Intestinal Parasitic Infections in People Referring to the Central Laboratory of Meshkin Shahr County, Ardabil Province, Iran.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still a considerable global public health problem. We aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections among people referring to the central laboratory of Meshkin Shahr City, Ardabil Province, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 460 fecal samples were collected randomly from persons referred to the central laboratory of Meshkin Shahr City, from January to June 2022. The samples were examined by direct wet-mount, Trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, and agar plate culture. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites was 15.7% (72 out of 460 cases), with some people with numerous intestinal parasites. The frequency of protozoan infections (13.9%) was higher than the helminthic infections (2.6%). Blastocystis spp. (8.1%) was the most prevalent detected intestinal protozoan. Entamoeba coli (5.7%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (2.2%), Giardia lamblia (1.5%), Fasciola spp. (0.2%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.2%) were other detected parasites. Conclusion: In- spite of betterment of the health condition in Iran and reduction of parasitic infection, intestinal parasitic infections are still a considerable public health issue in some parts of Iran.

Fasciola Infection Unexpectedly Found During Cholecystectomy: Review on How to Avoid Increasing Surgery Interventions in Non-human Endemic Areas.

PURPOSE: Fascioliasis is caused by Fasciola hepatica of almost worldwide distribution and F. gigantica in wide regions of Asia and Africa. Their adult stage develops in the biliary canals and gallbladder. Infection follows an initial, 3-4 month long invasive, migratory or acute phase, and a several year-long biliary, chronic or obstructive phase. METHODS: The unexpected finding of a fasciolid inside the gallbladder during a cholecystectomy for obstructive lithiasis suspicion in a patient is reported from an area of Iran where human infection had been never reported before and studies on fascioliasis in livestock are absent. RESULTS: The fluke obtained was phenotypically classified as F. hepatica by morphometry and genotypically as F. gigantica by mtDNA cox1 fragment sequencing, although with F. hepatica scattered mutations in species-differing nucleotide positions. The clinical, radiological, and biological signs observed at the acute and chronic phases often lead to some misdiagnosis. Serological methods may be useful in cases of negative coprology. Diagnostic techniques with insufficient resolution leading to unnecessary invasive interventions are analyzed. The way to avoid unnecessary surgery is described, including analyses to be made, diagnostic tools to be used, and aspects to be considered. CONCLUSION: Reaching a correct diagnosis in the confusing presentations avoids procedure delays and unnecessary surgery. A correct drug treatment may be sufficient. Except in extreme pathological presentations, lesions decrease in number and size and finally disappear or calcify after a successful treatment. Finally, the need to increase awareness of physicians about fascioliasis is highlighted, mainly in non-human endemic areas.

Tracking the existence of Dioctophyma renale in Parthian Empire of Iran (247 BC-224 AD).

Paleoparasitological investigation in the archeological site of the Caspian Sea littoral revealed the presence of human Dioctophyma renale infection, a ubiquitous kidney-residing helminth of mammals, during the Parthian Empire of Iran (247 BC-224 AD). This study reports the oldest human infection with giant kidney worm in the Middle East, mainly in an area where the infection is reported nowadays. The paucity of records throughout the literature suggests that the same species of parasite occurred with low frequency in the past, as well. The cemetery in the archeological site of Kiasar represented a unique opportunity of studying human and animal parasites of the Parthian Empire in Iran.

Dermatoparasitoses in Referral Patients to the Laboratory.

Background: Dermatoparasitic infestations due to the mites Demodex spp. and Sarcoptes scabie are prevalent dermatological disorders worldwide. Methods: Referral patients from the Departments of Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, and from the psychologists, in some cases, to the laboratory of Medical Helminthology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran were examined and documented for demodicosis and scabies from March 2009 to December 2020. All patients' data were collected and then analyzed statistically by SDATA version 14, using the Chi-square test. Results: Out of 494-suspected patients suffering from dermal disorders, 99 patients (20.04%) and 20 cases (4.04%) were found infested with demodicosis and scabies, respectively. Most demodicosis cases belonged to the 46-60 year age group while the infestation rate of scabies was higher in the age group under 5 years (P=<0.0001). Demodicosis was seen more prevalent in women than men, and scabies were higher in men (P =0.15). The cases of demodicosis in fall and scabies in winter and spring were more frequent. Demodicosis picked up in 2015 and 2017 (P=0.03), while the prevalent year for scabies was in 2016 (P=0.77). Both current ectoparasites declined dramatically by Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Demodicosis and scabies have been found correlated with age, and no statistical association was seen between the gender and seasonal factors. Besides, the obvious decline of demodicosis and scabies infestation rates during the Covid-19 outbreak can mention that social distance and hygiene standards have negative effects on dermatoparasites transmission.

