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, itle>Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 313 323 Mehran Mirzaghavami Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Javid Sadraei Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Majid Pirestani Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Saeed Bahadory Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2022 09 26 2023 09 22 Background:  We aimed to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in rats, cats, pigeons, and crows. Methods: Fifty-five animal origin Cryptosporidium spp. genome were identified, genotyped and confirmed by nested PCR and of RFLP-PCR analysis as well as sequenced based on 18s rRNA and gp60 genes in Tehran (2012-2019). Finally, the phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA software (version 7). Results: By the molecular method, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 24 (15.2%), 15 (15%), 2 (2%) and 13 (13%) cases of wild rats, cat, pigeon, and crow, respectively. Among the identified species by the RFLP pattern, most isolates were identified as C. parvum (24/157) 17.8% in rats, (15/100) 15% in cats, (13/100) 13%in crew and (2/100) 2% in pigeons; and the rest of the cases were C. muris and C. felis. The results of sequencing did not prove the existence of C. parvum, C. felis, C. muris, and rat genotype. Subtyping of C. parvum was indicated that the dominant subtype family belongs to the IId family and the subtype A20G1 was the most common subtype detected in all hosts while A19G1 was detected in one isolate of cat and pigeon. Conclusion: Free-ranging animals are infected by species/subtype of Cryptosporidium, which can infect humans. This shows by itself the hygienic importance of the free-ranging animals in urban ecosystems. In the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, the multi-host Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum, C. felis, and C. muris can be transferred potentially from these animals to humans. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3604 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3604/1304

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 408 413 Noor Nihad Baqer Water and Environment Directorate, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq Ahmed Mohammed AL-Salam Hospital, Ministry of Health, Mosul, Iraq Bassad AL-Aboody Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq Abdullah Ismail Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Mosul, Iraq 2022 09 23 2022 12 26 We diagnosed a case report of amoebic meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri. This case represented the first recording in Iraq where it was not recording previously. This case was diagnosed after the death of an 18-year-old girl patient who lived in a rural area of Mosul in Iraq. Genetics detection of N. fowleri showed PCR product was 183bp for 18S rRNA gene. It was registered as the first recording of Iraqi isolate N. fowleri in GenBank with accession number OP380864.1. It is necessary to examine microscopically the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to observe the amoeba stages and exclude the bacterial causative. Rapid diagnosis may help in the treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis. In addition, genetic identification can diagnose amoeba. Avoiding swimming or using freshwater contributes to prevent amoebic meningoencephalitis infection. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3741 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3741/1315

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 324 330 Fahimeh Kooshki Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amal Khudair Khalaf Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq Hossein Mahmoudvand Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Parastoo Baharvand Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Faezeh Gandomi Rouzbahani Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Behnoush Selahbarzin 1. Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran 2. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran 2022 06 04 2023 01 22 Background: This survey was designed to study the molecular epidemiology and risk factors of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in children with underlying malignancies and those on chemotherapy in Lorestan province, West of Iran. Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on children who suffering from different types of malignancies or receiving treatment by chemotherapy referring to oncology section of hospitals of Lorestan Province, Iran during May 2021 to April 2022. The frequency of oral cavity protozoa was investigated using microscopic and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: E. gingivalis and T. tenax parasites were found in 23 (25.5%) by microscopic method and 28 (31.1%) using PCR in children with malignancy. Among positive samples, 20 (71.4%) were infected with E. gingivalis; whereas 8 (28.6%) of the participants were positive for T. tenax. In the multivariate model, living in rural regions (OR= 3.437; 95% CI= 1.22-9.63; p=0.019) and using mouthwash (OR= 0.082; 95% CI= 0.018-0.37; p<0.001) were significantly related with the frequency of oral cavity parasites. Conclusion: Our results showed the high frequency of oral cavity parasites in children who suffering malignancies or receiving treatment by chemotherapy in Lorestan province, Iran. The awareness of the main risk factors for oral cavity parasites particularly using mouthwash is necessary in improving public and oral health strategies in children with cancer. Consequently, oncologist and dental practitioners must be aware to identify and manage oral health concerns in in children who suffering from different types of malignancies to prevent the oral diseases and infections. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3640 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3640/1305

