Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on parasitic drug resistance.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of antiparasitic drug resistance poses a concerning threat to animals and humans. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been widely used to treat infections in humans, pets, and livestock. Although this is an emerging field of study, the current review outlines possible mechanisms and examines potential synergism in combination therapies and the possible harmful effects of such an approach. AREAS COVERED: The present study delved into the latest pre-clinical research on utilizing MSCs to treat parasitic infections. As per investigations, the introduction of MSCs to patients grappling with parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, malaria, cystic echinococcosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis has shown a reduction in parasite prevalence. This intervention also alters the levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the combined administration of MSCs and antiparasitic drugs has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating parasites and modulating the immune response. EXPERT OPINION: Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential solution for addressing parasitic drug resistance. This is mainly because of their remarkable immunomodulatory abilities, which can potentially help combat parasites' resistance to drugs.

The effect of hydatid cyst protoscolex somatic antigens on full-thickness skin wound healing in mouse.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing has evolved in recent years, resulting in diverse therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of the somatic antigen of the hydatid cyst protoscolex on wound healing in mice with full-thickness skin wounds. METHODS: Fifty-four adult mice, weighing 25 ± 5 g and approximately 60 days old, were divided into three groups (A, B, and C), each further divided into three subgroups. Subgroups A1, A2, and A3 were assigned negative controls. B1, B2, and B3 received hydatid cyst somatic antigen tests at 10 µg/SC, whereas C1, C2, and C3 received somatic antigen tests at 20 µg/SC. Under general anesthesia, a wound biopsy puncture of 9.8 mm in diameter was performed on the mice's back and spine. In the experimental group, antigen and alum adjuvant were administered subcutaneously around the wound, while the control group received Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS). Using digital images, a geometric assessment was conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 post-wounding. The obtained images were analyzed by Image J software and after analyzing the data by SPSS software. RESULTS: A significant difference in terms of epithelization was observed in the antigen treatment group with a dose of 20 µg on days 3 and 6 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 20 µg antigen group was significantly higher than the 10 µg antigen group in terms of this factor on day 3 (P < 0.05). Skin samples were taken from all wounds on days 3, 10 and 21 for microscopic evaluation. Regarding epithelization, on day 10, a significant difference was observed in the treatment group with a concentration of 10 µg with the control group and the treatment group with a concentration of 20 µg (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that somatic antigens of protoscolex hydatid cyst are dose-dependent and antigens with a dose of 20 µg by subcutaneous injection accelerate wound healing and epithelialization.

An investigation of the prevalence of equine filariosis in North and Northeast of Iran.

Worldwide, equines are affected by equine filariosis, an endemic vector-borne disease caused by heterogenous parasitic nematodes. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of filarial infection among horses in the North and Northeast of Iran. Between October 2021 and July 2022, 145 equine blood samples were investigated, of which 49 cases were from the northeast and 96 were from the north of Iran. Blood samples were taken for microfilariae using Knott's method. Out of 145 blood samples, only 2 cases (1.37%) from northern Iran were positive for microfilaria of Setaria equina, and no positive samples were found from northeast Iran. The first positive sample was a 3-year-old male Iranian horse displaying clinical symptoms of weakness, while the second, an 8-month-old Arabian breed colt, exhibited no clinical signs. According to the results of the current study, the prevalence of equine filariosis is low, contrary to nearby countries. To prevent and control filarial infections among horses and improve their management system, it is therefore important to emphasize filarial infection prevention, control, and management.

A survey of parasitic infections in Psittaciformes and Passeriformes in Mashhad, Iran.

