Is GRA6 Gene a Suitable Marker for Molecular Typing of Toxoplasma Gondii? A Scoping Systematic Review.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide prevalence that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to summarize available data on genotyping T. gondii strains based on the GRA6 gene marker in different hosts around the world. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) from inception until December 2021. We identified 32 papers eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The majority of studies (50%) were carried out in Iran (n = 16) to identify T. gondii genotypes based on the GRA6 gene. Other countries with reported studies include China, Japan, Sweden, and Italy (n = 2 each). Out of 3,434 samples collected from various hosts, most studies (n = 11) focused on human samples (34.4%), followed by ovine (n = 7), pig (n = 4), goat (n = 3) and soil and cattle (n = 2).Using various molecular methods such as conventional PCR, nested-PCR, real-time PCR, microsatellite analysis, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), we found DNA positive results in 805 out of 3,434 samples. Of these, 285 (35.40%), 207 (25.71%), 182 (22.60%), 65 (8.07%), and 18 (2.23%) were infected with types I, II, III, mix I, II, III, and mix II, III, respectively. Our data demonstrate that the GRA6 gene marker has sufficient polymorphism to detect three types of T. gondii genotypes in various hosts. Identifying the specific genotype could be valuable in developing new strategies for treatment, vaccination, diagnosis, control, and prevention of T. gondii infection.

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.

Domestic dogs carriers of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania tropica and Crithidia fasciculata as potential reservoirs for human visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) have been reported in some districts of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran, particularly in rural areas. Recent epidemiological evidence in Leishmania infantum endemic regions of in Iran indicates approximately 50%-80% of seropositive dogs are asymptomatic for Leishmania infection. OBJECTIVES: The goal in this study was to determine Leishmania species infecting domestic dogs in Golestan Province, Iran. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2016, blood samples were obtained from 100 domestic dogs in rural regions of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran. All samples were tested for anti-Leishmania antibodies using a direct agglutination test (DAT), and for Leishmania spp. kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) using PCR. RESULTS: Seven (7%) dogs were antibody positive and 25 dogs (25%) were Leishmania spp. DNA positives by PCR positive for leishmaniasis. Four of the seven (71%) antibody-positive dogs and 19 of the 25 (76%) PCR-positive dogs were asymptomatic. The rate of infection detected by PCR was significantly higher in male dogs (21/75, 28%) than that in female dogs (4/25, 16%). The ITS1 PCR-RFLP assay identified the presence of L. infantum, L. tropica or Crithidia spp. in the 25 PCR-positive samples. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of asymptomatic dogs in the study areas represent they act as potential reservoirs in the transmission cycle of Leishmania spp. and also Crithidia fasciculata as an emerging agent for the first time. Moreover, our data showed that PCR is a more reliable assay than DAT for detecting Leishmania spp. infection among asymptomatic dogs.

Molecular identification and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD).

This study aimed to investigate the presence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). In this study, 211 BALF samples were collected from patients with CRD during the COVID-19 pandemic who were candidates for fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran and investigated for Acanthamoeba spp., by PCR. A total of 211 FBAL samples were examined; 5 (5/211; 2.36%) were positive by using the PCR test for Acanthamoeba spp. According to sequence analysis, three strains belonged to the T4 genotype and one strain to the T2 genotype. Our data demonstrate that the presence of Acanthamoeba (T4 and T2) in BALF specimens of patients with respiratory infections. However, it is important to note that these findings may be merely accidental. Our findings suggest further investigation to fully understand the role of Acanthamoeba spp. in the pathogenesis of lung infections.

Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) exacerbates dermal lesions caused by Leishmania major and comparatively unresponsive to meglumine antimoniate treatment.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the possible role of Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) in the severity of dermal lesions and treatment failure due to Leishmania major. METHODS: The drug susceptibility of 14 clinical isolates of L.major, including resistant (n = 7) and sensitive (n = 7) isolates, was checked in the J774A.1 macrophage cell line. The presence of LRV2 among isolates was investigated by the RdRp gene and semi-nested PCR. Moreover, 1 × 106 sensitive L. major LRV2+ and LRV2- promastigotes were inoculated subcutaneously into the base tails of the 40 BALB/c mice divided into 4 groups (n = 10 in each group), including clinical LRV2+, clinical LRV2-, positive control LRV2+ and negative control LRV2-. The groups were infected with a unique isolate. The lesion size and parasite burden were evaluated. RESULTS: Sensitive and resistant isolates were determined by the drug susceptibility method. A higher presence of LRV2 was observed among MA-resistant isolates (6/7) compared with susceptible isolates (4/7), which was not statistically significant (P = 0.237). On the other hand, a comparison of the lesion sizes between the LRV2+ and LRV2- BALB/c mice groups revealed that the mean size of the lesion in the LRV2+ groups was significantly higher than the LRV2- (P = 0.034). In the same direction, there was an increased parasite burden in mice inoculated with LRV2+ groups compared with the LRV2- BALB/c mice groups (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the presence of LRV2 could be one of the factors contributing to exacerbating CL. Although we found a higher presence of LRV2 in the resistant isolates, it seems that further investigations are recommended to determine the detailed association between lesions' aggravation and being comparatively unresponsive to treatment.

