Echinococcus granulosus sheep strain (G1) as the predominant genotype in definitive host (dogs) isolates in northeastern Iran.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) is a zoonotic parasite, causing cystic echinococcosis in humans. In the present study, prevalence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. was assessed in stools collected from 244 dogs including 138 stray and 106 domestic animals using high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. Initially, to detect taeniid eggs in feces, all samples were examined using the formalin-ether techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive samples and E. granulosus s.l. was differentiated from other Taeniidae parasites using SSU-rDNA gene and E. granulosus s.l. was analyzed for genotyping using HRM based on the cox1 gene. In total, 12.7% (31/244) of the samples were positive for Taeniidae eggs. In addition, among the positive samples, 77.4% (24/31) were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. In details, 11.3% (12/106) of the domestic dogs and 8.7% (12/138) of the stray dogs were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. The results of HRM analysis showed that all E. granulosus s.l. isolates were G1 strain. Findings of the present study indicated a considerable prevalence of E. granulosus G1 among dogs in the northeast of Iran and imply a serious risk of transmitting to humans and livestock.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-Infected Individuals in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Patients with co-infection with toxoplasmosis and HIV have a 30-40% risk of developing toxoplasmosis encephalitis. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and burden of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-infected individuals in Iran. METHODS: We searched the five English databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane) and four Persian databases (Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex, Iran Doc, and Magiran) with the terms of (Toxoplasma gondii OR "toxoplasmosis") AND (HIV OR "AIDS" OR immunodeficiency OR acquired immune deficiency syndrome) AND (Seroprevalence) AND (Seroepidemiologic Studies) AND (Elisa OR IgG) AND (PCR) AND (Iran) by two authors up to Feb 2021. Studies were included if they investigated people with HIV infection and presented data that allowed us to establish the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Iran. RESULTS: According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected. A total number of 2275 HIV-infected individuals were tested and evaluated for toxoplasmosis from 2005 up to 2018 in different regions of Iran. The weighted overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected individuals with Elisa was obtained using a random-effects model, which was estimated at 47% (95% CI = 31% - 62%). Also, the Weighted overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected individuals with PCR was obtained using a random-effects model, which was estimated at 7% (95% CI = 3% - 12%). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it can be clearly understood that a large population of HIV patients living in Iran have toxoplasmosis. Therefore, due to the high susceptibility of these groups to toxoplasmosis, healthcare professionals must consider measures such as training in the ways of transmission and prevention of the infection to this high-risk group in order to reduce the risk of infection.

In Vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activity of Glucosinolate Fraction from Alyssum linifolium Steph. ex Willd (Brassicaceae).

Objectives: The intracellular parasitic protozoan, Leishmania spp., causes several forms of diseases in humans. Cytotoxicity and emergence of new strains resistance to the current anti-leishmanial drugs have encouraged researchers to focus on new resources. Glucosinolates (GSL) are found mainly in the Brassicaceae family with potential cytotoxic and anti-parasitic properties. The present study reports in vitro antileishmanial activity of the GSL fraction from Alyssum linifolium seeds against Leishmania major. Materials and Methods: The GSL fraction was prepared by ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography. For the assessment of antileishmanial activity, the promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major were treated with different concentrations of the fraction (75-625 µg/mL). Results: The IC50 was 245 µg/mL for anti-promastigote effect of the GSL fraction and 250 µg/mL for its anti-amastigote effect that had a significant difference (p<0.05) with both glucantime and amphotericin B. The selectivity index of the GSL fraction (15.8), to glucantime and amphotericin B, was greater than 10, indicating the selective effect of this fraction against L. major amastigotes. Glucoiberverin was the major constituent of the GSL fraction characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and electron ionization-mass spectrometry spectra. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data, iberverin and iberverin nitrile, the hydrolysis constituents from glucoiberverin, included 76.91% of the total seed volatiles. Conclusion: The results suggest that GSLs like glucoiberverin could be considered a new promising candidate for further studies on antileishmanial activity.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Activity of Curcumin: A Systematic Review of Pre-clinical Studies.

