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To enhance the therapeutic effects of albendazole (ABZ) on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes, ABZ-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (ABZ-NLCs) are prepared by the hot high-speed homogenization method. Protoscoleces and microcysts were treated in vitro with free ABZ and ABZ-NLCs (concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml), and the corresponding effects were monitored by methylene blue exclusion test and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Chemoprophylactic treatment was performed on Balb/C mice 1 day before intraperitoneal injection of viable protoscoleces. The drugs were administered daily by intragastric inoculation for a period of 30 days. The prophylactic efficacy was assessed based on the number and weight of cysts developed in treated mice. The ultrastructural alterations in cysts were examined by transmission electron microscopy. After 18 days, all the protoscoleces incubated with 10 μg/ml ABZ-NLCs were killed, while 51.25 ± 4.03% of the protoscoleces incubated with 10 μg/ml free ABZ were still viable. Microcysts treated with ABZ-NLCs underwent degenerative alterations in a shorter time than when free ABZ was applied. The mean weight of the cysts recovered from mice of ABZ-NLCs group was significantly lower than that of the free ABZ group (P < 0.05), yielding prophylactic efficacy of 92.45% and 38.53%, respectively. The cysts treated with ABZ-NLCs showed marked ultrastructural changes in the germinal layer. This study demonstrated that both in vitro and in vivo treatments with ABZ-NLCs are significantly more efficient than treatment with free ABZ against E. granulosus protoscoleces, metacestodes, and prevention of cyst development in mice.

Various protoscolicidal agents are indicated for the prevention of recurrence of cystic echinococcosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus; however, most of these chemicals have adverse side effects. This study evaluated the effects of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) nano-emulsion and emulsion at the concentrations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 µl/ml on E. granulosus protoscoleces. Albendazole (5 mg/ml), normal saline, and nano-emulsion without ZEO served as control groups. Optimal concentrations of ZEO nano-emulsion and emulsion on the microcysts were also investigated. ZEO emulsion at a concentration of 20 µl/ml for the duration of 15 min and nano-emulsion for the duration of 10 min resulted in the death of 100% of the protoscoleces. Additionally, densely packed aggregates were formed inside the microcysts treated with ZEO nano-emulsion and emulsion at a concentration of 20 µl/ml after 40 min, but the complete destruction of laminated layers did not occur. The results indicate that ZEO nano-emulsions have a higher protoscolicidal effect than its emulsion, but these two compounds had similar effects on microcysts.

Background: The ancient Chehrabad Salt mine, a well-known archaeological site in Iran, has recently received increasing interest from Iranian and international archeologists. Also, the biological remains from this site have provided valuable sources for studying the pathogenic agents of ancient times. This study aimed to identify the parasitic helminth eggs preserved in the herbivores coprolites. Methods: From 2011 to 2015, we received three coprolites belonging to herbivorous animals recovered during excavations in Chehrabad Salt mine of Zanjan, Iran. The coprolites were dated back to the Sassanid era (224-651 AD) by using radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and archeological stratigraphy methods. Following rehydration of the specimens in a 0.5% trisodium phosphate solution, the suspensions were mounted in glycerin jelly on glass slides and examined by a light microscope with 100x and 400x magnifications. Results: Two coprolites belonged to donkeys and one to an unknown herbivore species. The recovered eggs belonged to members of two helminths families, Strongylidae, and Anoplocephalidae. Also, within the two coprolites, some mites, presumably of the order Oribatida, were observed. Conclusion: The presence of two different nematodes in the equids coprolites provide clues of the burden of helminths infection on working animal at the Sassanid time and demonstrates the appropriate preservation condition of biological remains in the ancient salt mine of Chehrabad as well.

