Iranian Journal of Parasitology最新文献

This study provides a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of Enterobius vermicularis prevalence in Thailand from 2013 to 2024, revealing significant regional disparities and key demographic risk factors. We provided a consolidated analysis of E. vermicularis prevalence in Thailand, encompassing data from 2013 to 2024 by reviewing findings from international databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), and local Thai publications. The studies reported a striking average prevalence of 11.39% in the Northern region, with alarmingly high rates reaching 46.55% in Sukhothai's Satchanalai District, where children aged 1-4 years accounted for 83.33% of cases. In contrast, the Southern region showed a much lower average prevalence of 1.82%, influenced by hygiene practices, parental education, and sibling presence. The Central region's average prevalence of 4.74% was associated with age, gender assigned at birth, and parental education. Housing conditions, including inadequate sanitation and overcrowding, consistently exacerbated transmission across all regions. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including routine screenings for young children, enhanced hygiene education, and improved sanitation infrastructure, to combat E. vermicularis infections throughout Thailand effectively. Reporting this epidemiological evidence is crucial for informing and guiding effective public health policies and interventions, ultimately contributing to the reduction of E. vermicularis burden and improved population health.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Iraq. However, epidemiological data from Diyala Province are limited. Diyala province is located in eastern of Iraq, on the border with Iran, and adjacent to Kermanshah Province, Iran. We investigated the prevalence and distribution of CL in Diyala Province from 2011-2021.

Methods: Anonymous patient records on 25,474 confirmed CL cases in Diyala during 2011-2021 were analyzed to determine demographic, temporal, and geographic distributions.

Results: Overall, 52% of cases occurred in females and 48% in males. The 5-14 yr age group had the highest burden (33%) while infants <1 year had the lowest (5%). Annual cases peaked at 4,425 in 2015 but declined to 2,158 by 2021. Among districts, Khanaqeen had the most cases (28%) while Mansouriyah had the least (10%). Monthly cases peaked in winter (November-February) and were lowest in summer (June-August).

Conclusion: A high burden of CL was observed in Diyala during 2011-2021, with the highest risk among children. Significant geographic and seasonal variations were also evident. These findings can inform prevention and control strategies. The prevalence in this province in 2019 was 126 per 100000.

Background: A neglected zoonosis, cystic echinococcosis (CE) is the most common diseas in the developing nations worldwide. Vaccination is helpful in preventing the disease. Predicting main biochemical properties of the E. granulosus annexin (ANX) and its possible B-cell and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-binding epitopes as a viable vaccine candidate was the goal of the current study.

Methods: This study was done in Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran. Predictions about transmembrane domain, subcellular localization, post-translational modification (PTM) sites, physico-chemical, antigenic, and allergenic profiles, secondary and 3D structure, tertiary model refinement, and validations were done using online servers.

Results: The cytoplasmic 79.05 kDa protein was non-allergenic, hydrophilic (GRAVY: -0.490), stable (instability: 39.30), with improved thermotolerance (aliphatic: 80.07) and 122 post-translational modification sites. The secondary structure mostly included helices and extended strands. The 3D model was generated using Robetta server (confidence: 0.59) and was refined and validated subsequently. Shared B-cell epitopes were discovered using ElliPro, ABCpred and SVMTriP servers with antigenicity, allergenicity, and solubility screening. Moreover, multiple human and mouse MHC-binding epitopes were predicted and screened in E. granulosus ANX.

Conclusion: This work offers a foundation for further investigation regarding designing an effective vaccination against CE. Further empirical research using examined protein alone or in conjunction with other antigens/epitopes is needed in the future.

