluated the antileishmanial activity of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) alone and in combination with MA against sensitive and glucantimeresistant L. tropica on in vitro model. Methods: The Se NPs were synthesized by employing the Bacillus sp. MSh-1. The antileishmanial effects of Se NPs alone and in combination with MA on promastigote and amastigote stages of sensitive and glucantime-resistant L. tropica strains have been investigated using a colorimetric MTT assay and in a macrophage model. In addition hemolytic activity in type O+ human red blood cells and infectivity rate of the promastigotes before and after treatment with the Se NPs was evaluated. Results: In the promastigote stage, various concentrations of Se NPs significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the growth of promastigotes of both strains in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, Se NPs especially in combination with MA significantly reduced the mean number of amastigotes of both strains in each macrophage. Se NPs showed no hemolytic effect on human RBCs at low concentrations. Moreover, infection rate of macrophages by promastigotes significantly (P<0.05) was reduced when promastigotes pre-treated with Se NPs. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest a first step in the search of Se NPs as a new antileishmanial agent. Further experiments are needed to investigate antileishmanial effects of biogenic Se NPs on L. tropica using a clinical setting. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/378 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/378/366

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 461 465 EN Mohammad Saberinasab Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 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. Gholamreza Molawi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Eshrat Beigom Kia 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. Mojgan Aryaeipour Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Mohammad Bagher Rokni 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. 2015 10 14 Background: The aim of this study was to detect the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis in Isfahan County, central Iran in 2013. Methods: Overall, 471 sera samples were collected from people recalled randomly to 20 health centers in the city of Isfahan and 10 related villages in 2014. Sera were examined using ELISA test. A questionnaire was filled out for each participant. Results: Altogether eight cases (1.7%) were seropositive which had the OD absorbance in ELISA test more than the calculated cutoff of 0.36. All of them were female. One positive subject had a history of consuming Delar (Local dish) and three seropositive cases with history of eating Zeitoon-Parvadeh (Proceeded olive). Conclusion: Isfahan County might be considered as one area apt for fascioliasis.More studies in terms of veterinary investigation and verifying the risk factors are necessary.     https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/377 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/377/367

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 466 473 EN Nozhat Zebardast Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Haghighi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Farshid Yeganeh Dept. of Immunology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Javad Gharavi Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shirzad Fallahi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. Zohreh Lasjerdi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Nima Salehi 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. Cobra Kohansal Tamin Ejtemaee Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. Farideh Naderi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Entamoeba moshkovskii and E. dispar are impossible to differentiate microscopically from the pathogenic species E. histolytica. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) is a widespread molecular biology technique for amplification of multiple targets in a single PCR experiment. Methods: For detection and differentiation of the three-microscopy indistinguishable Entamoeba species in human, multiplex PCR assay using different DNA extraction methods was studied. A conserved forward primer was derived from the middle of the small-subunit rRNA gene, and reverse primers were designed from signature sequences specific to each of these three Entamoeba species. Results: A 166-bp PCR product with E. histolytica DNA, a 580-bp product with E. moshkovskii DNA and a 752-bp product with E. dispar DNA were generated in a single-round and multiplex PCR reaction. Conclusion: We recommend this PCR assay as an accurate, rapid, and effective diagnostic method for the detection and discrimination of these three Entamoeba species in both routine diagnosis of amoebiasis and epidemiological surveys. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/376 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/376/368

