Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 07 158 167 Beheshteh HAGHPARAST-KENARI Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shahabeddin SARVI Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehdi SHARIF Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ehsan AHMADPOUR Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Seyed Abdollah HOSSEINI Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ahmad DARYANI Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran 2020 06 07 Background: Soil is one of the environmental sources of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. The other hand, genotype of the parasite is one of the important factors for its pathogenicity. Due to the importance of toxoplasmosis on public health, this study aimed to isolation and genotyping of T. gondii in environmental soil samples of Mazandaran Province, north of Iran. Methods: Overall, 192 soil samples were collected from different areas in Mazandaran Province from Apr to Sep 2014. The flotation method was used for recovering oocysts. Then, soil samples were investigated for DNA detection of T. gondii using nested PCR of RE gene, genotyping with Semi-nested PCR of GRA6 gene and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Results were analyzed using Chi-squared test. A significant difference was considered with a P<0.05. Results: From 192 soil samples, T. gondii DNA was detected in 150 samples (78.1%). Then genotype of 23 samples was determined (91.3% type I and 8.7% type II). Conclusion: Prevalence of T. gondii in soil samples of Mazandaran province, north of Iran is high and T. gondii GRA6 type I is predominant. Soil can be the most important source of severe toxoplasmosis in this province. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2934 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2934/1027

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 08 272 277 Oktay ALVER Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Mehmet BAYKARA Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa Turkey Merve YÜRÜK Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey Nazmiye ÜLKÜ TÜZEMEN Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey 2020 06 08 Acanthamoeba species are vision-threatening agents by causing cornea infections known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. A 5 year-old kid with the complaints of erythema, eyelid edema, inflammation, limitation of eye movements in the right eye, and having no history of wearing contact lenses or trauma, was diagnosed of Acanthamoeba conjunctivitis through laboratory examinations in the Ophthalmology clinic. The visual sharpness of the patient improved after the treatment. A 44 year-old female patient suffering from pain, stinging, irritation, and inability to see in the left eye with the history of wearing contact lenses or trauma was diagnosed of Acanthamoeba keratitis through laboratory examinations. The agent was isolated and identified as "A. castellani" in the Genotype "T2". Examination of the left eye on the 15th day of treatment indicated that all complaints disappeared except for the cataract originated visual loss. However, the first diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis appeared in the literature on a case with no history of wearing contact lenses and trauma it is found to be attention grabbing. We think that Acanthamoeba should not be ignored among microbial agents that cause eye infection with or without trauma and contact lens usage history. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2951 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2951/1041

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 08 248 252 Neda SASANNEJAD Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Javad KHOSHNEGAH Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Amin BAKHSHANI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Hassan BORJI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 2020 06 08 Background: Toxocara canis is a gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and other canids with high zoonotic potential. Human infection occurs following ingestion of infective eggs that have been passed in the dogs’ feces. Contact with contaminated soils, is one of the most important risk factors for human infection by T. canis eggs. However, in recent studies transmission of infective eggs, through human contact with contaminated dogs’ hair have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Toxocara eggs on the hair and feces of dogs which attended to Veterinary Clinic of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Methods: A total 100 dogs which attended to the clinic were used in the present study. The hair samples were collected from the head, back and perineal region of dogs’ body. Besides collecting hairs, fecal samples were also collected and analyzed for the presence of T. canis eggs. Results: T. canis eggs were found in 11% of the hair samples and 10% of the feces samples. Additionally, it has been observed that the risk factors impact such as breed, season of sampling, sex, hair length, indoor-outdoor access and age, were not significant on the T. canis eggs presence in the faecal and hair samples. Conclusion: Human exposure to the hair of dogs, may be significant risk factor for infection and regular anthelmintic treatment, hygiene of animals and public education of the importance of dogs are recommended to prevent human toxocariasis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2946 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2946/1037

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 09 287 289 Azar Danesh SHAHRAKI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Azam ZAFARBAKHSH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Amirreza FARHADIAN DEHKORDI Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2020 06 09 Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2954 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2954/1044

