Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 11 22 Esmaeil Abasi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shahram Khadem vatan 1. 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 Saeedeh Shojaee 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 (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoud Foroutan Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran Hojjat Zeraati Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein Keshavarz Valian 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 2026 02 11 2026 06 07 Background: A non-allergenic, immunogenic recombinant DNA plasmid encoding CDPK3, MIC8, and ROP22 epitopes was evaluated as a DNA vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice, used in combination with IL-12 as a genetic adjuvant, to assess protection against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized three times at two-week intervals with the DNA vaccine combined with IL-12. Humoral immune responses were measured by total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a levels, while cellular responses were evaluated through interferon-γ production and lymphocyte proliferation assays. Protective efficacy was assessed using challenge models with T. gondii: the virulent RH strain for acute infection survival and the non-virulent Tehran strain for chronic infection, based on reduction of brain tissue cysts. Results: Vaccinated mice exhibited strong antigen-specific immunity, with elevated total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a titers. Enhanced IFN-γ production and lymphocyte proliferation confirmed cellular activation. These responses correlated with reduced brain cyst counts after infection with the avirulent Tehran strain and prolonged survival with decreased parasite burden following virulent RH strain challenge, indicating improved protection. Conclusion: Co-delivery of IL-12 enhanced both the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the CDPK3–MIC8–ROP22 multi-epitope DNA vaccine by inducing a Th1-biased response that conferred protection against acute and chronic T. gondii infection. These findings support this vaccination strategy as a promising approach for toxoplasmosis control and highlight the need for further evaluation in diverse animal models and clinical settings to confirm safety, efficacy, and long-term immunity. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4884 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4884/1474

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 01 10 EN Reza Shafiei 0000-0001-9604-2982 Mohammad Amin Ghatee 0000-0001-6325-038X Ahmad Gholami Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bahador Sarkari 1. Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2. Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Basic Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2025 08 01 2026 06 07 Background: Viscerotropic leishmaniasis (VTL), a recently recognized variant of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), presents unique clinical challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms, primarily caused by Leishmania tropica. VTL is increasingly prevalent in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) endemic regions, particularly in Iran. This study reviews the distribution and identification of VTL in human and animal hosts in Iran, examining host demographics, geographic location, causative Leishmania species, clinical manifestations, and genetic diversity to enhance understanding of leishmaniasis epidemiology. Methods: A comprehensive database search identified 23 relevant studies utilizing PCR techniques for species identification. Results: Findings indicate that VTL in Iran is predominantly caused by L. tropica, with occasional cases attributed to L. major. Interestingly, L. infantum, typically associated with VL, has also been implicated in CL across various regions, suggesting its potential role in dermotropic leishmaniasis (DL) in humans. Additionally, rare cases of L. tropica-induced VTL in dogs have been reported. Conclusion: Addressing VTL requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates research, surveillance, and targeted interventions to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Furthermore, developing rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tools to distinguish VTL from other infections and evaluating therapies for VTL caused by L. tropica and L. major are crucial steps in protecting vulnerable populations and reducing the disease burden. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4701 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4701/1473

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 125 129 Cebrail Akyuz Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Kadir Çorbaci Department of General Surgery, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik, Turkey 2025 07 11 2026 06 07 Cystic echinococcus (CE) is an important health problem affecting societies living especially in rural areas. Our patient was a 64-year-old male who received PAIR treatment and albendazole treatment for CE at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey between 2022 and 2025. The patient was first operated on for lung cancer. After treatment, the patient continues to live asymptomatically in the 36-month follow-up. We observed and followed up that the paxlitaxel and carboplatin treatments received by our patient caused regression in the CE lesions.  We think that the effectiveness of this situation should be evaluated first with experimental studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4677 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4677/1486

