Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 11 23 Harpreet KAUR Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India Ankita THAKUR Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India Sukhbir KAUR Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Currently, there is no vaccine available for any form of leishmaniasis for human use, including visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The treatment relies on drugs associated with severe toxic side effects and increased parasite drug resistance. At present, there is a strong need to develop and implement a successful vaccine against this disease. Therefore, we evaluated immunoprophylactic potential of a cocktail of low molecular weight antigens along with various adjuvants. Methods: The three antigens (2015, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh), 31kDa, 36 kDa and 51 kDa of L. donovani were used in this study. Inbred BALB/c mice were immunized with 10 µg of cocktail antigens i.e. 31+36+51kDa alone and along with different adjuvants (ALD, saponin, and liposome). Mice were boosted twice at an interval of 2 wk and after last dose; mice were given challenge infection with 107 promastigotes. Mice have sacrificed15 d post immunization and on 30, 60, 90 post-challenge days for evaluation of different parameters. Results: Immunized animals showed reduced parasite load, increased DTH responses and elevated levels of IgG2a antibody. The levels of Th1 cytokines were higher as compared to Th2 cytokines in immunized animals. Conclusion: Best results were obtained with cocktail of 31+36+51+liposome and this combination conferred maximum protection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2040 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2040/802

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 1 10 Shima MAHMOUDI Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein KESHAVARZ Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Although rigorous efforts have substantially decreased the malaria burden through decades, it still threatens the lives of millions of children. Development of an effective vaccine can provide important approach in malaria control strategies. Unfortunately, development of an effective vaccine for falciparum malaria has been hindered by the extreme complexity of malaria parasite biology, complex and diverse parasite genomes, and immune evasion by the parasites as well as the intricate nature of the parasites infection cycle. The aim of this review was to discuss the different approaches to malaria vaccine development until now. Methods: Scientific databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed) and SCOPUS were searched up to 30 Jan 2017 and the articles regarding malaria vaccine development were taken into examination. Results: Several strategies for malaria vaccine development including pre-erythrocytic vaccines, antibody-based subunit vaccines, vectored vaccines, whole sporozoite vaccines, genetically Attenuated parasites and sporozoite subunit vaccine, erythrocytic vaccines, sexual stage vaccine, transmission-blocking vaccine as well as synthetic peptides and conjugate vaccine has been introduced. However, the success has been limited thus far. Conclusion: Although development of malaria vaccine over the past 70 year has been continued, the discovery, development, and licensing of a malaria vaccine formulation, which meets safety, affordability, accessibility, applicability, and efficacy has not yet been achieved. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2039 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2039/821

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 145 148 Moslem SEDAGHATTALAB Dept. of Internal Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Arsalan AZIZI Dept. of Pathology, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Leishmaniasis, as a vector-borne disease, is transmitted by sandfly and caused by Leishmania protozoa. Brain involvement rarely occurs in visceral leishmaniasis. In this paper, a rare case of pons involvement by visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is reported. A 54 yr old man from Southwest of Iran (Yasuj) presented to the Emergency Ward with a 3-wk history of headache (continuous, throbbing, and general), fever, chills, weakness, anorexia, and weight loss. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2056 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2056/818

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 114 119 Davood ANVARI Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Dariush SAADATI Dept. of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Reza NABAVI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Majid ALIPOUR ESKANDANI Dept. of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite which causes the toxoplasmosis in humans and warm-blooded animals. Red meat is an important source for transmission of the infection to humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma among imported and indigenous cattle in the Sistan region. Methods: One hundred samples from slaughtered cattle were collected from two abattoirs of Zabol and Zahedan, South East of Iran in 2015. Each sample was a mixture of three muscle, including tongue, cardiac, and triceps. Additional data of each cattle, including sex, breed, age, indigenous or imported, location of slaughter, management practices, and feeding system were obtained through observations and interviews. Infection by T. gondii was determined by PCR method. Results: The prevalence of Toxoplasma in indigenous cattle was 6% and in imported cattle was 26%, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). Moreover, the prevalence of Toxoplasma was statistically associated with management practices (P=0.01) and feeding system (P=0.001). However, relationship between the prevalence of Toxoplasma with age, breed, sex, and location of slaughter was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Since the prevalence of Toxoplasma among imported cattle is higher than indigenous cattle, so strict supervision for importing livestock from neighboring countries is necessary. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2052 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2052/814

