Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite affecting a broad range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Infection acquired during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus and leading to serious problems such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or severe mental and/or physical handicaps in the child. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and related risk factors in pregnant woman. METHODOLOGY: The study enrolled 1200 serum samples of pregnant women from February-November 2017. Then the samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (Ab) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Out of the 1200 samples, 381 (31.7%) and 41 (3.4%) subjects were positive for IgG and IgM Ab, respectively. Among the evaluated risk factors, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection was not related to the occupation in a significant way. However significant relationship was observed with factors such as; contact with soil, cats, consumption of raw washed vegetables, and washed hands before meals. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, more than two-thirds of pregnant women are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection, hence training health care programs should be provided to prevent infection.

Geographical and climatic risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the hyper-endemic focus of Bam County in southeast Iran.

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent debilitating disease in many countries, particularly in Iran, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. Bam County is the most important highly endemic focus of anthropometric CL in Iran and has been under consideration by WHO. This study investigated the environmental and geographic factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of CL in this focus. Methods: Demographic data and the home addresses of CL patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 were retrieved from the Leishmaniasis Center of Bam in southeast Iran. The effects of mean annual rainfall (MAR), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual temperature (MAT), maximum annual temperature (MaxMAT), minimum annual temperature (MinMAT), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual evaporation (MAE), mean annual frosty days (MAFD), mean annual snowy hours (MASH), elevation, and land cover on the distribution of CL were analyzed using geographical information systems (GIS) and univariate and multivariate regression models. Results: Of 847 patients studied, 50.9% (n = 431) were female and 49.1% (n = 416) were male. The age classes 0-10 (n = 246) and 11-20 (n = 145) showed the highest frequency of patients, respectively. Leishmaniasis patients were reported from 66 villages/cities (11.8%) out of 561 residential areas in Bam County. Univariate analysis showed that urban settings (OR = 21.66), agriculture (OR = 5.73), orchards (OR = 5), salty land (OR = 1.05), and temperatures (OR = 2.37, 2.79 and 3.47) had positive effects on CL occurrence (p < 0.05), while altitude, precipitation, humidity, evaporation, and the number of frozen days had negative effects. Multivariate analysis identified urban settings (OR = 13.6), orchards (OR = 6.29), agriculture (OR = 5.82), and minimum temperature (OR = 2.38) as the most significant determinants of CL occurrence in this region. Conclusion: Environmental and ecological factors play an important role in the distribution of CL in Bam County. The high-risk zones for CL are cities/large villages, agricultural and orchard areas in lower altitudes and with warmer climates and lower rainfall and humidity. This model can guide researchers and health managers to properly conduct CL control programs and allocate budgets.

CRISPR/Cas9, a promising approach for the treatment of ß-thalassemia: a systematic review.

The CRISPR/Cas9 technique is easily programmable, fast, more powerful, and efficient at generating a mutation compared to previous gene therapy methods. ß-thalassemia is the most common autosomal recessive disorder worldwide. Appropriate genomic changes in the ß gene can be modified to alleviate the symptoms of the disease using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and SID databases were searched in Persian and English from February 2000 to September 2022. Finally, 39 articles had inclusion criteria which were reviewed by two separate individuals. Among the reviewed articles, articles were divided into three categories. In the first group, studies attemped to increase the expression of γ-globin and production of hemoglobin F. The strategy of second group of studies were the reduction of the α-globin chain to prevent hemolysis of RBCs by accumulation of excessive α-globins. The third group corrected the mutations causing ß-thalassemia. Studies have shown that the genome of ß-thalassemia patients can be modified using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, and this approach might be promising for the treatment of ß-thalassemia.

Infection rate and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis assemblage C in Iranian stray dogs, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common enteric protozoan parasites in vertebrates, such as humans, domestic and wild animals, causing giardiasis. To the best of our knowledge, little is known about the genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages. This study aimed to identify genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in Iranian stray dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 450 fecal samples were collected from 2015 to 2016 from stray dogs of Northwest Iran. All specimens were observed microscopically following concentration and flotation techniques. Subsequently, DNA samples were extracted, amplified, and sequenced targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in infected dogs was estimated at 1.6%, based on microscopic and molecular diagnoses. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses indicated a high level of genetic diversity of assemblage C (haplotype diversity; 0.802). CONCLUSION: The pairwise sequence distances between the identified isolates of assemblage C showed an intradiversity of 0.3%-1.3% and identity of 98.7%-100%. Current findings indicate that a significant genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblage C haplotypes is unequivocally circulates among stray dogs in Northwest Iran.

Serum profile of IL-1ß and IL-17 cytokines in patients with visceral leishmaniasis.

