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. Mahdi Pourmahdi Borujeni Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most important human enteric parasites throughout the world. Clinical symptoms of this parasite vary from asymptomatic infection to chronic diarrhea. Still it is not clear, whether different types of pathogenesis are due to different strains of organism or to variable host factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible correlation of clin-ical symptoms with assemblages among symptomatic and asymptomatic cases collected from southwest of Iran. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 100 symptomatic and asympto-matic cases, which were positive for G. duodenalis. The samples were subjected to semi-nested PCR and RFLP for gdh gene. Results: Among symptomatic patients, 54% had mixed genotypes AII and BIII, 28% and 18% of samples indicated assemblages BIII and AII, respectively. In contrast, among asymptomatic cases, 64%, 26% and 10%samples had mixed genotypes, BIII and AII assemblages, respectively. Statistical analysis using Chi- Square test showed that there was no significant correlation between assemblage and clinical symptoms in current study. Conclusion: High prevalence of mixed infection in both groups may affect this conclusion, therefore further study in more details are necessary to clarify these finding. Additionally, it is important to carry out investigations regarding human host factors as well. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/479 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/479/479

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 396 401 EN Tahereh Rezaei Riabi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Iraj Sharifi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Akram Miramin Mohammadi Center for Research &Training in Skin Diseases & Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Khamesipour Center for Research &Training in Skin Diseases & Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Maryam Hakimi Parizi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Pentavalent antimonials are still the first choice treatment for leishmaniasis, but with low efficacy and resistance is emerging. In the present study, the effect of meglumine antimoniate (MA, Glucantime) combined with paromomy-cin, miltefosine or allopurinol on in vitro susceptibility of Leishmania tropica resistant isolate was evaluated. Method: The drugs were obtained from commercial sources and diluents of each drug in medium were prepared on the day of experiment. J774 A.1 murine macro-phage cell lines were attached to the cultured on slide and incubated at 37 0C with 5% CO2 for 24 h. Then the stationary phase promastigotes were added to the cells and after 4 hrs of incubation different concentrations of MA, paromomycin, miltefosine or allopurinol were added and incubated for an additional of 72 h. Then the slides were dried and fixed with methanol, stained by Giemsa and studied under a light microscope. Drug activity was evaluated by assessing the macrophage infec-tion rate and the number of amastigotes per infected macrophage was done by ex-amining 100 macrophages. The experiment was done in triplicates. Result : Various concentrations of MA along with paromomycin, miltefosine or allopurinol significantly inhibited (P<0.01) the proliferation of L. tropica amastigote stage in the macrophage cell line as compared with MA alone or positive control. Conclusion: Combination of Glucantime with paromomycin, miltefosine or allo-purinol showed a synergistic effect on the clinical isolate of L. tropica in vitro. Use of combination therapy is a new hope and a logical basis for therapy of the patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of these drugs on the CL patients. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/478 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/478/481

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 402 407 EN Soudabeh Heidari Parasitology and Mycology Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mojgan Bandehpour Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Biotechnology Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Seyyed-Javad Seyyed-Tabaei Parasitology and Mycology Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Zarintaj Valadkhani Parasitology Dept. Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Ali Haghighi Parasitology and Mycology Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Alireza Abadi Social Medicine Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Bahram Kazemi Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Biotechnology Dept. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis and metronidazole is its chosen drug for treatment. Ferredoxin has role in electron transport and carbohydrate metabolism and the conversion of an inactive form of metronidazole (CO) to its active form (CPR). Ferredoxin gene mutations reduce gene expression and increase its resistance to metronidazole. In this study, the frequency of ferredoxin gene mutations in clinical isolates of T.vaginalis in Tehran has been studied. Methods: Forty six clinical T. vaginalis isolates of vaginal secretions and urine sediment were collected from Tehran Province since 2011 till 2012. DNA was extracted and ferredoxin gene was amplified by PCR technique. The ferredoxin gene PCR products were sequenced to determine gene mutations. Results: In four isolates (8.69%) point mutation at nucleotide position -239 (the translation start codon) of the ferredoxin gene were detected in which adenosine were converted to thymine. Conclusion: Mutation at nucleotide -239 ferredoxin gene reduces translational regulatory protein’s binding affinity which concludes reduction of ferredoxin expression. For this reduction, decrease in activity and decrease in metronidazole drug delivery into the cells occur. Mutations in these four isolates may lead to resistance of them to metronidazole. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/477 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/477/483

