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 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 646 651 EN Rahim NEMATI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Aliasghar BAHARI Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Pezhman MAHMOODI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Alireza SAZMAND Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran 2018 05 25 Background: Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) compounds is common in Teladorsagia circumcincta populations in sheep and goats worldwide. Given the importance of anthelmintic resistance and shortage of information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this prevalent nematode in Iran, this study was conducted. Methods: From June to September 2016, abomasa of 139 sheep of different sexes and ages in Amol City slaughterhouse, northern Iran were examined for isolation of nematodes. Totally 45 male T. circumcincta confirmed by both microscopical and nested-PCR-RFLP methods were included in this study. Susceptibility or resistance of each single T. circumcincta worm to benzimidazoles was assessed using allele-specific PCR. Results: Frequency of genotypes in the present study were 33.33% heterozygote BZ and 66.67% BZ homozygote sensitive. No homozygote resistant worm was found. Conclusion: Resistance against BZs in T. circumcincta of sheep has occurred at a low prevalence in the north of Iran. However, mutated genes might get dominant under drug selection in future. Hence, periodic investigations for early detection of mutated alleles in nematode populations using accurate and sensitive molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP is recommended. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2142

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 534 541 EN Mojtaba SHAHNAZI Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Farzaneh NAGHIZADEH Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Elham HAJIALILO Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Safar Ali ALIZADEH Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Microbiology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mehrzad SARAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mahmood ALIPOUR Department of Social Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 2018 04 07 2019 12 29 Background: We aimed to investigate the genotypes of Giardia intestinalis among the food handlers in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: Overall, 1530 stool specimens were collected from the food handlers who visited Shahid Bolandian Health Center, Qazvin, Iran during 2016. Specimens were evaluated by microscopic and concentration methods. Twenty specimens with appropriate number of giardia cysts were selected followed by DNA extraction. Determination of giardia genotypes was achieved through PCR and sequencing the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. The phylogenetic tree was drawn using the MEGA7 software. Finally, the data were analyzed statistically with a P-value<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Twenty stool samples (1.3%) were positive for Giardia cyst. All positive specimens were obtained from male participants with abdominal cramp being their most common symptoms. The mean age for infected individuals was 32 yr. Molecular characterization was successfully performed for 17 isolates and two genotypes A (AII, 65%) and B (BIII, 35%) were identified. Conclusion: The most prevalent giardia genotypes among the food handlers in Qazvin were A (AII) and B (BIII) genotypes with A (AII) genotype as the dominant one in the region. Considering the direct association between the food handlers and public health as well as the impact of geographical and host conditions on dispersion and pathogenicity of various genotypes and their zoonotic aspects, further investigations are necessary. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2075

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 674 678 Sercan ÖZKAÇMAZ Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey 2019 12 31 Hydatidosis, is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Although the disease most commonly affects liver and lungs, almost all organ and tissue involvements are documented. Rupture into pericardial space which may lead to pericardial effusion, pericarditis and pericardial tamponade, can be seen especially in the patients with cardiac hydatidosis. But rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into the pericardial space through a transdiaphragmatic fistula is very rare. In this report, we present imaging findings of a type III hepatic hydatid cyst lesion which ruptured spontaneously into pericardial space and caused pericardial effusion. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2755