The health, growth and fertility of avian species can be negatively affected by parasite infection. This survey assesses the presence, variety and distribution of internal and external parasites among parrots and perching birds in Mashhad, Iran. This study examined 751 caged pet birds from different species and regions in Mashhad for faecal samples and 132 oral swabs for digestive tract parasites. Furthermore, skin scrapings were conducted on 14 canaries displaying dishevelled feathers. During the study, mortalities and moribund birds that had been referred underwent necropsies to examine internal parasites. Following the formol ether faecal examination, only one Malango parrot tested positive for Heterakoidea eggs among 751 faecal samples (0.13%). Further, one cockatiel showed evidence of parasitic infection with Eimeria spp. (0.13%). However, neither Cryptosporidium nor Giardia protozoa were detected in the samples (0%). Oral swabs revealed no evidence of Trichomonas (0%). On the other hand, skin scraping revealed the presence of the mite Dermanyssus in 7 out of 14 canaries with dishevelled feathers (50%). Of 25 moribund and weak budgerigars, 2 were infected with Acuaria in their proventriculus (8%). In addition, 3 out of 14 deceased myna birds carried the nematode Diplotriana in their coelomic cavities (21.42%). In conclusion, the rate of internal parasites has been relatively low in ornamental birds of Mashhad, whereas the prevalence of external parasites has been higher.

The first molecular isolation of Halicephalobus gingivalis from horses in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections pose significant threats to humans' and animals' well-being worldwide. Among these parasites, Halicephalobus spp., a genus of nematodes, has gained attention due to its ability to cause severe infections in various animal species, including horses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Halicephalobus spp., specifically focusing on Halicephalobus gingivalis in horses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In July 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in northern Iran to determine the prevalence of Halicephalobus spp. Using standard coprological techniques, 141 fecal samples from randomly selected horses were analyzed for GI helminth eggs. The Halicephalobus spp. eggs present in faeces were identified by molecular methods. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the partial 5' variable region (~ 390 base pairs) of 18 S DNA using SSUA_F and SSU22_R primers. Furthermore, the PCR products obtained were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using available sequences from GenBank. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of 141 fresh faecal samples revealed 5 fecal samples were infected with small ellipsoidal nematode eggs ranging between 40 and 50 × 50-60 µm. This study's PCR amplicons showed ~ 390 bp bands on 2.0% agarose gel. A partial sequence of 18 S DNA (363 bp) was obtained herein (GenBank accession no. OQ843456). CONCLUSION: Overall, using molecular tools represents a significant step forward in diagnosing and managing the Halicephalobus gingivalis infections in horses.

A potential cure for tumor-associated immunosuppression by Toxoplasma gondii.

BACKGROUND: Recently, immunotherapy has become very hopeful for cancer therapy. Cancer treatment through immunotherapy has excellent specificity and less toxicity than conventional chemoradiotherapy. Pathogens have been used in cancer immunotherapy for a long time. The current study aims to evaluate the possibility of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as a probable treatment for cancers such as melanoma, breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Nonreplicating type I uracil auxotrophic mutants of T. gondii can stimulate immune responses against tumors by reverse immunosuppression at the cellular level. T. gondii can be utilized to research T helper 1 (Th1) cell immunity in intracellular infections. Avirulent T. gondii uracil auxotroph vaccine can change the tumor's immunosuppression and improve the production of type 1 helper cell cytokines, i.e., Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and activate tumor-related Cluster of Differentiation 8 (CD8+) T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. The T. gondii profilin protein, along with T. gondii secreted proteins, have been found to exhibit promising properties in the treatment of various cancers. These proteins are being studied for their potential to inhibit tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Their unique mechanisms of action make them valuable candidates for targeted interventions in ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer treatments. CONCLUSION: In summary, the study underscores the significant potential of harnessing T. gondii, including its diverse array of proteins and antigens, particularly in its avirulent form, as a groundbreaking approach in cancer immunotherapy.

Challenges and Prospective of Enhancing Hydatid Cyst Chemotherapy by Nanotechnology and the Future of Nanobiosensors for Diagnosis.

Hydatid cysts have been widely recognized for decades as a common medical problem that affects millions of people. A revolution in medical treatment may be on the prospect of nanotechnology enhancing chemotherapy against hydatid cysts. An overview of nanotechnology's impact on chemotherapeutics is presented in the current review. It discusses some of the challenges as well as some of the opportunities. The application of nanotechnology to enhance chemotherapy against hydatid cysts is what this review will explore. Nanotechnology is a critical component of delivering therapeutic agents with greater precision and efficiency and targeting hydatid cysts with better efficacy, and minimizing interference with surrounding tissue. However, there are biodistribution challenges, toxicity, and resistance problems associated with nanotherapeutics. Additionally, nanobiosensors are being investigated to enable the early diagnosis of hydatid cysts. A nanobiosensor can detect hydatid cysts by catching them early, non-invasively, rapidly, and accurately. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests can be enhanced with nanobiosensors because they take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials. By providing more precise and customized treatment options for hydatid cysts, nanotechnology may improve therapeutic options and strategies for diagnosing the disease. In conclusion, treatment with nanotechnology to treat hydatid cysts is potentially effective but presents many obstacles. Furthermore, nanobiosensors are being integrated into diagnostic techniques, as well as helping to diagnose patients earlier and more accurately.

