Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 362 367 EN Saeedeh SHOJAEE Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nima FIROUZEH Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hussein KESHAVARZ 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 Sanaz JAFARPOUR AZAMI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahboobeh SALIMI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 12 16 2019 09 18 Background: Toxoplasma gondii, the coccidian protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, is the agent of toxoplasmosis. The disease is life threatening in congenital form and in immunocompromised patients. The present study was carried out in 2016 to evaluate the in vitro effects of nanosilver colloid on tachyzoites and bradyzoites of T. gondii, RH and Tehran strains. Methods: Different concentrations (5, 10 , 20 ppm) of  nanosilver colloid were added to tachyzoites of T. gondii , RH strain (type I) and bradyzoites and tissue cysts of T. gondii , Tehran strain (type II) and incubated for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. The mortality rates of tachyzoites and bradyzoites were evaluated by trypan blue dye and MTT assay. Then SEM carried out to show the changes between control and exposed parasites. Results: The greatest mortality rate was seen in 20 ppm concentration and after 120 minutes of exposure. By electron microscopy, the structural changes were seen in tachyzoites of RH and tissue cyst of Tehran strain in comparison with control groups. Conclusion: Nanosilver colloid was effective on both tachyzoites and bradyzoites of T. gondii, RH and Tehran strains. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1914 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1914/959

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 22 472 476 Mahdi MOSAYEBI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran AND Health Center Laboratory, University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Aliasghar FARAZI Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Mohammad Reza SHIRZADI Communicable Diseases Management Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Davood AKHLAGHI Health Center Laboratory, University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Reza HAJHOSSEIN Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Samira ELIKAEE Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 10 06 2019 01 14 Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the prevalent parasitic diseases in Iran principally caused by two species, Leishmania major and L. tropica. Here, we present a rare case of a congenital form of CL around the glans penis from the central part of Iran in 2017. A 24-yr-old male patient from the central part of Iran presented with biennial ulceration of the glans penis. Diagnostic methods included physical and preclinical examination, microscopic observation, leishmanin skin test (LST), and serological tests including direct agglutination test (DAT). Nested PCR and sequencing analysis were used on the positive smears for confirmation of CL and Leishmania species identification. The preclinical results were normal, and no anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in the peripheral blood of the patient using DAT. In abdominal ultrasonography, the spleen and liver size were normal. LST was positive (≥5 mm) after 72 h, and a few amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. were demonstrated under light microscopy. L. major was confirmed using nested PCR and sequencing analysis. The patient responded to oral administration of miltefosine (2.5 mg/kg/d) for 28 days. To the best of our knowledge, genital CL due to L. major has not been previously reported from Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2328

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 22 465 471 EN Gilda ESLAMI Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Maryam GHAVAMI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Ali Reza MORADI Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Hamid NADRI Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Salman AHMADIAN Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran 2017 09 15 2019 09 22 Background: The first line treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis is pentavalent antimony such as sodium stibogluconate (pentostam) and meglumine antimonite (glucantime). One of the most important ways to uptake the drug is by a transmembrane protein, called aquaglyceroporin encoded by Aquaglyceroprotein1 (LmAQP1). In this study, molecular characterization of LmAQP1 was reported. Methods: Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were cultured, and then DNA extraction and RNA extraction were done and followed by cDNA synthesis. Amplicons resulted from PCR and RT-PCR using specific primers were purified and sequenced. Molecular characterization was done by bioinformatically software such as BLST, ClustalW2, and RMSD. Results: Amplicons resulted from PCR and RT-PCR showed equal size in length. BLASTn analysis showed a point nucleotide change in LmAQP1 gene that encoded 282-amino-acid long protein with a mutation at position 154 including replacement of alanine by threonine. The observed mutation in the interested gene was assessed using the above-mentioned software. The mentioned gene was submitted at GenBank, NCBI with accession number of KU514052. Conclusion: The functional prediction of the protein encoded from LmAQP1 showed that the mentioned mutation could not affect the three-dimension structure, but it may modify the drug uptake potential of this important channel. Based on from LmAQP1 role, it seems to be an appropriate candidate for drug development. According to search through internet, this is the first report of LmAQP1 from L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1757

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 497 498 EN Aisha KHAN Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan Haroon AHMED Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan Sami SIMSEK Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey 2019 02 23 2019 09 23 Make Headway for Echinococcosis: Take along the Ignored Cases https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2480

