Echinococcus granulosus sheep strain (G1) as the predominant genotype in definitive host (dogs) isolates in northeastern Iran.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) is a zoonotic parasite, causing cystic echinococcosis in humans. In the present study, prevalence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. was assessed in stools collected from 244 dogs including 138 stray and 106 domestic animals using high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. Initially, to detect taeniid eggs in feces, all samples were examined using the formalin-ether techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive samples and E. granulosus s.l. was differentiated from other Taeniidae parasites using SSU-rDNA gene and E. granulosus s.l. was analyzed for genotyping using HRM based on the cox1 gene. In total, 12.7% (31/244) of the samples were positive for Taeniidae eggs. In addition, among the positive samples, 77.4% (24/31) were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. In details, 11.3% (12/106) of the domestic dogs and 8.7% (12/138) of the stray dogs were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. The results of HRM analysis showed that all E. granulosus s.l. isolates were G1 strain. Findings of the present study indicated a considerable prevalence of E. granulosus G1 among dogs in the northeast of Iran and imply a serious risk of transmitting to humans and livestock.

Isolated Lactobacillus fermentum Ab.RS22 from traditional dairy products inhibits HeLa cervical cancer cell proliferation and modulates apoptosis by the PTEN-Akt pathway.

Objectives: It is worthwhile to note that, some probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria isolated from dairy products have significant therapeutic effects against cancer cells. Here, we evaluated anti-proliferation and the apoptotic effects of isolated Lactobacillus fermentum Ab.RS22 from traditional dairy products on the HeLa cervical cancer cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: The viability of treated HeLa cells with supernatant of Lactobacillus in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 ng/ml concentrations, and IC50 values were detected by tetrazolium bromide. The L. fermentum Ab.RS22-induced cell death by flow cytometry was confirmed through evaluation of the expression of caspase-3, P53, PTEN, and AKT genes by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). Results: Most cytotoxicity effects of Lactobacillus on HeLa cells were detected in 2 ng/ml at 24 hr (P<0.01); also, the IC50 value was measured as 1.5 ng/ml. The findings of the flow cytometry assay showed that L. fermentum Ab.RS22 in 1.5 ng/ml concentration at 24 hr increased the percentage of both apoptosis and necrosis cells. Lactobacillus-induced cell death was verified through results of Real-time PCR; where expression of caspase-3, P53, and PTEN genes was increased (P<0.01), and also expression of AKT gene (anti-apoptotic) was decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that L. fermentum Ab.RS22 could dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of the HeLa cells. Its apoptotic effect was confirmed via modulating PTEN/p53/Akt gene expression and activation of the caspase-3 mediated apoptosis pathway. Therefore, L. fermentum Ab.RS22 can be considered a valuable anticancer candidate against cervical cancer progression in subsequent studies.

Rapid Detection and Identification of Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. Isolated from the Ruminant Livestock of Northwest Iran Using High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM).

Background: The liver flukes of the Fasciola species and Dicrocoelium spp. are recognised as parasites of domestic and wild herbivores. Both species of F. hepatica and F. gigantica as well as D. dendriticum are distributed in Iran. The present study aimed to identify Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. using mitochondrial Cox1 (cytochrome c oxidase I) gene by HRM method. Methods: Totally, thirty infected liver specimens were collected from the sheep (n:23) and cattle (n:7) at the abattoirs of Qazvin Province, northwest Iran in 2022. DNA extraction and PCR amplification of Cox1 gene were conducted by HRM technique. DnaSP v.5.0 was used for compression of diversity indices of ribosomal 28S rDNA and mitochondrial Cox1 markers of Dicrocoelium spp. The taxonomic status of Dicrocoelium spp. was performed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Overall, 26 and 4 isolates were identified as F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. D. dendriticum was the sole infecting species of Dicrocoelium revealed by HRM analysis. Genomic analysis showed a moderate (28S rDNA genes: 0.600±0.215) to high (Cox1: 0.733±0.155) haplotype diversity for D. dendriticum. Conclusion: The parasite-dependent mitochondrial gene (Cox1) could identify a higher genetic diversity of D. dendriticum compared to nuclear 28S rDNA gene. HRM technique in the present study found to be a reliable technique for identification and genetic diversity of liver flukes but more comprehensive and in-depth studies in different parts of the country are needed.

In vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of Ganoderma lucidum extracts.

OBJECTIVE: Ganoderma extracts have the potential to be used as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and antimicrobial agents, as evaluated in numerous studies. This study was aimed to determine the lethal and inhibitory effects of aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and alcoholic extracts of Ganoderma lucidum on Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites, in vitro. RESULTS: All three types of extracts showed toxoplasmacidal effects. The highest percentage of mortality was related to hydroalcoholic extract. The EC50 of Ganoderma extracts for tachyzoites were 76.32, 3.274, and 40.18 for aqueous, hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts, respectively. The selectivity index obtained for hydroalcoholic extract was 71.22, showing the highest activity compared to other extracts. According to our findings, the hydroalcoholic part was the most effective substance among the extracts. This basic study showed obvious anti-toxoplasma effect of Ganoderma lucidum extracts. These extracts can be used as candidates for further in-depth and comprehensive studies especially In vivo experiments to prevent toxoplasmosis.

Molecular Characterization of Mesocestoides litteratus (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Mesocestoididae) Tetrathyridium Isolated from Two Species of Rodents from Iran.

PURPOSE: Mesocestoides spp. are Cyclophyllidean tapeworms with zoonotic importance. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Mesocestoides larvae (tetrathyridium) isolated from the abdominal cavity of persion jird, Meriones persicus, and from the liver of grey hamster, Cricetulus migratorius, in Ardabil Province, northwest Iran. METHODS: Genomic DNA of the isolates of Mesocestoides tetrathyridium were extracted, and mitochondrial gene of cytochrome-c oxidase subunit1 (cox1) was amplified. Sequencing of PCR products were performed and phylogenic analysis was run using MEGA 6.0 software. RESULTS: Both isolates were identified as Mesocestoides litteratus, showing high identity with M. litteratus sequences available in GenBank. Also, they had 100% homology to each other. Intra-species variation within isolates of M. litteratus were 0-2.4%. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on the partial sequence of the cox1 gene showed that our sequences of M. litteratus were clustered with M. litteratus isolates from Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany and Italy. CONCLUSION: This is the first molecular description of M. litteratus from M. persicus and C. migratorius. Phylogenetic analysis illustrated that M. litteratus isolates of the current study had very high identities with the isolates of this species from other countries.

Assessment of genetic markers for multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Fasciola isolates from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Several markers have been described to characterise the population structure and genetic diversity of Fasciola species (Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica). However, sequence analysis of a single genomic locus cannot provide sufficient resolution for the genetic diversity of the Fasciola parasite whose genomes are ∼1.3 GB in size. OBJECTIVES: To gain a better understanding of the gene diversity of Fasciola isolates from western Iran and to identify the most informative markers as candidates for epidemiological studies, five housekeeping genes were evaluated using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach. METHODS: MLST analysis was developed based on five genes (ND1, Pepck, Pold, Cyt b and HSP70) after genomic DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing. Nucleotide diversity and phylogeny analysis were conducted on both concatenated MLST loci and each individual locus. A median joining haplotype network was created to examine the haplotypes relationship among Fasciola isolates. RESULTS: Thirty-three Fasciola isolates (19 F. hepatica and 14 F. gigantica) were included in the study. A total of 2971 bp was analysed for each isolate and 31 sequence types (STs) were identified among the 33 isolates (19 for F. hepatica and 14 for F. gigantica isolates). The STs produced 44 and 42 polymorphic sites and 17 and 14 haplotypes for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. Haplotype diversity was 0.982 ± 0.026 and 1.000 ± 0.027 and nucleotide diversity was 0.00200 and 0.00353 ± 0.00088 for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. There was a high degree of genetic diversity with a Simpson's index of diversity of 0.98 and 1 for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. While HSP70 and Pold haplotypes from Fasciola species were separated by one to three mutational steps, the haplotype networks of ND1 and Cyt b were more complex and numerous mutational steps were found, likely due to recombination. CONCLUSIONS: Although HSP70 and Pold genes from F. gigantica were invariant over the entire region of sequence coverage, MLST was useful for investigating the phylogenetic relationship of Fasciola species. The present study also provided insight into markers more suitable for phylogenetic studies and the genetic structure of Fasciola parasites.