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 474 481 EN Ali Rostami School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hossien Keshavarz School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Saeedeh Shojaee School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mehdi Mohebali 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. Ahmad Reza Meamar School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Toxoplasma gondii, the obligate intracellular parasite is life threatening in AIDS patients. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is based on serological methods especially increasing of IgM and IgG titers, but finding of parasite or its components (antigenemia) may be beneficial method in order to detection of acute toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients. Methods: Ninety-four serum samples from HIV positive patients were collected from Sanandaj, Kordistan west of Iran. These patients were lived in Sanandaj of whom 26 were prisoners infected with HIV virus in prison. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were determined by IgG ELISA. T. gondii antigen was identified by capture-ELISA. PCR was performed on samples with T. gondii antigenemia. CD4+ T cellscounts had been determined by flowcytometry and were obtained from records of each patient. Results: Among the examined HIV seropositive individuals, 19.1% (18/94) and 5.3% (5/94) were positive for Toxoplasma-IgG and antigenemia, respectively. Besides,one of the samples was positively detected by PCR method. Mean age of participants was 37.9 ± 9.5 year. Prevalence of IgG antibody and antgenemia was higher in age group of 40-50 years old. The Mean of CD4+ T cells counts of participants (total of HIV+ patients, IgG positive patients and patients with antigenemia) was 699.2 ± 345.2, 655.1 ± 237.9 and 620.2 ± 215.1 respectively. Conclusion: Capture-ELISA and PCR could confirm the T. gondii acute infection in HIV positive patients. For precise diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in HIV positive patient, performance of more studies based on more sensitive types of PCR is suggested.   https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/375 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/375/369

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 482 490 EN Elahe Ebrahimzade Department of Parasitology, Iranian Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Parviz Shayan Department of Parasitology, Iranian Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Zeinab Asghari Department of Parasitology, Iranian Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Sedighe Jafari Department of Parasitology, Iranian Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Zahra Omidian Department of Parasitology, Iranian Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Cryptosporidium parvum causes severe gastroenteritis in immunocompromised human and new borne animals. The organism can be transmitted through water. Since small number of C. parvum is infectious, the aim of the present study was to develop a chromatography method for the isolation of C. parvum oocyst in samples with limited number of oocysts. Methods: Antibody was prepared against whole antigen from C. parvum oocysts, the achieved Ab bound to the sepharose 4B and used for the isolation of oocysts. Antibody against P23 bound to the sepharose 4B, used also for the isolation of C. parvum oocyst. In comparison to these both methods, 2 traditional methods (Salt floatation and 55% sucrose floatation) were also performed. Results: Both chromatography methods could bind oocysts with capacity depends on the column size. The isolated oocysts were free of bacteria. Our results showed that the traditional methods are useful for the isolation of oocysts from feces, in its smear stained with ziehl-nelsen, at least 3 oocyts are detectable in each microscopic field under 1000 X magnification. In contrast to the chromatography methods, the bacterial contamination was always observed in oocysts isolated with traditional methods. Conclusion: Immunochromatography could be used for the successful isolation of C. parvum oocysts from the samples containing limited number of oocysts. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/374 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/374/370

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 491 502 EN Majid Pirestani Dept. of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Abdolhossein Dalimi Dept. of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Shahabodin Sarvi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Nima Khoramabadi Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease of humans and various herbivorous domestic animals transmitted by the contact with domestic and wild carnivores,mainly dogs and foxes. The aim of this study is the production, purification and evaluation immunogenicity of new construction of EG95 protein. Methods: The recombinant plasmid pET32-a+ used for Eg95 expression was constructed with the EG95 gene of Echinococcus granulosus fused with the thioredoxin tag.This recombinant clone was over expressed in Escherichia coli BL-21 (DE-3). The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the insoluble form (inclusion bodies) in cell lysate. The purification was performed under denaturing conditions in the presence of 8M urea by Ni–NTA column and dialysis. The purified recombinant proteins were confirmed with western blot analysis using polyclonal antiserum. To find out the immunogenicity of the purified protein, the BALB/c mice(10mice/group) were immunized by injecting 20 μg rEG95 protein formulated in Freund’s and alum adjuvant. Results: Immunization of mice with rEG95 using CFA/IFA and alum adjuvant generated high level of total antibody. In proliferation assay, the lymphocytes were able to mount a strong proliferative response with related production of IFN-ɣ, IL-12 and TNF-α but with low secretion of either IL-4 or IL-10. The humoral and cellular immune responses against rEG95 suggested a mixed Th1/Th2 response with high intensity toward Th1. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that new construct of rEG95 formulated with CFA/IFA and alum adjuvant elicited strong cellular and humoral responses supporting further development of this vaccine candidate https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/373 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/373/371