Epidemiological study on equine coccidiosis in North and Northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Eimeria is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect many animal species, including horses. We conducted a cross-sectional study of indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran to establish the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using standard coprological techniques, 340 faecal samples from randomly selected horses (141 from North Iran and 199 from Northeast Iran) were examined for Eimeria oocyst. RESULTS: Out of 340 samples, only three from north Iran were positive for coccidiosis. Infections occurred by Eimeria leuckarti. The mean intensity of oocyst output (3-38 o.p.g.) was very low. No clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders were noticed in horses during this study. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the prevalence of Eimeria species causing coccidiosis in indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran is relatively low. These findings provide valuable insights into the health status of indigenous horses in Iran and may help guide future efforts to promote their welfare and productivity.

Current status of nano-vaccinology in veterinary medicine science.

Vaccination programmes provide a safe, effective and cost-efficient strategy for maintaining population health. In veterinary medicine, vaccination not only reduces disease within animal populations but also serves to enhance public health by targeting zoonoses. Nevertheless, for many pathogens, an effective vaccine remains elusive. Recently, nanovaccines have proved to be successful for various infectious and non-infectious diseases of animals. These novel technologies, such as virus-like particles, self-assembling proteins, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and virosomes, offer great potential for solving many of the vaccine production challenges. Their benefits include low immunotoxicity, antigen stability, enhanced immunogenicity, flexibility sustained release and the ability to evoke both humoral and cellular immune responses. Nanovaccines are more efficient than traditional vaccines due to ease of control and plasticity in their physio-chemical properties. They use a highly targeted immunological approach which can provide strong and long-lasting immunity. This article reviews the currently available nanovaccine technology and considers its utility for both infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases such as auto-immunity and cancer. Future research opportunities and application challenges from bench to clinical usage are also discussed.

The mouse model of chronic asthma: Airway remodelling and disease exacerbation by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus.

There is now sufficient evidence to support an inverse association between helminth infection and secreted products with allergic/autoimmune disorders. Accordingly, several experimental studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. This is the first study on effects of somatic antigens of E. granulosus on chronic allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Mice in OVA group were intraperitoneally (IP) sensitized with OVA/Alum. Subsequently, were challenged by nebulizing of OVA 1%. The treatment groups received somatic antigens of protoscoleces on the specified days. Mice in PBS group were received PBS in both sensitization and challenge. The effects of somatic products on development of chronic allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokines production in the homogenized lung tissue, and total antioxidant capacity in serum. Our findings show that the co-administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces simultaneously with the development of asthma intensifies allergic airway inflammation. The identification of effective components involved in exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation manifestations will be a crucial approach to understanding the mechanism of these interactions.

Antitumor Mechanisms of Molecules Secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi in Colon and Breast Cancer: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Molecules secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) have beneficial effects on the immune system and can fight against cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, preventing angiogenesis, and promoting immune activation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of molecules secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi on the growth of colon and breast cancer cells, to understand the underlying mechanisms of action. RESULTS: Calreticulin from T. cruzi, a 45 kDa protein, participates in essential changes in the tumor microenvironment by triggering an adaptive immune response, exerting an antiangiogenic effect, and inhibiting cell growth. On the other hand, a 21 kDa protein (P21) secreted at all stages of the parasite's life cycle can inhibit cell invasion and migration. Mucins, such as Tn, sialyl-Tn, and TF, are present both in tumor cells and on the surface of T. cruzi and are characterized as common antigenic determinants, inducing a cross-immune response. In addition, molecules secreted by the parasite are used recombinantly in immunotherapy against cancer for their ability to generate a reliable and long-lasting immune response. CONCLUSION: By elucidating the antitumor mechanisms of the molecules secreted by T. cruzi, this study provides valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat colon and breast cancer.

