Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 149 154 EN Hamed Mirjalali Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mehdi Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hossein Mirhendi Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Rashid Gholami Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hossein Keshavarz Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ahmad Reza Meamar Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Rezaeian Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Species of Microsporidia have been known as opportunistic obli-gate intracellular parasites particularly in immunocompromised patients. Enterocyto-zoon bieneusi is one of most prevalent intestinal microsporida parasites in HIV+/AIDS patients. In this study, intestinal microsporidia infection was deter-mined in HIV+/AIDS patients using microscopic and molecular methods. Methods: Stool samples were collected from HIV+/AIDS patients during 12 months. All of the stool specimens washed with PBS (pH: 7.5). Slim slides were prepared from each sample and were examined using light microscope with 1000X magnification. DNA extraction carried out in microscopic positive samples. DNA amplification and genus/species identification also performed by Nested-PCR and sequencing techniques. Results: From 81 stool samples, 25 were infected with microsporidia species and E. bieneusi were identified in all of positive samples. No Encephalitozoon spp. was identified in 81 collected samples using specific primers. Conclusion: E. bieneusi is the most prevalent intestinal microsporidia in immuno-compromised patients of Iran. On the other hand, Nested-PCR using specific pri-mers for ssu rRNA gene is an appropriate molecular method for identification of E. bieneusi. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/419 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/419/325

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 155 162 EN Meysam Sharifdini 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. Eshrat Beigom Kia 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. Keyhan Ashrafi Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. Mostafa Hosseini Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hossein Mirhendi 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. Bahare Kamranrashani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Clinical manifestations of Strongyloides stercoralis are variable from asymptomatic to hyperinfection and devastating disseminated infections. Hereby, clinical characteristics of a large series of Iranian strongyloidiasis indigenous cases are described. Methods: The records of people referred to the Helminthological Diagnostic La-boratory of School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and School of Medicine, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, during 2009-2013 were reviewed. For those patients that were infected with S. stercoralis and their clinical manifestations and demographic data were available (70 cases) a checklist was pre-pared and data analyzed. Results: Forty-three patients (61.4%) were male and 27 (38.6%) female. Gastroin-testinal, cutaneous and pulmonary symptoms were present in 71.4%, 25.7%, and 15.7% of patients, respectively. None of them had larva currens eruption. Eosino-philia was the most prevalent reason for suspicious on S. stercoralis, but the mean was lower in elderly patients. Hyperinfection were recorded in 8 patients (11.4%), and 2 cases had disseminated infection. Conclusion: Eosinophilia is common both in asymptomatic and symptomatic cas-es of strongyloidiasis, but the mean tend to lower with increase in age. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/418 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/418/326

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 163 168 EN Da-Wei Yao College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Jing-Ya Jiang College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Ze-Zhong Yu YuXi Agriculture Vocation-Technical College, Yuxi, Yunnan, China. Dong-Qin Yao College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. De-Ji Yang College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Yan-Bing ZhAO College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. 2015 10 14 Background: To provide a point of reference to study the epidemiology and clin-ical expression of canine babesiosis in China. Methods: A total of 30 dogs infected with canine babesiosis were evaluated by mean of clinical history, physical examination, hematological, restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR products (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing analysis. Result: The most prevalent clinical abnormalities were lethargy (100%), anorexia (100%), pale or icteric mucous membranes (80%), fever (70%) and dark urine (70%). Hematology parameters revealed that anemia and thrombocytopenia were the major abnormalities in blood of dogs infected with canine babesia. The results of PCR-RFLP and sequencing analysis indicated that B. gibsoni was the main species responsible for canine babesiosis cases at the time of the study in Nanjing, China. Conclusions: The results provide valuable information for better understanding of the epidemiology of canine babesiosis in China. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/417 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/417/327