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 117 124 Arya Abdollahi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Abolfazl Alizadeh Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Mohammad Reza Jamali Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Davood Anvari 1. Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran 2. Tropical and Communicable Diseases Research Center, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran 2024 12 20 2026 06 07 Background: Theileriosis is a tropical and sub-tropical disease that causes economic losses in livestock. Theileriosis in small ruminants, manifests through a range of clinical signs, including fever, mucoid nasal secretions, anemia, jaundice, lacrimation, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, anorexia, and accelerated weight reduction. In this study, the prevalence of Theileria spp. was determined in asymptomatic small ruminants of the Sistan region located in the southeast of Iran. Methods: The collected samples of apparently healthy sheep (n=48) and goats (n=52), obtained between February 2023 and February 2024, were tested by PCR for theileriosis detection. Two positive PCR products sequenced and assembled sequences deposited in GenBank with PQ227215 and PQ227216 accession numbers. Phylogenetic analysis conducted based on partial 18S rRNA gene amplification. Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. in asymptomatic small ruminants was estimated at 32% in the Sistan region in this study. Risk factors were also investigated. A significant relationship was identified between Theileria infection and tick infestation in goats; however, no significant associations were found with other parameters such as species, gender, age, or location. Conclusion: Theileriosis appears to be endemic among small ruminants in Sistan. Expanding research efforts in the area and investigating potential risk factors to detect various circulating species of Theileria could aid in managing this disease within the region. Conducting larger-scale studies would be beneficial for disease control efforts. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4489 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4489/1485

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 130 131 Piruz Shadbash Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2025 12 14 2026 05 19 No Abstract. No abstract. No abstract.   https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4844 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4844/1487

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 23 28 EN Lyudmil Stoyanov Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, Pleven, Bulgaria Eleonora Kaneva Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Ivelin Angelov Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, Pleven, Bulgaria1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, Pleven, Bulgaria 2025 05 13 2026 06 07 Background: Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease that affects both humans and animals and is caused by migration of helminth larvae of Toxocara spp. in the host. It often presents with allergization such as urticaria, asthma-like symptoms and/or eosinophilia. Standard diagnosis is via the discovery of specific anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies which are difficult to interpret, which is why additional diagnostic criteria are necessary. We aimed to determine the levels of eosinophil cationic protein in patients with acute and chronic spontaneous urticaria with or without anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, in order to assess the value of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) for the diagnosis of covert cases of toxocariasis among patients with clinical allergy. Methods: We examined ECP levels in 48 patients with urticaria who were Toxocara-IgG positive, in 45 patients with urticaria with a negative result for anti-Toxocara IgG and in 50 healthy controls without allergic symptoms or anti-Toxocara antibodies. Results: Median serum ECP levels were significantly higher in patients with urticaria compared to the controls (P=0.007). We also determined that median ECP levels were significantly higher in patients with acute urticaria that were carriers of anti-Toxocara antibodies, compared to acute urticaria patients without anti-Toxocara antibodies (P=0.040). There was a significant positive correlation between ECP and anti-Toxocara IgG antibody levels (P = 0.024). Conclusion: ECP could be used as an additional marker to assess cases of potential "latent" toxocariasis among urticaria patients. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4602 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4602/1475

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 132 133 Mahsa Shahbakhsh Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran Soheila Akhzari Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran 2026 05 19 No abstract. No abstract.No abstract. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4934 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4934/1488

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 29 35 Ahmad Nematollahi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Masumeh Amandi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Mohadeseh Emdadi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 2024 11 09 2026 06 07 Background: Sarcocystis spp. is zoonotic parasitic pathogen endangering the safety of meat and derived meat products. This study was carried on for determination of presence of Sarcocystis species in mincemeat in Tabriz (Iran) using single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method. Methods: Thirty samples of mixed ground meat were collected from butchers and DNA was extracted. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of S. cruzi and S. hominis species in the extracted DNA amplified by PCR using one pair specific primers, which resulted in 937 bp length fragments in parasite-positive samples. The results showed that 11 samples out of 30 (36%) were positive for S. cruzi and S. hominis species. The SSCP technique products of gene indicated 4 SSCP patterns (A, B, C and D) among study samples on 18S rRNA gene of S. cruzi and S. hominis. Results: Contamination with Sarcocystis species in minced meat sold in Tabriz City in Iran is relatively high, which is of particular importance from a health point of view. This study was currently by SSCP technique on minced meat for the first time, based on the primers in the 18S rRNA gene locus, there are polymorphisms in S. cruzi and S. hominis species. Conclusion: Due to the relatively high level of Sarcocystis contamination in minced meats in Tabriz, the necessary hygienic measures should be must implemented. Also, there was polymorphism in S. cruzi and S. homonis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4427 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4427/1476