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 652 656 EN Abraham Octavio RODRÍGUEZ-DE LA FUENTE Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México Ricardo GOMEZ-FLORES Department of Immunology and Virology, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México José Antonio HEREDIA-ROJAS Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México Edna Marbella GARCÍA-MUÑOZ Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Javier VARGAS-VILLARREAL Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Magda Elizabeth HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Francisco GONZÁLEZ-SALAZAR Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Jesús Norberto GARZA-GONZÁLEZ Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Michaela BELTCHEVA Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria Omar Heredia-Rodriguez Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México 2018 12 04 2019 04 16 Background: There is an increasing interest in using physical factors such as magnetic fields as antimicrobial strategy, with variable results. The current study was aimed to evaluate the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the axenically-cultured parasite protozoans Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia lamblia growth. Methods: Bioassays were developed using T. vaginalis, GT-13 and G. lamblia IMSS-0989 strains cultured at 37 ºC in TYI-S-33 medium. The following treatment regimens and controls were considered: (a) cells exposed to ELF-EMFs, (b) untreated cells, (c) cells treated with Metronidazole, used as positive controls, and (d) cells co-exposed to ELF-EMFs and Metronidazole. When cultures reached the end of logarithmic phase, they were exposed to ELF-EMFs for 72 h, in a standardized magnetic field exposure facility. For determining cytotoxic effects, trophozoite density was blindly evaluated in a Neubauer chamber. Results: A significant decrease in trophozoite growth was observed for T. vaginalis, in magnetic field-treated cultures. On the other hand, cultures co-exposed to ELF-EMFs and Metronidazole showed no significant differences when compared with cultures treated with Metronidazole alone. On the contrary, an increased trophozoite density was observed in G. lamblia cultures after exposure to magnetic fields. An absence of a synergistic or antagonistic effect was observed. Conclusion: ELF-EMFs induced T. vaginalis and G. lamblia growth alterations, indicating a potential effect in cell cycle progression. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2380

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 542 551 EN Farzaneh MIRZAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Hossein KHANAHMAD Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Fatemeh NAMDAR Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran Shahrokh IZADI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran Seyed Hossein HEJAZI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran AND Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2016 12 20 2019 12 29 Background: We aimed to design a different method of drug delivery for increased transfer of the choice drug (meglumine antimoniate) within the host cells. Therefore, listeriolysin O (LLO), a bacterial product which is a member of pore-forming peptides was used as an enhancer factor with meglumine antimoniate in order to facilitate the transition of the drug across macrophage membrane. Methods: LLO was produced in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2016, by expressing the hlyA gene in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Cytotoxicity of the purified protein was investigated in an in vitro model of macrophage Leishmania infection. Results: LLO was cytotoxic against murine macrophage cells (J774-A1) and amastigote forms of L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). It was less toxic to macrophages (CC50=2.56 μg ml-1 ±0.09) than to the parasites (IC50=1.72 μg ml-1 ±0.07). Moreover, non-cytotoxic concentration of LLO (0.006 ug ml-1) potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by low dose concentration of meglumine antimoniate. Very little dose of meglumine antimoniate was needed when combined with the LLO (IC50=12.63 μg ml-1 ±0.13) in comparison with the cytotoxicity induced when the drug is used alone (IC50=46.17 μg ml-1 ±0.28). Conclusion: The combination of pore-forming proteins with anti-leishmanial agents could increase the advantage of anti-leishmanial drugs. Since lower concentrations of anti-leishmanial drugs can reduce undesirable side effects of chemotherapy trials carried out in animal models and then in humans with this system. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1339

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 651 663 EN Khadijeh TAHERKHANI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Ameneh BARIKANI Children Growth Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mojtaba SHAHNAZI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mehrzad SARAEI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 2018 04 17 2019 12 31 Background: Intestinal parasites are one of the health challenges in developing countries. Decreasing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) is one of the main aims of health services in these countries. This study was designed to determine the current status of IPIs in rural residents of Takestan a town located in North West of Iran. Methods: A total of 2280 rural residents of Takestan were randomly selected. Data were collected through questionnaire by interviews and laboratory findings obtained by microscopic examination of stool sample including wet smear and formalin ethyl-acetate concentration. A P <0.05 was considered significant, statistically. Results: In total, 8.7% (199/2280) of participants were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of polyparasitism was 0.7% in study population. Hymenolepis nana was the only helminthic infection which was detected (1/2280). Blastocystis, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia were the most common IPIs with prevalence of 3.6%, 2.9%, and 1.6%, respectively. Statistically, the prevalence of IPIs showed significant differences among villages (P<0.01) and age groups (P<0.001), and also habit of eating raw vegetables (P<0.005), whereas, the difference was insignificant in terms of sex, education level, and occupation. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPIs in rural residents of the study area is considerably low and this reduction was very impressive about helminthic infections. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2102