Echinococcus granulosus-developed metacestodes in the cultured medium are used for the assessment of its susceptibility to different compounds; however, this procedure is time-consuming and risky. In the present study, aspirated protoscoleces from the infected sheep were used to evaluate the effects of glucose, as an energy source, as well as ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant vitamin, on larval development. Protoscoleces were maintained in RPMI1640 culture media containing 10% fetal calf serum, as well as different concentrations of glucose (6 and 8 mg/ml) and ascorbic acid (25, 50, and 100 µg/ml). A culture medium containing 4 mg/ml of glucose was served as the control. Larger cysts were achieved in a shorter time from the medium enriched with 6 mg/ml of glucose (740 ± 20 µm) compared to the control group (420 ± 40 µm). However, in the groups treated with ascorbic acid, the number of cysts was higher in 100 µg/ml (32.5 ± 0.7) compared to the control group (12.5 ± 0.7). Additionally, the mature cysts were achieved on the 7th day of cultivation with 100 µg/ml of ascorbic acid compared to 18 days in the control group.

Background Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus worldwide and is associated with economic losses among livestock animals. EG95 is an immunogenic antigen from the E. granulosus. Lactococcus lactis has been prested as a safe vehicle for antigen delivery. The goal of this study was to design a novel L. lactis strain displaying EG95 as a vaccine delivery system. Methods The eg95 encoding gene fragment fused to the M6 anchoring protein was cloned into the pNZ7021 vector, and L. lactis NZ9000 displaying recombinant EG95 was constructed. The expression of an approximately 32-kDa EG95 protein was confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. The immune responses were evaluated in BALB/c mice immunized orally and subcutaneously with the live and killed recombinant L. lactis, respectively. Results Total IgG level in mice immunized with heat-killed recombinant L. lactis (pNZ7021-eg95) significantly increased compared to the control group. Mucosal IgA was significantly higher in mice received live recombinant L. lactis (pNZ7021-eg95) compared to the control mice. Splenic lymphocytes from immunized mice represented the high levels of IFN-γ and the low-levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Conclusion Our results indicate that immunization with EG95-expressing L. lactis can induce both specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice.

Echinococcus granulosus-developed metacestodes in the cultured medium are used for the assessment of its susceptibility to different compounds; however, this procedure is time-consuming and risky. In the present study, aspirated protoscoleces from the infected sheep were used to evaluate the effects of glucose, as an energy source, as well as ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant vitamin, on larval development. Protoscoleces were maintained in RPMI(1640) culture media containing 10% fetal calf serum, as well as different concentrations of glucose (4, 6, and 8 mg/ml) and ascorbic acid (25, 50, and 100 µg/ml). A culture medium containing 4 mg/ml of glucose was served as the control. Larger cysts were achieved in a shorter time from the medium enriched with 6 mg/ml of glucose (740 ± 20 µm) compared to the control group (420 ± 40 µm). However, in the groups treated with ascorbic acid, the number of cysts was higher in 100 µg/ml (32.5 ± 0.7) compared to the control group (12.5 ± 0.7). Additionally, the mature cysts were achieved on the 7th day of cultivation with 100 µg/ml of ascorbic acid compared to 18 days in the control group.

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.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus that can cause serious health and economic problems in the endemic foci. CE is globally distributed in various climatic conditions from circumpolar to tropical latitudes. Iran is an important endemic area with a spectrum of weather conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of geo-climatic factors on the distribution of livestock CE in south-western Iran (SWI) in 2016 to 2018. Data of livestock CE were retrieved from veterinary organizations of four provinces of SWI. The geo-climatic factors, including mean annual temperature (MAT), minimum MAT (MinMAT), maximum MAT (MaxMAT), mean annual rainfall (MAR), elevation, mean annual evaporation (MAE), sunny hours, wind speed, mean annual humidity (MAH), slope, frost days and land cover, were analysed using geographical information systems (GIS) approaches. The statistical analysis showed that MAR, frost days, elevation, slope and semi-condensed forest land cover were positively and MAE, MAT, MaxMAT, MinMAT and salt and salinity land cover were negatively correlated with CE occurrence. MAE was shown to be a predictive factor in the stepwise linear logistic regression model. In short, the current GIS-based study found that areas with lower evaporation were the main CE risk zones, though those with lower temperature and higher rainfall, altitude and slope, especially where covered with or in close proximity of semi-condensed forest, should be prioritized for consideration by health professionals and veterinarians for conducting control programmes in SWI.