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 07 168 176 Seyyed Jafar NOSRATABADI Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Nasim HAYATI ROODBARI Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Hossein MODARRESI Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza FARSINEJAD Department of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Majid FASIHI HARANDI Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2020 06 07 Background: In recent decades platyhelminths have been used as model organisms to address some of the fundamental questions related to the growth and development of animal organisms. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR) and Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-beta) have a regulatory role in the growth and development of Echinococcus species. This study determined the effect of alpha-tocopherol on the expression of EGFR and TGF-beta genes in three in vitro developmental stages of E. granulosus. Methods: E. granulosus protoscoleces were cultured in diphasic medium containing bovine serum and CMRL 1066. Three developmental stages of E. granulosus, i.e. invaginated protoscoleces, evaginated protoscoleces and three-proglottid worms, were treated by alpha-tocopherol (250 μg/ml for 36 h) and the expression of EGFR and TGF-beta genes were evaluated by using qPCR analysis. Results: Intact protoscoleces were successfully developed to the segmented worms in diphasic culture media. Higher levels of both EGFR and TGF-beta gene expression were observed in the invaginated protoscoleces as well as the segmented worms in comparison to the non-treated controls. Conclusion: Administration of alpha-tocopherol to different developmental stages of E. granulosus significantly enhanced EGFR and TGF-beta expression in the parasite. Both oxidant and non-oxidant activities of alpha-tocopherol could explain the study findings. Overexpression of the genes could in turn enhance growth factor effects and facilitates the viability of the parasite. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2935 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2935/1028

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 08 278 281 Maryam AFSHOON Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammadreza ABDOLSALEHI Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Golnaz ALINIA Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Katayoun BORHANI Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bahareh YAGHMAIE Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahmoud KHODABANDEH Pediatric’s Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2020 06 09 Visceral leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease between humans and animals, transmitted by sandflies (Phlebotomus) in the Mediterranean countries, including Iran. The statistics have been reported less than real due to errors in the diagnosis and reporting of affected cases. In this report, we will present the symptoms and manifestations of this disease to reduce late detection and exacerbating factors. The patient was a three-year-old girl from Tehran, Iran who had ascites and hepatomegaly. When she was 9 month-old, she was diagnosed as autoimmune hepatitis after liver biopsy and she was treated with immunosuppressive drugs (Azathioprine, prednisolone, and cyclosporine) for 22 months, but later she suffered from fever, pancytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly. Then a bone marrow biopsy was done for her. There was a large amount of Leishman body in her bone marrow and treatment for Kala-azar was started for her. In patients with prolonged fever and splenomegaly, especially association with pancytopenia, consider leishmaniasis. Immunosuppressive drugs can disseminate parasitic diseases, including visceral leishmaniasis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2952 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2952/1042

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 15 2 2020 06 08 253 258 Naser NAZARI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Saeedeh SHOJAEE 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 Navid AHMADIFARD Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Yazdan HAMZAVI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Zabihollah ZAREI Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza FARAHMAND-RAD Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Arezoo BOZORGOMID Department of Microbiology, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran Peyman HEYDARIAN Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 2020 06 08 Mehdi NATEGHPOUR Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad RAEISI Center for Disease Control and Management, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Afsane MOTEVALLI HAGHI Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gholamhosein EDRISSIAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Leila FARIVAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: For many years, malaria was a major life-threatening parasitic infection in Iran. Although malaria elimination program is implementing in the country, still some cases annually are reported from malaria-endemic areas. Methods: This study was conducted in five malaria endemic districts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan countries. Overall, 170 and 38 vivax malaria and falciparum malaria infected patients were enrolled in the study from 2013-2014. All the cases were selected according to criteria of the WHO guideline for in vivo drug sensitivity tests in malaria parasites. Evaluation of drug sensitivity test was conducted with some modifications. Results: The patients with vivax malaria responded to the regimen of chloroquine in 37.4(±15.9), 40(±13.8) and 42(±17.7) h for Pakistani, Iranian and Afghani nationalities respectively based on MPCT evaluation. The results showed a considerable difference between them and Iranian subjects. MPCT for the patients with falciparum malaria was calculated as 28(±18.05), 26(±12.03) and 36(±16.9) h for Iranian, Pakistani and Afghani nationalities respectively. There was a marginally significant difference between Afghani and other nationalities and between males and females. Conclusion: Treatment of all the patients resulted in ACPR and MPCT of P. vivax showed that the parasite became more sensitive to chloroquine than previous years in studied areas. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2042 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2042/804