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 552 562 EN Hai-Ting GUO Guangxi Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Neurosciences, Guilin Medical College, Guilin, China AND College of Biological Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China Zhong-Yuan LI Guangxi Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Neurosciences, Guilin Medical College, Guilin, China AND State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China Jin-Lei WANG State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China Zhao-Yu GENG College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China Xing-Quan ZHU State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China 2018 05 21 2018 10 20 Background: Toxoplasma gondii can infect all the warm-blooded vertebrates and cause serious toxoplasmosis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 7 in T. gondii (TgERK7) mediated the proliferation of this parasite may be a potential vaccine candidate. Thus, immune responses induced by TgERK7 were investigated in this study using a DNA vaccine strategy. Methods: pVAX/TgERK7 plasmid was constructed and used to immunize BALB/c mice for three times with two-week intervals. The challenge and the investigation of humoral and cellular immune responses were performed at two weeks post the last immunization, and the survival times of the infected mice were daily recorded until all of them were dead. Results: The innate immune response with higher concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL2 and IL12p70 in sera (P < 0.05), and the adaptive immune responses were evoked by the DNA immunizations, including specific antibody, lymphocyte proliferation, and the CD3e+CD4+ and CD3e+CD8a+ T cell-mediated response effects. Interestingly, no significant difference was detected in their survival times among all the experimental groups of mice that were challenged with GT1 tachyzoites or PRU cysts (P>0.05). Conclusion: The successive immunizations with pVAX/TgERK7 can provoke the innate and adaptive immune responses of BALB/c mice, whereas the DNA vaccine-induced immunological efficacy is not sufficient for complete protection the host against T. gondii infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2139

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 563 571 Abolghasem SIYADATPANAH Ferdows Paramedical School, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shirzad GHOLAMI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ahmad DARYANI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shahabeddin SARVI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehdi SHARIF Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mauricio SEGUEL Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA Larson BOUNDENGA Department of Medical Parasitology, Group Evolution and Interspecies Transmission of Parasites, International Centre for Medical Research, Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon Afsaneh AMOUEI Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Abdol Sattar PAGHEH Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mohammad Taghi RAHIMI Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran Seyed Abdollah HOSSEINI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Davood ANVARI Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran 2018 09 08 2019 12 29 Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current knowledge on the epidemiology of importance zoonotic parasitic diseases in free-ranging canids of Mazandaran, north of Iran. Methods: Overall, 63 small intestinal samples of animals (20 stray dogs and 43 golden jackals) were collected from April 2017 to May 2018. The intestine contents were studied to detect and identify helminth infections. Additionally, 274 fecal samples (130 dogs, 35 fox, 90 golden jackal and 19 wolf) were examined by Sheather's flotation method for detection of Taenia eggs. Results: Sixty (95.2%) animals were infected with at least one species of intestinal helminth. the intestinal helminths were found in dogs and golden jackals included: Dipylidium caninum (25.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (52.3%), Ancylostoma caninum (41.2%), Mesocestoides spp. (33.3%) and Toxocara canis (14.2%). In fecal examination, 2.5% of samples contained Taenia eggs, and through a species-specific PCR, 1.09% of these samples were confirmed positive for Echinococcus granulosus. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and clear risks of zoonotic helminths in free-ranging carnivores in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasite infection is useful for health care access both domestic animals and humans health. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2297