Promising potent in vitro activity of curcumin and quercetin nano-niosomes against Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonosis, caused by infection with a motile protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Since the 1960s, metronidazole has been used as a drug of choice. Considering increased resistance to anti-trichomonial drugs, alternative treatments are urgently needed. In this study, the standard strain of T. vaginalis was cultured in TYM medium. Curcumin and quercetin loaded with hyaluronic acid niosomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method. The mean vesicle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of each prepared formulation were characterized, and its anti-Trichomonas activity was assessed by concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/ml. The cytotoxicity effects of the mentioned drugs were determined using a MTT assay on L929 fibroblast cell viability. The particle sizes of curcumin, quercetin, and curcumin-quercetin entrapped modified nano-niosomes were characterised as 243 ± 5.28, 223 ± 7.21 and 266 ± 4.81 nm. The results showed that quercetin and curcumin at a concentration of 100 mg/ml after 24 h had anti-T. vaginalis activity. However, curcumin at a concentration of 100 at time 3h with 97% growth inhibition had better performance than positive control (metronidazole). According to the results of the MTT assay, all drugs, even at the highest concentration (400 mg/ml), had no toxic effect on the fibroblast cell line. According to potent in vitro activity of curcumin and quercetin nanoniosomes against T. vaginalis in comparison with metronidazole, it can be concluded these compounds could be promising therapeutic candidates for trichomonosis in future.

Two decades of echinococcosis/hydatidosis research: Bibliometric analysis based on the web of science core collection databases (2000-2019).

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus multilocularis are responsible for serious health and economic implications for humans and animals. This study was designed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of global research on echinococcosis/hydatidosis included in the Web of Science Core Collection databases from 2000 to 2019. A total of 7066 relevant articles between 2000 and 2019 were identified. Most articles were published in 2015 (502 articles), 2017 (492 articles) and 2018 (493 articles), with the Veterinary Parasitology journal publishing the largest number of articles (237). Researchers from Xinjiang Medical University, China authored the most articles (388) in the field. Authors Craig, P.S. and Deplazes, P. were the most active in publishing143 and 126 hydatid cyst research papers, respectively. The most echinococcosis/hydatidosis publications originated from Turkey, China and Iran, with 1210, 708 and 531 articles, respectively. The highest levels of research collaboration were evident between China- England, China-France, England-France, China-Australia, and China-Japan. Also, the top researchers in this field had relatively extensive collaborations with each other. Our bibliometric analysis provides a picture of the scientific research into the echinococcosis/hydatidosis field. Further multi-national collaborative research efforts in this field should show promising progress in the future.

An overview on liposomal delivery and adjuvant development for leishmaniosis vaccines.

Leishmaniosis is caused by different species of Leishmania parasites. The available treatments for this disease have not provided strong consistent results yet. The weak response of current chemotherapeutics can be attributed to their deficient effects on stealth parasites inside macrophages, rapid clearance from the site of action, and systemic side effects in high doses. To enhance leishmaniosis vaccine efficacy, it is a valuable strategy to use liposomes as vaccine delivery systems due to combined increase in technological advances and understanding of the immune system. Liposomes that contain and deliver immunostimulators and antigens are now being developed to target diseases that require stimulation of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Hence, using particulate adjuvants, like liposomes for effective delivery to the antigen presenting cells (APCs) is important for improving leishmaniosis vaccine efficacy. This study aimed at reviewing liposomal adjuvants in vaccine development with specific accentuation on their adjuvant mechanism and surface charge. It also examined how specific physicochemical qualities of liposomes and the particle size during formulation design can affect the immune response.

Investigating the effects of vermicomposting process using Eisenia Fetida earthworms on the reduction of parasites population.

