First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from domestic animals (sheep and cattle) and their animal-keepers in Ilam, western Iran: A zoonotic concern.

A total of 360 fecal samples were randomly collected from 150 cattle, 150 sheep, and 60 humans (30 people with close animal contact and 30 individuals without close animal contact) at 10 farms in Ilam, western Iran from June 2022 to August 2023. All samples were directly examined for Blastocystis by zinc sulfate flotation, followed by microscopic observation. Positive samples were further subtyped using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. A mean prevalence of 5.3% (16/300) was estimated for Blastocystis infection among examined animals, with 6% and 4.7% for cattle and sheep, respectively. Among the people who had close and non-close animal contact, 16.7% (5/30) and 3.3% (1/30) were infected with Blastocystis, respectively (p < 0.05). All 22 positive samples were successfully sequenced at the SSU rRNA locus. Accordingly, Blastocystis isolates infecting domestic animals in Ilam belonged to the four STs (ST1-ST3, and ST10). Of the 16 animal isolates, nine sequences (four ST10, three ST3, and two ST1) were related to cattle, and seven sequences (three ST10, two ST3, and two ST2) were isolated from sheep. Among the six human isolates, ST3 was the most predominant ST, followed by STs 1, 2, 6, and 7 (one case each). Of note, ST1-ST3 were isolated in various farms both from animals and their breeders, which indicates the possible circulation of these STs between animal and human populations.

Psychologically based interventions for adults with chronic neuropathic pain: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: As psychologically based interventions have been shown to have clinical utility for adults with chronic pain generally, a similar benefit might be expected in the management of chronic neuropathic pain (NeuP). However, to date, this has not been established, with existing systematic reviews on this topic being hampered by the scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review aimed to identify the type of psychologically based interventions studied for adults with chronic NeuP. It also aimed to assess whether there are enough RCTs to justify undertaking an updated systematic review. METHODS: Seven databases and 2 clinical trial registries were searched for NeuP and psychologically based interventions from database inception to December 2021, and the search was updated in February 2023. The search was broadened by reviewing the reference list of included studies and contacting field experts. Predetermined study characteristics were extracted. RESULTS: Of 4682 records screened, 33 articles (less than 1%) met the eligibility criteria. Four broad intervention approaches were observed, including cognitive-behavioral approaches (n = 16), mindfulness/meditation (n = 10), trauma-focused therapy (n = 4), and hypnosis (n = 3). Thirteen RCTs were identified, and of these, 9 retained 20 participants in each arm after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive-behavioral therapy was the most common therapeutic approach identified, whereas mindfulness/meditation was the most frequently used technique. Almost half to two-thirds of the studies reported significant improvements in pain, disability, or distress, which suggests that psychologically based interventions are potentially beneficial for adults with chronic NeuP. An updated systematic review seems warranted. STUDY REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io) (December 6, 2021; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/WNSTM).

Review of osmotic dehydration: Promising technologies for enhancing products' attributes, opportunities, and challenges for the food industries.

Osmotic dehydration (OD) is an efficient preservation technology in that water is removed by immersing the food in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes. The application of OD in food processing offers more benefits than conventional drying technologies. Notably, OD can effectively remove a significant amount of water without a phase change, which reduces the energy demand associated with latent heat and high temperatures. A specific feature of OD is its ability to introduce solutes from the hypertonic solution into the food matrix, thereby influencing the attributes of the final product. This review comprehensively discusses the fundamental principles governing OD, emphasizing the role of chemical potential differences as the driving force behind the molecular diffusion occurring between the food and the osmotic solution. The kinetics of OD are described using mathematical models and the Biot number. The critical factors essential for optimizing OD efficiency are discussed, including product characteristics, osmotic solution properties, and process conditions. In addition, several promising technologies are introduced to enhance OD performance, such as coating, skin treatments, freeze-thawing, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, centrifugation, and pulsed electric field. Reusing osmotic solutions to produce innovative products offers an opportunity to reduce food wastes. This review explores the prospects of valorizing food wastes from various food industries when formulating osmotic solutions for enhancing the quality and nutritional value of osmotically dehydrated foods while mitigating environmental impacts.

