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. Thomas Stollner Ruhr Universität Bochum, Institut für Archäologische Wissenschaften, Bochum, Germany & German Mining Museum Bochum, Department Mining Archaeology, Bochum Germany. Mostafa Rezaeian 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. Nicole Boenke Ruhr Universität Bochum, Institut für Archäologische Wissenschaften, Bochum, Germany & German Mining Museum Bochum, Department Mining Archaeology, Bochum Germany. Gholamreza Hassanpour Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Masoumian Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Tehran university,Tehran Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: In this paper, paleoparasitological findings from rodent excrements ob-tained from Chehrabad Salt Mine archeological site located in northwest of Iran are demonstrated and discussed. Methods: Chehrabad Salt Mine archeological site located in northwest of Iran, dated to the Achaemenid (mid 1st mill. BCE) and to Sassanid (3rd cent. - 7th cent. CE) period, is a unique study area to investigate parasites in the past millenniums in Iran. Rodent cop-rolites obtained from this archeological site were thoroughly analyzed for parasite eggs using TSP re-hydration technique. Results: Specimen analyzed were attributed to juvenile and adult rats based on their apparent morphology comparing with the modern dried pellets of Muridea family. Hel-minth eggs retrieved from two positive pellets were identified as Trichosomoides crassi-cauda, Syphacia sp. and Trichuris sp. Conclusion: The present paper discusses the first paleoparasitological findings of ro-dent gastrointestinal helminthes in Iran along with possible favorite items to rats in ancient Chehrabad Salt Mine. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/414 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/414/330

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 194 201 EN Ahmad Al-Herrawy Parasitology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, NRC, 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Mahmoud Bahgat Therapeutic Chemistry Department, NRC, 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Abd-Elhafez Mohammed Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Ameen Ashour Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Wafaa Hikal Parasitology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, NRC, 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2015 10 14 Background: The free-living amoebae Acanthamoeba spp. have been recognized as etiologic agents of amoebic encephalitis, keratitis, otitis, lung lesions and other skin infections mainly in immuno-compromised individuals. The purpose of this study is to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba in swimming pools in Egypt using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Methods: Water samples were collected from 10 different swimming pools in Cai-ro, Egypt. Samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar for the detection of Acan-thamoeba isolates that were confirmed by PCR amplification using genus specific primers. The molecularly confirmed Acanthamoeba isolates were morphologically identified to the species level. Results: Members of genus Acanthamoeba were detected in 49.2% of the examined swimming-pool water samples. Morphologically, six Acanthamoeba species were iso-lated from the examined swimming pool water namely A. polyphaga, A.castellanii, A. rhysodes, A. mauritaniensis, A. royreba and A. triangularis. All the identified species of Acanthamoeba were molecularly confirmed to be related to the genus Acanthamoeba. Conclusion: The isolated species of Acanthamoeba could provoke variable degrees of infections to the swimmers. The culture method is cheaper and easier than PCR techniques that are faster for the detection of free-living amoebae. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/413 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/413/331

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 202 208 EN Ashkan Faridi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Ali Farahnak Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Taghi Golmohammadi Dept. Of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Mohammadreza Eshraghian Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Yosef Sharifi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Mohammadbagher Molaei Rad Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein spots of excre-tory - secretory products of Fasciola hepatica using two dimension electrophoresis method in the presence and absence of triclabendazole drug which can be consid-ered to detect the target protein of the drug. Methods: F. hepatica parasites were collected from infected cattle livers, divided in two groups and cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium. First group was treated with triclabendazole (TCBZ) and second group considered as control. The excretory-secretory (ES) products of each group were separated and total protein deter-mined by Bradford method. To provide proteome spots, the ES proteins were precipitated and two dimension electrophoresis (2-DE) gel prepared. Protein amounts of two groups were compared using the statistical t-test and protein spots from 2-DE in test and control groups were also statistically analyzed. The protein spots of gels were identified by using protein database. Results: The t-test showed a significant increase of total proteins in treated group (P<0.5). The protein spots count in the control group was less than test group however statistically not significant (p>0.05). Cathepsin L- protein (MW 36.7 pH 5.34), 14-3-3 epsilon 2 isoform (MW 28.2 pH 5.36), Cathepsin L1D (MW 36.5 pH 5.8) and Cathepsin L1D (MW 36.6 pH 6.26) were identified in test group. Conclusion: It seems that, these results can be considered to determine the pro-teins which the drug acts as a target on them. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/412 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/412/332