Leishmania is an intracellular protozoan parasite, mainly infects macrophages of mammalian tissues. Inflammatory related cytokines have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of IL-1ß and IL-17 in patients with active visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and control group. Serum concentrations of both IL-1ß and IL-17 cytokines were assessed by ELISA in Leishmania infantum infected patients (n = 25) and healthy individuals (n = 25) from Meshkin-Shahr, northwest of Iran. Mean serum concentrations of IL-1ß in the patients and control groups were 47.34 ± 23.82, and 20.49 ± 9.38, respectively, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, mean IL-17 concentration in patients with VL (243.96 ± 73.46) was twice higher comparing to control group (106.38 ± 129.06) (p < 0.001). Several cytokines are involved in the regulation of immunity against VL. The present data has shown that, increased serum concentrations of IL-1ß and IL-17 are present in the patients with VL. Further investigations are needed to enhance our knowledge about the regulatory role of these cytokines in leishmaniasis.

Phylogeography and Genetic Diversity of Human Hydatidosis in Bordering the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran by Focusing on Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto Complex.

BACKGROUND: Human Echinococcosisis a cyclo-zoonotic infection caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto complex. The detection of mitochondrial genome data of genus Echinococcus can reflect the taxonomic status, genetic diversity, and population structure genetics. METHODS: Totally, 52 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with histologically confirmed CE were collected from Mazandaran province, Iran in the period of Mar 1995 to May 2018. All extracted DNAs from (FFPE) tissue samples were subjected to amplify by polymerase chain reactions method targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. All PCR amplicons were sequenced to phylogenetic analysis and genetic diversity. RESULTS: Molecular analysis showed that 50(96.1%) and 2 (3.84%) isolates were identified as G1 andG3 E. granulosus genotypes, respectively. DNA sequence analyses indicated a high gene diversity for G1 (Haplotype diversity: 0.830) and G3 genotypes (Hd: 1.00). Based on multiple sequence alignment analyses, 7 (13.46%; G1 genotype) and 2 (3.84%; G3 genotype) new haplotypes were unequivocally identified. CONCLUSION: G3 genotype (Buffalo strain) was identified from two human hydatidosis isolates in the region. Present study strengthens our knowledge about taxonomic status, transmission patterns of Echinococcus parasite to human and heterogeneity aspects of this parasite in clinical CE isolates of Northern Iran.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the genetic characterization of human echinococcosis in Iran, an endemic country.

Human echinococcosis is an infectious disease caused by tapeworms belonging to the species Echinococcus. This parasite has a worldwide distribution and is considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Due to the diversity of Echinococcus spp. hosts, as well as variation in geographical, climatic, and socio-ethnic conditions, the question of the strains or genotypes of Echinococcus spp. that are involved in human infections is important. The aim of this study was to provide a summary of the available data on genotypes of Echinococcus obtained from the Iranian population. Four international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science) and 4 Persian databases (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, Iran Medex, and IranDoc) were searched for cross-sectional studies that reported the genotypes of Echinococcus spp. in human echinococcosis cases using molecular methods in Iran through July 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. A total of 559 cases of human cystic echinococcosis were reported in the 21 included articles. The majority of cases belonged to genotype G1 (89.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.1 to 95.8), genotype G6 (8.2%; 95% CI, 2.8 to 15.9), and genotype G3 (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.9). Since genotype G1 of Echinococcus appears to be the most prevalent genotype affecting humans in Iran, disease control initiatives aimed at sheep intermediate hosts may be the most beneficial. In addition, educational programs and serological screening in individuals may help reduce the national impact of the disease.

Spatial distribution of Giardia lamblia infection among general population in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran.

Giardia lamblia is the most prevalent intestinal parasites of humans in Iran and other in the world although information on geographical distribution of giardiasis plays significant role in identifying communities at high risk, little attention has been paid to study human giardiasis using geographical information system. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine temporal and spatial patterns of human giardiasis distribution to identify possible high risk areas and seasons in northern Iran. A total of 4788 people referred to health centers in the Mazandaran Province of northern Iran were surveyed January to December 2015. From each person stool sample and questionnaire with socio-demographic data were collected. Giardia infection was diagnosed using direct wet mount, formalin ether concentration and trichrome staining. The results were analyzed using Moran Local Indicators of spatial association and geographically weighted regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia infection was 4.6% (222/4788), and was significantly higher among those aged 5-9 years compared to their older peers (P < 0.0001). Our data showed a significant dependency between the prevalence of G. lamblia and age, job, residence, season and height from the sea (P < 0.0001). The results of this study provided a precise and specific spatial and temporal pattern of human giardiasis distribution in the Mazandaran Province, Iran. These evidences should be considered for proper control of disease decisions and strategies.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran.

AIM: Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites. CONCLUSION: High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores' populations.

Free-living amoebae in the water resources of Iran: a systematic review.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are a group of protozoa with the capabilities of growth in the environment and invasion to the human body which have been isolated from different water sources. Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, and Balamuthia are the most important FLA. These cause a variety of severe complications of eye and central nervous system. Despite the fact that various studies have demonstrated the prevalence of FLA in different parts of Iran, there is no comprehensive evaluation and conclusion regarding the pollution of various water sources in Iran. This review was carried out to achieve the prevalence pattern of FLA in water resources across Iran to design appropriate health strategies. For this purpose, 8 online databases in English and Persian and also graduate thesis and national parasitology congresses were studied. The key words such as "free living amoebae", "Acanthamoeba", "Naegleria", "Hartmannella", "Balamuthia", "Sappinia", "Vermamoebae", "Valkampfia", "water resources", "water" and "Iran" were used to search articles between 1990 to 2017. From a total of 236 articles found, 38 reliable articles were included in the study. From the total number of investigated studies, the estimated prevalence was obtained as 36% among 2430 samples. Although Acanthamoeba prevalence has been considered as a priority, most kinds of free-living amoebae were found in all kinds of water resources. Due to the lack of free-living amoebae prevalence in more than a quarter of the Iranian provinces, more studies are recommended to achieve a better perspective to make comprehensive decisions to improve the hygiene of water resources.