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 24 30 Amir BAIRAMI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Sasan REZAEI 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 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Diarrheal disease annually causes 760000 deaths in children, and 1700 million new cases are reported each year worldwide. Among the parasites, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. are the most important infectious agents leading to diarrhea. Clinical presentations due to these parasites are more or less similar, and microscopy is not as much as sensitive for the detection. The aim of this study was to set up and evaluate a Multiplex PCR Assay for Synchronous Identification of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. in Stool Samples Methods: Samples were obtained from different sources such as culture media and patient stool samples. Primer pairs were designed using primer-BLAST, and for the extraction of DNA, the QIAamp DNA stool mini kit was used. The study was conducted in Tehran, Iran and completed in 2016. Results: The current multiplex PCR assay for the detection of E. histolytica achieved sensitivity and specificity of 86.36% (95% CI: 65.09% to 97.09) and 95.74 % (95% CI: 85.46% to 99.48%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the test for G. intestinalis was 90.91% (95% CI: 70.84% to 98.88%) and 95.74% (95%CI: 85.46% to 99.48%), respectively, and for the detection of Cryptosporidium, multiplex PCR showed a sensitivity of 90.91% (95% CI: 70.84% to 98.88%) and specificity of 95.74% (95%CI: 85.46% to 99.48%). Conclusion: Multiplex PCR in this study showed admissible sensitivity and specificity for the detection of E. histolytica, G. intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2041 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2041/803

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 149 155 Bahador SARKARI Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Majid MANSOURI Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Shamsi NOORPISHEH GHADIMI Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Samaneh ABDOLAHI KHABISI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran Abdolla DOSHMANZIARI Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Wild boars may be infected with several zoonotic parasitic infections including Fasciola spp. We reported a case of Fasciola infection in a wild boar in Bushehr Province in southwestern Iran. The sample was isolated from the liver of a hunted wild boar. A few of adult worms were fixed and stained. DNA was extracted from apical and lateral parts of the worms and PCR amplified, targeting NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mitochondrion genes. Although the worm was quite long and looked much similar to F. gigantica, sequencing and analysis of PCR products of nad1 and cox1 genes revealed that the isolate has the most similarity with F. hepatica. This is the first report of molecular evaluation of Fasciola spp. from wild boar in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2057 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2057/819

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 120 126 Farnaz KHEIRANDISH Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Ebrahim BADPARVA Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Hossein MAHMMOUDVAND Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Elahe BEIRANVAND Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Simin BABAEI Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Bahram NASIRI Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Regarding hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis, CE) as a human public health problem in the West of Iran, molecular data related to the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in cattle and sheep in these regions are still insufficient. Here, we evaluated the genotypes of E. granulosus infecting sheep and cattle in western Iran. Methods: Totally, 36 hydatid cysts including 18 hydatid cysts of sheep and 18 hydatid cysts of cattle were collected from Khorramabad slaughterhouse (Lorestan Province), Western Iran between May to September 2014. Protoscoleces or germinal layers were collected from individual cysts, DNA was extracted, and genotyping was performed by sequencing and analyzing mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Results: In sequencing analysis, all of sheep isolates belonged to genotype G1 (sheep strain). Among cattle hydatid cyst isolates, 16/18 (88.9%) were belonged to genotype G1 and 2/18 (11.1%) were belonged to G3 genotype. The phylogenetic analysis showed two clusters; one of the clusters includes cattle G3 genotype and the other cluster represents sheep and cattle G1 genotype that were isolated. Conclusion: The common sheep strain/G1 is predominant genotype in the western part of Iran, followed by G3 genotype, circulating among the animal hosts in this region. Further studies covering a larger number of isolates might be necessary to see if there are other genotypes in the hydatid cyst population in this region of Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2053 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2053/822

