Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 323 331 Mohammad EBRAHIMIPOUR Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Seyed Mahmoud SADJJADI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Hossein YOUSOFI DARANI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Mohsen NAJJARI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases; caused by different genotypes of Echinococcus spp. Camels have an important role in transmission cycle of E. granulosus especially, in desert areas. This study aimed to investigate molecular characterization of hydatid cysts isolates from one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and to show its molecular and phylogenic status in this important CE host in the central part of Iran. Methods: Twenty hydatid cyst samples (14 fertile and 6 calcified) were collected from 56 slaughtered camels in Central part of Iran. Extraction of DNA from 14 fertile samples was achieved followed by molecular studies on two mitochondrial genes (nad1 and cox1). Results: Blast and phylogenetic analysis on sequenced genes showed the presence of G1 (28.6%), G3 (28.6%) and G6 (35.7%) genotypes in the samples. However, one sample was detected as E. ortleppi (G5) with 99% homology with G5 isolated from camel in Egypt (AB921055) and Sudan (JX912709). Conclusion: Presence of E. ortleppi, originally the cattle genotype, is reported for the first time in Iran. Due to the potential of infecting human by E. ortleppi; more attention should be paid to this zoonotic genotype in this region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1762 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1762/752

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 312 322 Elham MOGHADDAS Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Ali KHAMESIPOUR Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abdolmajid FATA Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Skin Diseases and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Chemotherapy still relies on the use of pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, paromomycin, miltefosin, and allopurinol. In this study, we explained about the native plant that grows in different regions of Iran and used as anti-leishmanial in Iran and even many other countries. Methods: This narrative review covers all information about local herbal medicine in Iran that used in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in all the worlds, published in local and international journals from 1996 to 2015 using various databases including PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct. Results: Overall, 150 articles in databases were identified. Many local plants grown in some places of Iran were used to treat this endemic disease. Conclusion: The cutaneous leishmaniasis is also a major health problem in Iran, especially in Mashhad (Northeast of Iran). Therefore, many patients seek for herbal therapy that is cheaper and readily available. This review provides information regarding plant that exists in Iran and exhibiting effects on anti- Leishmania activity. Among the anti-leishmanial mentioned in this review, most have never been tested for cytotoxicity and very few have been tested for in vivo activity. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1761 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1761/772

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 461 465 Yosra KERKENI Dept. of Pediatric Surgery A, Children's Hospital Bechir Hamza, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia Sondes SAHLI Dept. of Pediatric Surgery A, Children's Hospital Bechir Hamza, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia Manef GASMI Dept. of Pediatric Surgery A, Children's Hospital Bechir Hamza, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia Nada SGHAIROUN Dept. of Pediatric Surgery A, Children's Hospital Bechir Hamza, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia Mourad HAMZAOUI Dept. of Pediatric Surgery A, Children's Hospital Bechir Hamza, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Echinococcosis is a multisystem disease and has propensity to involve any organ, an unusual anatomical site, and can mimic any disease process. The hydatid cyst of the mesenteries known to occur secondary to hepatic involvement but occasional cases of his primitive form has also been reported. We report here one such case of primitive mesenteric hydatid cyst herniated through inguinal canal in a 5-yr-old boy, admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Department of Children’s Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia in 2015. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1779 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1779/770

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 441 445 Shabnam JEIBOUEI Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, 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 Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, 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 Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali HAGHIGHI Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The treatment of the disease is hampered due to high cost, toxicity and the crisis of drug resistance. Polytope approaches of genetic immunization could be a strategy for prevention of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the identification of Leishmania genome sequence and the application of bioinformatics assist us to devise an effective vaccine’s candidate. Methods: A linear sequence from predicted epitopes of GP63, LACK and CPC antigens was designed and was optimized using online available algorithms. The synthesized sequence (LAKJB93) was ligated to pEGFP-N1 plasmid. Results: The 264bp sequence was cloned at N terminal of GFP into pEGFP_N1 expression vector and transfect into CHO cell line. Construct was efficient expressed in CHO cells. Conclusion: The protein of LAKJB93 cosnstruct was expressed in CHO cells successfully. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1776 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1776/767