First evidence of Brachylaima sp. (Diplostomida; Brachylaimidae) infesting the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus) in Iran.

Of the eleven species of shrews described in Iran, the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus), the smallest known extant mammal by mass, is recorded in northern and southern provinces. During rodent control programs, a female S. etruscus was trapped and found naturally infected with a trematode which was morphologically identified as Brachylaima sp. This finding represents the first report of trematodiasis in this host species.

Identification of Fasciola Species Using Tegumental Spines in Tissue Sections.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to find a reliable non-molecular means of identification has been the main purpose of the current work that always is persuaded by researchers interested in the field of parasitology. METHODS: Adult fasciolids were obtained from the slaughterhouses in different parts of Iran in 2017, and investigated using the classical old fashion morphological appearances of the worms implementing a camera lucida equipped microscope. Histological procedure was subsequently performed for almost the entire collected adult worms followed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. DNA extraction and RFLP-PCR technique were carried out for the entire fasciolid liver flukes. To attain more comparable morphological conclusions, Scanning Electron Micrographs were also implemented for two molecularly identified fasciolids. RESULTS: Based on spine morphology observed in worm's tissue sections two types of tegumental spines, "pointed" and "molar" shapes have been identified addressing to distinguish F. hepatica and F. gigantica species respectively. The present identification has been also supported by Molecular analysis using RFLP-PCR technique. CONCLUSION: There are some hidden morphological characters implemented in species identification for certain helminths. Meanwhile, the emergence of computer image analysis system (CIAS) on the scene of taxonomy, has revolutionized the accuracy of measurement in morphology by employing detailed parameters that have not been regarded before. The current study has illustrated the tegumental spines of two Fasciola species in tissue sections which has not been enough considered in helminthological publications so far.

A comparative study on solubility improvement of tetracycline and dexamethasone by poly(propylene imine) and polyamidoamine dendrimers: An insight into cytotoxicity and cell proliferation.

Many of new chemical discovered in pharmaceutical industry are hydrophobic compounds. Various techniques have been used to overcome solubility problems of hydrophobic drugs in aqueous media. In the meantime, dendrimers have been considered for sustainability, nanoscale size, high carry capacity, tunable terminal functional groups in terms of drug delivery and solubility. In this work, we have synthesized poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer up to fifth generation using reduction of nitrile groups after Michael addition and also, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer up to fourth generation using Michael addition and amidation reactions. fourth and fifth generations of PPI dendrimer and fourth and third generations of PAMAM dendrimer in different concentrations were used to evaluate the solubility of two hydrophobic drugs (tetracycline and dexamethasone). Furthermore, cytotoxicity of dendrimers and dendrimers/drugs hybrids was studied. The results showed that with increasing concentrations and also the generation of dendrimers, the solubility of these two hydrophobic drugs was increased. Cytotoxicity study through MTT assay against Osteoblast-like cell line (MG-63 cells) showed that dendrimers were relatively cytotoxic where adding dexamethasone caused higher cytotoxicity. However, tetracycline showed no significant effect on cytotoxicity whereas prevented cell proliferation.

Effect of grafting ratio of poly(propylene imine) dendrimer onto gold nanoparticles on the properties of colloidal hybrids, their DOX loading and release behavior and cytotoxicity.

