Association between living in the endemic area and level of knowledge of visceral leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Iran is a country with a high prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and seven endemic provinces. In this study, we tried to identify unobserved classes of knowledge among Iranians toward VL and assess the predictors of each latent class. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected participants from endemic and non-endemic areas of VL in Iran in 2020 and 2021. The collected data included demographic characteristics and questions about knowledge, attitude, and practice toward VL. We performed latent class analysis using a procedure for latent class analysis (PROC LCA) in SAS to identify the class membership of knowledge of participants toward VL. RESULTS: Five latent classes were identified: very low (38.9%), low (15.5%), moderate (6.2%), high (14.1%), and very high (25.2%) knowledge about VL. Living in endemic areas significantly increased the odds of belonging to the low (adjusted OR (AOR = 7.23; 95% confidence interval (CI):4.52-11.58), high (AOR = 2.71; 95%CI: 1.73-4.23), and very high (AOR = 8.47; 95%CI: 5.78-12.41) classes compared to the very low class. Also, having academic education increased the odds of membership in the very high class (AOR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.61-3.47) compared to the very low class. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that more than 50% of the participants fell into the latent classes of very low and low knowledge toward VL. Some educational workshops in the endemic areas could be effective in enhancing knowledge about VL.

Physicochemical characteristics of larval habitats and biodiversity of mosquitoes in one of the most important metropolises of southern Iran.

The present study aimed to investigate the roles of the physicochemical characteristics of larval habitats in biodiversity and other bionomic factors of mosquitoes in Shiraz. The physical parameters of all habitats were recorded separately. The collected mosquito larvae were identified based on morphological characters. The water samples of larval habitats were analyzed for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD, mg/L), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD, mg/L), pH, alkalinity, turbidity, total hardness (mg/L), Electrical Conductivity (EC, µS/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS, mg/L), Cl2 (mg/L), and water temperature (°C). In addition, three main indices were used for surveying biodiversity. A total of 1229 larvae were collected from April to September 2018 and May to August 2019. Seven medically important mosquito species were identified morphologically. Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. laticinctus had the highest distribution and abundance. Ecological results showed that the richness and diversity of species were higher and more stable in natural sites than in manmade places. The optimum BOD, COD, alkalinity, TDS, EC, pH, and temperature of water for mosquitoes of the studied areas were 140 mg/L, 360 mg/L, 160 mg/L, 420 mg/L, 840 µS/cm, 8.3, and 24 °C, respectively. Most mosquitoes tended to live in manmade, temporary, and sunny larval habitats with turbid water. The results provided a better understanding of the biology and ecology of mosquitoes as the most important group of disease vectors to humans and animals. Hence, they could be used to apply some safer and more environmentally friendly methods for mosquito control.

Comparing the Trends of Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Spatial Distribution in Southern Iran.

Objectives: We aimed to model and predict the changes in the trend of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in a high-risk area of Iran. Methods: This case-series study was conducted in Fars province, south of Iran, between April 2016 and July 2021. All referred cases of VBDs were considered during the five years to investigate the effect of the lockdown on the epidemiological profile of these diseases. We used time-series autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models. Results: Pediculosis incidence trend was rising with a peak of 1,146 per 100,000 in 2018, followed by a dramatic decrease reached to the minimum amount of 157.8 per 100,000 in 2021. In contrast, malaria and scabies had a smooth decreasing trend ranging from 2.2 per 100,000 and 7.3 per 100,000 in 2016 to a minimum of 0.2 per 100,000 in 2021, respectively. Likewise, leishmaniasis had a falling trend, with a maximum rate of 82.9 per 100,000 in 2016 to the lowest rate of 9.4 per 100,000 in 2021. However, the difference between observed and expected values revealed that the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic had increased the number of leishmaniasis cases. Conclusion: Tropical regions of Iran, including Fars province, are the favorite destinations for travelers. During COVID-19 outbreaks, some reasons, such as quarantine, movement restrictions, and social distancing, reduced human-vector contact and finally led to the reduction of VBDs in this area.

Molecular Characterization and In Silico Analyses of Maurolipin Structure as a Secretory Phospholipase A 2 (sPLA2) from Venom Glands of Iranian Scorpio maurus (Arachnida: Scorpionida).

