Showing papers in "Iranian Journal of Parasitology in 2007"

A Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections between HIV+/AIDS Patients and Non-HIV Infected Individuals

Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Iran in comparison with non-HIV individuals. Methods: A total of HIV+/AIDS patients (Group I) and 1220 clinically healthy individuals (Group II) were submitted to coproparasitological examination from 2003 to 2005. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in group I and group II was 11.4% and 11.6%, respectively, without significant difference between two groups. The prevalence of infection for each helminth and pathogenic protozoan, in every group, was as follows: Group I: Blastocystis hominis (6.1%); Giardia lamblia (4.2%); Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%); Isospora belli (0.26%); Strongyloides stercoralis (0.26%); Hymenolepis nana (0.13%); and Rhabditis axei (0.13%). Group II: Blastocystis hominis (6.5%); Giardia lamblia (4.1%); Strongyloides stercoralis (0.33%); Hymenolepis nana (0.16%); and Trichostrongylus sp. (0.16%). Although the prevalence of infection for extracellular parasites was not statistically different be- tween two groups, however, the infection rates for enteric coccidians including Cryptosporidium spp. and I. belli were significantly higher in patients at AIDS stage than Group II. Conclusion: The results emphasize the needs for especial consideration of enteropathogenic intracellular coccidians in immunocompromised patients.

Current status of tick fauna in north of iran

Abstract: The distribution and ecological preferences of ticks of domestic animals in North of Iran were studied four times a year from 2002 to 2005. Methods: A total of 1720 tick specimens were collected from cattle, sheep and goats from different localities of Caspian Sea areas consisting of Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan and Ardebil provinces, Iran. Results: Fourteen tick species were identified as Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (5.23%), H.marginatum (20.34%), H.detritum (3.48%), Haemaphysalis punctata (12.79%), Haem. Parva (0.58%), Haem.concinna (0.58%), Haem.choldokovsky (6.97%), Ixodes ricinus (2.32%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (19.76%), Rh.bursa (4.65%), Boophilus annulatus (9.88%), Dermacentor niveus (6.39%), D. marginatus (1.74%) and Orni- thodoros lahorensis (5.23%). Both Dermacentor and Ornithodoros were found only in Ardebil with cold cli- matic conditions and high altitude. The only ticks, which were found in forest area, were Boophilus annulatus and Ixodes ricinus. Conclusion: The veterinary and public health importance of the above species should be emphasized.

Amoebic keratitis in Iran (1997-2007)

Abstract: Background: Amoebic keratitis introduced as a painful corneal infection which sometimes lead to poor vision and blindness. The main goal of this study was to report amoebic keratitis during ten years from 1997-2007 in patients who was suspected to have amoebic keratitis and referred to Parasitology laboratory, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Other aim was to assess the major risk factor for developing this sight-threatening disease. Comparison of lens culture and corneal scrapes culture also was performed. Methods: During 1997-2007, 142 patients referred to Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Details of each patient such as age, sex, history of contact lens wear, type of contact lens, clinical symptoms were recorded in questioners. Keratitis was diagnosed on the basis of culture of lenses and/or corneal scrapes on non-nutrient agar overlaid with Escherichia coli and direct microscopy of lenses and/or corneal scrapes. Results: Among 142 patients, 49 (34.5%) had amoebic keratitis. 73.46% of these patients were from Tehran but there were a few cases from other cities. The commonest age was between 15-25 yr (75.5%) and more female (37:12) were identified then male. It is worth to mention that 44 patients (89.79%) were contact lens wearers who among them 41 patients (93.18%) wore soft contact lens and only three patients suffer from amoebic keratitis because of wearing hard contact lens. Other finding of this study demonstrated that the most common sign of the patients was severe pain combined with photophobia. Conclusion: This study indicates that Acanthamoeba keratitis continue to rise in Iran. This is due to increase frequency of lens wearers as well as consideration of ophthalmologist to Acanthamoeba as an agent of keratitis and improvement of laboratory methods. Another finding of this research was the confirmation of soft contact lens as a major risk factor. It is recommended to educate contact lens wearers for regular disinfection. Besides, culture of corneal scrapes was negative in most of cases, so lens culture were performed which had a much better result.

Identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Agents by Nested Po- lymerase Chain Reaction (Nested-PCR) in Shush City, Khuzestan Province, Iran

Abstract: Background: Leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease world wide. Leishmania tropica and L. major are two common cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. The aim of this study was determination of the cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Shush city, Khouzestan Province, Southwest Iran Methods: One hundred samples were collected from patients at the age of 1-80 year with documented cutaneous leishmaniasis referred to the health centre and a private medical diagnostic laboratory at Shush City. DNA was extracted from slid samples by phenol- chloroform- Isoemil alcohol method, and subjected to Nested-PCR as template. k DNA of the parasites were amplified by CSB1XR and CSB2XF in the first round of PCR and 13Z and Li R primers for the second round. After PCR, electrophoresis of products was performed and 750bp band from L. tropica and 560bp band from L. major were detected. Results: A total of 100 cases comprising 47 females and 53 males were studied. The highest infected age group was under 10 years with a rate of 42% and the lowest rate was 4% at the age group of above 40 years. The results of PCR electrophoresis indicated that 90(90%) cases were L. major and 10 (10%) L. tropica. The predominant species in this area was L. major. Conclusion: It is concluded that Nested PCR is a reliable test for diagnosis and identification of Leishmania species and can apply in epidemiological investigations.

An Evaluation on the Efficacy of Agar Plate Culture for Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis

Abstract: Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is a common parasitic nematode in Iran, especially in north of the country. The early diagnosis and treatment of S. stercoralis is crucial to prevent complicated cases of strongyloidiasis. The value of the preference of agar plate culture, in detection of S. stercoralis compared to formalin ether concentration method, reported in different studies in the world is variable from 1.6 to 6 times. Therefore, the current study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of agar plate on some isolates from north of Iran. Methods: Nine hundred stool samples were randomly collected from rural areas of Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. All samples were examined by agar plate culture, formalin ether concentration and direct smear. Results: Agar plate was 2 times superior to formalin ether; however, it showed some false negative results, too. The direct method could only detect cases of hyperinfection strongyloidosis. Conclusion: On the whole, combination of agar plate culture and formalin ether concentration is recommended to obtain higher efficacy.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Stray Cats

Abstract: Background: Cat as definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The object of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii as well as parasite isolation from faeces and brain tissues of stray cats in Kashan, central Iran. Methods: The prevalence of T. gondii was determined in serum, feces and brain tissue of 50 stray cats. IgG specific antibody to T. gondii was assessed by indirect fluorecent antibody test (IFAT). Results: Overall infection rate was 86% in 1:20 to1:640 titers. The highest percentage (22%) was for 1:160 and the least (6%) were for 1: 640. T. gondii tissue cyst isolated from 2(4%) cats by bioassay in mice. No oocysts detected from cat stool by direct and concentration methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats is high in Kashan region.

Determination of Antibodies (IgG, IgM) against Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cancer

Abstract: Background : The aim of this study was determination of antibodies (IgG, IgM) against Toxoplasma in malignant patients in order to refer the patients on time to the physician for treatment. Methods : This study was carried out on 252 malignant patients and 252 healthy normal subjects (as control) obtained from Shafa Hospital and Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (Iran-Zamin), in Ahwaz city. Patient's information was recorded in a questionnaire before sampling. Serum samples of patients were examined for IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA technique using Trinity kits. Results : The results of this study revealed the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies in 114 (45.2%) cases of patients who were positive for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, and 26 (10.3%) cases were confirmed to be positive for Toxoplasma IgM antibodies and also 17 (6.7%) of cases had both IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii . In control group 92 (36.5%) cases and 15 (6%) cases revealed seropositive for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. There were no significant differences between sex, close contact with cat, living region, chemotherapy, and seropositivity rate of toxoplasmosis in patients. Comparing the age groups, the highest seropositive rate showed in the age of 51 years or higher, and their rates had tendency to increase with age in both groups. No seropositivity significant relationship was found between patients and control group. Conclusion : According to the prevalence of positive cases in these patients, it is necessary to examine the patients for toxoplasmosis before, during and after chemotherapy.