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 368 378 EN Doaa HAMDY Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt Ayman El-BADRY Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia Wegdan ABD EL WAHAB Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt 2018 07 06 2019 09 18 Background: The protozoan Giardia and Cryptosporidium are responsible for most water-borne diseases all over the world. The extent and number of outbreaks of waterborne diseases suggests a significant risk of their potential transmission via drinking water. This study aimed to document the prevalence and viability of Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo) cysts in tap water samples in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt and to detect the predominant Giardia and Cryptosporidium assemblages/species using nested PCR/ Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) confirmed by further sequencing of positive samples. Methods: A total of 80 tap water samples were collected throughout a year from four big centers and filtered using the membrane filtration method. Samples were stained by Lugol’s iodine, Modified Zeihl-Neelsen (MZN) (to detect prevalence) and trypan blue stain (to detect viability). Nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing were used for molecular characterizations and genotyping of the detected Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Results: Giardia and Cryptosporidium DNA was detected in 20 (25%) and 29 (36.3%) samples respectively, with predominance of Giardia assemblage B (85%) and C. hominis (75.9%). The prevalence and viability of both parasites (oo) cysts showed seasonality which peaked in summer and were greater in Beba center and in rural areas. Conclusion: To our knowledge, no studies have been done in these areas before. The anthroponotic transmission has an important role in giardiasis and crypto­sporidiosis epidemiology in this studied area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2239 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2239/960

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 477 481 EN Sayed Hussain MOSAWI Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran AND Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan Abdolhossein DALIMI Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Ali CHARKHI Department of Pediatric Surgery, Indira Gandhi Institute for Child Health, Kabul, Afghanistan Omer BAARAE Department of Surgery, Isteqlal Hospital for Adult Health, Kabul, Afghanistan Amanullah DARMAN Department of Pediatric Surgery, Indira Gandhi Institute for Child Health, Kabul, Afghanistan Moqadas MOSAVI Department of Surgery, Isteqlal Hospital for Adult Health, Kabul, Afghanistan Mohammad WALI BARYAL Faculty of Medicine, Khatam Al-Nabieen University, Kabul, Afghanistan Hela STANIKZAI Faculty of Medicine, Khatam Al-Nabieen University, Kabul, Afghanistan 2018 01 27 2018 05 21 Ascariasis is an important and prevalent geo-helminth infection, especially in underdeveloped countries such as Afghanistan, where public health problems and devastation of hygienic infrastructures usually lead to the higher incidence of the infection. Here, we report two cases of intestinal obstruction that accompanied with biliary ascariasis due to Ascaris lumbercoides in pregnant women and a 6-year-old girl from Afghanistan. Biliary ascariasis can be associated with cystic duct obstruction, gallbladder dilation, acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, and biliary colic. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1976

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 499 501 EN Ali MEHRABI TAVANA Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 07 17 2018 09 25 Malaria Prevention in Imposed War 1980-1988 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2254

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 379 386 EN Afshin RASOULI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali FARAHNAK Department of Parasitology and Mycolo 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 646 651 EN Rahim NEMATI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Aliasghar BAHARI Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Pezhman MAHMOODI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Alireza SAZMAND Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran 2018 05 25 Background: Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) compounds is common in Teladorsagia circumcincta populations in sheep and goats worldwide. Given the importance of anthelmintic resistance and shortage of information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this prevalent nematode in Iran, this study was conducted. Methods: From June to September 2016, abomasa of 139 sheep of different sexes and ages in Amol City slaughterhouse, northern Iran were examined for isolation of nematodes. Totally 45 male T. circumcincta confirmed by both microscopical and nested-PCR-RFLP methods were included in this study. Susceptibility or resistance of each single T. circumcincta worm to benzimidazoles was assessed using allele-specific PCR. Results: Frequency of genotypes in the present study were 33.33% heterozygote BZ and 66.67% BZ homozygote sensitive. No homozygote resistant worm was found. Conclusion: Resistance against BZs in T. circumcincta of sheep has occurred at a low prevalence in the north of Iran. However, mutated genes might get dominant under drug selection in future. Hence, periodic investigations for early detection of mutated alleles in nematode populations using accurate and sensitive molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP is recommended. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2142