The venom is a mixture of various compounds with specific biological activities, such as the phospholipase A 2 (PLA2) enzyme present in scorpion venom. PLA2 plays a key role in inhibiting ryanodine receptor channels and has neurotoxic activity. This study is the first investigation of molecular characterization, cloning, and in silico analyses of PLA2 from Iranian Scorpio maurus, named Maurolipin. After RNA extraction from S. maurus venom glands, cDNA was synthesized and amplified through RT-PCR using specific primers. Amplified Maurolipin was cloned in TA cloning vector, pTG19. For in silico analyses, the characterized gene was analyzed utilizing different software. Maurolipin coding gene with 432 base pair nucleotide length encoded a protein of 144 amino acid residues and 16.34 kilodaltons. Comparing the coding sequence of Maurolipin with other characterized PLA2 from different species of scorpions showed that this protein was a member of the PLA2 superfamily. According to SWISS-MODEL prediction, Maurolipin had 38.83% identity with bee venom PLA2 with 100% confidence and 39% identity with insect phospholipase A 2 family, which Phyre2 predicted. According to the three-dimensional structure prediction, Maurolipin with five disulfide bonds has a very high similarity to the structure of PLA2 that belonged to the group III subfamily. The in silico analyses showed that phospholipase A 2 coding gene and protein structure is different based on scorpion species and geographical condition in which they live.

New Record of Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Bashagard District, Southern Iran, with the Report of a Medically Important Species.

Spiders are the largest order of arachnids with some medically important species. Considering that no comprehensive research has been conducted on the fauna and distribution of Araneae in Bashagard County (Hormozgan Province) so far, the present investigation has been carried out on these essential issues in this deprived tropical region. Fifteen sampling locations were selected based on the extent of each area and considering climatic characteristics. Samplings were carried out at least four times in each region from February 2017 to September 2018, covering up to a radius of 500 meters from the defined locations. Specimens were collected using the hand collection method, pitfall trapping, and aspirator sampling. All collected samples were preserved in 70% ethanol and were identified using valid taxonomic keys. Of all the 390 collected samples, 134 identifiable specimens were considered for morphological identification. 11 species belonging to 10 genera and seven families were identified. Immature specimens were identified only at the family level. Wadicosa fidelis was the most distributed and abundant species in the area, with 13 localities and 84.33% of all identifiable samples. Plexippus minor is a new record for the spider fauna of Iran. Moreover, Loxosceles rufescens, a medically important species, Artema doriae, and Eusparassus mesopotamicus were reported for the first time from Hormozgan province. Despite collecting only one specimen, of L. rufescens, due to the lack of proper medical facilities and transportation systems in the area, health staff must be alert about this medically important species and warn residents about its potential dangers.

Mosquito surveillance and the first record of morphological and molecular-based identification of invasive species Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), southern Iran.

Ae. aegypti is an important vector for transmission of some dangerous arboviral diseases, including Dengue Fever. The present study was conducted (from August 2017 to January 2020) to survey the fauna of Culicine mosquitoes, emphasizing the existence of this invasive species in oriental parts of the country located near the Persian Gulf. Different sampling methods were used to collect all life stages of the mosquito. After morphological identification, a molecular study based on Cytochrome Oxidase (COI) gene-specific primers was performed. Then, the COI gene was sequenced via the Sanger method. A total of 4843 adults and 11,873 larvae were collected (8 species of Culex, one species of Culiseta, and 5 species of Aedes). Fifty-five Ae. aegypti specimens (8 adults and 47 larvae) were identified. Based on the biology and ecological requirements of Ae. aegypti, the possibility of the permanent establishment of this species in the tropical climate of the region is very likely. Considering the detection of this invasive vector mosquito species in Iran and the high incidence of some arboviral diseases in the neighboring countries, and continuous movements of the settlers of these areas, potential outbreaks of arboviral diseases can be predicted. Planning and implementing an immediate surveillance and control program of the vector mosquito is vital to prevent the permanent establishment of this invasive vector mosquito species in southern Iran.

The Fauna, Diversity, and Bionomics of Culicinae (Diptera: Culicidae) in Hormozgan Province, Southern Iran.