Identification and differentiation of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica using multiplex PCR technique.

We aimed to present an alternate method instead of PCR-RFLP and also develop an optimized method for rapid, time-saving and affordable molecular-based approach to discriminate species of liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. Seventy-six samples of F. hepatica and 28 F. gigantica were collected from the slaughterhouses of endemic regions in Iran. Following a comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial complete sequences of both F. hepatica and F. gigantica, the extracted DNAs from all samples were used as templates in multiplex PCR reactions containing two sets of primers specific for cytochrome c oxidase I (cox I) gene of both species. In a parallel experiment, PCR-RFLP was performed for each sample using internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) sequence. Furthermore, following a PCR amplification for cox I gene, the amplicons were purified for sequencing. To assess the validity of the multiplex PCR approach, the obtained data from the multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP experiments were compared with each other. By sequence analysis of 104 samples, 76 and 28 samples were identified as F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. Results revealed 100% and 92% of accuracy as for multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP. The designed multiplex PCR strategy offers a valid alternative approach to the conventional methods with distinctive features including convenience, cost-effectiveness, time-saving (3 hours from sampling to obtain final results) and high efficacy.

Molecular Characterization of Animal Fasciola Spp. Isolates from Lorestan Province, Western Iran.

Background: We aimed to detect the genetic diversity of samples identified morphologically as Fasciola spp. from sheep, cattle and goat from Lorestan Province, western Iran using PCR-RFLP method. Besides, we evaluated the genetic diversity indices, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial gene (ND1 and CO1). Methods: PCR-RFLP analysis of ribosomal ITS1 fragment by RsaI restriction enzyme to investigate the genetic characteristics of Fasciola species obtained from different hosts (18 sheep, 21 cattle, and 17goats) was conducted. The samples were sequenced. Sequences were evaluated using BLAST software and the parasite species were identified with similarity percentage and overlap with the species registered in the gene bank. Then similarity and diversity of intra-species and intra-species diversity of Fasciola species were calculated. Results: In Lorestan, based on RFLP pattern, 93% (52) of the Fasciola spp. isolates had a RFLP pattern related to F. hepatica and 7% (4) were F. gigantica. No hybrid forms were detected. The CO1 gene could clarify 19 haplotypes against ND1 gene that found 22 haplotypes among livestock. Sequencing results of the mtDNA showed intra-species identity 98. 5%-100% and Intra-species-diversity: 0-1.5% compared to the GenBank sequences. Conclusion: Using PCR-RFLP method, two species of F. hepatica and F. gigantica, were present in Lorestan Province, but F. hepatica was more prevalent. Mitochondrial genes could better test variability indices in different hosts than ribosomal genes, consequently among mitochondrial genes, the ND1 gene could better examine differences and similarities than CO1.

Isolation and Identification of Free Living Amoeba from Patients and Contact Lens Users in Iran.

Background: Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba spp., are considered as opportunistic and pathogenic protozoans. Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis (AGE) is a serious threat for immunodeficient patients and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) for contact lens users. We aimed to identify the presence of free living amoebae in nasal swabs of patients and contact lens users in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: During 2019, 251 nasal and oral swabs (including the pharynx and mouth) were collected from patients with diabetes, AIDS and those under periodic dialysis in Qazvin, Iran. In addition, 27 soft contact lenses were collected from the participants. Following DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing were conducted to identify the genotypes of the amoeba. Phylogenetic analysis of the identified sequences was performed using MEGA 7 software. Results: A strain of Acanthamoeba belonging to the T3 genotype was isolated from hemodialysis patients. Two specimens of Acanthamoeba with T3 genotype were isolated from keratitis patients. Conclusion: The clinicians should pay attention to the possible complication of this organism because this amoeba is potentially pathogenic for immunocompromised patients. Since the amoeba is present in environmental resources, the use of contact lenses should be accompanied by considering proper hygiene.

A survey on the seroprevalence of toxocariasis and related risk factors in Eosinophilic children of Northwest Iran.