Deciphering the level of genetic diversity in some aegilops species using CAAT box-derived polymorphism (CBDP) and start codon target polymorphism (SCoT) markers.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining genetic diversity is of the most essential principle for a long-term conservation of plant genetic resources and could play a crucial role in their management. The genus Aegilops is one important member of wheat germplasm, and there are evidences that novel genes of this genus' species can be studied/utilized as ideal sources for the wheat cultivar improvement. The objective of this study was to dissect the genetic diversity and population structure among a set of Iranian Aegilops using two gene-based molecular markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated the level of genetic diversity among 157 Aegilops accessions consisting of Ae. tauschii Coss. (DD genome), Ae. crassa Boiss. (DDMM genome), and Ae. cylindrica Host. (CCDD genome) belonging to NPGBI using two sets of CBDP and SCoT markers. The SCoT and CBDP primers yielded 171 and 174 fragments, out of which 145 (90.23%) and 167 (97.66%) fragments were polymorphic, respectively. The average of polymorphism information content (PIC)/ marker index (MI)/resolving power (Rp) for SCoT and CBDP markers were 0.32/3.59/16.03 and 0.29/3.01/16.26, respectively. Results of AMOVA revealed the genetic variability within species was greater than the variation observed among them (SCoT: 88% vs. 12%; CBDP: 72% vs. 28%; SCoT + CBDP: 80% vs. 20%). Based on the information obtained from both markers, the higher level of genetic diversity was found in Ae. tauschii as compared to other species. The grouping patterns obtained by Neighbor-joining algorithms, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and Bayesian-model-based structure were consistent with each other and resulted in grouping all studied accessions according to their genomic constitutions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed a high level of genetic diversity among Iranian Aegilops germplasm. Moreover, SCoT and CBDP marker systems were efficient in deciphering DNA polymorphism and classification of Aegilops germplasm.

Predictors of nurses' reporting for work at the time of epidemics and natural disasters; solutions for hospital surge capacity.

PURPOSE: To identify the predictors of nurses' presence at hospitals at the time of three types of disasters. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was performed using a researcher-generated questionnaire. METHODS: This study was performed on 350 nurses of five public hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire in which the respondents were asked about their decisions on reporting for work in the event of three scenarios: epidemic of an unknown contagious respiratory disease, earthquake, and flood. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data. FINDINGS: The four predictors of nurses reporting for work include receiving trainings on disasters, and concerns on the non-compensation for providing services following the disaster, concerns about family safety and workplace safety. CONCLUSION: Although slightly different factors affect the willingness of participants to report for work in each scenario, they can be put in two main categories; namely as personal and impersonal. Devising a family disaster plan and providing educational programs on self-care are two main strategies to increase the chances of presence at work following disasters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of more nurses in the hospital at the time of disasters can significantly improve the quality of care, and clinical outcomes of patients and disaster victims.

Global prevalence, subtypes distribution, zoonotic potential, and associated risk factors of Blastocystis sp. in domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. is a widely distributed protist among humans and various animal hosts, with significant prevalence in developing countries. Due to the zoonotic nature of its subtypes (STs), we aimed at global estimation of the prevalence, STs distribution, zoonotic potential, and associated risk factors of Blastocystis sp. infection in domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and wild pigs/wild boars (Sus scrofa). The study was designed and conducted in 2021 via searching articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, based on the PRISMA checklist, and meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Totally, 43 papers (47 datasets) reported data on 7977 examined pigs in 24 countries with a total prevalence of 50.9% (95% CI: 42.8-59%). In details, prevalence was higher among domestic pigs [52.4% (95% CI: 43.9-60.7%)] than wild boars [31.2% (95% CI: 11.2-62%)], but is poorly statistically supported as far as the CIs largely overlap. Out of 28 reported STs, nine (ST1-ST7, ST10, and ST15) were reported from domestic pigs, while six (ST1, ST3-ST5, ST8, and ST15) had been isolated from wild boars. Among nine zoonotic STs (ST1-ST8, and ST12), all were identified in examined swine populations, except for ST12. As well, ST1 and ST5 were probably the most frequently circulating STs among these animals. In addition, male and older pigs showed higher Blastocystis sp. infection. Altogether, Blastocystis epidemiology and the distribution of its related STs in pigs is still open to question and requires more extensive studies, especially in the neglected regions of the world.