Hormozgan Province is one of the important foci of malaria in Iran. In addition to malaria pathogens, mosquitoes also transmit the pathogens that cause dirofilariasis and West Nile fever in the province. Also, the threat of emerging aedine-borne viruses that cause infections, such as Chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, is noticeable. There is little information about the fauna and bionomics of Culicinae in the province. The present investigation aimed to study the fauna, diversity, and bionomics of culicines. The study was conducted from September 2016 to April 2017 in four counties of Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khamir, Bashagard, and Jask. In total, 3,236 larvae and 1,901 adults including 16 culicine species were collected. The larvae of Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart) (25.65%), Culex pipiens Linnaeus (16.62%), and Cx. quinquefasciatus Say (16.16%) were most abundant and Cx. hortensis Ficalbi (0.09%) was least abundant. Among adults, Cx. laticinctus Edwards (33.19%), Cx. quinquefasciatus (31.09%), and Cx. pipiens (11.99%) were the most prevalent species and Cs. longiareolata (0.47%), Aedes caballus (Theobald) (0.90%), and Cx. bitaeniorhynchus Giles (0.90%) were the least prevalent species. The pairwise similarities of fauna of the counties and different collecting methods and diversity indices were investigated. More ecological data, especially on host preference, seasonality, and larval habitat characteristics, are needed as a basic knowledge for any intervention measures using integrated vector management.

Epidemiological and clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis and its time trend model in a high-endemic focus of disease in the southwest of Iran from 2014 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical infection with a relatively high incidence rate in Iran. The present study aimed to explore the time trend and associated factors of CL in Dezful, in southwest Iran. METHODS: This case series study was conducted on all CL patients registered from 2014 to 2019. The descriptive analysis of the data was done using SPSS 20 software and the time series model on the number of cases was run through Interactive Time Series Modeling software. RESULTS: A total of 5349 leishmaniasis cases were identified in the study area during 2014-2019. The highest incidence rate was 35 840 per 100 000 in 2014. The fitted time series model revealed a decreasing trend with an annual periodic pattern. The mean age of infection was 19.82 y (standard deviation 21.87). The infection was most frequent in the 1-10 y age group (41.7%). Also, females were more prone to leishmaniasis (54.7%). Most lesions were located on the hand (23.1%), face (19.7%), and forearm (17.75%) and 48.5% of patients had only one lesion. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a decreasing trend of leishmaniasis in Dezful. It has been predicted that this infection will reach a minimum rate (300 per 100 000) in the winter of 2021.

First molecular-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the field-collected houseflies.

This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 detection on field-collected Musca domestica housefly surface and tissue samples using the high-sensitive PCR assay which suggests the possible insect-borne transmission. The study was conducted in Shiraz city, southern Iran, in May and Jun 2020. Adult flies were sampled at the outdoor areas of two hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. Fly samples were first washed twice to remove the insect surface attached to SARS-CoV-2 virions. After that, the disinfected fly samples were homogenized. Fly surface washout and homogenate samples were tested using Taq Man real-time PCR assay for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In a total of 156 houseflies, 75% of samples from the body washout samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Strikingly, 37% of the homogenized specimens were positive for the SARS-CoV-2, suggesting the possible infection of the insects or uptake of the virion to the insect metabolism. The other possibility is the houseflies up took the blood or blood fluids of the patients and the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 survived in the insect body without replicating. Our preliminary findings suggest that the houseflies could transmit SARS-CoV-2 as a mechanical or biological vector especially during the warm seasons while increasing the population and activity of houseflies.

Molecular Monitoring of Knockdown Resistance in Head Louse (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Populations in Iran.

Knockdown resistance (kdr) is a common mechanism of insecticide resistance in head lice to the conventionally used pyrethroid pediculosis and can be the result of various amino acid substitutions within the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC). In this study, 54 sequences from varied specimens were investigated to monitor well-known resistance mutations and probable new mutations. The Pediculus humanus capitis de Geer specimens were collected from 13 provinces in Iran. The specimens were stored in 70% ethanol until DNA extraction and PCR amplification of ~900-bp fragment of VSSC. The sequences were analyzed using different bioinformatics software for the detection of well-known kdr substitutions and additional mutations potentially associated with kdr resistance in head lice. There were six new and an old (haplotype I) kdr haplotypes within the Iranian head louse population. K794E, F815I, and N818D amino acid substitutions were reported for the first time. The P813H mutation was the most prevalent amino acid substitution in eight provinces. Among 53 sequences, 26 (49%) were homozygous susceptible, and 27 (51%) were heterozygotes. Thus, 51% of the head lice collected in Iran harbored only the P813H allele. The exact test for the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium showed that genotype frequencies differed significantly from the expectation in East-Azerbaijan and Tehran provinces. Moreover, these populations had an inbreeding coefficient (Fis) <0, indicating the excess of heterozygotes. This observation suggests that the populations of head lice from Iran are currently under active selective pressure. For the rest of the populations, H-W equilibrium and the expectations were significantly in harmony. The results of the current study highlight molecular techniques in the accurate detection of resistance genotypes before their establishment within the head louse population. Accurate detection of resistant genotypes seems to be helpful in decision-making on lice control programs and resistance monitoring and management.