None of the existing drugs can effectively treat the human cystic echinococcosis. This study aimed to improve the efficacy of flubendazole (FLBZ) against the protoscoleces and cysts of Echinococcus granulosus by preparing polymeric FLBZ-loaded methoxy polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (mPEG-PCL) nanoparticles. The protoscoleces and microcysts were treated with FLBZ-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles (FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles) and free FLBZ at the final concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL for 27 and 14 days, respectively. The chemoprophylactic efficacy of the drugs was evaluated in experimentally infected mice. The nanoparticles were stable for 1 month, with an average size of 101.41 ± 5.14 nm and a zeta potential of -19.13 ± 2.56 mV. The drug-loading and entrapment efficiency of the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles were calculated to be 3.08 ± 0.15% and 89.16 ± 2.93%, respectively. The incubation of the protoscoleces with the 10 μg/mL nano-formulation for 15 days resulted in 100% mortality, while after incubation with the 10 μg/mL free FLBZ, the viability rate of the protoscoleces was only 44.0% ± 5.22%. Destruction of the microcysts was observed after 7 days' exposure to the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. The in vivo challenge showed a significant reduction in the weight and number of the cysts (P 0.05) in the mice treated with the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles, yielding efficacy rates of 94.64% and 70.21%, correspondingly. Transmission electron microscopy revealed extensive ultrastructural damage to the cysts treated with the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles. The results indicated that the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles were more effective than the free FLBZ against the protoscoleces and cysts of E. granulosus both in vitro and in vivo.

Background and objectives:Benzimidazoles such as albendazole are being used in some conditions to treat the hydatid disease, the common parasitic infections of humans and livestock that caused byEchinococcus granulosus. However, treatment with these drugs is not always with complete success. In this study we evaluate thein vitroefficacy of flubendazole (FLBZ) plus praziquantel (PZQ) againstE. granulosusprotoscoleces and microcysts. Materials and methods:Viable and aseptically cultured protoscoleces were treated for 17 days with 5 µg/ml FLBZ, 1 µg/ml PZQ and a combination of both drugs. The viability of protoscoleces was assessed daily by microscopic observation and eosin test. Experiment was repeated three times and drug efficacies were presented as the mean value of protoscoleces viability rate. Developed microcysts from continues cultivation of protoscoleces were subjected to this treatment as same as protoscoleces, for 21 days. Structural changes of microcysts were visualized by inverted and transmission electron microscopy. Results:The most protoscolicidal efficacy was significantly detected in the culture treated with the combination of FLBZ and PZQ, so that all protoscoleces were killed in the nine days post-treatment. Meanwhile, 21.7±9.5% and 30.8±5.3% of protoscoleces that incubated with the FLBZ or PZQ alone were still viable, respectively. Degenerative changes occurred in microcysts on four days of co-treatment with the drugs, while these occurred on six and eight days with FLBZ or PZQ alone, respectively. Conclusion:This study indicates the favorable combined effect of the FLBZ and PZQ againstE. granulosusprotoscoleces and microcystsinvitro. Keywords:Echinococcus granulosus,Protoscolex,Microcyst,Flubendazole,Praziquantel

Background: Genus Acanthamoeba belongs to free-living amoebae, which could pose risk to the central nervous system and cornea and is considered to be a significant health concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant patients in Zanjan, located in the northwest of Iran, using morphological methods. Methods: Nasal specimens were collected from 100 malignant patients using swabs in the hospitals in Zanjan, Iran during July 2017-August 2018. The samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar, and the Acanthamoeba genus was identified based on the morphological characteristics. Results: Based on the morphological features, six samples (6%) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. Conclusion: This was the first report on the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant they patients in Zanjan city, which provides further evidence on the existence of Acanthamoeba spp. The findings emphasize that special attention should be paid to immunocompromised patients in order to prevent the infections associated with Acanthamoeba spp.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most important zoonoses affecting humans. Benzimidazoles (in particular albendazole) and praziquantel (PZQ) are effective against CE, but poor water solubility of these agents often leads to inadequate results. Here, we evaluate the effects of chitosan-albendazole (ChABZ) and chitosan-praziquantel (ChPZQ) nanoparticles as a new formulation on hydatid cysts both in vitro and in vivo. Developed microcysts in culture were treated with different concentrations of ChABZ and ChPZQ nanoparticles (either alone or in combination), and ABZ + PZQ suspension. The viability rate of microcysts was used to evaluate the drug efficacies. In addition, the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of the drugs were studied on infected DBA/2 mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultra-structural changes. The viability rate of microcysts and differences in cyst weights were compared by ANOVA, and the cyst numbers were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The combination of ChABZ + ChPZQ nanoparticles was more effective than the ABZ + PZQ suspension in vitro (p

