Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 473 482 Afsane Bahrami 1. Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2. 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 Hossein Reisi Nafchi 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2 Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenberg, Gothenberg, Sweden Reza Raoofian Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Elham Kazemirad Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Homa Hajjaran Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2021 11 22 2022 04 10 Background: Pentavalent antimonial has been a drug of choice against leishmaniasis, despite the emergence of treatment failure. Identification of resistance markers is urgently needed to design new therapeutic strategies. Iron-Superoxide dismutases (Fe-SODs) are antioxidant enzymes contributing to detoxify reactive oxygen species to prevent a cell from oxidative stress. Since antimonial compounds induce oxidative stress, in this survey, the expression of SOD genes was investigated to identify their expression pattern in clinical resistant isolates. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was done in Mashhad City, northeast of Iran during 2014 to 2019. The RNA expression level of mitochondrial (SODA) and glycosomal (SODB) superoxide dismutase was investigated in 25 antimony responsive (n=15) and unresponsive (n=10) anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) patients. Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the qRT-PCR approach was utilized to investigate the relative RNA expression level. Results: The transcript level of SODs was over-expressed in the most resistant isolates. Gene expression analysis demonstrated the over-expression of SODA and B by a factor of 3.8 and 4.81, respectively, in resistance isolates vs. sensitive ones. Conclusion: Aberrant expression of SODA/B in unresponsive parasites could potentially implicate in detoxifying antimony-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, SODs might be considered as potential predictive markers of the response to antimonials in ACL patients in endemic areas. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3508 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3508/1246

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 443 457 EN Aref Teimouri Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Fatemeh Goudarzi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Kimia Goudarzi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Rasoul Alimi Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran Keivan Sahebi Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Hasan Forozand Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Hossein Keshavarz 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2022 10 11 2022 12 03 Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) has the potential to cause a serious disease in immunocompromised patients and can be fatal in this population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess comprehensively the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among immunocompromised patients including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and transplant recipients in Iran. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases (international) and Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex, and IranDoc databases (national) were systematically searched for all reports that possibly contained data for T. gondii prevalence in different immunocompromised populations in Iran between 2013 and 2022. Results: Overall, IgG seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in Iranian immunocompromised patients was 45.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 37.4–52.9). IgG seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in 12 studies that included 2279 cancer patients, 19 studies that included 2565 HIV/AIDS patients and in 3 studies that included 200 transplant recipients was 43.6% (95% CI, 30.2–57.0), 45.9% (95% CI, 34.8–57.1) and 45.8% (95% CI, 32.5–59.0), respectively. Moreover, IgM seroprevalence rate in the 26 studies was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.4–3.7). Conclusion: Our findings represent a high seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma IgG among immunocompromised patients. Health improvement and education toward prevention of toxoplasmosis is of great importance for these susceptible populations. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3755 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3755/1244

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 596 598 Zeynep Ergenc Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Eda Kepenekli Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Nurhayat Yakut Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Ozge Yapici Department of Radiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Utku Batu Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Engin Tutar Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey 2021 10 11 2022 04 10 Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic liver trematode that usually causes infection in cattle and sheep, and is transmitted to humans by consuming water and aquatic plants contaminated with metacercaria. The detection of Fasciola eggs in stools, serological evaluation and radiological evaluation are essential for diagnosis. Triclabendazole is the first-line therapy for fascioliasis. However, as triclabendazole is not an easily accessible drug in countries such as Turkey, it reveals a quest for alternative therapies. In this report, we present a 10-year-old boy with fascioliasis successfully treated with a course of metronidazole 1.5 g/ day for 3 weeks in 2020. During the follow-up, eosinophilia and radiological findings completely recovered. Here we report a case of pediatric fascioliasis that was cured with metronidazole successfully. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3431 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3431/1260