Vector-borne diseases and tourism in Iran: Current issues and recommendations.

Iran is one of the largest countries in the Middle East with lots of historical and natural attractions. This country has always been considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Several important vector-borne diseases have been reported from different parts of the country. Thus, having comprehensive and adequate knowledge about the main vector-borne diseases in Iran and their high-risk areas are really important. In this review, different provinces of Iran have been studied in terms of arthropod-borne diseases reported in the last decades. Reports indicated that some vector-borne diseases such as Leishmaniasis and CCHF had the highest incidence rate and they need serious attention. However, some diseases reported from Iran are not endemic, and all cases were imported such as Dengue fever. A group of arthropod-borne diseases was reported only from animals, and the health of travelers is not threatened such as Eyeworm infection.

A comprehensive entomological survey and evaluation of the efficacy of different therapies on a suspected delusional parasitosis case.

OBJECTIVE: Delusional parasitosis (DP) is one type of psychotic disorders. It is a multifactorial disorder with different etiologies. Given that very little attention is paid to entomological survey in these cases, a comprehensive study was designed and performed for the first time in Iran on a suspected DP case and its home from Shiraz during 2018-2019. METHODS: In this study, entomological survey, dermatological studies, and psychological and psychiatric interventions were done respectively on a 40-year-old man who was referred to as a suspected case of DP. RESULTS: No medical importance arthropods were collected from the patient's home. He was not infected with lice and other ectoparasites. Skin samples were negative for scabies, but he was infected with Demodex folliculorum at low level. Psychiatric studies showed that he was a secondary DP case with depression. No effect and partial remission were reported after treatment with risperidone (2-6 mg/d) and olanzapine (5 mg/d), respectively. Therapeutic effects of hypnotism were also not satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: In Iran, the most important challenges these patients faced with are as follows: the absence of a specific referral center, patients resort to self-treatment or traditional methods, and lack of a certain duration and dosage of antipsychotic for these cases. Comprehensive clinical trials should be done on this rare syndrome at the national level for better understanding the epidemiological profile of DP and finding the best method of treatment for Persian community.

Prevalence of allergenic arthropods in domestic dwellings of referrals to an asthma and allergy clinic in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Allergenic arthropods are crucial agents in inducing medically important respiratory diseases like asthma and the inflammation of the respiratory tract worldwide. AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of all arthropods in the dwellings of people referred to the asthma and allergy clinic in Shiraz. METHODS: This was was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants were 100 allergic patients who had tested positive (roach- and mite-sensitive). Mites were collected from their houses using a vacuum cleaner; other arthropods were caught with sticky traps. Direct observation and flotation methods were used and the samples were stored in 70% ethanol. Morphological characteristics were identified using valid taxonomic keys. RESULTS: Overall, 624 specimens were identified belonging to 14 orders (4 orders of mites: Astigmata, Cryptostigmata, Prostigmata and Mesostigmata; and 10 other arthropod orders: Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Thysanura, Thysanoptera, Entomobryomorpha, Blattodea, Siphonaptera, Pscoptera and Isopoda). The 2 most numerous species collected were Musca domestica and Dermanyssus gallinae. CONCLUSION: A small number of dwellings were infested with cockroaches; none were infested with the common house dust mites. The allergies induced in these patients could likely be attributed to other arthropods that are not considered main allergens in asthma and allergy clinics in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Health surveillance and prevention of infestation for these arthropods could have an immense impact on the control of the allergenic arthropod community, prevention of respiratory diseases, and personal health in Shiraz.

DNA-based detection of Leishmania and Crithidia species isolated from humans in cutaneous and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis from Shiraz and Kharameh, southern Iran.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Leishmania major and L. tropica are the main pathogens of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in several rural and some urban regions of Iran, respectively. The aim of this study was to detect Leishmania species, and update the distribution data of these species in humans suspected to CL in two endemic foci in southern Iran. METHODS: From March 2016 to March 2017, 276 positive samples from of 350 suspected cases were diagnosed and compared by different diagnostic methods, viz. microscopy, culture, and PCR. In PCR assay, four different gene identifications were performed including minicircle kDNA, and cysteine protease B genes for Leishmania detection, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and internal transcribed spacer 1 genes for Crithidia detection. RESULTS: In total, 68% (235/350) and 65.3% (177/271) of patients suspected of leishmaniasis were positive by microscopy and cultivation methods. In PCR assay, L. major, and L. tropica were detected in 86.2% (238/276), and 13.1% (36/276) of CL cases, respectively. Also, dermal L. infantum strain was isolated from 0.7% (2/276) of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis patients. In addition, Crithidia fasciculata was detected in two CL patients chronically infected with L. major. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: It appears that the epidemiology of CL has changed during the last decades and can complicate the control strategy aspects of CL in southern Iran. Therefore, more epidemiological, ecological, and gene polymorphism studies are needed to understand the pathogenic role of these species in human, as a main host of leishmaniasis in Iran.