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.). The disease is cosmopolitan, and Iran is a highly endemic area for CE. This parasite exhibits high genetic diversity, which can be related to its life cycle, transmission, and pathogenesis. This study was aimed at determining the phylogenetic relationship and intra-genotyping variation of E. granulosus s.l. in a vast area in the southwest of Iran (SWI). Eighty hydatid cyst isolates of intermediate hosts (i.e., cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo, camel, and human) were collected. The sequence analysis of the nad1 gene exhibited the three genotypes of G1 (n = 70, 87.5%), G3 (n = 8, 10%), and G6/G7 (n = 2, 2.5%). Also, 16, 2, and 1 unique haplotypes were identified for the G1, G3, and G6/G7 genotypes, respectively. According to the phylogenetic tree topology, the nad1 gene similarities were found for some G1 isolates in some vast areas, and the G1 genotype showed a heterogeneous population worldwide. The only SWI G6/G7 haplotype was at a distant position in E. canadensis clade, indicating the notable difference of this haplotype from other isolates from Iran and other countries. The presence of the G6/G7 genotype in the SWI may be due to the transmission of the genotype from other regions or the role of camel/wild boar or other possible hosts in the expansion of this genotype in SWI. The results of the present study can be used in CE control programs, molecular epidemiology, and phylogenetic studies in Iran and other countries for future goals.

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.

Background: The genus of Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoan parasite with a worldwide distribution where it is able to cause fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and amoebic keratitis (AK). This organism inhabits in the wide range of natural and man-made aquatic environments. The present study was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the various water resources of Zanjan province, northwest Iran, using both morphological and molecular methods. Methods: The Water samples were randomly collected from 30 water sources in different parts of Zanjan, Iran, between April 2015 and May 2016. Then, the samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar and the Acanthamoeba genus identified by morphological characters. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the 18S rRNA gene as a molecular marker. Results: The obtained data showed that, out of the 60 water samples collected, 30 (50%) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. According to morphological and molecular approaches. Conclusion: The present investigation is the first report of the distribution of Acanthamoeba spp. in the various water sources of Zanjan province, gives baseline knowledge regarding water contamination with Acanthamoeba spp. in these areas and emphasizes the necessity of more attention to water sources in order to prevent infections associated with Acanthamoeba spp.

Albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel (PZQ) are two drugs with anthelminthic activity, but their low solubility in biological fluid and subsequently poor bioavailability after oral administration confine their clinical usage. The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles loaded with either ABZ or PZQ as new formulations for improvement of their bioavailability. In order to synthesis nanoparticles, the chitosan powders with different molecular weights were added to acetic acid solution containing Poloxamer 407. To optimize the method, a number of parameters were explored by changing one parameter while others were kept constant. Particle size, polydispersity index, ξ-potential, drug loading, and in vitro drug release were measured. The average sizes of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with ABZ and PZQ were 224.9 and 174.6, respectively. Drug-loading and entrapment efficiencies were measured to be 0.55 and 11% for ABZ, respectively, while these were 0.53 and 22% for PZQ, respectively. The results indicated that chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration, chitosan-to-sodium tripolyphosphate ratio, and solution pH values were all influential on the size of the nanoparticles. It seems that the current procedure is suitable for making chitosan nanoparticles containing PZQ, although not suitable enough for ABZ chitosan nanoparticles.

Various protoscolicidal agents are indicated for the prevention of recurrence of cystic echinococcosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus; however, most of these chemicals have adverse side effects. This study evaluated the effects of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) nano-emulsion and emulsion at the concentrations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 µl/ml on E. granulosus protoscoleces. Albendazole (5 mg/ml), normal saline, and nano-emulsion without ZEO served as control groups. Optimal concentrations of ZEO nano-emulsion and emulsion on the microcysts were also investigated. ZEO emulsion at a concentration of 20 µl/ml for the duration of 15 min and nano-emulsion for the duration of 10 min resulted in the death of 100% of the protoscoleces. Additionally, densely packed aggregates were formed inside the microcysts treated with ZEO nano-emulsion and emulsion at a concentration of 20 µl/ml after 40 min, but the complete destruction of laminated layers did not occur. The results indicate that ZEO nano-emulsions have a higher protoscolicidal effect than its emulsion, but these two compounds had similar effects on microcysts.