A 3-year-old cow which suffered from anorexia and high fever for the last 2 days was investigated at farmer door step. Detailed examination of cow showed high temperature (40.5 °C, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, increased size of pre-scapular lymph nodes and severe tick infestation. Examination of blood smear showed the presence of Theileria spp. Haematological values showed low value of hemoglobin (4 gm/dl), TEC (2.3×10⁶/μl), PCV (14%) with mild leukocytosis (14.5×10³/μl). The biochemical values were almost within the normal reference range except for AST (88U/L). PCR amplification of the hsp70 gene was done from genomic DNA which was isolated from cattle blood and the results showed amplification of approx. 270 bp. In silico analysis of the generated DNA sequence confirm the species of the parasite as T. annulata and the phylogenetic inference of the generated sequence (MH178373) showed cladding with Theileria infecting domesticate bovines. This study proposed the use of heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene of Theileria species for inter-species characterization and phylogeny. Treatment with intra-muscular single dose of Buparvaquone (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India; 2.50mg kg^-1along with intra-muscular anti-pyrectic drugs Meloxicam and Paracetamol combination (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India;15 mg kg^-1 q24)for 2 days and oral preparation of haematinics (Intas Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., India; 50 ml q24) for 10 days. This is the first report on molecular detection of Theileria annulata infection from cattle in Tripura, as per available scientific literature.

Background: Cytauxzoonosis is a tick borne hemoprotozoal disease of wild and domestic felids. Its epidemiology and clinical importance is less appreciated in India. The aim of this study was to diagnose the disease in domestic cats and identify the associated clinico-haemato-biochemical changes.

Methods: Three hundred ninety domestic cats, presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bihar Veterinary College and three private clinics in Bihar, India were screened, out of which 90 cats showing symptoms of cytauxzoonosis were included in microscopic and molecular examination. The clinical, haematological and biochemical findings of the positive cats were recorded.

Results: The microscopic and molecular prevalence was 26.66% (24/90) and 37.77% (34/90) respectively. Lethargy, fever, anorexia, tachypnea and tachycardia were the most common clinical findings. The significant haematological changes recorded were decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit, TEC and thrombocytopenia. The significant biochemical changes were increased ALT and AST activities, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoproteinaemia with hypoalbuminemia and increased BUN concentration.

Conclusion: The infection of Cytauxzoon sp. has reached the domestic cats of Bihar, India which was earlier thought to be endemic in North America. The clinical manifestations and hemato-biochemical changes are somewhat similar to other hemoprotozoan diseases. Molecular diagnosis is inevitable for confirmation of infection. Further studies are required to reveal the vector responsible for transmission of the parasite in India.

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), is a serious parasitic disease. Domestic dogs in endemic regions act as primary reservoirs for the parasite. Early diagnosis, control, and regular screening of dogs are essential for effective disease management. This study aims to develop a practical, low-cost immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detecting specific anti-Leishmania antibodies in domestic dogs.

Methods: Overall, 93 canine serum samples were collected from endemic and non-endemic areas of CVL in Iran. Rabbit anti-canine antibodies were conjugated with gold nanoparticles, and strips were coated with Leishmania antigens. A drop of serum was added to each strip, and a positive result was indicated by two red lines. The validity of ICT for the detection of CVL in the field was determined with comparing to direct agglutination test (DAT) as gold serological test on 40 sera with anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥1:320 considered as positive control as well as 53 sera with no anti-Leishmania antibodies including 10 collected from healthy dogs and 43 from other infectious diseases considered as negative control sera.

Results: A sensitivity of 82.5% (CI 95%.78.1-86.9) and specificity of 90.5% (CI 95%. 87.7-92.5) were found at a 1:320 cut off titer when DAT confirmed cases were compared with negative control. The agreement (0. 871) was found between ICT and DAT using kappa analysis.

Conclusion: A relatively good agreement was found between ICT and DAT. Further researches on test validation with larger populations in endemic and non-endemic areas of CVL, is recommended.

Background: This study aimed to assess the In vitro effects of Cold Atmospheric Multiple Plasma Jet (CAMPJ) on Leishmania major.

Methods: A plasma jet device was designed in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, incorporating a high-purity air supply, an air flow controller, a DC power supply, a 9-10 Farad capacitor, an oscilloscope, and a cold plasma reactor. The CAMPJ was applied to L. major promastigotes and amastigotes under various plasma conditions, including different flow rates, voltages, and exposure times. The effectiveness of CAMPJ was compared to amphotericin B and a combination of both therapies. Viability and cytotoxicity were assessed on L. major and macrophage cell lines, using MAT assay, while apoptosis was quantified through flow cytometry.