PURPOSE: The existence of parasite agents in natural organic fertilizers can lead to health problems and infection transmission. The aim of the present study was to survey the parasites' population reduction during the vermicomposting of the mixtures of municipal sewage sludge (SS) and cow dung (CD) using E. fetida earthworms. METHODS: The vermicomposting process was performed by using earthworms of E. fetida species. The composting process was conducted in 27 pilots for 3 months. The identification and counting of the parasites' population were carried out by Mac Master Slide, according to Bailenger method. RESULTS: The results indicated that the type and number of parasite elements decreased with increasing vermicomposting time. The cumulative removal percent of parasites for sewage sludge (96.10%) was more than the SS + CD (93.65%) and CD (92.93%) treatments. The results showed that after 90 days of vermicomposting, the highest cumulative reduction in the number of parasites was obtained for the treatments with 40 earthworms (98.48%), while the corresponding value for the treatments without earthworms was (88.66%). The statistical analysis indicated that in terms of the parasite's population, a significant difference was observed for the three kinds of compostable materials (P < 0.05), however, this difference was not significant for the three levels of the earthworms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the mixture of sewage sludge and cow dung in combination with sawdust could lead to greater and faster reduction in the parasite's population. In addition, the bio-transformed product can be used as useful manure.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous diseases: serological and molecular evidence.

This study aimed to determine Toxoplasma gondii infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran. During April 2019 to February 2020, 305 patients with RA (N=272) and SLE (N=33) diseases are included in this cross-sectional study. The baseline data of patients were collected into a questionnaire. Also, blood sample was taken from each patient in tubes containing k2-EDTA as anticoagulant for serological and molecular analyses. The presence of specific IgG antibody against T. gondii in plasma was explored using ELISA method. DNA was extracted and conventional-PCR method was done using RE primers on buffy coat samples. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG were detected among 105/272 RA (38.6%) and 11/33 (33%) SLE patients (P=0.55). IgG seropositivity was more common in females (95.70%) than in males (4.30%) and in 51-60 years old patients (37.10%) in rural populations (62.07%). Also, seropositivity was higher in patients who kept cats (93.95%). Keeping cats and patient's age were two studied risk factors which had significant relations with T. gondii seropositivity in patients (P<0.05). Overall, T. gondii DNA was found in 60 of 305 (19.7%) of enrolled patients, whether serology positive or negative (P<0.0001). Given the RA and SLE patients can be considered as a risk group for toxoplasmosis, in addition to the serological test, PCR based techniques is recommended for early and accurate detection of recent T. gondii infection.

Promising In Vitro Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Effects of Commercial Chitosan.

CDATA[Background: Toxoplasmosis is a disease that results from infection with an obligate intracellular T. gondii parasite, one of the world's most common parasites. Considering the complications of chemical drugs and the need for an appropriate drug combination for treatment of toxoplasmosis and considering the antimicrobial potential of chitosan, as a natural source, this study was aimed to evaluate in vitro activity of commercial chitosan (CC) on T. gondii. METHODS: In this experimental study, the tachyzoites of T. gondii were collected from the peritoneal exudates from infected Balb/c mice. The tachyzoites were diluted in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Chitosan with low molecular weight was commercially purchased. Then, at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL and after 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes, the viability of tachyzoites was determined by using trypan blue 0.1%. Anti-T.gondii activity of CC in all concentrations was significantly higher than pyrimethamine as the control group (P=0.05). RESULTS: The concentration of 200 µg/mL of CC had the highest effects and killed 30.5, 52, 59, and 81.5% of tachyzoites after 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. Moreover, IC50 values of CC were 515, 171, 12.5, and <10 µg/mL in comparison with pyrimethamine as 58.82 µg/mL for 30, 60, 120, and 180 min of exposure time. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that chitosan in low molecular weight had potent activity against T. gondii tachyzoites and could be an appropriate candidate for the treatment of at least acute toxoplasmosis, certainly, after complementary in vivo experiments.

High occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors in Ardabil Province as main focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis, northwestern Iran.

Toxoplasmosis, as cosmopolitan parasitic disease, is considered as one of the transfusion-transmitted parasites. The true burden of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) amongst blood donors remains undisclosed around the world. Since there was no evidence on the prevalence of T. gondii in blood donors in Ardabil Province, as main focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis (ZVL), northwestern Iran, current research was therefore conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and PCR assay among them for the first time. In the present study, 462 plasma samples from asymptomatic blood donors of Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran, were tested for IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies levels using ELISA test. Moreover, the buffy coat of all seropositive subjects was screened for T. gondii DNA by conventional PCR. Also, the data sheet consisting of characteristic information was registered for all the applicants. Overall, anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 36% (166/462) of asymptomatic blood donors. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG seroprevalence was 1.5% and 32.5%, respectively. Only nine subjects (2%) were found to be positive for both IgM and IgG. Moreover, T. gondii DNA was identified in 18% (30/166) of seropositive donors. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between T. gondii seropositivity and contact with cats, agricultural activities, history of consumption of undercooked meat and being non-educated (P=0.001). The high prevalence (about one-third) of anti-T. gondii antibodies and possibly active infection using conventional PCR test represents that asymptomatic carriers of T. gondii are quite common in the study areas and pose a potential threat to the blood safety and hemovigilance program.