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 534 541 EN Mojtaba SHAHNAZI Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Farzaneh NAGHIZADEH Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Elham HAJIALILO Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Safar Ali ALIZADEH Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Department of Microbiology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mehrzad SARAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran AND Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mahmood ALIPOUR Department of Social Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 2018 04 07 2019 12 29 Background: We aimed to investigate the genotypes of Giardia intestinalis among the food handlers in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: Overall, 1530 stool specimens were collected from the food handlers who visited Shahid Bolandian Health Center, Qazvin, Iran during 2016. Specimens were evaluated by microscopic and concentration methods. Twenty specimens with appropriate number of giardia cysts were selected followed by DNA extraction. Determination of giardia genotypes was achieved through PCR and sequencing the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. The phylogenetic tree was drawn using the MEGA7 software. Finally, the data were analyzed statistically with a P-value<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Twenty stool samples (1.3%) were positive for Giardia cyst. All positive specimens were obtained from male participants with abdominal cramp being their most common symptoms. The mean age for infected individuals was 32 yr. Molecular characterization was successfully performed for 17 isolates and two genotypes A (AII, 65%) and B (BIII, 35%) were identified. Conclusion: The most prevalent giardia genotypes among the food handlers in Qazvin were A (AII) and B (BIII) genotypes with A (AII) genotype as the dominant one in the region. Considering the direct association between the food handlers and public health as well as the impact of geographical and host conditions on dispersion and pathogenicity of various genotypes and their zoonotic aspects, further investigations are necessary. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2075

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 674 678 Sercan ÖZKAÇMAZ Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey 2019 12 31 Hydatidosis, is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Although the disease most commonly affects liver and lungs, almost all organ and tissue involvements are documented. Rupture into pericardial space which may lead to pericardial effusion, pericarditis and pericardial tamponade, can be seen especially in the patients with cardiac hydatidosis. But rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into the pericardial space through a transdiaphragmatic fistula is very rare. In this report, we present imaging findings of a type III hepatic hydatid cyst lesion which ruptured spontaneously into pericardial space and caused pericardial effusion. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2755

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 652 656 EN Abraham Octavio RODRÍGUEZ-DE LA FUENTE Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México Ricardo GOMEZ-FLORES Department of Immunology and Virology, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México José Antonio HEREDIA-ROJAS Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México Edna Marbella GARCÍA-MUÑOZ Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Javier VARGAS-VILLARREAL Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Magda Elizabeth HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Francisco GONZÁLEZ-SALAZAR Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Jesús Norberto GARZA-GONZÁLEZ Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Michaela BELTCHEVA Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria Omar Heredia-Rodriguez Department of Exact Sciences and Human Development, Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Sán Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México 2018 12 04 2019 04 16 Background: There is an increasing interest in using physical factors such as magnetic fields as antimicrobial strategy, with variable results. The current study was aimed to evaluate the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the axenically-cultured parasite protozoans Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia lamblia growth. Methods: Bioassays were developed using T. vaginalis, GT-13 and G. lamblia IMSS-0989 strains cultured at 37 ºC in TYI-S-33 medium. The following treatment regimens and controls were considered: (a) cells exposed to ELF-EMFs, (b) untreated cells, (c) cells treated with Metronidazole, used as positive controls, and (d) cells co-exposed to ELF-EMFs and Metronidazole. When cultures reached the end of logarithmic phase, they were exposed to ELF-EMFs for 72 h, in a standardized magnetic field exposure facility. For determining cytotoxic effects, trophozoite density was blindly evaluated in a Neubauer chamber. Results: A significant decrease in trophozoite growth was observed for T. vaginalis, in magnetic field-treated cultures. On the other hand, cultures co-exposed to ELF-EMFs and Metronidazole showed no significant differences when compared with cultures treated with Metronidazole alone. On the contrary, an increased trophozoite density was observed in G. lamblia cultures after exposure to magnetic fields. An absence of a synergistic or antagonistic effect was observed. Conclusion: ELF-EMFs induced T. vaginalis and G. lamblia growth alterations, indicating a potential effect in cell cycle progression. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2380

