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Objective: Cancer or neoplasm is a cosmopolitan catastrophe that results in more than 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths every year. Some factors lead to carcinogenesis like infectious diseases. Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, by its components, could modulate the cancer system by inducing apoptosis. The objective of this investigation is to assess the potential of peptides derived from T. gondii in combating cancer by examining their effects on Caco-2, Hep-G2, and HT29 cell lines. Materials and methods: Candidate peptide by its similarity to anticancer compounds was predicted through the computer-based analysis/platform. The impact of the peptide on cell viability, cell proliferation, and gene expression was evaluated through the utilization of MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodologies. Results: The cell viability rate exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) across all cell lines when exposed to a concentration of ≤160 μg. Within the 48-hour timeframe, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for HT29 and Hep-G2 cell lines was determined to be 107.2 and 140.6 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, a marked decrease in the expression levels of Bcl2 and APAF1 genes was observed in both the Hep-G2 and HT29 cell lines. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the T. gondii peptide affected cancer cell mortality and led to changes in the expression of genes associated with apoptosis.

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a pathogen of the human reproductive system, is the cause of trichomoniasis. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of this disease, which has side effects such as dizziness, carcinogenesis, and drug resistance. Therefore, it seems necessary to find an alternative medicine. Therefore, the present study was performed with aim to evaluate the effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris and Tribulus terrestris on two subtypes of Trichomonas vaginalis in laboratory conditions. Methods: In this study, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris and Tribulus terrestris in dilutions of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/ml and metronidazole with dilutions of 0.78, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 μg/ml were administered to Trichomonas vaginalis type i and g at 24 and 48 hours. Live parasites were counted with Neobar slide and then cytotoxicity of Metronidazole and extracts was evaluated by MTT method on Hela cell line. Data were analyzed with two way ANNOVA graphpad method. Results: Ic50, CC50 and SI indexes were calculated and the decrease in the percentage of parasite survival was significant in all concentrations and in both 24 and 48 hours compared to the control group (p=0.0001). Ethanol extracts of Tribulus terrestris and Malva sylvestris have a higher SI than water extract of Tribulus terrestris and Malva sylvestris, but they are very different from the SI index of metronidazole. These two extracts have a good inhibitory effect on parasites, but their toxicity was high. Because the cell-killing effect of these extracts on the hella cell line was high, it is suggested to conduct a study on the effect of these extracts in the treatment of cancer cells. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris has a good inhibitory effect on both types of Trichomonas vaginalis, especially type g, while the ethanolic extract of Malva sylvestris has a very good inhibitory effect on type i of the parasite in 48 hours. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris and Tribulus terrestris have lower SI than metronidazole, so the effects of the extracts are less than metronidazole.

The progression of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) invasion is aided by rhoptry proteins (ROPs), which are also crucial for the parasite’s survival in host cells. In this study, in silico analysis was performed to examine the various aspects of the ROP29 protein, such as physicochemical properties, potential T- and B-cell epitopes, and other significant features. The research revealed that there were 55 possible sites for posttranslational modification in the ROP29 protein. The secondary structure of the ROP29 protein consists of a random coil, an alpha-helix, and an extended strand, which account for 49.69%, 36.81%, and 13.50%, respectively. Moreover, a number of putative T- and B-cell epitopes for ROP29 were found. The Ramachandran plot showed that 88.91% (crude model) and 97.54% (refine model) of the amino acid residues were located in the favored regions. Also, the testing of this protein’s antigenicity and allergenicity showed that it was nonallergenic and immunogenic. Our results suggested that employing in silico tools to apply structural and functional predictions to the ROP29 protein can lower the likelihood that laboratory investigations will fail. This research served as a crucial foundation for further research. More research is required in the future in suitable animal model employing ROP29 alone or in combination with other antigens.