Preparation and Characterization of A Nanoliposomal Vaccine of pcLACK Candidate Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a public health problem and endemic in countries of the tropics and subtropics. An ongoing project with naked LACK (Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated C-kinase) demonstrated that this case of the gene is entirely susceptible to immune response and it does enter the cells effectively. This study aimed at developing a procedure to prepare a type of lipid nanoparticles overloaded with plasmid LACK (pcLACK) for usage as Leishmania major (L. major) nanoliposomal vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-gene expression plasmid of pcLACK was encoded in the LACK antigen. Nanoparticles were set up by thin film procedure using cationic lipids 1, 2-Dioleoyl- 3-Trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP), 1, 2-Dioleoyl-snGlycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and cholesterol in a molar proportion of 2:1:1 molar ratio. Using dynamic light scattering, the particle diameters of empty and loaded lipoplexes were measured in triplicate. The zeta-potential (ζ) was measured with the same instrument using the zeta potential mode as the average of 20 measurements by diluting the particles into a low salt buffer. RESULTS: The results of the sustainability studies of Liposome-pcLACK formulation showed that there were no significant physical changes up to the 30th day of stability study at the storage condition of 4°C. However, there were significant changes in the formulation content during storage at 25°C for 30 days (204.2±0.90 at Day 30 compared with 207.2±0.26 nm at Day 0). It was observed that the prepared nanoliposomal formulation had more stability under refrigeration. CONCLUSION: Immunostimulatory cationic lipids bearing a pcLACK encapsulation could serve as an effective delivery system.

Scientometric Analysis of Global Research on Trichomoniasis in Scopus Database (1922 -2018).

BACKGROUND: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalent in different parts of the world. The present study was designed to evaluate the scientific output and collaboration of researchers worldwide on trichomoniasis. METHODS: In the present scientometric research, all papers conducted on Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) published in the time period of 1922 to 2018 were extracted from the Scopus database and evaluated according to the aims of the research, using scientometric software. RESULTS: The results of this search strategy were the retrieval of 12,596 scientific papers authored by a total of 28,822 people during 97 years (1922-2018). Research in this field has encountered success and failure over the years. The first article on trichomoniasis at the Scopus database was published by Musgrave W.E. (1922) in the "Journal of the American Medical Association". Most papers on this subject (352) were published in 2013; and the years 2017 and 2016 are ranked second and third. Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have the highest number of papers in this field (210). Alderete J.F. with 111 papers is the most active researcher on trichomoniasis in Scopus. Also, researchers from the US ranked the first with 3,236 papers. In Iran, by the end of 2018, 138 papers on trichomoniasis have been registered in Scopus, which accounts for only one percent of the world's science production in this field. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results following about one century indicated that the number of publications on T. vaginalis is growing and that there is a high level of collaboration among researchers in this field. Moreover, many countries have collaborated internationally on trichomoniasis research with the US as the leading country.

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.

A bibliometric analysis of global research on toxoplasmosis in the Web of Science.

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the network productions and research collaborations on toxoplasmosis worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliometric research was carried out using the Web of Science (WOS) database. The analysis unit was the original research articles about toxoplasmosis published between 2000 and 2016 (17 years). RESULTS: Totally, 6,550 articles about toxoplasmosis were indexed in the WOS with the following information: (A) 18,410 researchers played a role in drafting the articles; (B) 33 different countries have contributed in the toxoplasmosis studies; (C) the USA was ranked at the first place with 2,162 publications about toxoplasmosis; and (D) "Dubey JP" was compiled and participated in 401 articles from the USA, as the highest number and main core of publications in the toxoplasmosis network. CONCLUSION: The main focus of the toxoplasmosis research activities in the world was article production in the indexed journals in WOS. Hence, it is necessary to strengthen the collaboration networks to improve the quality of articles. Furthermore, the priority would be the identification of institutions with a higher number of research article productions in WOS, to perform toxoplasmosis collaborative original researches according to the strategic roadmap and scientific plan of each country.

