Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 290 295 Mehdi SHARIFI-RAD Department of Medical Parasitology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran AND Department of Medical Parasitology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mansour DABIRZADEH Department of Medical Parasitology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Iraj SHARIFI Department of Medical Parasitology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Zahra BABAEI Department of Medical Parasitology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Background: Leishmaniasis is important vector-borne parasitic disease worldwide, caused by the genus Leishmania. The objective of the current study was to identify genetic polymorphism in L. major, one of the species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), isolated from southeastern Iran, using Permissively Primed Intergenic Polymorphic-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PPIP-PCR) method. Methods: Overall, 340 patients with suspected CL were examined. They referred to the Central Laboratory in Chabahar, Iran during Apr 2013 to Feb 2014. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained slides from lesions as well as aspirates cultured in Novy- Mac Neal-Nicolle (NNN) Media was employed in order to diagnose CL in these patients. Our analyses detected 86 suspected subjects as having CL from which 35 isolates were cultured successfully. PPIP-PCR method was performed on extracted genomic DNA from selected isolates in order to determine the genetic polymorphism among L. major isolates. Results: The electrophoresis patterns demonstrated two genetic profiles including A or A1 patterns between all samples tested. Frequency of A and A1 sub-types were 33 (94.3%) and two (5.7%), respectively. Conclusion: Both host and parasite factors may contribute to the clinical profile of human leishmaniasis in the endemic foci of the disease. Here we showed that genetic variations pertaining to the Leishmania parasites might determine, in part, the clinical outcomes of human leishmaniasis.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1197 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1197/644

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 411 416 Mohsen NAJJARI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Mohammad EBRAHIMIPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Amir KAHEH Dept. of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Mohammadreza KARIMAZAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2016 10 01 2016 10 01 Strongyloidiasis is a frequent misdiagnosed parasitic infection in the world that caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. In Iran, the disease is predominantly reported from warm and humid climate provinces. The patient was a 54-yr-old man, originated from Khuzestan Province with a history of pemphigus and diabetes that was treated with high-dose of corticosteroid drugs before admission in a non-private hospital in Shiraz, Iran in 2014. After different primary diagnosis and administrating of several drugs, endoscopy and histopatholgical biopsy revealed a massive S. stercoralis infection in the duodenal mucosa and gastric wall. In spite treating with anti-helminthic drugs in the last days, due to using different steroid drugs, clinical manifestations of the patient were exacerbated and he was expired on the seventeenth day due to severe dyspnea. Physicians’ awareness and using various diagnosis methods like serology, endoscopy, and biopsy should be considered in the endemic areas. In suspicious cases, anthelmintic drugs should be started before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1223 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1223/723

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 364 370 Salman KHAZAEI Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Shahab REZAEIAN Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Zaher KHAZAEI Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran Elham GOODARZI Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran Somayeh KHAZAEI Dept. of Paramedicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Mahdi MOHAMMADIAN Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Hamid SALEHINIYA Dept. of Public Health, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran AND Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Erfan AYUBI Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abdollah MOHAMMADIAN-HAFSHEJANI Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran AND Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Background: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients with hydatid cyst during 2011 to 2014. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Khorasan Razavi Province, the Northeast of Iran, from 2011 to 2014. The study population was all cases with hydatid cyst who diagnosed in governmental and private laboratories, hospitals and health centers (HC) in Khorasan Razavi Province during 2011-14. Results: The prevalence rate of hydatidosis was 1.44 per 100000 individuals. Of 357 cases, 54.9% were women, 40.3% rural, 45.8% housewives, and 3.4% were Afghan. The mean age of women was higher than that of men (39.13±18.9 compared to 34.7±17.9 yr, respectively, P-value=0.025). The highest proportion of cases (39.2%) was in the age group of 21-40 yr old. Abdominal pain was reported in 42.3% of cases. Liver involvement was the most common localization of hydatid cyst reported in 59.4% of patients, and 8.4% had multiple organ involvement. The common diagnosis methods of the disease were radiology (42.3%) followed by CT scan (37.8%). 45.9% of patients had domestic dog and hygiene principles of washing the vegetables was adhered by 6.7% of patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of human hydatidosis, as a most important neglected disease, should be considered by health policy-makers in public health domain. In addition, educational programs to better recognition of the disease symptoms, and to identify the infection sources are needed in high risk group of population. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1207 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1207/716

