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Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpions) are one of the medically important oldest arthropods. They have been one of the humans' interests in terms of special morphology, painful stings, mortality, and behavioral attractions for many years. Diagnosis of scorpions is based on morphological characteristics and molecular methods. But, one of the most important and fundamental problems of identifying the Iranian scorpions is the lack of a comprehensive method. Due to the fact that a relatively long time has not passed since the classification of scorpions in Iran and there are no definitive divisions about the genera and species in the country, the current pictorial key was provided to identify the Iranian scorpions. In this study, various methods were used to catch the scorpions. For preparing the pictorial key, different genera of scorpions were collected from urban, rural, plain, and mountain areas in different parts of Iran as well as some archived specimens from the medical arachnid's Museum of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were used from 2010 to 2020 collection boxes. The key presented in this study was prepared only based on morphological features. It was necessary to remind a few points about this key and its use. Considering the above-mentioned points, this key was provided for 16 genera, 64 species, and 3 families of Iranian scorpions, and the results of other researchers are included in it. The study of various aspects of scorpion life, especially faunistic studies has been recently considered in Iran. Various methods such as molecular methods and composition of scorpion venom can be used for classification, the most common of which are morphological features that have a long history. Therefore, the need to provide a key to detect scorpions in the country has a special priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is of particular importance in southern Iran. This study aimed to investigate the infection of rodents with Leishmania major in an urban area of Fars Province, located in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped and samples from the liver, spleen, and skin were collected. Impression smears were prepared from these tissues and any skin lesions and were examined microscopically. In addition, a portion of the samples were preserved for subsequent DNA extraction. A total of 41 rodents belonging to three species were caught from 10 trapping stations in gardens or houses within the area. The caught rodent species were Rattus rattus (n = 25, 60.97%), Mus musculus (n = 15, 36.58%), and Meriones persicus (n = 1, 2.5%). Leishmania amastigotes were seen in the spleen tissue smear of 6 (2.43%) of the rodents, including 4 of R. rattus and 2 of M. musculus. Skin lesions were observed on the muzzles of two R. rattus and one M. musculus. Samples taken from these lesions tested positive for Leishmania infection. Leishmania DNA was detected in 18 (43.9%) rodents, including 11 R. rattus, 6 M. musculus, and one M. persicus, based on DNA sequencing of the ITS2 gene and PCR of the kDNA. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the parasite infecting the rodents was L. major. The detection of Leishmania infection in these rodents in urban areas raises concerns about the urbanization of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major. This urbanization poses unique challenges for control and prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of various human arboviral diseases, is a significant public health threat. Aedes aegypti was detected in Iran in 2018, in Hormozgan province, but comprehensive information regarding its genetic diversity and origin within the country remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the origin and genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti in southern Iran. Methods: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were collected from Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, between May and July 2022. Specimens were morphologically identified. Origin and assess genetic diversity were assessed based on the mitochondrial DNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtDNA-COI) gene. Results: BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) analysis confirmed the accuracy of the morphological identification of all specimens as Ae. aegypti, with 100% similarity to GenBank sequences. Calculated variance and haplotype diversity were 0.502 and 0.00157, respectively. Among the 604 examined nucleotide sequences, only a single site was non-synonymous. Total nucleotide diversity and average pairwise nucleotides were determined as 0.00083 and 0.502, respectively. Fu and Li's D test values were not statistically significant. Strobeck's S statistic value was 0.487, and Tajima's D value was 1.53395; both were not statistically significant (P > 0.10). Conclusions: Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades with minimal nucleotide differences and low haplotype diversity, suggesting the recent establishment of Ae. Aegypti in the southern region of Iran. The phylogenetic analysis also indicated an association between Ae. aegypti populations and mosquitoes from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The COVID-19 was first reported in 2019 to cause pneumonia in people of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, is now associated with high mortality worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) is closely (88%–89% similarity) related to the coronavirus circulating in Rhinolophus (horseshoe bats). More than 50 bat species belonging to eight families have been reported from Iran of which five species belong to the Rhinolophidae family. So far, no study has been done on COVID-19 infection in Iranian bats. Aim. The current study was performed, for the first time, to investigate the infection of Iranian bats with SARS-CoV-2. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 using 183 bat samples collected from three caves in the south (Fars province) and two caves in the northwest (Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces) of Iran. Bats' digestive and respiratory system samples were collected from each bat of different species. The samples were evaluated by real-time PCR and by targeting a 221 bp fragment of the envelop (E) genes of SARS-CoV-2. Results. COVID-19 was detected in alimentary specimens of two of the Mediterranean horseshoe (Rhinolophus Euryale) bats. Conclusion. Although, based on the findings of the molecular evaluation, the infection of bats with COVID-19 was determined in this study, further studies are needed on a larger number of bats, particularly horseshoe bats, to confirm the potential infection of Iranian bats with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymptomatic malaria is a major challenge to be addressed in the implementation of the malaria elimination program. The main goal of the malaria surveillance system in the elimination phase is to identify reliably all the positive cases of malaria reliably (symptomatic and asymptomatic) in the shortest possible time. This study focused on the monitoring of asymptomatic malaria reservoirs in areas where local transmission had been previously established. Methods: It was a case-study approach that was conducted in the Anarestan area. A total of 246 residents and immigrants living in the area at the age range of 4–60 years old were randomly selected to be tested for malaria by microscope, RDT, and nested-PCR techniques. The inclusion criterion for participants to be entered into the study was the absence of specific symptoms of malaria. Moreover, participants who have been taking antimalarials for the last month were excluded from the study. Results: The results indicated no positive cases of asymptomatic malaria among the participants tested by all methods. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that, without concerns for asymptomatic parasitic patients, a malaria elimination program has been successfully implemented within the studies area. In addition, the findings emphasized the existence of a strong malaria surveillance system in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease, is an important health problem in Fars Province, southern Iran. Fars, the fourth most populous Province in Iran, is the center of both anthroponotic and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL). Rodents, the reservoir of Leishmania major, play an important role in transmitting ZCL. In the present study, we report Leishmania infection in calomyscid rodents for the first time in mountainous residential areas of Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped in urban mountainous areas. The skin, liver, and spleen of rodents were examined microscopically for Leishmania infection. In addition, DNA was extracted from the tissues and they were evaluated for Leishmania infection by targeting the kDNA and subsequent sequencing of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer two (ITS2) region. DNA of L. major was detected in the spleen and liver of calomyscid rodents. Molecular evolution based on DNA-sequencing of the ITS2 gene confirmed the taxonomic situation of the parasite as L. major. Our findings suggest the eco-epidemiological importance of calomyscid rodents in the foci of leishmaniasis in the mountainous residential area on the plateau of Iran. These rodents may play a role in the transmission of leishmaniasis in a residential area and could be considered a potential reservoir for CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phlebotomus and Sergentomya are distributed in the old-world regions and transmit leishmaniases through mammalian and reptile hosts. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important diseases in Iran. Iranian sand flies belong to three Oriental, Palearctic, and Afrotropical Regions. Fars Province is located in Palearctic, but southern parts are affected Oriental region situations on phglebotomine population variety. Therefore, a comprehensive study was required on the vectors of the disease in this Province. Methods: Regarding the approved role of the environmental factors in creating the fauna and distribution of living creatures, the “de martonne climate method” was used, and the climate was noticed as an important environmental factor for the determination of vector distribution. Accordingly, 14 sampling sites were selected from 10 foci in different climates of Fars Province. 19648 sand flies were collected from the studied areas in this Province during 2016. Results: Phlebotomus papatasi and Se. antennata were the most frequent species, which were caught from in/outdoor areas. Phlebotomus sergenti and Ph. alexandri were caught from both Palearctic and Oriental zones but were more prevalent in the cold semi-arid climate of the Palearctic zone. Moreover, they were not caught from the hot desert and summer Mediterranean climates of the Oriental zone. Conclusions: It seems that Ph. papatasi as the main vector of CL could be well distributed in different climates in Fars. Moreover, some species like Ph. sergenti preferred especial climates in the Palearctic zone. Therefore, these data could be helpful to control leishmaniases more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone with cytotoxic properties was isolated from Euphorbia microsphaera Boiss. To determine the highest active fraction and isolate bioactive compounds, a bioassay guided fractionation approach was used. The general toxicity properties of the plant's extracts and fractions (fr 1-10) were assessed against Artemia salina , Oryzeaphilus mercator , and Tribolium castaneum. Cytotoxic activities were investigated against normal human foreskin fibroblasts and two malignant cell lines, including human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) using the MTT assay at different time points of 24, 48, and 72 h. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and mass spectrometry data were used to determine the structure of the active guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone (3aR,4S,4aS,5R,7aS,9aS)-5-hydroxy-5,8-dimethyl-3-methylene-2-oxo-2,3,3a,4,4a,5,6,7,7a, 9a decahydroazuleno [6,5-b] furan-4-yl acetate (named aryanin). Chloroformic fraction 7 (fr 7 , LC 50 = 93.50 μg/mL for general toxicity) had the highest toxicity result, with a mortality rate of more than 50% for both insect species after 12 h at 15 mg/mL. The highest cytotoxicity of aryanin was observed on 24 h treated MCF-7 with an IC 50 of 13.81 μg/mL. After 24 h, the inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation was 92%–94% at concentrations of 25–50 μg/mL, respectively. On MCF-7, the IC 50 was found to be 49.35 μg/mL after 72 h. This compound had a considerable cytotoxicity (IC 50 ≤ 12.5 μg/mL, 24 h) on human foreskin fibroblasts. In contrast to the MCF-7 cell line, the proliferation of human foreskin fibroblasts was increased after 72 h. • Phytochemical content of Euphorbia microsphaera exhibited insecticidal activity and general toxicity. • A new cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactone, aryanin, was isolated and identified based on single crystal X-ray diffraction. • The highest cytotoxicity of aryanin was observed on 24 h treated MCF-7 with an IC 50 of 13.81 μg/mL. • Aryanin had a considerable cytotoxicity on normal human foreskin fibroblasts (IC 50 ≤ 12.5 μg/mL, 24 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major health problem in Iran in spite of implementation of control program. This infectious disease caused morbidity in less than 27000 people in 2010. This study was set to determine some ecological aspects of sand flies in Fasa district, Fars Province, southern Iran during 2011-2012. Methods: A total of 4792 sand flies were captured by means of sticky paper and CDC miniature light traps in 10 selected villages from the beginning to the end of the active season, from which 1115 specimens were captured for abundance study and 3677 specimens captured for monitoring monthly activities in Fasa. After species identification, extracted DNA was processed for detection of Leishmania parasite infection in sand flies. Results: Twelve species (6 Phlebotomus, 6 Sergentomyia) were identified. The most common sand fly was P. papatasi (82.4%) which represented 86.6% of sand flies from indoors and 82.7% from outdoors. The monthly activity of the species extended from April to the end of November. There were two peaks in the density curve of this species, one in June and the second in September. Natural infection to L. major was detected in P. papatasi (25 out of 130 sand flies, 19.2%). Conclusion: Phlebotomus papatasi is considered as a main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fasa, Fars Province, south of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pratylenchoides has recently been transferred from the family Pratylenchidae to Merliniidae. To investigate further the relationship between these 'Pratylenchus-like' species (residing in the subfamily Pratylenchoidinae) and the subfamily Merliniinae, more than 500 soil samples were collected from various natural and agronomic habitats in the northern and north-western provinces of Iran. In this study, paratypes or populations of 22 species of Pratylenchoides, including the Iranian populations of P. alkani, P. crenicauda, P. erzurumensis, P. laticauda, P. nevadensis, P. ritteri and an undescribed species, were studied. Intra- and interspecies variation of the following characters were investigated: position of the pharyngeal gland nuclei, shape of female and male head, striation of female tail terminus, number of lateral lines at mid-body and in phasmid region for females, presence of intestinal fasciculi, and shape of sperm. Combining morphological and molecular data prompted us to propose two clusters of related Pratylenchoides species. One cluster includes P. crenicauda, P. variabilis and P. erzurumensis, whereas the second cluster consists of P. alkani, P. nevadensis and P. ritteri. Our data point to a sister positioning of P. magnicauda vis-à-vis all Pratylenchoides species included in this research. Analyses of SSU rDNA (for family and subfamily relationships) and partial LSU rDNA sequences (for intrageneric relationships) data revealed: i) the distal and nested positioning of all Pratylenchoidinae within the Merliniidae; ii) the single transition from ectoparasitism to migratory endoparasitism within the family Merliniidae corresponds with the current subfamily partitioning; and iii) support for the monophyletic nature of the genus Pratylenchoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus is one of the main pathogens that primarily targets the human respiratory system. There are several ways to transmit this virus, such as direct contact or droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, and direct contact with fomites and surfaces is another way. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, in 2021. 