Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 278 289 Tahereh Taheri Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Elaheh Davarpanah Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Katayon Samimi-Rad Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Negar Seyed Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2024 02 19 2024 07 30 In eukaryotes, translation is a fundamental step in the long pathway of protein synthesis within the cell. In this process, several proteins and factors have involved directly or indirectly, individually or in association with other elements to contact mRNA. For perfect translation, many essential modifications should be done, such as cis-splicing to remove introns and two main events for capping and poly A polymerization in 5’ and 3’ end of mRNA, respectively. Gene expression is then regulated at both translation and stability of the target mRNA molecule levels. Pumilio/FBFs (PUFs) are the main group of RNA-binding proteins which bind to the 3’-UTR of target RNA and thereby regulate the fate, stability and subcellular localization of mRNAs and adjust the translated protein level. PUF proteins have been found both in nucleus where that bind to precursor mRNA, for processing and maturation of rRNA, and in cytoplasm where that bind to mRNA, stall the ribosomes, suppress the translation and localization of the mRNA. They can regulate the expression of mRNAs through activation or suppression of translation. Therefore, these proteins have recently garnered much attention as new generation of therapeutic targets against diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. In comparison to other eukaryotes, trypanosomatids have a high number of PUF proteins, which function not only as gene expression regulatory factors but also in several biological processes such as differentiation and life-cycle progression of the cells. Here, we review the molecular and biological roles of known PUF proteins in TriTryp parasites (Trypanosome brucei, T. cruzi and Leishmania) beside some other parasites. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4154 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4154/1370

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 379 383 Mohammad Zibaei 1. Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 2. Kosar Clinical Research Development Unit, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Aliehsan Heidari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 2024 08 19 No Abstract. No Abstract https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4346 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4346/1384

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 290 304 Saeed Pirmoradi Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Mohammad Darvish Khadem Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Zohre Monjezi Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Technology, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran Somayeh Bahrami Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Chukwunonso O. Nzelu 1. Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada 2. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada 2022 04 08 2022 12 21 Background: The lack of complete protection against leishmaniasis and the challenges of anti-leishmaniasis drug treatment have made the treatment process more difficult. This study aimed to develop a new strategy for preparing a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis using some of the antigenic proteins of the Leishmania parasite. Methods: This study was carried out in 2022 at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. After preparing suitable epitopes of the Leishmania parasite and examining their antiparasitic properties, the process of making a fusion vaccine was performed and with the help of various bioinformatics tools, physicochemical and structural properties as well as immunological and simulation properties were studied and finally optimized. Construction and cloning were performed in the E.coli K12 system and finally, the docking process was performed with Toll-like receptors (TLRs), major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I), and MHC-II receptors. With the help of selected epitopes of the Leishmania parasite, which had a high percentage of population coverage, a stable, antigenic, and non-allergenic chimeric vaccine was predicted. Results: The results of the structural analysis of the TLR5\vaccine complex and simulation of its molecular dynamics showed a sufficiently stable binding. It also showed good potential for stimulation and production of active B cells and memory, as well as the potential for CD8+ T, CD4+ T cell production and development of Th2 and Th1-induced immune responses. Conclusion: Computational results showed that the designed immunogenic structure has the potential to adequately stimulate cellular and humoral immune responses against Leishmania parasitic disease. As a result of evaluating the effectiveness of the candidate vaccine through in vivo and in vitro immunological tests, it can be suggested as a vaccine against Leishmania major. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3600 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3600/1371

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 305 313 Hossein Elyasi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Tahmine Farbodnia Student Research Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Ehsan Javaheri Leishmaniasis Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 2024 03 05 2024 05 17 Background: There are ten genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus with different intermediate and final hosts affecting the parasite's life cycle and its transmission to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the genotype of isolated hydatid cysts using the simple and fast high-resolution melting point analysis (HRM) method. Methods: The paraffin tissue samples of patients who underwent surgery were obtained from the pathology sample bank of Vasei and Emdad Hospitals in Sabzevar, Iran during 2010-2020. The DNA content of the samples was extracted after collecting and determining the characteristics using the DNA extraction kit. PCR was performed on the samples and the presence of the hydatid cyst genome was confirmed using the special Master Kit. Mix PCR of Solis Biodyne Company and Real-Time device (Bio-Rad) were used, and the genetic identity of hydatid cysts were determined. Results: Out of 33 paraffin samples, 21 samples contained hydatid cyst DNA, two of which were from the brain and 19 from the liver tissues; 12 samples did not contain hydatid cyst DNAs. All liver samples were from sheep species (G1), and the brain samples were from buffalo species (G3). Therefore, 9.53% of the Echinococcus species collected were buffalo (G3), and 90.47% were sheep (G1) strain. Conclusion: Based on previous patterns, HRM methods can be used for easy and quick identification of Echinococcus strains. The G1 strain was the dominant strain causing hydatid cyst in different human organs, including the liver and brain. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4168 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4168/1372