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 36 45 Parisa Mahjoobi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Ka-raj, Iran Amir Bairami Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Ka-raj, Iran Aliehsan Heidari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Saeed Bahadory 1. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 2. Imam Hassan Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 2025 06 02 2026 06 07 Background: Child labor (CL) is the exploitation of children through any work or activity that interferes with their ability to attend school or is harmful to their mental, physical, social, or moral well-being. Unfortunately, child laborers are a shadow population for which specific information on the prevalence of intestinal parasites is not available; we aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among child laborers in Karaj-Alborz, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted with a cross-sectional design between 2020 and 2022 in Karaj-Alborz, Central Iran. Two hundred and three stool samples were collected from working children in Karaj and its suburbs. The samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites at Alborz University of Medical Sciences using parasitological techniques (e.g., t smear, Formalin-Ether concentration, modified trichrome staining, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining). Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in CLs was estimated at 76% (156/203), of which 76.4% (155/156) were associated with protozoa and 1/203 (0.5%) with helminths. The highest prevalence was related to the protozoan Blastocystis hominis (89 cases (43.8%)), and among the pathogens, 11 cases (5.4%) of Giardia duodenalis were isolated. Conclusion: The significant and alarming prevalence of intestinal parasites in CLs requires preventive, supportive, and therapeutic measures for this vulnerable population. Further attention should focus on the health status of child laborers in future studies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4628 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4628/1477

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 46 56 EN Wiwien Utami Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia Yunita Armiyanti Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia Bagus Hermansyah Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia 2025 07 20 2026 06 07 Background: The growing livestock population in the Panti district of Jember Regency, East Java, has raised concerns over its role as a source of zoonotic infections, particularly among children in farming communities. With a stunting prevalence of 34.9%, the highest in East Java, this region represents a critical area for investigating environmental health risks contributing to growth impairment in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 79 stunted children residing in farming communities and their livestock sheds in 2023. Shed sanitation included location, direction, building construction, waste handling, and cleanliness. Stool samples from children and cattle were examined using direct smear microscopy to detect Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica. Statistical analyses included bivariate and logistic regression tests. Results: Findings revealed that 13.5% of stunted children were infected with Cryptosporidium spp., while 11.9% tested positive for E. histolytica. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified livestock shed location (P=0.008; P=0.041) and shed direction (P=0.018) as significant determinants for E. histolytica infection. For Cryptosporidium spp., shed orientation, particularly alignment that limits sunlight exposure, was significantly associated with infection risk (OR=14.27; 95% CI:1.39,149.21; P=0.02). Conclusion: This study emphasizes that poor shed sanitation, especially inadequate sunlight exposure and proximity to homes, increases the risk of zoonotic protozoa transmission. Poorly oriented sheds hinder drying, supporting parasite survival. Children in such environments face higher infection and stunting risks. Environmental Enteric Dysfunction from pathogen exposure impairs absorption and growth. Improving shed design and hygiene education is essential to protect child health. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4680 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4680/1478

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 57 66 Meryem Gümüş Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye Selahattin Aydemir Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye Zeynep Taş Cengiz Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye Hasan Yılmaz Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye 2025 04 12 2026 06 07 Background: We sought to determine how often Blastocystis. occurs and which subtypes predominate in patients suffering from diarrhea in Van, Türkiye. Methods: We enrolled 200 volunteers—100 with diarrhea and 100 healthy controls—and examined their stool samples both by light microscopy and by PCR amplification of the 18S SSU rRNA gene. DNA sequences from 14 positive PCR amplicons were analyzed for the 18S SSU rDNA gene, and the subtypes were identified by sequence analysis of the PCR amplicons. Results: Blastocystis was identified in 20 of 100 diarrheal patients (20%) and in 16 of 100 controls (16%). Among patients, the highest carriage rate was seen in females (21.6%), whereas in the control group it was males who showed the greatest prevalence (20.7%). When stratified by age, individuals aged 11–18 years exhibited the highest positivity: 40% in the patient cohort and 21.4% among controls. No significant differences emerged between patient and control groups with respect to age or sex overall, although the comparison of under-18s (23%) versus those 19 and older (10.3%) reached statistical significance (P = 0.013). Statistical analysis did not reveal any link between Blastocystis carriage and gastrointestinal symptoms. Sequencing of positive diarrheal samples showed that subtype 1 (ST1) accounted for 71.4% and subtype 2 (ST2) for 28.6% of cases. Conclusion: The dominance of ST1 in diarrheal patients supports the subtype-pathogenicity relationship; however, further studies involving a large number of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals are required to elucidate this relationship more precisely. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4574 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4574/1479

