Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with brain tumors in Southern Iran: a case-control study.

Considerable evidence points to a dominant role of inflammation in tumor pathology. The biological response of the immune system can be triggered by Toxoplasma gondii as a common brain-tropic parasite. The aim of this study was to investigate an association between Toxoplasma infection and brain tumors. This case-control study was performed on sera of brain tumor patients (n = 124) and age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 124) in Southern Iran. Data related to tumor site and type were collected during sample collection. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seroprevalence anti-Toxoplasma IgG was significantly higher in brain tumor patients 30.6% (38/124) compared with 12.1% (15/124) of the healthy controls (OR 3.211; 95% CI 1.658 to 6.219; p = 0.001). The highest seroprevalence was detected in patients with ependymoma (100%), followed by glioblastoma (83%), pituitary adenoma (47.3%), astrocytoma (27.2%), schwannoma (23%), and meningioma (22.6%). The parasite infection was correlated to brain tumor's location i.e., the patients with frontal lobe and sella region tumors had higher seropositivity compared with others (P < 0.05). The higher prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among patients with brain tumor compared with the control group indicates a probable association between the infection and brain tumors.

Identification and multilocus genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from congenital infection in north of Iran.

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause severe consequences in the fetus, such as spontaneous abortion which is affected by parasite strain. Also, recent studies revealed the high genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii. This study aims to investigate the serological status of T. gondii in pregnant women, multilocus genotyping in aborted fetuses' tissue, and archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placenta. This study was performed on 100 pregnant women with spontaneous abortion and their aborted fetuses, and 250 of the archived placentae in Iran. The blood and tissue were examined for seroprevalence and genotype determination of T. gondii using ELISA and multilocus nested-PCR-RFLP, respectively. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM were detected in 68 samples (68%) and 1 (1%) out of 100 serums. Toxoplasma DNA was identified in 1 (1%) aborted fetuses' tissue and 32 (12.8%) placenta samples. Overall, ten positive DNA samples were successfully genotyped, and five genotypes were recognized (ToxoDB#1, #2, #10, #27, and #48). The obtained results indicated congenital toxoplasmosis is a severe risk in this region. As type I is highly pathogen and can lead to severe complications, the prevention of the infection should be considered in seronegative pregnant women.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HIV-positive patients in Southwest Iran and associated risk factors: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HIV-positive patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: This study was carried out on HIV-positive patients and healthy individuals in Southwest Iran. Five millilitres of venous blood samples were collected aseptically from each individual. Sera and buffy coats were isolated from each sample and evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and T. gondii DNA using ELISA kit and real-time PCR, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software. RESULTS: Of 64 AIDS/HIV-positive patients, six (9.3%, 95% CI 7.2 to 11.3%) were seropositive for only IgG and five (7.8%, 95% CI 6.0 to 9.5%) were seropositive for both IgG and IgM. Moreover, among 64 healthy controls, 10 (15.6%, 95% CI 12.1 to 19.0%) were seropositive for only IgG and 2 (3.1%, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.7%) were seropositive for both IgG and IgM. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in six samples (9.3%, 95% CI 7.2 to 11.3%) in the AIDS/HIV-positive patients group and eight samples (5.95%, 95% CI 4.6 to 7.2%) in the control group using real-time PCR. Consumption of undercooked meat was documented as an associated risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity in AIDS patients (OR 4.06, 95% CI 0.966 to 17.09; p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed a lower prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in AIDS/HIV-positive patients vs healthy controls; however, a considerable number of AIDS/HIV-positive patients were also seen to be at risk of toxoplasmosis. Based on the findings, screening and prophylaxis for toxoplasmosis should be implemented for all AIDS/HIV-positive patients in Southwest Iran.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis moulei and Sarcocystis spp. (Sarcocystidae: Apicomplexa) from slaughtered sheep in southwest Iran.

Sarcocystis species are intracellular protozoan which mostly complete their life cycle in two hosts. The parasite has a significant economic, medical and veterinary impact in many regions of the world and considered as a significant health problem in Iran. However, most of infections are asymptomatic and mortality is extremely rare. The present study aimed to determine the molecular phylogeny of the Sarcocystis species isolated from sheep slaughtered in southwest Iran, using mitochondrial DNA sequences of 18 S rRNA gene. The DNA was extracted from sheep muscular tissue (n = 60), and partial sequence of 18 S rDNA was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two monophyletic clades representing S. moulei (n = 3) and Sarcocystis spp. (n = 3). BI posterior probability and MP bootstrap values strongly supported the monophyly of these clades. In conclusion, phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis species using 18 S rRNA gene could be helpful in identifying the new species of the Sarcocystis.

