Defining and comparison of biodiversity components of hard ticks on domestic hosts at Highland, Woodland and Plain in Northern Iran.

The aim of the present study was to compare the biodiversity patterns of tick species in the Northern Iran between June 2007 and June 2008. 41 villages within three locations, viz. highland, woodland and plain, were selected using cluster randomized sampling method. A total of 504 sheep and 162 cattle visited monthly for a period of 12 months for the presence of ticks. Estimated richness was calculated using rarefaction curves and richness estimators. Defining the contribution of biodiversity components was adjusted using SHE analysis. A total of 1,231 hard ticks (consisting of 6 genera and 6 species) were collected. Rhipicephalus bursa (in highland and plain) and Boophilus annulatus (in woodland) were identified as eudominant species with the most abundance. Seasonal activity of the ticks varied among species. Rarefaction curves showed that summer and spring had the highest species diversity and richness in different locations. SHE analysis revealed that evenness had the greatest effect on the changes of species diversity and also showed that all regions are mainly occupied by common species. The study demonstrated that the seasonal fluctuations of R. bursa have a significant impact on the changes of species diversity.

Epidemiology and trend of common cancers in Iran (2004-2008).

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. It includes approximately 13% of death cases. This study aimed to investigate the incidence trend of common cancers in Iran during 2004-2008 to improve reporting distribution the disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The study population was all cases of cancer diagnosed in Iran during 2004-2008. The crude incidence rate of cancers was calculated per 100 000 people by age groups and sex. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) were calculated using direct standardisation and the world standard population. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 17) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 301 055 cases of cancer were diagnosed. ASRs were 60.51 and 84.51 in women and men respectively. Most common cancers in men were skin (ASR = 18.85), stomach (15.02), bladder (ASR = 11.25), prostate (ASR = 8.93) and colorectal (ASR = 8.29). Most common cancers in women were breast (ASR = 18.24), skin (ASR = 12.01), colorectal (ASR = 7.75), stomach (ASR = 7.05) and haematocyte (ASR = 4.01). CONCLUSION: A significant increase was observed in the incidence of cancers in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to perform screening, early diagnosis and treatment in early stages of cancers.

Susceptibility status of field populations of Rhipicephalus bursa (Acari: Ixodidae) to pyrethroid insecticides.

Rhipicephalus bursa is a two-host ixodid tick with wide distribution in north of Iran especially in Mazandaran province. Acaricide treatment is the main tick control measure; however, acaricide resistance occurs in hard ticks in many areas of the world including Iran. Comprehensive information on susceptibility status of Rhipicephalus bursa is lacking, therefore, this study is undertaken to determine the susceptibility status of the species to pyrethroid acaricides and probable biochemical underlying mechanisms of resistance. From May 2013 to March 2014, engorged females Rhipicephalus bursa were collected using standard entomological procedures from body surface of sheep, goat and cattle in different areas of Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Eleven and ten pooled tick populations were tested against cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively using larval packet test. Population SC-16 showed a maximum resistance ratio of 5.79 against cypermethrin in Sari County when compared to the most susceptible population NH-16 and 63.64% of tick populations were resistant at LC99 level. With lambda-cyhalothrin, 30% of the tick populations were resistant with low level and NK-2 was the most resistant population with resistance ratio of 4.32 in Nowshahr County. The results of biochemical assays demonstrated elevated levels of monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and esterases in pyrethroid resistant populations tested.

Propetamphos resistance in Rhipicephalus bursa (Acari, Ixodidae).

Hard tick infestation is an important problem in both traditional and industrial animal husbandry as well as in veterinary and public health. Several acaricides have been used to control tick infestation in Iran. Poor control has been attributed to acaricide resistance in tick populations although this has not been demonstrated experimentally. In this study, susceptibility status to propetamphos (Blotic) of 2-3-week-old larvae of Rhipicephalus bursa, one of the most common tick species in Iran, was evaluated using the FAO recommended larval packet test (LPT) method with some modifications. Log dosage probit analysis of propetamphos dose-response regression lines produced a resistance ratio based on LC(50) in the most resistant strain of approximately 103-fold. Biochemical assays suggested that the tick strains contained multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms involving elevation of esterases, GSTs, MFOs and alteration of acetylcholinesterase. In light of this data, practical implications for pest and pesticide resistance management strategies are discussed.