Background: We aimed to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in rats, cats, pigeons, and crows. Methods: Fifty-five animal origin Cryptosporidium spp. genome were identified, genotyped and confirmed by nested PCR and of RFLP-PCR analysis as well as sequenced based on 18s rRNA and gp60 genes in Tehran (2012-2019). Finally, the phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA software (version 7). Results: By the molecular method, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 24 (15.2%), 15 (15%), 2 (2%) and 13 (13%) cases of wild rats, cat, pigeon, and crow, respectively. Among the identified species by the RFLP pattern, most isolates were identified as C. parvum (24/157) 17.8% in rats, (15/100) 15% in cats, (13/100) 13%in crew and (2/100) 2% in pigeons; and the rest of the cases were C. muris and C. felis. The results of sequencing did not prove the existence of C. parvum, C. felis, C. muris, and rat genotype. Subtyping of C. parvum was indicated that the dominant subtype family belongs to the IId family and the subtype A20G1 was the most common subtype detected in all hosts while A19G1 was detected in one isolate of cat and pigeon. Conclusion: Free-ranging animals are infected by species/subtype of Cryptosporidium, which can infect humans. This shows by itself the hygienic importance of the free-ranging animals in urban ecosystems. In the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, the multi-host Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum, C. felis, and C. muris can be transferred potentially from these animals to humans.

Background: Recently, a hypothesis about the negative relationship between cancers and parasites has been proposed and investigated; some parasitic worms and their products can affect the cancer cell proliferation. Due to the potential anti-cancer effect of helminthic parasites, in the present study, the excretory–secretory protein of Toxocara canis (T. canis) parasite was used to evaluate the possible anti-cancer properties and their effect on gastrointestinal and liver cancer cell proliferation-related genes in laboratory conditions.Methods and materials: The selected synthesized peptide fraction from the T. canis excretory–secretory Troponin protein peptide (ES TPP) was exposed at 32, 64, 128, and 256 μg/ml concentrations to three gastrointestinal cancer cell lines AGS, HT-29, and Caco 2, as well as HDF cells as normal cell lines. We used the MTT assay to evaluate cellular changes and cell viability (CV). Variations in gene (Bcl-2, APAF1, ZEB1, VEGF, cyclin-D1, and caspase-3) expression were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.Results: After 24 h of exposure to pept1ides and cell lines, a decrease in CV was observed at a concentration of 64 μg/ml and compared to the control group. Then, after 48 h, a significant decrease in the CV of Caco 2 cells was observed at a concentration of 32 μg/ml; in the other cancer cell lines, concentrations above 32 μg/ml were effective. The peptide was able to significantly alter the expression of the studied genes at a concentration of 100 μg/ml.Conclusion: Although the studied peptide at high concentrations could have a statistically significant effect on cancer cells, it is still far from the standard drug and can be optimized and promising in future studies.

BackgroundBlastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite, possibly responsible for diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. However, many studies focused on this issue due to the uncertainty of its pathogenic potential. The extracellular vesicles (EVs) are significant mediators for cellular communication, carrying biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Compared with other parasites, little is known about the Blastocystis EVs. Hence the present investigation was done.MethodsThe Blastocystis parasites were cultured in the DMEM medium, and a 550–585 bp fragment was amplified using PCR, and sequencing was done. A commercial kit was used for exosome extraction and dynamic light scattering (DLS), flow cytometry (CD63, CD81 markers), and electron microscopy tests to determine their morphology. The human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1) was exposed to Blastocystis EVs. Next, the expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were measured using quantitative PCR.ResultsExosomes were extracted from ST1-3 Blastocystis sp. According to the DLS assay, the size of the exosomes was in the range of 30–100 nm. Electron microscopy images and CD63 and CD81 markers also confirmed the exosome's size, structure, and morphology. According to real-time PCR results, ST1-derived exosomes caused IL-6 and TNF-α upregulation and IL-10 and IL-4 downregulation, ST2- and ST3-derived exosomes downregulated IL-10, and ST3-derived exosomes caused IL-6 upregulation. There is a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of the release of exosome-like vesicles by the human parasite, Blastocystis, and the provided information demonstrates the role of this parasite, particularly ST1 on proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and navigating the host response.