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 314 324 Gholam Valizadeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad Mahdi Mahboubian Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Amir Housein Maghsood Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Fatemeh Mirzaei Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Seyedmousa Motavalli Haghi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Faezeh Forooghi Parvar Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad Fallah 0000-0003-1759-7387 2024 03 12 2024 07 11 Background: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasites worldwide. It is of great importance to identify new potential drugs that are effective and less harmful in pregnant women and newborns. We investigated nanoemulsion miltefosine (NEM) in treating experimental acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Methods: A combination of triacetin, Tween 80, and ethanol (1:2) was used for the development of NEM formulations. The size of NEM was calculated to be 17.463 nm by DLS and TEM. To investigate the performance of miltefosine (MLF), NEM, sulfadiazine (SDZ), and pyrimethamine (PYR) (positive control) in vivo, acute toxoplasmosis was induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of RH strain tachyzoites. After five days, the mice were examined for the number and condition of tachyzoites and histopathological changes in the liver and spleen. Chronic toxoplasmosis was investigated in rats and the number and size of brain cysts along with histopathological changes were assessed in different groups. Results: The results of the in vivo assessment of drugs in acute toxoplasmosis showed the following order regarding a decrease in the number of tachyzoites and an increase in survival rate: SDZ&PYR > NEM > MLF. The effects of drugs on chronic toxoplasmosis showed a significant effect of NEM (50%) on reducing the number of cysts compared to SDZ&PYR (10%) and MLF (12%) and reducing the size of NEM brain cysts (21%) compared to SDZ&PYR (5 %) and MLF (8%). Conclusion: Increasing the penetration of NEM through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and subsequently reducing the number and size of T. gondii tissue cysts is a promising new drug in treating chronic toxoplasmosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4184 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4184/1373

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 325 332 EN Faezeh Sadeghi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Narges Lotfalizadeh Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Javad Khedri 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 2023 11 15 2024 07 11 No Abstract. No Abstract. NO Abstract. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4097 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4097/1375

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 19 3 2024 08 19 333 340 EN Mahnoor Arif Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan Syed Basit Rasheed Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan Habib Ullah Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan Tawaf Ali Shah College of Agriculture Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China Faiz Ur Rehman Department of Zoology, Government Superior Science College Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Turki M. Dawoud Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2024 04 12 2024 07 11 Background: Anopheles stephensi is a significant malaria vector in Pakistan, and understanding its feeding behavior is necessary to control the spread of malaria. However, limited information is available on the host preferences of A. stephensi in Pakistan. Therefore, we aimed to explore the feeding behavior of A. stephensi, a malaria vector, in the District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 7462 mosquitoes were collected between March and September 2021, with 1674 (22.4%) identified as A. stephensi (952 female and 722 male). Among the female A. stephensi, 495 (52%) were blood-fed. DNA was extracted from the blood-fed female A. stephensi mosquitoes using the Ammonium Acetate Precipitation Method followed by PCR analysis, blood meal sources were identified. Nested PCR on 191 pooled samples was used to detect Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Results: Cattle blood meals were predominant (73%), followed by human (20%) and chicken (7%), with no dog blood meals detected. All individual mosquito samples were negative for Plasmodium falciparum, while two pooled samples (out of 191) tested positive for P. vivax. Conclusion: A. stephensi in Khyber District primarily displayed anthropophagic feeding behavior, with a small portion of the population infected with P. vivax. The results underscore the importance of targeted vector control strategies, environmental management, to investigate any possible mutations in the P.fk13 gene sequence. Results: Effectiveness of 10-2mol/l concentration of artemisinin was found as a lethal dose. IC50 value was equal to 5˟10-4 mol/l. The resistant strain was provided in the lab, sequenced and registered in the gene bank as P.f Art -2, (accession number MH796123. 1). Alignment of this registered sample showed no mutation in P.f kelch13 gene in comparison with standard strain submitted in the GenBank. Conclusion: Resistance to artesunate in malaria parasite may occur but with no mutation in the P.f kelch13 gene. Therefore, whole genome sequencing should be applied to determine mutations in resistant strains. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3736 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3736/1321