Background: Toxocariasis is a serious zoonotic helminthic disease caused by the nematodes; Toxocara species. Aim: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of toxocariasis and related risk factors in eosinophilic children referred to the pediatrics hospital of Qazvin province northwest Iran during 2019-2020. Methods: A total of 200 blood samples were collected from eosinophilic children referred to the Qods Pediatrics Hospital. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and dogs- and soil-contact history were collected. The presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibody was evaluated by T. canis IgG ELISA kit. Results: Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (7%) of the total eosinophilic children. The seropositive rate of toxocariasis in hyper-eosinophilic children (>1000/mm3) was 15.1%, while the seropositivity was 4.1% in children with eosinophilia status (500-999/mm3). There was a significant association between the eosinophilia rate and seropositivity (P<0.05). Also, seroprevalence in asymptomatic eosinophilic children was 4.4%, while in children with clinical symptoms it was 17.1%. Accordingly, a statistically significant difference was found between clinical symptoms and Toxocara infection (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of toxocariasis in eosinophilic children is a serious health problem in the study area. Therefore, serologic evaluation for the diagnosis of Toxocara infection is recommended for eosinophilic children.

Screening and molecular characterization of Trichomonas vaginalis genotypes isolated from married women in northern Iran.

Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic protozoan parasite that causes trichomonosis in human. It is one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections. It has been found to be most prevalent in patients referred to sexually transmitted disease clinics. In recent years, molecular methods have been used to identify genotypes of this parasite in different parts of the world and so far 6 types of T. vaginalis have identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genotype identification of T. vaginalis from married women in northern Iran. A total of 450 vaginal specimens were taken from married women, referring to health centers in northern Iran. Demographic information of women was collected through a questionnaire. The samples were first examined microscopically and then monitored in Dorsch culture medium for up to 10 days. Actin genes of positive samples were amplified by PCR. Finally, PCR products were used to determine the sequence and genotype of the parasite. Overall, 0.7% (3/450) samples were positive for T. vaginalis. All of the three infected women were housewives. After sequencing, the genotype of these parasites were type H (66.7%) (Accession no; MW414672-MW414673) and type E (33.3%) (Accession no: MW414671). Low prevalence of T. vaginalis in north of Iran indicate high level of hygiene in sexual intercourse and avoiding from high risk sexual behaviors, and also it seems that genotype H is dominant type of the parasite in the study area.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Kermanshah City, west of Iran.

It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the latest status of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in the general population and pregnant women in the west of Iran. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Accordingly, data associated with serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis, age, sex, anti-toxoplasmosis IgG and IgM, and pregnancy status in women were collected from 6 health centers of Kermanshah City, the west of Iran, during 2016-2017. In total, 1228 people referred to the health centers in Kermanshah City. Of 1228 people, 359 (29.23%) individuals were seropositive for toxoplasmosis, of them 294 (81.89%) individuals were seropositive only for IgG, and 65 (18.11%) individuals were both IgG and IgM seropositive. The seropositivity in men was 29.3% (n = 63), in women was 29.2% (n = 296), and in pregnant women was 25.9% (n = 44). All individuals were examined using ELISA kit. This study showed that the prevalence of this disease in the west of Iran has been decreased in comparison with the previous studies. Therefore, regular epidemiological studies of in different regions seem to be necessary in order to conclude on the decrease or increase trend of this disease in an area.

Emerging Cases of Fascioliasis in Lorestan Province, Western Iran: Case Series Report.

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola spp. We report five serologically and molecularly confirmed cases in an emerging region in Iran. A retrospective, case series study, performed in Lorestan Province, west of Iran between January 2015 and June 2016. From 1256 patients examined, 16 patients had positive serum ELISA. Five cases were approved as infected with fasciolosis using stool exam and PCR. Age ranged from 24 to 80 yr with mean age of 45 years. All of patients were adults and four of them had abdominal and back pain. Other symptoms included fever and chills, coughing and sore throat, weight loss, cutaneous manifestations. All patients lived in the rural environment, and four reported the ingestion of raw aquatic plants such as watercress. In fecal examination for fluke eggs, four samples were positive for F. hepatica eggs. Conventional PCR analysis showed that five human stools were positive for F. hepatica. All of 5 patients were treated with the usual dose of triclabendazole. A history of recent consumption of raw aquatic plants (in 4 out of 5 patients) is an important finding, but in one patient the source of infection remained unclear. Lorestan should be considered as an emerging region for this disease and further research in this province should be carried out.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Hymenolepis nana in human and rodent hosts in Iran: A remaining public health concern.