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 426 428 Faezeh SHABANI AZIM Student Scientific Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mitra ZARE BAVANI Zoonosis Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bahram NIKMANESH Zoonosis Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System Assay, a Rapid, Simple, Quantitative, and Highly Sensitive Antibody Detection for Parasitic Diseases https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1217 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1217/725

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 296 302 Mohammad YAKHCHALI Dept. of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Asaad HOSSEINPANAHI Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Reza MALEKZADEH-VIAYEH Artemia and Aquatic Animals Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Background: The present study was carried out to detect the infection of larval stages of Trichobilharzia species in the snail Lymnaea auricularia in northwestern Iran based on DNA analysis. Methods: A total number of 320 snails of L. auricularia were sampled from four water-bodies located in the suburb of Urmia City, North West Iran, during May to November 2011. The snails were first microscopically inspected for the infection with larval stages of trematodes. Genomic DNA was extracted from the snails and PCR was performed to amplify a fragment of the ribosomal DNA of Trichobilharzia species in the infected snails. Results: Microscopic examinations indicated that 11.25% (36 out of 320) of the snails were infected with larval stages of trematodes, while the PCR patterns showed a much higher infection rate (31.25%, 100/320). According to the PCR, the infections were caused by the larval stages of T. szidati (21.56%, 69/320) and T. franki (9.69%, 31/320) or both of them (8.44%, 27/320). The infected snails were observed in three out of the four studied sites. The highest infection rate in a single site was 50% (25/50). Only 7.81% (25 out of 320) of the infected snails were from the plain areas, while the remaining was from high altitudes. Conclusion: Results of this study contribute the utility of the employed technique for quick and accurate detection of the infection with trichobilharzian species in their intermediate host snails, which may have potential zoonotic role in the region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1198 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1198/708

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 417 721 Sima RASTI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Rouhullah DEHGHANI Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Department of Environmental Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hassan NAEIMI KHALEDI Laboratory of Shaheed Beheshti, Hospital, Kashan, Iran Sayed Mahdi TAKHTFIROOZEH Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Elahe CHIMEHI Dept. of Environmental Health, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Contamination of human and animal body tissues with flies’ larvae and diptera cause myiasis. A 26 yr old female patient refers to Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, central Iran because of urogenital infection, pain in the right part of stomach, smelly and reddish vaginal discharge and frequent urination. In the first checking, urine sample was taken. In the sample, active and alive larvae were seen. The live samples were taken to the Environmental Health Department Lab of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in clean glass jars. In the morphological survey, Psychoda sp larvae were identified. In Iran, this study is the first report of this species of larva that causes urinary myiasis. This fly larva is not carnivore or bloodsucker and feeds on bacterial agents. Observance of personal hygiene especially during defecation and urination is essential to prevent contamination of this type of myiasis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1215 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1215/614