OBJECTIVE: This study has focused on anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of curcumin. METHODS: In this systematic review, anti-parasitic activity of Curcuma longa on Toxoplasma gondii was assessed. Therefore, several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar, were searched from 2010 to 2020. RESULTS: Of the 2200 papers retrieved between 2010 and 2020, six articles were reliable and were scrutinized. In 2 in vitro studies, the most used strain was the RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii, whereas among 4 in vivo studies, RH strain was found in 2 (50%) studies, Me49 strain in 1(25%) study, and RH and Me49 strain in 1 (25%) study. In four in vivo studies, the most used animal model was BALB/c, and Swiss albino was found in 1 study (25%) and Albino rats in 1 study (25%). CONCLUSION: Curcumin and nanoparticles formulated with curcumin are new and useful agents for the treatment of parasitic diseases and reduction of drug resistance. The success of this therapeutic approach stems from the specific action of Curcuma longa against parasites and pathogens.

High Occurrence of Emerged Lophomonas Infection among Patients Suspected of Having Pulmonary Tuberculosis: In-House PCR-Based Evidence.

Objectives: Lophomonas infection is a respiratory disease in humans that is associated with symptoms of cough, sputum, dyspnea, and sometimes hemoptysis, which shows the importance of differentiating this disease from tuberculosis and asthma. Methods: This study was performed on 216 participants suspected of having tuberculosis who had symptoms of fever, chronic cough, or sputum and were referred to tuberculosis laboratories in three cities in Golestan Province, northeastern Iran, during 2019-2020. A sputum sample was taken from the suspected patients. DNA was extracted from the frozen samples, and an in-house polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the Lophomonas DNA. Results: Out of 216 subjects, 47 (21.75%) were infected with Lophomonas spp. Moreover, 9 patients (4.2%) were infected with tuberculosis. Also, 2 patients had a comorbidity of tuberculosis and Lophomonas infection (P=0.63). There was no significant difference in the comparison of symptoms and the rate of Lophomonas infection (P=0.84), but in the comparison of the set of symptoms of cough, sputum, and fever with those of cough and sputum, cough with fever, sputum with fever, and the rate of Lophomonas infection, there was a significant difference (P=0.012). Conclusions: Lophomonas infection was relatively high in patients suspected of having tuberculosis and due to the similar clinical symptoms of Lophomonas infection and tuberculosis; it is recommended that the sputum samples of subjects suspected of having tuberculosis be examined for this parasite in order to make a correct diagnosis and the patients receive timely treatment and the appropriate medication.

New strategies in the treatment of diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba is one of the opportunistic parasites with a global prevalence. Currently, due to the side effects and the emergence of drug resistance to this parasite, much research has been performed on the use of nano-drugs to treat Acanthamoeba-caused diseases. Therefore, this systematic review study aims to evaluate new strategies for treating diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles (NPs). METHODS: We designed a systematic review based on the articles published in English between 2000 and 2022. Our search strategy was based on syntax and specific tags for each database, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane. From the articles, those that had inclusion criteria were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, 26 studies were selected. Metallic nanoparticles were mostly used against the Acanthamoeba species (80.7%). 19.2% of the studies used polymeric nanoparticles, and 3.8% used emulsion nanoparticles. Most studies (96.1%) were performed in vitro, and only one study (3.8%) was carried out in vivo. Silver NPs were the most used metallic nanoparticles in the studies. The best effect of the anti-Acanthamoeba compound was observed for green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG) with a 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: This study showed that chlorhexidine and other plant metabolites loaded with silver and gold nanoparticles increase the anti-Acanthambae activity of these nanoparticles. However, green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG), showed the best anti-Acanthambae effect. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to determine their safety for human use.