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 332 338 Yu ZHAO College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China AND State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China Donghui ZHOU State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China Jia CHEN State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China Xiaolin SUN College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: Toxoplasma gondii, as a eukaryotic parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa, can infect almost all the warm-blooded animals and humans, causing toxoplasmosis. Rhoptry neck proteins (RONs) play a key role in the invasion process of T. gondii and are potential vaccine candidate molecules against toxoplasmosis. Methods: The present study examined sequence variation in the rhoptry neck protein 10 (TgRON10) gene among 10 T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical locations from Lanzhou province during 2014, and compared with the corresponding sequences of strains ME49 and VEG obtained from the ToxoDB database, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, sequence analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction by Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum parsimony (MP). Results: Analysis of all the 12 TgRON10 genomic and cDNA sequences revealed 7 exons and 6 introns in the TgRON10 gDNA. The complete genomic sequence of the TgRON10 gene ranged from 4759 bp to 4763 bp, and sequence variation was 0-0.6% among the 12 T. gondii isolates, indicating a low sequence variation in TgRON10 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of TgRON10 sequences showed that the cluster of the 12 T. gondii isolates was not completely consistent with their respective genotypes. Conclusion: TgRON10 gene is not a suitable genetic marker for the differentiation of T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical locations, but may represent a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis, worth further studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1763 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1763/753

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 466 469 Roghayeh NOROUZI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Arman MANOCHEHRI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Saman ZARRIN Medical Laboratory, Shahid Ghazi Hospital, Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Myiasis is an animal or human pathogenic condition initiated by parasitic dipterous fly larvae feeding in the host’s necrotic or living tissue. Here we report a case of external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Lucilia sericata in a 78-yr-old with a vascular tumor of the retina and surgery history, from Bijar City of Kurdistan Province, Iran in 2015. Associated symptoms included right eye pain with mucoid ocular discharge, headache, sensing the presence of a foreign body in the eye and itching. Examination revealed a L. sericata Larva in his right eye. Infestation of ocular tissue by fly larvae (ophthalmomyiasis) progresses after retinal surgery and can destroy orbital tissues within days, especially in patient with poor hygienic conditions. Treatment consists of removal of the larvae and surgical debridement. Following removal of larva, the symptoms completely resolved within a few hours and remained asymptomatic several weeks later. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1780 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1780/771

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 446 452 Mona EL-SAYAD Dept. of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Sahar ABU HELW Dept. of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Hend EL-TAWEEL Dept. of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Mohammad AZIZ Dept. of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt 2017 09 17 2017 09 17 Background: The development of new antischistosomal drug remains a pressing need and a vital challenge in front of many researchers through screening the natural or chemical substances for their potential activity as antischistosomal agents. Methods: Five groups of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice (n=10) were enrolled in this study, the G1 was infected non-treated control group. G2 was infected treated with praziquantel 500 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days. G3 was given mirazid 500 mg/kg for 5 days. G4 was given Myrrh total oil 18 mg/kg for 3 days and G5 given nitazoxanide 100 mg/kg for 7 days. Mice perfusion was performed for worm ultrastructural morphology by scanning electron microscopy at 2 WPT. Results: Praziquantel was superior to any other tested substances as it caused extensive tegumental damages in male worms in the form of rupture of the tubercles and loss of spines followed by mirazid that resulted only in superficial tegumental damage with shrinkage of the outer surface of male tubercles with marked loss of spines. Nitazoxanide resulted in minor tegumental alterations of male worms while Myrrh total oil caused negligible effects on the teguments of perfused worms. Conclusion: PZQ showed more superior antiparasitic effects than all tested substances on S. mansoni worms. Mirazid was more effective than myrrh total oil and nitazoxanide. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1777 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1777/768

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 3 2017 09 17 188 195 Hanaa Y. BAKIR Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Rasha AH ATTIA Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Abeer E MAHMOUD Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Zedan IBRAHEIM Dept. of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: The protective response developed against Trichinella spiralis infection provokes immune and inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines released from T helper cells. We aimed to evaluate the effect of albendazole or myrrh on the expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in BALB/c mice infected with T. spiralis. Methods: This study was done at the Animal House of Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University (Assiut, Egypt) from April to December 2015. Mice were infected with 300 T. spiralis larvae and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg per day) or myrrh (500 mg/kg per day) for 3 consecutive days post-infection (pi). The expression of INF-γ and IL-10 was detected in the intestinal tissue by reverse transcription (RT) PCR. Results: The expression of IFN-γ in mice treated with albendazole and myrrh was detected on days 3 and 15 pi respectively. In the control group, it was found on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 pi with the highest expression on day 15 pi. The expression of IL-10 was detected on days 3, 20 pi in the albendazole and myrrh treated groups, respectively. In the control group, IL-10 expression appeared on days 5 and day 20 pi. Conclusion: The target of albendazole and myrrh on the profile of IFN-γ and IL-10 on these cytokines were encouraging to reinforce their therapeutic use against trichinellosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1625 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1625/731