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 169 180 EN Abdul Razzaq Animal Sciences Research Program, Balochistan Agricultural Research and Development Centre, PARC, Brewery Road, Quetta, Pakistan. Kamran Ashraf Dept. of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Azhar Maqbool Dept. of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Muhammad Islam International Centre for Agriculture Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. Abdul Hanan Range and Forestry Research Program, Balochistan Agricultural Research and Development Centre, PARC, Brewery Road, Quetta, Pakistan. Mian Muhammad Awais Dept. of Pathobiology, Sub campus Jhang, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Munir Ahmad Khetran Crop Sciences Research Program, Balochistan Agricultural Research and Development Centre, PARC, Brewery Road, Quetta, Pakistan. Saadullah Jan Centre for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Bacteriology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan. Muhammad Shafee Centre for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Bacteriology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan. Muhammad Essa Diseases Investigation Lab. Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Quetta, Pakistan. Hamdullah Kakar Dairy Farm, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Quetta, Pakistan. 2015 10 14   Background:Among the infectious organisms of parasitic origin, gastrointestinal nematodes are very important as they have been reported worldwide. The main aim of the present research study to highlight the annual epidemiological contributing factors associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and their control in sheep. Methods:A total 1200 faecal samples (100 per month) were collected from farmers holding Balochi-sheep (either sexes, 1-5 years old) during January-December 2012 and analyzed to determine the prevalence of nematodes based on microscopy and ELISA based diagnostic assay. Therapeutic efficacies of different synthetic and herbal medicines against these nematodes were assessed by field trials. Results:Results showed that 23.92% Balochi-sheep were infected with nematodes. Five nematodes infections were recorded with highest prevalence of Haemonchus (7.75%) fol-lowed by Nematodirus (7.58%), Strongyloides (4.42%), Trichostrongylus (2.33%) and Trichuris (1.83%). The younger and older ewes (one and five years) presented higher nematodes prevalence with peak during March/April and August/September. Haemonchus and Tri-churis positive samples based on coprological examination were also showed 92-100% positive sensitivity for these nematodes by the ELISA. Sheep treated with Ivermectin showed higher reduction (97.76%) in nematode egg counts followed by Atreefal deedan (96.42%) and Oxfendazole (95.44%), respectively. Conclusion:The gastro-intestinal nematodes are prevalent in all age and either sex of Balochi-sheep with peak during summer. The ELISA based diagnosis is more accurte. The synthetic and herbal products are very effective against sheep nematodes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/416 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/416/328

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 181 187 EN Mitra Sharbatkhori Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran AND Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. Yusef Dadi Moghaddam Social Security Organization, Gonbad, Iran. Abdol Sattar Pagheh Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Rasool Mohammadi Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Haleh Hedayat Mofidi School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. Saeedeh Shojaee Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent parasites of human and warm- blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is important especially in two groups: pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. If women acquire the primary infection during the pregnancy, it would be life threatening or re-mains severe disorders for the fetus. This study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women referred to Health Cen-ter in Gorgan City, Golestan Province, northern Iran. Methods: Serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan City, south eastern Caspian Sea. Anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined by commercially ELISA kits and the rela-tion of infection with socio-demographic and risk factors such as age, education, occupation, cat ownership, soil contact and some other factors was studied. Results: From 555 tested sera of pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan, 39.8% had IgG antibodies against T. gondii and 3.4% were positive for IgM antibodies. A significant correlation was seen between T. gondii infection with age and soil contact. Conclusion: About 60% of pregnant women in Gorgan City are seronegative against T. gondii, so they should considered as at risk persons. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/415 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/415/329

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 188 193 EN Gholamreza Mowlavi Department of 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. Mahsasadat Makki Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Iraj Mobedi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Adauto Araujo Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil (Brazilian Shool of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation). Abolfazl Aali Archaeological Museum of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran. > Giadinis Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 2015 10 14   Coenurosis is a disease of the central nervous system in sheep, caused by Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Multiceps multiceps, which inhabits the small intestine of Canidae. A case of regurgitations in a 2.5 month old lamb with acute coenurosis is being reported. The lamb was presented with a sudden onset of ataxia and re-gurgitations for 10 days. The post-mortem examination revealed 4 immature C. cerebralis cysts between 0.5 and 1.5 cm in diameter located in the brainstem and cerebellum, and histopathological examination revealed multifocal pyogranuloma-tous meningoencephalitis, so a diagnosis of acute coenurosis was established. Thus, acute coenurosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of regurgi-tations in lambs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/318 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/318/494

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

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

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

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

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

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 206 212 EN Mohammad Reza Lashkarizadeh Dept. of Surgery and the Research Center for Tropical and Infectious diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Keivan Asgaripour Dept. of Surgery and the Research Center for Tropical and Infectious diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Ebrahim Saedi Dezaki Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Majid Fasihi Harandi Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background:Haemonchosis has a negative effect on the farming industry throughout the world, especially in the tropic and sub-tropic countries. The present study was carried out to differentiate Haemonchus species from its main hosts in Iran, including sheep, goat and camel.  Methods:The identification took place based on the morphometrics of the spic-ules and molecular characters. Two hundred seventy adult male nematodes were collected from the abomasums of different ruminants (90 samples from each ani-mal) at the slaughterhouses from different localities in Iran. Samples were morpho-logically identified according to the spicules’ morphometric measurements. In the section on molecular study, 10 samples of each Haemonchus isolates were genetically examined. A simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS2-rDNA) were described to confirm the PCR results. Results:PCR-RFLP profile obtained from the restriction enzyme HPa1 in H. con-tortus and H. longistipes indicated 1 (278 bp) and 2 (113 and 135 bp) different frag-ments, respectively. The morphological parameters clearly distinguish H. contortus from H. longistipes. Moreover, regarding the ITS2-rDNA, sequences of 295 bp and 314 bp were obtained from H. contortus and H. longistipes, respectively. Conclusion:High similarity of cloned PvMSP-142 kDa gene in comparison to reference sequence and other sequences could be beneficial as a remarkable mo-lecular marker for serological diagnostic. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/331 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/331/470