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 156 160 Pedram NORMOHAMADPUR Razi Hospital, Vahdat Eslami Street, Tehran, Iran Forugh GHAEDI Razi Hospital, Vahdat Eslami Street, Tehran, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Although leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iran the mucosal involvement is rare. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) mainly caused by Leishmanial braziliensis infection, reported with other Leishmania species such as L. major. Herein a 78 yr old man with MCL from Iran is presented who referred to Razi Hospital Dermatology Clinic, Tehran, Iran, for multiple ulcerative lesions on mid face skin, mucosa of upper lip and anterior fossa of nose, dorsal aspect of the hands and the posterior aspect of heels. Skin biopsy revealed necrotizing and granulomatous tissue pattern that suggested infection pathogenesis but the smear for leishmaniasis, Mycobacterium spp, and fungal elements was negative at first. In order to a positive PPD test, he was treated by anti-tuberculosis treatment. A month after starting drugs for tuberculosis, the prepared microscopical smears were positive for Leishman bodies this time. The skin biopsy revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. and the PCR assay on specimens of lesions proved L. major as the principal pathogenic agent. There was good response to systemic treatment with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) 3 gr per day until one week followed by 4.5 gr per day for another week. We forced to discontinue of drug because of cardiac toxicity at the end of 2nd wk of treatment. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2058 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2058/820

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 127 136 Nabilah Amelia MOHAMMAD Center of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Se-langor, Malaysia Mohd Fahmi MASTUKI Center of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Se-langor, Malaysia Hesham M. AL-MEKHLAFI Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia AND Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen Norhayati MOKTAR Dept. of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Selangor, Malaysia Tengku Shahrul ANUAR Center of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Se-langor, Malaysia AND Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: This study evaluated the performance of routine permanent stain and cultivation method in comparison with polymerase chain reaction assay as the reference technique to detect Blastocystis sp. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among aboriginal populations that reside in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia in Feb to Mar 2015. A total of 359 stool samples were examined using Wheatley’s trichrome stain, in-vitro cultivation in Jones’ medium and PCR assay. Positive amplicons were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Fifty-six (15.6%) samples were detected positive with Blastocystis sp. by Wheatley’s trichrome stain and 73 (20.3%) by in-vitro culture, while PCR assay detected 71 (19.8%) positive samples. Detection rate of Blastocystis sp. was highest in combination of microscopic techniques (27.9%). The sensitivity and specificity of Wheatley’s trichrome staining and in-vitro culture techniques compared to PCR assay were 49.3% (95% CI: 37.2-61.4) and 92.7% (95% CI: 89.1-95.4) and 39.4% (95% CI: 28.0-51.8) and 84.4% (95% CI: 79.7-88.4), respectively. However, the sensitivity [60.6% (95% CI: 48.3-71.9)] of the method increased when both microscopic techniques were performed together. False negative results produced by microscopic techniques were associated with subtype 3. The agreement between Wheatley’s trichrome stain, in-vitro culture and combination of microscopic techniques with PCR assay were statistically significant by Kappa statistics (Wheatley’s trichrome stain: K = 0.456, P<0.001; in-vitro culture: K = 0.236, P<0.001 and combination techniques: K = 0.353, P<0.001). Conclusion: The combination of microscopic technique is highly recommended to be used as a screening method for the diagnosis of Blastocystis infection either for clinical or epidemiological study to ensure better and accurate diagnosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2054 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2054/816

