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 Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hakimeh ZALI Proteomics Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mostafa REZAEIAN Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abolfazl GOLESTANI Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Bagher MOLAEI RAD Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 04 25 2019 09 18 Background: The aim of this research was to compare excretory-secretory and somatic extract materials of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica to detect protein maps of two species. Methods: Twenty infected livers were collected from sheep in industrial slaughterhouse in Tehran, 2017-2019. Worms were detached from bile ducts, then recognized according to morphologic and morphometric criteria. After three times washing, worms were incubated in RPMI culture media and excretory-secretory products were collected. Worms were crushed and homogenized for preparation of somatic extract. Two Dimensional Electrophoresis gels were accomplished for both excretory-secretory material and somatic extracts. Gels were scanned with densitometer and analyzed with Same Spots software and protein spots were identified with Expasy database. Results: For both excretory-secretory products and somatic extract, protein spots were appeared with two-dimensional electrophoresis technique. Quantitative analysis showed 40 and 28 protein spots for excretory-secretory of F. hepatica and F. gigantica respectively. For somatic extract 19 and 12 protein spots were recognized for F. hepatica and F. gigantica in that order. Conclusion: The rate of expression of some proteins were more in F. hepatica while expression of other proteins was high in F. gigantica. The expression of protease enzyme was higher in F. gigantica than F. hepatica. These data could be considered for biochemical differentiation of Fasciola species and subsequently to design and prepare of antigens for diagnosis/vaccine development. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2108 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2108/961

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 482 486 EN Seyed Mohammad HOSEINI Department of Pathobiology, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran Hooman RONAGHI Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Bahram Ali ZAHERI Department of Environmental Protection Semnan, Semnan, Iran Amir Hossein MOSHREFI Young Researchers and Elite Club, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran Mohammad Ali ADIBI Department of Environmental Protection Semnan, Semnan, Iran 2017 09 22 2018 05 21 Spirocerca lupi is an international nematode of Canine and wild carnivores. The generic clinical symptoms are regurgitation, vomiting, and pursiness. The parasite usually procreates nodular masses in the esophagus and pectoral aorta. On July 2014, a four-month male sandy fox was found accidentally killed on the road in Bafgh City, Southeast of Yazd, Yazd Province, Iran during necropsy, referring to esophagus, parasites were collected from esophagus and transmissive up to 70% of alcohol. Parasites were recognized as S. lupi. After clarification of lactophenol and staining, the nematodes were recognized as S. lupi according to key guidelines of Taylor. Besides, the tissue samples were isolated from esophagus wall - the appendix site of nematode for histopathological investigation - so they were transmissive up to 10% of buffered formalin and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Microscopic diagnoses in esophagus were included epithelial destruction, wall thickening, inflammatory cells infiltration, necrosis and vascular thrombosis. With the author’s knowledge, this is the first report and histopathological investigation of S. lupi in sandy fox. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1785

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 387 393 EN Sahar GHODSIAN Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Soheila ROUHANI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shirzad FALLAHI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Seyyed Javad SEYYED-TABAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Niloofar TAGHIPOUR Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 02 24 2019 09 18 Background: Fascioliasis is one of the most important food-borne worm disease caused by Fasciola sp. Parasitological diagnosis is more difficult due to the low parasite burden and a few eggs shedding of helminths. Therefore, it will be valuable to development of simple, fast and reliable diagnostic tests for detection of human and animal fascioliasis. Methods: Infected liver collected from abattoir in Tehran, Iran in 2017. F. hepatica eggs were detached from the uterus of worms under a stereo microscope. Various numbers of eggs were spiked to 200 mgr. of negative feces samples. DNA was extracted and then target regions (nuclear IGS) were amplified by LAMP assay using six primers. Fecal specimens without egg and DNA of other helminths were used as negative controls. F. hepatica sample which confirmed by morphologic criteria and PCR- RFLP was used as positive control. Results: LAMP products by using SYBR Green I could detect even a single egg in fecal samples which was visible by change of color from orange to green. There was no cross amplification by other helminths including; Taenia saginata, Dicrosolium dendriticum and F. gigantica. Conclusion: LAMP seems a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective technique for detection of human fascioliasis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2008 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2008/962

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 487 491 EN Mirsalim SEYEDSADEGHI Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Jaffar GHOBADI Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Negin HAGHSHENAS Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Afshin HABIBZADEH Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2018 04 10 2018 11 21 Hydatid cyst caused by Echinococcus granulosus usually involves lung and liver but can appear in other organs. We report a 29-yr-old woman presented to Fatemi Hospital, Ardabil, Iran in 2017 with progressive painful swelling of the left gluteus which in imaging showed hydatid cyst. The cyst was successfully en blocked and the patient was discharged on albendazole treatment with no recurrence in the symptoms during the first week, first and second months after surgery follow-up and in the final visit at third months. In the endemic regions, the possibility of hydatid cysts should be considered in differential diagnosis of any cystic mass.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2081