5 locations, including 3 hospitals and 2 dormitories, were selected for the survey. The cockroaches were collected from selected locations and transferred to the Laboratory of Medical Entomology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All specimens were identified morphologically. The external and gastrointestinal washouts of collected samples with sterile phosphate-buffered saline separately were used for molecular analysis. An RT-qPCR assay, which suggests the possible insect‑borne transmission, was used. External and gastrointestinal washout of B. germanica from Dastgheyb Dormitory and P. americana from Ali-Asghar Hospital were positive for contamination with the SARS-CoV-2. Cockroaches spread the virus in the environment and contaminate human food and various surfaces of buildings. Their role will be more important in crowded places such as hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and hospitals; vector control programs should be carried out with more accuracy in such places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect and the potential application of stinging nettle exudates in controlling plant nematodes were investigated. The effect of root exudates of the stinging nettle interplanted with tomato and bean and its potential application as green manure for reducing the population of plant nematodes were also investigated. The results showed that the counts of the nematodes in the base of stinging nettle were significantly lower than those in the 2 m radius from the plant. Comparison of mean counts of the nematodes showed a differential controlling effect of stinging nettle exudates on the nematodes. The counts of the nematodes in pots pre-sown with stinging nettle were reduced, while in pots planted with tomato plants the reductions were significantly lower. The application of stinging nettle as green manure in nematode-infected pots planted with tomato/bean caused significant reductions in the counts of the nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geographical distribution of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) has continuously been extended in recent years in Iran. The Beiza District is one of the newly-emerged endemic foci of ZCL in southern Iran. The main aim of the present study was to detect the vector(s) of ZCL in this area. Methods: To detect the fauna and vectors of ZCL in this district, sand flies were caught using sticky papers. Seventy randomly selected female sand flies out of 730 were molecularly investigated for Leishmania infection using species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay between April and October 2010.Results: A total of 2543 sand flies were caught. The fauna was identified as 10 species (five Phlebotomus s pp. and five Sergentomyia spp.). Phlebotomus papatasi was the most dominant species both indoors and outdoors (37.55% and 16.35 %, respectively). L. major was detected in 5 out of 48 investigated Phlebotomus papatasi (10.41%). Sequence-basedcharacterization was carried out to confirm the PCR findings. The positive samples were shown to have 75-88% similarity with L. major sequences in GenBank. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, similar to the other foci of ZCL in Iran, P. papatasi is the proven and primary vector of CL. This study could be drawn upon for future strategy planning in this newly emerged endemic focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is an important public health challenge in Iran. It is often caused by the protozoan parasite, Leishmania major. This pathogen is principally transmitted by the infectious bites of adult female phlebotomine sand flies which belong to the subgenus Phlebotomus ( Phlebotomus) Rondani and Berte (Diptera: Psychodidae). A recent outbreak of clinical ZCL cases in the rural district of Jask, Hormozgan province, southern Iran prompted the identification of sand flies naturally infected with L. major using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 8,123 wild sand flies were caught using sticky paper traps indoors and outdoors in seven villages of Jask from March 2007 to February 2008. About 120 trap-nights per month were carried out during peak seasonal density. Eight sand fly species of two distinct genera were morphologically identified. The most abundant species, Phlebotomus papatasi (≈60 %) and Phlebotomus salehi (17 %), had simultaneous population peaks in May and October. The anthropophilic index of P. papatasi was approximately twice that of P. salehi. PCR reactivity of L. major infections in P. salehi was weaker than those in P. papatasi. This is discussed with regard to their role in the natural transmission cycle of ZCL. This study provided the first PCR and ELISA evidence on P. salehi as a vector of L. major parasites in a new endemic region of ZCL in southeast Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The venom is a mixture of various compounds with specific biological activities, such as the phospholipase A 2 ( PLA 2 ) enzyme present in scorpion venom. PLA 2 plays a key role in inhibiting ryanodine receptor channels and has neurotoxic activity. This study is the first investigation of molecular characterization, cloning, and in silico analyses of PLA 2 from Iranian Scorpio maurus, named Maurolipin. After RNA extraction from S. maurus venom glands, cDNA was synthesized and amplified through RT-PCR using specific primers. Amplified Maurolipin was cloned in TA cloning vector, pTG19. For in silico analyses, the characterized gene was analyzed utilizing different software. Maurolipin coding gene with 432 base pair nucleotide length encoded a protein of 144 amino acid residues and 16.34 kilodaltons. Comparing the