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 542 551 EN Farzaneh MIRZAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Hossein KHANAHMAD Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Fatemeh NAMDAR Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran Shahrokh IZADI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran Seyed Hossein HEJAZI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran AND Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2016 12 20 2019 12 29 Background: We aimed to design a different method of drug delivery for increased transfer of the choice drug (meglumine antimoniate) within the host cells. Therefore, listeriolysin O (LLO), a bacterial product which is a member of pore-forming peptides was used as an enhancer factor with meglumine antimoniate in order to facilitate the transition of the drug across macrophage membrane. Methods: LLO was produced in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2016, by expressing the hlyA gene in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Cytotoxicity of the purified protein was investigated in an in vitro model of macrophage Leishmania infection. Results: LLO was cytotoxic against murine macrophage cells (J774-A1) and amastigote forms of L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). It was less toxic to macrophages (CC50=2.56 μg ml-1 ±0.09) than to the parasites (IC50=1.72 μg ml-1 ±0.07). Moreover, non-cytotoxic concentration of LLO (0.006 ug ml-1) potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by low dose concentration of meglumine antimoniate. Very little dose of meglumine antimoniate was needed when combined with the LLO (IC50=12.63 μg ml-1 ±0.13) in comparison with the cytotoxicity induced when the drug is used alone (IC50=46.17 μg ml-1 ±0.28). Conclusion: The combination of pore-forming proteins with anti-leishmanial agents could increase the advantage of anti-leishmanial drugs. Since lower concentrations of anti-leishmanial drugs can reduce undesirable side effects of chemotherapy trials carried out in animal models and then in humans with this system. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1339

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 31 651 663 EN Khadijeh TAHERKHANI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Ameneh BARIKANI Children Growth Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mojtaba SHAHNAZI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Mehrzad SARAEI Department of Medical 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 2018 04 17 2019 12 31 Background: Intestinal parasites are one of the health challenges in developing countries. Decreasing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) is one of the main aims of health services in these countries. This study was designed to determine the current status of IPIs in rural residents of Takestan a town located in North West of Iran. Methods: A total of 2280 rural residents of Takestan were randomly selected. Data were collected through questionnaire by interviews and laboratory findings obtained by microscopic examination of stool sample including wet smear and formalin ethyl-acetate concentration. A P <0.05 was considered significant, statistically. Results: In total, 8.7% (199/2280) of participants were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of polyparasitism was 0.7% in study population. Hymenolepis nana was the only helminthic infection which was detected (1/2280). Blastocystis, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia were the most common IPIs with prevalence of 3.6%, 2.9%, and 1.6%, respectively. Statistically, the prevalence of IPIs showed significant differences among villages (P<0.01) and age groups (P<0.001), and also habit of eating raw vegetables (P<0.005), whereas, the difference was insignificant in terms of sex, education level, and occupation. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPIs in rural residents of the study area is considerably low and this reduction was very impressive about helminthic infections. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2102

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 552 562 EN Hai-Ting GUO Guangxi Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Neurosciences, Guilin Medical College, Guilin, China AND College of Biological Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China Zhong-Yuan LI Guangxi Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Neurosciences, Guilin Medical College, Guilin, 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 Jin-Lei WANG 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 Zhao-Yu GENG College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China Xing-Quan ZHU 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 2018 05 21 2018 10 20 Background: Toxoplasma gondii can infect all the warm-blooded vertebrates and cause serious toxoplasmosis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 7 in T. gondii (TgERK7) mediated the proliferation of this parasite may be a potential vaccine candidate. Thus, immune responses induced by TgERK7 were investigated in this study using a DNA vaccine strategy. Methods: pVAX/TgERK7 plasmid was constructed and used to immunize BALB/c mice for three times with two-week intervals. The challenge and the investigation of humoral and cellular immune responses were performed at two weeks post the last immunization, and the survival times of the infected mice were daily recorded until all of them were dead. Results: The innate immune response with higher concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL2 and IL12p70 in sera (P < 0.05), and the adaptive immune responses were evoked by the DNA immunizations, including specific antibody, lymphocyte proliferation, and the CD3e+CD4+ and CD3e+CD8a+ T cell-mediated response effects. Interestingly, no significant difference was detected in their survival times among all the experimental groups of mice that were challenged with GT1 tachyzoites or PRU cysts (P>0.05). Conclusion: The successive immunizations with pVAX/TgERK7 can provoke the innate and adaptive immune responses of BALB/c mice, whereas the DNA vaccine-induced immunological efficacy is not sufficient for complete protection the host against T. gondii infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2139