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 414 418 Gökhan Pösteki Kocaeli State Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey 2022 07 13 2023 09 22 Gallbladder is a rare localization for hydatid disease. Complications are even rarer and precise diagnosis is quite difficult even with radiological assistance. We report a rare case of 41-yr-old male patient presenting with the rupture of a gallbladder hydatid cyst with multiple fistulae to intra and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreas, at Kocaeli State Hospital, Turkey in 2021. The patient had abdominal pain and abdominal CT scan reported a bizarre “contrast enhanced cholangiography” sign - radiopaque contrast substance in gallbladder, intra and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, with concomitant acute cholecystitis. Surgery was performed and intraoperatively gallbladder hydatid cyst with multiple fistulae was noted. Cholecystectomy with total cyst excision was performed. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) was utilized to irrigate and eradicate the parasite in the fistulae tracts localized near pancreas and intra/extrahepatic ducts. Postoperative period was uneventful, antiparasitic treatment was started, and in the yearly follow-up patient had no recurrence. Multidisciplinary and minimal invasive management is crucial in such bizarre, complicated cases. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3674 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3674/1316

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 331 341 EN Mahyar Khorram Department of New Sciences and Technologies, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Heidar Masjedi Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Tabrizi Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mitra Sadat Rezaee 1. Genomic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Payam Tabarsi Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Majid Marjani Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mihan Pourabdoullah Toutkaboni Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Sheikholeslami 1. Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. Department of Molecular Biology, Dr. Khosroshahi’s Pathobiology Laboratory, Tehran, Iran 2022 10 24 2023 08 12 Background: We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of genotyping of Leishmania species by the spliced leader mini-exon gene. Methods: Suspected leishmaniasis patients, referred to Masieh Daneshvary Hospital, Tehran, Iran were included from May 2017 to September 2021. The Leishmania species were genotyped by PCR-RFLP based on the SL mini-exon gene and the ITS1 region of SSU-rRNA gene and compared with the sequencing results. The expressed metabolites of metacyclic promastigotes were evaluated by Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Results: Out of 66 suspected cases, 36 (54.4%) were positive for Leishmania species based on the PCR assays. In 21 (31.8%) cases, promastigotes grew on culture tubes. Based on the RFLP of SL RNA profile, 13 (19.7%) L. tropica, 9 (13.6%) L. major, 3 (4.5%) L. infantum, and 8 (12.1%) C. fasciculata isolates, isolated from culture media, were identified; however, 3 (4.5%) cases were unidentifiable due to the low number of parasites. Seventeen metabolites were expressed by the metacyclic forms of L. major, L. tropica and C. fasciculata isolates. The top differential metabolites expressed more in C. fasciculata were FAD, p-Methoxybenzyl alcohol and S-b-G-5, 5-G-b-S (A = CH2) (P<0.005) whereas Veratryl glycerols and D-(+)-Mannose were significantly increased in L. major and Betulin, L-Tyrosine in L. tropica (P<0.01). Conclusion: The invaluable techniques such as sequencing and 1H-NMR confirmed the results of genotyping of Leishmania species based on the SL mini-exon gene.  SL mini exon gene can be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate various Leishmania genotypes and detect contamination of culture media with C. fasciculata.  https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/3765 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/3765/1306

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 18 3 2023 09 22 342 350 Muhammad Mustufa National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan Safia Bibi National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Research Centre, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan Syed Raza National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan Syed Hasan National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan Taranum Siddiqui National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Research Centre, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan Allah Rakhia National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Research Centre, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan Muhammad Munir National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan Ayesha Merchant National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan Waquarudin Ahmed National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute, Research Centre, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Ka-rachi, Pakistan 2022 08 11 2023 01 22 Background: More than 250 million people are infected by malaria parasites annually while around one million children less than 5 years of age die every year due to malaria. We aimed to assess the seasonal trends and usefulness of capillary and venous blood for rapid diagnosis of malaria. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 18 months duration was conducted at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi. All patients reporting fever as chief complaint were recruited as study subjects. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, presenting complaints, awareness of caregivers regarding malaria, preventive measures and history of malaria fever. Three ml Venous (2-3ml) as well as peripheral blood (3-4 drops) samples of all patients were collected for microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Resu