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 503 510 EN Hossein Mahmoudvand Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman, Iran. Ebrahim Saedi Dezaki Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman, Iran. Fariba Sharififar Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Behrouz Ezatpour Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. Sareh Jahanbakhsh Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, 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: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by the metacestode (larvae) stage of dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and recognized as a major economic and public health concern in the world. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of Berberis vulgaris L. roots and its main compound, berberine against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts. Methods: For this purpose, protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the methanolic extract (0.25-2 mg/ml) and berberine (0.062- 0.5 mg/ml) were used for 5 to 30 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by eosin exclusive test. Results: In the present study, all of the various concentrations of the B. vulgaris methanolic extract (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ml) and berberine (0.062, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml) revealed significant (P<0.05) scolicidal effects against protoscoleces of E. granulosus in a dose-dependent manner. Both berberine and methanolic extract exhibited 100% inhibition against protoscoleces of E. granulosus at the concentration of 2.0 and 0.5 mg/ml after 10 min incubation respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, both B. vulgaris methanolic extract and berberine alone demonstrated high scolicidal activities against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts in low concentration and short exposure time on in vitro model.However, in vivo efficacy of B. vulgaris and berberine also requires to be evaluated using an animal model with hydatid infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/372 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/372/372

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 511 518 EN Ali Yousefi Dept. of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Ali Eslami Dept. of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Iraj Mobedi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran. Sadegh Rahbari Dept. of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Hooman Ronaghi Dept. of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: To determine the prevalence and intensity of helminths and their zoonotic importance in small rodents inhabiting in the suburban areas of Hamadan City,Iran. Methods: The present survey was conducted on the helminth infections of two species of rodents Apodemus sylvaticus (n=60) and Mus musculus(n=72) in the suburban areas of Hamadan City during 2010-2012. Rodents were collected and examined for helminth in the different organs. The nematodes were collected in 5% formalin solution and cleared in lactophenol, cestodes and trematodes collected from intestine fixed in AFA solution and stained by acetocarmine, cleared in xylol for identification. Results: Helminths found in A. sylvaticus and M. musculus and their prevalence for the first time in suburban areas of Hamadan City were as follows; In A. sylvaticus: Cysticercus fasciolaris(3.33%), Syphacia fredrici(26.67%), S. stroma(8.33%), Anoplocephalidae sp. (1.67%), Skrjabinotaenia lobata(5%), Plagiorchis muris(1.67%) and in M. musculus: Hymenolepis nana(16.67%), H. diminuta (5.55%), S. obvelata(30.56%), S. ohtarom (9.72%), Rodentolepis crassa(1.39%), C. fasciolaris (1.39%). Among 11 species in two rodents 4 species including S.obvelata, H. nana, H. diminuta, and P. muris have zoonotic importance. Statistically the relation between gender and their helminth infections was not significant in either M.musculus or A. sylvaticus (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study reports 11 species of helminths and on the other hand 3species were identified for the first time in Iran and 5 species of them have potential health importance for public health and cat. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/371 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/371/373

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 519 529 EN Hande Dagci Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Özgür Kurt Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey. Mete Demirel Ministry of Health's Moris Sinasi International Paediatric Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Aliye Mandiracioglu Dept. of Public Health, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Söhret Aydemir Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Ulas Saz Dept. of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Aldert Bart Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Amsterdam University, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Tom VAN Gool Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Amsterdam University, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 2015 10 14 Background: The aims of this study were to identify Blastocystis subtypes (STs) in a cohort of Turkish patients with various gastrointestinal symptoms using a novel Real Time PCR method developed recently for Blastocystis detection and assess the relationship between Blastocystis STs and patient symptoms. Methods: Totally, 617 stool samples of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were examined with microscopy and inoculated in Jones medium. Blastocystispositive samples were further assessed to identify coinfections with other possible pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Diagnostic efficacies of microscopy,culture and Real-Time PCR were compared. PCR products were sequenced to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis isolates. Results: Totally 94 (15.24%) samples were positive for Blastocystis after all methods.Among these, 83 of 94 (88.3%) samples were identified with all methods,while 11 were positive only with Real Time PCR. Diarrhea and abdominal pain were the leading symptoms in the patients. The only pathogenic agent identified in 76 of 94 (80.9%) patients was Blastocystis. Subtype 3 was the leading Blastocystis subtype (44.6%), while subtypes 6 and 7 were firstly isolated from symptomatic patients in our region. Conclusion: Comparison of three diagnostic methods indicated Real Time PCR as the most sensitive and specific method. Blastocystis was the only pathogenic agent among symptomatic patients, with subtype 3 being predominant. Patients with subtypes 6 and 7 need further assessments concerning the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/370 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/370/375

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 530 540 EN Abeer Mahmoud Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Rasha Attia Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Safaa Said Dept. of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Zedan Ibraheim Dept. of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. 2015 10 14 Background: Giardia lamblia is one of the most common protozoal infections in human especially children. Metronidazol (MTZ) is the drug of choice for treatment of giardiasis; its chemical composition possesses major threats and is becoming less sensitive. This study aimed to search for natural extracts alternative to MTZ. Methods: In-vivo effects of dichloromethane extracts of ginger and cinnamon in doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day separately were studied on 30 experimentally infected albino rats divided into 6 groups (5 rats each). Plant extracts were started on the 6th day post infection for 7 successive days. The study was evaluated by fecal cyst and intestinal trophozoite counts, histopathology, scanning and transmission electron microscopic examinations of the small intestinal mucosa. Results: Ginger and cinnamon caused reduction of fecal cyst and trophozoites counts. Histopathology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after exposure to each extract revealed evident improvement of intestinal mucosal damage produced by G. lamblia infection and direct structural injury to the trophozoites. However, these results were more obvious after exposure to cinnamon extracts. Conclusion: We confirmed the potential therapeutic effects of ginger and cinnamon extracts on G. lamblia infection in albino rats as a promising alternative therapy to the commonly used antigiardial drugs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/369 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/369/376

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 541 547 EN Khosro Hazrati Tappeh Center for Research of Cellular and Molecular of Urmia, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Gholamreza Manafi Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Mohammad Asgharzadeh Dept. of Paramedical Faculty, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Farideh Manafi Dept. of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Giardia lamblia is one of the most prevalent intestinal flagellate protozoa that infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts causing severe intestinal disorder in children.This study was performed to determine subspecies of G.lamblia by the PCRRFLP method, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase(gdh)locus, in hospitalized children at Urmia Mutahhari Hospital, West Azerbaijan Province,Iran and determining the infection transformational storages in this area. Methods: Overall,720 stool specimens were collected from the hospitalized children,34 samples were positive and Giardia cysts were detected under the microscope. Cysts were partially purified by the sucrose density gradient method and then washed with sterile distilled water to remove effectively the PCR inhibitors. Genomic DNA of G.lamblia isolates was extracted by freeze-thaw cycles followed by phenol/ chloroform/isoamyl alcohol method. The single step PCR-RFLP assay was used to differentiate the assemblages between A and B, which were found in humans. In this method,432 bp expected size was amplified, and then for detection of subspecies, specificrestriction RsaI and BspLI enzymes were used. Results: Totally 34 samples were positive in terms of Giardia cyst out of 720 examined samples microscopically, so the parasite spread rate is reported 4.72%. Analysis PCR-RFLP on these samples revealed that 28 samples (93.3%) have the genotype BIII and 2 samples (6.7%) belong to the subgroup BIV. Conclusion: PCR-RFLP is a proper analytical method for determining the genotypeamong parasite types, using the glutamate dehydrogenizes zone's genes. Based on the results, an animal origin of infection cycle is suggested. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/368 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/368/377

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 548 552 EN Meral Meshkekar Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Baqyatallah University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran. Javid Sadraei Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University Tehran, Iran. Abbas Mahmoodzadeh Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Baqyatallah University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran. Iraj Mobedi Dept. of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: The aim of this study was to determine intestinal and liver helminth infections in Rattus rodents in Tehran Iran. Methods: Overall, 306 traps were put in 39 different regions in Tehran from 2009 to 2010. Rodents, including R. rattus and R. norvegicus were caught by live-traps.They become unconscious and the spinal cords were cut, afterwards the body was dissected and the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and cecum were studied separately. The dominant type and the prevalence rate of parasites in then rodents were determined based on the infected parts of their body. Results: After recognition of the helminthes’ types, among the 120 total number of rodents, 39 belonged to males, while among the infected rodents, 57(47.5%) were female and 18(15%) were male. The prevalence of infection in Tehran was 62.5%. Seventy cases (58.33%) of helminth infections were observed in R. rattus and 5 cases (4.16%) were observed in R. norvegicus. The maximum prevalence (15.5%) was seen in the center and east part of Tehran, while the minimum (9.16%) was in the north part of the city. The helminthes types and the corresponding percentages were Hymenolepis nana fraterna (35.8%), Heterakis spumosa (17.5%), Hymenolepisdiminuta (7.5%) and Capillaria annulosa (1.6%). The dominant rodent was Rattus rattus and among the identified helminthes, Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana fraterna are zoonotic ones. Conclusion: The information presented here improves our understanding of the major parasitic infections that rodents harbor and can transmit to human and animal populations in Iran. To prevent infectivity of human, the hazard of the identified zoonotic species needs to be contemplated. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/367 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/367/378

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 553 559 EN Azadeh Ghiaee Dept. of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Farzaneh Naghibi Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Centre (TMRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. Somayeh Esmaeili Dept. of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mahmoud Mosaddegh Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Centre (TMRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Malaria is a major international public health problem. Drug-resistant parasites have made treatment and control of malaria more difficult. Therefore, safe, affordable and effective new drugs are urgently needed. Traditional medicine is an important source for new drugs. Determining the ancient medicinal books was the first step of this study for finding malaria or disease that has symptoms like malaria. Then the plants that used to treat “Ghebbe Khalesseh fever” were listed. Finally, recent antimalarial researches were explored. About 31 plants were identified. Information from these resources is valuable for the selection of plants for antiplasmodial screening programs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/366 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/366/380

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 560 567 EN Javad Khedri Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Radfar Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. Hassan Borji Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Mohammad Azizzadeh Dept. of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Baharak Akhtardanesh Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran. Methods: From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology. Results: Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically.The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5%(95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P=0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant.The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%)was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%) . Conclusion: It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/365 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/365/398

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 568 573 EN Wen Hui Li State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. Zi Gang Qu State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. Nian Zhang Zhang State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. Long Yue State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. Wen Yan Gai State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. Wan Zhong Jia State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China AND Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou, China. Jian Xun Luo State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China AND Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou, China. Hong Yin State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China AND Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou, China. Bao Quan Fu State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China AND Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou, China. 2015 10 14 Background: Taenia multiceps is a cestode parasite with its larval stage(metacestode), Coenurus cerebralis, mainly encysts in the central nervous system of sheep and other livestock causing cerebralis coenurosis. Since treatment of coenurosis with chemotherapy showed little effect and surgical removal of cysts is not advisable in field conditions, vaccination is useful to control coenurosis. Previous study indicated that immunization with T. multiceps metacestode antigens could induce protection in sheep against coenurosis, so the aim of this study was to identifyT. multiceps metacestode antigens in order to find potential vaccine development candidates for further study. Methods: The protein extracts from the larval T. multiceps were analyzed by twodimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and characterized by mass spectrometry. Results: A total of 150 protein spots were detected with isoelectric point (pI) value from 4.97 to 9.65 and molecular weight from 14 to 98 kDa. Twenty-two protein identities were determined by mass spectrometry and 15 unique proteins were obtained.Functional annotation revealed that some of these proteins are involved in catalytic activity, binding, metabolic, cellular process and stress response. Among these molecules are antioxidant proteins (peroxiredoxin and glutathione-S-transferase),glycolytic enzymes (malate dehydrogenase and enolase), proteins with chaperone activity (heat shock protein 70 and small heat shock protein), and structural proteins (actin, actin modulator protein and paramyosin). Conclusion: The identification of T. multiceps metacestode protein will provide valuable information to elucidate their specific roles in the parasitism and screen new targets for vaccine development https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/364 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/364/382