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 21 456 463 EN Sona Aghaee Haddadan Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Mohebali 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, 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 Abbas Rahimi Foroushani Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran Zahra Kakooei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. School of Allied Medical Sciences, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran Zabihollah Zarei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zahra Alizadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Behnaz Akhoundi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2022 12 31 2023 11 21 Background: We aimed to verify the susceptibility of Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica, to commercial lectins in order to identify the three Leishmania species. Methods: The degree of agglutination was determined both macroscopically and microscopically and was scored negative (-) to positive (from 1+- 4+) based on their percentage of agglutination. Results: Jacalin and UEA-1 were capable of agglutination of L. infantum isolates in both logarithmic and stationary phases at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml (100%). L. tropica isolates showed agglutination with the lectin UEA-1 in both logarithmic and stationary phases (62.5% and 87.5%). L. major and L. tropica showed 75% agglutination with lectin Jacalin in both logarithmic and stationary phases. L. tropica isolates showed 25% agglutination with the lectin WGA in the logarithmic phase. L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica isolates showed 25, 12.5 and 37.5% agglutination in the stationary phase, however, did not show agglutination in logarithmic phases. L. major isolates showed 12.5% agglutination with the lectin PHA in the stationary phase, however, were incapable of agglutination with the L. tropica and L. infantum in both logarithmic and stationary phases. Conclusion: Despite the fact, that JCA and I-UEA lectins were not able to completely separate L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica. WGA lectin and PHA lectin can help in separating the species of Leishmania parasites. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3846 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3846/1322

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 21 464 473 Fatemeh Dameshghi Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Saloomeh Shirali 1. Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2. Department of Biotechnology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Parviz Shayan Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Bahar Shemshadi Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2022 12 17 2023 08 14 Background: Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic disease worldwide caused by Sarcocystis spp., some of these species can show clinical and subclinical manifestations, resulting in financial losses. Our study was performed for identifying Sarcocystis sp., in slaughtered buffalo by PCR–RFLP based strategy with sequencing in Guilan, North of Iran. Methods: Overall, 400 fresh muscle samples were prepared via naked-eye observation from 100 buffaloes (esophagus, diaphragm, shoulder, and thigh), followed by the digestion of samples. The PCR was done to amplify partial parts of the 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) genes. Then, the PCR products were digested by endonuclease SspI, DraI, and FokI. Sequencing of all species was done to confirm the RFLP results. Results: Five macroscopic cysts (1.25%) were visible in the sample by naked-eye examination. Furthermore, 293 samples (73.25%) were found to be Sarcocystis sp. positive through tissue digestion and microscopic observation, whereas 376 samples (94%) were positive by PCR. In addition, the findings of PCR-RFLP and nucleotide sequence samples exhibited the infection of buffaloes with S. cruzi. Conclusion: Based on the data presented herein, Bovine sarcocystosis caused by S. cruzi is very common in buffalo in the Guilan region. Regarding the high prevalence of sarcocystosis, developing disease control and prevention policies for buffaloes is necessary, and a change of attitude in traditional farming is recommended. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3831 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3831/1323