Natural products applied against hydatid cyst protoscolices: A review of past to present.

Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is distributed all around the world. CE is one of the most important global parasitic infectious diseases, both in humans and animals. This parasite causes hydatid cysts that can be lodge at different organs of host such as liver, lung even in heart and brain which may lead to death. Presently, numerous scolicidal chemical agents have been administrated for inactivation of the hydatid cyst contents. Because of increasing resistance and adverse effects of medications include abnormalities of liver function, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache; there is a need to find alternative therapies either with the least or without side effects. Recently, there is a high tendency among researchers to evaluate and present herbal plants as alternative option due to being inexpensive, easy available, low side effects and toxicity. Till now, many efforts have been conducted on herbal extracts against protoscolices of hydatid cysts throughout the world. Therefore, the current review systematically searched the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar on published papers according to the keywords. In addition, a comprehensive list of medicinal plants was prepared and some of these herbal plants which showed the best efficacy and promising results are discussed elaborately.

Molecular detection of Taenia spp. in dogs' feces in Zanjan Province, Northwest of Iran.

AIM: Echinococcus and Taenia spp. are important but neglected zoonotic helminths of dogs. Dogs as the most relevant definitive hosts harbor several species of Taenia and Echinococcus simultaneously in their gastrointestinal lumen which are morphologically indistinguishable. In this study, we used a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to identify Taeniid infections which seem to be highly distributed in the study region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 450 dog fecal samples were collected from eight different areas of Zanjan province, northwest of Iran, and examined using a flotation method followed by multiplex PCR for detection and identification of parasites' eggs. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 86 out of 450 fecal samples (19.1%) by microscopic examination. Taeniid eggs were observed in 5.6% of samples, containing 0.45%, 3.8%, and 1.3% Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia spp., and mix infection of both E. granulosus and Taenia spp., respectively. Echinococcus multilocularis was absent in the samples. CONCLUSION: A relatively low rate of E. granulosus (1.8%) was observed in this study. However, risks of this parasite should not be overlooked, and control programs need to be extended for this species and other Taeniid spp. In particular, dogs are recommended to be dewormed more frequently.

Dogs' Gastrointestinal Parasites and their Association with Public Health in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Dogs harbour zoonotic parasites that cause serious infections in humans, such as visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, cystic echinococcosis, and alveolar echinococcosis. Studies on dogs' gastrointestinal parasites in different geographical locations are required to increase knowledge of the risk of canine zoonoses in human populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presence of parasites was examined in 450 faecal samples collected from eight zones of Zanjan province, northwest Iran from June to November 2015. The samples were examined using the sedimentation concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 86 (19.1%) faecal samples. Sarcocystis spp. (7.3%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (5.6%), Toxocara spp. (1.8%), and Cystoisospora spp. (1.6%) were the most common parasites observed. The other detected parasites consisted of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.7%), Eimeria spp. (0.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.4%), Physaloptera spp. (0.4%), Giardia spp. (1.3%), and Spirocerca lupi (1.3%). The lowest parasite infection rates belonged to Trichuris vulpis and Acanthocephalans (0.2% each). CONCLUSION: This study provides current information on the infection rates in dog populations in Zanjan Province. Furthermore, the study shows a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, including zoonotic ones and particularly Taenia/Echinococcus spp., potentially transmissible to humans and thus relevant to public health.

Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Zanjan Area, Northwest Iran: A Retrospective Hospital Based Survey between 2007 and 2013.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is the most important zoonotic disease that causes significant economic losses and public health problems worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate retrospectively 136 patients diagnosed with hydatid cyst disease at two university medical centers between 2007 and 2013 in in Zanjan area, northwest Iran. METHODS: We surveyed medical records of infected patients with hydatid cyst who had been operated in two hospitals in Zanjan City, northwest, Iran. Several parameters were studied including age, sex, place of habitation, and the location of cysts. RESULTS: Of 136 cases, 54.4% were female with the mean age of 45 yr (4-86). The most affected age group was 21-40 yr old (36.02% of the cases). Cysts were localized in liver and lung in 64% and 23.5% of cases, respectively. Single organ involvement was seen in the majority of patients and 13 (9.5%) cases had multiple involvement. In 69.9% of cases, there was only one cyst, 8.1% had two cysts, 17.6% with three cysts, and 4.4% had four cysts or more. The distribution of residence of patients showed that 33 (24.3%) of them were urban residents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hydatidosis is high in this city and further studies are required to determine the prevalence, economic impact and risk factors of the disease in the area.