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 572 583 Hossein MODIRROUSTA Department of Wild Life Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Gholamreza HABIBI Department of Parasite Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Parviz SHAYAN Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran Asghar AFSHARI Department of Parasite Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Ali MIRJALILI Department of Biotechnology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Mohamad ABDIGOUDARZI Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran 2019 12 29 Background: The protozoan parasite Theileria annulata is the causative agent of tropical theileriosis in cattle. Vaccination is recommended by administration of attenuated schizont-infected cell lines. The expected protective immunity post-vaccination can be demonstrated by challenge test through inoculation of highly virulent infective sporozoites. The aim of this study was to produce Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum tick infected with T. annulata (local strain) for preparation of tick-derived sporozoite stabilates for molecular characterization and infectivity test assay. Methods: A local T. annulata strain was used for experimental infection of calves. A field isolate of H. a. anatolicum was isolated, laboratory-reared and infected by blood-feeding on Theileria infected above-mentioned calves. The infectivity of calf, tick and prepared stabilate were confirmed by clinical signs of theileriosis, microscopic inspection, RT-PCR and in vitro cell culture. Results: The tick stabilate was prepared and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The infectivity of the tick stabilate was verified by in vivo bioassay, in vitro cell culture infection, microscopic inspection in salivary glands and RT-PCR assay. The in vitro produced cell line in this study was characterized by T. annulata Cytochrome b gene analyzing. Conclusion: The infectivity of a new prepared tick-derived sporozoite stabilate was confirmed in susceptible calves; by microscopically, post mortem, tick microscopic and molecular assays. Moreover, naïve PBMCs were transformed and proliferated by T. annulata infected tick stabilate to immortal T. annulata schizont infected cell line. The potent infective sporozoite tick derived stabilate could be used for vaccine efficacy and challenge test as well as in vaccine development. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2754

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 584 591 EN Mohammad Hossein FEIZ HADDAD Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Saeed KHOSHNOOD Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Mohammad Reza MAHMOUDI Molecular and Cellular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Habib HABIBPOUR Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Selman A. ALI Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK Habibollah MIRZAEI Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran AND Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Rezvan FEIZ HADDAD Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Kambiz AHMADIANGALI Department of Bio-Statistics, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2018 08 21 2019 12 29 Background: This study was conducted to determine the presence and molecular identify of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba in unimproved hot springs. Methods: From Jul to Aug 2017, 54 water samples were collected from hot springs in different parts of the Guilan Province, North Iran. For the isolation of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba approximately 500 ml of the water samples were filtered through a cellulose nitrate membrane with a pore size of 0.45 μm. The filter was transferred onto non-nutrient agar plates seeded with Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) as a food source. The morphological key of page was used to identify free‐living amoebae (FLA) using an inverted microscope, PCR amplification targeting specific genes for each genus and sequencing determined frequent species and genotypes base on NCBI database. Results: Fifteen of the 54 samples were positive by culture and/or PCR for Acanthamoeba and other FLA from unimproved hot springs. By sequencing the positive isolates, the strains were shown to belong to Acanthamoeba castellanii (12 case isolates belonged to T4 genotype), 4 cases of V. vermiformis, and 3 cases of N. australiensis, 2 cases of N. pagei and 1 cases of N. gruberi. Conclusion: Although FLA-mediated illnesses are not as high as in environmental distribution, but because of a poor prognosis, more investigations about FLA distribution in hot springs is critical. Hot spring may enhance exposure of the amoebae in individuals. Hence, more attention to unimproved hot springs is needed to prevent free-living amoebae mediated diseases. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2284