Abstract Background Plasmodium vivax resistance to chloroquine (CQ) has been reported from many endemic regions in the world. Plasmodium vivax is responsible for 95% of malaria cases in Afghanistan and CQ is the first-line treatment given for vivax malaria. The pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o (K10 insertion) genes are possible markers for CQ-resistance in P. vivax isolates. There have been no studies done on the presence or absence of molecular markers for CQ-resistance P. vivax in Afghanistan. The present work aimed to evaluate the frequency of mutations in the pvmdr-1 and K10 insertion in the pvcrt-o genes of P. vivax. Methods Plasmodium vivax isolates were collected from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost provinces. For investigation of polymorphisms of desired regions in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes, sequencing was applied on the PCR products. A new asymmetric qPCR and melting analysis assay based on unlabelled probe developed for scanning of K10 insertion in pvcrt-o gene. Results The analysis of sequencing data of the pvmdr-1 gene showed wild type Y976 and K997 and mutant M958 and L1076 in 33 isolates from three provinces. Of the 36 samples evaluated for K10 insertion in pvcrt-o, 2/18(11%), 0/10(0%) and 0/8(0%) isolates from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost province, respectively, possessed K10 insertion, confirmed by either sequencing and unlabelled probes. Conclusion Two samples with K10 insertion and 33 samples with pvmdr1 polymorphism, indicating on the possibility of CQ resistance in P. vivax populations in Afghanistan. Furthermore, unlabelled probes are simple and inexpensive alternative tools for screening of P. vivax mutations.

Background and purpose: Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are one of the most diverse antimicrobial compounds that have received much attention due to the development of drug resistance of pathogens to conventional antibiotics. But, few studies have evaluated anti-parasitic properties of AMP. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of a cecropin–melittin chimeric peptide (CM11) and metronidazole on Giardia lamblia trophozoite. Materials and methods: In this study, using MTT assay, the cytotoxicity of CM-11 peptide (0.5-32 μg/ml) and metronidazole (0.25-25 μg/ml) was investigated on Caco-2 cells and IC50 was calculated. Flow cytometry was used to determine the rate of induction of apoptosis by CM11 and metronidazole. The toxicity of peptide on G. lamblia trophozitis was evaluated in vitro under different conditions. Results: MTT results showed that the highest percentage of cytotoxicity in caco2 cells was seen at 32 μg/ml of CM11 peptide after 24 (84.3±1.2%), 48 (88.7±0.9%) and 72 (87±1.5%) hours. In metronidazole group, the highest cytotoxicity was observed in 20 μg/ml after 24 (35±2.3), 48 (39.3±1.2) and 72 (48.3±1.8%) hours. The highest concentrations of peptide (32 μg/ml) and metronidazole (20 μg/ml) showed 99.8±0.2% and 99±0.6% cytotoxicity effect, respectively. The cytotoxicity effect of peptide and metronidazole on G. lamblia attached to caco2 cells at highest concentrations were 99.7±0.1% and 99.5±0.3%, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that cecropin-melittin chimeric peptide could be an appropriate candidate for the treatment of giardiasis.

Background: Leishmania is a mandatory intracellular pathogen and causing neglected disease. Hence, protection against leishmaniasis by a development vaccine is an important subject. This study aimed to design a poly-epitope vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Parasitology Department of Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran during 2017-2019. Several bioinformatics methods at online servers were used for prediction of different aspects of poly-epitope, including, physico-chemical attributes, allergenicity, antigenicity, secondary and tertiary structures, B-cell, T-cell and MHC (I, II) potential epitopes of LACK, LEIF, GP63 and SMT antigens of L. major. Results: After designing the construct (GLSL), the outputs of PTM sites demonstrated that the poly-epitope had 57 potential sites for phosphorylation. Furthermore, the secondary of GLSL structure includes 59.42%, 20.94% and 19.63% for random coil, extended strand and alpha-helix, respectively. The GLSL is an immunogenic protein with an acceptable antigenicity (0.8410) and non-allergen. Afterward, 20 potential epitopes of LACK, LEIF, GP63 and SMT antigens were linked by a flexible linker (SAPGTP), then was synthesized, and sub-cloned in pLEXY– neo2. The results were confirmed the expression of 38.7 kDa poly-epitope in secretory and cytosolic sites, separately. Conclusion: A good expression in the L. tarentulae and confirmation of the GLSL poly-epitope could be a basis for developing a vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis that should be confirmed via experimental tests in BALB/c mice.