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 21 474 482 EN Mina Shajrizadeh Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical sciences Tehran Iran Farid Tahvildar Biderouni Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical sciences Tehran Iran Mohammad Reza Sohrabi Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical sciences Tehran Iran Alireza Abadi Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical sciences Tehran Iran Seyyed Javad Seyyedtabaei Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical sciences Tehran Iran 2022 05 21 2023 02 27 Background: Toxoplasmosis could lead to serious outcomes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate serologic toxoplasmosis in three groups of women according to number of sexual partners. Methods: The frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG from 471 women (101 virgin girls, 240 married women and 130 multi partner women) were determined by ELISA method from referred participant to medical centers of Tehran, Iran in 2020. The results were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: Prevalence of toxoplasmosis was significant with the number of sexual partner according to chi square test (P<0.001) and the highest one was observed in multi partners’ women (56.2%) and the lowest one in virgin girls (17.8%). ORs of virgin girls and multi partners’ women were 0.594 and 3.758 respectively, compared to married women. The effect of age on the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG in married women was significant but it was not significant in multi partners’ women. In addition to IgG frequency in married women and multi partners’ women had no significant relationship with the number of children. Conclusion: Having sexual activity after marriage and having multi partner in sexual activity may possibly be a novel risk factor for toxoplasmosis infection or increasing the IgG frequency. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3629 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3629/1324

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 21 483 493 EN Banuçiçek Yücesan Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Health Science, Cankırı Karatekin University, Cankırı, Turkiye Özcan Özkan Department of Biology, Faculty of Sience, Cankırı Karatekin University, Çankırı, Turkiye Sinem Tunçer Department of Directorate of Microbiology, Reference Laboratories and Biological Products, Public Health General Di-rectorate, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkiye Zekeriya Öcal Cankırı Municipality Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Çankırı, Turkiye 2023 02 19 2023 08 21 Background: Canin leishmaniasis (CanL), mostly caused by Leishmania infantum, is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in dogs in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we aimed to determine the disease profile in this region by firstly making microscopic and then molecular analyzes in the samples taken from the dogs. Methods: Overall, 112 whole blood samples taken from dogs for clinical applications by a veterinarian in Cankırı between December 2021 and November 2022 were used. After blood collection, both thin and thick drop blood smear preparations were prepared and evaluated for Giemsa staining. L. infantum was investigated by Real time-PCR (RT-PCR) method from all blood samples. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree study were performed on positive samples. Results: Both microscopic and RT-PCR analyzes were performed. In both studies, 3 of the 112 samples were positive. Because of the sequence analysis, they were L. infantum. Sequence analysis was performed from the samples found 3 positive. The phylogenetic tree was drawn by making NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology) data entries of the positive samples (Accession numbers: OQ184728, OQ184729, OQ184730). Conclusion:  Dogs are important, as they are reservoir of this disease. In this study, 3 (2.7%) positive Leishmaniasis was detected in dogs in Cankırı. Ultimately, this should prompt discussion about new strategies going forward to combat infection caused by Leishmania. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3880 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3880/1325

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 21 494 504 Leila Zaki Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Mohsen Mohammadi 1. Department of Materials Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2. Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Institute for Convergence Science & Technology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Farzaneh Baghkhani Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Milad Badri Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Fatemeh Ghaffarifar Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2023 03 31 2023 11 21 Background: We aimed to assess the in vitro effects of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via Thymus vulgaris (thyme) against Leishmania major infection. Methods: We have prepared T. vulgalis silver nanoparticles (TSNPs) by adding thyme extract to the silver nitrate aqueous solution (0.2 mM), and evaluated their antileishmanial activity. The viability of L. major promastigotes was assessed in the presence of various concentrations of TSNPs by direct counting after 24 h. The MTT assay was used to identify the viability of promastigotes. The same procedures were assessed in uninfected macrophage cells. The apoptotic effects of nanoparticles on L. major promastigotes were determined by flow cytometry assay using annexin staining. To evaluate anti-amastigotes activity of TSNPs, light microscopic observation was used to determine the number of parasites within the macrophages in each well.  Results: The effect of TSNPs on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major was effective and had a reverse relationship with its concentration. TSNPs, inhibited the growth rate of L. major amastigotes and, the IC50 value of these nanoparticles was estimated 3.02 µg/mL (28 µM) after 72h. The results of flow cytometry showed that the toxic effects of TSNPs on promastigotes after 24 hours were statistically significant (P<0.05) and showed 69.51% of apoptosis. Conclusion: TSNPs had an inhibitor effect on promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major in vitro. It might be considered as a candidate for the treatment of this infection.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3911 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3911/1326

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 4 2023 11 22 505 513 EN Kiana Rafei Siahkal Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Hossein Keshavarz 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehra