Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 1 9 Huong Nguyen Thu Department of Microbiology-Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Hanoi University of Health Public, Hanoi, Vi-etnam Thang Dao Van 1. Department of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi, Vietnam 2. Department of Infectious Disease, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Van Nguyen Thi Anh Department of Microbiology-Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Hanoi University of Health Public, Hanoi, Vi-etnam Tho Tran Huy Department of Outpatient, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam Tuyen Nguyen Trung Department of Orthopedic, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Nam Le Van 1. Department of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi, Vietnam 2. Department of Infectious Disease, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Binh Do Nhu 1. Department of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi, Vietnam 2. Department of Infectious Disease, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam 2021 01 13 2021 06 15 Background: We determined the occurrence frequency of Clinical signs, subclinical characteristics on positive anti-IgG Toxocara ELISA cases, and clinical response results after 1 month of albendazole-specific treatment.  Methods: A number of 103 clinically treated patients were studied between 2018 and 2019 in two hospitals. Relevant data are collected from examination and medical records such as age, sex, job, resident, clinical and sub-clinical signs. Sera samples were subjected to anti-IgG Toxocara antigen using ELISA.  Results: The median age of the patient was 43.6 ± 14.4 years. The most common symptom groups were the skin and mucosa (88.3%), followed by neurological symptoms (44%). There are 76.7% of patients with risk factors for contact with pet dogs and cats. The majority of eosinophils in the normal range (< 8%) accounted for 85.4%, the major results of the OD value of ELISA were in the group (≥ 0.3-< 1.5) accounted for 75.7%. The skin and mucosa lesions in toxocariasis patients related to IgE values were statistically significant (P <0.05). The effectiveness of anthelmintic treatment is low with nearly half of patients having no clinical symptoms after 1 month of post-treatment. It is statistically significant between exposure to dogs/cats and treatment outcomes on clinical symptoms (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Toxocara infections in Vietnamese people often have skin allergies and liver damage, rarely with severe neurological symptoms. The efficacy of albendazole treatment after one month is not clear. In the near future, research with a confirmatory test other than Anti-IgG Toxocara ELISA is needed to screen for in-hospital diagnosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3235 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3235/1189

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 96 100 EN Mahmut Kursat Ozsahin Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey Bedri Karaismailoglu Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey Cumhur Deniz Davulcu Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey Erdem Sahin Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey Murat Hız Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey 2021 04 19 2021 12 25 We report a 44-years-old woman with cystic echinococcosis (CE) who presented with simultaneous involvement of liver and vastus lateralis muscle to Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey in 2020. Although she underwent surgery for the liver, the intramuscular mass was ignored. While the patient was under post-operative albendazole treatment, she was investigated for the mass on her right thigh which was excised later. The comparison of magnetic resonance imaging before and after albendazole treatment showed that albendazole eliminated the intramuscular vesicle structures by accelerating the degeneration process of the cyst. The comparison of pathology samples sent from both liver and intramuscular CE also revealed that the albendazole has left the laminar membrane intact, degenerate the germinative membrane, thereby reducing the intra-vesicle pressure and also caused the scolex structures to disappear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to report the effect of preoperative albendazole treatment on the structure of intramuscular CE. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3324 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3324/1200

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 90 95 Soghra Viesy Department of Parasitology, School of Paramedicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Zahra Rezaei Department of Parasitology, School of Paramedicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Iman Pouladi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Asad Mirzaei Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Jahangir Abdi Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran 2020 06 29 2021 06 22 Background: Blastocystis sp., located in the large intestine, is one of the most common zoonotic parasites. Risk factors affect its prevalence and pathogenicity, and it causes gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the Blastocystis sp. prevalence and its relationship with gastrointestinal disorders, in patients referred to laboratories, and provide some prevention strategies. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 1,000 stool specimens were collected from patients referred to Ilam, Iran laboratories from 2018-2019. Wet mount method was conducted on samples, and suspected specimens were confirmed using trichrome staining. The demographic and clinical information was recorded in a questionnaire. Finally, the results were analyzed using the SPSS. Results: Blastocystis infection was detected in 81 out of 1,000 patients (8.1%) including 61 (75.3%) males and 20 (24.7%) females. and illiterate people were more at risk. The prevalence in rural was more than urban areas, and it was more in the age group of 31-50 year. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between Blastocystis sp. and risk factors (age, sex, level of education, and residence) and clinical symptoms (stomach ache and nausea) (P<0.05), but interestingly there was no significant relationship between bloating and diarrhea.Blastocystis hominis https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2967 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2967/1199

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 10 17 EN Zahra Heidari Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Zahra Alizadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamid Afzoun Khiyavi Health Center Laboratory, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Soheila Molaei Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Abdollah Mahdavi Department of Health Information Management, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2020 12 17 2021 06 15 Background: Toxocariasis is a worldwide-distributed helminth parasitic infection. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in children living in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran. Methods: A seroepidemiological study to evaluate human toxocariasis among urban and rural populations of Ardabil County, North-West of Iran using ELISA test was carried out from 2019 to 2020. The study population was 472 children (185 females and 287 males) aged between 5 and 15 yr old. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against Toxocara spp. were analyzed by ELISA test. Results: Of the 472 collected serum samples, 66 (14.0%) were positive for antibodies against human toxocariasis. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in children with age groups of 5-6 years. Data demonstrate higher seroprevalence among males (15.3%) than females (11.8%). Rural areas prevalence was significantly higher (24.4%) than the urban area (8.65%). The rate of the diseases was 22.8% in children having history of contact with dog. Conclusion: Toxocariasis is prevalent in the children of Ardabil region. The present study can increase the awareness of the population about the risk of zoonotic diseases as well as the anthelmintic treatment of dogs by veterinarians and, more importantly, the control of stray dogs. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3200 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3200/1190

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 101 104 Nelli Tumolskaya Martsinovsky Institute оf Medical Parasitology, Trорiсаl, and Vесtоr-Воrnе Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Fеdеrаtiоn Vladimir Sergiev Martsinovsky Institute оf Medical Parasitology, Trорiсаl, and Vесtоr-Воrnе Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Fеdеrаtiоn Olga Zelya Martsinovsky Institute оf Medical Parasitology, Trорiсаl, and Vесtоr-Воrnе Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Fеdеrаtiоn Valerij Zavoikin Martsinovsky Institute оf Medical Parasitology, Trорiсаl, and Vесtоr-Воrnе Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Fеdеrаtiоn 2021 08 26 2021 11 02 Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a self-curing skin infection distributed in tropics and subtropics. Up to one million cases of CL appeared in endemic areas a year. Leishmanization (artificially controlled infections) was widely used to control cutaneous leishmaniasis in the past. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common epithelial neoplasm of the skin. Cases of BCC developing in a leishmanial scar have been documented. We present the first case of confirmed basal cell carcinoma arising in 2020 in an 81-old physician working in Moscow (Russian Federation) in a leishmanial scar.  It was 50 years after the primary lesion due to a successful leishmanization, widely used to control cutaneous leishmaniasis in the past. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3434 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3434/1201

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 18 27 Abdolhossein Dalimi Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Sayed Hussain Mosawi Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Reza Fotouhi-Ardakani Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran Ali Dalirghafari Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2020 05 01 2021 06 15 Background: Malaria is one of the major health problems in endemic countries like Afghanistan. Evidence has been reported about reducing the effects of chloroquine against Plasmodium falciparum in many endemic countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance mutations in pfmdr1 and pfdhfr genes of P. falciparum samples detected in blood samples of malaria patients in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. Methods: Samples were taken on DNA retention cards and 3 glass slides (thin and thick spread) from Laghman Province, Afghanistan in 2018. The pfmdr and pfdhfr mutations in 30 P. falciparum positive samples were examined using PCR-RFLP techniques. The PCR product was then sequenced to determine the mutation at the N86Y and D1246Y mutations of the pfmdr1 and N51, C59, I164, S108 and A16 points of pfdhfr genes. Results: In the pfmdr1 gene, all samples were wild-type and no mutation was detected at point 86 and D1246Y. In the pfdhfr gene sequences using CLC main workbench software no mutations were detected at codons 16, 51. However, some mutation was observed at codons 59, 108 and 164. These mutations were L164I, S108N and C59R. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of the possible emergence of fansidar-resistant specimens in Laghman. The data of this study provide the basis for future prospective studies in other endemic areas of Afghanistan. The absence of significant mutations in P. falciparum samples of Laghman Province may indicate that this parasite may have switched to chloroquine re-sensitization in this area. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/2901 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/2901/1191

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 1 2022 03 14 105 110 Shirin Sayyahfar Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medi-cal Sciences, Tehran, Iran his relationship, confirming the predominance of this species in the study area. Conclusion: The findings highlight the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods and focus on the implication of molecular methods, particularly PCR, for exact and early detection of CL on species-level, which is critical for effective disease management and control strategies in endemic regions like Quetta. Other demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education status, and site of lesions were also recorded. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4954 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4954/1511

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 370 380 Haleh Hanifian Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nader Shahrokhi Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Nateghpour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afsaneh Motevalli Haghi 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 Abbas Rahimi Foroushani Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sepand Razavi Vakhshourpour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2025 08 02 2026 09 01 Background: We evaluated the effects of 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) antisense oligonucleotides targeting the apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) gene of Plasmodium berghei using In vivo and In vivo models. Methods: This study was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in Tehran, Iran. Antisense gapmer oligonucleotides targeting conserved regions of the AMA1 gene were designed using Vector NTI, mfold, and sfold and synthesized with 2′-OMe modifications. P. berghei ANKA cultures were treated with various ASO concentrations, and parasitemia was assessed by Giemsa-stained smears and real-time PCR. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in BALB/c mice infected intraperitoneally with P. berghei and treated subcutaneously with ASOs or control oligonucleotides; parasitemia was monitored microscopically. Results: Both antisense oligonucleotides showed low cytotoxicity, with cell viability exceeding 89% at the tested concentrations. In vitro, both antisense oligonucleotides significantly reduced parasitemia compared with the sense control (P=0.01), with no significant difference between the two antisense sequences (P>0.05). Both oligonucleotides also reduced AMA1 expression, with the 183–202 oligonucleotide showing the greatest inhibitory effect. In vivo, the AMA1 183–202-treated group showed significantly lower parasitemia on day 2 post-infection (P=0.048), while lower parasitemia was observed in the antisense-treated groups on subsequent assessment days. Conclusion: 2′-O-methyl antisense oligonucleotides targeting AMA1 reduced parasite growth and AMA1 expression In vivo and were associated with reduced parasitemia in P. berghei-infected mice. These preliminary findings support further investigation of AMA1-directed antisense therapy as a potential gene-specific antimalarial strategy. Larger, adequately powered studies are required to confirm efficacy and evaluate ASO delivery, stability, safety, and durability of gene silencing. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4708 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4708/1512

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 381 386 Mona Hamedi Department of Veterinary Pathobiology Sciences, Science and Research Campus SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Hanieh Rezaei Department of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Campus SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Delnavaz Nazari Department of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Campus SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Zahra Roostaei Department of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Campus SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Kiana Beirami Department of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Campus SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2024 12 13 2026 09 02 Background: Neospora caaninum, a cyst-producing parasite is identified as main causes of reproductive failure in cattle worldwide. Neosporosis results in increased rates of abortion and reduced milk production, leading to financial losses. This study aimed to identify Neospora caninum infection in aborted cattle and their fetuses, at a dairy cattle farm, focusing on the involvement of stray dogs in spreading the agent within the herd. Methods:Twenty-one cattle showed abortion at 2, 4, 5, and 7 months of pregnancy, while stray dogs had free access to various sections of the farm. Serum samples were collected from each of the aborted dams. Seven aborted fetuses, along with two placentas, were also transported to the laboratory in frozen ice packs for testing for N. caninum. The fetal and placenta samples underwent examination through molecular and histopathological assessments. Results: Anti-Neospora antibodies were detected in sera of 7 out of 21 cattle corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 33.3%. Three out of seven aborted fetuses tested positive using real-time PCR. No evidence of N. caninum was found in one of the placental samples. Histopathological results were consistent with the results of serological and molecular tests. Conclusion: The findings of the current research demonstrate that N. caninum significantly influences the occurrence of abortions in dairy cattle. Although transmission of infection from an infected dam to a fetus is the most prominent route of the disease transmission, the proximity of stray dogs to cattle herds plays a key role in increasing number of infected cases. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4479 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4479/1513