Serosurvey and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs in Rural Areas of Kazeroun District, Fars Province, Southern Iran.

Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for systemic disease in a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in dogs, using serological and molecular methods in rural areas in Kazeroun Township, Fars province, southern Iran. Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 60 clinically healthy dogs with an age range of 1 to 7 years in three rural areas of Fars province, southern Iran. Sera and buffy coats were used to assess the T. gondii infection using both modified agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR. Results. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 5 out of 60 (8.3%) dogs by the MAT method, and T. gondii DNA was detected in 17 out of 60 (28.3%) studied animals. There was no significant association between sex and seropositivity to Toxoplasma (p > 0.05). Fair agreement (kappa = 0.27) was seen between molecular and serological findings where three dogs with positive serological results had a positive molecular test. Conclusion. Findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in rural areas in Fars province, southern Iran. Finding the parasite genotype in dogs deserves further study.

Seroprevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis Using Recombinant Antigen B-ELISA in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important helminthic parasitic diseases in Iran. The current study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of CE in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran in 2018. METHODS: The study was carried out in seven cities of North Khorasan Province. Venous blood samples were collected from 932 individuals referring to health centers of those seven cities. A questionnaire was used to obtain the data regarding the subject's gender, age, residence and risk factors linked to the hydatid cyst. Sera samples were evaluated for anti-hydatid cyst antibodies in an ELISA system, using a recombinant B8/1 antigen of E. granulosus. RESULTS: Of the 932 recruited subjects, 496 (53.2%) were male and 436 (46.8%) were female. The range of participants' age was between 11 to 83 yr old and the mean age of the subjects was 35.4 (±12.7) years. Anti-hydatid cyst antibodies were detected in the sera of 37 out of 932 subjects, corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 3.96%. From these, 20 (54.05%) were male and 17 (45.95%) were female. There were no associations between seropositivity to hydatid cyst and age, the gender of the participants, residential areas and having contact with dogs (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: CE is relatively prevalent throughout the North Khorasan Province in the Northeast of Iran. Rate of CE infection in this Province is somewhat similar to the rate of infection in other parts of the country.

Molecular and serological evaluation of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in a rural area of Fars province, southern Iran, as a source of Leishmania infantum infection.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in the southern parts of Iran. The current study aimed at molecular and serological evaluation of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in Fars province, southern Iran. Blood samples were collected from 60 dogs in the three villages in Fars Province. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against L. infantum by direct agglutination test (DAT). DNA was extracted from each dog's buffy coat and tested by PCR, targeting the Leishmania ITS-2 region. From a total of 60 studied dogs, 25 (41.7%) were female, and 35 (58.3%) were male. Dogs' age ranged from 1 to 7 years, with a mean age of 2.97 (±1.4) years. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in sera samples of 28 (46.7%) dogs, (titre ≥ 1:320). Out of 28 seropositive cases, 13 (46.4%) were female, and 15 (53.6%) were male. Association between seropositivity and dogs' clinical signs was statistically significant (p < .05). Leishmania DNA was detected in the buffy coat of 3 of 60 studied dogs which were all seropositive by DAT. The PCR products were sequenced and molecular analysis showed that two of the isolates were Leishmania infantum, and one was L. tropica. The high proportion of seropositive dogs indicates the important role of these animals in the epidemiology of the disease in the region. Infected dogs with or without signs, especially those that are molecularly positive, can act as an active reservoir of the disease in the area.