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 298 304 Mohammad YAKHCHALI Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Nasser HAJIPOUR Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Reza MALEKZADEH-VIAYEH Lake Urmia Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Bijan ESMAEILNEJAD Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Taher NEMATI-HARAVANI Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mohammad FATHOLLAHZADEH Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Rasool JAFARI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: The stray cats are considered as the sources of emerging humans and domestic livestock pathogens and the zoonoses of public health importance. The present study was aimed to elucidate intestinal helminth infections and infestation with ectoparasites of the stray cats of Ahar City, northwestern Iran. Methods: Totally, 51 stray cats were randomly trapped from different parts of the city between Mar and Nov 2013. The cats were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths infection. Results: Overall prevalence of helminths and flea were 44/51 (86.3%) and 31/51 (60.78%), respectively. The infection rates were significantly different among different age groups (P<0.05). Of the 282 isolated helminths, three species of nematodes (Toxocara cati (86.3%), T. leonina (11.77%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (5.9%)) and four species of cestodes (Taenia taeniaeformis (64.7%), Mesocestoides lineatus (49.02%), Dipylidium caninum (29.41%), T. hydatigena (19.6%)) were identified. The predominant infectious helminths in all the infected cats were T. cati (86.3% with egg per gram of feces 27.75±9). Of the 270 collected fleas, two species of Ctenocephalides felis (80%) and C. canis (20%) were notably frequent in the cats aged 2-3-year-old. The average number of fleas per each infected cat was recorded as 5.29, with no incidence of cross-infection. Conclusion: The results indicated the high rate of helminths infections and flea infestation in the urban stray cats of which Toxocara cati and Ctenocephalides felis may play important roles as zoonotic agents in the region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1637 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1637/743

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 196 205 Ahmad Z. AL-HERRAWY Dept. of Water Pollution Research, National Research Center, 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt Mahmoud I. KHALIL Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Soheir S. EL-SHERIF Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Fatima A. E. OMAR Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Wael M. LOTFY Dept. of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: Swimming in contaminated water was reported to be associated with Acanthamoeba and N. fowleri human infections. The present study was carried out with the aim of isolation and identification of the different species of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria from two swimming pools in Alexandria University. Methods: Samples were collected from the swimming pools of Alexandria University Stadium and Faculty of Agriculture-Alexandria University during the period from May 2012 to April 2013. Results: Free-living amoebae were prevalent in the collected samples. Molecular characterization confirmed the identity of ten Acanthamoeba isolates and seven Naegleria isolates. Acanthamoeba T3, T4, T5, T11 and T15 genotypes were identified. Acanthamoeba T4 was the most prevalent genotype. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of Acanthamoeba, especially genotype T4, indicates the presence of a health hazard to swimmers particularly those wearing contact lenses. Naegleria fowleri was not found during the present study.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1626 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1626/732

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 206 214 Seyyed Javad SEYYEDTABAEI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali ROSTAMI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali HAGHIGHI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Dept. of Medical Parasitology & 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 Bahram KAZEMI Dept. of Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shirzad FALLAHI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Adel SPOTIN Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are important public health problems in Iran. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of Western blot (WB) compared with indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) to serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis. Methods: This study was performed from 2010-2014 and participants were different parts of Iran. Serum samples were obtained from 43 patients with proven CL, 33 patients with proven VL, 39 patients with other parasitic diseases and 23 healthy individuals. Results: WB sensitivity for CL and VL was 100% and 91%, compared to IFA 4.6% and 87.8%, respectively. Sera from patients with CL and VL recognized numerous antigens with molecular weights ranging from 14 to 68 kDa and 12 to 94 kDa, respectively. The most sensitive antigens were 14 and 16 kDa for CL recognized by 100% of the sera from patients with proven CL and 12, 14 and 16 kDa for VL, recognized by 63.6%, 100% and 63.6% of the sera from patients with proven VL respectively. WB analysis is more sensitive than IFAT for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis particularly in cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The 12, 14 and 16 kDa can be valuable diagnostic molecules for serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis because at least two immunogenic molecules were simultaneously detected by all patient sera, as well as produced antibodies against these antigens have no cross-reactivity with other control groups. Conclusion: WB could be useful for screening and serodiagnosis of CL and VL in epidemiologic studies in endemic areas. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1627 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1627/733