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 574 583 EN Nour Hammoudeh Dept. of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. Mahmoud Kweider Dept. of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. Abdul-Qader Abbady Dept. of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria(AECS), Damascus, Syria. Chadi Soukkarieh Dept. of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. 2015 10 14 Background: Leishmania Homologue of receptors for Activated C Kinase(LACK) antigen is a 36-kDa protein, which provokes a very early immune response against Leishmania infection. There are several reports on the expression of LACK through different life-cycle stages of genus Leishmania, but only a few of them have focused on L.tropica. Methods: The present study provides details of the cloning, DNA sequencing and gene expression of LACK in this parasite species. First,several local isolates of Leishmania parasites were typed in our laboratory using PCR technique to verify of Leishmania parasite species. After that,LACK gene was amplified and cloned into a vector for sequencing. Finally,the expression of this molecule in logarithmic and stationary growth phase promastigotes, as well as in amastigotes, was evaluated by Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique. Results: The typing result confirmed that all our local isolates belong to L.tropica. LACK gene sequence was determined and high similarity was observed with the sequences of other Leishmania species. Furthermore,the expression of LACK gene in both promastigotes and amastigotesforms was confirmed. Conclusion: Overall, the data set the stage for future studies of the properties and immune role of LACK gene products. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/363 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/363/383

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 584 587 EN Ali Hosseininasab Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Iraj Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Daei Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mehdi Zarean Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mahsa Dadkhah Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14 Leishmania infantum is the most frequent cause of visceral leishmaniasis and L. tropica has been rarely linked to the disease in Iran. In this study, bone marrow aspirates were collected from 10 child patients, suspected with visceral leishmaniasis referred to the Pediatric Wards of Kerman Medical Hospitals, Kerman, Iran during 2002–2011. Leishmania species were identified by using nested PCR in all slides. The PCR samples from nine patients indicated L. infantum as principal causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis and one L. tropica as a minor species. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/362 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/362/384

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 588 593 EN Rahim Hobbenaghi Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Mousa Tavassoli Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Ali Nazarizadeh Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. 2015 10 14 Cerebral coenurosis is the intermediary larval stage of Taenia multiceps, which affects intermediate hosts, particularly sheep and goats. In this report, gross and microscopic features of three scarce natural coenurosis cases, a oneyear-old ram and two lambs of 7 month old from a flock are explained. Atnecropsy, numerous small cysts measuring 5 to 10 mm in diameter were observed on both cerebrum and cerebellum surfaces, likewise multiple deep parts of which. In histopathological examination of the neural tissue, severe tissue destruction, a distinct layer of Gitter cells formation around the cysts,neuronophagia, gliosis and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes were observed. In this early stage of parasite life cycle, larval migration and destruction of tissue, also aggregation of glial cells around the cysts cause a loose connection between cysts and neural tissue. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/361 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/361/386

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 594 596 EN Emad Amanatfard Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch, Babol, Iran. Mohammad Reza Youssefi Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch, Babol, Iran. Alireza Barimani Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch, Babol, Iran. 2015 10 14 Ophionyssus natricis is a purely blood sucking parasite of snakes and of worldwide distribution. Infected snakes often exhibit lethargy, pruritus, crusting dermatitis,and behavioral changes. Ophionyssus natricis can also attack humans, causing popular vesiculo-bullous eruption of the skin. A 29 years old man working in zoo,Sari, Mazandaran, Iran, presented itchy papullar eruption of the skin. He had noticed small insects fixed on his skin and large numbers of these same insects on a python and its cage in the zoo. Regarding totheir morphological characteristics they were diagnosed as O. natricis (Geravis, 1844), a snake mite. It is the first report of O. natricis from Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/360 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/360/387

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 4 2014 12 15 597 598 EN Gharib Karimi Dept. of Microbiology, Blood Transfusion Research Centre, High institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine. Tehran, Iran. Ahmad Mardan Dept. of Microbiology, Blood Transfusion Research Centre, High institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine. Tehran, Iran. Maryam Zadsar Dept. of Microbiology, Blood Transfusion Research Centre, High institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine. Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 No Abstract https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/359 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/359/388