A Systematic Review on Curcumin and Anti-Plasmodium berghei Effects.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular spice containing curcumin that is responsible for its therapeutic effects. Curcumin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities has led to a lot of research focusing on it over the years. This systematic review aimed to evaluate research on the anti-Plasmodium berghei activity of curcumin and its derivatives. METHODS: Our study was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and was recorded in the database of a systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis of CAMARADESNC3Rs (SyRF). The search was performed in five databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, from 2010 to 2020. The following keywords were searched: "Plasmodium berghei", "Medicinal Plants", "Curcumin", "Concentration", Animals kind", "Treatment Durations", "Routes of Administration" and "in vivo". RESULTS: Of the 3,500 papers initially obtained, 14 articles were reliable and were thus scrutinized. Animal models were included in all studies. The most commonly used animal strain was Albino (43%), followed by C57BL/6 (22%). The other studies used various murine strains, including BALB/c (14%) and ICR (7%). Two (14%) studies did not mention the strain of animal model used. Curcumin alone or in combination with other compounds depending on the dose used, route of administration, and animal model showed a moderate to strong anti-Plasmodium berghei effect. CONCLUSION: According to the studies, curcumin has anti-malarial effects on Plasmodium berghei, and, however, its effect on human Plasmodium is unclear. Due to the side effects and drug resistance of current drugs in the treatment of human malaria, the use of new compounds with few or no side effects, such as curcumin, is recommended as an alternative or complementary treatment.

Current challenges and nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and control of malaria.

Malaria is one of the prevalent tropical diseases caused by the parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium spp. With an estimated 228 million cases, it is a major public health concern with high incidence of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant parasites, inadequate vector control measures, and the non-availability of effective vaccine(s) against malaria pose a serious challenge to malaria eradication especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Malaria treatment and control comprehensively relies on chemical compounds, which encompass various complications, including severe toxic effects, emergence of drug resistance, and high cost of therapy. To overcome the clinical failures of anti-malarial chemotherapy, a new drug development is of an immediate need. However, the drug discovery and development process is expensive and time consuming. In such a scenario, nanotechnological strategies may offer promising alternative approach for the treatment and control of malaria, with improved efficacy and safety. Nanotechnology based formulations of existing anti-malarial chemotherapeutic agents prove to exceed the limitations of existing therapies in relation to optimum therapeutic benefits, safety, and cost effectiveness, which indeed advances the patient's compliance in treatment. In this review, the shortcomings of malaria therapeutics and necessity of nanotechnological strategies for treating malaria were discussed.

In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-schistosomiasis Effect of Garlic: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as a natural supplement for the treatment of various diseases and disorders because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of garlic against Schistosoma spp. METHODS: The current study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Facility [SyRF] database. The literature search was conducted using five databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, from January 2008 to January 2021. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language. Syntax was performed based on each database tag. RESULTS: Out of 2,600 studies, 10 met the eligibility criteria for review. The examined parasite in all studies was Schistosoma mansoni. Ten studies (90%) were performed in vivo and one study in vitro. Studies have shown that garlic compounds can activate immune system factors, thereby damaging the parasite structure or its eggs. CONCLUSION: Given the increase in using plants in the treatment of many diseases and the fact that plants can be a good alternative to chemical drugs in many cases, more comprehensive research is needed to introduce effective medicinal plants to treat diseases such as schistosomiasis.

First report of Lophomonas spp. in German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) trapped in hospitals, northern Iran.

Cockroaches are considered to be important reservoirs for protozoan and helminth parasites,particularly an emerging Lophomonas spp., protozoan parasite. German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (B. germanica), are domestic pest distributed worldwide. However, little information is available regarding the burden of Lophomonas spp. infestation among domestic cockroach population worldwide. The present study investigated parasitic agents, emphasizing Lophomonas spp. infestation among B. germanica in northern Iran. During spring and summer 2018, a total of 496 adults B. germanica (265 males and 231 females) were trapped by hand and glass traps from the teaching hospitals in Mazandaran, Sari, northern Iran. All cockroaches were identified using taxonomic keys. Each cockroaches was anesthetized with chloroform and the alimentary tract removed. Each section was smeared onto a glass slide. All the smears were examined under light microscopy to determine the presence of the parasites. Ten genera of parasites were identified from the trapped B. germanica; overall, 233 (47%) were found to be positive for helminths (n = 135) and protozoa (n = 98). The helminths included Aspiculuris tetraptera egg (67/233, 28.7%), Oxiuros sp. (39/233; 16.7%), Dentostomella translucida (17/233; 7.3%), and nematodes Ova (12/233; 5.2%). The protozoan parasites identified Gregarina sp. (61/233; 26.2%), Entamoeba sp. (19/233; 8.2%), Blastocystis sp. (5/233; 2.1%), Lophomonas (4/233; 1.7%), Nyctotherus sp. (4/233; 1.7%), unclassified flagella (5/233; 2.1%). Lophomonas spp. was detected within the gut of B. germanica, for the first time, in Iran. It has previously been identified in the gut of cockroaches a long time ago, however, this is the first attempt to detect Lophomonas in cockroaches housing in hospitals. Thereby, it possibly presenting pose a serious respiratory infection risk for patients and health care personnel.