Molecular and Serological Evaluation of Neospora caninum Infection in Dogs from a Rural Setting in Fars Province, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Dogs, as the definitive host of Neospora caninum, are important in the epidemiology of this parasitic infection. We aimed to determine the prevalence of N. caninum infection in a dog population from a rural setting in Fars Province, Southern Iran, using a combination of molecular and serological techniques. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Nov 2018 in three rural districts, Sar Mashhad, HosseinAbad, and Tolesaman located in Kazeroun Township in Fars province, southern Iran. Blood samples were taken from 60 stray and household dogs. Dogs' sera were tested for antibodies against N. caninum, using a Neospora-Modified Agglutination Test. Moreover, dogs' buffy coats were tested for Neospora DNA, using a molecular method. RESULTS: Anti-Neospora antibodies were detected in sera of 4 out of 60 dogs, corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 6.7%. Out of 25 female dogs, 1 was seropositive and of 35 males, 3 were seropositive, yet the differences were not statistically significant. The infection was more prevalent in adult dogs (> 12 months), nevertheless, the differences between age and Neospora seropositivity was not statistically significant. N. caninum DNA was not detected in the buffy coat of any of the studied dogs. CONCLUSION: Findings of the study indicate that N. caninum is a common infection in dogs in rural areas of Fars province in southern Iran. The infected dogs might be a potentially important source of N. caninum infection to livestock in the area.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara Infection among Asthmatic Children in Shiraz City, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Human toxocariasis is caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, the nematodes in the intestine of dogs and cats, respectively. Since the association between asthma and toxocariasis is controversial, the aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among asthmatic children in comparison with healthy children. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 92 asthmatic and 91 healthy children aged 1-16 years old in Shiraz City, Southern Iran in 2019-2020. The serum samples were tested for IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA method using the T. canis larval excretory-secretory (E/S) antigens. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in asthmatic patients was higher than the healthy children with no significant difference in Toxocara seropositivity between two groups (9.8% vs 8.8%, P = 0.817). The association between Toxocara infection and variables such as gender and age were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between toxocariasis and childhood asthma. Further study on different regions such as urban and rural areas with a large sample size and using questionnaire for considering risk factors of asthma and toxocariasis is recommended.

Neospora caninum Infection in Cattle in the Province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, Southwest of Iran: Seroprevalence and Molecular Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Among the protozoa of veterinary importance, Neospora caninum is responsible for large economic and productive losses in cattle herds. Dogs are being considered the definitive hosts of the parasite. Neospora caninum has gained considerable attention through its role in the etiology of bovine abortion. The current study aimed at assessing the status of Neospora infection in cattle in Boyer-Ahmad County in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, southwest of Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 150 cattle blood samples were collected and samples were screened for N. caninum antibodies using a modified direct agglutination test (MAT). For the same samples, 130 buffy coats were collected and tested, by PCR, for the presence of N. caninum DNA, targeting the Nc-5 gene. RESULTS: Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in the sera of 49 out of 150 cattle which is corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 32.7%. Neospora DNA was detected in buffy coats of 26 out of 127 (20.47%) cattle. Even though Neospora infection was more common in females and in five-year-old cattle by serology and molecular methods, yet there was no statistically significant difference between age, sex, and Neospora infection in both molecular and serological methods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study indicate a high rate of N. caninum infection in cattle of Boyer-Ahmad region in the southwest of Iran. This issue should be further investigated and the prevention and control of this parasite in livestock, due to the high financial burden of this parasite in the livestock industry, should be considered.

Serosurvey of HBV surface antigen and anti-HBV surface antibody among HIV-infected patients in Fars province, southern Iran.

HBV infection is a major public health issue that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The current study evaluated the prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBsAb among HIV/AIDS patients in Shiraz, southern Iran. The subjects in this study comprised 251 participants previously confirmed for HIV infection registered at the Shiraz HIV/AIDS center in southern Iran. Peripheral whole blood (5 ml) was obtained from each participant and evaluated for HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies, utilizing commercial ELISA kits. The 251 participants consisted of 158 (63.5%) males and 91 (36.5%) females. HBsAg and anti-HBsAb were detected in 16 (6.4%) and 117 (46.6%) cases, respectively, while five cases (2%) were positive for both viral markers. No statistically significant association was observed between patients' age, sex, or CD4+ cell count and seropositivity to HBsAg or anti-HBsAb. The findings of the study revealed a relatively high seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBsAb among HIV patients, highlighting the importance of preventive and therapeutic programs in such patients.

Molecular Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep Aborted Fetuses Reveals Predominance of Type I Infection in Southwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in ovine aborted fetuses and evaluate its genetic variations in the southwest of Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 aborted ovine fetuses collected from the different region of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, in lambing season during 2017 and 2018. DNA was extracted from the brain samples of all of the aborted fetuses and PCR amplified, targeting a 529 bp repetitive element gene of T. gondii. Moreover, to find out the heterogeneity of the positive samples, PCR-DNA amplification of the two main genetic markers, B1 and GRA6, of T. gondii were performed. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed, using the BLAST program and MEGA-X software. RESULTS: The 529 bp gene of T. gondii was detected in 2 out of 100 (2%) of the ovine aborted samples. The sequences analysis of GRA6 and B1 genes revealed that both isolates from the aborted fetuses of sheep belonged to type I of T. gondii. Intra-divergence was more seen in GRA6 gene whereas less divergence was observed in B1 gene. CONCLUSION: Congenital infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period is associated with abortion in ovine. Evaluation of more aborted samples from broader geographical areas is needed to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and also the genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion.