An analysis of hydatid cyst surgeries in patients referred to hospitals in khorram-abad, lorestan during 2002-06

Abstract: Background: Echinococcosis or hydatid cyst (HC) is considered as one of the major parasitic infections in Iran that causes many health problems and economic losses in communities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HC in patients referred to surgery wards of three hospitals in Khorram-Abad, the center of Lorestan province in South-West of Iran from 2002 - 2006. Methods: Totally, 64513 medical records of patients referred to surgery wards of Shohadaye Ashayer, Tohid and Taamine Ejtemaee hospitals in Khorram-Abad Lorestan were studied. These patients had gone under surgical operations for different reasons. Among these medical records, 43.7% belonged to Shohadaye Ashayer, 8.2% to Tohid and 18.1% to Taamine ejtemaee hospitals. Results: Cysts were found in liver and lung in 61.5% and 20.5% of cases, respectively. In addition, cysts were found in brain, muscle, kidney eye and peritonea in the remaining 18% of cases. Conclusion: A very low level of knowledge about hydatid disease was found in the community. The mean age of the patients was 40.2 years and the highest rate of infection with HC was observed in women. Further studies are required to find the etiologic factors of H.C in Khorram-Abad Lorestan-Iran.

Serological Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Meat Producing Animals

Abstract: Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by cosmopolitan coccidian Parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. One of the most important sources of human infection is feeding from raw or uncooked meat of infected animals. In this study the prevalence of toxoplasmic infection in three important meat producing animals in Iran was studied. Methods: Using indirect immunoflourcent antibody assay (IFA), 483 serum samples of goats, sheep and cattle from industrial slaughterhouse of Kermanshah, western Iran were tested for total antibodies against T. gondii. Results: Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 23.7% of goats, 22.5% of sheep and 4.8 % of cattle at titer of ≥1:20. The highest titers observed in goats, sheep and cattle were 1: 2560, 1: 1280 and 1: 640, respectively. Conclusion: It is suggested that feeding of raw or undercooked meat of goats and sheep is important in transmition of toxoplasmic infection to human in Kermanshah district.

Hyalomma aegyptium on Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) in Urmia Region West Azerbaijan, Iran

Abstract: Ticks are obligate blood feeders that parasitize a wide variety of animals. Hyalomma aegyptium, parasitize tortoises and other small wild life and livestock. This study was carried out to determine spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) infestation to H. ageyptium in Urmia region West Azerbaijan of Iran. Methods: The study was carried out over a 16 month period from the spring of 2004 to the fall of 2005. A total of 32 tor- toises were sampled. Results: The results indicated that 14 tortoises infected with ticks. A total of 117 ticks were collected from infested animals, the minimum and maximum tick infestation was 1-60. Ticks were attached to the axilla of fore and hind legs of tortoises. All ticks were determined to be H. aegyptium. Conclusion: H. aegyptium was the most common tick species in the study area. Due to tendency of some people to keeping tortoise as pet animal, more attention must be done to tortoise's tick infestation. Due to existence of H. aegyptium on tor- toises in this region more study will need to evaluate presence of this tick on other animal species and its role on transmis- sion of diseases.

Application of Western Blotting Using Native Antigen B for Serodiagnosis of Human Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract: Hydatidosis is one of the most important helminthic diseases causing serious health and economic problems in many countries including Iran. Currently available diagnostic approaches for diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) are not satisfactory since they have not achieved a reasonable validity in diagnosis of CE. This study aimed to assess the performances of Western blotting (WB), using native antigen B, for serological diagnosis of human hydatidosis. Methods: Antigen B was prepared from sheep hydatid cyst fluid. Serum samples obtained from 40 surgically proven cases of hydatidosis along with serum samples from non-hydatidosis patients and samples from healthy persons were tested by immunoblotting, using native antigen B. Results: From 40 sera of hydatidosis patients, 32 cases (80%) detected 8 kDa subunit, 29 cases (72.5%) recognized the 16 kDa component and 29 cases (72.5%) detected 24 kDa subunit of antigen B. The highest sensitivity (80%) was achieved with 8 kDa subunit of antigen B while the other components (16 and 24 kDa) showed a lower sensitivity (72.5%). Samples from healthy controls and non-hydatidosis patients did not yield any detectable band in the Western blotting assay. Ac- cordingly, specificity of the system was found to be 100%. Conclusion: Considering the use of native antigen B, application of western blotting, based on 8 kDa subunit of antigen B, is highly recommended for the confirmatory diagnosis of hydatidosis.