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 3 2016 12 21 371 376 Ali RAMAZANI Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Reza HAMIDNEZHAD Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Alireza FOROUMADI Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyed Abbas MIRZAEI Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Somayyeh MADDAHI Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Zanjan, Iran Seyed Mehdi HASSANZADEH BCG Vaccine Unit, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2016 09 28 2016 09 28 Background: Aurones are naturally occurring compounds that belong to flavenoids family and have antiplasmodial effects. This study investigated some new aurones derivatives against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum. Here we report the synthesis, in vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxic evaluation of 11 compound from derivatives of (Z)-2- benzylidene-4, 6-dimethoxybenzofuran-3(2H)-one. Methods: The cytotoxic evaluations of active compounds were performed with MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-moniate-resistant Strains of Leishmania tropica 339 347 Hossein MAHMOUDVAND Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Farnaz KHEIRANDISH Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Seyed Reza MIRBADIE Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran Mohammad Hassan KAYEDI Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Tahereh REZAEI RIABI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Abbas Ali GHASEMI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mehdi BAMOROVAT Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Iraj SHARIFI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of methotrexate (MTX) alone and in combination with meglumine antimoniate (MA, Glucantime) against sensitive and MA-resistant Leishmania tropica stages in vitro. Methods: The present study was carried out in 2014 in Leishmaniasis Research Center at School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical sciences, Kerman, Iran. The effects of MTX alone and along with MA on promastigote and amastigote stages of sensitive (SS) and MA-resistant (RS) L. tropica strains have been evaluated using a colorimetric MTT assay and in a macrophage model, respectively. In addition, the inhibitory effect of MTX on the Leishmania invasion of murine macrophages was assessed in promastigotes of both strains of L. tropica. Sensitive and MA resistant L. tropica are referred to those isolates that are responsive or non-responsive to one or two courses of treatment by MA systemically and/or intralesionally, respectively. Results: The findings of OD and IC50 showed that MTX plus MA (SS: 16.1 μg/ml, RS: 39.8 μg/ml) had a higher anti-leishmanial effect than MA (SS: 52.2 μg/ml, RS: 170 μg/ml) or MTX alone (SS: 22.2 μg/ml, RS: 51.4 μg/ml) on promastigotes of both strains of L. tropica. The MTX plus MA caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the mean infection rate (MIR) and the mean number of amastigotes in each macrophage compared with positive control. Infectivity of promastigotes is significantly (P<0.05) reduced when it was preincubated with MTX. Conclusion: This study indicated high potency and a synergistic effect of MTX on MA in inhibiting the growth rateof promastigote and amastigote stages of sensitive and meglumine antimoniate-resistant L. tropica. Further works are needed to evaluate the anti-leishmanial effects of MTX on L. tropica using a clinical setting. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1764 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1764/754

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 453 460 Nazanin FALLAH Dept. of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Khadijeh RAHMATI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad FALLAH Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: The reservoir and intermediate hosts of Echinococcus granulsus and human hydatidosis are more prevalent in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains slop due to rich pastures for sheep raising. Many cases of hydatid cysts operate in local hospitals annually. The present study aimed to review the epidemiologic characteristics of the hydatidosis patients. Methods: In this descriptive study, the medical files of 182 hydatidosis patients from main public and private hospitals in Hamadan Province, western Iran from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. The data collected from eight general hospitals including demographic data, clinical and diagnostic measures, surgical approaches, and outcome were entered into the prepared checklist and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: All patients were diagnosed and operated giving an average of 26 cases per year, or 1.5 cases per 100000 inhabitants. The site of cysts was as follows: liver 70.9%, lung 24.7%, and in both these organs 2.2%. The ratio of male and female patients was approximately 1:1. Mean age of patients was 44.5±21.5 yr at range of 3 to 91 yr. The majority the patients were illiterate (32.2%) and resided in the rural areas (61.7%), and their occupations were housewives (36.8%). Almost 90% of patients diagnosed by imaging methods and 8% had history of surgery for cyst. Conclusion: Hydatidosis is a major health problem still in this region and more extensive epidemiological investigations of CE is necessary to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and risk factors for the disease control. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1778 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1778/769

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 348 354 Nick Angelo P. VELANTE Cargill Philippines Inc., Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines Rey B. ORONAN Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños,Laguna, Philippines Marco F. REYES Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños,Laguna, Philippines Billy P. DIVINA Dept. of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in captive animals in a wildlife facility. This is the first study conducted in these animals from the facility. Methods: Eight captive tigers (Panthera tigris), two Palawan bearcats (Arctictis binturong whitei) and one Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) currently housed at a wildlife facility in Manila, Philippines were considered in 2012. These animals were apparently healthy with no signs of disease during the study. Sample collection was done twice at two months interval where freshly voided fecal samples were grossly examined, characterized and preserved in Sodium Acetate Formalin (SAF). The samples were used to determine the presence of G. duodenalis using modified flotation-sedimentation and commercially available immuno-chromatographic assay test kit. Results: All fecal samples tested were negative for the presence of G. duodenalis trophozoites, and cysts using the former. Furthermore, none of the samples tested positive for and G. duodenalis antigen using immune-chromatographic assay. Conclusion: There is no existing infection of G. duodenalis among captive tigers, Palawan Bearcats and Asian palm civet housed at the wildlife facility.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1765 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1765/755