Treatment for toxoplasmosis is not completely successful because of their unwanted side effects, and new treatments are needed. Imiquimod has ability to moderate immune response and used to treat a wide variety of infections and tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of imiquimod on the tachyzoites of T. gondii and infected macrophages in vitro and in BALB/c mice. The viability of T. gondii was assessed in the presence of various concentrations of imiquimod by direct counting after 6 and 24 h. The MTT assay was used to identify the viability of uninfected macrophages. The apoptotic effects were determined with flow cytometry on the tachyzoites and infected macrophages. For evaluation of parasite load in pre-treatment or post-treatment of macrophages Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) was performed. For in vivo experiments, BALB/c mice received imiquimod before and after challenge with parasites. The mortality rate of mice, parasite numbers in spleen, and the INF-γ and IL-4 cytokine levels in spleen lymphocytes were evaluated. Imiquimod demonstrated anti-Toxoplasma effects by reducing the number of tachyzoites. The results of flow cytometry for drug-treated tachyzoites showed that apoptosis did not rise significantly relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was enhanced in infected macrophages as the concentration of imiquimod was reduced. The parasitic burden in imiquimod pretreated macrophages was significantly lower than those treated after infection (p < 0.01). A marked reduction was observed in survival rate, parasite load and INF-γ level in BALB/c mice that received imiquimod before parasitic challenge relative to those received drug after parasitic challenge (p < 0.01). Overall, imiquimod in the pretreated group had greater anti-Toxoplasma effects than imiquimod in posttreated group in vitro and in vivo. imiquimod may be considered as a candidate for use against Toxoplasmosis both therapeutically and prophylactically.

Background: Malaria is threatening more than half of Afghanistan population. Asymptomatic malaria is notable problem against malaria controlling strategies. In this study we evaluated the asymptomatic malaria status in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan in 2017. Methods: Overall, 296 finger blood samples were taken on DNA Banking Cards and microscopic slides from asymptomatic individuals in Jalalabad city. We used a novel post real time PCR high resolution melting analysis beside microscopy and semi-nested multiplex PCR to evaluate status of asymptomatic malaria in this city. Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Jalalabad city was determined 1.7% (5/296), 7.43% (22/296) and 7.78% (26/296) by microscopy, Seminested multiplex PCR and qRT-PCR-HRM, respectively. Out of 26 positive cases were detected by qRT-PCR-HRM, 21, 1 and 4 cases were detected P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively. Conclusion: Our data indicating on existence of significant number of asymptomatic reservoirs that assists in prolonged endemicity of the disease. On the other hand, the molecular methods are better alternatives for microscopy especially for monitoring of asymptomatic cases of malaria.

Background and Aim: Vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis account for at least 50 percent of all cases of vaginal infections. The main drugs used to treat these infections have numerous side effects and drug resistance to them is on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-trichomonas and anti candidal effects of acetone extracts of Moringa peregrina in vitro. Material and Methods: We used acetone extracts of Moringa peregrina at concentrations of 375, 750, …, 3000 and 4000 µg/ml for the treatment of trichomoniasis; and concentrations of 0/003,…, 1 and 2mg/ml for the treatment of candidiasis. We evaluated the effect of the extracts after 24 and 48 hours. The final number of viable parasites were determined by trypan blue staining and neobar lamella; and IC50 (50% Inhibitory Concentration) value was calculated. We also calculated MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of the extract for candida. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on the mice macrophage cells was investigated. Result: Comparison between treatment and control groups revealed a significant decrease in the viability of parasites in the treatment group at all concentrations after both 24 and 48 hours (P