Gastrointestinal helminthic parasites in stray cats (felis catus) from north of iran

Abstract: Cats play a crucial role in the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminthic parasites and also play a major role in transmitting of these parasites through faecal contamination of soil, food or water. The aim of this study was to determine the species of gastrointestinal helminthes parasites in stray cats from a rural area of Bandar-e-Anzali, Iran. Method: Gastrointestinal helminthes were collected from 50 necropsied stray cats (Felis catus) after capturing them by trapping from different regions of the city and humanely euthanatized in Bandar-e-Anzali, a port in the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, from March to November 2003. Results: The prevalence of infection was 90%, with those of individual parasites being Diplopylidium nolleri 54%, Phy- saloptera praeputialis 32%, Ancylostoma tubaeforme 20%, Joyeuxiella pasqualei 10%, Toxocara cati 8%, Pterygoderma- tites affinis 6%, Ancylostoma caninum 4%, and Taenia taeniaeformis 2%. Concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 34% of the individuals. In relation to the sex, the differences were not significant. Conclusion: P. praeputialis, T. cati, D. nolleri and sometime J. pasqualei are the commonest Helminthes in cats. This is the first reported isolation of P. affinis and A. caninum infections from cats in Iran.

Seroepidemiology of human hydatidosis in golestan province, iran

Abstract: Background: Hydatidosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide. So far no survey was conducted to determine the rate of human hydatidosis in Golestan Province, so using IFA and ELISA tests the prevalence of this disease was detected in patients referred to health centers in this province. Methods: Totally 1024 serum samples were collected from patients referred to different health centers in 4 cities of Gloestan Province including Gorgan, Gonbad kawoos, Aliabad Katool and Kordkoy. All the sera were examined using IFA and ELISA tests. Results: Twenty four cases (2.34%) were positive for hydatidosis in Golestan Province using IFA, whereas 22 cases (2.15%) showed positivity using ELISA. Gorgan, Gonbadkaoos, Aliabad Katool and Kordkoy demonstrated the rate of positivity as 1.41%, 2.40%, 5.36% and 2.30%, respectively, but no significant difference was seen. As to positivity, there was no significant difference between age groups, sex, different cities and rural or urban life, but a significant different was seen according to job and literacy (P< 0.001). According to Job and literacy, housewives and illiterates had the highest rate of infection as 3.67% and 3.72%, respectively. As regards residency, urban life showed no significant difference with rural life (2.47% vs. 2.45%). Age group of 40-49 years old had the highest rate of positivity (3.95%). Females were more infected than males (3.16% vs. 1.93%). Conclusion: The rate of prevalence in this province shows somehow a resemblance with the other cities in Iran. Considering the lifestyle in this province a complementary study is suggested in all related cities.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Neonates

Abstract: Background: To study toxoplasmosis in neonates using PCR and serological methods. Methods: Sera and CSF of 104 neonates, hospitalized in infants' ward of Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran were examined. The sera were examined for anti Toxoplasma gondii lgM and lgG specific antibodies with ELISA and IFA techniques, respectively. Meanwhile, obtained CSFs of the cases were evaluated for the genome of this parasite by PCR technique. Results: Results showed positivity in 7 neonates (6.73%) which suggested congenital toxoplasmosis. Results of PCR were positive in 6 neonates (5.77%). The 1/100 titer of lgM specific antibodies was positive in 5(4.81%) of them by IFA technique and 6 neonates (5.77%) had positive results by ELISA technique for IgM specific. The rate of mortality was %0.96. Forty one neonates had 1/200 titer of specific lgG antibodies by IFA technique and 38 neonates had positive results by ELISA technique for IgG antibodies. The prevalence of chronic toxoplasmosis in mother was 32.7% and 30% by IFA and ELISA techniques, respectively. Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is still highly prevalent in neonates and should be considered due to the fact that suspected cases might be misdiagnosed and subsequently led to life– threatening or fatal condition.

Cloning and Sequencing of Leishmania major Thiol-Specific- Antioxidant Antigen (TSA) Gene