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 592 603 EN Alireza SADEGHI TAFRESHI Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Zahra ZAMANI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Marjan SABBAGHIAN Department of Andrology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran Ramezan Ali KHAVARI-NEJAD Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad ARJMAND Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Sedigheh SADEGHI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Maryam MOHAMMADI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2018 06 07 2018 12 26 Background: Recently eosin B was shown to have an effect on the asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum and in this study, its activity against gametocytes and changes in the culture medium metabolites were investigated using an1HNMR-based metabolomics approach. Methods: In the Biochemistry Department of Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2017, parasites were cultured and gametocytogenesis induced by heparin and 5% hematocrit. Sexual stage parasites were tested by eosin B in 90 well plates and IC50 determined using Lactate Dehydrogenase assay. Gametocytes were treated by IC50 dose of eosin B and the medium collected in the two groups: with eosin B and controls and sent for 1HNMR spectroscopy. The spectra were analyzed on MATLAB interface and the altered metabolites in the culture medium and eosin-affected biochemical pathways were identified by Human Metabolome Database and Metaboanalyst website. Results: The results revealed eosin B had an effective gametocytocidal activity against P. falciparum. The significant metabolites changed in the medium were thiamine, Asp, Asn, Tyr, Lys, Ala, Phenylpyruvic acid, NAD+ and lipids. The main pathways identified were aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, Phenylalanine metabolism, Nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and lysine degradation. Conclusion: Eosin B exhibited substantial gametocytocidal activity and affected important drug targets in the Plasmodium. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2162

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 604 613 EN Zainabur RAHMAH Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia Teguh WAHJU-SARDJONO Department of Parasitology, Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Loeki ENGGAR-FITRI Department of Parasitology, Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Adilah ULFIATI Master Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Maimun ZULHAIDAH-ARTHAMIN Department of Clinical Pathology, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Eviana NORAHMAWATI Department of Pathology, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia 2018 04 13 2019 12 29 Background: Placental malaria involves the sequestration of infected erythrocytes and infiltration of monocytes, helper T cells (CD4), cytotoxic T cells (CD8) as well as T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) in placental intervillous space. These may interferes the nutrient and oxygen transport, causing placental hypoxia and insufficiency that may affect the fetal growth. This study aimed to prove whether the infiltration of lymphocytes in placental malaria mice increases the expression of HIF-1α thus causes fetal Low Birth Weight (LBW). Methods: Nine pregnant BALB/c mice that infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain on day 9 post mating were used as treatment group and 8 non infected pregnant mice were used as control group. The mice were sacrificed on day 18 post mating; then the fetus was weighed individually and the placentas were isolated separately. Expression of CD4, CD8 and HIF-1α were counted by immunohistochemistry using CD4 monoclonal Ab (Santa cruz, sc-59031 CD4) and CD 8 monoclonal Ab (NeoMarker RM-9116-S0) as well as anti-HIF-1α antibody (H1α67) ChIP Grade from Abcam. Results: There was a higher expression of CD8, CD4 and HIF-1α in infected placenta compare to normal placenta. Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed expression CD8 and CD4 caused an increase expression of HIF-1α in placenta (t ≥1.96). Expression of HIF-1α caused low fetal weight (t ≥1.96). Conclusion: In placental malaria, the expression of CD4 and CD8 induce placental hypoxia characterized by increased expression of HIF-1α that causes LBW. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2097

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 614 622 EN Doaa A. AHMED Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt Mona A. RABBO Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt Manal JAMJOOM Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdul Aziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Hala S.SALEM Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt Marwa A. GHIETH Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt 2018 02 15 2018 11 21 Background: Giardiasis is one of the commonest intestinal parasitic diseases that affects wide range of age groups. We aimed to detect the pattern of Giardia intestinalis assemblages among symptomatic patients at the age of 2 up to 40 years. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 278 patients and examined microscopically and genetically for giardiasis. Giardia was diagnosed using wet mount examination and subjected to molecular assays targeting three genes, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) using semi-nested PCR (nPCR), β-giardin (bg) and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) using nPCR. Amplified products were subjected to genotyping using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeting gdh and bg genes. Results: Among 48 samples positive by microscopy and by a minimum of one of the three used genes, genotyping was successful among 23 samples (47.9%). Assemblage B was more prevalent (16/23, 69.6%), than assemblage A (4/23, 17.4%) and 3 (13%) isolates were identified as assemblage B at gdh locus which later were identified as assemblage A at bg locus. Sub-assemblage AII (3/4