coding sequence of Maurolipin with other characterized PLA 2 from different species of scorpions showed that this protein was a member of the PLA 2 superfamily. According to SWISS-MODEL prediction, Maurolipin had 38.83% identity with bee venom PLA 2 with 100% confidence and 39% identity with insect phospholipase A 2 family, which Phyre2 predicted. According to the three-dimensional structure prediction, Maurolipin with five disulfide bonds has a very high similarity to the structure of PLA 2 that belonged to the group III subfamily. The in silico analyses showed that phospholipase A 2 coding gene and protein structure is different based on scorpion species and geographical condition in which they live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venomous arthropods such as scorpions and bees form one of the important groups with an essential role in medical entomology. Their venom possesses a mixture of diverse compounds, such as peptides, some of which have toxic effects, and enzymatic peptide Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with a pharmacological potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Bee and scorpion venom PLA2 group III has been used in immunotherapy, the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. They were assessed for antinociceptive, wound healing, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-angiogenesis effects. PLA2 has been identified in different species of scorpions and bees. The anti-leishmania, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-malarial activities of scorpion PLA2 still need further investigation. Many pieces of research have been stopped in the laboratory stage, and several studies need vast investigation in the clinical phase to show the pharmacological potential of PLA2. In this review, the medical significance of PLA2 from the venom of two arthropods, namely bees and scorpions, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural selection and sexual selection are cardinal factors in shaping the body of animals such as scorpions. Scorpio maurus (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) has a worldwide distribution. Sexual dimorphism has been reported from this species in a study in Egypt. Morphometry is used to determine the sexual dimorphism between the two sexes. In the current study, scorpions were collected from six locations of the southern and northern provinces of Fars, Iran. In this study, 53 morphological characters of 15 specimens of each sex of Scorpio maurus were studied based on statistical analyses; however, dimorphism was only observed in 21 morphological characters, including chelicerae and carapace length, pedipalp characters, width of the second segment of metasoma, telson and pectin length, number of left pectin teeth, and some of the leg's segments. It means that these characters are in the control of sexual and natural selection. This study was performed for the first time on Scorpio maurus species in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, causes a variety of symptoms in human, from asymptomatic infection to neuroinvasive disease. Several studies have been conducted on the seroprevalence of WNV infection in different areas from Iran. This study was performed to find the presence of antiviral antibodies in human serum among some high risk population and awareness of health care staff about symptom of the WNV infection. Methods: Study performed in five geographical districts based on high population of immigrant and domestic birds and prevalence of the antiviral antibodies in horses which was reported previously. Totally 150 human blood samples were collected during 2018. The samples collected from patients referred to the clinics. The ELISA method used to detect IgG and IgM antibody against WNV. Logistic regression models used to analyze the effect of sex, age, keeping birds and urban/rural residence on the risk of infection. The awareness of health care staff about symptom of infection surveyed. Results: From all blood donors, 41 samples (27.33%) showed positive to IgG antibody. From which 56.10% were males and remaining females. None of the mentioned factors had a significant relationship. Health care staff had less attention to the infection. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of antibodies was relatively high, due to the similarity to other viral diseases, health care staff had less attention to the disease. The study showed that people in these areas have been exposed to the virus. Further research activities are recommended for control of this arbovirus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is conducted to determine the larvicidal, repellent and pathological effects of fruit extracts of C. colocynthis on malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901. The fruit water and ethanol extract of C. colocynthis were concentrated for larvicidal and repellent activities on human volunteer against An. stephensi. The temephos larvicide was tested as the positive control. A concentration of 300 mg/L had full-scale mortality and the most toxic effect. The LC50 and LC90 values of C. colocynthis water and ethanol extracts were 180and 283 mg/L, respectively. The LC50 and LC90 values of temephos were 0.2706 and 1.6932 mg/L, respectively. The ED50 and ED90 values of the plant extract were 0.2 and 1.3 mg/cm2, respectively. Thin sections from treated larvae exhibited gross histopathologic effects of C. colocynthis fruit extracts on gut epithelial cell layer by vacuolization of foregut cuboidal and midgut columnar cells. This study suggested that the fruit extracts of C. colocynthis had significant larvicidal and repellent activity to be used as an ideal approach to control the malaria vector mosquito. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval therapy with Lucilia sericata is a promising strategy in wound healing. Axon guidance molecules play vital roles during the development of the nervous system and also regulate the capacity of neuronal restoration in wound healing. Netrin-1, one of the proteins that larvae secrete, plays a useful role in cell migration and nerve tissue regeneration. The UNC-5 receptor combines with a netrin-1 signal and transmits the signal from one side of the membrane to the other side, initiating a change in cell activity. In the current study, we identified the full length of the UNC-5 receptor mRNA in L. sericata using different sets of primers, including exon junction and specific region primers. The coding sequence (CDS) of the UNC-5 receptor was sequenced and identified to include 633 base-pair nucleic acids, and BLAST analysis on its nucleotide sequence revealed 96% identity with the Lucilia cuprina netrin-1 UNC-5 receptor. The protein residue included 210 amino acids (aa) and coded for a protein with 24 kD weight. This gene lacked the signal peptide. Furthermore, the UPA domain is conserved in UNC-5. It lied at the interval of 26–131 aa. We identified the CDS of netrin-1 UNC-5 receptor in L. sericata. It could be applied to research activities implementing a new essential component design in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are mosquito-borne viral infections. Over the past few decades, WNV has been associated with several outbreaks involving high numbers of neuroinvasive diseases among humans. The recent re-emergence of ZIKV has been associated with congenital malformation and also with Guillain–Barre syndrome in adults. The geographic range of arthropod-borne viruses has been rapidly increasing in recent years. The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of IgG specific antibodies and the genome of WNV and ZIKV in human samples, as well as WNV and ZIKV genomes in wild-caught mosquitoes in urban and rural areas of the Hormozgan province, in southern Iran. A total of 494 serum samples were tested for the presence of WNV and ZIKV IgG antibodies using ELISA assays. One hundred and two (20.6%) samples were reactive for WNV IgG antibodies. All serum samples were negative for ZIKV IgG antibodies. Using the multivariable logistic analysis, age (45+ vs. 1–25; OR = 3.4, 95% C.I.: 1.8–6.3), occupation (mostly outdoor vs. mostly indoor; OR = 2.4, 95% C.I.: 1.1–5.2), and skin type(type I/II vs. type III/IV and type V/VI; OR = 4.3, 95% C.I.: 1.7–10.8 and OR = 2.7, 95% C.I.: 1.3–5.5 respectively, skin types based on Fitzpatrick scale) showed significant association with WNV seroreactivity. We collected 2,015 mosquitoes in 136 pools belonging to 5 genera and 14 species. Three pools of Culex pipiens complex were positive for WNV RNA using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR). ZIKV RNA was not detected in any of the pools. All WNV ELISA reactive serum samples were negative for WNV RNA. In conclusion, we provided evidence of the establishment of WNV in southern Iran and no proof of ZIKV in serum samples or in mosquito vectors. The establishment of an organized arbovirus surveillance system and active case finding strategies seems to be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ae. aegypti is an important vector for transmission of some dangerous arboviral diseases, including Dengue Fever. The present study was conducted (from August 2017 to January 2020) to survey the fauna of Culicine mosquitoes, emphasizing the existence of this invasive species in oriental parts of the country located near the Persian Gulf. Different sampling methods were used to collect all life stages of the mosquito. After morphological identification, a molecular study based on Cytochrome Oxidase (COI) gene-specific primers was performed. Then, the COI gene was sequenced via the Sanger method. A total of 4843 adults and 11,873 larvae were collected (8 species of Culex , one species of Culiseta , and 5 species of Aedes). Fifty-five Ae. aegypti specimens (8 adults and 47 larvae) were identified. Based on the biology and ecological requirements of Ae. aegypti , the possibility of the permanent establishment of this species in the tropical climate of the region is very likely. Considering the detection of this invasive vector mosquito species in Iran and the high incidence of some arboviral diseases in the neighboring countries, and continuous movements of the settlers of these areas, potential outbreaks of arboviral diseases can be predicted. Planning and implementing an immediate surveillance and control program of the vector mosquito is vital to prevent the permanent establishment of this invasive vector mosquito species in southern Iran. [Display omitted] • A total of 4843 adults and 11,873 larvae of Culicine mosquitoes were collected. • 8 species of Culex, one species of Culiseta, and 5 species of Aedes. • Fifty-five Aedes aegypti specimens (8 adults and 47 larvae) were identified morphologically and molecularly. • This study is the first report of Aedes aegypti's presence and establishment in Iran. • The possibility of the permanent establishment of Aedes aegypti in the tropical region of Iran is very likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal systemic viral disease in many parts of the world, including Iran. The nationwide incidence of human CCHF in endemic areas was 870 confirmed cases with 126 deaths (case fatality rate, CFR = 17.6 %) in the decade leading to 2012. The detection of the CCHF virus (CCHFV) genome in tick vectors is of fundamental importance for