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 209 217 EN Cuiqin Huang College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan, China AND Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Control of Zoonosis, Longyan, China. Jingzhou You College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan, China AND Longyan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Burean of the People's Republic of China, Longyan, China. Fangfang Nai College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan, China. 2015 10 14 Background: Parasitic nematodes cause animal and human diseases of major socio-economic importance worldwide. The suppression of parasite development at particular developmental stages could provide an alternative approach for nema-tode control. In this study, Ascaris suum was used as a model system in the study of the differentially expressed genes in the infective L3 stage. Methods: The gene (07E12) was screened and identified from the subtractive cDNA library for the infective larvae of Ascaris suum using real-time quantitative PCR. Then, the full-length cDNA of 07E12 was characterized by 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The characteristics of the gene were further analyzed using bioinformatic analyses. Results: The results showed that the gene 07E12 was differentially expressed in the third-stage larvae of A. suum and its expression level in the infective larvae was much higher than in other stages. It was shown that the gene 07E12 had 99% iden-tity with the corresponding sequences of the A. suum whole genome shotgun se-quence containing the homologous sequences with conserved sequences of Neu-ropeptide-Like Protein family member. Likewise, by performing BLASTN and BLASTP searches in the GenBank™, it was shown that this gene had 99 % identity with A. suum cre-nlp-2 protein. Conclusion: This gene 07E12 which is differentially expressed in the third-stage larvae of A. suum may encode a neuropeptide-like protein family member, a very important molecule in the process of infecting a host. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/411 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/411/333

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 218 225 EN Zahra Jahani Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Behnam Meshgi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Masomeh Rajabi-Bzl Dept. of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Fatemeh Jalousian Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Sajad Hasheminasab Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Cystic echinococcosis caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus is a major problem in both humans and domestic animals health. There-fore, a standardized and approachable diagnostic tool (rapid tests) for the serodiag-nosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is still needed. Methods: In the present work, antigen B labeled with gold nanoparticles was used to detect antibodies against hydatid cyst disease. The prepared antigen B was ana-lyzed by SDS-PAGE. Tetra chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) was used to produce colloi-dal gold and antigen B labeled by gold nanoparticles, then it was tested by using rabbits antisera and sera from naturally infected sheep. The labeled antigen B was evaluated using Dot-immunogold staining (Dot-IGS) method. Results: Electrophoretic pattern of hydatid cyst fluid showed the quality of bands in the condensed fluid is better than crude fluid. SDS-PAGE analysis cyst fluid and antigen B revealed three specific protein bands that were detected at molecular weights of 24, 30 and 40 kDa that all are the subunits of antigen B. Evaluation of antigen B labeled by gold nanoparticles by using Dot-IGS technique showed 1/1 and 1/50 dilutions in comparison with another has the best immunoreaction. In this method, nanoparticles produced a typical purple color, when they binded to the strip at the site of immunoreaction. Conclusion: Therefore, using gold nanoparticles is a good candidate for detection of helminthiasis, also as selective tools of early detection, simple and cost-effective, regardless of specific skills and equipment with optimal durability. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/410 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/410/334

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 226 232 EN Shirzad Gholami Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Majid Khanmohammadi Department of Laboratory Sciences, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran. Ehsan Ahmadpour Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Abdol Sattar Pagheh Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Sara Khadem Nakhjiri Gorgan Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Hamidreza Ramazannipour Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Iran. Abbas Shahbazi Tabriz Research Center of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a common coccidian parasite infection in patients with diarrhea that has worldwide distribution especially in developed countries. Therefore,the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in patients with gastroenteritis admitted to hospitals of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences by parasitological and molecular methods in Sari, Iran. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 348 patients with gastroenteritis admitted to the hospitals of Medical University in the Sari and Ghaemshahr cities in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran in 2010-2011. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium identified using Formalin-Ether concentration method and stained by Aacid-fast staining (AFS)and Auramine phenol fluorescence (APF). Genomic DAN extracted from microscopically positive samples and nested PCR -RFLP by using SSU rRNA that identifies of the species of cryptosporidium. Results: In 348 patients with gastroenteritis, the most clinical symptoms were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, fever and weight loss. 2.3% (8 cases) of diarrheal samples tested by both microscopy and molecular methods were positive for the presence of cryptosporidium. Nested PCR products yielded unique bands of 846 bp, correspond to cryptosporidium. Species diagnosis carried out by digesting the secondary PCR product with SspI restriction enzyme, which noted 3 clearly bands of 449, 254, and 108 bp correspond to Cryptosporidium spp. Conclusion: The results of present study on Cryptosporidium spp. in this area can make a background data for control programs and further molecular analyses. Thus, further work needs to determine the origin of Cryptosporidium species in this area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/409 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/409/335