Anti-Tumor Effect of Protoscolex Hydatid Cyst Somatic Antigen on Inhibition Cell Growth of K562.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Today, cancer is one of the most important causes of death in the world, and so far, many treatment methods have been used in this field. Immunotherapy is considered one of the newest developments in this science, and it is still being investigated in some forms in different cancers and with a variety of antigens as well. One of the subsets of cancer immunotherapy is its treatment using parasitic antigens. The present study evaluated the effect of using somatic antigens of protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus on K562 cancer cells. METHODS: In this study, hydatid cysts' protoscolex antigens were extracted, purified, and added to K562 cancer cells at three concentrations (0.1, 1, and 2 mg/ml) and on three times (24, 48, and 72 h). The number of apoptotic cells was compared to the control flask. The antigen concentration of 2 mg/ml was used as a control sample to investigate its cytotoxic effect on the growth of healthy HFF3 cells. Annexin V and PI tests were also performed to differentiate apoptosis from necrosis. RESULTS: In flasks treated with hydatid cyst protoscolex antigen, all three concentrations significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells compared with the control flask, and concentration 2 of crude antigen significantly caused the death of cancer cells. Furthermore, more cancer cells underwent apoptosis by increasing the time of exposure to the antigen. On the other hand, flow cytometry results also showed that the amount of apoptosis has increased compared to the control group. In fact, Protoscolex hydatid cyst somatic antigens induce programmed cell death in K562 cancer cells while not having a cytotoxic effect on normal cells. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is suggested to do more research on the anti-cancer and therapeutic properties of the antigens of this parasite.

The anti-echinococcal activity of crocin in mice experimentally infected with Echinococcus granulosus.

Herbal preparations have good medicinal value for potential use as therapeutic agents in cystic echinococcosis. The efficiency of crocin in the case of cystic echinococcosis was investigated, and compared with that of albendazole, one of the few licensed anti-echinococcosis drugs that served as a positive control. Five months after infecting BALB/C mice with E. granulosus sensu lato the experimental group was divided into 7 subgroups containing 10 animals each: 1- Crocin 80 (80 mg/kg), 2- Crocin 40 (40 mg/kg), 3- Crocin 10 (10 mg/kg), 4- Albendazole (200 mg/kg), 5- Crocin 10 (10 mg/kg) +Albendazole (100 mg/kg), 6- Crocin 20 (20 mg/kg) +Albendazole (50 mg/kg), 7- the control (infected and untreated). After two weeks of daily treatment, significant reductions of cysts' weights, sizes, and total numbers concerning the control group were achieved by treatment with crocin 80, crocin 40, crocin 10, crocin 10 + ABZ100, crocin 20+ ABZ50 and ABZ200 (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no difference concentrations of crocin and those treated with albendazole,. The concentration of bilirubin was higher in the control group than all treated groups with crocin, significantly. However, the ALT activity showeda significant decrease in the crocin 10 group, compared to the crocin 80, crocin 40, crocin 10 + ABZ100, crocin 20 + ABZ50, control groups (p < 0.05). Based on our results, the administration of crocin used at 10 mg/kg concentrations seems a hopeful applicant for the treatment of cystic echinococcosis.

Anti-Tumor Effect of Marshallagia marshalli Somatic Antigen on Inhibition Cell Growth of K562.

Background: Today, the inhibitory effect of helminths on tumor cell growth has been proven. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of Marshallagia marshalli somatic against K562 cells. Methods: Different concentrations of M. marshalli somatic antigen were incorporated in the culture medium of K652 cells, and the proliferation and apoptosis were measured after 24, 48, and 72 h, using MTT and Annexin V/PI staining assay. Results: Treatment of cells with 1-2 mg/ml antigen for 24-72 h could suppress cell proliferation and increase apoptosis. While treating cells with 0.1 mg/ml antigen for 72 h could inhibit cell growth. There was no meaningful effect on treated cells in comparison with the control group (P< 0.05) after incubating cells for 24- 48 h with 0.1 mg/ml antigen. Conclusion: M. marshalli somatic antigen had an anti-cancer property, and its role in cancer treatment could be considered as an effective therapeutic method.