Peganum harmala and Nigella sativa: anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes: in vitro and ex vivo experiment.

Leishmaniosis is one of the most important vectors borne disease that is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. There are many approved treatment for different types of leishmaniosis but all are with some adverse side effects that limited its uses. Here, we attempt to evaluate in vitro and ex vivo anti-leishmanial activities of Peganum harmala (P. harmala) and N. sativa (Nigella sativa) on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major. The plants were extracted by maceration method and prepared in concentrations of 7.8, 3.9, 1.9, and 0.9 µg. L. major were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium alone and in J774 cell line separately. The extracts at different concentrations were assessed against promastigote (in vitro assay) and amastigotes (ex vivo assay) of L. major for 72 h at 22 and 37°C, respectively. In current work, N. sativa at highest concentration (7.8 µg/ml) showed 54.4 and 60% anti-leishmanial activity with IC50 of 5.3 and 3.278 µg/ml, respectively. Also, P. harmala at highest concentration (7.8 µg/ml) showed 68.9 and 58.6% antileishmanial activity with IC50 of 2.4 µg/ml for both of them, respectively. The SI value was 38.22 for N. sativa, 25.9 for P. harmala, 19.4 for Amphotericin B, and 16.33 for Glucantime. The results of our study indicated that N. sativa and P. harmala are effective against L. major promastigotes and amastigotes and could be consider as an alternative treatments for leishmaniosis. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies be performed to confirm the efficacy and evaluate the toxicity of the herbal extracts.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Kermanshah City, west of Iran.

It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the latest status of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in the general population and pregnant women in the west of Iran. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Accordingly, data associated with serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis, age, sex, anti-toxoplasmosis IgG and IgM, and pregnancy status in women were collected from 6 health centers of Kermanshah City, the west of Iran, during 2016-2017. In total, 1228 people referred to the health centers in Kermanshah City. Of 1228 people, 359 (29.23%) individuals were seropositive for toxoplasmosis, of them 294 (81.89%) individuals were seropositive only for IgG, and 65 (18.11%) individuals were both IgG and IgM seropositive. The seropositivity in men was 29.3% (n = 63), in women was 29.2% (n = 296), and in pregnant women was 25.9% (n = 44). All individuals were examined using ELISA kit. This study showed that the prevalence of this disease in the west of Iran has been decreased in comparison with the previous studies. Therefore, regular epidemiological studies of in different regions seem to be necessary in order to conclude on the decrease or increase trend of this disease in an area.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Emerged Lophomonas blattarum Infection in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran: First Registry-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, several cases of bronchopulmonary lophomoniasis (BPL) have been recorded. Little information is available about epidemiological aspects on Lophomonas infection among BPL patients. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of Lophomonas spp. infection in patients who were referred to the Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis (INRCL), using morphological and molecular tests. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined patients enrolled in the INRCL from 2017 to 2019 at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, northern Iran. All bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and two nasal discharges of the patients were examined by both microscopic and small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) PCR methods. To confirm the species of Lophomonas, two positive samples were sequenced. RESULTS: In this study, 321 specimens (including 319 BALF and 2 nasal discharges) were microscopically examined. Lophomonas spp. was found in 45(14%) (n = 44 BAL; n = 1 nasal discharge). The mean age of infected patients was 54.9 ± 17.1 years. The following morphological characteristics were observed in both fresh and Papanicolaou-stained smears to identify Lophomonas spp. All microscopically positive specimens were confirmed with genus-specific PCR technique. The obtained sequences were deposited in Gen Bank under the accession numbers (MN243135-36). The BLAST analysis of our two sequences with the only available sequence in the Gen Bank of the Thailand strain of L. blattarum, showed identity of 99-100% and 98.51%, respectively. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first registry-based study regarding lophomoniasis worldwide. According to our study, the conventional PCR test is an available and reliable tool for confirming the Lophomonas parasite in clinical samples. Moreover, the results confirmed that L. blattarum is circulating at least in our region.