Abstract: Leishmaniasis is caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania which, in the infected host are obli- gate intracellular parasite. TSA is the immuno-dominant antigen of Leishmania major which is considered as the most promising molecule for a recombinant or DNA vaccine against leishmaniasis. Methods: Genomic DNA of TSA protein was extracted and amplificated as a template. Then the PCR product was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. Finally, the recombinant plasmid was extracted from transformed Escherichia coli (TG1 strain) and sequenced. Results: MRHO/IR/75/ER (an Iranian strain) of L. major and TSA gene (Accession number LmjF15.1080) were used. Se- quence analysis of cloned TSA gene into pTZ57R/T vector showed high homology of 90% with LmjF15.1080 (TSA gene) and strain "LV39" (Accession no. AF069386) and strain "Friedlin" (Accession no.AF044679). Conclusion: We cloned TSA gene of L. major successfully. Recombinant plasmid was confirmed. It is ready to express recombinant protein for further studies.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract: Background: Organ transplant recipients can experience serious diseases from infections due to emerging and reemerging parasitic infections. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among renal transplant recipients of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2003 to August 2004 on renal transplant recipients in Iran. A total of 706 fecal samples obtained from randomly selected population originated from all over Iran. Patient’s information was recorded in a questionnaire before sampling. A sample of stool was taken from each person. Direct wet smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Ziehl-neelsen staining, and agar plate culture were done for each sample. Results: Totally 32 patients (4.5%) were positive for parasitic infections. In searching for emerging parasitic infections, the most prevalent parasites were found to be Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli, respectively. The merely ova which were seen were related to Hymenolepis nana. With investigation of healthy control, no significant difference was found between transplanted and normal population. Conclusion: The population showed controlled rate of intestinal infections probably due to regular awareness concerning risks of opportunistic infections; albeit regular surveillance through routine examination of stool samples for parasites seems considerably advantages the transplant recipient patients.

Fifteen years experience with pulmonary hydatidosis in zahedan, iran

Abstract: Hydatid disease is a major world health problem and pulmonary hydatidosis is a widespread disease. It is presented with different clinical manifestations. In order to determine the most clinical manifestation, diagnostic methods and clinical outcome in our patients, we conducted this study. Methods: Forty-nine patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts who were admitted to our hospital in Zahedan (Southeast of Iran) between 1990 and 2005, evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' symptomatology, diagnostic studies, treatment options, and morbidity as well as mortality rate. Results: The ages of the patients ranged from 16 to 68 years (mean 43 years). Seventy-five percent of patients were from male gender. Hemoptysis was one of the most common clinical presentations in our patients. Radiological studies were the main diagnostic tool. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 92% of the patients by chest roentgenogram plus chest CT-Scan. Eighty seven percent of patients were treated by surgical route. Only one patient was expired during surgery. Conclusion: Upon the results emerged from this study, hemoptysis is one of the most prevalent clinical manifestation in patients with pulmonary hydatidosis and it can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis in endemic area.

Gene Cloning of 30 kDa Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites Surface Antigen (SAG1)

Abstract: Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and its sexual and asexual cycles, respectively take place in the intestinal epithelial cell of definitive host and tissue of intermediate hosts. Congenital toxoplasmosis is more important when the mother acquired the infection during pregnancy period for the first time. Serological tests are the only methods for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Among serological tests, ELISA has specific value and availability of parasite specific antigen increases the specificity of test. This study has designed and performed in the aim of availability to specific antigen of Toxoplasma. Methods: A pair of forward and reverse primers was designed based on published sequence of T. gondii SAG1 gene. PCR reaction was performed and PCR product was cloned in the pQE-30 expression vector. Results: The gene of 30 kDa protein of Toxoplasma tachyzoites was cloned in expression vector successfully. Recombinant plasmid was confirmed and is ready to express recombinant protein for further studies. Conclusion: In this research we cloned P30 gene of T. gondii tachyzoites surface protein successfully and is ready to express the recombinant protein.

A Method for Accelerating the Maturation of Toxocara cati Eggs

Abstract: Background: The effect of temperature and humidity on the maturation of Toxocara cati eggs in an in vitro system was investigated. Methods: Suspensions of Toxocara cati eggs, with 5% formalin/saline or 2.5% formalin/ringer were prepared and maintained at 37 °C under 40% humidity or at 25 °C under 98% humidity for 3 weeks for egg development. Results: The suspension sample mixed by 2.5% formalin/ringer and maintained at 25 oC and 98% humidity could fully embryonate the eggs of Toxocara cati in 3 weeks. Conclusion: The main advantage of this method is the increase of recovery and also reducing of the eggs maturation time.

Hepatobiliary Fascioliasis: Clinical and Radiological Features

Abstract: Fascioliasis is a worldwide but unevenly distributed zoonosis caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica that infects do­mesti­cated herbivores. Fasciolosis also occurs accidentally in humans by ingestion of metacercaria-laden freshwater or water plants. Human infections are common in developing countries and are not rare in Europe. The clinical course has been con­ventionally described in two phases: an acute phase of hepatic parenchymal invasion of an immature worm larva (parenchy­mal phase) and a stationary phase after residence in the bile duct and production of eggs (ductal phase). We report a 34 years old woman from Ilam, western Iran with hepatic disorder, RUQ pain, and jaundice. The diagnosis was made by sonography, CT scan and serologic studies. Serologic exam (ELISA) was positive & CT findings were compatible with fascio­liasis.