Prevalence and Seasonality of Adult and Arrested Larvae of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep from Mashhad City, Northeastern Iran.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of nematode infections in sheep located in northeastern Iran from Apr 2018 to Mar 2019. Methods: Gastrointestinal nematodes of 300 sheep were inspected. The season of slaughter, anatomic location where the parasite was located, the animal's sex, infection prevalence and intensity were recorded. Seasonal differences in arrested larvae numbers also were assessed using Cochran's Q test. Results: Overall, 4,331 adult nematode specimens were collected. Among the examined sheep, 53% (159/300) were infected with one or more nematode species. Among infected sheep, 42.8% were infected with a single species of nematode, 26.4% were infected with two species of nematodes, and 30.8% were infected with three or more species of nematodes. Marshallagia marshalli (13.3%) was the most common nematode recovered from the abomasums of infected sheep, while Trichostrongylus vitrinus (4.6%) was commonly recovered from the small intestines, and Trichuris ovis (25.6%) was commonly recovered from the large intestines. In total, 463 arrested larvae were found in the abomasums of 7.5% of infected sheep and 104 arrested larvae were found in the small intestines of 8.8% of infected sheep. A significantly higher numbers of arrested larvae were found in summer compared to autumn (P<0.001). Conclusion: Intestinal parasites continue to be a problem for sheep in northeastern Iran and additional control measures need to be explored.

Exacerbation of allergic asthma by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus in allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: There is ample evidence demonstrating a reverse relationship between helminth infection and immune-mediated diseases. Accordingly, several studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. Previous studies have documented the ability of hydatid cysts to suppress aberrant Th2 immune response in a mouse model of allergic asthma. However, there is a paucity of research on the effects of protoscoleces on allergic asthma. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA)/aluminum hydroxide (alum) was injected intraperitoneally to sensitize BALB/c mice over a period of 0 to 7 days, followed by challenge with 1% OVA. The treatment group received somatic antigens of protoscoleces emulsified with PBS on these days in each sensitization before being challenged with 1% OVA on days 14, 15, and 16. The effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces on allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokine production in the homogenized lung tissue (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ), and total antioxidant capacity in serum. RESULTS: Overall, administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces exacerbated allergic airway inflammation via increased Th2 cytokine levels in the lung homogenate, recruitment of eosinophils into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and pathological changes. In addition, total antioxidant capacity and IFN-γ levels declined following the administration of somatic antigens. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that the co-administration of somatic products of protoscoleces with OVA/alum contributed to the exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Currently, the main cause of allergic-type inflammation exacerbation is unknown, and further research is needed to understand the mechanism of these interactions.

Dysregulation of Ovine Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 Expression by Hydatid Cyst-Derived Antigens.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as the first line of defense against various parasites play a critical role in sensing and triggering anti-parasite responses. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran in 2019. Ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with hydatid cyst-derived antigens including hydatid cyst fluid (HCF), germinal layer antigens (GL), somatic and excretory/secretory (ES) products of protoscoleces (PSC). To investigate whether the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was altered during exposure to these antigens, PBMCs were stimulated with two different concentrations at different time points. RESULTS: After exposure of PBMCs to ES and somatic antigens of protoscoleces (PSC) the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was down-regulated in comparison with control group. Similarly, HCF markedly down-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 transcripts independent of dose and time. GL antigens significantly down-regulated TLR2, while TLR4 expression was up-regulated as compared with control group. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cyst-derived antigens could dysregulate the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in ovine PBMCs, suggesting a possible mechanism to suppress host immunity to establish chronic infection.

Parasitic causes of meat and organs in cattle at four slaughterhouses in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran between 2008 and 2016.