Hymenolepis nana, as a neglected zoonotic helminth, naturally occurs in both humans and rodents. Herein, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate pooled prevalence of H. nana infection among human and rodent hosts for the first time in Iran. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases (English articles) and SID and Magiran databases (Persian articles) were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception till May 24, 2020. Chi2 and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's intercept and visual inspection of the funnel plot. Pooled prevalence was estimated using random-effects model with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and depicted as a forest plot. STATA software was used for analysis. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of H. nana in humans included 1.2 % (95 % CI = 1.0-1.4%). Subgroup analysis revealed 2.2 % (95 % CI = 1.8-2.6%) and 0.5 % (95 % CI = 0.3 to 0.8 %) of H. nana infection among school children and food handlers, respectively. In terms of rodent hosts, the overall pooled prevalence of H. nana infection included 13 % (95 % CI = 9.3-16.6%). Subgroup analysis revealed the highest rate of the infection was in Rattus spp. (19.6 %; 95 % CI = 10.6-28.6%), a genus with synanthropic behavior. It seems, despite the advancement in sanitation infrastructure and hygiene status, the H. nana infection compares to other helminthic diseases remains a challenging public health problem in Iran.

Serological Survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Co-Infection in Rodents in Northwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Our knowledge of the epidemiology of rodents' parasitic agents in Iran is scarce, although some of these pathogens play an important role in human and veterinary medicine, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in rodents of northwestern Iran between Mar and Dec 2015. METHODS: Overall, 157 serum samples from rodents (101 Meriones persicus, 41 Mus musculus, and 15 Cricetulus migratorius) were assayed by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum. RESULTS: We found a prevalence of 20.38% (32/157) for N. caninum, 35% (55/157) for T. gondii. Co-presence of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii was found in 10 (6.36%) rodents. A significant association was found between the rodents species and seropositivity to N. caninum (P<0.05) but there was no association with rodents species for T. gondii. The overall prevalence of the aforementioned parasites was higher in male versus female rodents. CONCLUSION: The high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in rodents in the study area has implications for translocation of these infections across wider geographical regions since these rodents are mostly preyed on by cats or dogs; hence, which can transfer the parasite to other hosts.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Toxocariasis in Iran: Is it Time to Take it Seriously?

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is one of the neglected zoonosis with considerable public health importance around the world. The current study aimed to elucidate the overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in human and definitive hosts and also the contamination of soil and raw vegetables with the ova of these parasites, in Iran, using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Six English and Persian databases were explored from 2000 to 2017 using the terms toxocariasis, Toxocara spp., visceral larva migrans, Iran, epidemiology, and prevalence. This meta-analysis conducted using STATA, and for all statistical tests, a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The random-effects model was used to the report of the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of toxocariasis in human was calculated as 11% (95% CI 8-13%). In terms of definitive hosts, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs and cats were calculated as 17% (95% CI 14-20%) and 37% (95% CI 26-48%), respectively. Also, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil and raw vegetable samples were calculated as 18% (95% CI 13-23%) and 2% (95% CI 1-3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of current study demonstrate that toxocariasis should be taken more seriously by health authorities. Implementing an appropriate control program is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease in Iran.

Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in children referred to Qods hospital in northwest of Iran.