identifying these ticks as potential reservoirs of CCHFV infection. From May to October 2013, following detection of four new clinical cases resulting in two deaths in the city of Mashhad (northeast Iran), hard ticks were recovered from infested livestock in 40 villages in Khorasan-Razavi province and examined by the microscopic method for species identification. About a quarter of the ticks were then subjected to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the CCHFV genome. The PCR products were then sequenced, and their phylogenetic lineages were determined. A total of 407 hard ticks were captured, representing seven different species in two distinct genera. Members of the genus Hyalomma were widely distributed in all but two of the villages studied, and this was also the most frequent (83.3 %) tick genus. Of 105 adult ticks subjected to RT-PCR, four (3.8 %) ticks were found positive for the CCHFV genome. One brown ear tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, was found to be naturally infected for the first time anywhere in the world. Ticks of Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Rhipicephalus turanicus were also found to be naturally infected with CCHFV. CCHFV found in these four different tick species were clustered in the same lineage with the Matin and SR3 strains from Pakistan and some other strains from Iran, indicating that these tick species were naturally infected with genetically closely related CCHFV in the region. The presence of CCHFV infection in four different hard tick species was confirmed using RT-PCR in northeast Iran. Part of this infection was attributed to Rh. appendiculatus, which is thus a potential new natural vector of CCHFV in Iran. It is also confirmed by phylogenetic analysis that CCHFV in this region is genetically closely related, even in the different tick species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by intracellular obligate parasites (Leishmania spp.) carried by the blood-sucking of female sandflies and transmitted between mammalian hosts. Despite the high incidence and prevalence of Leishmania cases in many countries, it has been a neglected tropical disease. The current treatment approaches are limited by the complications such as loss of fertility and drug resistance. It is, therefore, essential to find new medicines to treat leishmaniasis. CRISPR/Cas9 as a powerful genome-editing tool provides the opportunity to create precise genetic manipulation to investigate the molecular basis of different leishmaniasis cases. Therefore, our main goal was to evaluate the CRISPR PX-LmGP63 vector effect on pathogenicity of Leishmania major in vitro to challenge for using CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic CL through the reduction of L. major pathogenicity by manipulating the GP63 gene. In this study, L. major parasites were transfected with CRISPR/Cas9 vectors constructed by electroporation and then added to macrophage cells on RPMI. The effect of CRISPR/Cas9 constructs on GP63 mutation, viability, and status of L. major was investigated by counting phagocytic parasites into macrophages and DNA sequence analysis. Our data validate that the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in L. major creates a new stop codon and disrupts the frame sheet of the gene by creating a new insertion (thymine), which prevents its expression. In addition, the parasite count was significantly different in the case and control of infected macrophages (P < 0.05). This study shows the successfully targeted manipulation of the L. major GP63 gene via the adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas9 editing tool. The manipulation of GP63 revealed a reduction in the infection load compared to wild-type parasite infection. Therefore, more studies are necessary for this field to help achieve a new method for the prevention and treatment of CL disease. • Despite the high incidence and prevalence of Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases, it has been a neglected tropical disease and it mainly affects countries. It is essential to finding new methods of control and medicines for treatment of leishmaniasis. • CRISPR/Cas9 as a powerful genome-editing tool provides the opportunity to create precise genetic manipulation to investigate the molecular basis of different leishmaniasis. Therefore, the main goal was to challenge for using CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic CL through reduction of pathogenicity of Leishmania major using manipulation of GP63 gene. • In this study, L. major parasites were transfected with CRISPR/Cas9 constructed vectors by electroporation then added to macrophage cells on RPMI. Counting phagocytic parasites into macrophages and DNA sequence analysis were used to investigate the effect of CRISPR/Cas9 constructs on GP63 mutation, viability and status of L. major. • Our data validate the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in L. major by creating a new insertion (thymine), a new stop codon is created and the frame sheet of the gene is disrupted, which prevents its expression. In addition, the parasitic counting was significantly different in case and control of infected macrophages (P < 0.05). • This study shows the successful targeted manipulation of L. major GP63 gene via adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas9 editing tool. The manipulation of GP63 revealed a reduction infection load compared to wild-type parasite infection. Therefore, more studies are necessary in this field and it can help to researcher to achieve a new method to prevention and treatment of CL Disease in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]