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 355 363 Esmaeil FALLAH Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Zahra JAFARPOUR Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mahmoud MAHAMI-OSKOUEI Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ali HAGHIGHI Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam NIYYATI Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Adel SPOTIN Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Aram KHEZRI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic amphizoic protozoan found in different fresh water sources. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Acanthamoeba isolates from surface resting waters, in Northwest Iran. Methods: Samples were collected from twenty-two different areas, between May and Sep 2014. After filtration, samples were cultivated on non-nutrient agar. The extracted DNAs were amplified and sequenced using partial 18S rRNA in order to genotype and phylogenetic analyses. Results: Thirty-four (68%) out of 50 collected samples were positive for free-living amoebae based on both culture and morphological characterizations but 28 samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. by PCR. Sequentially, one isolate was identified as A. lenticulata, (T5) (AN: KP940443, identity 99.7%-100%, and divergence 0.3%) whilst other sequenced isolates identified Acanthamoeba spp. (AN: KP940444-45) as very similar to A. rhysodes and A. royreba with identity 100% and divergence 0%. Conclusion: Surface resting waters in Northwest Iran, were potentially contaminated with pathogenic amphizoic protozoan. Further studies will be required to determine other Acanthamoeba species and genotypes in the region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1766 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1766/756

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 364 373 Nasrin HEMMATI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elham RAZMJOU Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Saeideh HASHEMI-HAFSHEJANI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abbas MOTEVALIAN Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Lameh AKHLAGHI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Reza MEAMAR Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections and health problems worldwide. Due to the lack of epidemiologic information of such infections, the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, enteric parasites were investigated in residents of Roudehen, Tehran Province, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 561 triple fecal samples were collected through a two-stage cluster-sampling protocol from Jun to Dec 2014. The samples were examined by formalin-ether concentration, culture, and with molecular methods. Results: The prevalence of enteric parasites was 32.7% (95% CI 27.3–38). Blastocystis sp. was the most common intestinal protozoan (28.4%; 95% CI 23.7–33.0). The formalin-ether concentration and culture methods detected Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba coli, Giardia intestinalis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Iodamoeba butschlii, Entamoeba complex cysts or trophozoite, Chilomastix mesnilii, and Enterobius vermicularis. Single-round PCR assay for Entamoeba complex were identified Entamoeba dispar and E. moshkovskii. E. histolytica was not observed in any specimen. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association of parasites with water source and close animal contact. There was no correlation between infections and gender, age, occupation, education, or travel history. Protozoan infections were more common than helminth infections. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of enteric protozoan parasite infection among citizens of Rodehen. As most of the species detected are transmitted through a water-resistant cyst, public and individual education on personal hygiene should be considered to reduce transmission of intestinal parasites in the population.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1767 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1767/758

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 374 381 Meysam SHARIFDINI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Laleh GHANBARZADEH Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Nasrolla KOUHESTANI-MAKLAVANI Guilan Province Health Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Hamed MIRJALALI Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehrzad SARAEI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Hookworm infection is one of the important Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in the world. It was previously more prevalent in the northern and southern parts of Iran with a prevalence rate higher than 40% in some endemic regions; nevertheless, the infection rate has decreased to less than 1%. This study aimed to determine prevalence and molecular aspects of hookworm infections in rural inhabitants of Fouman County, Guilan Province, northern Iran Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 31 villages of Fouman district in Guilan Province, northern Iran during 2015-2016. Stool samples were collected from 1500 rural inhabitants and examined by formalin ethyl-acetate concentration as well as agar plate culture techniques. After treatment with albendazole, adult hookworms were isolated. FollowingDNA extraction,PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed and the product was sequenced, followed by genetic variation analysis. Results: Of 1500 samples, one case was morphologically diagnosed as N. americanus. In addition, molecular characterization verified the presence of N. americanus, showing more than 95% similarity with sequences of N. americanus present in GenBank. The patient showed no clinical symptoms and a mild hypereosinophilia was the only laboratory finding observed. Conclusion: A reduced prevalence of human hookworms was demonstrated within Guilan Province located in north of Iran. The N. americanus originated from Guilan had  a high homology with the isolates found in Japan, Laos, Malaysia, and Australia. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1768 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1768/759

