Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 348 358 EN Mehdi Mohebali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences P. O. Box 14155-6446,Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening vector-borne parasitic disease is distribut-ed in some parts of the new world and old world. The disease is endemic in different parts of Iran. This review article has been focused on major topics of epidemiological aspects and clinical features of VL in Iran for the period of 2002 through 2012. For the detection of VL in humans as well as animal reservoir hosts, anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected using direct agglutination test (DAT) as a validated serological test. Parasi-tological examinations were performed on suspected VL patients as well as canines and rodents. Different molecular methods were used for identification of species and geno-type/ or strain of Leishmania spp. isolated from infected humans, animal reservoir hosts and vectors. Altogether, 1698 out of 36081 (4.7%) human serum samples collected from 5 distinct geographical zones showed anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers≥1:3200 using DAT. The majority of VL cases in the endemic areas were found among children up to 12 years old. Almost 75% of DAT-positive cases (≥1:3200) in endemic areas showed clinical signs and symptoms. Predominant signs and symptoms in 217 hospitalized pa-tients with DAT positive (≥1:3200) results included paleness (99.5%), fever (96.9%), splenomegaly (91.5%), hepatomegaly (53.6%) and lymphadenopathy (21.1%). Integrated VL surveillance system in primary care using DAT, could decrease mortality and morbidi-ty of the disease in the VL endemic areas of the northwestern Iran. Out of 7204 serum samples collected from domestic dogs in various geographical locations of Iran, 879 (12.2%) were DAT sero-positive at titers≥1:320. L. infantum as the principal causative agent of the disease was isolated from infected humans, domestic and wild canines and rodents. The principal animal reservoir hosts of the infection are domestic and wild ca-nines. Ph. kandelakii, Ph. perfiliewi transcaucasicus, Ph. tobbi in northwestern Iran; Ph. major s.l. (=Ph. neglectus), Ph. keshishiani, and Ph. alexandri in southern parts of Iran were molecularly and/or parasitologically positive for L. infantum infections. The zoonotic form of VL (ZVL) caused by L. infantum occurs sporadically in all geographical zones of Iran but in northwestern and southern parts of the country the disease is endemic. DAT as an ap-propriate and potential tool has been used for sero-diagnosis and sero- epidemiological of VL among humans as well as domestic and wild canines. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/484 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/484/460

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 359 366 EN Mohammad Bagher Khadem Erfan 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. Elham Kazemi-Rad Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Homa Hajjaran Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Gholamhossein Edrissian Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Setareh Mamishi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mojtaba Saffari Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Reza Raoofian Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mansour Heidari Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Stem Cell Preparation Unit, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Pentavalent antimonials are the first line drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Unresponsiveness of Leishmania spp. to antimonial drugs is a serious problem in some endemic areas. Investigations on molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring and managing of the disease. Cal-cineurin is an essential protein phosphatase for number of signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells and it has a mediated role in apoptosis. This study aimed to determine of biomarker(s) in Glucantime® resiatance strain of L. infan-tum. Methods: We used cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) and real time-RT PCR assays to compare gene expression profiles at the mRNA levels in resistant and susceptible L. infantum field isolates. Results: The cDNA-AFLP results showed downlegulation of calcineurin in resis-tant isolate in comparison with susceptible one. Significant downregulation of cal-cineurin (0.42 fold) (P<0.05) was found in resistant isolate compared to susceptible one by Real time-RT PCR. Conclusion: This is the first report of calcineurin implication in Glucantime® drug resistance of field (natural) isolate of L. infantum. Downregulation of calcineurin could protect parasites from antimonial-induced apoptosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/483 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/483/467