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 408 416 EN Dan Dan Hu Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. Jing Cui Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. Li Wang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. Li Na Liu Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. Tong Wei Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. Zhong Quan Wang Dept. of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China. 2015 10 14   Background: Sparganosis is caused by the invasion of Spirometra sparganum into various tissues/organs. Subcutaneous sparganosis can be diagnosed by biopsy, while visceral/cerebral sparganosis is not easy to be diagnosed. The diagnosis de-pends largely on the detection of specific anti-sparganum antibodies. The specific-ity of the ELISA could be increased by using S. mansoni sparganum excretory– secretory (ES) antigens, but it also had the cross-reactions with sera of patients with cysticercosis or paragonimiasis. The aim of this study was to identify early specific diagnostic antigens in S. mansoni sparganum ES proteins. Methods: The sparganum ES proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional electro-phoresis (2-DE) and Western blot probed with early sera from infected mice at 14 days post-infection. The immunoreactive protein spots were characterized by MALDI-TOF/ TOF-MS. Results: A total of approximately 149 proteins spots were detected with isoelectric point (pI) varying from 3 to 7.5 and molecular weight from 20 to 115 kDa and sev-en protein spots with molecular weight of 23-31 kDa were recognized by the infec-tion sera. Three of seven spots were successfully identified and characterized as the same S. mansoni protein (cysteine protease), and the proteins of other 4 spots were not included in the databases. Conclusion: The cysteine protease from S. mansoni ES proteins recognized by early infection sera might be the early diagnostic antigens for sparganosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/476 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/476/485

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 417 422 EN Jahangir Abdi Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Paramedicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Morovat Taherikalani Departments of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Kheirolah Asadolahi Departments of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Mohammad Emaneini Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease of global prevalence. It causes considerable health problems and economic losses throughout the world, including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of echinococco-sis/hydatidosis in the province of Ilam (western Iran). Methods: From April to September 2011, 65 stray dogs were collected from urban and rural areas of Ilam City. Parasites were isolated from the dogs and stained with carmine. A taxonomic study was carried out by measuring different parts of hel-minths. Meat inspection documents from slaughterhouses in Ilam were used to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis during a 3-year period in sheep, cattle, and goats. ELISA test was used to detect the presence of antibodies to hydatidosis in human sera. Clinical records from 2000 to 2010 of either treated or diagnosed pa-tients from public hospitals of this province were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs was 9%. A total of 81,726 animals were assessed for hydatidosis; 2.94% (2403 cases) had liver hydatidosis and 2.34% (1918 cases) had lung hydatidosis. Within a 10-year period, 140 patients (91 females and 49 males) were treated for hydatidosis. Of 1200 hu-man sera, 2.25% (27 patients) were seropositive for hydatidosis. Conclusion: Hydatidosis is endemic in Ilam Province especially in rural area. The health and economic losses caused by the disease are significant; thus, our efforts need to be focused on the control of this disease. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/475 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/475/487

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 423 429 EN Abbas Imani-Baran Dept. of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran. Mohammad Yakhchali Dept. of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Reza Malekzadeh-Viayeh Artemia and Aquatic Animals Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Ali Farahnak Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences of Tehran University, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Trematodes are a diverse group of endoparasites which require molluscan and vertebrate animals as intermediate and definitive hosts in their life cycle. The present study was carried out to determine the diversity and geographic distribution of infection with trematodes’cercariae in the snail Lymnaea gedrosiana from north-west Iran. Methods: A total number of 6759 Lymnaeidae snails were collected from 28 snail habitats; of these L. gedrosiana was the prevalent snail (74.37%) which examined for cercarial infection by shedding method. Results: The overall infection rate was 8.03%. The most frequent trematodes cercariae in the snail were xiphidiocercariae (81.98%), furcocercariae (32.26%), echinostome cercariae (5.19%), and monostome cercariae (1.24%). The highest infection rate in L. gedrosiana (100%) was with echinostome cercariae from Golestaneh in autumn. Conclusion: Due to the important role of pond snails in transmission of cercariae to fish as a source of zoonotic diseases, it is essential to estimate the distribution and abundance of the snails and the rate of their infection with different trema-todes’ cercariae, and establish control programs in each region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/474 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/474/489

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 430 436 EN Akram Mir Amin Mohammadi Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Khamesipour Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Alireza Khatami Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Amir Javadi Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Qazvin University, Qazvin, Iran. Mansour Nassiri-Kashani Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Alireza Firooz Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Yahya Dowlati Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Massoud Behnia Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Seyyed Ebrahim Eskandari Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in many parts of Iran, although diagnosis of CL especially in the endemic area is easy, but treatment and management of the disease is a global dilemma. Diag-nosis of CL in non-endemic area is not as simple as in endemic foci. In this study, the status and the proportions of CL induced by Leishmania major and L. tropica among CL suspected patients referred to the Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, (CRTSDL) during 2008 to 2011 are described. Methods: CL patients with suspected lesions were clinically examined. History of trip to zoonotic CL and/or anthroponotic CL endemic areas and the char-acteristics of their lesion(s) were recorded. Diagnosis of the lesion was done using direct smear microscopy, culture and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 404 (M=256, F=148) patients with 776 lesions were re-cruited and parasitologically examined. The results showed that 255 of the pa-tients with 613 lesions; patients with lesion(s) induced by L. major=147 (M=63, 43%, F=84, 57%) and lesion(s) induced by L. tropica=108 (M=35, 32%, F=73, 68%). History of travel to endemic area was not always correlated with isolated Leishmania species. Conclusion: Although travel history to endemic area is an important factor to be considered for diagnosis, but parasitological confirmation is necessary initia-tion of treatment. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/473 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/473/490

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 437 440 EN Shumaila Naz Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Dilwar Abbas Rizvi Institute of Dermatology, Military Hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Amara Javaid Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan. Muhammad Ismail Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan. Farhana Riaz Chaudhry Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 2015 10 14   Background: Infestation of the skin by the “itch mite” Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis results in a contagious skin infection in humans called “sca-bies”. By resolving morphology issues, the present study was designed to be acquainted with itch mite by molecular markers. Methods: The mite samples were collected from scabies patients by visiting government hospitals of twin City, Pakistan. For successful mo-lecular detection approach, preparation of Sarcoptes mite DNA by com-mercial DNA extraction kit method. Furthermore, two primers i.e. Sarms 15 F/R and 16S D1/D2 were used to amplify target sequence by using PCR. The amplified products were then separated by agarose gel, electrophoresis and analyzed after staining and visualizing in UV transilluminator. Results: Analysis of PCR product showed one specific band of 178 bp with primer Sarms 15 F/R, while, with primer 16S D1/D2 bands of 460 bp and 600 bp were observed on 2% agarose gel. The appearance of different band of 600 bp revealed that it might be due to heteroplasmy state present in the Pakistani Sarcoptes mites population. Conclusion: Current study adds validity to the claim that PCR is more accurate, specific and sensitive in the detection of the ectoparasites even in smallest amount. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/472 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/472/492

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 441 448 EN Mohey Abdel-Hafez Hassanain Department of Zoonosis, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Eman Hussien Abdel-Rahman Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Nagwa Ibrahim Toaleb Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Raafat Mohamed Shaapan Department of Zoonosis, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Hasan Ali Elfadaly Department of Zoonosis, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Nawal Abdel-Hafez Hassanain Department of Zoonosis, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2015 10 14 Background: Serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection using crude antigens may not be more accurate. To increase the diagnostic potency of anti-gens, isolation of their immunogenic fractions could be useful. The current re-search adopted to obtain an affinity isolated fraction from RH strain using CNBr Sepharose 4B column coupled with infected mice sera helping in detec-tion of IgM and IgG of toxoplasmosis due to RH strain and other strains.  Methods: The isolated fraction was characterized by SDS-PAGE. Moreover, the diagnostic potency of the fraction was assessed by indirect ELISA in mice experimentally infected with RH strain and two other local strains; one of sheep origin and the other of human origin. Results: The fraction was found to be consisted of a single band of 116 kDa compared with 17 bands ranged from 116 to 16 kDa associated with crude ex-tract. The fraction proved potent diagnostic potentials of acute and chronic mice toxoplasmosis. Where it was detected both IgM and IgG antibodies as early as two days and as late as 2 months post experimental infection with any of the three strains. The level of detected IgM and IgG by RH fraction was higher in mice infected with RH strain than with local strains except IgM due to sheep strain parasite. Conclusions: The 116 kDa fraction of T. gondii tachyzoites can be considered as a candidate in improving of serodiagnosisof Toxoplasma infections. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/471 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/471/495

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 449 458 EN Jj Xu Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Cz Ren Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Ss Wang Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Dd Liu Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Lq Cao Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Jp Tao Ministry of Education Key Lab for Avian Preventive Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. 2015 10 14   Background: To control avian coccidiosis with drug-independent strategy effec-tively and safely, multivalent hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) was prepared and its ability to protect against Eimeria tenella infection was evaluated. Methods: Hens were orally immunized with live oocysts of 5 species of Eimeria for six times, antibody titers in serum and yolk were monitored by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The specific IgY was isolated, purified and lyophi-lized. IgY powder was orally administrated as dietary supplement in newly hatched chicks at various dosages. Birds were orally challenged with 10000 sporulated oo-cysts of E. tenella at 10 days of age, weighed and killed at 8 days post challenge, and the protective effect was assessed. Results: The averge yeid of IgY was 9.2 mg/ml yolk, the antibody titer of IgY reached to 1:163840 per mg with the purity up to 98%. Chickens fed IgY resulted in reduced mortality, increased body weight gain (BWG), reduced oocyst shedding, reduced caecal lesion score and increased anti-coccidial index. In terms of BWG and caecal lesion, IgY significantly enhanced the resistance of bird at ≥ 0.05% of IgY in the diet when compared with the challenged control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed at dosage ≥ 0.5% and 1.0% when BWG and caecal lesion were compared with the sodium salinomycin control group, respec-tively (P>0.05). Conclusion: Supplementing newly hatched chicks with Eimeria-specific IgY repre-sents a promising strategy to prevent avian coccidiosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/470 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/470/496

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 459 466 EN Amir Adinezadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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. 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. Saideh Shojaee Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Bagher Rokni 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. Zabihollah Zarei Meshkin-Shahr Health Station, National Institute of Health Research, Iran. Golamreza Mowlavi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: To find out different species of helminthes and blood/tissue pro-tozoan parasites of stray dogs and their potential role for transmission of zoonotic species to human in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, northeast Iran, during 2008-2009. Methods: Totally, 100 stray dogs were selected among Mashhad municipal collec-tion from different sites of the city. Internal organs were examined for any para-sites. Helminthes were identified based on morphological characteristics. Smears prepared from peripheral blood as well as liver, spleen and any skin lesion were stained by Giemsa and examined microscopically. Samples obtained from spleen were aseptically cultured in three culture media including NNN, Schneider’s Dro-sophila (HIMEDIA) and RPMI1640 (GIBCO) for isolation of Leishmania spp. The titer of anti-Leishmania and anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were measured by direct ag-glutination test (DAT) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), respectively. Results: 84% of dogs were infected at least with one species of intestinal hel-minthes. The species of parasites and rate of infection were as follows: Taenia hydatigena (61%), Dipylidium caninum (46%), Mesocestoides lineatus (19%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), Toxascaris leonina (53%) and Toxocara canis (7%). Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected by DAT in 8 dogs (8%) at 1:320 titers and higher. Forty seven dogs (47%) showed anti-Toxoplasma titer at 1:10 and 17 (17%) showed titer of ≥1:100. No blood parasites were found in prepared blood smears. Conclusion: The high rate of parasitic infection and presence of zoonotic species especially E. granulosus and T. canis emphasizes the risk of diseases spread in urban areas by stray dogs https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/469 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/469/497