The prevalence of latent and acute toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: HIV in pregnancy is not only important for mother-to-child HIV transmission, but also it assumes additional importance because HIV increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in mothers and neonates. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important opportunistic infections in HIV-infected pregnant women. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis (LT) and acute toxoplasmosis (AT) infection in HIV-infected pregnant women. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and SciELO were searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and subgroup-pooled prevalences across studies. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed via the I2 test. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles that included 3256 subjects in nine countries met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence rates of LT and AT in HIV-infected pregnant women were 45.7% (95% CI, 32.3-59.7%) and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.4-3.2%), respectively. The findings indicate that, worldwide, approximately 559,000 and 13,450 HIV-infected pregnant women are affected by LT and AT, respectively. From this review, it is estimated that approximately 3432 babies annually could be born with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) from HIV-infected pregnant mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that a large number of HIV-infected mothers are affected by LT and AT. This can lead to adverse complications such toxoplasmic encephalitis in mothers and CT in neonates. Our results suggest a need for screening programs using well-validated diagnostic platforms for both LT and AT for all HIV-infected pregnant women.

Seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis E antibodies and antigens among HIV-infected patients in Fars Province, southern Iran.

OBJECTIVE: HIV-infected patients have immunological and clinical features that might affect the pathogenesis, as well as the outcome of the HIV/HEV co-infection. The current study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV antigens among HIV-infected patients in Fars Province, Southwest Iran. METHODS: Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from 251 HIV-confirmed patients. Respective data, including patients' demographic information, were obtained for each patient. The presence of HEV antigens and anti-HEV antibodies (IgG) were assessed by commercial ELISA kits, based on the manufacturers' instructions. RESULTS: Out of 251 cases, 158 (62.9%) were male and 91 (36.3%) were female. Patients' age varied from 14 to 83 (mean: 40 ± 9.7) years. Out of 251 HIV positive cases, 26 (10.4%) were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibodies and 6 (2.4%) were positive for HEV-antigens. Also, 2 (0.8%) of the patients were positive for both anti-HEV IgG antibodies and antigens. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between sex and seropositivity to either HEV antigen or antibodies. Moreover, no significant association was seen between age and seropositivity to HEV antigen or antibody (P = 0.622 and 0.945, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a relatively low prevalence of HEV-antibodies in HIV-infected patients, indicating that HIV positive patients may not be at greater risk of HEV infection than the general population. Moreover, HEV-antigen was detected in a few cases of HIV-infected individuals which indicate an acute or chronic HEV infection in these patients.

Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Suspicion of Fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: In the current study, we described the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with suspicion of fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in southwest of Iran. METHODS: Overall, 56 patients with suspicion of fascioliasis, based on their clinical signs and symptoms that referred to Clinic of Internal Medicine in Yasuj city, from 2014 to 2016 were enrolled. Demographic data, history of eating aquatic local plants, the chief complains, and laboratory findings were recorded for each patient. Stool samples were obtained from each case for detection of Fasciola eggs. Moreover, blood samples were taken from each patient and evaluated for detection of anti-Fasciola antibodies by an indirect ELISA. Patients who defined as having fascioliasis were treated with triclabendazole and were followed for at least three months for clinical improvement. RESULTS: Serological test was positive in 5 patients. Of these 5 cases, three cases had a history of ingesting raw aquatic vegetables. The main clinical signs and symptoms in positive cases were; abdominal pain (60%), epigastric pain (40%), anemia (60%), and dermal pruritus (20%). Hypereosinophilia was seen in all of 5 positive cases. No Fasciola egg was found in stool specimens of any of the patients. The fascioliasis cases were treated by triclabendazole and clinical symptoms disappeared in all of 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Our observation further confirmed Yasuj district as a human endemic area for fascioliasis in Iran. The study also highlighted the importance of clinical features together with eosinophilia, as key parameters, in the diagnosis of human fascioliasis. Clinicians need to be aware of this disease and should keep in mind fascioliasis when hypereosinophilia present in patients in such endemic areas.