Comparative efficacy of three pediculicides to treat head lice infestation in primary school girls: a randomised controlled assessor blind trial in rural Iran.

BACKGROUND: Head lice infestation (Pediculosis) is one of the most important health challenges particularly in primary school-aged children. It is often present among 6-11-year-old students in various tropical and temperate regions of the world. The aim of this study was to examine epidemiologic indices and comparative analysis of two pyrethroid-based and one non-chemical pediculicide products on head lice treatment of primary school girls in a rural setting of Fars province, south Iran, as part of a randomized controlled assessor blind trial. METHODS: Before treatment, infested students were screened using plastic detection combs to find live head lice. Three independent parallel groups, each with about 25 participants (#77) were eventually twice with a week apart treated with either 1% permethrin, 0.2% parasidose (d-phenothrin) or 4% dimeticone lotion preparations. In each case, a questionnaire form was completed on epidemiologic factors. Data were registered after a fortnight from primary scalp treatment and re-inspection on days 2, 6, 9 and 14. Data analyses were performed using Chi-square test with a P-value < 0.05 being taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: From 3728 inspected students, 87 (2.33%) girls were infested with head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1778. Ten students dropped out pertaining to exclusion criteria. No significant correlation was found between head lice infestation level and hair length, hair style, itching, nationality, age, settlement site and baths; but there was a significant relationship between age and hair style (P = 0.027). The efficacy values on each of the above re-inspection days from each of the three treatments were 81, 74, 70 and 63% for permethrin; 83, 92, 100 and 100% for dimeticone; and 96, 88, 96 and 92% for d-phenothrin; respectively. A quartile difference in efficacy of permethrin relative to dimeticone on day 14 represented the scale of head lice resistance to permethrin treatment. There were significant statistical differences in case re-inspection days 9 (P = 0.008) and 14 (P = 0.003) post treatment. Only two dropout cases, one non-compliant and the other lost before the second-week treatment, from permethrin trial were observed following two applications a week apart. CONCLUSIONS: Dimeticone lotion had the fullest efficacy (100%) among all treatments. This high cure rate was attributed to the low level of infestation and the extent of patients' involvement. Parasidose swiftly ameliorated the infested cases by the second day since initial treatment. Female third grade students were the most infested cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials- IRCT2016041627408N1 , Dated: 21-08-2017.

The first detection of Amblyomma hebraeum (Acarina: Ixodidae) in Iran.

Amblyomma hebraeum (Koch, 1844), has been already reported from along the coast of South Africa, eastern Swaziland, southern Mozambique, eastern Botswana, and in southern and eastern regions of Zimbabwe. The aim of this study was to determine the ecto-parasites and the harmful arthropods of wildlife animals, collected from cages of Shiraz zoo in Fars province, southern Iran, in 2016. Accordingly, the Ticks collected from the white camels were identified as Amblyomma hebraeum. This species which was collected from white camel of Fars province, is reported for the first time from Iran. The presence of A. hebraeum poses a serious threat to the livestock industry in Iran and there is need to investigate the presence of this species in Iranian livestock.

Bionomics of phlebotomine sand flies species (Diptera: Psychodidae) and their natural infection with Leishmania and Crithidia in Fars province, southern Iran.