Background and aims: Toxoplasmosis is a very common disease in the world. Two types of acquired toxoplasmosis have been detected. In the chronic toxoplasmosis, the abnormality of tissue function is little but, in acute toxoplasmosis, function of RES system becomes interrupted. The assessment of toxoplasma antibody with tissue enzymes in this stage is very important. Furthermore, serum ferritin in some conditions became high in acute phase of infectious disease. Methods: This study was based on comparative abundance study. Materials consisted of 980 serum and amniotic fluid samples collected from human blood with high level of IgG antibody against Toxoplasma gondii in Rajaie center, Tehran, Iran. The standard test was ELISA assay to detect these antibodies and the main test was measurement of liver transaminases (SGOT, SGPT) bilirubin and ferritin to evaluate acute toxoplasmosis. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 18.0. This study was done during March to June, 2017. Results: Results showed that in some patients with high level of IgG AVIDITY antibody against T. gondii the level of liver transaminases, serum bilirubin and ferritin became increased. For example in 120 patients with acute toxoplasmosis the mean serum levels of SGOT were 108 IU/L and in 80 patients the mean serum bilirubin were about 5 mg/dL. Conclusion: In acute congenital toxoplasmosis, the evaluation of IgG AVIDITY was first step and then the measurement of biochemical factors such as serum transaminases, serum Bilirubin and serum Ferritin were important.

Background and purpose: Giardiasis is a major diarrheal disease and the major symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and abdominal pain. In developing countries, some patients can carry giardia parasites without experiencing any symptoms and some genotypes are believed to be responsible for that. The aim of this study was the genotyping of giardia duodenalis in asymptomatic patients. Materials and methods: A total of 320 stool samples was collected from people attending Baharestan health centers in Tehran, Iran and investigated for giardia cyst by microscopic method. Positive samples were stored in Potassium dichromate 2.5% and 4ºC. DNA extraction was performed using CTAB method and genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP on β-giardin gene. Results: Among the samples, 25 were positive (7.8%). All patients suffering from giardiasis were asymptomatic and the appearance and color of samples were normal and brown, respectively. Four samples were found in women (16%) and 21 in men (84%). The results of RFLP on these samples revealed that 16 samples (64%) had infections with assemblage A and 9 samples (36%) were assemblage B. The phylogenetic tree revealed sub-assemblage AII, BIII, and BIV to be present in Baharestan. Conclusion: The most common genotype of Giardia duodenalis is assemblage A in asymptomatic people in Baharestan, Iran. Identification of AII, BIII, and BIV genotypes in this area indicates the possibility of anthroponotic and anthropozoonotic transmission cycles.

Toxoplasma gondii is a common coccidian parasite with stray cat family as definitive host, and a wide range of warm blooded animals and human as intermediate hosts. The objective of this study was to isolate T. gondii from rodents and stray cats in northeast of Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted from 30–50 mg of the rodents and stray cats’ tissue using phenol-chloroform extraction method. Using PCR-RFLP, the genes (SAG1, SAG3, GRA6, 18SrRNA) and sequencing method, the isolation of T. gondii from these hosts was determined. ELISA method was also used on serum samples to evaluate the IgG antibodies against T. gondii among the hosts. Out of 286 rodents and 210 stray cats tested, the DNA of T. gondii was detected in 68 and 38 samples, respectively. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the RFLP results. It was also observed that dominant genotype of T. gondii in infected rodents and stray cats belonged to genotype 3. The results of this study indicated that rodent and stray cat hosts can play an important role in maintaining the Toxoplasma transmission cycle in the Golestan province.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease that is endemic in some parts of Iran. The drugs of choice used for leishmaniasis therapy are associated with a risk of recurrence and serious adverse effects. Therefore, finding a safe and effective treatment is of great importance. In the present study, the effect of aloe-emodin on the growth of Leishmania major amastigotes was evaluated under in vitro conditions. In addition, the efficacy of a topical of aloe-emodin ointment was investigated in BALB/c mice with cutaneous leishmanial ulcers. Different concentrations (40 μg/mL, 80 μg/mL, 120 μg/mL, and 160 μg/mL) of aloe-emodin were tested on Leishmania amastigotes twice: 24 hours and 48 hours. The induced apoptosis and necrotic effects of two concentrations (40 μg/mL and 120 μg/mL) of aloe-emodin on promastigotes were investigated by flow cytometry. Under the in vivo condition, aloe-emodin ointment efficacy was evaluated at two concentrations (i.e., 0.1% and 1%). Serum indicator factors of the test and control groups were tested to evaluate the toxic effects of this compound on the liver and kidney. Results showed that aloe-emodin inhibited the growth of Leishmania amastigotes and induced apoptosis in promastigotes. Topical application of aloe-emodin ointment likewise reduced the ulcer size. No significant differences in biochemical analysis were observed between the control and treated groups. In conclusion, aloe-emodin showed antileishmanial effects under in vitro and in vivo conditions and may be used in clinical trials.