Biodiversity and Prevalence of Parasites of Rook (Corvus frugilegus) in Iran

Abstract: Rooks are distributed all over Iran and no information is available in the literature on their parasitic infections. Methods: One hundred twenty five rooks were examined at post-mortem for parasitic infections. Results: Two species of cestodes, 5 species of nematodes and 4 species of protozoa were found of which all were new host and distribution record. Conclusion: Rooks have several parasites of which some are common with other domestic birds and some have zoonotic importance.

The first report of rhipicephalus (boophilus) kohlsi (hoogstraal and kaiser 1960) from wild goats (capra hircus aegagrus) in iran (case report)

Abstract: Background: Studies concerning ticks were of interest to evaluate the distribution and composition of species affecting livestock, thus it was a main step in our knowledge of the pathogens that they may transmit by tick. Methods: A collection of 21 adult female and 15 male hard ticks, all is representing a single species of tick collected under the tail of wild goat. The specimens preserved in 70 % alcohol in glass vial and brought to laboratory for identification. In order to distinguish species relationships between wild and domestic animals, tick sampling has been achieved in 7 different places located around Kolah Qazi national park in Isfahan Province. Results: Important descriptions of ticks isolated from wild goat strongly supported that the tick species in this collection was only Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) kohlsi. Conclusion: It seems that this is the first report of Rh. (Boophilus) kohlsi in Iran. Wild sheep and goats live throughout Iran except in forest and other tall vegetation areas. Although, both animals has pastured occasionally in same open rangeland but we could not find any tick of Rh. (Boophilus) kohlsi in domestic animals.

Preparation of a K39sub Recombinant Antigen for the Detection of Leishmania infantum Antibodies in Human: a Comparative Study with an Immunochromatographic Test and Direct Agglu- tination

Abstract: Background: The Mediterranean type of kala-azar is occurred in different parts of Iran and caused by Leishmania infantum. A rapid and valid test for early detection of visceral leishmaniasis in human would be highly desirable because it could decrease mortality rate of the disease. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of K39sub antigen with an commercial immunochromatographic dipstick rk39 test (Cypress Diagnostic Company, Belgium) for early detection of L. infantum infection in human. Methods: K39sub recombinant antigen of L. infantum LON49 was expressed in prokaryotic system and evaluated for the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated the performance of recombinant K39sub antigen by ELISA and an commercial immunochromatographic dipstick rk39 test for the detection of L. infantum antibodies in 43 clinically infected patients with direct agglutination test (DAT) at a 1: 3200 cut off titer and higher. Controls included 69 healthy volunteers and 28 patients with other diseases including malaria (n=5), tuberculosis (n= 3), toxoplasmosis (n= 4), cystic hydatidosis (n= 5) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (n= 11). Results: The sensitivity of the K39sub antigen and an immunochromatographic dipstick rk39 test was 90.7%, and 97.7%, respectively, while the specificity was 95.6% and 97.9%, correspondingly. A good concordance was found between k39sub antigen and commercial dipstick rk39 strips (k= 96.4%). Conclusion: The accuracy of the K39sub antigen in the detection of L. infantum antibodies in human infection is confirmed.

Human Infection with Uncinaria in North of Iran

Abstract: ncinaria species are worms belonging to the hookworms group, and infect many animal species in various parts of the world. Human infection with the worm is found in a few areas of the world. The Uncinaria stenocephala is reported among 22% of prisoner in Madrid, Spain (1), and among 2.6% of 38 inhabitants of periurban of a city near Buenos Aires, Argentina (2). The human infection with hookworms, including Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus found in north of Iran along the Caspian Sea (3). In one study among population of the village of Karger Mahaleh carried out in 1972, hookworms collected after treatment of 128 patients revealed the presence of 358 male and female Ancylostoma and 3783 male and female Necator (3). In addition, 14 (8 females and 6 males) hookworms were found that after necessary studies were identified as Uncinaria species. Some specimens of this species sent to the London Museum (Natural History) confirmed that species were U. stenocephala. Another hookworm species found from the same region was a new Necator species which is not named yet (4). This finding is important because human infection with this parasite has never been reported from Iran and neighboring countries. Therefore, it merits to be reported after a long time.