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 233 238 EN Nader Ghabouli Mehrabani Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz university of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Ahmad Kousha Tabriz Health Center, Tabriz, Iran. Maryam Khalili Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz university of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Mahmoud Mahami Oskouei Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz university of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Mehdi Mohammadzadeh Tabriz Health Center, Tabriz, Iran. Saber Alizadeh Tabriz Health Center, Tabriz, Iran. Amir Maleksabet Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz university of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Faezeh Hamidi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz university of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Hydatidosis, as the most important zoonotic parasitic disease in Iran, has posed many health and economic losses. This study was conducted to investigate the demographic characteristics of hydatid cyst surgeries in hospitals of East Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran. Methods: Demographic characteristics of all patients with hydatid cyst surgery in hospitals of the province, during 2009-2011 were gathered including age, gen-der, occupation, number and location of the cyst, clinical symptoms, place of residence and history of contact with dog. They were extracted from reports of health center and were analyzed using STATA 11 software. Results: Out of 52 hydatid cyst surgeries, 27 cases were females. Mean age of patients was 38.3 yr. Liver was reported as the most involved organ. The most clinical symptoms were abdominal and liver pain. Housewives comprised the most victims of the disease. Forty seven percent of patients had one cyst and 59% had the history of contact with dog. The majority of the patients were liv-ing in rural areas. Conclusion: Due to the high costs of diagnosis and treatment of hydatidosis, collecting data on the prevalence and transmission of the disease as well as on vulnerable groups seems to be essential as the first step in controlling and pre-venting the disease. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/408 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/408/336

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 239 248 EN Gülnaz Culha Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. Isin Akyar Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey. Fadile Yildiz Zeyrek Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey. Özgür Kurt Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey. Cumhur Gündüz Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Seray Özensoy Töz Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Ipek Östan Vocational School of Health Sciences, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey. Ibrahim Cavus Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey. Burcu Gülkan Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. Tanil Kocagöz Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey. Yusuf Özbel Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Ahmet Özbilgin Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey. 2015 10 14 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Southeastern Anatolia, mainly in Sanliurfa and Hatay provinces, and the causative agents are mostly Leishmania tropica and less frequently L. infantum. Here, we report the first MAL-DI-TOF analyses of Leishmania promastigotes obtained from the cultures of two CL cases from Osmaniye and Hatay provinces who were initially diagnosed by microscopy, culture and identified as L. infantum with Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR). Methods: Samples obtained from the skin lesions of patients were initially stained with Giemsa and cultivated in NNN medium. Examination of the smears and cultures revealed Leishmania amastigotes and promastigotes, respectively. The promastigotes (MHOM/TR/2012/CBU15 and MHOM/TR/2012/MK05) ob-tained from the cultures of both patients were used for RT-PCR targeting the ITS-1 region in the SSU of rRNA. The reference strains of four Leishmania spe-cies (L. infantum, L. donovani, L. tropica and L. major) were initially assessed with MALDI-TOF and their data were added to MALDI-TOF Biotyper Library. Results: Both RT-PCR and MALDI-TOF analyses indicated that the causative agent in both patient samples was L. infantum. Conclusion: Despite disadvantages such as requirement of culture fluid with nothing but promastigotes and high cost, MALDI-TOF analysis may be a fast, sensitive and specific diagnostic tool in especially large-scale research studies, where the cost declines, relatively. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/407 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/407/337