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 394 403 EN Javad JABARI Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh GHAFFARIFAR Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran John HORTON Tropical Projects, Hitchin, UK Abdolhosein DALIMI Department of Parasitology, 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 2018 02 04 2019 09 18 Background: In this research, the effect of morphine on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major has been investigated in the presence of nalmefene as a blocking opioid drug and imiquimod as an opioid growth factor receptor. Methods: This study was conducted at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran in 2015-2018. Morphine with different concentration (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 1µg/ml) alone and with imiquimod (0.01, 0.1 and 1µg/ml) and nalmefene (0.1, 1 and 10 µg/ml) on promastigotes and amastigotes in macrophages and also the percentage of infected macrophages was investigated. For evaluation of the apoptosis, we used flow cytometry method. The effect of imiquimod and nalmefene on glucantime and amphotericin B as current drugs for treatment of leishmaniasis was evaluated too. Results: The effect of morphine on promastigotes and amastigotes has a reverse relationship with its concentration. The results of flow cytometry for drug-treated promastigotes revealed that apoptosis and necrosis did not increase markedly relative to the control group. A combination of morphine and imiquimod in concentrations of 0.05, 5 and 5 µg/ml had a pronounced effect on reduction and prevention of macrophage infection with amastigotes. Morphine at a concentration of 0.1 µg/ml plays the role of adjunctive treatment. In amastigote assay we found the better results in group that get glucantime 25 µg/ml+ imiquimod 0.5 µg/ml. Conclusion: This effect is strengthened with imiquimod and weakened with nalmefene. Using high dose morphine and nalmefene had reverse effects. They suppress immune system and had no controlling effect in macrophages amastigote infection and reduction of promastigotes. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1987 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1987/963

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 23 492 496 Tomislava SKUHALA University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Croatia Vladimir TRKULJA Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Zagreb, Croatia Mislav RUNJE TAPI Research and Development Analytics, Pliva Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia Mirjana BALEN-TOPIĆ University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Croatia Dalibor VUKELIĆ University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Croatia Boško DESNICA University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Croatia 2019 09 23 We present a 40-year-old woman with a history of relapsing echinococcosis who had undergone a number of surgical procedures for cyst removal (right pulmectomy, cardiac surgery and 6 subsequent brain surgeries and two gamma knife procedures) and was admitted to University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Croatia in 2014 for pre-operative medical treatment of brain hydatidosis in the right parietal region. We aimed to attain a high cyst albendazole sulphoxide (ASO) concentration in order to achieve a more pronounced protoscolex inactivation and a high serum ASO concentration (reflecting the tissue concentrations) to reduce the risk of disease recurrence. The patient was treated with a higher dose of albendazole (15 mg/kg/day for 4 wk) that we had found effective in patients with liver hydatidosis, and combined with praziquantel over the last 14 d at a dose that is typically used to treat neurocysticercosis with an intention to improve ASO bioavailability. Neither serum nor cerebrospinal fluid concentrations on day 10 apparently differed from those on day 24 indicating a lack of an effect of praziquantel on ASO bioavailability. Intra-cystic ASO concentration was below the lower limit of quantification, but above the limit of detection. After the 7th episode of the disease and combined albendazole-praziquantel and surgery treatment, the patient achieved a 3-year remission. With the apparent lack of a meaningful pharmacokinetic praziquantel-albendazole interaction, this is most likely ascribable to the use of a higher albendazole dose than previously. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2674

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 404 412 EN Khalid Jabar AZIZ Department of Animal Resources, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq Lokman Taib Omer AL-BARWARY Department of Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq 2018 06 11 2019 09 18 Background: Equine piroplasmosis is a major tick-borne disease that can lead to serious health problems and economic losses in horse industry. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in different species of Equus namely (Horse, mule, donkey and pony) by Giemsa stained blood films and competitive ELISA. Methods: This study was conducted at various geographic areas of Erbil governorate.  A total of 349 blood samples from equine (209 horses, 62 mule, 57 donkey and 21 ponies) were collected to estimate the prevalence rate of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi by using Giemsa stained blood smear and competitive ELISA. Results: The overall prevalence rates were (10.6%) consisting of (8.3%), (1.7%) and (0.6) for T. equi, B. caballi and both infection respectively by Giemsa stained blood smears, and the rate was 38.97%, consisting of 20.9% for T. equi, 11.2% for B. caballi and 6.9% for both infection by cELISA. Seroprevalence rate of T. equi was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that B. caballi in equids. There was also a significant difference associated between age (P < 0.01), activity (P < 0.01), management (P < 0.001) and tick infestation (P < 0.001), but neither the type of equids nor the gender was significant differences associated with prevalence rate. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the equine piroplasmosis is a vital infection distributed among the equine in Erbil province North of Iraq. Thus a better control programme should be implemented to contain and control the prevalence of the disease within the area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2176 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2176/964