Background: The aim of this study was to design pictorial key and taxonomic literature of Culex pipiens complex in Iran. Methods: Larvae were collected using standard dipping methods in 13 randomly selected areas of Bushehr, Hame­dan, Kerman, Khorasan-e-Razavi, Khuzistan, Mazandaran, Tehran, Sistan and Baluchistan and Yazd Provinces from April 2009 to October 2010. The data were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 11.5. Results: Culex pipiens larvae were identified based on the Seta 1 of the abdominal segments III–IV in north and central parts of Iran. This diagnostic character had some variation among the Cx. quinquefasciatus collected from south of the country. The identification value of intersection of costa, subcosta and bifurcation of R2+3 of female veins, was calculated as 90–100 % for Cx. pipiens. This diagnostic character was varied among the Cx. quinquefas­ciatus specimens. The male genitalia found as the main characters to distinguish of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Cx. pipiens. Conclusion: It is necessary more studies on the behavior and genetic variations of Cx. pipiens complex in Iran.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine intestinal and liver helminth infections in Rattus rodents in Tehran Iran. Methods: Overall, 306 traps were put in 39 different regions in Tehran from 2009 to 2010. Rodents, including R. rattus and R. norvegicus were caught by live-traps.They become unconscious and the spinal cords were cut, afterwards the body was dissected and the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and cecum were studied separately. The dominant type and the prevalence rate of parasites in then rodents were determined based on the infected parts of their body. Results: After recognition of the helminthes’ types, among the 120 total number of rodents, 39 belonged to males, while among the infected rodents, 57(47.5%) were female and 18(15%) were male. The prevalence of infection in Tehran was 62.5%. Seventy cases (58.33%) of helminth infections were observed in R. rattus and 5 cases (4.16%) were observed in R. norvegicus. The maximum prevalence (15.5%) was seen in the center and east part of Tehran, while the minimum (9.16%) was in the north part of the city. The helminthes types and the corresponding percentages were Hymenolepis nana fraterna (35.8%), Heterakis spumosa (17.5%), Hymenolepisdiminuta (7.5%) and Capillaria annulosa (1.6%). The dominant rodent was Rattus rattus and among the identified helminthes, Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana fraterna are zoonotic ones. Conclusion: The information presented here improves our understanding of the major parasitic infections that rodents harbor and can transmit to human and animal populations in Iran. To prevent infectivity of human, the hazard of the identified zoonotic species needs to be contemplated.

One of the most important infectious diseases in the world is Malaria. About half of the world populations are exposed to the risk of the disease. The program for controlling and eradication of Malaria has been being conducted in our country since many years ago. One of the public health problems in the endemic and non-endemic countries is Imported Malaria which can cause new and permanent infected foci. Population movement and travelling from endemic areas can transmit the disease to the clean areas and can also transmit the drug resistant Protozoa particularly Plasmodium Falciparum. Our case study describes a 30 year old person who has travelled to India for one month. He has visited a doctor in India because of fever, chills, malaise, and has received symptomatic treatment without any specific diagnosis .After returning to Iran, the symptoms appeared again after visiting by a doctor he has hospitalized with a diagnosis of Fever of unknown origin (FUO).He was checked for three days and on the fourth day, the blood smear of the patient showed Plasmodium Vivax. Ultimately he received the appropriate treatment and was discharged from the hospital in a good condition.