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 31 38 Hamid AZARIAN MOGHADAM Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Teh/LastName> Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran Mitra MOHAMMADI BAZARGANI Agriculture Institute, Iranian Research organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran Richard BURCHMORE Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom Ghasem Hosseini SALEKDEH Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, (ABRI), Karaj, Iran Elham KAZEMI-RAD Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza KHORAMIZADEH Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, TUMS, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tums, Tehran, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: The mechanisms of virulence and species differences of Leishmania parasites are under the influence of gene expression regulations at posttranscriptional stages. In Iran, L. major and L. tropica are known as principal agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis, while L. infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis. Methods: As a preliminary study, we compared the proteome mapping of the above three Iranian isolates of Leishmania species through the 2-dimension electrophoresis (2-DE), and identified the prominent proteins by Liquid Chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry. Results: We reproducibly detected about 700 protein spots in each species by using the Melanie software. Totally, 264 proteins exhibited significant changes among 3 species. Forty nine protein spots identified in both L. tropica and L. major were similar in position in the gel, whereas only 35 of L. major proteins and 10 of L. tropica proteins were matched with those of L. infantum. Having identified 24 proteins in the three species, we sought to pro­vide possible explanations for their differential expression patterns and discuss their rele­vance to cell biology. Conclusion: The comparison of proteome profiling pattern of the 3 species identified limit up and limit down regulated or absent /present proteins. In addition, the LC-MS data analy­sis showed that most of the protein spots with differential abundance in the 3 species are involved in cell motility and cytoskeleton, cell signaling and vesicular trafficking, intracellu­lar survival / proteolysis, oxidative stress defense, protein synthesis, protein ubiquitina­tion / proteolysis, and stress related proteins. Differentially proteins distributed among the species maybe implicated in host pathogenecity interactions and parasite tropism to cutaneous or visceral tissue macrophages https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/651 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/651/532

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 541 546 EN Elham HAJIALILO Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam NIYYATI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran Mohammad SOLAYMANI Farabi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mostafa REZAEIAN 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 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Free-living amoeba (FLA)-related keratitis is a progressive infection of the cornea with poor prognosis. The present study aimed to investigates the con­tact lenses of patients with keratitis for pathogenic free-living amoebae. Methods: Overall, 62 contact lenses and their paraphernalia of patients with kerati­tis cultured and tested for the presence of free-living amoebae using morphological criteria. Unusual plates including plates containing mix amoebae and Vermamoeba were submitted to molecular analysis. Results: Out of 62 plates, 11 revealed the outgrowth of free living amoeba of which 9 were Acanthamoeba, one plates contained mix amoebae including Acan­thamoeba and Vermamoeba and one showed the presence of Vermamoeba. These two latter plates belonged to patients suffered from unilateral keratitis due to the mis­used of soft contact lenses. One of the patients had mix infection of Acanthamoeba (T4) and V. vermiformis meanwhile the other patient was infected with the V. vermiformis. Conclusion: Amoebic keratitis continues to rise in Iran and worldwide. To date, various genera of free-living amoebae such as Vermamoeba could be the causative agent of keratitis. Soft contact lens wearers are the most affected patients in the country, thus awareness of high-risk people for preventing free-living amoebae re­lated keratitis is of utmost importance. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/652 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/652/533

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 547 553 EN Mehdi NATEGHPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gholamhossein EDRISSIAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afsaneh MOTEVALLI HAGHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Leila FARIVAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elham KAZEMI-RAD Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: The number of malaria cases is declining worldwide; however, it remains as a serious health problem. Diagnosing unusual cases is the most im­portant issue to manage the problem. This study designed to describe the number of falciparum and vivax malaria infected patients referred to Malaria Reference Labora­tory in Tehran University of Medical Science from 2000 to 2012. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on the collected question­naires from each patient referred to the laboratory. Diagnosing results and demo­graphic information for positive cases were analyzed using SPSS software. Problem­atic cases were evaluated for any difficulties in diagnosis or in clinical signs. Scanning and molecular methods were performed whenever there was an atypical case referred to the laboratory. Some of the samples had various difficulties for diagnosing such as presence of fussed gametocytes and schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum in peripheral blood and CCHF like hemoragic disorders. Results: Plasmodium vivax caused a large proportion of the cases (76.1%) in con­trast with P. falciparum that included smaller proportion (22.8%) and the rest (1.1) belonged to mixed infection. Most of the positive cases (69.6%) were belonged to Afghani people. Men (94.6%) showed more infection than women (5.4%), moreo­ver the most infection (44.5%) was seen at a range of 21-30 yr. Conclusion: In the case of existing atypical issues to diagnose, it is needed to per­form more precise microscopical examination beyond the current standard condi­tions. Sometimes molecular method is required to verify the exact agent of the dis­ease. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/653 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/653/534