Global prevalence and associated risk factors of diarrheagenic Giardia duodenalis in HIV/AIDS patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Giardia duodenalis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, mostly in underdeveloped nations of Africa and Asia. The present review provides insights into the prevalence, odds ratios (ORs) and associated risk factors of giardiasis in HIV/AIDS patients. Four major English databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were excavated for relevant literature without time limitation until 20 November 2020. Next, meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). As well, heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and the I2-statistic. Totally, 19,218 HIV/AIDS patients in 130 studies were examined, showing a 5% (95% CI: 4.2%-6%) pooled prevalence. Also, the weighted random-effects OR of G. duodenalis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with their controls in 48 case-control studies was estimated as 1.71% (95% CI: 1.1%-2.66%, p = 0.016). Based on sensitivity analysis, there was no remarkable variation in the pooled OR upon omitting individual studies. Diarrhea was a potent risk factor, since HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea were 3.8-times (95% CI: 1.6-8.9, p = 0.002) more prone to G. duodenalis infection than those without diarrhea. Moreover, the prevalence of the parasitic infection was 1.2-times higher in patients without antiretroviral therapy (ART) than those with ART (p = 0.312). Meta-regression was employed to evaluate the possible association between G. duodenalis frequency in HIV/AIDS patients and some variables such as sample size, publication year, and HDI. Additionally, the pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was estimated based on several subgroups, including publication years, WHO regions, countries, continents, country incomes, and CD4+ T-cell levels. Altogether, the epidemiology of giardiasis in HIV/AIDS patients and its association with various risk factors is still open to question and requires more detailed and comprehensive investigations.

Confirmed cases of human Onchocerca lupi infection: a systematic review of an emerging threat.

Diverse Onchocerca species are present mostly parasitizing ungulates, with the exception of Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus) in humans and O. lupi in canids and cats. The human cases due to the O. lupi have been more highlighted during last years. So, the present review was performed to determine the detailed characteristics of confirmed human O. lupi case reports documented worldwide. Hence, a systematic search was done using English international databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar). Totally, 14 confirmed human cases were documented during the last decade, mostly from the USA and Turkey with 7 and 3 cases, respectively. Most cases (7 individuals) were male with the age range of 22-month-old to 54-year-old. The parasite was frequently isolated from the right eye (5 cases), followed by the left eye (4 cases), cervical spinal canal (3 cases), scalp, and right forearm (one case each). Molecular identification of the isolated agent was the preferred way of diagnosis in most cases (9 records). In conclusion, human O. lupi cases have been more highlighted in recent years, whether due to the improved diagnostics and/or host-switching phenomenon, and both veterinarians and healthcare authorities should be alerted.

Effects of Mood Induction on the Pain Responses in Patients with Migraine and the Role of Pain Catastrophizing.

UNLABELLED: Migraine has close associations with depression and anxiety. Catastrophizing, an alarmist reaction to pain, has been proposed as one of the mediators in the relationship between headache and emotional distress. However, much experimental evidence is needed to make such a view more validated. The aims of this study are to examine the effects of mood induction on the pain responses and to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing in the relationship between pain and mood amongst a sample of patients with migraine. For this purpose, 60 patients with migraine were recruited from a headache clinic in Tehran-Iran and were randomly assigned into one of three groups: negative mood induced group, positive mood induced group and control group. The following instruments and measures were used in this study: mood induction by presenting different types of films (positive, negative), a computerized cognitive task to elicit pain, Beck Depression Inventory and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. The results showed that while the induction of depressed mood increased the pain intensity, the induction of positive mood reduced it significantly (p < 0.05). Further analyses revealed that catastrophizing is as a confounding factor in the relationship between pain and mood. Once catastrophizing scores were entered into the analyses as a covariate, the significant effect of mood on the pain intensity reduced. In conclusion, both mood and catastrophizing are important factors in understanding the migraine pain. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed in the paper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Pain-related catastrophizing and mood induction are important factors in understanding pain intensity amongst patients with migraine pain. Catastrophizing as a confounding factor in the relationship between pain and mood may partially mediate the relationship between mood and pain. Therapeutic interventions should focus on the reduction of depression and catastrophizing.