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 413 420 EN Mohammad Javad GHARAGOZLOU Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Iraj MOBEDI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza AGHAEBRAHIMI SAMANI Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fariba TAGHIZADEH Field Practitioner Veterinarian, Babol, Iran Gholamreza MOWLAVI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 03 11 2019 09 18 Background: The aim of the present study was to study pathological and parasitological characteristics of simultaneous capillariasis and hystrichiasis in a diseased Anas crecca captured in Mazandaran Province of Iran on Oct 2016. Methods: Parasitology and histopathology techniques were used to detect the parasites of the carcass of the captive common teal. Results: Macroscopically, severe chronic inflammatory reactions and nodular or granuloma formation and irregular thickening of the affected wall of the esophagus, crop, proventrculus and ventriculus were observed. Microscopically, apart from the chronic inflammatory reactions and granuloma formation, in the paraffin sections stained with Harris Hematoxyline and Eosin technique, the characteristics of the mature female and male Capillaria spp.  and their barrel-shaped operculated embryonated eggs were found within the tunnels burrowed by the nematode in the hyperplastic stratified squamous epithelium of the inflamed crop and distal portion of the esophagus. The mature female Hystrichis spp. containing oval-shaped, embryonated non-operculated eggs and male parasite were found within the labyrinthus spaces formed in the submucosa granulomas of the ventriculus and proventriculus. Conclusion: Based on the parasitological and pathological studies, the species of the nematode parasites were identified as Capillaria (Thominx) contorta and Hystrichis. tricolor. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1544 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1544/965

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 421 429 EN Surat HARUAY Community Health Program, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand Supawadee PIRATAE One Health Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand 2018 07 06 2019 09 18 Background: Most of trematodes need snails to complete their life cycles. Consequently freshwater snails are served as intermediate hosts of many parasites worldwide. There is a lack of report on snail diversity and parasitic infection in snails in Sirindhorn Reservoir, Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. Methods: Mollusk diversity and trematode cercariae infections were investigated in snails from 120 sampling sites surround Sirindhorn Reservoir from April 2018 to June 2018. Mollusk species were identified based on their shell morphology. The presence of cercariae infections in snails was examined by cercarial shedding methods. The interaction between snail species was analyzed by the correlation method. Results: Overall, 2076 mollusks were collected which comprised six species of snails and two species of bivalves. Snail species were identified as Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, Anentome helena, Filopaludina sumatrensis spiciosa, F. martensi martensi, F. martensi munensis and Pomacea canaliculata. The overall rate of trematode cercariae infection was 1.69% (35/2,076). The cercariae found infecting snails were Cercariaeum cercaria, Virgulate cercaria, Cotylomicrocercous cercaria and Furcocercous cercaria. The most common snails found was the assassin snail, A. helena, which showed the negative relationship among other species interactions. Conclusion: This finding indicated infection with animal’s parasites in snails in this area are common, besides, we found many species of snails in Sirindhorn Reservoir are potentially be the host of parasite in animal and human. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2236 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2236/966

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 14 3 2019 09 18 430 435 rse, prognosis and choice of treatment are differing from species; differentiation of species is critical. The present study was aimed to detect the parasite species using the PCR-RFLP method. Methods: A total of 130 Giemsa-Stained slides from suspected Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients were examined under a light microscope at×1000. DNA from each slide was extracted PCR method was undertaken with HSP70 genes and the PCR products were digested with a restriction enzyme HaeIII (BsuR1). The study was conducted in the laboratory of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran in 2015. Results: From 130 suspected samples, 59 (45.3%) were positive by the microscopic examination, meanwhile 64 (49.2%) were positive by PCR-RFLP, Leishmania species were recognized, and L. tropica was introduced as predominant species in current study. Conclusion: PCR-RFLP is a valuable technique for distinguish of Leishmania species. Furthermore, anthroponotic CL is the dominant cause of CL in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1348 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1348/626