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 467 473 EN Ogochukwu Caroline Okeke Parasitology Unit, Dept. of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Patience Obiageli Ubachukwu Parasitology Unit, Dept. of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. 2015 10 14   Background: In view of the massive rural-to-urban migration in Nigeria, investigations on transmission of urinary schistosomiasis were carried out in ur-ban and semi-urban communities in Nike Lake area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods: Urine samples of school children were tested for micro-haematuria using reagent strips followed by microscopic examination for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Water contact sites were also identified and sam-pled for snails. Results: The overall prevalence of S. haematobium eggs in school children was 4.64%. The mean intensity of infection was 1.14 + 0.41 eggs/10ml urine. Males had insignificantly higher prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infec-tion than females. The youngest age group (4-7 years) had no infection. The prevalence of micro-haematuria (6.2%) was higher than that of microscopy, and this correlated positively with prevalence (r=0.65, P < 0.01) and intensity (r=0.50, P < 0.01) of the infection. Potential intermediate host of human shistosome collected were: Bulinus globosus, B. senegalensis and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. However, only B. globosus shed cercariae of S. haematobium, with a snail infection rate of 0.73%. Transmission was in the dry season coinciding with the drying of wells. Conclusion: The results revealed that urinary schistosomiasis is prevalent, and that B. globosus and not B. truncatus as previously reported is the main inter-mediate host of urinary schistosomiasis in this part of Enugu State. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/468 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/468/499

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 474 480 EN Sobhan Sajadifar Department of Epidemiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia. Hadi Miranzadeh Department of Veterinary, University of Applied Science and Technology, Institute of Science Applied Higher Education of Jahad -e- Agriculture, Isfahan, Iran. Milad Moazeni Department of Veterinary, University of Applied Science and Technology, Institute of Science Applied Higher Education of Jahad -e- Agriculture, Isfahan, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of the present study was the comparison of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in broilers fed with different levels of zinc during a coccidiosis challenge. Methods: One hundred and forty- four one-day-old broiler chicks were used with three dietary zinc (40, 120 and 200 mg/kg). At 14 d of age, all birds were inoculated orally with 5×103 sporulated oocysts of E. Tenella. At 2, 22, 32, 42 days of age, the blood serums were tested for antibody titer against New-castle disease vaccine, using the standard HI test. On day 42 the sum of ni-trite and nitrate based on the reduction of nitrate to nitrite by cadmium and white blood cell count (WBC) using a hemocytometer were measured. Results: At 42 d, levels of 120 and 200 mg significantly (P< 0.05) increased the antibody titer in compare with the control. The peak response of CBH was observed at the level of 200 mg Zn/kg diet. Also both level of 120 and 200 mg Zn/kg diet increased WBC count and sum of nitrite and nitrate in serum compared with the control. Conclusion: The levels of 120 and 200 mg Zn/kg diet could be considered as a non-pharmacologic booster of immunity in broilers chicks infected with E. Tenella. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/467 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/467/500

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 481 485 EN Hoda Abedkhojasteh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Maryam Niyyati Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Firoozeh Rahimi Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mansour Heidari Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shohreh Farnia Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 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. 2015 10 14 Background:Poor hygiene will provide good condition for corneal infections by opportunistic free-living amoebae (FLA) in soft contact lens wearers. In the present study an amoebic keratitis due to Hartmannella has been recognized in a 22-year-old girl with a history of improper soft contact lens use. She had unilateral keratitis on her left eye. Her clinical signs were eye pain, redness, blurred vision and photophobia.The round cysts of free-living amoebae were identified in non-nutrient agar medium by light microscopy. These cysts were suspected to be Hartmannella using morphological criteria. A PCR assay has been confirmed that the round cysts were belonged to H. vermiformis.     https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/466 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/466/501

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 486 490 EN Gholamreza Mowlavi Dept. 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. Iraj Mobedi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hoda Abedkhojasteh Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Farideh Shahbazi Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Jafar Massoud Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Rats are capable to harbor various pathogens, among which certain species of zo-onotic parasites are included. A long-term detection of parasite fauna of rats has sporadically been carried out in Iran. Abundance of these vertebrate pests is of great importance as regards public health issue. The present paper is focused on a digenean trematode Plagiorchis muris, obtained during a comprehensive study on rats over the decades in the country. Herein we describe this occurrence in a Rattus norvegicus in northern Tehran, with specific note on its morphological description. P. muris can infect human through consumption of infected marine food items, and has never been observed in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/465 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/465/502

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