Valproic Acid attenuates disease symptoms and increases endogenous myelin repair by recruiting neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte progenitors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: inefficient remyelination of demyelinated plaques in multiple sclerosis (ms) leads to secondary axon degeneration and progressive disability. therapies that potentiate remyelination would be of immense help for managing MS. OBJECTIVE: Here, we report the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on focal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (fEAE). METHODS: fEAE was induced in Wistar rats by immunizing the animals with guinea pig spinal cord homogenate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant and with pertussis toxin (PT) injection into the spinal cord at the level of T8 vertebra on day 18 after immunization. VPA 300 mg/kg was applied for 4 days after or 8 days before PT administration. Behavioral evaluation, histological assessment and immunohistofluorescence assays were used to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: VPA administration had no effect on the development of symptoms, but after discontinuing VPA, animals showed faster recovery. Eight days of pretreatment with VPA accelerated the recovery phase of EAE and increased the number of remyelinated axons in the lesion area. VPA pretreatment also increased the recruitment of neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte precursors within the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest VPA as a potential therapy for remyelinating the lesions in MS and for faster recovery from disease relapses. The effect of VPA seems to be mediated by endogenous progenitors recruitment.

Psychometric properties of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised among a sample of non-clinical Iranian women.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of a Persian version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (P-FSDS-R) among a sample of healthy Iranian women. METHODS: A total of 562 healthy Iranian women completed a battery of questionnaires, including the P-FSDS-R, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS) and Locke-Wallace-Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT). The factor structure and the convergent and divergent validity of the P-FSDS-R were examined, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Pearson product-moment correlations, respectively. To examine the discriminant validity of the P-FSDS-R, data collected from 562 healthy participants were compared with data from 108 women with sexual problems who completed the P-FSDS-R measure. RESULTS: The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicate that the P-FSDS-R is conceptualized within a one - factor model. The results also indicate that the P-FSDS-R has good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Significant correlations in the predicted directions between the P-FSDS-R scores and the scores of DASS, PANAS and LWMAT support both the convergent and divergent validity of the FSDS-R. The results also indicate that the scores of the P-FSDS-R tests significantly differentiated women with and without sexual problems. CONCLUSIONS: In general, these findings support the reliability and the validity of the P-FSDS-R among Iranian women.

First Sero-Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Infections in the Police Dogs and Their Trainers in Iran.

PURPOSE: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. are two types of parasites that can infect humans and various animals, including dogs. Police dogs and their trainers have a vital role in law enforcement, and their health and well-being are crucial for them to effectively carry out their duties. No study has yet been conducted on the prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections among police dogs and their trainers in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the sero-molecular prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections in police dogs and their trainers in Tehran, the capital of Iran. METHODS: In Tehran province, the anti-narcotics police have nearly 200 well-trained police dogs. Each dog is assigned a dedicated trainer and upon completing missions, is housed separately in a designated area. In the present study, a total of 150 samples were gathered. These included 50 blood samples from randomly selected police dogs, 50 fecal samples from the same dogs, and 50 blood samples from their trainers. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to detect T. gondii antibodies in dog blood samples and the ELISA system was utilized to identify anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Toxocara antibodies in the sera of the dog trainers. A specific segment of the SAG2 and ITS genes were amplified via nested-PCR in order to molecularly detect T. gondii in human blood samples and Toxocara spp. in dog fecal samples. RESULTS: Regarding serological findings, the prevalence of T. gondii in dog and human blood samples was 4% (2/50) and 10% (5/50), respectively. According to reports, the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in human blood samples was 6% (3/50). No statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of the examined parasites and variables (age, sex, and breed) in dogs, as well as the age variable in military personnel. Molecular findings showed that out of the 50 dog fecal samples and 50 human blood samples, there was no presence of Toxocara spp. and T. gondii, respectively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the prevalence of parasitic infections helps public health officials assess the risk to human and animal populations. This information can guide the development of prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of these infections. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly T. gondii and Toxocara spp., in police dogs and their trainers remains uncertain and necessitates further in-depth research.