Background: Complex surface of vegetables facilitate attachment and transmission of several pathogens. No previous study has been conducted in survey of parasitic contamination of vegetables in Zanjan. This study aimed to detect the parasitic contamination in common raw vegetables in Zanjan markets. Methods: A total of 352 raw vegetable samples, including leek, parsley, basil, mint, radish, cress and dill were collected from grocery stores using cluster sampling in different regions of the city during 2014. The edible parts of vegetables were separated and immersed in normal saline solution. Floating vegetables were removed and the solution was allowed to sediment at room temperature for 24 hours. The pellet was examined following sedimentation and floatation methods. Results:Various Organisms were detected in 54% (190) of the 352 samples, but only 2.8% of samples had pathogenic parasites including; Trichostrongylus eggs (3), Hookworm eggs (2), Eimeria oocysts (2), Sarcocystis oocyst (1), Strongyloides larvae (1), and Fasciola eggs (1). The contamination rate of vegetables was highest (90.4%) in the fall (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Vegetable contamination with parasitic organisms in this area was low, maybe due to irrigation of vegetables with sources other than sewage water, but it is still necessary to improve sanitary conditions of vegetables.

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.

Cattle are intermediate host for several species of Sarcocystis, including S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis with high prevalence worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection, species identification, and phylogenetic analysis of the parasite in cattle in Northwest Iran. The samples of diaphragm and esophagus from 290 cattle were collected from slaughterhouses in Northwest Iran and subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, and histopathology examinations, PCR-RFLP, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Tissue cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 92% of cattle by digestion and microscopic tests. Based on the PCR–RFLP and specific PCR, 87.9% and 1.03% of isolates were identified as S. cruzi, and S. hominis, respectively. Macrocyst was seen in a single sample that was identified as S. gigantea. The haplotype network exhibited the extension of the various haplotypes of S. cruzi between neighboring provinces in Northwest Iran. Heterogeneity analysis of S. cruzi 18S-rRNA sequences indicated genetic diversity among S. cruzi isolates (Haplotype diversity: 0.733-0.854) consisting 16 haplotypes; however, the nucleotide differences showed low diversity (0.01481 to 0.03351). Pair wise sequence distance matrix amongst S. cruzi sequences indicated an intra-species divergence of 0%-7.8% and identity of 92.6%-100%. Sarcocystis infection is highly prevalent in cattle in Northwest Iran, with the predominance of S. cruzi, and genetic variants of this species are unequivocally distributing in Northwest provinces. First global detection of S. gigantea in cattle reflects new insights of transmission dynamic and biology of this parasite in Iran.

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae which are ubiquitously distributed worldwide and can be found in the wide range of environments, particularly in various types of water sources, where they able to cause important health problems. In the present study, cultures containing Acanthamoeba from water samples were obtained from our earlier survey. For an analysis of the genetic pattern of Acanthamoeba isolates, DNA sequencing of nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene (18S rRNA or Rns) was applied. A phylogenetic analyses of the isolates displayed that all of them were belonged to the potentially pathogenic T4 genotype. This investigation provides further evidence that the T4 genotype is the most prevalent in water samples and demonstrates that there is a need for taking more consideration to water sources in order to prevent complications associated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp.

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the major agents of infectious abortions and due to its worldwide distribution can threat healthy pregnant women who had no previous exposure to this parasite. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of T. gondii to spontaneous abortions in Zanjan, Northwest of Iran, using ELISA method. Blood Samples were collected from 264 mothers referred to the provincial hospitals of Zanjan due to spontaneous abortion. The sera were isolated and subjected to evaluate the anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies. The results showed IgG positive (IgG(+)) in 99 cases (37.5%). A total of 68 women (25.8%) showed seroconversion with IgM or IgA or both IgM and IgA. They included: IgM(+) in 21 (8.0%), IgA(+) in 23 (8.7%) and both IgM(+) and IgA(+) in 24 (9.1%) subjects. In 23 cases, positive titers of IgM and IgG were accompanied. In general, the analysis of anti-Toxoplasma antibody patterns, showed that about 17% of the spontaneous abortions were associated with serological patterns of acute infection. According to these findings, a considerable proportion of spontaneous abortions can be attributed to T. gondii in the study area.