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 367 375 EN Qasem Asgari Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Saeedeh Shojaee Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Motazedian Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 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, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ramin Miri Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Davood Mehrabani Stem Cell and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 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, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Based on recent studies, there are controversial reports on the ca-pacity of tissue cyst forming of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. In this study, the capac-ity was evaluated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: RH strain was subcutaneously inoculated to ten Wistar rats. After one month, their blood, brain, tongue and diaphragm were collected and evaluated by MAT, PCR, pathological and bioassay methods. The parasite was cultivated in the cell monolayer. To change to bradyzoite, the media pH was altered to 6.8. Biologi-cal aspect of the bradyzoites was evaluated by incubation in acidic pepsin and it's inoculation in ten BALB/c mice. Results: All rats showed antibodies to Toxoplasma at titers ≥1:320 but no DNA and tissue cyst were detected in the tissues. Following intraperitoneal inoculation of rats’ brain homogenate into BALB/c mice, no infection was established in none of the animals. During presence of cell culture, in acid media for a 3-5 days period, cyst-like structures were noticed when they were stained with PAS. The visible bradyzoites in the cysts that were incubated in acid pepsin medium were not able to kill any mice. Conclusion: This study confirmed that Iranian RH strain has lost the potential of tissue cyst forming in rats and bradyzoites cultivated in cell culture lost their resis-tance to acidic condition, so this strain can be a candidate for future vaccine re-searches. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/482 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/482/473

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 376 381 EN Haleh Hanifian Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Kambiz Diba Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Khosrow Hazrati Tappeh Cellular and Molecular Research center, Urmia University of Medical Seiences, Urmia-Iran. Habib Mohammadzadeh Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Rahim Mahmoudlou Dept. of surgery, Faculty of medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia-Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of this study was DNA extraction from protosco-lecses of Echinococcus granulosus and identification of these strains in West- Azerbaijan Province, north western Iran. Methods: Thirty one livestock isolates from sheep and cattle were collected from abattoirs of the province. To investigate the genetic variation of the isolates, after DNA extraction by Glass beads-phenol chloroform method; PCR-RLFP analysis of rDNA-ITS1 was performed using three different re-striction enzymes of Taq 1, Rsa 1 and Alu 1. Result: Amplified PCR products for all isolates were 1000bp band which is expected band in sheep strains (G1-G3 complex). The results of RFLP analy-sis also were the same for all isolates. PCR-RFLP patterns restriction en-zymes were identical as follows, Rsa1 bands under UV showed two bands approximately 655bp and 345bp. Alu1 bands were as follows: two approx-imately 800bp and 200bp and Taq1 did not cut any region and bands were approximately 1000 bp in all samples. Conclusions: Based on PCR-RFLP patterns of ITS1 fragment produced with endonucleases enzyme digestion in animal isolates, it can be concluded that a single strain of E. granulosus (sheep strain or G1-G3 complex) is domi-nant genotype in this province. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/481 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/481/475

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 382 388 EN Farnaz Kheirandish Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. Ali Chegeni Sharafi Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Deputy of Health, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. Bahram Kazemi Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, M.C., Tehran, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mehdi Mohebali Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Amanollah Sarlak Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. Mohamad Javad Tarahi Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Kourosh Holakouee Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Homa Hajaran Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases that are created by intracellular parasites of Leishmania. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is considered as one of the health problems in some provinces of Iran. Methods: In this study, a total of 178 Giemsa-stained slides from confirmed cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were examined. The slides were prepared from the patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis that referred to health centers and infected during the epidemic of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Poldokhtar city, Lorestan Province, Iran in 2006.Genomic DNA from each slide was extracted. After DNA extraction, ITS-PCR was used. Results: Out of 178 slides, 129 (72.47%) samples had a band in the range of 485 bp and 49 (27.53%) samples 626 bp that matched L. tropica and L. major standard samples, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that Leishmania DNA could be efficiently ex-tracted and amplified even from old Giemsa-stained microscopic slides that were stored more than 6 yr. In this study was shown that both L. tropica and L. major species exist in Lorestan Province. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/480 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/480/477