Global epidemiology and species/genotype distribution of Cryptosporidium in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review analyzed reported data of Cryptosporidium prevalence in camels and the species/genotype distribution. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) were screened, and studies published by April 1, 2024, were included. Total estimates and 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. The weighted prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 7372 camels examined from 12 different countries was estimated at 13.8% with a 95% CI of 10.3-18.4%. The sensitivity analysis based on excluding the individual studies did not result in significant statistical changes in the final weighted prevalence. Subgroup prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in camels was analyzed by publication year, continent, WHO region, country, camel type, sample size, diagnostic method, age, and gender. A significant publication bias (P < 0.05) was reported in the present study. Limitations encountered in this study encompassed: insufficient study diversity, reliance on single study results, inadequate molecular and serological studies in comparison to microscopic studies, etc., all of which could impact the findings. The study identified eight Cryptosporidium spp. in camels: C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. bovis, C. muris, C. ratti, C. occultus, C. ubiquitum, and C. hominis. The first three species had pooled prevalence rates of 65.5%, 66%, and 19.2%, respectively. Each of the remaining five species was documented using a single dataset/study. Moreover, genotypes IIdA19G1, IIaA15G1R1, If-like-A15G2, IIdA15G1, IIaA15G2R1, IIaA17G2R1, and IIaA18G2R1 (C. parvum), genotype IV (C. ratti), genotype XIIa (C. ubiquitum), and genotype IkA19G1 (C. hominis) have been identified in camels globally. The findings suggest that camels can act as a source of infection for a variety of Cryptosporidium species/genotypes, and can therefore play a key role in disseminating this protozoan to humans and animals.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats was attenuated by endurance exercise through the inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), as a ventricular dysfunction, is one of the main causes of death in diabetic patients. Former evidence revealed the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiovascular complications of diabetes. We aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on DCM. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, diabetic, metformin (300 mg/kg), HIIT, MICT, metformin + HIIT, and metformin + MICT diabetic groups. Serum biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indicators, gene expression of BCL2 and BAX, and histopathologic changes of cardiac tissue were assessed. Our analysis revealed an increase in fasting blood sugar (FBS), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in diabetes. Also, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and the total thiol were decreased, in contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased in the cardiac tissue of the diabetic group. All of these changes were significantly ameliorated in diabetic animals treated with exercise and metformin + exercise. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), as well as the infiltration of inflammatory cells, were decreased in the heart of all exercise training groups. Up-regulation of BCL2 and down-regulation of BAX gene expressions were observed in the cardiac tissue of all exercise-treated groups. In conclusion, HIIT and MICT exercises are effective in preventing DCM development. Exercise training, besides improving oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiac tissue, alleviates cardiac damage by modulating the apoptotic gene expression in diabetic rats.

First Molecular Identification and Subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in the Most Consumed Edible Marine Fish of Iran: A Foodborne Concern.

PURPOSE: The presence of Blastocystis sp. is commonly observed in humans and different animals, displaying a wide range of genetic variations with the discovery of multiple subtypes (STs). However, the prevalence and distribution of these STs in edible marine fish and marine mammals remain uncertain. This study marks the first survey conducted in Iran and the second global molecular investigation to examine the occurrence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in various species of edible marine fish. METHODS: This study screened 200 fresh intestinal contents from 10 well-known fish species (Narrow-barred mackerel, Indo-pacific king mackerel, Tigertooth croaker, Silver pomfret, Black pomfret, Longtail tuna, John's snapper, Blackspotted croaker, Four-finger threadfin, and Javelin grunter) in southern Iran, caught in the Persian Gulf. All collected samples were evaluated by microscopy and SSU-PCR methods. RESULTS: Based on both microscopy and PCR, the overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in evaluated fish species was 2% (4/200). In brief, Blastocystis sp. was reported from Narrow-barred mackerel [10% (2/20)], Silver pomfret [5% (1/20)], and Tigertooth croaker [5% (1/20)]. Interestingly, among infected fish species three zoonotic STs (ST1, ST2, and ST7) were identified. ST2 was the most predominant ST [50% (2/4)], followed by ST1 and ST7, one sample each [5% (1/20)]. CONCLUSION: Overall, the prevalence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in edible marine fish along with the possibility of its zoonotic transmission are still open to question and require extensive and more detailed studies.

First molecular subtyping and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis sp. in Dromedary (C. dromedarius) and Bactrian (C. bactrianus) camels in Iran: A molecular epidemiology and review of available literature.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis sp. is a zoonotic protozoan parasite, and there is limited information about its molecular prevalence and subtypes (STs) distribution in camels globally, especially in Iran. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the prevalence, STs distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in one-humped and two-humped camels in Ardabil province, northwestern Iran. METHODS: A PCR-sequencing tool using the SSU rRNA gene was employed to examine the occurrence and genetic variation of Blastocystis sp. in 150 faecal samples from Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus, 50 samples) and Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius, 100 samples) camels in Ardabil province. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in camels was determined to be 12% (18/150) through microscopy and PCR analyses. Phylogenetically, this study identified three distinct zoonotic STs: ST7, ST10, and ST14. ST10 was the most prevalent, comprising 50% (9/18) of the isolated STs from camels. ST14 closely followed with 38.9% (7/18), while ST7 made up 11.1% (2/18) of the total STs. In brief, ST10, ST14, and ST7 represented 50% (7/14), 35.7% (5/14), and 14.3% (2/14) of the Blastocystis-positive cases in one-humped camels, respectively. Further, each of the ST10 and ST14 accounted for 50% (2/4) of the Blastocystis-positive samples in two-humped camels. An analysis of the available data reveals that out of the 37-44 identified Blastocystis STs, 15 (ST1-ST7, ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST24, ST25, ST26, and ST30) have been reported in camels. The predominant STs observed are ST10 and ST14. Furthermore, among the 15 zoonotic STs (ST1-ST10, ST12-ST14, ST16, and ST23) of Blastocystis reported thus far, nine zoonotic STs (ST1-ST7, ST10, and ST14) have been found in camels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that camels serve as a proper reservoir for a diverse array of Blastocystis STs and thereby can play a significant role in the transmission of this protozoan infection to humans, animals, and water reservoirs.

Molecular epidemiology and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in individuals attending major public hospitals in Shiraz, southwestern Iran: A public health concern.

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease worldwide, and is often associated with outbreaks of diarrhea in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in individuals attending major public hospitals in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. From August 2022 to May 2023, a total of 614 stool samples from individuals were collected and initially examined for G. duodenalis cysts using parasitological techniques, sucrose flotation, and microscopy. Microscopy-positive samples were validated by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. A multilocus genotyping (MLG) scheme, which focused on the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes, was employed for genotyping purposes. G. duodenalis cysts were found in 7.5% (46/614) and 8.5% (52/614) of samples through microscopy and SSU-PCR, respectively. Successful amplification and sequencing results were obtained for 77.3% (17/22) and 45.5% (10/22) of the infected samples at the tpi and gdh loci, respectively. MLG data for the two loci were available for only five samples. Out of the 22 samples genotyped at any loci, 54.5% (12/22) were identified as assemblage A, while 45.5% (10/22) were identified as assemblage B. AII was the most predominant sub-assemblage identified [54.5% (12/22)], followed by BIII [27% (6/22)], discordant BIII/BIV [13.6% (3/22)], and BIV [4.5% (1/22)]. In the present study, no assemblages suited for non-human animal hosts (e.g., C-F) were detected. This suggests that the transmission of human giardiasis in Shiraz is primarily anthroponotic. Further molecular-based analyses are necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings. These analyses will also help determine the presence and public health importance of the parasite in environmental samples, such as drinking water.

Comparative molecular epidemiology, subtype distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in Equus animals (horses, donkeys, and mules) in northwestern Iran.