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 554 560 EN Sanaz RASOLZADEH Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mostafa HAJI FATAHALIHA Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Maryam HOSSEINI Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Reza JAFARI Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Abolfazl MIAHIPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Ali Akbar MOVASSAGHPOUR Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Zohreh BABALO Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Sima RAFATI Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mehdi YOUSEFI Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early stages of innate immune responses against viral and tumoral attacks. Activation of NK cells by leishmaniasis results in secretion of cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which enhances the phagocytosis and clear­ance of parasite. Lipophosphoglycan 3 (LPG3), the Leishmania homologous with GRP94 (glucose regulated protein 94), a member of HSP90 family, contributes to LPG assembly as the most abundant macromolecule on the surface of Leishmania promastigotes. Methods: We purified NK cells from healthy individuals (n=10) using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology. Purified NK cells were co-incubated with different concentrations of recombinant LPG3 (rLPG3), and its N-terminal (NT) and C-terminal (CT) fragments. Finally, the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by NK cells were measured by ELISA. Results: Recombinant LPG3 but not its fragments (CT and NT), can signifi­cantly enhance the production of TNF-α by NK cells (P<0.05). Moreover, rLPG3, CT, and NT fragments were markedly stimulated the secretion of IFN-γ by NK cells (P<0.001). Conclusion: The Leishmania LPG3 antigen can effectively activate NK cells, in vitro. Leishmania LPG3 participates in the innate immunity against leishmaniasis and thereby improves the effective parasite destruction. However, its efficiency should be tested in vivo. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/654 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/654/535

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 561 570 EN Somaia Saif ABU-AKKADA Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Eman Dorry Hussein EL KERDANY Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Rasha Fadly MADY Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Radwa Galal DIAB Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Gehan Abd Elatti KHEDR Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Karam Imam ASHMAWY Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Wael Mohamed LOTFY Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide range of homoeothermic animals, including man. Complications due to this microsporidian have been reported only in immunocompromised patients. Reports on E. cuniculi in immunocompetent humans are lacking, most probably, because it is not linked to any clinical manifestations in such hosts. The present work was carried out with the aim of studying, for the first time in Egypt, the prevalence of E. cuniculi infection of urinary tract among non-HIV immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent individuals. It tested also the influence of some factors on the risk of infection. Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected from 88 persons (44 non-HIV immunocompromised patients and 44 subjects as immunocompetent control group). IFAT serological assay and Weber’s green modified trichrome stain (MTS) urine smears were carried out. Molecular study by PCR was also performed to detect DNA of E. cuniculi in urine samples. A full history sheet was fulfilled for each subject to test the suspected risk factors. Results: The IFAT examination confirmed the presence of antibodies against E. cunic­uli in 44.3% of the human subjects. The seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was significantly higher in the immunocompromised patients compared with the immunocompetent individuals (77.3% versus 11.4%). Compared with IFAT (the gold standard), the sensitivity and specificity of Weber’s green MTS smears were 69.23% and 89.80%. By using PCR, no positive cases were detected among human subjects. Conclusion: A high prevalence of E. cuniculi infection in the studied individuals was noted. Although infection was found in some immunocompetent individuals, the im­mune status of the host remains the corner stone for occurrence of the infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/655 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/655/536

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 571 576 EN Somayeh GHOTLOO Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mostafa HAJI MOLLAHOSEINI Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advance Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali NAJAFI Dept. of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Farshid YEGANEH Dept. of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background:Limiting dilution assay is considered as the gold standard method for quantifying the number of parasites in the animal model of Leishmania infection. Nowadays, real-time PCR is being increasingly applied to quantify infectious agents. In the present study, a real-time PCR assay was developed to estimate para­site burdens in lymph nodes of Leishmania major infected BALB/C mice. Enumera­tion of parasites was also performed by limiting dilution assay and compared with the results of real-time PCR based quantification. Methods:The SYBR Green based real- time PCR assay was performed to amplify a 75 bp fragment of superoxide dismutase B1 gene in the lymph nodes of L. major infected BALB/C mice 8 weeks post infection. Mice were infected subcutaneously at the base of their tail with 2 × 105L. major promastigotes in the stationary phase of growth. To compare parasite burdens obtained by real-time PCR assay with those of limiting dilution assay, twelve 8-fold serial dilutions of the lymph node homoge­nates were prepared in the Schneider medium and incubated at 26°C.After 7 days, wells containing motile parasites were identified by direct observation under an inverted light microscope and the total number of parasites was estimated using the ELIDA software. Results:Spearman's correlation coefficient of the parasite burdens between real-time PCR and limiting dilution assay was 0.72 (Pvalue = 0.008). Conclusion:Real-time PCR assay is an appropriate replacement to existing limit­ing dilution assay in quantifying parasite burden in the experimental model of Leishma­nia infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/656 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/656/537