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 3 2013 09 15 389 395 EN Abdollah Rafiei Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Elham Sadat Roointan Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Ali Reza Samarbafzadeh Virology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Ali Akbar Shayesteh Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Ahmad Shamsizadeh Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Department of Pediatric, Abozar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz. 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-seaR and CA-ELISA. Conclusion: The lack of E. multilocularis infection, compared to previous reports may be due to the differences in used diagnostic methods and/or recently limited territories of wild canids and altered their food resources in this particular area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/518 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/518/400

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 114 128 EN M Soltani Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran. A Sadrebazzaz Razi Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran. M Nassiri Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. M Tahmoorespoor Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Neosporosis is caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa Neospora caninum which infect variety of hosts. NcSRS2 is an immuno-dominant antigen of N. caninum which is consi-dered as one of the most promising targets for a recombinant or DNA vaccine against neosporosis. As no study has been carried out to identify the molecular structure of N. caninum in Iran, as first step, we prepared a scheme to identify this gene in this parasite in Iran. Methods: Tachyzoite total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and NcSRS2 gene was amplified using cDNA as template. Then the PCR product was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector and transformed into E. coli (DH5α strain). Finally, the recombinant plasmid was extracted from trans-formed E. coli and sequenced. Bioinformatics analysis also carried out. Results: The PCR product of NcSRS2 gene was sequenced and recorded in GenBank. The deduced amino acid sequence of NcSRS2 in current study was compared with other N. caninum NcSRS2 and showed some identities and differences. Conclusion: NcSRS2 gene of N. caninum successfully cloned in pTZ57R/T. Recombinant plasmid was confirmed by sequencing, colony PCR and enzymatic digestion. It is ready to express recombi-nant protein for further studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/517 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/517/401

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 129 136 EN Jf Sanchez-Suarez Immunotoxicology Research Group, Dept. of Pharmacy. Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. I Riveros Green Andina LTDA, Bogotá, Colombia. G Delgado Immunotoxicology Research Group, Dept. of Pharmacy. Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. 2015 10 14   Background: The leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity of ten essential oils obtained from ten plant specimens were evaluated. Methods: Essential oils were obtained by the steam distillation of plant leaves without any prior processing. Cytotoxicity was tested on J774 macrophages and leishmanicidal activity was assessed against four species of Leishmania associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Results: Seven essential oils exhibited activity against Leishmania parasites, five of which were toxic against J774 macrophages. Selectivity indices of >6 and 13 were calculated for the essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Origanum vulgare, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum was active against promastigotes of Leishmania and innocuous to J774 macrophages at concentrations up to 1600 μg/mL and should be further investi-gated for leishmanicidal activity in others in vitro and in vivo experimental models. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/516 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/516/402

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 137 144 EN N Muhamad Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Royal College of Medicine Perak, 3 Greentown Road, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Lr Walker Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Dc Simcock Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Kc Pedley Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Hv Simpson Institute of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. S Brown School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. 2015 10 14   Background: Like several other parasites, Teladorsagia circumcincta secretes or excretes urea, but nei-ther the rate of efflux nor the possible metabolic sources of the urea has been considered. Methods: Parasites were maintained by passage through sheep. Urea efflux was measured using phe-nol/hypochlorite after treatment with urea aminohydrolase. The kinetics of creatine amidinohy-drolase and arginine amidinohydrolase were characterised by coupling the reactions with urea ami-nohydrolase and glutamate dehydrogenase. Results: Infective L3 T. circumcincta secreted or excreted urea at 25% of the rate of NH3/NH4+. The rate of urea efflux was about 84 pmol h-1 (103 larvae)-1 over 4 hours, corresponding to about 11 nmol h-1 mg-1 protein. We could not detect urea aminohydrolase activity, but urea production by both creatine amidinohydrolase and arginine amidinohydrolase could be detected. The apparent Km and Vmax of creatine amidinohydrolase were 1.1 mM and 48 nmol h-1 mg-1 protein, respectively, and the activity was greatest at pH 8. The apparent Km and Vmax of arginine amidinohydrolase were 0.7 mM and 62 nmol h-1 mg-1 protein, respectively, and the activity was greatest at pH 7.9. Conclusion: The activity of creatine amidinohydrolase and arginine amidinohydrolase was sufficient to account for the rate of urea secretion or excretion. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/515 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/515/411

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 145 151 EN Je Eyo Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Gc Onyishi Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Cu Ugokwe Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. 2015 10 14   Background: This study was carried out in Opi-Agu a tropical semi-urban autonomous community comprising of three villages in Enugu State, Nigeria, between the months of April and June 2010. It was designed to determine the prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus infection and assess the perception of the disease among the inhabitants of this community. Methods: A total number of 305 individuals comprising of 148 males and 157 females were ex-amined for various manifestations of onchocerciasis symptoms using rapid epidemiological assess-ment (REA) method. Results: Out of this number, 119 (39.02%) individuals were infected. Prevalence of infection among age groups and villages varied. Age group 41 yr and above had the highest (31.00%) prevalence, while among the villages, Ogbozalla village ranked higher (45.71%) than the other villages. Overall the prevalence of infection among the sexes revealed that males were more infected (43.24%) than the females (35.03%). Lichenified onchodermatitis (LOD) was the most prevalent (35.29%) onchocerciasis symptom among others identified in the area, while leopard skin (LS) had the lowest (20.17%) occurrence and blindness (0.00%) which is the most devastating effect of O. volvulus infec-tion was not observed. Questionnaire responses from 410 individuals revealed that 34.8% respon-dent from Idi village and 28.1% from Ibeku village believed that O. volvulus infection occurs through poor personal hygiene. Bite of blackfly ranked least (10.6%) among the respondent’s knowledge of the causes of onchocerciasis in Opi-Agu community. Conclusion: Opi-Agu community members had poor knowledge of onchocerciasis, the vector and of its etiologic organism. There is need for integration of community health education with mass chemotherapy. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/514 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/514/404

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 152 157 EN Hr Haddadzade Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran,Iran. R Fattahi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran,Iran. M Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. B Akhoundi Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. E Ebrahimzade Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran,Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of present study was to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among stray and owned dogs in Kouhsar district of Alborz Province, central Iran. Methods: The study was performed from March 2011 to July 2011 using Direct Agglutination Test (DAT). Three hundred and thirty seven dogs including 257 stary and 80 owned dogs were selected by random sampling. The agreement between serological data and sex, age, life style of dogs and clin-ical signs were assessed by Chi-square. Results: DAT showed that from 337 serum samples collected from owned and stray dogs, 12sera (3.6%) were positive. The seroprevalance was 10% (8/80) among owned dogs and 1.6% (4/257) among stray dogs. A significant difference in seroplevalance was seen between owned and stray dogs (P = 0.01). The highest seroprevalence rate (14%) was observed among the ownership dogs of 5 years old and above. Statistical analysis revealed significant relation between seroprelvalence and age (P= 0.02). There was no statistically significant relation between male (6.3%) and female (2.2%) seroprevalence (P= 0.085). Conclusion:This survey indicates the importance and necessity of serologic screening of visceral leishmaniasis in human and dogs in Kouhsar district. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/513 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/513/408

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 158 166 EN N Kalantari Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. S Ghaffari Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. M Bayani Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum- infected erythrocytes to host cells is an im-portant trait for parasite survival and has a major role in pathology of malaria disease. Infections with P. falciparum usually consist of several subpopulations of parasites with different adhesive prop-erties. This study aimed to compare relative sizes of various binding subpopulations of different P. falciparum isolates. It also investigated the adhesive phenotype of a laboratory P. falciparum line, A4, using different binding techniques. Methods: Seven different P. falciparum isolates (ITG, A4, 3D7 and four field isolates) were cultivated to late trophozoite and schizont and then cytoadherence to cell differentiation 36 (CD36), intercellu-lar cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule (V-CAM) and E-selectin were examined. The relative binding sizes of parasite subpopulations to human receptors were measured by mini-column cytoadherence method. The adhesion phenotype of P. falciparum-A4 line was evaluated by in vitro static, flow-based and mini-column binding assays. Results: The relative binding size of ITG, A4 and 3D7 clones to a column made with CHO/ICAM-1 was 68%, 54% and 0%, respectively. The relative binding sizes of these lines to CHO/CD36 were 59.7%, 28.7% and 0%, respectively. Different field isolates had variable sizes of respective CD36 and ICAM1-binding subpopulations. A4 line had five different subpopulations each with different binding sizes. Conclusion: This study provided further evidence that P. falciparum isolates have different binding subpopulations sizes in an infection. Furthermore, measurement of ICAM-1 or CD36 binding sub-populations may practical to study the cytoadherence phenotypes of P. falciparum field isolates at the molecular level. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/512 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/512/412

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 167 170 EN A Farahnak Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. A Golestani Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mr Eshraghian Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,.Iran 2015 10 14   Background: The aim of this study was to compare superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica parasites. Materials: F. gigantica and F. hepatica helminths were collected from abattoir and cultured in buffer media for 4 h at 37 °C. Excretory-Secretory (ES) products were collected, centrifuged and stored at - 20◦C. E-S protein concentration was measured by Bradford method and SOD activity was detected using RANSOD kit (Randox Lab. Crumlin, UK). Statistical t-test was conducted for analysis of re-sults. Results: Protein concentration for F. hepatica and F. gigantica were obtained 7.293 ug/ml and 19.65 ug/ml respectively and SOD activity as 0.721 U/ml and 1.189 U/ml , in that order. ES protein con-centration of two species was significantly different (P<0.05), however the difference of SOD activi-ty of two species was not significant. Conclusion: Two species of Fasciola have comparable SOD biochemical defense enzyme and can help us explain the parasite survival in host tissue. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/511 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/511/413

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 171 176 EN O Dezfoulian Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran. M Zibaei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorram Abad, Iran. H Nayebzadeh Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran. M Haghgoo Office of Agriculture Insurance Found, Lorestan Province, Khorram Abad, Iran. An Emami-Razavi Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. K Kiani Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14  Background: Leucocytozoonosis is a disease of birds caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leucocytozoon. We determined the prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. using light and transmis-sion electron microscopy in domestic birds in southwest of Iran. Methods: A total of 825 blood smears from 275 birds were examined for presence of infection. The structure morphology of Leucocytozoon spp. was studied using light and electron microscopy. Results: Forty-four (16.0%) of the birds were positives for Leucocytozoon. The detected parasite were found in 14 chickens (5.1%), 12 geese (4.3 %), 10 ducks (3.6%), and 8 turkeys (2.9%). The majority of the records were from the northeastern regions. Conclusion: Leucocytozoonosis are distributed in the Lorestan province bird population and elec-tron microscopy can resolve the problem to distinguish between similar species of Leucocytozoon. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/510 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/510/414

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 8 1 2013 03 15 177 181 EN Aa Eskandarian Department of Parasitology & Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Esfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahan, Iran. 2015 10 14   Background: Diagnosis of some diseases is difficult due to invasive sampling. Urine has been candi-date as a non-invasive and convenient alternative. It has many advantages and easy accessibility but some technical ills should be removed. Finding a suitable extraction method for improving urine DNA quantity and quality in altering invasive specimens for molecular diagnosis of some infectious diseases, was the main object of present research. Method: Toxoplasmosis was selected as an experimental model, regarding the congenital and ocular forms, its abundance and requirement to invasive sample for diagnosis. Samples prepared by adding some defined Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) tachyzoites to normal urine. Several urine DNA