This 8-year (from 2008 to 2016) retrospective study calculated the percentage of carcass and organ (lung and liver) condemnations and estimated the direct financial costs at four slaughterhouses in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran. Each carcass and organ (lung and liver) was thoroughly examined through inspection, palpation and incision following the standard protocol. Identification of the parasites was performed macroscopically. The total direct economic loss due to meat's condemnation was estimated by adding weights of each organ or carcass part and multiplying individual organ totals by their 2016 market unit price. A total of 857,039 cattle were slaughtered during this period, 64,497 livers (7.5%), 31,401 lungs (3.6%) and the carcasses of 1,171 cattle (0.1%) were condemned due to lesions caused by parasites. The main parasitic lesions in the condemned livers were attributed to Echinococcus granulosus (4.2%), Fasciola spp. (3.1%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.1%). All the condemned lungs were due to E. granulosus (3.6%). Taenia saginata cysticerci were detected in 0.1% of inspected animals. Liver condemnation due to cystic echinococcosis was the highest in fall (4.7%, p < 0.001); while lung condemnation was the highest during spring (3.98%, p < 0.001). Liver condemnation due to Fasciola spp. was the lowest in winter (2.99%, p < 0.001). Carcass condemnation as a result of cysticercosis was the highest in summer (p < 0.001). Considering the 2016 market prices, condemnations due to the studied parasites caused direct costs estimated U.S. $ 3,191,879. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report estimating the monetary losses due to parasitic infections in the slaughterhouses of this province. Due to the high financial impact of the studied parasites, a control programme should be implemented to decrease this impact.

Identification and Immunological Characterization of Somatic Proteins from Adults of Toxocara cati by Proteomics Technique.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara cati is considered as one of the main etiological agents of toxocariasis with global and regional importance. As there is no information on proteomics of T. cati, herein, we reported the results obtained by proteomic analysis of somatic proteins extract, using a mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. METHODS: Somatic extract fractions were separated by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and were electro blotted on to PVDF membranes for immunoblot analysis, then collected the immunogenic spots which response of antibodies of the paratenic hosts (mice) to the antigens (Mashhad, 2017), and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The LC-MS/MS data were analyzed by Mascot database, Taxonomy Toxocara, and common contaminants, in Omics Center, Biotechnology Medical University of Graz (Austria, 2018). RESULT: The protein spots were isolated between 15-140 kDa ranges using 3-10 non-linear IPG strips and Brilliant Blue Coomassie. Ten proteins were characterized as immunogenic proteins, seven of them were identified and three of them were unknown proteins. CONCLUSION: This study provided additional information about the somatic antigens of T. cati, which can lead to the development of new strategies for novel immuno-modulators, drug targets, subunit vaccines and immunodiagnostic kits for toxocariasis.

Anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole and levamisole in native fowl in northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of free-range domestic chickens, helminth parasites have potentially become more of a threat to commercial flocks in recent years, and routine poultry deworming is needed to improve the efficiency of chicken production. The present study deals with a field trial to study the efficacy of two generally used anthelmintics, fenbendazole and levamisole, against gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic chickens in northern Iran. METHODS: Of 45 domestic chicken flocks involved in the study, 20 flocks were selected to participate in fecal egg count reduction testing based on flock size from April 2017 to September 2018. The infected chickens were randomly divided into three equal groups of 30 each. Ninety chickens in the infected groups received one of the following treatments (d 0 of treatment): Group 1: 5 mg kg-1 body weight (BW) fenbendazole for 3 consecutive days; Group 2: 16 mg kg-1 BW levamisole; Group 3 control: placebo, water + DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing fecal egg counts in the treated and control groups. RESULTS: Examination of three flocks of chickens from the control group showed that 95.0% of the animals were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with an average geometric value of 361 eggs per gram of feces. Fenbendazole at a dose of 5 mg kg-1 BW for 3 days showed an efficacy of 83.7% (P ≥ 0.05), and levamisole at a dose of 16 mg kg-1 BW showed 71.8% efficacy (P ≥ 0.05) with geometric mean eggs in a gram of feces of 100 and 199.6, respectively. In general, fenbendazole and levamisole treatment led to significantly lower activity. The result of this study revealed that fenbendazole was a better and more effective dewormer than levamisole on the three Iranian domestic chicken flocks, but the difference was not significant. Capillaria spp. were the most generally resistant nematodes followed by Trichostrongylus spp. and Amidostomum anseris. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that fenbendazole and levamisole effectively reduced the number of nemathodes in three Iranian domestic chicken flocks. Given the results of our study, resistance can be expected in the parasitic helminths of poultry. Additional larger scale studies are required to determine the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in the poultry industry.