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 249 253 EN Javad Khedri Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Radfar Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. Hassan Borji Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Mohammad Azizzadeh Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: In this experiment, abdominal cavity of 518 Iranian Sistani cattle and 498 Brahman cattle were inspected for the presence of Setaria spp. from April 2012 - May 2013. Methods: The species were determined by microscopic examination of the mor-phological characteristics of the anterior and posterior parts of the parasites and authentic guidelines. Results: The overall prevalence of Setaria spp. was 28.6% and 36.5%, respectively and this difference was significant (P<0.05). Out of 148 Sistani cattle which were infected with Setaria, 51(34.4%) were infected with S. digitata, 31 (20.9%) were in-fected with S. labiatopapillosa, 65 (43.9%) showed mixed infection of S. digitata and S. labiatopapillosa and one case (0.6%) was infected with mixed infection of S. labiato-papillosa, S. digitata and S. marshalli. These values were 87 (47.8%), 27 (14.8%), 67 (36.8%) and 1 (0.5%) for 182 infected Brahaman cows, respectively. The propor-tion of infected cattle in spring and summer was greater than cooler season (au-tumn and winter) significantly (P<0.001). The prevalence of infection with Setaria in 2-3 years old Sistatni cattle (42.2 %) was greater than other age categories (P<0.05). Furthermore, the infection rate between males (25.5%) and females (37.3%) Iranian Sistani cattle showed significant difference (P =0.009). Conclusion: It is important to point out the presence of cerebrospinal setariosis, namely in sheep, goats and horses in the investigated area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/406 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/406/338

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 254 249 EN Wei Wang Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China. Feng Wei College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China. Jiping Li Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China. Nan Li Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China. Quan Liu Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China. 2015 10 14 Background: Naegleria is a free-living amoeba, and pathogenic Naegleria may pose a health risk to people exposed to recreational water. Our objective in this study was to determine if there are pathogenic amoebae in environmental water samples from Changchun, Northeastern China. Methods: During July to September 2012, a total of 70 water samples were collected from Changchun, Northeastern China, and Naegleria was enriched by in vitro culture and detected by PCR using Naegleria genus-specific primers. Re-sulting PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed to identify Naegleria species. Results: Naegleria was detected in 65 (92.9%) of 70 water samples. DNA se-quence and phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences revealed four Naegleria species, including N. pagei (n = 24) and N. Australiensis (n = 18), N. clarki (n = 13) and N. gruberi (n = 10), in which N. australiensis is pathogenic to mice. But the pathogenic species N. fowleri was not detected. Conclusion: This is the first report on Naegleria species in Northeastern China, showing that almost all environmental water samples were contaminated with Naegleria, including N. pagei, N. Australiensis, N. clarki and N. gruberi, which should be considered a potential public health threat. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/405 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/405/339

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 260 265 EN Youzhu Cheng Fujian Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fu Zhou 35001, China. Yue Guo State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University; Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China. Guohua Lin Fujian Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fu Zhou 35001, China. Lin Ai National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China. Shaohong Chen National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China. Mingke Lu State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University; Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China. 2015 10 14 Background: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic public health concern that causes human severe eosinophilic meningitis in Southeast Asia and China. As a medically important intermediate host of A. cantonensis, Bellamya lithophaga (Gastrop-oda: Viviparidae) is often confused with other morphologically similar sibling spe-cies of genus Bellamya, such as B. aeruginosa and B. purificata in the past. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate evidences to discriminate these equivo-cal Bellamya species. Methods: This study was carried out by getting Bellamya snail samples from Fujian Province in the South-East of China. The snail morphological features，breeding grounds and phylogenetic relationship according to mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene marker were analyzed. Results: Based on external morphology, radular shape and cusp formula, as well as major breeding environment, B. lithophaga could be distinguished from B. aeruginosa, B. purificata. The phylogenetic tree also unconfirmed that B. lithophaga belongs to a different genetic clade from other morphologically similar species. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the significant differences in B. lithophaga and other sibling species, which supports the traditional species delimitation in the genus Bellamya. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/404 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/404/340

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 266 275 EN Richard Heckmann Dept. of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA. Ali Halajian Dept. of Biodiversity (Zoology), University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga 0727, Polokwane, South Africa. Atif El-Naggar College of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt and Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA. Wilmien Luus-Powell Dept. of Biodiversity (Zoology), University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga 0727, Polokwane, South Africa. 2015 10 14   Background: Main objective of this study was to investigate the invasive activity of the liver fluke, Pseudamphistomom truncatum against the Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) and was exemplified at the gross, light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) levels. Methods: The study was done on a freshly dead Caspian Seal in the southern coast of Caspian Sea. The checked Caspian seal probably being died of canine distemper virus and was found host to numerous parasites of four helminth species. Results: P. truncatum caused edematous foci on the surface of the liver with prominent fluid accumulation. Sections of the liver viewed with LM had mul-tiple necrotic areas with extensive hemorrhaging and disorganized hepatic lobules. Granulocytes and invasion of connective tissue were prominent. Whole worms were visible with invasive pathways through the host tissue. Damage to both hepatic ducts and blood vessels were prominent. At the EM level, organelles within the impacted hepatocytes were disorganized as exem-plified by the cristae of the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Par-asite eggs were scattered throughout the tissue. Conclusion: It was shown that this trematode can be very pathogenic to Caspian Seal and as this only mammal of Caspian Sea is an endangered spe-cies; this needs more investigation toward control or possible treatment of this helminth. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/403 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/403/341