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 213 229 EN Entsar Saheb Dept. of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Wendy Trzyna Dept. of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA. Katherine Maringer Dept. of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. John Bush Dept. of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. 2015 10 14 Background:Acanthamoeba castellanii forms a resistant cyst that protects the para-site against the host’s immune response. Acanthamoeba Type-I metacaspase (Acmcp) is a caspase-like protein that has been found to be expressed during the encysta-tions. Dictyostelium discoideum is an organism closely related to Acanthamoeba useful for studying the molecular function of this protozoan caspase-like protein. Methods:The full length of Acmcp and a mutated version of the same gene, which lacks the proline rich N-terminal region (Acmcp-dpr), were cloned into the pDneo2a-GFP vector separately. The pDneo2a-GFP-Acmcp and pDneo2a-GFP-Acmcp-dpr were electro-transfected into wild type D. discoideum cells to create cell lines that over-expressed Acmcp or Acmcp-dpr. Results:Both cell lines that over-expressed Acmcp and Acmcp-dpr showed a sig-nificant increase in the fluid phase internalization and phagocytosis rate compared to the control cells. Additionally, the cells expressing the Acmcp-dpr mutant were unable to initiate early development and failed to aggregate or form fruiting bodies under starvation conditions, whereas Acmcp over-expressing cells showed the op-posite phenomena. Quantitative cell death analysis provided additional support for these findings.  Conclusion:Acmcp is involved in the processes of endocytosis and phagocytosis. In addition, the proline rich region in Acmcp is important for cellular development in Dictyostelium. Given its important role in the development process, metacaspase protein is proposed as a candidate drug target against infections caused by A. castel-lanii. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/330 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/330/471

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 2 2015 06 15 230 237 EN Li Wang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Xiang Yu Tian Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Ge Ge Sun Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Ruo Dan Liu Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Li Na Liu Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Xi Zhang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Peng Jiang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Zhong Quan Wang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. Jing Cui Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, P. R. China. 2015 10 14 Background:We have previously reported that a 31 kDa protein was screened from the excretory-secretory (ES) proteins of Tichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) by immunoproteomics using early infection sera, and the gene encoding a 31 kDa protein from T. spiralis was cloned and expressed in an E. coli expression system. In this study, the recombinant 31 kDa antigens were used for detection of anti- Trichinella antibodies in serum of experimentally infected mice by ELISA.  Methods:Anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in sera of mice infected with Trichinella were assayed by ELISA with recombinant 31 kDa antigens, and its sensitivity and specificity were compared with ELISA with ES antigen. Results:The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA with recombinant antigens was 96.67% (29/30) and 96.87% (62/64), compared with 100% (30/30) and 98.44% (63/64) of ELISA with ES antigens was (P＞0.05). In heavily, moderately and lightly infected mice (500, 300 and 100 larvae/mouse), anti-Trichinella antibodies were firstly detected by ELISA with recombinant antigens at 8, 12 and 14 dpi, re-spectively; then increased rapidly with a detection rate of 100% respectively at 28, 22 and 30 dpi. While the antibodies were firstly detected by ELISA with ES anti-gens at 10, 8 and 10 dpi, respectively, the antibody positive rate reached 100% at 14, 12 and 22 dpi, respectively. Conclusion:The recombinant 31 kDa antigens of T. spirali had a good sensitivity and sp FALLAH Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abdoulreza ESTEGHAMATI Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein MASOUMI-ASL Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 09 16 2019 06 19 Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection cause trichomoniasis. In this study prevalence and genotype of Iranian isolates of T. vaginalis infected (dsRNA) viruses were evaluated by PCR-RFLP and obtained patterns were then confirmed by sequence analysis and genotype of these Iranian isolates confirmed again. Methods: Ten strains of T.vaginalis were collected from 1700 vaginal samples of women referred to hospitals associated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran during Feb 2016 to Jul 2017, evaluated in points of infection to T. vaginalis Virus (TVV-1) were used in a PCR-RFLP. All of ten isolates of T. vaginalis were examined by designed nested PCR for actin gene and then digestion patterns of three endonuclease enzymes of HindII, MseI and RsaI were evaluated and genotype of these isolates was defined. Results: By combination of fragments pattern of three enzymes of HindII, RsaI and MseI, three genotypes were found; six genotypes E, two genotypes G and two genotypes I. The most dominant genotypes were genotype E. Among four TVV infected isolates two genotype E, one genotype G and one genotype I were found, however among six uninfected T. vaginalis isolates to TVV-1, all of three genotypes were also found. Conclusion: Three genotypes E, G and I in T. vaginalis infected with dsRNA isolates were found, however, these three genotypes in T. vaginalis without virus were also observed. Further study is needed to evaluate genotypes of T. vaginalis, which infected virus in more great T. vaginalis population. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1758 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1758/957

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

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

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

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

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

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