Phlebotominae sand flies are involved in human diseases, such as leishmaniasis, and cause a considerable number of deaths every year. Besides, some of them have been identified as allergen sources or the potential mechanical vectors related to nosocomial infections. The present study aimed to assess the monthly activity, fauna, and detection of protozoan agents in phlebotomine sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in re-emerging zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis foci of Shiraz and Kharameh in Fars province, southern Iran during 2016-2017. To determine the monthly activity, sand flies were caught from indoors and outdoors of both studied areas. Afterward, all female phlebotomine sand flies were processed for DNA extraction and PCR assays for Leishmania and Crithidia detections. During the study, 6975 sand flies of 16 species (eight Phlebotomus and eight Sergentomyia species) were caught in both foci. Sand flies' monthly activities started in early April and terminated in late November and October. Additionally, two active peaks of sand flies were observed in both foci; first in June and second in August to September. Phlebotomus papatasi (47.1%) was the most dominant species in out/indoors of both Shiraz (31.1%) and Kharameh (16.0%). It was also the only species which was found infected with Leishmania major, indeed, 2.68% and 2.53% of P. papatasi were infected to L. major in Kharameh and Shiraz, respectively. However, none of the female sand flies was positive for Crithidia spp. Despite various control strategies, especially against Leishmania, considerable cases of leishmaniasis are recorded from Iran every year. Phlebotomine plays the main role in transmission of Leishmania in these foci. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the role of different phlebotomine species in epidemiological aspects of leishmaniasis.

First survey of forensically important insects from human corpses in Shiraz, Iran.

The presence of insects on human cadavers has potential judicial value in medicolegal cases. This research emphasized the important role of insects in postmortem decomposition. It was conducted to investigate the composition and abundance of insects from human corpses during autopsies in legal medicine. It was implemented in the city of Shiraz, south Iran. Insects associated with human corpses were carefully collected and put into labelled vials. They were then identified using valid taxonomic keys. Fifteen outdoor (67%) and indoor discovered cadavers were examined. All but one was covered at the time of discovery. From these several species of entomofauna played important roles in the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI) estimate. Insects included the orders of Diptera and Coleoptera. Overall, 14 different species of arthropods were identified. Within Diptera, 2 families of Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae were present in 73% of the cases with Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy and Chrysomya albiceps Wiedemann accounting for about half of the cases. The latter family members, Calliphoridae, were more frequently (52%) collected in autumn and winter. Only 4/15 outdoor cadavers had beetles. Four species of Coleopterans; namely Dermestes frischii Kugelann, Nitidula flavomaculata Rossi, Creophilus maxillosus Linnaeus and Saprinus chalcites Illiger; were recorded for the first time from 3 corpses in Iran. The presence and diversity of different insects on human corpses could contribute to the advancement of forensic entomology knowledge and the refined estimates of minPMI in medicolegal cases.

The role of midgut symbiotic bacteria in resistance of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) to organophosphate insecticides.

In the current study, the effects of the presence of symbiotic bacteria on the activity of the enzymes involved in An. stephensi resistance to temephos are evaluated for the first time. Four different strains (I. susceptible strain, II. resistant strain, III. resistant strain + antibiotic, and IV. resistant strain + bacteria) were considered in order to determine the possible effects of the symbiotic bacteria on their hosts' resistance to temephos. The median values of all enzymes of susceptible strain were compared with those of other resistant strains. The results of this study indicated a direct relationship between the presence of bacteria in the symbiotic organs of An. stephensi and resistance to temephos. The profile of enzymatic activities in the resistant strain changed to a susceptible status after adding antibiotic. The resistance of An. stephensi to temephos could be completely broken artificially by removing their bacterial symbionts in a resistant population.

Natural transovarial and transstadial transmission of Leishmania infantum by naïve Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks blood feeding on an endemically infected dog in Shiraz, south of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The visceral leishmaniasis parasite, Leishmania infantum, is naturally transmitted through the bites of phlebotomine sand flies. Alternative routes of transmission are questioned. The main aim is to verify the passage of L. infantum kDNA in ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, blood feeding on a parasitemic dog in Shiraz, south of Iran. METHODS: A total of 180 Leishmania-free ticks collected from fields and bred on lab rodents, were divided into eight groups and allowed to feed on a dog (Canis familiaris) for fixed periods of time. These and all third generation stages of ticks were checked for L. infantum kDNA using conventional PCR protocol. RESULTS: The infection rate was significantly higher in female than male ticks (p=0.043). The rates were higher among nymphs (25/60; 42%) than adult ticks (37/120; 30.8%). The kDNA of L. infantum was not detected in ticks 24 h post-feeding. It was, however, positive among the second to fourth groups of nymphs (4/10; 40%, 10/20; 50% and 11/20; 55%) and adult (12/30; 40%, 14/30; 46.6% and 11/30; 36.6%) ticks. Eggs and unfed larvae recovered from the third and fourth adult groups (2 weeks, 4 weeks) were 100% PCR-positive. The data revealed the passage of L. infantum kDNA in nymphs and adults of brown dog tick following fixed time intervals post blood feeding on an infected dog. CONCLUSIONS: The natural transovarial and transstadial passage of kDNA through ticks was shown by PCR.