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 39 48 Mohammad Taghi AHADY Dept. of Microbiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Nasser HOGHOOGHI-RAD Dept. of Microbiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Rasool MADANI Dept. of Microbiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Reza ESMAEILI RASTAGHI Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect humans and warm-blooded animals. This infection can lead to still birth and abortion among some susceptible hosts especially sheep and human in pregnancy. Development of a vaccine against T. gondii infection is very important-especially for use in immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, and sheep. Different antigens of T. gondii can be potential candidates for immunization. The aims of this study were to identify the immunodominant and antigenic proteins of T. gondii in sheep and man. Methods: Tachyzoites’ proteins were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and subjected to western blot analysis probed with T. gondii positive sera of sheep and human (Biotechnology Department of Pasteur Institute of Tehran, Iran, from April 2016 to March 2017). Finally, the immunoreactive proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS and MS/MS) technique. Results: Five immunoreactive and antigenic proteins were recognized by Toxoplasma positive sera of human and sheep. These identified proteins were Enolase 2, rhoptry protein 4 (ROP4), dense granular protein 14 (GRA14), rhoptry protein 15 (ROP15) and rhoptry protein 9 (ROP9). Conclusion: The identified immunodominant proteins have potential to be used as diagnostic antigens and as diagnostic markers of Toxoplasma infection in sheep and human. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2043 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2043/805

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 137 144 Sara LARKI Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Alireza ALBORZI Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Rahil CHEGINI Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Rezvan AMIRI Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Despite ducks being birds resistant to infection, the favorable habitat of ducks such as subtropical climate or stagnant water is also a perfect place for survival of the parasites. Methods: This study was conducted from Dec 2014 to Apr 2015 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic ducks in Ahvaz and environs, southwest of Iran. Overall, 41 fresh fecal samples were collected and prepared using formol-ether concentration, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, sheather`s floatation and zinc sulfate sedimentation methods. Light microscopic morphometry was used for identification of helminth eggs and oocysts. Results: 60.97% of ducks were infected with three different nematodes and/or four protozoan parasites. The identified nematodes were Capillaria sp., (50%) Subulura spp. (16.66%) and Echinuria spp. (33.33%). The protozoan oocystes were Cryptosporidium spp. (50%) and coccidian species (%58.33) and included Wenionella philiplevinei, Tyzerria spp. and Isospora. mandari. Mixed infection with two or more parasites was common. Twenty (80%) had single, four (16%) double and one (4%) triple infection. Conclusion: This is the first report of coccidian infection in domestic ducks of Iran. Further studies will be necessary on epidemiology and pathogenicity of the parasitic infections in ducks of this area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2055 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2055/817

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 49 57 Fazeleh ETEBAR Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Seyed Hossein HOSSEINI Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh JALOUSIAN Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mehdi RANJBAR Dept. of Immunology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: C type lectin (CTL) family is a type of calcium-dependent proteins found in vertebrates and invertebrates. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis and phylogenetic inferring for understanding the similarities and differences of carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) domain of Toxocara canis CTL and other nematodes, and similar C type lectin involved in the immune system of mouse and human as their host. Methods: The female T. canis was retrieved from the 2-6 months puppies (Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 2015). To collect T. canis eggs, the worms were cultured for 5 d until they were embryonated. The hatching process was accelerated for collecting the stage 2 larvae, and the larvae were cultured for a week. A cDNA library was made from the total mRNA of T. canis infective larvae. The PCR amplification for C type lectin gene was performed and the amino acids were analyzed using the alignment method and the construction of phylogenetic tree. Results: The suspension sample maintained at 30 ºC for four weeks could embryonate 90%-100% of eggs. T. canis CTL gene was 657 bp in length and encoded a protein with 219 amino acids. The CTL of species of Strongylida order were closely placed in the tree, whereas the members of Ascaridida orders were located in a separate branch. High levels of similarity (36%-44%) and conservation of C type lectin from T. canis with mouse and human C type lectins. Its C type lectin showed a higher similarity with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), macrophage lectin, dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), MINCLE receptor of mouse and human. Conclusion: Analysis of CRD domain of C type lectin protein could make a better understanding of their role in the interaction of nematode parasite with their hosts. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2044 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2044/806