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 4 2016 12 25 499 506 Kareem HATAM-NAHAVANDI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Department of 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 Amir-Hossein MAHVI Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Water Quality Research, Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein KESHAVARZ Department of 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 Hamid-Reza NAJAFIAN Department of 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 AND Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sasan REZAEI Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mostafa REZAEIAN Department of 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 2016 12 25 2016 12 25 Background: As a waterborne pathogen, Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis in human and hoofed livestock animals. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in human and livestock wastewaters in Iran, by the 18S rRNA sequence analysis. Methods: A total of 54 raw wastewater samples collected from three urban treatment plants and two slaughterhouses during 2014-2015 in Tehran, Iran. The presence of the Cryptosporidium oocysts was assessed by immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies. To characterize the oocysts at the molecular level, the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium was PCR amplified and sequenced. Results: Of the 54 wastewater samples examined, 34 (62.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts using the IFA. Of these, 70.5% (24/34) were positive by PCR, that 91.6% (22/24) were successfully sequenced. The species of C. andersoni (95.4%) and C. xiaoi (4.6%) were detected in livestock wastewater samples. Conclusion: C. andersoni was the major Cryptosporidium sp. found in the aquatic environmental wastewater samples. The high rate of detection of C. andersoni in domestic wastewater was probably the result of the predominancy of this species in cattle herds in Iran. The current study is the first report of C. xiaoi in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1349 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1349/627

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 4 2016 12 25 507 514 Adel SPOTIN Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Sanaz TAGHIZADEH EGHTEDAR Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Abbas SHAHBAZI Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Asghar SALEHPOUR Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Seddigheh SARAFRAZ Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND East Azerbaijan Province Health Center, Tabriz Health Center, Tabriz, Iran Seyyed Ali SHARIATZADEH Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mahmoud MAHAMI-OSKOUEI Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2016 12 25 2016 12 25 Background: The aim of this study was to identify the Trichomonas vaginalis strains/haplotypes based on identifying their probable variations in asymptomatic patients referred to Tabriz health centers, northwestern Iran. Methods: Sampling was taken from 50-suspected women to T. vaginalis in northwestern Iran. The obtained samples were smeared and cultured. Fifty DNA samples were extracted, amplified and identified by nested polymerase chain reaction and PCR-RFLP of actin gene using two endonuclease enzymes: MseI and RsaI. To reconfirm, the amplicons of actin gene were directly sequenced in order to identify the strains/haplotypes. Results: PCR-RFLP patterns, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed definitely the presence of the G (n=22; 73.4%) and E (n=8; 26.6%) strains. Multiple alignments findings of genotype G showed five haplotypes and two amino acid substitutions in codons 192 and 211 although, no remarkable unique haplotype was found in genotype E. Conclusion: The accurate identification of T. vaginalis strains based on discrimination of their unknown haplotypes particularly those which are impacted on protein translation should be considered in parasite status, drug resistance, mixed infection with HIV and monitoring of asymptomatic trichomoniasis in the region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1350 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1350/628

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 4 2016 12 25 515 526 Sima PARANDE SHIRVAN Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Hassan BORJI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Ahmadreza MOVASSAGHI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Mohammadreza KHAKZAD Zakaria Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran Hamidreza FARZIN Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran Mohsen MALEKI Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Alireza HAGHPARAST Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 2016 12 25 2016 12 25 Background: Inverse relationship between helminths infection and immune-mediated diseases has inspired researchers to investigate therapeutic potential of helminths in allergic asthma. Helminth unique ability to induce immunoregulatory responses has already been documented in several experimental studies. This study was designed to investigate whether excretory/secretory (ES) and somatic products of Marshallagia marshalli modulate the development of ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mouse model. Methods: This study was carried out at the laboratories of Immunology and Parasitology of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran during spring and summer 2015. Allergic airway inflammation was induced in mice by intraperitoneal (IP) injection with ovalbumin (OVA). The effects of ES and somatic products of M. marshalli were analyzed by inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pathological changes and IgE response. Results: Treatment with ES and somatic products of M. marshalli decreased cellular infiltration into BALF when they were administered during sensitization with allergen. Pathological changes were decreased in helminth-treated group, as demonstrated by reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, epithelial lesion and smooth muscle hypertrophy. However, no significant differences were observed in IgE serum levels, cytokines and eosinophil counts between different groups. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into anti-inflammatory effects of ES and somatic products of M. marshalli, during the development of non-eosinophilic model of asthma. Further study is necessary to characterize immunomodulatory molecules derived from M. marshalli as a candidate for the treatment of airway inflammation. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1351 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1351/629

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 11 4 2016 12 25 527 533 Amin SAEIDINIA Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Ilnaz TAVAKOLI Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Mohammad Reza NAGHIPOUR Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Behnaz RAHMATI Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Hossein GHAVAMI LAHIJI Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Omid SALKHORI Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Keyhan ASHRAFI Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran AND Research Center for Fascioliasis and Parasitic Diseases, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran 2016 12 25 2016 12 25 Background: We aimed to determine the status of strongyloidiasis in mentally disabled population in the institutional places in Rasht City, the capital of Guilan Province, northern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 institutions for mentally retarded population in Rasht in 2013. Before collecting the samples, a questionnaire was filled out for each participant by an expert person. A single  stool sample was obtained from each of the 173 subjects and examined using direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration technique and agar plate culture method.  Results: A total of 173