Background: The aim was to survey the specific factors, which cause to decrease blood feeding of mosquitoes important to succeed vector control. Methods: Larval collection was carried out from fixed and variable breeding places of Yazd County, central Iran in 2009. Autogeny-Anautogeny, Stenogamy-Eurygamy, and blood preference of Culex pipiens were studied using standard mosquito cages blood meal source for Cx. pipiens females considered as the chickens and human and fed females were kept in insectary condition (16:8 L: D, 27±3 °C and 70±10% RH). The data were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 11.5 soft ware. Results: Totally, 96 females' mosquitoes were tested for Stenogamy versus Eurygamy and 122 for blood preference assay. In the small cages (20× 20× 20cm) and large cage (60× 40× 60cm), the ability of mating and insemination rates were 60.0 and 67.0%, respectively. In spite of Cx. pipiens fed from sucrose 5%, none of them laying eggs in 60× 40× 60 cages during the study. This finding indicated the Anautogeny behavior of this species. This species was found of low tendency to human blood and almost 4 fold fed on chicken. Conclusion: The occurrence of Steno-Eurygamy, Anautogeny, and Ornithophilic behaviors of Cx. Pipiens was noted. More studies need to be carried out about the bionomics of this species to gain more data about the ecophysiological and behavioral characteristics in other parts of Iran.

Background: Although pentavalent antimony compounds are used as antileish-manial drugs but they are associated with limitations and several adverse complica-tions. Therefore, always effort to find a new and effective treatment is desired. In this study, the effect of ZnO nanoparticles with mean particle size of 20 nanome-ters (nm) on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes was evaluated. Methods: Viability percentage of promastigotes after adding different concentra-tions of ZnO nanoparticles (30, 60, 90 and 120 μg/ml) to the parasite culture was evaluated by MTT assay. In the flow cytometry study, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis detection Kit was used to study the induced apoptosis and necrotic effects. Result : IC50 after 24 hours of incubation was 37.8 μg/ml. ZnO nanoparticles ex-ert cytotoxic effects on promastigotes of L. major through the induction of apopto-sis. A concentration of 120 μg/ml of ZnO nanoparticles induced 93.76% apoptosis in L. major after 72 hours. Conclusion: ZnO NPs can induce apoptosis in L. major by dose and time-de-pended manner in vitro condition.

Background and Objectives: With increasing rate of immunodeficiency diseases in the world, opportunistic micro-organism such as Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) become more important. Little information is available on prevalence of this life- threatening microorganism in Iran. This study was designed to determine the colonization and the rate of active disease caused by P. jirovecii in two groups of Iranian immunosuppressed patients. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty five pulmonary samples were collected from two groups of immunosuppress- ed patients to detect a 260bp fragment of mt LSU rRNA gene of P. jirovecii by nested PCR. The first group was COPD patients consumed oral, inhaled or injectable corticosteroid and the second group was patients with malignancies under chemotherapy. Both groups were referred to National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and Imam Khomeini hospital because of pulmonary symptoms. All patients introduced to this project were confirmed HIV sera-negative by ELISA and western blot test. Results: The mean age of COPD patients was 66.5 ± 11 (41-88) years and all of them were men. The mean age of patients with malignancy (PMs) was 43 ± 11 (23-65) years and 51.6% were men. The P. jirovecii was colonized in 7 of 89 COPD patients (7.9%) and its DNA was isolated from 11 of 153 PMs (7.2%). The microorganism could cause active disease in 7 of 67 (10.5%) PMs who suffered from pneumonia. Conclusion: The study showed that P. jirovecii was one of colonizing agents in the COPD patients, but it could cause active disease in PMs. Generally, the microorganism can exist in the lung of non-HIV+ immunosuppressed patients. Therefore, it should be considered as a potential infective agent in non-HIV+ immunocompromised patients.

Background: Stigmaeids mites have been recorded only on Phlebotominae sand flies up to now. Five species of Eustigmaeus, and three of Stigmaeus were reported on infested sandflies in different country up to the present. Methods: Sand flies collection was done using CDC light trap and sticky paper. The mites were isolated from in- fested specimens, mounted in Puri’s medium and identified using reliable keys. Results: A mite infested Phlebotomus papatasi was observed during a study on sandflies of one of the southern provinces of Iran, near to the Persian Gulf. Several scars resulting from mite attachment were found on abdominal tergites of this female sand fly. The mites were identified as Eustigmaeus johnstoni. Conclusion: This parasitic mite is one of the eyeless species, which has a great distribution over the world, reported from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, Cyprus and Palestine. But, this is the first record of this species from Iran.