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 583 588 Mehdi Bakhshaee Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Yeganeh Teimouri Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Farahzad Jabbari Azad Allergy Research center, School of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Razieh Yousefi 1. Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 4. Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mahmoud Parian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Fariba Berenji Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2021 09 25 2022 05 15 Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common allergic diseases triggered by indoor and outdoor allergens. Certain arthropods, such as mites and cockroaches, contain protozoa like Lophomonas blattarum in their intestines to help with digestion that may have some role in AR. We aimed to determine the frequency of L. blattarum in nasal smears of patients with AR in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study (March 2015-March 2016), 36 patients with a clinical presentation of AR (with a positive prick test including mites) and 34 normal controls were included at ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic at Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad, Iran. Nasal secretions were evaluated to examine presence of L. blattarum in the patients and control group by direct method. Diagnosis of L. blattarum was based on microscopic observation both on direct smear and Giemsa stained specimens. Results: Patients with AR had a higher frequency of L. blattarum in their nasal smears than the control group (25% vs. 2.9%) (P=0.001). Conclusion: We found L. blattarum more frequently in the nasal secretion of AR patients compared with healthy subjects; this protozoon may have some role in this condition. However, the relationship between L. blattarum and AR requires further studies to allow a greater understanding. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3470 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3470/1258

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 483 487 Ali Vahidirad Department of Surgery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Mostafa Mansouri Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Ali Shamshirian Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Fariba Berenji Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Reza Motie Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2021 12 26 2022 12 04 Background: Optimal duration for medical therapy of liver hydatid cysts before surgery in not certainly defined yet. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 weeks preoperative albendazole in decreasing viable cysts. Methods: Patients referring to Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran with a diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cyst were randomly divided into intervention (44 patients) and control (46 patients) groups. The case group were treated with oral albendazole before surgery and the control group underwent surgery without albendazole therapy. Efficacy of albendazole on the reduction of prevalence and viability of the protoscoleces was finally evaluated. Results: A number of 90 patients were included in the final analysis. Protoscoleces were reported alive in 10 (22.7%) and 17 (36.9%) of patients in the case and control group, respectively. The decrease of live protoscoleces in case group was not statistically significant (P=0.14). Conclusion: Decrease in the viability of protoscoleces in hepatic hydatid cysts after 2 weeks administration of oral albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day preoperatively, is not significant. Optimal duration of medical treatment before surgery seems to be 4 weeks or more. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3533 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3533/1247

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 17 4 2022 12 04 458 472 Abdullah Alanazi Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Ad-Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia Mourad Ben Said 1. Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia 2. Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia 2022 04 29 2022 09 02 Background: This study was designed considering the challenges of leishmaniasis treatment and the benefits of carriers of drug delivery systems to review plant bioactive ingredients in delivery systems and nanocarriers for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Methods: The methodology of this review investigation followed the 06-PRISMA recommendations. The searches were carried out up to January 30, 2022, in the central English databases SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR using the search terms “ç”, “leishmaniasis”, “herbal medicines”, “drug delivery”, “nanocarriers”, “herbal compounds”, and “secondary metabolites”. Results: Out of 5731 articles, 19 publications, including 12 in vivo (63.15%), 3 in vitro (15.8%), and 4 in vitro/ in vivo (21.1%) up to 2022, fulfilled the criteria presence for argument in the current systematic study. Plant bioactive ingredients were curcumin, betulinic acid, artemisinin, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, andrographolide, pentalinonsterol, ursolic acid, amarogentin, carvacrol, 14-deoxy-11-oxo-andrographolide, quercetin, beta-lapachone, cedrol, 2ˊ,6ˊ-dihydroxy-4ˊ-methoxychalcone, and oleanolic acid. Conclusion: The high potential of plant bioactive ingredients in delivery systems due to the load on the nanocarrier for the treatment of leishmaniasis through some main mechanisms of action, e.g. changes in the fluidity and the structure of the cell wall, creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I enzyme, minimal cytotoxicity, stimulation of cell cycle disruption, stimulation of apoptosis, enhancement of the immune system. However, further investigations, especially in the clinical setting, are required to confirm these findings. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3618 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3618/1245

Tehran University ofhis 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/ijpa/article/view/4989 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4989/1521

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 438 439 Yahya Azadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Shahram Khademvatan 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran 2. Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia Zahra Goharfar Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Shokoufeh Shahrabi-Farahani Department of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA Rasool Jafari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran 2026 09 02 No Abstract.  No Abstract. No Abstract.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/5032 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/5032/1522

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 3 2026 09 02 440 442 Mohammad Reza Mohammadi Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2026 05 07 2026 09 02 No Abstract No Abstract