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 387 397 Alireza Moayyedkazemi Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Rahimi Hospital, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Amal Khudair Khalaf Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, Iraq Abdolreza Mirjani Universal Scientific Education and Research Network Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Maryam Sepahvand Universal Scientific Education and Research Network Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Parastoo Baharvand Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Hossein Mahmoudvand Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran 2025 12 16 2026 09 02 Background: Helminths modulate host immune responses through immunoregulatory mechanisms that may influence carcinogenesis. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of helminthic infections among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Lorestan Province, western Iran. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 87 CRC patients and 87 healthy controls from general hospitals between October 2022 and August 2024. Stool samples were examined via direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration, with agar plate culture used to detect Strongyloides stercoralis. Results: Helminthic infections were found in 15 of 87 CRC patients (17.2%) versus 6 of 87 controls (6.9%). Trichostrongylus spp. was most common (52.4%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (19%) and S. stercoralis (14.3%). Among CRC patients, age under 40 years was associated with higher infection odds versus those ≥60 years (OR=12.33, 95% CI: 1.38–110.2, P=0.025), while animal contact was protective (OR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.30, P=0.008). Among controls, rural residence (OR=15.25, 95% CI: 1.70–136.5, P=0.015) and animal husbandry (OR=12.61, 95% CI: 1.32–120.5, P=0.024) increased odds, while frequent fast-food consumption was protective (OR=0.16, 95% CI: 0.03–0.94, P=0.045). Conclusion: Intestinal helminthic infections were significantly more prevalent among CRC patients than healthy controls, indicating potential clinical relevance in this population. Detection of S. stercoralis in CRC patients, along with links to environmental exposure factors, supports systematic parasitological screening in endemic regions, particularly before immunosuppressive treatment. Larger multicenter studies with molecular diagnostics are needed to clarify the association between helminthic infection and CRC. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4851 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4851/1514

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 398 408 Chavanut Jaroenchaiwattanachote 1. Biomedical Science Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand 2. Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Jitsuda Kullawat Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Tongjit Thanchomnang 1. Biomedical Science Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand 2. Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Supawadee Piratae 1. Biomedical Science Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand 2. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Kritsana Homwutthiwong Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Weerachai Saijuntha 1. Biomedical Science Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand 2. Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand Teputid Kuasit Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand 2025 12 19 2026 09 02 Background: Trematode-borne diseases remain an important public health issue in Thailand, where freshwater ecosystems support a wide diversity of snail species that act as intermediate hosts. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections among freshwater snails in Maha Sarakham Province. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design to ascertain the prevalence of fluke larvae in freshwater snails in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand during April 2023. Snail samples were selected from four freshwater bodies using the counts per unit of time methodology, with five distinct sampling points established at each site. Cercaria larvae detection was conducted using the cercaria shedding method. The cercariae were examined under a stereomicroscope to classify them based on morphological characteristics. Results: Among the 959 individual snails examined, 11 species of freshwater snails were identified, including three cercarial trematodes, Pleurolophocercous cercaria, Furcocercous cercaria, and Xiphidiocercaria, in which Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa and Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos were infected. The overall prevalence of trematode infection was 1.04%, with 10 infected snails. The Chi Long Forest Park Reservoir exhibited the highest infection rate at 2.33%, followed by the Nang Chong Stream at 0.60% and the Ban Koeng Reservoir at 0.45%, respectively. The prevalence of trematode infections in four freshwater bodies was not significantly different (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide essential baseline data for developing effective trematode control and prevention strategies in the study area. Accordingly, targeted management of intermediate host snail populations is critical for interrupting the trematode life cycle and minimizing transmission risk. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4855 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4855/1515

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 409 413 Sevgi Aslan Tuncay Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey Zeynep Ergenc St George's Vaccine Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom Seyhan Yilmaz Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey Burcu Parlak Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Haseki Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Pinar Canizci Erdemli Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey Aylin Dizi Isik Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Adnan Dagcinar Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey Eda Kepenekli Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey 2026 04 30 2026 09 02 Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system and may mimic neoplastic, infectious, or granulomatous lesions, particularly in non-endemic settings. Diagnosis can be challenging when characteristic radiological findings are absent. An 11-year-old boy presented with persistent headache and dizziness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 6 × 8 mm right temporal lesion with ring-like peripheral enhancement and marked surrounding vasogenic edema. The lesion appeared hypointense on T1-weighted sequences and hyperintense on T2-weighted and FLAIR images. The differential diagnosis included neoplasm, bacterial abscess, granulomatous infection, and parasitic disease. Because the lesion could not be reliably characterized noninvasively and an intracranial tumor could not be excluded, neurosurgical excision was performed. Histopathological examination demonstrated parasitic structures morphologically compatible with cysticercosis, including PAS-positive tegumental components and sucker-like structures suggestive of a cestode larva. Following the pathological diagnosis, a detailed epidemiological history revealed chronic intermittent gastrointestinal complaints and a history of antiparasitic treatment among siblings. The patient received albendazole therapy, and follow-up neuroimaging demonstrated regression of both the lesion and surrounding edema. This case highlights the importance of considering histopathologically suspected neurocysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of solitary enhancing brain lesions in children, even in regions where the disease is considered uncommon. Histopathological evaluation may be required when neuroimaging findings are non-specific and malignancy cannot be excluded. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4912 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4912/1516