Serum levels of anti-hepatitis B surface antibodies among vaccinated children aged 1 to 12 years in a rural community in Fars Province, southern Iran.

The present study aimed to find out the levels of anti-HBsAb among vaccinated children in a rural community in Fars Province, Southern Iran. Blood samples were taken from 550 children, aged 1-12 years (mean 6.4 ± 3.5), in 2017 from three villages in the area. A structured questionnaire was used to get the sociodemographic data of the subjects along with determinants concerning the Hepatitis B. Sera samples were examined for anti-HBsAb, using an ELISA commercial kit. Anti-HBsAb were detected in 468 (85.1%) of the subjects. Of the seropositive subjects, 37 (45.1%) were female and 45 (54.9%) were male. In the age group of 0-5 years, 88.7% of the subjects were seropositive. This rate was 84.3% and 78.1% in the age group of 6-10 years old and older than 10 years, respectively. There was a significant association (p < .05) between the anti-HBsAb and age. Findings of the current study revealed that children living in a rural community in southern Iran have appropriate protection against HBV even more than 10 years after being vaccinated. The decline in seropositivity rate of anti-HBsAb with age may further point out the need for a booster dose of HBV vaccine.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis among nomads in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran.

BACKGROUND: Human toxocariasis is caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in nomads of Boyer-Ahmad County in the southwest of Iran. METHODS: A total of 968 blood samples were collected from nomads. A structured questionnaire, containing sociodemographic data, was completed for each participant. Sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies, using the T. canis excretory-secretory antigens prepared from the second stage larvae, in an ELISA system. RESULTS: Among the 968 participants, 220 (22.7%) were males and 748 (77.3%) were females; the mean age was 40.71 y. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (1.4%) of the 968 nomads. The association between Toxocara infection and gender, age, contact with dogs, residential area and level of education were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study revealed a low prevalence rate of toxocariasis in nomadic communities in southwest Iran. Geographic location and climatic conditions as well as the lifestyle and sociodemographic features of the participants may contribute to the low prevalence rate of Toxocara infection.

Low prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among children in a rural community in Fars province, Southern Iran.

The current study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in children in a rural community in Fars province in southern Iran. Blood samples were collected from 671 children living in three rural areas, and sera and buffy coats were isolated from each sample. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected by ELISA, using a commercial kit. Also, buffy coats of seropositive children were examined by a PCR method, targeting a 529 bp gene of T. gondii. Of 671 children participating in the study, 319 (51.7%) were boys and 298 (48.3%) were girls. The mean age of the children was 9.7 (±10.7) years. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in sera of 23 out of 671 children, corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 3.8%. Gender and level of education had no significant influence on the risk of Toxoplasma infection (p>0.05). Toxoplasma DNA was not detected in buffy coats of any of the seropositive cases. Geographic location, as well as the low age of the participants, may contribute to the low rate of Toxoplasma infection in children of rural areas in southern Iran.

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis in a new-emerging focus of human fascioliasis in BoyerAhmad district, southwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of fascioliasis in a population of cattle in a new-emerging focus of human fascioliasis in Boyer-Ahmad District, in the southwest of Iran, was investigated, using an ELISA system and coprological methods. METHODS: Blood, as well as stool samples, were collected from 150 dairy cattle consisted of 82 (54.7%) males and 68 (45.3%) females, aged from 1 to 8 years, selected from different pastures. The stool samples were evaluated by direct wet mount microscopic examination as well as sedimentation methods. Moreover, modified Telemann was used for detecting of Fasciola eggs. Anti-Fasciola antibodies in the cattle sera samples were determined, using a Fasciola excretory-secretory antigen-specific ELISA. RESULTS: Anti-Fasciola antibodies were detected in 64 (42.4%) of the subjects by ELISA. Out of 64 seropositive cases, 29 (45.3%) were female and 35 (54.6%) were male. No significant association was found between sex and seropositivity to fascioliasis. Considering the age of the cattle, the highest prevalence of fascioliasis (23%) was found in the 5-year old age group. However, the difference between the age of the cattle and seropositivity to fascioliasis was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Fasciola eggs were not detected in fecal samples of any of the studied cattle, while Paramphistomide, as well as Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs, were detected in 6 (4%) and 17 (11.3%) of the subjects, respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study provide basic information about bovine fascioliasis in a new focus of human fascioliasis in Iran, which is needed for effective control of this parasitic infection in such areas.