Blastocystis sp. is a polymorphic intestinal parasite in humans and animals. The parasite has a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation, exposure to animals, and improper disposal systems. The aim of this study was to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. among children of Qazvin, northwest Iran. Totally, 864 stool samples were collected from the children referred to Qods hospital in Qazvin, Iran. Fecal specimens were investigated by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method and trichrome staining as well as cultivation of all samples in clotted fetal bovine medium. DNA extraction of culture-positive specimens and PCR amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region was performed. The sequences detected were compared with reference genes in the GenBank, and the sequences further deposited in the GenBank database. Data analysis was performed by Chi square test while a p value of < 0.05 was considered as significant. Of 864 isolates, 4.1% (36/864) were positive for Blastocystis sp. with infection rate insignificantly higher among the females than males. The highest infection rate was estimated at 6.8% in 6-9 years old age group with abdominal pain as the most common (33%) gastrointestinal sign. No statistically significant difference was found between the variables and Blastocystis infection. Molecular analysis clarified the presence of three subtypes of Blastocystis including ST1 (56%), ST2 (28%), and ST3 (16%) of among specimens with ST1 as the predominant subtype. A significant association between intestinal signs and the subtypes was not found. Considering ST1 as the predominant subtype, it seems that zoonotic transmission is a main route of human infections with Blastocystis sp. in the area studied.

Molecular Characterization of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium Species Isolated from Ruminant Livestock in Qazvin, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis are the most frequent zoonotic diseases with increasing human health problems in different parts of Iran. Two species, Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica), are spread in the country. Molecular approaches have a decisive role in identifying both the species. The aim of this study was to detect Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. by amplifying the ITS-2 and 28S rDNA gene sequence. METHODS: Overall, 30 infected liver samples were collected from the livestock of Qazvin, Iran. The adult flukes were collected from different livestock. DNA extraction and PCR amplification of ribosomal RNA gene region (ITS2) and 28S rDNA gene fragment were conducted and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. RESULT: All the isolates obtained from the cattle (No: 7) and 82.6% (No: 19) of sheep isolates were infected with F. hepatica species, whereas 17.4% (No: 4) of sheep isolates were infected with F. gigantica. It was also shown that F. hepatica was the predominant species of Fasciola present in the region. All the specimens were infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum (D. dendriticum). CONCLUSION: Both the species of Fasciola were found in Qazvin. D. dendriticum was the sole infecting species of the Dicrocoelium genus in the livestock of the city of Qazvin. Further research studies are needed to determine the intermediate host of the parasites in the region.

A case of fatal disseminated strongyloidiasis accompanied with intestinal obstruction.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic parasite in some regions including the tropical and subtropical areas with high humidity. Most infections are asymptomatic with nonspecific signs and symptoms, making the final diagnosis complicated. Here, we report a patient referred to our hospital with signs consistent with sepsis, intestine obstruction, which finally died with the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. The patient was from northern parts of Iran which are considered as endemic areas for S. stercoralis. In conclusion, there is an important message in this history, i.e. physicians should be aware of specific and non-specific signs of strongyloidiasis especially in people living in endemic areas to make an accurate final diagnosis by proper clinical and paraclinical examinations.

Nanostructured lipid carriers of ivermectin as a novel drug delivery system in hydatidosis.

BACKGROUND: The larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid disease in humans. This zoonotic parasitic infection remains a major health problem in certain areas of the world where is still endemic. In view of the ineffectiveness of some drug treatments, the surgical removal of cysts remains the preferred treatment option together with the administration of albendazole and mebendazole. However, severe side effects of these drugs have been reported which demands developing new scolicidal agents that confer suitable efficacy and fewer side effects during surgery. METHODS: To that purpose, in the present work we assessed the effectiveness of ivermectin (IVM), a macrocyclic lactone endectocide that has shown to be an effective nematocidal drug against other important parasitic infections. To overcome the limitations observed in some drug formulations and resistance, we used nano lipid carriers (NLCs) as a targeted and sustained drug delivery system for IVM. We evaluated the in vitro cestocidal and apoptotic effects of NLCs-loaded IVM versus IVM by quantifying the expression of caspase-3 mRNA. RESULTS: We found that after 60 and 120 min of administration, 800 µg/ml and 400 µg/ml NLCs-loaded IVM induced 100% mortality, respectively. On the other hand, the 800 µg/ml of IVM induced 100% mortality rate 150 min after administration. Additionally, we found that NLCs-loaded IVM induced higher mRNA caspase-3 expression suggesting a more potent apoptotic effect on the parasite. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that NLCs-loaded IVM may be a promising alternative to current treatments although in vivo studies are needed.