Comparative evaluation of amniotic fluid as an alternative to fetal bovine serum in the maintenance of Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of amniotic fluid (AF) as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the maintenance of Leishmania major promastigotes and Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. AF was collected by an obstetrician using sterile syringes during a cesarean section. The culture medium was supplemented with 5 different concentrations of FBS or AF including 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30%. These concentrations were used to maintain both mentioned parasites. L. major was maintained at temperatures 4 and 24 °C and examined once a week for 4 weeks, while T. gondii was maintained at temperatures 4, 24, and 37 °C and examined at hours 24, 48, 72, and 96. For L. major, at both 4 and 24 °C, we observed no significant difference between FBS and AF on day 7. However, on days 14, 21, and 28, the difference between FBS and AF was significant at both temperatures. For T. gondii, no significant difference was observed between FBS and AF at hour 24 and all temperatures. However, this difference was significant at hours 48, 72, and 96 and all temperatures. According to our results, although FBS had a greater efficacy than AF in the growth of L. major and the survival of T. gondii, the number of promastigotes increased over time in AF-containing medium and the number of tachyzoites reduced slowly with a mild slop. Therefore, AF can be a potential alternative to FBS.

Apoptotic blebs from Leishmania major-infected macrophages as a new approach for cutaneous leishmaniasis vaccination.

We focused on apoptotic blebs from Leishmania major-infected macrophages as a vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Apoptosis was induced in L. major-infected J774A.1 cells in order to prepare apoptotic blebs. Test groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with these at doses of 1 × 106, 5 × 106 or 1 × 107 blebs. An immunization control group received Leishmania lysate antigens. The results showed that as the number of apoptotic bodies increased, the lymphocyte proliferation index increased, and this was proportional to IFN-γ level in the test groups. Additionally, the difference of IFN-γ, IL-4, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, or total IgG (p < 0.0001) in all groups was statistically significant compared to the negative control group. The highest IFN-γ (514.0 ± 40.92 pg/mL) and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (2.94 ± 0.22) were observed in the group that received 1 × 107 apoptotic blebs. The highest levels of IL-4 (244.6 ± 38.8 pg/mL) and total IgG (5626 ± 377 µg/mL) were observed in the immunization control group. Reflecting these data, no lesions were observed in any of the groups vaccinated with apoptotic blebs after 12 weeks. In summary, the use of apoptotic blebs from L. major-infected macrophages is protective against the challenge with L. major in this animal model.

Actin Gene-Based Molecular Typing of Trichomonas vaginalis Clinical Isolates from the North of Iran.

AIM: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prevalence of trichomoniasis in men and women in the north of Iran and to find genotypes in the positive clinical specimens based on T. vaginalis actin gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women's genital (n = 500) and men's urine (n = 1500) samples were collected from the participants referred to clinics in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, during 2006-2018. In addition, 1500 Pap smear specimens, archived in the Bu Ali Hospital, Sari City, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, were examined. The specimens were examined based on parasitological methods, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 17 (0.48%) of 3500 specimens were positive by PCR. Total prevalence was 0.55% (n = 2000) for women, of which 500 (1.4%; n = 7) specimens were collected freshly, and 1500 (0.26%; n = 4) were Pap smears. Moreover, six (0.4%) out of 1500 men urine specimens were positive. Overall, genotypes G, E, and I were detected with the prevalence of seven (0.2%), seven (0.2%), and three (0.08%), respectively. There was no significant statistical difference among the prevalence of the detected genotypes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: As a whole, the prevalence of trichomoniasis was low in the studied area in the north of Iran and, most importantly, the genotypes of E, G, and I were distributed among men and women in the province.

Antileishmanial and antibacterial activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria L.