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 67 75 Bent Alhuda Neamah Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Najaf, Iraq Feryal Merza Faculty of Science, Kufa University, 54001 Al-kufa, Najaf, Iraq Huda Mahdi Saeed Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Najaf, Iraq 2025 08 08 2026 06 07 Background: The developing world encounter rising Leishmaniasis. Therefore, it remains a substantial public health burden in Iraq. A revised dataset on its prevalence and distribution are essential. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological status of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Najaf Governorate and evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of included drugs. Methods: The investigation was conducted in several hospitals in Najaf City, Iraq from March 2023 to May 2025. Samples were collected from 275 suspected patients. Of these, 157 were confirmed to be infected with the disease (103 males and 54 females). Their ages ranged from 3 to 48 years. Results: Males constituted most of the total infections, accounting for 65.6% of cases, whereas females represented only 34.4%. Regarding distribution, Rural areas recorded the highest proportion of cases (71.34%), while urban areas comprised the remaining percentage (28.66%). Regarding monthly variation, January, February, March, and November represented the peak period, comprising 50.3% of the confirmed cases. Concerning lesion localization, facial lesions were the most common, representing 38.22% of the total cases. Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is found among individuals in the surveyed hospitals, suggesting a significant health issue. Further research is necessary to determine the diseases spread across Iraq and to guide control measures. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4724 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4724/1480

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 76 84 EN Vahid Dokhaei Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Mahmood Ahmadi-Hamedani Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Mohammad Reza Salimi Bejestani Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran 2025 05 19 2026 06 07 Background: The hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), lymphocyte (LYM), and platelet (PLT) components of the HALP score, a human-derived immune-nutritional index, are currently being investigated in the veterinary field. We aimed to evaluate and compare the HALP score and platelet indices (PI) in Theileria-infected and non-infected sheep. Methods: One hundred sheep from different farms in Semnan Province were screened for the presence of Theileria between June and August 2023 using microscopy and molecular-based methods. Hematocrit (Hct), Hb, red blood cell (RBC), LYM, PLT, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and ALB were measured. The HALP score was calculated by multiplying Hb in ALB by LYM and dividing by PLT. Results: Microscopic and PCR analyses identified 21 and 27 positive samples for Theileria species, respectively. Results showed T. ovis in 52%, T. lestoquardi in 26%, T. annulata in 11%, and a co-infection of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi in 11% of the samples. The PLT and PCT showed significant differences in sheep infected with T. lestoquardi. A significant difference was also observed in PDW between sheep infected with T. ovis and T. lestoquardi compared to those infected with T. annulata.  Statistical differences in the HALP score were noted for T. lestoquardi (P = 0.03), T. annulata (P = 0.01), and co-infections of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi (P = 0.05) versus T. ovis. Conclusion: PLT indices (PI) and HALP scores can improve diagnostic processes, and future studies should use them alongside other methods for diagnosing Theileria species. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4611 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4611/1481