A facile method via "grafting to" approach was used to synthesize hybrid gold-dendrimer nanoparticles. To this end, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized via Turkevich method and 5th-generation cystamine-cored poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer was synthesized by iterative Michael addition and hydrogenation reactions. To prepare hybrid nanoparticles, aqueous solution of dendrimer was poured into colloidal solution of GNPs to form gold-S interactions which resulted in hybrid gold-dendrimer nanoparticles. UV-VIS-NIR and Raman spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were utilized to confirm the surface modification of GNPs by PPI dendrimer. Cytotoxicity study through MTT assay against human fibroblast (FBS) cells showed appropriate proliferation of cells in presence of hybrid nanoparticles whereas higher grafting ratio of dendrimers induced more toxicity due to existence of peripheral amine groups. Also, hybrid gold-dendrimer nanoparticles were used as DOX nanocarriers. Results showed that carriers did not release the drug at pH = 7.4 significantly while up to 92.8% of drug release was measured at pH = 5.3. Also, higher grafting ratio limited the drug release due to shielding effect of grafted dendrimers.

Identification of Hymenolepis diminuta Cysticercoid Larvae in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Beetles from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hymenolepis diminuta is a cestod of rodents and rarely infects humans. Infection in humans is via ingestion of infected insects. This study was aimed to detect H. diminuta cysticercoids in red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum, and cockroaches originated from different regions of Iran. METHODS: The red flour beetles and cockroaches were collected from local bakeries in five cities including Tehran, Ahvaz, Kazerun, and Sabzevar during 2010-2011. Some beetles and cockroaches were colonized in insectary and adults from F1 generation were fed on H. diminuta eggs. Both laboratory-infected and field-collected samples were dissected and examined for cysticercoids. Detection of H. diminuta DNA in T. castaneum beetles was performed by targeting a partial sequence of Ribosomal gene. RESULTS: Except the beetles from Ahvaz, all specimens were negative for cysticercoid by microscopy. Of the four dissected beetles from Ahvaz, one harbored 12 cysticercoids. Also, 110 (52%) of laboratory-infected beetles showed infection with an average of 12-14 larvae. None of the cockroaches was infected. Two beetles from Ahvaz, including the remainder of the microscopic positive specimen, yielded the expected amplicon in PCR assay. The H. diminuta DNA sequences generated in this study were identical and matched 97-100% with similar sequences from GenBank database. CONCLUSION: Lack of infection in the majority of beetles may reflect a low rat infestation rate in those areas, alternatively, the examined specimens might not have been the representative samples of the T. castaneum populations.

Retrieving ascarid and taeniid eggs from the biological remains of a Neolithic dog from the late 9th millennium BC in Western Iran.

BACKGROUND: Paleoparasitology reveals the status of parasitic infections in humans and animals in ancient times based on parasitic particles found in biological remains from archaeological excavations. This line of research emerged in Iran in 2013. OBJECTIVE: The identification of parasites from Neolithic times is an attractive subject that shows the oldest origins of parasitic infections in a given geographical region. From an archaeological point of view, this archaeological site is well-known for animal domestication and agriculture in ancient Iran. METHODS: In this study, soil deposited on the surface and in the pores of a dog pelvic bone was carefully collected and rehydrated using trisodium phosphate solution. FINDINGS: The results showed ascarid and taeniid eggs retrieved from the biological remains of a dog excavated at the East Chia Sabz archaeological site, which dates back to the Neolithic period (8100 BC). MAIN CONCLUSION: The current findings clearly illustrate the natural circulation of nematode and cestode parasites among dogs at that time. These ancient helminth eggs can also be used to track the oldest parasitic infections in the Iranian plateau and contribute to the paleoparasitological documentation of the Fertile Crescent.

Retrieving ascarid and taeniid eggs from the biological remains of a Neolithic dog from the late 9th millennium BC in Western Iran

BACKGROUND Paleoparasitology reveals the status of parasitic infections in humans and animals in ancient times based on parasitic particles found in biological remains from archaeological excavations. This line of research emerged in Iran in 2013. OBJECTIVE The identification of parasites from Neolithic times is an attractive subject that shows the oldest origins of parasitic infections in a given geographical region. From an archaeological point of view, this archaeological site is well-known for animal domestication and agriculture in ancient Iran. METHODS In this study, soil deposited on the surface and in the pores of a dog pelvic bone was carefully collected and rehydrated using trisodium phosphate solution. FINDINGS The results showed ascarid and taeniid eggs retrieved from the biological remains of a dog excavated at the East Chia Sabz archaeological site, which dates back to the Neolithic period (8100 BC). MAIN CONCLUSION The current findings clearly illustrate the natural circulation of nematode and cestode parasites among dogs at that time. These ancient helminth eggs can also be used to track the oldest parasitic infections in the Iranian plateau and contribute to the paleoparasitological documentation of the Fertile Crescent.