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 563 571 Abolghasem SIYADATPANAH Ferdows Paramedical School, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shirzad GHOLAMI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ahmad DARYANI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shahabeddin SARVI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehdi SHARIF Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mauricio SEGUEL Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA Larson BOUNDENGA Department of Medical Parasitology, Group Evolution and Interspecies Transmission of Parasites, International Centre for Medical Research, Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon Afsaneh AMOUEI Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Abdol Sattar PAGHEH Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mohammad Taghi RAHIMI Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran Seyed Abdollah HOSSEINI Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Davood ANVARI Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran 2018 09 08 2019 12 29 Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current knowledge on the epidemiology of importance zoonotic parasitic diseases in free-ranging canids of Mazandaran, north of Iran. Methods: Overall, 63 small intestinal samples of animals (20 stray dogs and 43 golden jackals) were collected from April 2017 to May 2018. The intestine contents were studied to detect and identify helminth infections. Additionally, 274 fecal samples (130 dogs, 35 fox, 90 golden jackal and 19 wolf) were examined by Sheather's flotation method for detection of Taenia eggs. Results: Sixty (95.2%) animals were infected with at least one species of intestinal helminth. the intestinal helminths were found in dogs and golden jackals included: Dipylidium caninum (25.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (52.3%), Ancylostoma caninum (41.2%), Mesocestoides spp. (33.3%) and Toxocara canis (14.2%). In fecal examination, 2.5% of samples contained Taenia eggs, and through a species-specific PCR, 1.09% of these samples were confirmed positive for Echinococcus granulosus. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and clear risks of zoonotic helminths in free-ranging carnivores in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasite infection is useful for health care access both domestic animals and humans health. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2297

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 572 583 Hossein MODIRROUSTA Department of Wild Life Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Gholamreza HABIBI Department of Parasite Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Parviz SHAYAN Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran Asghar AFSHARI Department of Parasite Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Ali MIRJALILI Department of Biotechnology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Mohamad ABDIGOUDARZI Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran 2019 12 29 Background: The protozoan parasite Theileria annulata is the causative agent of tropical theileriosis in cattle. Vaccination is recommended by administration of attenuated schizont-infected cell lines. The expected protective immunity post-vaccination can be demonstrated by challenge test through inoculation of highly virulent infective sporozoites. The aim of this study was to produce Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum tick infected with T. annulata (local strain) for preparation of tick-derived sporozoite stabilates for molecular characterization and infectivity test assay. Methods: A local T. annulata strain was used for experimental infection of calves. A field isolate of H. a. anatolicum was isolated, laboratory-reared and infected by blood-feeding on Theileria infected above-mentioned calves. The infectivity of calf, tick and prepared stabilate were confirmed by clinical signs of theileriosis, microscopic inspection, RT-PCR and in vitro cell culture. Results: The tick stabilate was prepared and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The infectivity of the tick stabilate was verified by in vivo bioassay, in vitro cell culture infection, microscopic inspection in salivary glands and RT-PCR assay. The in vitro produced cell line in this study was characterized by T. annulata Cytochrome b gene analyzing. Conclusion: The infectivity of a new prepared tick-derived sporozoite stabilate was confirmed in susceptible calves; by microscopically, post mortem, tick microscopic and molecular assays. Moreover, naïve PBMCs were transformed and proliferated by T. annulata infected tick stabilate to immortal T. annulata schizont infected cell line. The potent infective sporozoite tick derived stabilate could be used for vaccine efficacy and challenge test as well as in vaccine development. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2754