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 85 93 EN Gülnaz Çulha Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Hatay, Turkey Tuğba Kaya Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Hatay, Turkey Ceren Ünal Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Hatay, Turkey 2025 06 16 2026 06 07 Background: Leishmaniasis presents in three main clinical forms: Cutaneous (CL), Visceral (VL), and Mucocutaneous (MCL). In Hatay, CL is generally caused by L. infantum and L. tropica, with L. major appearing less frequently. Following the 2011 migration wave from Syria, we aimed to identify the causative Leishmania species, particularly L. major, among Syrian patients living in households and tent cities in Hatay, Turkey. Methods: Smear preparations from 250 Syrian patients diagnosed with CL at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. DNA was isolated from these preparations, and molecular typing was performed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using primers and probes specific to the ITS1 gene region. Results: Molecular analysis revealed that 182 (72.8%) of 250 Syrian patients were infected with L. tropica, 59 (23.6%) with L. infantum/donovani, and 9 (3.6%) with L. major. While L. tropica and L. major are known causative species in Syria, the detection of L. infantum cases suggests the possibility of local transmission by sand flies, the primary vector in the Hatay region, during the patients' stay in tent cities. Conclusion: The findings highlight the distribution of different Leishmania species among the Syrian population in Hatay. Implementing species-specific treatment protocols and maintaining effective notification and control activities are crucial for preventing the further spread of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the region. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4640 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4640/1482

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 94 104 Maryam Saeed 1. Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan 2. Department of Wildlife & Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan Asia Iqbal Department of Wildlife & Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan Shahzad Ali 1. Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan 2. Department of Wildlife & Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan Haroon Akbar Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan Saba Sana Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan Usama Saeed Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 2025 08 11 2026 06 07 Background: We investigated the prevalence of Trypanosoma lewisi in Black rats (Rattus rattus) and Brown rats (R. norvegicus) using both microscopic and molecular detection methods, along with the analysis of associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 178 rodents were trapped in Kasur district between November 2023 and November 2024, with epidemiological data and geographical coordinates recorded. Rodents were identified, euthanized and blood samples were collected. T. lewisi was confirmed through microscopy, PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A GIS map was generated using ArcGIS 10.5.1 to illustrate geographical distribution. Results: A total of 178 blood samples were examined by microscopically and by PCR. PCR confirmed to be either microscopically positive or negative samples. Overall prevalence of T. lewisi was 10(5.62%) and the findings were consistent across both diagnostic methods.  At the species level, T. lewisi prevalence was higher in R. rattus (7.59%) compared to R. norvegicus (4.04%). Gender and the presence of ectoparasites were identified as potential risk factors. Conclusion: These findings confirm the presence of T. lewisi in black and brown rats and serve as a baseline for further surveillance and control strategies. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4728 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4728/1483

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 105 116 Masoud Foroutan Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran Hamidreza Majidiani 1. Healthy Aging Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran 2. Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran Fatemeh Ghaffarifar Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Elaheh Karimzadeh-Soureshjani Student Research Committee, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran Amir Karimipour-Saryazdi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Ali Dalir Ghaffari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran John Horton Tropical Projects, Hitchin, United Kingdom 2025 03 09 2026 06 07 Background: Microneme protein 3 (MIC3) is a key adhesion molecule in Toxoplasma gondii that is expressed during multiple stages of infection. We aimed to computationally characterize the immunological and structural features of the T. gondii MIC3 protein to assess its potential suitability as a vaccine candidate. Methods: A comprehensive set of bioinformatics tools and web servers was employed to predict the physicochemical properties, allergenicity, antigenicity, solubility, post-translational modification sites, subcellular localization, transmembrane domains, signal peptides, secondary and tertiary structures, potential B- and T-lymphocyte epitopes, and simulated immune responses of the TgMIC3 protein. Results: A total of 75 post-translational modification sites were predicted in TgMIC3. Furthermore, secondary structure analysis using GOR IV, SOPMA, and NetSurfP-3.0 indicated that random coils and extended strands were the predominant structural elements. In addition, several high-affinity B- and T-cell epitopes were identified across the protein sequence. Subsequent structural validation revealed that 82.91% and 98.60% of residues were located in favored regions in the initial and refined 3D models, respectively. The findings of the allergenicity and antigenicity assessments indicated that the MIC3 antigen seemed to be a non-allergen with an immunogenic nature. Moreover, immune simulation using the C-ImmSim server demonstrated that TgMIC3 could induce robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses following three simulated antigen administrations. Conclusion: This study provides foundational computational evidence supporting the potential of TgMIC3 as a vaccine antigen and offers a useful framework for future experimental investigations targeting vaccine development against acute and latent toxoplasmosis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4540 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4540/1484