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 382 388 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 Zabiholah ZAREI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khadijeh KHANALIHA Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rasool-e-Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Eshrat Beigom KIA Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afsaneh MOTAVALLI-HAGHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Jaber DAVOODI Dept. of Veterinary Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Branch, Zanjan, Iran Tahereh REZAEIAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fathemeh TARIGHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran 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 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Majority of parasitic infections in rodents have zoonotic importance. This study aimed to determine the frequency and intensity of intestinal protozoa infections of rodents including Meriones persicus, Mus musculus and, Cricetulus migratorius. Methods: This survey was conducted in Meshkin Shahr district in northwestern Iran from Mar. to Dec. of 2014. Intestinal samples of 204 rodents including M. persicus (n=117), M. musculus (n=63) and C. migratorius (n=24) were parasitologically examined. Formalin-ether concentration method was done for all of rodents stool samples and observed with light microscope. All of suspected cases were stained with trichorome staining Method. Cultivation in dichromate potassium 2.5% was carried out for all of coccidian positive samples. Acid fast and aniline blue staining methods were used for detecting of coccidian oocysts and intestinal microsporidial spores, respectively. Results: About 121(59.3%) of the caught rodents were generally infected with intestinal protozoa. Entamoeba muris 14(6.9%), Trichomonas muris 55(27.0%), Chilomastix betencourtti 17 (8.3%), Giardia muris 19(9.3%), Eimeria spp. 46(22.5%), Isospora spp. 4(2%) and Cryptosporidium spp. 1(0.5%) were found from the collected rodents. Microsporidian spores were identified in 63 (31%) out of the 204 collected rodents using aniline blue staining method. Conclusion: Since some of the infections are zoonotic importance thus, control of rodents can be decreased new cases of the parasitic zoonoses in humans. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1769 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1769/760

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 389 397 Peyman HEYDARIAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Keyhan ASHRAFI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, 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 Eshrat Beigom KIA Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mojgan ARYAEIPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali CHEGENI SHARAFI Dept. of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Deputy of Health, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Mostafa GHOLAMREZAEI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Bahador HAJIMOHAMMADI Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Dept. of Food Hygiene and Safety, Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Ahmad ORYAN Dept. of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: One of the most important items in molecular characterization of food-borne pathogens is high quality genomic DNA. In this study, we investigated three protocols and compared their simplicity, duration and costs for extracting genomic DNA from Linguatula serrata. Methods: The larvae were collected from the sheep’s visceral organs from the Yazd Slaughterhouse during May 2013. DNA extraction was done in three different methods, including commercial DNA extraction kit, Phenol Chloroform Isoamylalcohol (PCI), and salting out. Extracted DNA in each method was assessed for quantity and quality using spectrophotometery and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. Results: The less duration was regarding to commercial DNA extraction kit and then salting out protocol. The cost benefit one was salting out and then PCI method. The best quantity was regarding to PCI with 72.20±29.20 ng/μl, and purity of OD260/OD280 in 1.76±0.947. Agarose gel electrophoresis for assessing the quality found all the same. Conclusion: Salting out is introduced as the best method for DNA extraction from L. seratta as a food-borne pathogen with the least costand appropriate purity. Although, the best purity was regarding to PCI but PCI is not safe as salting out. In addition, the duration of salting out was less than PCI. The least duration was seen in commercial DNA extraction kit, but it is expensive and therefore is not recommended for developing countries where consumption of offal is common. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1629 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1629/735

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 243 250 Abbas IMANI BARAN Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Habib CHERAGHI SARAY Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Farzad KATIRAEE Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: Fasciola species are the main causes for fascioliasis with great financial losses and are among the most important food/water-borne parasites worldwide. The basic proceedings such as epidemiology and effective control of fascioliasis rely mainly on precise identification of Fasciola species. The present study was conducted to determine the Fasciola species in ruminant fecal samples from East Azerbaijan Province in Iran. Methods: Overall, 2012 fecal samples were collected and processed initially for microscopic examination of Fasciola eggs in 2014-15. Then, recovered eggs were subjected to molecular identification. A fragment of 618 bp of the 28S rRNA gene pertaining to Fasciola genus was amplified under PCR. The amplified fragment was restricted by fast digest Ava II enzyme in order to a Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Results: Based on microscopic examination, 72 samples were infected, from which, 10 and 62 cases pertained to cattle and sheep samples respectively. Based on RFLP, the PCR products restricted by the Ava II restriction enzyme produced 529 bp fragments only. According to the positive controls, all restriction patterns were related to Fasciola hepatica, while no restriction patterns were linked to F. gigantica. Conclusion: Based on PCR-RFLP, F. hepatica was dominant species in animals of the studied areas and no evidence of F. gigantica was observed. Therefore, further field studies to verify these results are suggested. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1630 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1630/736