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 577 583 EN Zaid O IBRAHEEM Pharmacology Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Roslaini ABDUL MAJID Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Sabariah MOHD NOOR Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Hasidah MOHD SIDEK School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM-Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia Rusliza BASIR Pharmacology Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Nowadays, scourge of malaria as a fatalistic disease has increased due to emergence of drug resistance and tolerance among different strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Emergence of chloroquine (CQ) resistance has worsened the calamity as CQ is still considered the most efficient, safe and cost effective drug among other antimalarials. This urged the scientists to search for other alternatives or sensitizers that may be able to augment CQ action and reverse its resistance. Method: Three β-carbolin derivatives, namely, harmalin, harmol and harmalol were tested for their anti-plasmodial and CQ resistance reversal effects against P. falciparum 3D7 and K1. SYBRE Green-1 based drug sensitivity assay and isobologram analysis were used to screen the mentioned effects respectively. Results: All of them showed moderate anti-plasmodium effect and harmalin was the most effective as compared to the others in reversing CQ resistance and tolerance. Conclusion: The mentioned phytochemicals are not ideal to be used as conven­tional anti-malarials and only harmalin can be suggested to reverse CQ resistance in P. falciparum K1. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/657 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/657/538

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 584 589 EN Mohammad Taghi RAHIMI Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Seif Ali MAHDAVI Amol faculty of Paramedics, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Behzad JAVADIAN Amol faculty of Paramedics, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Rozita REZAEI Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mahmood MOOSAZADEH Health Sciences Research Center, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehri KHADEMLOU Health Center Province, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Seyed Hosein SEYEDPOUR Health Center Province, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Abolghasem SYADATPANAH Dep. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent people is generally asympto­matic but in immunocompromised patients including HIV/AIDS, can­cer pa­tients, and organ transplant recipients, etc. it can lead to serious pathological problems. The objective of current study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients using ELISA technique in Mazanda­ran Province, northern Iran. Methods: Overall, 82 serum samples (61 males and 21 females) were collected from HIV/AIDS patients in Mazandaran Provinces, in 2013. Sera were surveyed employing ELISA assay. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square or Fisher exact test. In addition, before sampling a questionnaire was filled out for each subject. Results: Overall seroprevalence of examined sera was 96.3% for IgG antibody but none of the sera shown IgM antibody against T. gondii. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in males and females was 96.7% and 95.2%, respectively. An antibody titer of >1 IU/ml was considered as positive. Furthermore, none of the included variables statistically was significant. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of chronic (latent) toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients in Mazandaran Province is high compared to toxoplasmosis in general population. Consequently, the risk of acquiring Toxoplasma encephalitis in exam­ined seropositive HIV/AIDS patients of Toxoplasma is high. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/659 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/659/540