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 215 223 Mohammad Ali MOHAMMADI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mehdi BAMOROVAT Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Majid FASIHI HARANDI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Tayyebeh KARIMI Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Iraj SHARIFI Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mohammad Reza AFLATOONIAN Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2017 06 12 2017 06 12 Background: To compare three molecular methods, PCR-RFLP for internal transcribed spacer, PCR sequencing and high resolution melting analysis shown reliable sensitivity and specificity for detecting Leishmania tropica as a model for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as the perspective overview for scientific and economic approaches. Methods: This study was carried out between 2015 and 2016 in Leishmaniasis Research Center in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. The positives smears (n=50) were obtained from patients referred from the health clinics in a major anthroponotic CL (ACL) focus, southeastern Iran. Only smear preparations with the same grade were selected according to the method described by the WHO for future PCR assays. Results: All three molecular methods had capability to identify positive samples at species level with the same specificity and sensitivity. However, these techniques were different in simplicity, consuming time, and cost effectiveness. Although additional enzymatic process in PCR-RFLP provided good resolution to find Leishmania species but this would cause time and cost increases. Conclusion: HRM (high resolution melting) is a relatively new technique that allows direct characterization of PCR amplicons in a closed system with more simplicity, cost effectiveness and time-consuming compared with other PCR-based assays for epidemiological or clinical identification purposes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1628 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1628/734

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 224 229 Afrooz DANESHPARVAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gholamreza MOWLAVI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamed MIRJALALI Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Homa HAJJARAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Iraj MOBEDI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Saied Reza NADDAF Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mohammadreza SHIDFAR Dept. of Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahsa SADAT MAKKI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 06 13 2017 06 13 Background: Demodicosis is one of the most prevalent skin diseases resulting from infestation by Demodex mites. This parasite usually inhabits in follicular infundibulum or sebaceous duct transmitted through close contact with an infested host. Methods: This study was carried from September 2014 to January 2016 at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. DNA extraction and amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA was performed on four isolates, obtained from four patients and identified morphologically through clearing with 10% Potassium hydroxide (KOH) and microscopical examination. Amplified fragments from the isolates were compared with GenBank database and phylogenetic analysis was carried out using MEGA6 software. Results: A 390 bp fragment of 16S rDNA was obtained in all isolates and analysis of generated sequences showed high similarity with those submitted to GenBank, previously. Intra-species similarity and distance also showed 99.983% and 0.017, respectively, for the studied isolates. Multiple alignments of the isolates showed Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16S rRNA fragment. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 4 isolates clustered with other D. folliculorum, recovered from GenBank database. Our accession numbers KF875587 and KF875589 showed more similarity together in comparison with two other studied isolates. Conclusion: Mitochondrial 16S rDNA is one of the most suitable molecular barcodes for identification D. folliculorum and this fragment can use for intra-species characterization of the most human-infected mites. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1644 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1644/746

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 230 235 Aida VAFAE ESLAHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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 AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Iraj MOBEDI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Meysam SHARIFDINI Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Milad BADRI Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Gholamreza MOWLAVI 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 06 13 2017 06 13 Background: Carnivore carcasses on the roads can be regarded as study materials in parasitology and eco-epidemiology. Stray carnivores such as dogs and cats are known to harbor so many different pathogens like zoonotic helminthes. The current investigation, apparent the status of the helminthic parasites found in road killed carnivores from different parts of Guilan Province north of Iran. Methods: Fifty road killed carnivores including 27 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 11 golden jackals (Canis aureus) and 12 stray cats (Felis catus) were collected from 21 locations of Guilan Province, during Apr to Nov 2015. Internal organs of the carcasses, including digestive tract, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, skin, eyes as well as muscles were carefully inspected and sampled for helminthological investigation. Results: About 80% of the 50 carnivores, (stray dogs 77.77%, golden jackals 81.81%, and stray cats 91.66%) were found naturally infected with helminthic parasites. Dipylidum caninum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Dirofilaria immitis, Dioctophyma renale, Dipylidum caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides spp., Taenia hydatigena, Taenia hydatigera, Joyuxiella spp., Spirometra spp. are reported herein. Conclusion: The prevalent occurrence of zoonotic helminthes such as T. canis, T. cati, T. leonina, E. granulosus, D. immitis and D. renale in stray carnivores should be considered as a public health hazard, specifically within a vast tourism area like Guilan Province. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1645 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1645/747

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 12 2 2017 06 13 236 242 Gilda ESLAMI Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Sepideh KHALATBARI-LIMAKI Dept. of Food Hygiene and Safety, Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Mohammad Hasan EHRAMPOUSH Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Dept. of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 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 fasciolaris, Acanthocephal. spp and Trichuris spp. Some of them were reported for the first time in new host in Iran. S. obvelata and A. tetraptera were the most frequent parasites and P. Seurat, R. ratti and C. fasciolaris were found only in one rodent. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the intestinal parasites in rodents in this area. Among different species identified, some of helminths were reported in new host. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/inde