Leishmaniosis is one of the most serious public health concern with a worldwide distribution. Since the current treatments of leishmaniosis are toxic and expensive, frequent studies have been conducted to investigate the benefits of new resources such as medicinal plants for treatment of this infectious disease. Recent studies revealed the antiparasitic potential of Rhus coriaria. Here we investigated the potential antileishmanial and antibacterial activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of R. coriaria fruits. The fruits were extracted using 80% methanol by maceration method. The concentrations of 312, 156, 78, and 37 µg/ml of the extract were added separately to the wells containing Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes and amastigotes. Amphotericin B was considered as positive control. Finally, the death rate was determined for the extract-treated parasites as compared to the non-treated parasite. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract against a set of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The extract significantly inhibited the growth of both promastigotes (60,7%) and amastigotes (59%) at the concentration of 312 µg/ml with the IC50 values of 147 µg/ml and 233 µg/ml, respectively. The extract showed bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Totally, Grampositive bacteria were more susceptible to the extract. Our findings show that the hydroalcoholic extract of R. coriaria fruits are rich in tannins and can be considered for further in vivo studies on the antileishmanial and antibacterial activities especially on dermal lesions caused by L. major.

Status of fasciolosis among domestic ruminants in Iran based on abattoir data: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fasciolosis is considered as an ongoing neglected zoonotic disease in tropical regions of the world, relating to notable financial and public health issues. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to determine the status of fasciolosis among domestic ruminants, including cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep at the industrial slaughterhouses in Iran, between the years 2000 and 2016. Eight databases, four English and four Persian, were searched. Our findings demonstrated that 2.6% of all inspected livers of slaughtered ruminants were infected with Fasciola spp. during 2000­2016. The mean prevalence of fasciolosis for cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep was 21%, 4.2%, 2%, and 2.4%, respectively. Additionally, most studies were performed on cattle 25 (39.6%), sheep 24 (38 %), and goat 12 (19%), respectively, and just 2 (3.1%) studies were performed on buffalo. The prevalence of animal fasciolosis has significantly decreased among domestic ruminants in Iran except for cattle. In addition, the prevalence of this disease in Northern and Western regions of the country has remained at hypo-endemic level. The results present updated gathered information on the epidemiology of fasciolosis in domestic ruminants in Iran, and will expand the screening strategies to improve health and reduce economic impacts among farm animals.

A new effective antiplasmodial compound: Nanoformulated pyrimethamine.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pyrimethamine-loaded poloxamer 407 nanomicelles on Plasmodium berghei strain NICD in vivo. METHODS: Pyrimethamine-loaded nanomicelles were prepared and their zeta potential, particle size and polydispersity index were measured. For antiplasmodial assessment, 54 mice were randomly divided into six groups. Four groups were infected intraperitoneally with P. berghei, whereas the two remaining groups did not receive the parasite (negative controls). Three of the P. berghei-infected groups received treatment with either pyrimethamine-loaded nanomicelles (2 mg/kg), pyrimethamine (2 mg/kg) or empty nanomicelles (2 mg/kg); the fourth group remained untreated (positive control). The parasitaemia rate, survival rate and histopathological changes in the liver, spleen and kidneys were examined and were compared with the negative and positive control groups. RESULTS: The mean parasitaemia rate differed significantly between the nanoformulated pyrimethamine group and each of the other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the survival rate of mice in the nanoformulated pyrimethamine group (7/9; 78%) was significantly higher compared with each of the other groups (P<0.01). The main histopathological changes, including hepatic necrosis in the liver, lymphoid hypoplasia in the spleen, and tubular nephrosis and perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltration in the kidneys, were considerably lower in the nanoformulated pyrimethamine group than in the pyrimethamine and positive control groups. CONCLUSION: Pyrimethamine-loaded nanomicelles showed potent antimalarial activity and can be considered as a potential candidate for further examination of their suitability as an antimalarial drug.

First Molecular Diagnosis of Lophomoniasis: the End of a Controversial Story.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of lophomoniasis in an immunocompetent patient with acute paranasal sinusitis from the north of Iran whose disease was diagnosed by both microscopic and molecular methods. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 40-year-old woman, suffered from upper respiratory infection, was referred to the Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis (INRCL) at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, for diagnosis. A direct wet mount of nasal discharge revealed the flagellate protozoa morphologically identified Lophomonas blattarum. Moreover, through a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasal discharge, a 214-bp band was observed, confirming the genus Lophomonas spp. The patient was treated successfully with metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d for 1 week. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of lophomoniasis in the literature. According to our preliminary study, a reliable PCR test is available now for detecting the Lophomonas parasite.