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 58 66 Amany Mohamed KAMAL Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Azza Kamal AHMED Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Nawras Mohamed El-Saghier MOWAFY Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt AND Dep. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia Hossam Eldin SHAWKI Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Ahmed Samir SANAD Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Eptesam Esmail HASSAN Dept. of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: We aimed to determine the incidence of trichomoniasis and its risk factors in Egyptian pregnant women attending the Minia Maternity and Pediatric University Hospital, Minia, Egypt and evaluate its association with preterm birth. Methods: The study was carried out from Aug 2014 to Jun 2015 through 2 phases, the first phase was case-control study, and the second phase was follow-up with intervention. Overall, 300 pregnant women with gestational age of 20-36 weeks with no medical risk factors of preterm labour birth were enrolled. Vaginal swabs were examined by the wet mount microscopy and culture while urine samples were examined by urine analysis. Demographic information was collected. Pregnant women were divided into two groups, study group (with trichomoniasis) and control group (without trichomoniasis). Positive cases were subjected to metronidazole treatment. Results: Thirty-five cases were positive for T. vaginalis infection. Maximum cases were detected by culture (11.7%) followed by wet mount microscopy (9.7%) whereas least number of cases (7.3%) was detected by urine examination. Nineteen (54.28%) cases had preterm delivery. Post-delivery adverse outcomes were observed in 29 cases (82.8%). The high rate of infection was observed in age group of 20-30 years (P<0.05). In addition, there was a signifi­cant T. vaginalis infection in pregnant women living in rural area, of low socioeconomic and primary educa­tional levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: pregnant women lived in rural area with a low socioeconomic and primary educational levels should be screened for trichomoniasis to reduce the incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2045 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2045/807

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 67 71 Mohammad Javad ABBASZADEH AFSHAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Iraj SHARIFI Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mehdi BAMOROVAT Leishmaniasis Research Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mehdi MOHEBALI Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Saleh BAHREINI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Afsaneh NADERI Iranian Social Security Organization, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Domestic dogs have been implicated as the main reservoir host of Mediterranean type of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that is endemic in some parts of Iran. This study was performed about role of dogs in canine VL (CVL) epidemiology in Jiroft District, south of Kerman Province, southeastern Iran. Methods: Totally, 165 dogs including 100 stray and 65 sheepdogs were randomly selected. After complete clinical examination blood sample was taken from each dog. All the collected samples were examined following the serum separation by direct agglutination test (DAT) for detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The titers of ≥1:320 were defined as positive. Results: Overall, of 165 serum samples, 13 samples (7.9%) were positive by DAT at titers of ≥1:320. The seroprevalence was 11% among the stray dogs and 3% among the sheepdogs. There was no significant difference between stray and sheepdogs in CVL infection. The highest seroprevalence rate (14.3%) was found in seven-year old dogs. Conclusion: The present finding indicates the role of stray and sheepdogs in CVL epidemiology in this area. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the status of VL infection in human subjects in this area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2046 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2046/808