A total of 500 fecal samples were collected from Equus animals in six different cities (Ardabil, Namin, Nir, Meshginshahr, Germi, and Khalkhal) of Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran, with 200 samples from horses, 200 from donkeys, and 100 from mules. Of the horse samples, 100 were from racing horses under special monitoring and care, while the remaining 100 were from non-racing horses, including those used for herding or in rural areas. All fecal samples were examined for the presence of Blastocystis sp. using PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene's barcode region after DNA extraction. The molecular prevalence of Blastocystis infection in Equus animals was 7.6% (38/500). Blastocystis was more common in horses [11.5% (23/200)] than in donkeys [5.5% (11/200)] and mules [4% (4/100)] (P > 0.05). Compared to racing horses [3% (3/100)], non-racing/rural horses [20% (20/100)] exhibited a substantially higher prevalence of Blastocystis (P < 0.05). The prevalence of Blastocystis in diarrheal samples and younger animals was remarkably higher than in formed samples and older animals, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant difference in Blastocystis infection prevalence was found between the genders of examined animals (P > 0.05). In Equus animals, 38 Blastocystis isolates included eight STs: ST10 [31.6% (12/38)], ST1 [21.1% (8/38)], ST2 [15.8% (6/38)], ST3 [10.5% (4/38)], ST4 [7.9% (3/38)], ST7 [5.2% (2/38)], ST14 [5.2% (2/38)], and ST6 [2.6% (1/38)]. These results suggest that Equus animals act as a proper reservoir for numerous Blastocystis STs, consequently playing a crucial part in the spread of this protozoan infection to humans, animals, and water reservoirs.

Identification of Blastocystis spp. in Urban Rodents of Different Districts in Southwestern Iran: Subtype Distribution and Possible Zoonotic Potential.

PURPOSE: Rodents are one of the most abundant and diverse species of mammals and have recently been identified as carriers of numerous human pathogens. The current study was conducted to assess the prevalence, subtype (STs) distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis spp. in various species of rodents in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. METHODS: For this aim, a total of 120 fresh fecal samples were collected from Mus musculus (n = 40), Rattus norvegicus (n = 40), and Rattus rattus (n = 40) in various municipality districts of Shiraz (6 out of 10 districts) between February and November 2020. Upon detecting parasites using light microscopy, a DNA fragment of the Blastocystis SSU rDNA gene was amplified using conventional PCR. RESULTS: By employing direct wet mount examination, 8 out of 120 fecal samples (6.7%; 2 from house mice, 3 from black rats, and 3 from brown rats) tested positive. Similarly, 5% (2/40) of house mice, 7.5% (3/40) of black rats, and 7.5% (3/40) of brown rats tested positive using the molecular method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Blastocystis infecting different rodent species in Shiraz belonged to two potentially zoonotic STs (ST1 and ST4). Accordingly, rodents should not be overlooked as potential reservoirs of zoonotic Blastocystis infections. Different sampled urban districts and their statistical association with reported prevalence rates were analyzed separately. CONCLUSION:  Overall, the issue of the frequency and ST distribution of Blastocystis in urban rodents of Iran is still open to question and for a proper understanding, wider and more comprehensive studies are needed.

Development of New PCR Protocols to Detect Genetic Diversity in the Metronidazole Metabolism Genes in Susceptible and Refractory Clinical Samples of Giardia duodenalis.

PURPOSE: Investigating the genetic variation in thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and nitroreductase (NR) genes in both treatment-resistant and -sensitive Giardia duodenalis isolates can provide valuable information in identifying potential markers of resistance to metronidazole. The rapid increase in metronidazole treatment failures suggests the presence of genetic resistance mechanisms. By analyzing these genes, researchers can gain insights into the efficacy of metronidazole against G. duodenalis and potentially develop alternative treatment strategies. In this regard, four G. duodenalis isolates (two clinically sensitive and two clinically resistant to metronidazole) were collected from various hospitals of Shiraz, southwestern Iran. METHODS: Parasitological methods including sucrose flotation and microscopy were employed for the primary confirmation of G. duodenalis cysts in stool samples. Microscopy-positive samples were approved by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. All four positive G. duodenalis specimens at SSU-PCR were afterward analyzed utilizing designed primers based on important metronidazole metabolism genes including TrxR, NR1, and NR2. RESULTS: Unlike TrxR gene, the results of NR1 and NR2 genes showed that there are non-synonymous variations between sequences of treatment-sensitive and -resistant samples compared to reference sequences. Furthermore, the outcomes of molecular docking revealed that there is an interaction between the protein sequence and spatial shape of treatment-resistant samples and metronidazole in the position of serine amino acid based on the NR1 gene. CONCLUSION: This issue can be one of the possible factors involved in the resistance of Giardia parasites to metronidazole. To reach more accurate results, a large sample size along with simulation and advanced molecular dynamics investigations are needed.