Results: The optimal experimental conditions were identified as 2 million L. major promastigotes in 500 μL of culture, a flow rate of 500 mL/min, a voltage of 8.6 kV, a distance of 1 cm, and an exposure time of 15 minutes. The CAMPJ showed limited cytotoxicity to macrophage cells. The CAMPJ treatment significantly reduced the viability of L. major and induced apoptosis. CAMPJ-amphotericin B combination treatment significantly increased the treatment efficacy, when compared with the CAMPJ alone or negative controls.

Conclusion: CAMPJ, alone or in combination with amphotericin B, effectively induces apoptosis in L. major. CAMPJ might be a promising alternative or adjunct therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis, warranting further investigation in animal models and clinical settings.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is recognized as one of the most important causes of abortion in small ruminants globally. This study was conducted to evaluate T. gondii in aborted fetuses of sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan Province, northwest Iran.

Methods: A total of 62 aborted fetuses were collected from sheep and goat flocks from 2023-2024. The tissue samples following a systematic necropsy were obtained from the brains, livers, and lungs for histopathology and molecular studies. The conventional PCR method using specific primers was performed for molecular evaluations. Additionally, the formalin-fixed tissue samples were routinely conducted for histopathological examinations.

Results: T. gondii was present in 40.32% (25/62) of the aborted fetus. In more detail, one, 7, and 15 positive samples were found in the lungs, livers, and brains, respectively. Additionally, one fetus was positive in both the liver and brain, and one fetus was positive in both lung and liver tissues. Histopathological studies demonstrated moderate to severe hyperemia and focal hemorrhage associated with focal to multifocal gliosis, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, focal to multifocal mononuclear hepatitis, and nonsuppurative pneumonia. Notably, the Toxoplasma tissue cysts were observed in the livers, but not in the lungs and brains.

Conclusion: The detection of T. gondii genome in the aborted fetuses with high prevalence rate indicates that this infection plays a notable role in the abortion of sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan. Therefore, fundamental management is necessary for the prevention and control of the disease in this region, particularly regarding zoonotic potential.

Background: In the leishmaniasis parasitic infection, parasite escapes from the immune system of host or prevents macrophage apoptosis. It seems generating transgenic parasites to express proapoptotic proteins can accelerate the apoptosis of infected macrophage and prevent Leishmania differentiation. Hence, we investigated the efficacy of transgenic L. tropica expressing mLLO-BAX-SMAC in expediting macrophage apoptosis.

Methods: This study was performed at the Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (2022 to 2023), Isfahan, Iran. mLLO-Bax-Smac coding sequence cloned in the pLexyNeo2 was entered into the L. tropica genome using homologous recombination. PCR, Western blot, and hemolysis tests were used to confirm integration accuracy. In addition, the apoptosis percentage of transgenic L. tropica- infected macrophages was assayed by flow-cytometry.

Results: The proper integration of the mLLO-Bax-Smac fragment into the 18srRNA locus of L. tropica and mLLO -BAX-SMAC fusion protein expression was approved. Furthermore, results of flow cytometry showed the mean percentage of apoptosis among the groups is different and transgenic L. tropica leads to a decrease in the apoptosis time of infected macrophages compared to the wild type of Leishmania and to an increase in the immune system response.

Conclusion: The data suggest the transgenic L. tropica can be used as an experimental model to expedite apoptosis of Leishmania-infected macrophage.

Background: We investigated the prevalence and environmental factors associated with co-infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba spp. in dust from public parks in Eastern Thailand, where industrial activity and air pollution may enhance pathogen survival and pose public health risks.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2023, with 336 dust samples collected from public parks in seven provinces of Eastern Thailand. Samples were analyzed using microscopy and PCR for Acanthamoeba spp. detection, and co-infection with P. aeruginosa was confirmed by PCR. Environmental data, including temperature, humidity, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, were analyzed for associations with infection rates.

Results: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp. was 22.32%, with 75 samples positive microscopically and 43 confirmed by PCR. Of these, 57.33% showed co-infection with P. aeruginosa. Prachinburi province had the highest co-infection rate (75%). Temperature was significantly associated with co-infection rates (P= 0.02), while humidity, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ showed no significant correlations.

Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of P. aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba spp. co-infection in Eastern Thailand's public parks, emphasizing its link to temperature. The findings underscore the role of dust as a pathogen reservoir and the need for public health strategies to reduce exposure risks.