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 590 598 EN Razi NASERIFAR Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Fatemeh GHAFFARIFAR Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Abdolhosein DALIMI Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Zohreh SHARIFI Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran Kavous SOLHJOO Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran Kami HOSSEINIAN KHOSROSHAHI Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Severe and fatal complications of toxoplasmosis urge development of effective vaccines against the disease. The current study was performed to evalu­ate cocktail DNA vaccine containing plasmids encoding GRA5, SAG1, and ROP2 genes of Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice in Tarbiat Modares University in 2012. Methods: The plasmids containing complete GRA5, SAG1, and ROP2 genes were mass extracted and then the recombinant plasmids were administered via intramuscu­lar injections according to immunized mice three times with three-week intervals. Then splenocytes were cultured, and proliferation as well as cytokine as­says were carried out. The other mice in each group were inoculated by the parasite and mortality of the mice was evaluated on a daily basis. Results: The results of cytokine assay for INF-γ were higher in the mice that re­ceived the cocktail DNA containing recombinant plasmids. Evaluation of prolifera­tion of splenocytes using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazo­lium bromide) assay indicated induction of cellular response. Measurement of total IgG and the isotypes of IgG1 and IgG2a showed that the cocktail DNA stimulated IgG and IgG2a production in comparison with the control groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the survival rate of mice in the groups that received the cocktail DNA was significantly higher than that in the control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of the cocktail DNA vaccine led to production of higher levels of IFN-γ, confirmed by secretion of IgG2a, and the immune response was shifted toward Th1. Thus, the cocktail DNA containing the recombinant plas­mids can be an appropriate candidate for immunization against toxoplasmosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/660 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/660/541

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 599 604 EN Marzieh ASHRAFMANSOURI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Bahador SARKARI Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Gholamreza HATAM Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Parvaneh HABIBI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Samaneh ABDOLAHI KHABISI Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease with a relatively wide distribution in different areas of the world, including Iran. The parasite is mainly diagnosed microscopically, but serological approaches might be useful for diagnosis as well.  This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an immunoblotting system for serodiagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Methods: Sixty-one sera samples from parasitologically confirmed CL patients and 50 sera samples from healthy controls along with 50 sera sample from non-CL patients were collected. Native strain of Leishmania major was cultured in Schnei­der medium and soluble Leishmania antigens were prepared from amastigotes-like parasites. All of sera samples were evaluated by an immunoblot­ting system. Results: Components of 14 to 135 kDa were detectable by the sera of CL pa­tients. From 61 sera of CL patients, 59 cases (96.7%) detected a 63 kDa subunit and 51 cases (83.6%) recognized a 32-35 kDa component. Among all subunits, the 63 kDa band showed the highest sensitivity (96.7%) and a 75 kDa band had the highest (98%) specificity. Conclusion: Immunoblotting has a satisfactory performance in diagnosis of CL and this test can be used, as an aid, for proper diagnosis of CL. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/661 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/661/542

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 605 616 EN Neelima GUPTA Centre of Excellence Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly-243 006,U.P., India Dileep K. GUPTA Fisheries and Aquaculture Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 006, U.P., India Priyanka SINGHAL Centre of Excellence Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly-243 006,U.P., India 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: The genus Pallisentis is an endoparasitic acanthocephalan inhabit­ing the intestinal walls. Hooks and spines of the worm are significant taxonomical and adaptive tools. Methods: The parasites were fixed, dehydrated and examined under Olym­pus BX 53 Microscope with DIC attachment, digital camera and CELLSENS imag­ing system [Light microscopy (LM)] and fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer, dehydrated, rotary-coated with gold palladium in NeoCoater 100-240V and examined in Neo JCM-6000 [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)]. Results: P. punctati n. sp. (prevalence 65.51%; mean intensity 3-6 par/host) is de­scribed. Females almost twice as large as males; proboscis hooks small; collar spine rows similar [16] and constant in both sexes but number of spines per row greater in females [22] than males [14]; trunk spine rows 28-39 (spines per row 14-18) in females and 20-26 (spines per row 10-12) in males. spine length of females almost twice as long as males, spines extend up to posterior testis in males and ¾ of total body length in females, Saefftigen’s pouch present, nuclei in cement gland 10-11, seminal vesicle, bursa and egg size small. SEM indicated lack of micro sculptures, and spines embedded on pre-trunk and trunk. Sex-based differences apparent (hook sizes, greater number of spines per row and longer spines in pre-trunk and trunk of females). Male trunk spine was narrower and of lateral spine with characteristic hooked appearance. Conclusion: A new species of Pallisentis based on LM and SEM is described, sexual diversity in hook and spine structure is reported. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/662 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/662/543

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 10 4 2015 12 14 617 624 EN Farzaneh ZAHABIUN Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Seyed Mahmoud SADJJADI Department 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 Farideh ESFANDIARI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2015 12 14 2015 12 14 Background: : Permanent slide preparation of nematodes especially small onerst time to identify this parasite from the meat products in the province. Methods: The tongue, brain, femur muscle and liver of 50 sheep and 70 cattle as well as 50 samples