Determination of seroepidemiological survey of Toxocara infection in 810 sera from children inhabitants in rural and urban area of Zanjan (North-West of Iran) was adjusted for specific antibody level against of second stage larvae of Toxocara for excretory and secretory antigens based on ELISA technique. In contrast of the other studies, the overall seroprevalence was quite low, reaching to 2.7% out of 810 samples was positive to anti Toxocara species antibodies. Neither age nor gender seemed to be significant factor to positive serology. Seroprevalence of anti Toxocara antibody were detected in 8 out of 494 (1.6%) children from urban area, whereas 316 sample (4.4%) were the positive in the rural area. Positive children who had contact or ownership of cats and dog were 6.9 and 3.9%, respectively. Albeit, concerning to this study, seroprevalence of toxocariosis is lower than other countries and other studies in Iran. But protections of toxocariosis in children must be taking into account in public health program. Suggest that increase of hygiene education would be a crucial affective on population to reduce infection risk factor and zoonotic disease.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by larval stages of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most important zoonoses distributed worldwide. Genotype analysis of the parasite isolates from various hosts is required to better understand the host specificity and transmission routes. The aim of this study was to identify the genotypes of E. granulosus isolated from humans and domestic animals from northwest of Iran (Zanjan Province) using the mitochondrial cox1 gene sequence. A total of 86 hydatid cysts including 49 sheep and 28 cattle isolates from the slaughterhouse and nine human isolates from surgical wards of local hospitals were collected. The isolates were subjected to DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequence. Eighty-two (95.35 %) isolates, including 47 sheep, 26 cattle, and all nine human isolates, were determined as G1 genotype, and the remaining four (4.65 %), including two sheep and two cattle isolates, were identified as G3 genotype. From the cox1 sequence data, 13 different haplotypes (10 G1s and three G3s) were detected and named as EGH1–EGH13 (GenBank accession numbers, KP859559–KP859571). EGH1 was the major variant among the haplotypes, and it was identified in 46 (53.49 %) isolates (31 sheep, 14 cattle, and one human). Alignment of the partial cox1 sequences showed 12 point mutations including seven (58.3 %) synonymous and five (41.7 %) non-synonymous substitutions. Based on the results, G1 was the major genotype of E. granulosus in northwest of Iran affecting sheep, cattle, and humans. In addition, a minor group of G3 genotype was found to be circulating in this region.

"nBackground: Our objectives were to investigate whether immunomodulatory cytokines, TGF-β and IL-10, are stimulated in response to cystic echinococcosis (CE) components in mice model, and whether major hydatid fluid antigens or live protoscoleces could equally contribute to such cytokines."nMethods: Protoscoleces were obtained by aseptic puncture of fertile sheep hydatid cysts. Hydatid fluid antigens (HFAgs) and Antigen B (AgB) were prepared by partial purification and electroelution, respectively. Of the 25 Balb/c mice assigned in four groups, the first group was inoculated ip with 2000 live protoscoleces; the second and the third groups were injected ip with 50 µg HFAgs and 50 µg AgB in 200 µl of PBS, respectively. Control group was only injected with PBS. The sera concentration of TGF-ß and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey-HSD tests to compare differences between means."nResults: The mean concentration of TGF-ß in those groups injected with protoscoleces, HFAgs and AgB were significantly higher than control group. However, in the case of IL-10 such differences were only detected in mice that were inoculated with protoscoleces (356±11 pg/ml) compared to control (207±9 pg/ml), HFAgs and AgB groups."nConclusion: TGF-ß and IL-10, two important immunomudulatory cytokines are induced by different molecules or components of CE, so that AgB could induce TGF-ß and components of protoscolex, other than AgB and Ag5, could induce IL-10.