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 72 78 Zohreh FAKHRIEH-KASHAN Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Mohsen ARBABI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Mahdi DELAVARI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Mahdi MOHEBALI Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein HOOSHYAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: The protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Metronidazole is a chosen drug for the treatment. This study evaluated the anti trichomonal activity of alcoholic extracts of combination Verbascum thapsus and Ginger officinale. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Parasitology Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran in 2015, on 23 women with suspected trichomoniasis referring to Kashan clinical centers. Medium TYI-S-33 was used for culture of three T. vaginalis isolates. Different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 µg/ml) of V. thapsus and G. officinale ethanol extract added to Trichomonas trophozoites in 48-well plates and metronidazole considered as positive control and the negative control was TYI-S33 containing Trichomonas trophozoites without any drug. In all of mentioned groups, trophozoites number counted 12, 24, 48 h after culture. Results were analyzed using ANOVA statistical test, to evaluate the toxicity of extract, measured by MTT assay. Induced apoptosis of T. vaginalis after treatment with different concentrations of extract was determined by Flow Cytometry. Results: IC50 of alcoholic extract of combination V. thapsus and G. officinale and metronidazole after 24h was 73.80 µg/ml and 0.0326 µg/ml, respectively. The toxicity percentage of 25-800 μg/ml concentrations of this combination were between 0.2-1.98. In different concentrations of extract (25,50,100,200 and 400 µg/ml) apoptosis percent after 48h was 18.97 to 77.19 and necrosis percent was calculated 1.35, 3.18, 3.10, 1.16 and 4.09, respectively. Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of combination V. thapsus and G. officinale induces programmed death in T. vaginalis. Due to no toxicity on macrophages, it can be examined in vivo studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2047 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2047/809

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 79 88 Mofolusho O. FALADE Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Benson OTARIGHO Dept. of Biological Science, Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria AND Dept. of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: There is paucity of information on functional relationship and characterization of Biomphalaria glabrata thioester-containing proteins (BgTEP) to other well-annotated homologues. We performed functional characterization studies of BgTEP to homologues in Anopheles gambiae and in disparate invertebrates. Methods: Genomic sequences of TEPs were retrieved after annotation of the B. glabrata genome. In addition, TEP sequences deposited in NCBI protein database were also retrieved and utilized for sequence analysis. BgTEP relatedness to its other homologues as well as functional domain and protein-protein interaction analysis was performed. Results: Our analysis resulted in the identification of TEPs in a number of organisms including, B. glabrata, A. gambiae, and Chlamys farreri. In addition, we identified 19 TEP sequences spread across 10 animal species. The B. glabrata genome contains 14190 unannotated proteins after filtration with about 85% of its proteome annotated. The phylogenetics, functional domain and protein-protein interaction analyses suggest an immunological role for BgTEP in B. glabrata. Conclusion: The predicted role of thioester-containing proteins to be involved in immunological role in B. glabrata may have a strong effect on resistance to infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2048 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2048/810

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 89 99 Nashaat Abd El-Monem NASSEF Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt Manal Ahmed EL-MELEGY Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt Engy Victor BESHAY Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt Dalia Rifaat Al-SHARAKY Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt Tahany Mohamed AL-ATTAR Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Due to the limited number of the available drugs for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, this study was designed to evaluate the trypanocidal effects of cisplatin or/and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in experimentally infected mice with T. evansi. Methods: During 2015 at the Parasitology Department, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt, sixty Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: normal control (I), infected control (II); cisplatin-treated (III); NSO-treated (IV); combined cisplatin + NSO-treated (V) and diminazene-treated (VI). The tested drugs were evaluated by the assessment of parasitaemia, measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, serum IgM and a histopathological study. Results: NSO showed a trypanocidal effect, however; it was not as effective as cisplatin or diminazene. There were significant increases of AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine in group II and III, which were significantly reduced in cisplatin + NSO-treated group (V). Moreover, there were significant reductions in serum IgM and the pathological changes of the examined organs of group V when they were compared with other treated groups. Conclusion: Cisplatin combined with NSO showed a trypanocidal effect against T. evansi with preservation of vital organs functions and architecture. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2049 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2049/811

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 1 2018 03 14 100 107 Ayman Nabil IBRAHIM Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt Ayman Mohamed AL-ASHKAR Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt John Talaat NAZEER Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt 2018 03 14 2018 03 14 Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease with high population prevalence. Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis are reported worldwide as a cause of human gastrointestinal symptoms. This study evaluated the possible link between this syndrome and the infection with D. fragilis and B. hominis in Egypt. Methods: Overall, 310 stool samples (160 from IBS patients and 150 from controls) were obtained from Tropical Medicine Outpatient Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt between Mar 2015 and Feb 2016. All the stool specimens underwent direct examination and Trichrome staining. Each sample was cultivated on Jones and Robinson's media. Results: Overall, 42