Evaluation of different antigens in western blotting technique for the diagnosis of sheep haemonchosis

Abstract: Background: To use different methods for serodiagnosis of ruminants’ haemonchosis is important because detection of egg in the faeces is not so reliable. Methods: Peptide bands of 5 different crude antigens of intestine, uterus, cuticle, whole male and whole female of Haemonchus contortus were determined using SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Five lambs were infected with 10,000 third stage larvae of H.contortus and 2 parasites free were kept as control. Positive and negative sera collected from infected and no infected animal were tested using western blotting for immunodiagnostic antigens. Results: In electrophoresis the major peptide bands of crud antigens of uterus, intestine, cuticle, whole male and whole female of H. contortus were 7, 2, 6, 8 and 5, respectively at molecular weights of 15 to 110 kDa. In immunoblotting positive and negative sera were compared and the molecular weight of specific protein bands for Haemonchus in sheep was determined. Two major peptide bands belong to intestine and uterus with 35 and 40 kDa molecular weight, respectively, were specific for diagnosis of the parasite infection. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the use of these antigens with different molecular weights for immunodiagnosis of haemonchosis in sheep as a primary screening test is promising.

Histopathological Features of Ornithodoros lahorensis Bite on Rat

Abstract: Background: Besides of transmitting several diseases to animals, and tick paralysis, Ornithodoros lahorensis induce skin lesions. This experiment was done to determine histopathological features of adult O. lahorensis bite on rat. Methods: In this investigation adult male rats were infested with O. lahorensis ticks. Animals were divided into two groups and euthanized two days and two weeks after infestation. The skin samples were fixed in 10% buffer formal saline and processed and sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin. Results: The lesions reflected the clinical and gross findings, with hyperemia, edema and vacuolation in the early stages, cellular infiltrations, principally lymphocyte accompanied vascular changes. Newly formed fibrous tissue with large number of hyperemic capillaries and active inflammatory process in which lymphocytes and eosinophils were the predominant cells, were seen after two weeks. Foci of necrosis in the epithelium with remnant of infiltration of polymorphonucular cells with sever hemorrhages were also evident. Vascular changes included prevascular infiltration of lymphocyte and fibrinoied ne­crosis on the vessel walls. Conclusion: This study well documented the different pathological changes of skin of rats with O. lahorensis.

Vitamin b12 and serum mineral levels in children with enterobius vermicularis infection

Abstract: Intestinal parasitic infections are widespread in the general populations and entrobiasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between parasitic infection of Enterobius vermicularis and the absorbing levels of vitamin B12 and the miner- als such as copper, zinc, and magnesium. Methods: Nine hundred sixty eight stool samples and cello-tape anal swabs were collected from 3- 6 year old children in Tehran. From the whole population, 60 children were chosen for case group who had only E. vermicularis infection. Also 30 children without parasitic infection were chosen as the control group. Both groups had no record of serum shortage of mentioned factors and malnutrition. Amount of copper, zinc and magnesium along with vitamin B12 were measured in both groups. Results: Comparison of the case and control groups showed a significant difference in serum mineral levels and vitamin B12 in patients and control groups (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infection could avoid these serum mineral and vitamin B12 deficiencies.

Isolation of DNA from A Single Helminth Using New Developed Kit in Iran and Its PCR Analysis

Abstract: Background: Nematodes are among the most common and important parasites of man and animal. DNA of a single worm can be used for several purposes, such as identification to the species, subspecies, strain and antihelmenthic resistance. DNA extraction from a single small worm using traditional methods such as phenol extraction technique faces serious problems. Methods: DNA from 20 single Haemonchus contortus was isolated using DNA isolation kit newly designed in Iran by the Research Unit of Molecular Biological System Transfer (MBST) based on the specific binding of DNA to the carrier. The genomic DNA was amplified using specific primers derived from β-tubulin isotype 1 in PCR. The specificity of the PCR products was determined using semi-nested PCR technique. Specific PCR-product from β-tubulin gene could be amplified with 1 ng, 100 pg and 10 pg DNA. Results: The used DNA extraction method was safe, with high quality and quantity, fast, easy to handle and not costly for genetic analysis of even a single small worm. Conclusion: The Iran produced DNA extraction Kit is grounded on a selective binding of nucleic acids to a silica-based membrane and is recommended for the isolation of DNA from even small amount of biological materials.