In Vitro Assay of Paecilomyces lilacinus Biocontrol Effects on Fasciola hepatica Eggs Illustrated in Scanning Electron Micrographs.

BACKGROUND: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. Drug resistance, high costs of treatment and economic losses in meat production have emerged the need of alternative control measures into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal activity of Paecilomyces lilacinus fungus on F. hepatica eggs. METHODS: P. lilacinus isolated from the soil of natural environment was challenged on F. hepatica eggs to observe the bio control effect of nematophagous fungi on trematode helminth eggs. The study was conducted in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, in 2015. Within 21 d of experiment, destructive effects exhibited on the eggshells were investigated using optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy. RESULTS: The effective role of P. lilacinus on damaging the eggs of F. hepatica was noticed. CONCLUSION: This finding is promising for advantageous use of nematophagus fungi as a natural constituent in hyper endemic areas for certain helminthic infections like fascioliasis with diverse kinds of herbivores as egg passer hosts.

Dicrocoelium Egg Identified in an Ancient Cemetery in Kiasar Archeological Site, Northern Iran, Dated Back 247 BC-224 AD.

BACKGROUND: Along with the newly emergence of paleoparasitology research in Iran, findings of parasites from Northern part of the county have not been reported so far. In this study tracking for the lancet liver fluke dates back 250 BC is addressed. METHODS: Samples were taken from grave crypts of the soil layers attached to the pelvic bones from above-mentioned site in 2015. The laboratory examinations were conducted in the Dept. of Medial Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Current rehydration technique using TSP 0.5% was utilized for examining the samples. RESULTS: Out of 10 burial soil samples examined, one individual was seen parasitized with a Dicrocoelium egg. The burial belonged to an adolescent male 20-22 yr old. The egg was in brown color and the length/width parameters of 36×22/5 µm. Parthian coins found in nearby the burials in Kiasar Cemetery, declared the time of the skeleton about 247 BC - 224 AD confidently. CONCLUSION: Although the possibility of transit infection with D. dendriticum is high, yet the environmental and geographical conditions in that time are in favor of a normal human transmission in northern Iran.

Paleoparasitological evidence of pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection in a female adolescent residing in ancient Tehran (Iran) 7000 years ago.

BACKGROUND: The Molavi street archeological site south of Tehran accidentally provided a unique opportunity for paleoparasitological studies in Iran. A female skeleton was unearthed and evaluated to be 7000 years old. Soil samples were collected around the pelvic and sacrum bones. FINDINGS: Careful microscopic investigation of rehydrated soil samples revealed the presence of one Enterobius vermicularis egg attached to the skeleton sacral region. CONCLUSION: The present finding likely represents the oldest evidence of a human pinworm infection in Asia.

Seroepidemiological survey of human visceral leishmaniasis in ilam province, west of iran in 2013.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as one of the most important human parasitic disease is endemic in some parts of Iran. Several cases of VL have been reported recently in the Ilam Province. The current study aimed to assess the present status of human VL in the region. METHODS: A random cluster sampling method was used to collect 456 serums samples from the children up to 12 years of age and 10% of adults living in urban and rural areas of the province. All the collected serum samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect anti- Leishmania infantum antibodies. RESULTS: Of the examined 456 serum samples with direct agglutination test (DAT), only 21 (0.43%) sera showed anti- Leishmania antibodies at titers 1:400 and higher. Distribution of anti- Leishmania antibodies titers were: 1:400(n=4), 1:800(n=11), 1:1600(n=3), 1:3200(n=1), and 1:6400(n=1). Individuals with titers ≥1:3200 showed clinical signs and symptoms such as fever and splenomegaly. The highest and lowest seropositivity were observed in the age groups of 5-9 and >15 years old, respectively. There were no significant difference between the rate of seropositivity in males and females. CONCLUSION: VL with a low prevalence circulates in some parts of Ilam province, particularly in the southern parts. Complementary studies should be needed to find animal reservoir hosts and vectors. Furthermore, health systems and physicians should pay particular attention to the disease.