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 414 419 Setareh Askari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Eshrat Beigom Kia Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Enayat Darabi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zohreh Fakhrieh Kashan Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 06 01 2026 09 02 Toxocariasis is a globally distributed zoonotic helminthic infection caused by Toxocara species. Humans are accidental hosts in whom the larvae cannot complete their life cycle; instead, they migrate through various tissues, resulting in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy from western Iran with a history of close contact with cats and dogs who presented with per orbital edema and swelling of the hands and feet. He was referred to the Diagnostic Laboratory of Helminths, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in March 2024. Laboratory investigations revealed marked hypereosinophilia, raising suspicion of a parasitic etiology. Serological testing was positive for toxocariasis, while computed tomography (CT) revealed subtle hepatic abnormalities. The patient's clinical manifestations improved following concomitant treatment with albendazole and prednisolone, and the eosinophil count returned to the normal range during follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering toxocariasis in children presenting with edema, marked hypereosinophilia, and a history of close contact with cats or dogs. However, although the patient was serologically positive for toxocariasis, not all clinical manifestations could be definitively attributed to the infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4943 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4943/1517

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 420 425 Thanh Ho Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Chuyen Nguyen Department of Military Hygiene, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Hai Do Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Trang Nguyen Department of Military Hygiene; Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam. Anh Le Department of Military Hygiene, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Tuan Vu Department of Military Hygiene, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Truong Hoang Department of Military Hygiene, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Huong Pham Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam Cuong Le Vietnam University of Traditional Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam 2025 12 16 2026 09 02 Larval forms of Echinococcus tapeworm infection (Cystic Echinococcosis - CE) are a zoonosis of major public health relevance. While prevalent in many Asian countries, it is rarely reported in Vietnam. We present a case of a 73-year-old male farmer from rural Bac Ninh Province with a history of close contact with dogs and consumption of raw vegetables. Originally diagnosed with an asymptomatic 40-mm simple hepatic cyst in 2020, he presented in 2025 with high fever and subcostal pain. Imaging (US/CT) and ELISA serology confirmed a suppurated Echinococcus sp. cyst (WHO stage CE3a). Notably, laboratory results showed a significant systemic inflammatory response with unusual lymphocytosis. The patient underwent a successful partial left hepatectomy and received adjuvant albendazole therapy. This case underscores the necessity of considering CE in the differential diagnosis of hepatic cysts in non-endemic regions like Vietnam, especially when complicated by abscess formation. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4849 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4849/1518

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 426 433 EN Ehsan Adib 1. Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2. Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Zahra Heidari Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medi-cal Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Mohammad Vakili Ojarood Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2025 12 24 2026 09 02 Hydatid cyst disease is a common disease in humans and animals. In livestock and agricultural areas, it is caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. Canines serve as the definitive host, while livestock act as the intermediate host for this parasite. Humans can also be infected with the eggs of this parasite as accidental hosts, and in most cases, the liver and lungs are the primary sites of infection with this parasite and its cysts. In rare cases, other organs such as the spleen can also be infected with this cyst. Its rarity as well as the nonspecific clinical manifestations of splenic hydatid cysts lead to delays in its diagnosis and treatment. Ardabil province in northwestern Iran is one of the largest livestock-breeding areas in Iran, contributing to the spread of Echinococcosis in this region. This case report discusses a 47-year-old female farmer from Ardabil Province who, following 2 years of chronic pain in the left upper quadrant of her abdomen and splenomegaly, was diagnosed with a 13×10×10 cm isolated hydatid cyst of the spleen without involvement of other organs according to paraclinical examinations (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, Indirect hemagglutination test). Finally, she underwent total splenectomy due to the large size of the cyst and the risk of rupture without any complications, and a histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4857 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4857/1519

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 434 435 Piruz Shadbash Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2026 07 30 2026 09 02 No Abstract. Not Abstract. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4999 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4999/1520

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 436 437 Mohsen Rahimi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Leila Faeli Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 07 16 2026 09 02 No Abstract.    https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ij