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 276 281 EN Reza Nabavi Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran. Kourosh Manouchehri Naeini Dept. of Parasitology , Mycology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Shahr-e-kord University of Medical Sciences ,Shahr-e-kord, Iran. Nozhat Zebardast Dept. of Parasitology , Mycology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Shahr-e-kord University of Medical Sciences ,Shahr-e-kord, Iran. Hossein Hashemi Dept. of Parasitology , Mycology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Shahr-e-kord University of Medical Sciences ,Shahr-e-kord, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: The present study was carried out to describe the epidemio-logical aspects of gastrointestinal helminthic infections of canids in Chahar-mahal and Bakhtiari Province, the central western part of Iran. Methods: Forty nine canid species including, dogs, jackals, foxes and wolves were included in this study. The contents of their alimentary canal were in-spected in order to isolate and identify the parasitic helminthes of this system. To identify the worms, the Soulsbey and Anderson identification key and light microscopy were used. Results: Based on necropsy findings, 35 (71.4%( of examined animals were infected with at least one helminth. The prevalence of identified worms was as follows: Mesocestoides lineatus (55.1%), Joyeuxiella echinorinchoides (26.5%), Tae-nia hydatigena (12.2%), T. multiceps (8.2%), T. ovis (2%), Dipylidium caninum (2%) and Spirura spp. (2%). No significant difference was noticed between the sam-pling areas, age and helminth infection. Only a significant difference was ob-served for prevalence of T. multiceps in wolf (25%), dog (21.4%), jackal and fox (0%) respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The canids in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari harbor several para-sites that some kind of them have zoonotic importance and may pose a threat to community health specially in rural areas. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/402 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/402/342

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 282 285 EN Rostam Yazdani Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Iraj Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mehdi Bamorovat Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Mohammad Ali Mohammadi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14 Human linguatulosis poses an important medical and veterinary concern in en-demic countries. Animals, as reservoir host, play a major role in transmission of infestation and epidemiology of the disease. This study reports a case of human linguatulosis caused by Linguatula serrata in the city of Kerman, South-eastern Iran. A woman suffering from upper respiratory symptoms is presented. The pa-tient consumed raw liver of sheep who was admitted to the Afzalipour University Hospital in Kerman for the symptoms of upper respiratory tract. In microscopic examination of the nasopharyngeal discharge, L. serrata was detected. This report has future medical implication in precise diagnosis of L. serrata in patients with complaints of nasopharyngeal symptoms. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/401 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/401/343

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 9 2 2014 06 15 286 291 EN Mitra Salehi Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran. Pejman Bahari Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran AND Laboratory of North Khorasan Veterinary Head Office, Bojnurd, Iran. Mehran Vatanchian Dept of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: The objective of the present study was to survey the presence of Sarcocystis in sheep's brain in North Khorasan Province. Methods: In general, 80 samples of sheep's brain were collected from slaugh-tered sheep in slaughterhouses of North Khorasan Province. Tissue digestion method was used for observing bradyzoites in tissues. Histopathological pro-cessing tracing Sarcocystis and ensuing structural change in the brain tissue were conducted. PCR analysis was conducted on all the brain samples. Sequencing was done for one PCR product. Genotype was identified by Blast search and homology analysis. Result: Sarcocystis spp. was found in one of the brain samples (1.25%) using tis-sue digestion method. The presence of bradyzoite was also confirmed in the pre-pared histopathological sections. PCR analysis was positive in one of samples. Genotyping of one sample proved that Sarcocystis species was Sarcocystis ovicanis and the nucleotide sequence of this parasite was deposited in the GenBank data-base under accession number No.KF489431. Conclusion: Sarcocystis ovicanis can involve brain tissue of sheep and conse-quently causes clinical symptoms. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/400 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/400/344