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 251 259 Razieh TAVAKOLI OLIAEE Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Zahra BABAEI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Gholam Reza HATAM Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Amir TAVAKOLI KARESHK Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Hosein MAHMOUDVAND Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Arghavan VAFAFAR Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Naser ZIAALI Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: The present study aimed to characterize genetically and to compare the most frequently occurring strains of Trichomonas vaginalis isolated from southern Iran.Methods: Totally, 150 vaginal swab and urine specimens were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic women from May 2012 to Jun 2013.This study implemented a sensitive and reliable PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing method on the actin gene. Moreover, one representative sample of each identified genotype was subjected to sequencing.Results: Twenty-four T. vaginalis isolates were positive and6 distinct electrophoretic patterns (H, E, G, I, M, N) were identified. Genotypes H and I were found to be more prevalent (50 and 37.5%) in Kerman and Shiraz, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that two isolates were located as a separated clade with the other T. vaginalis isolates.Conclusion: The obtained findings showed a considerable genetic polymorphism of clinical isolates from the population studied. More studies may be warranted in future as to unveiling any possible links between a given genotype/cluster and pathogenic behavior of T. vaginalis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1631 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1631/749

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 260 266 Mehdi BAMOROVAT Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Iraj SHARIFI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Majid FASIHI HARANDI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Saeed NASIBI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Balal SADEGHI Dept. of Food Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Javad KHEDRI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Mohammad Ali MOHAMMADI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: Dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially deadly condition in dogs and one of the zoonotic filarial infections, which inadvertently affects the humans. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and the molecular identity of dirofilariasis in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran between Jul and Aug 2013. Methods: A hundred and forty-nine domestic dogs were randomly selected and five ml blood samples were taken from each dog. One ml of anticoagulant (EDTA) was used for each test in the parasitological study (modified Knott´s test) and sera samples were examined, using ELISA kit to detect Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Extracted DNA of all positive blood samples was used for molecular characterization and sequencing. Results: Four (2.7%) domestic dogs of the total 149 domestic dogs were infected with micofilariae of D. immitis, while the serological study showed 8 (5.4%) domestic dogs were infected with D. immitis. No signifi­cant difference, however, was found between dirofilariasis infec­tion and gender. On the other hand, a signifi­cant difference was observed between dirofilariasis infec­tion and age (P<0.05). Based on the PCR findings, among the total specimens, 6 positive samples were characterized as D. immitis. Conclusion: Dirofilariasis occurred when there was low endemicity in the dogs. Such dogs could be a potential source of infection for humans. These findings could help in better understanding of the epidemiological aspects of D. immitis in the southeastern parts of Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1632 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1632/738

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 267 273 Kourosh ARZAMANI Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran Mitra SALEHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology , Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Iraj MOBEDI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amir ADINEZADE Dept. of Medical Parasitology , Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Hamid HASANPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad ALAVINIA Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran Jamshid DARVISH Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran AND Rodentology Research Department (RRD), Applied Animal Institute (AAI), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Reza SHIRZADI Zoonoses Control Department, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran Zeinolabedin MOHAMMADI Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: Rodents are an important source of zoonotic diseases for human. The aim of this study was to determine the infectivity of rodents with intestinal helminths in North Khorasan Province, Iran. Methods: One hundred and thirteen rodents were collected using different collection methods such as kill and live traps, digging of their burrow, filling of their hiding places with water and hand net during 2011-2013. Their alimentary canals were removed in the laboratory and helminths were determined in the department of parasitology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Results: Thirteen species of helminths parasites were found in 13 species of rodents, including Aspiculuris tetraptera, Hymenolepis diminuta, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Protospirura Seurat, Rictolaria ratti, Skrjabinitaenia lobata, Streptopharagus kuntzi, Syphacia obvelata, Taenia taeniaeformis, Trichuris muris, Cysticercus fascio