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Background: The aim of the present study was to survey birds' schistosomes in migratory birds (Anati­dae: Anas platyrhynchos) which are the source of the disease in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.Methods: A number of mallards were bought from the markets of hunted birds. The respiratory tracts (nasal mucosa) and intestinal blood vessels were studied for adult worms. The nasal mucosa was separated and observed by a microscope. In order to separate the visceral schistosomes, after separating intestine, vessel mesenteric was studied under the lamp light and then in saline. The para­site sample was collected for subsequent observation.Results: Fifteen (13.6%) cases out of 110 studied birds had nasal mucosa contaminated with Trichobilhar­zia sp. egg. Besides that, two birds had adult worms schistosome visceral i.e. Bilharziella sp.Conclusion: The elements that cause cercarial dermatitis in aforementioned region are Trichobilharzia sp. and Bilharziella sp. parasites. Thus, it is necessary for the authorities of health, environmental and agricultural organization of the province to cooperate in order to control this disease.

Background: Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in tropical and temperate regions. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of malaria in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran during 1997-2012. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 1997 to 2012. The population's study was individuals who registered at health centers of Mazandaran Province. Peripheral blood smear were prepared for each case, stained with Giemsa and examined by light microscope. In addition to demographic data, other parameters including Slide Positive Rate (SPR), Annual Parasite Incidence (API) and Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) were analyzed. Results: In total, 844 cases of malaria were reported. Plasmodium vivax was predominant species with 821 cases (97.4%). The number of malaria cases increased from 1997 to 2005 and then decreased to 3 cases in 2011. Some cities had not reported any cases during last three years. The highest infection rate, 163(20.07%), was seen in 2001-02. The SPR had the highest value (0.54%) in 2004-05. The maxi­mum API and ABER were ob­served in 2001-02 and 1997-98. 641(75.9%) of cases were imported from hyperendemic areas such as Afghanis­tan and South-eastern Iran and 94 (11.1%) malaria pa­tients were recorded as introduced cases. The highest infection rate of malaria (21.3%) was seen in Babolsar. Conclusion: Extensive malaria control should be continued to Mazandaran to become malaria-free region and in prevention of re-introduction stage.

Background: The aim of the present study was to survey birds' schistosomes in migratory birds(Anatidae: Anas platyrhynchos) which are the source of the disease in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. Methods: A number of mallards were bought from the markets of hunted birds. The respiratory tracts (nasal mucosa) and intestinal blood vessels were studied for adult worms. The nasal mucosa was separated and observed by a microscope. In order to separate the visceral schistosomes, after separating intestine, vessel mesenteric was studied under the lamp light and then in saline. The parasite sample was collected for subsequent observation. Results: Fifteen (13.6%) cases out of 110 studied birds had nasal mucosa contaminated with Trichobilharzia sp. egg. Besides that, two birds had adult worms schistosome visceral i.e. Bilharziella sp. Conclusion: The elements that cause cercarial dermatitis in aforementioned region are Trichobilharzia sp. and Bilharziella sp. parasites. Thus, it is necessary for the authorities of health, environmental and agricultural organization of the province to cooperate in order to control this disease.

Background: Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in tropical and temperate regions. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of malaria in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran during 1997-2012. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 1997 to 2012. The population's study was individuals who registered at health centers of Mazandaran Province. Peripheral blood smear were prepared for each case, stained with Giemsa and examined by light microscope. In addition to demographic data, other parameters including Slide Positive Rate (SPR), Annual Parasite Incidence (API) and Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) were analyzed. Results: In total, 844 cases of malaria were reported. Plasmodium vivax was predominant species with 821 cases (97.4%). The number of malaria cases increased from 1997 to 2005 and then decreased to 3 cases in 2011. Some cities had not reported any cases during last three years. The highest infection rate, 163(20.07%), was seen in 2001-02. The SPR had the highest value (0.54%) in 2004-05. The maxi­mum API and ABER were ob­served in 2001-02 and 1997-98. 641(75.9%) of cases were imported from hyperendemic areas such as Afghanis­tan and South-eastern Iran and 94 (11.1%) malaria pa­tients were recorded as introduced cases. The highest infection rate of malaria (21.3%) was seen in Babolsar. Conclusion: Extensive malaria control should be continued to Mazandaran to become malaria-free region and in prevention of re-introduction stage.