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 584 591 EN Mohammad Hossein FEIZ HADDAD Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Saeed KHOSHNOOD Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Mohammad Reza MAHMOUDI Molecular and Cellular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Habib HABIBPOUR Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Selman A. ALI Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK Habibollah MIRZAEI Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran AND Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Rezvan FEIZ HADDAD Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Kambiz AHMADIANGALI Department of Bio-Statistics, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2018 08 21 2019 12 29 Background: This study was conducted to determine the presence and molecular identify of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba in unimproved hot springs. Methods: From Jul to Aug 2017, 54 water samples were collected from hot springs in different parts of the Guilan Province, North Iran. For the isolation of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba approximately 500 ml of the water samples were filtered through a cellulose nitrate membrane with a pore size of 0.45 μm. The filter was transferred onto non-nutrient agar plates seeded with Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) as a food source. The morphological key of page was used to identify free‐living amoebae (FLA) using an inverted microscope, PCR amplification targeting specific genes for each genus and sequencing determined frequent species and genotypes base on NCBI database. Results: Fifteen of the 54 samples were positive by culture and/or PCR for Acanthamoeba and other FLA from unimproved hot springs. By sequencing the positive isolates, the strains were shown to belong to Acanthamoeba castellanii (12 case isolates belonged to T4 genotype), 4 cases of V. vermiformis, and 3 cases of N. australiensis, 2 cases of N. pagei and 1 cases of N. gruberi. Conclusion: Although FLA-mediated illnesses are not as high as in environmental distribution, but because of a poor prognosis, more investigations about FLA distribution in hot springs is critical. Hot spring may enhance exposure of the amoebae in individuals. Hence, more attention to unimproved hot springs is needed to prevent free-living amoebae mediated diseases. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2284

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 592 603 EN Alireza SADEGHI TAFRESHI Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Zahra ZAMANI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Marjan SABBAGHIAN Department of Andrology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran Ramezan Ali KHAVARI-NEJAD Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad ARJMAND Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Sedigheh SADEGHI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Maryam MOHAMMADI Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2018 06 07 2018 12 26 Background: Recently eosin B was shown to have an effect on the asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum and in this study, its activity against gametocytes and changes in the culture medium metabolites were investigated using an1HNMR-based metabolomics approach. Methods: In the Biochemistry Department of Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2017, parasites were cultured and gametocytogenesis induced by heparin and 5% hematocrit. Sexual stage parasites were tested by eosin B in 90 well plates and IC50 determined using Lactate Dehydrogenase assay. Gametocytes were treated by IC50 dose of eosin B and the medium collected in the two groups: with eosin B and controls and sent for 1HNMR spectroscopy. The spectra were analyzed on MATLAB interface and the altered metabolites in the culture medium and eosin-affected biochemical pathways were identified by Human Metabolome Database and Metaboanalyst website. Results: The results revealed eosin B had an effective gametocytocidal activity against P. falciparum. The significant metabolites changed in the medium were thiamine, Asp, Asn, Tyr, Lys, Ala, Phenylpyruvic acid, NAD+ and lipids. The main pathways identified were aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, Phenylalanine metabolism, Nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and lysine degradation. Conclusion: Eosin B exhibited substantial gametocytocidal activity and affected important drug targets in the Plasmodium. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2162

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 604 613 EN Zainabur RAHMAH Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia Teguh WAHJU-SARDJONO Department of Parasitology, Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Loeki ENGGAR-FITRI Department of Parasitology, Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Adilah ULFIATI Master Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Maimun ZULHAIDAH-ARTHAMIN Department of Clinical Pathology, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Eviana NORAHMAWATI Department of Pathology, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia 2018 04 13 2019 12 29 Background: Placental malaria involves the sequestration of infected erythrocytes and infiltration of monocytes, helper T cells (CD4), cytotoxic T cells (CD8) as well as T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) in placental intervillous space. These may interferes the nutrient and oxygen transport, causing placental hypoxia and insufficiency that may affect the fetal growth. This study aimed to prove whether the infiltration of lymphocytes in placental malaria mice increases the expression of HIF-1α thus causes fetal Low Birth Weight (LBW). Methods: Nine pregnant BALB/c mice that infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain on day 9 post mating were used as treatment group and 8 non infected pregnant mice were used as control group. The mice were sacrificed on day 18 post mating; then the fetus was weighed individually and the placentas were isolated separately. Expression of CD4, CD8 and HIF-1α were counted by immunohistochemistry using CD4 monoclonal Ab (Santa cruz, sc-59031 CD4) and CD 8 monoclonal Ab (NeoMarker RM-9116-S0) as well as anti-HIF-1α antibody (H1α67) ChIP Grade from Abcam. Results: There was a higher expression of CD8, CD4 and HIF-1α in infected placenta compare to normal placenta. Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed expression CD8 and CD4 caused an increase expression of HIF-1α in placenta (t ≥1.96). Expression of HIF-1α caused low fetal weight (t ≥1.96). Conclusion: In placental malaria, the expression of CD4 and CD8 induce placental hypoxia characterized by increased expression of HIF-1α that causes LBW. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2097

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 4 2019 12 29 614 622 EN Doaa