Status of theileriosis among herbivores in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Theileriosis is a protozoal disease caused by Theileria spp. mostly in warm-blooded vertebrates worldwide. It is one of the common tick-borne diseases among domestic animals in tropical and sub-tropical regions, which have a variety of unlikable effects on health economy and animal welfare. In the present study, the prevalence of theileriosis among domestic farm animals in Iran was systematically evaluated. METHODS: To identify the related papers, 10 English and Persian databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Medical Subject Headings, Google Scholar, Magiran, Barakatns (formerly Iranmedex), Elm net, and Scientific Information Database, were appraised for articles published throughout 1999-2017. RESULTS: A total of 56 papers, providing the examination of 11,317 cattle, 9394 sheep, 2991 buffaloes, 1504 horses, 600 goats, and 212 donkeys were analyzed, matching for the prevalence of theileriosis from different parts of Iran were permitted for our allowing checklist. The overall prevalence of theileriosis among domestic herbivores was expected to be 19% (95% confidence interval: 15%, 22%). Our findings highlighted the average of the maximum prevalence in Razavi Khorasan (60.4%) and West Azerbaijan (49.1%) and the minimum in Mazandaran (1.1%) and East Azerbaijan provinces (2.2%), respectively. The high prevalence of Theileria infection in the herbivores (mainly sheep) verifies the well-known enzootic episode of theileriosis in Iran, predominantly in northeastern and western parts of the country. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested updated and imperative information on the true burden of theileriosis in Iran. Moreover, it could be supporting the gaps among monitoring, prevention, and control arrangements to improve the health economy, particularly among dairy farm animals.

A decade bibliometric analysis of global research on leishmaniasis in Web of Science database.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is an extremely relevant tropical disease, with global distribution. It still remains a main public health concern in low-income countries, and it is necessary to support more research on this common disease. Thus, a bibliometric analysis of the global scientific production on leishmaniasis was carried out. METHODS: All the articles registered in Web of Science with the subject of leishmaniasis between 2006 and 2015 were analysed, using Pajek and VOS viewer as tools. RESULTS: 13,658 records in the field of leishmaniasis were indexed in the Web of Science database for this ten-year study period (2006-2015). This shows that studies on leishmaniasis have been growing, from 1071 in 2006 to 1537 in 2015. "Sundar S" is the most active researcher in the field of leishmaniasis, compiling and participating in 232 Articles. Brazil ranks first in scientific production, by performing 3315 studies on leishmaniasis. The United States, United Kingdom and Australia had the most collaboration in performing the studies of leishmaniasis with each other. In addition, PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES published the most articles, with 483. CONCLUSION: Our data shows an increase in the number of publications in the field of leishmaniasis. In addition, Brazil, USA, and India lead scientific production on leishmaniasis research.

Intestinal perforation and peritonitis due to Taenia saginata: A case report from Iran.

Taenia saginata (T. saginata) is one of the most common cestode in human. We report a case of intestinal perforation caused due to T. saginata infection. The patient, 54-year-old female, had intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting on referral. Intestinal obstruction and perforation leading to necrosis, and volvulus due to an impacted tapeworm was observed. Histopathological examinations showed acute inflammation with mucosal ulceration, and luminal exudates accompanied by an elongated and flattened segment of the helminth. Taenia infections should be considered in differential diagnosis of peritonitis and gastrointestinal tumors, particularly in endemic countries including Iran.

Trichomonas vaginalis infection among Iranian general population of women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is one of the main causes of vaginitis, prostatitis, and cervicitis all over the world. Little information is available regarding the burden of T. vaginalis infection in Iranian women. This systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis among general population of Iranian women. Data were systematically collected from 1992 to 2012 in Iran on such electronic databases as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, Irandoc, Iran medex, Scientific Information Database (SID), Global Health, and LILACS. Additionally, abstracts of national scientific congresses and dissertations were included. A total of 30 articles attempted to examine 70,373 individuals and reported the prevalence of trichomoniasis from different regions of Iran. The overall prevalence rate of trichomoniasis in Iran was estimated to be 8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.07 to 0.09) with the maximum 38.8% (95% CI = 0.036 to 0.042) and the minimum 0.009% (95% CI = 0.008 to 0.010), respectively. Also, it was found that the prevalence in Central provinces is higher than other ones. In all studies, the average of age was 24.5 with the maximum and the minimum of 45 and 22.5 years old, respectively. The present review revealed that infection rate is relatively high among Iranian women, and risk factors such as hygienic situation, behavior and local culture, poor socioeconomic condition, feeble moral considerations, and increase in marriage age must be considered in the management of controlling programs.