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Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is widely distributed in Iran and around the world. Also, Khuzestan Province is an endemic focus of ZCL. This study aims to investigate the natural infection of sand flies with the Leishmania parasite in Karun County. Methods: Sand flies were collected from Jangiyeh, Qaleh Chanan, Kut-e-Navaser, and Ghazavieh in the spring and summer in the year of 2019, by installing 60 sticky paper traps each time (30 traps outdoors and 30 traps indoors). Two hundred female sand flies with different abdominal conditions (empty, blood-fed, semi-gravid, and gravid) were examined for infection rate using the Nested-PCR method. Results: In this study, seven species of sand flies including Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. sergenti, Ph. caucasicus, Sergentomyia tiberiadis, Se. sintoni, and Se. antennata were reported from Karun County, with a frequency of 79.64%, 16.96%, 1.07%, 0.18%, 0.36%, 1.61%, and 0.18%, respectively. Only eleven specimens of Ph. papatasi were found to be positive for Leishmania major, with an overall infection rate of 7.8%. The infection of Ph. papatasi was specifically reported in blood-fed, gravid, and semi-gravid specimens, with infection rates of 17.02%, 4.35%, and 14.29%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the infection of L. major from Ph. papatasi was reported. The results can be used in planning the control of ZCL in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to review the studies used plants and plant components against Cimex lectularius. Standard procedure for systematic reviews was followed. Various electronic databases were investigated for choosing reliable researches from 1990 to 2021. In total, 18 papers were selected among the 300 papers. Totally, 26 plants were evaluated in the published studies. Plants included Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Mentha piperita, Syzygium aromaticum, and plant components of Thymol, Carvacrol and Linalool have the highest frequency in the papers studied. Maximum mortality and repellency of up to 100% were reported for the essential oils of Tagetes patula, Schinus molle, and plants of Cinnamomum sp. Cymbopogon martinii, Mentha piperita, Salvia rosmarinus, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Nepeta cataria. The results of this review can provide a better understanding of the potential of extracts and essential oils made from these plants and plant components for researchers to control bed bugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural disasters, such as floods provide the basis for spreading vector-borne diseases by creating environmental changes. This study aims to investigate the common vector-borne diseases during floods in Khuzestan Province, Iran, in 2019 and the strategies and challenges to control them. Materials and Methods: This research is applied objectively and it is a descriptive survey in terms of collecting data using a qualitative method. The statistical population in the qualitative section included 15 experts from health centers in Khuzestan Province with a history of presence in flooded areas who were purposively selected using the snowball technique. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview. Results: Qualitative data were categorized into 5 categories of common arthropods, common vector-borne diseases, vector control strategies and challenges, and organs involved in vector control programs during floods. The most common arthropods were lice, mites, mosquitoes, flies, and scorpions. The most prevalent vector-borne diseases during the flood were scabies, pediculosis, mosquito bites, and scorpions. The critical challenge was the lack of national vector control guideline in disaster condition. Conclusion: Considering the history of floods and health problems caused by these natural disasters, it is necessary to recognize the common vector-borne diseases, develop national guidelines, and provide solutions to deal with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of Leishmania species, the causative agents of leishmaniasis in the world. Present study aimed to evaluate the bioecological aspects of sand flies in different ecotopes in Sari County, north of Iran. Methods: Sand flies were collected from four villages in mountainous, forest, plain and peri-urban areas monthly using sticky traps in May–October 2016. Mounted specimens were identified using valid identification keys under optical microscope. The Arc GIS 10.5 software was applied for showing the distribution of sand flies. Shannon-Weiner, Simpson and Evenness species diversity indices were calculated. Results: Generally, 334 specimens were captured and identified, namelly Phlebotomus kandelakii, Ph. papatasi, Ph. major, Ph. sergenti, Ph. longiductus, Ph. halepensis, Ph. tobbi, Sergentomyia dentata, Se. theodori, Se. sintoni, Se. antennata and Se. sumbarica. The most common species was Ph. kandelakii (n= 128, 38.32 %). The highest Simpson index (0.81) and abundance (N= 141) were recorded in the mountaineous area. Shannon diversity index was higher in the forest (H'= 1.53) and the highest evenness index was in the plain area (J'= 0.93). The highest richness (S= 9) and Shannon indices (H'= 1.57) were observed in June. Conclusions: Phlebotomus kandelakii, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. longiductus, Se. theodori, Se. antennata and Se. sumbarica were recorded for the first time in the study area. Since some species are incriminated for leishmaniasis transmission, further studies are required in the northern regions of Iran to timely control measures planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediculosis, caused by Pediculus spp is an important public health problem in urban and rural areas around the world. Natural compounds such as plant essential oils (EOs) have been suggested as a potential alternative for insect pest control recently. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil against the head louse, Pediculus capitis under laboratory conditions. Methods: Fennel essential oil components were analyzed using GC-mass apparatus. Immersion and contact filter paper bioassays were used to evaluate fennel essential oil toxicity at the two-fold concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40% against nit and nymph/adult stages of the head louse. Results: Trans-anethole, α-Thujone, and limonene, which consisted of 76.08%, 10.37%, and 5.34% were the most components of fennel oil respectively. The LC50 values for the adult /nymphs were 11.5, 6.4, 3.9, 3.1 and 2.5% and LC99 values were 29.5, 15.2, 12.8, 10.8, and 7.4% at 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after exposure respectively. The lethal times (LT50) for adults/nymphs were 5.2, 8.1, 9.5, 20.5, and 45.8 minutes and LT99 were 138.6, 91.3, 23.8, 21.7, and 13.9 minutes in the concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40%, respectively. LC50 and LC99 values were 2.32% and 7.36% after 5 days for the eggs. Conclusion: Fennel essential oil at the concentration of 15% after 20min is suggested to develop as an appropriate formulation to evaluate in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran, and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios. Methods: The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled: Hemiscorpius lepturus, Androctonus crassicauda, Mesobuthus eupeus, Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta zagrosensis, and Odontobuthus (O.) doriae, under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios. The MaxEnt ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030s and 2050s, and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data. Results: A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded. Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies. The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates, at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2 954 m above sea level. It is projected that O. doriae, Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country, whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran. Conclusions: Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios, the change would be more significant for O. doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050s. These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bed bugs as blood-sucking insects have become a public health problem in urban communities throughout the world. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of resident education and self-implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for eliminating bed bug infestation in infected apartments in Ahvaz City, Iran. Methods: This interventional study was conducted in seventy apartments infested with bed bug (Cimex lectularius) in Ahvaz City, southwest Iran, during a 6-month period. The bed bug infestations reported to Health centers were inspected visually and confirmed by medical entomology experts. Then, the heads of the households were received techniques/ tools of the IPM program and trained by medical entomology experts before self-implementation of control methods. Finally, the infected apartments were inspected by the experts at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention and data were recorded in a checklist. Results: From the seventy infected apartments, 57%, 28% and 15% were considered as low, moderate, and high level infestation respectively. The bed bug infestation was eliminated from 53 apartments (76%) after one month and it reached to 62 apartments (88%) by the end of third month. Finally, after six months of applying IPM program, bed bugs infestation was eliminated from all infected apartments (100%). Residents expressed their 100% satisfaction with applying the bed bug IPM strategy. Conclusion: Training residents to implement the IPM program can reduce pest control costs, the volume of pesticides consumed, and human exposure to chemical pesticides, resulting in increased human and environmental health and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common bed bug, a nocturnal bloodsucking insect, is known as a human parasite and public health problem in the world. The prevalence and geographical dispersion of bed bug in Ahvaz City, southwest of Iran was measured. Methods: Spatial distribution of Cimex lectularius was determined by surveying 520 houses in 62 areas of Ahvaz City in 2017. Some information like as infested points, the concern level of the residents and allergic reaction to the insect bite were registered in a form using the secondhand instrument. Results: According to the spatial distribution map, of 62 areas, 27 of them are infested with bed bugs. Infestation is scattered throughout the city, but its focus is on the east of the Karun River. The most bed bug infestation was in Asiabad followed by Manbaab areas. Prevalence of bed bug infestation estimated 9.61% in Ahvaz city. It was 5.4% and 11.6% in apartments and single houses, respectively. The lowest and highest infestation rates based on its source were 1.35% and 9.03% in wallpaper and cracks and crevices, respectively. Bedroom and sitting room were the main harborages for bed bug in the houses. The majority of residents who had bitten by a bed bug showed various allergic reactions like redness skin, papules, vesicles, pustules and blisters. Most of the people in the infested houses (62%) were very concern about bed bug infestation. Conclusion: Public education and increasing the knowledge of people can lead to successful management, prevention and elimination of this nuisance pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major is an important public health problem in the world. Khuzestan Province is one of the main foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in the southwest of Iran. We aimed to predict the spatial distribution of the vector and reservoir(s) of ZCL using decision-making tool and to prepare risk map of the disease using integrative GIS, RS and AHP methods in endemic foci in Shush (plain area) and Khorramshahr (coastal area) counties of Khuzestan Province, southern Iran from Mar 2012 to Jan 2013. Methods: Thirteen criteria including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, soil texture, soil organic matter, soil pH, soil moisture, altitude, land cover, land use, underground water depth, distance from river, slope and distance from human dwelling with the highest chance of the presence of the main vector and reservoir of the disease were chosen for this study. Weights of the criteria classes were determined using the Expert choice 11 software. The presence probability maps of the vector and reservoir of the disease were prepared with the combination of AHP method and Arc GIS 9.3. Results: Based on the maps derived from the AHP model, in Khorramshahr study area, the highest probability of ZCL is predicted in Gharb Karoon rural district. The presence probability of ZCL was high in Hossein Abad and Benmoala rural districts in the northeast of Shush. Conclusion: Prediction maps of ZCL distribution pattern provide valuable information which can guide policy makers and health authorities to be precise in making appropriate decisions before occurrence of a possible disease outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head lice as obligated ectoparasite is a public health concern. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis as public health concern among girl's primary school in southwest of Iran. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted in Karoon County, south-west of Khuzestan Province in Iran in 2017-2018. Totally, 851 students were interviewed randomly, examined by a medical entomologist and completed a questionnaire containing 18 questions based on individual, social, economic, cultural and health information. Results were presented as prevalence and percentages for qualitative variables and also, the data were analyzed by univariate logistic and multivariate regression models. Results: About 199 (23.38%) girls were infected by head lice. Univariate logistic regression indicated that the prevalence of pediculosis was directly associated with the grade of education, father's job, shared personal hygiene products, number of combing, having permanent head cover at home, infection in other members of the family and previous infection. Multivariate logistic regressions for predicting of head lice infection in girl students were reported permanent head cover at home (OR: 1.399, 95% CI: 0.934, 2.097, P=0.104), grade of education (OR: 1.948, 95% CI: 1.307, 2.905, P=0.001), father's job (OR: 2.385, 95% CI: 1.518, 3.750, P<0.001), shared personal hygiene products (OR: 1.817, 95% CI: 1.224, 2.698, P=0.003) and using hair oil (OR: 1.904, 95% CI: 1.279, 2.836, P=0.002) had significant relation with head lice infestation Conclusion: Head lice remind as serious health problem in Karoon County, southwest of Iran. Due to high infestation, periodic screening of the student is recommended for early detection and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), a nocturnal blood-feeding ectoparasite, is considered an urban pest with public health importance in human environments. We aimed to determine the repellency effect of oregano essential oil, Origanum vulgare, against this pest under laboratory conditions. Methods: The essential oil was prepared from dried leaves using hydro-distillation method. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for analysis and identification of oregano essential oil compounds. Treated surface method in Petri dish was carried out to evaluate repellency potential of the oil using 4th and 5th instar nymphs and adults. The concentration-repellency response of oregano essential oil was calculated and compared with a commercial insect repellent stick containing 33% N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Results: The oregano essential oil consisted of 158 compounds with terpineol (22.85%) and α–terpinene (20.60%) being the major components by volume. The EC50 and EC99 of oregano oil (effective concentrations causing 50% and 90% repellency of bed bugs) were 1.61 and 6.57mg/cm2 at 9h after application, respectively. The 40% oregano essential oil exhibited 100% repellency against bed bug at 3, 5, 9 and 24h after application while the repellency index of DEET 33% was 100% at 3 and 5h and it decreased to 80% and 27% at 9 and 24 hours. Conclusion: Oregano oil 40% exhibited more repellency compared to commercial insect repellent stick containing 33% DEET. Further studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of oregano essential oil in personal protecting against bed bug biting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a dangerous viral zoonotic disease. Ticks are the main vector which transmit CCHF virus from livestock to human. The present study was done to provide a comprehensive database on major ticks in the CCHF virus transmission and their geographical dispersal in Iran. This would be of great benefit in planning for intelligent control of the disease based on the budget and personnel in areas where the incidence of the disease is high. Materials and methods: In this study, the articles published (2003-2017) on five important vectors of the CCHF in Iran were reviewed in electronic databases, including PubMed, Google scholar, SID, Iran Medex, Elsevier, and Scopus, using the following keywords: Tick Fauna, Iran, Ixodidae, CCHF, detection of CCHF and Tick distribution. Then, the data in Excel was exported to ArcGIS 9.3 to provide geographic dispersion and vector infection map. Results: Distribution map of five important tick species in transmission of CCHF virus including Hyalomma marginatum, Hy.anatulicum, Hy.asiaticum ،Hy.dromedarii, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were drawn. The distribution map of these five tick species and molecular methods indicated that in 8 of 31 provinces CCHF virus was identified in two species, including Hy. marginatum and Hy.anatulicum. Conclusion: More extensive studies are needed to detect the fauna and distribution of ticks. Also, isolation of disease agents from samples in areas where the disease was reported should be done. Current findings could be used to update the database for prediction and modeling of CCHF based on the effective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black flies are blood-feeding insects that are distributed worldwide. Few studies, however, have reported the distribution and extent of medical and veterinary problems caused by these flies in Iran. This study aimed to identify the species of simuliids, based primarily on morphological characters, determine their spatial distributions, and identify their breeding sites in six provinces (Tehran, Mazandaran, Isfahan, Lorestan, Hormozgan and Khorasan-e-Shomali) of Iran from spring, 2010 to summer, 2012. A total of 914 larvae and 13 pupae were collected from sixteen areas in the above-mentioned provinces. Twelve taxa were found: Simulium alajense Rubtsov 1940, S. au reum Fries 1824 group, S. bezzii (Corti 1914), S. brevitarse (Rubtsov 1976), S. crassicaulum (Rub sov 1955), S. dahestanicum (Rubtsov 1962), S. ornatum Meigen 1804 group, S. paraequinum Puri 1933 /pseudequinum Seguy 1921, S. paucicuspis Rubtsov 1947, S. transcaspicum Enderlein 1921, S. turgaicum Rubtsov 1940, and S. variegatum (Meigen 1818). Khorasan-e-Shomali province had the highest prevalence of Simulium species. A new record for Iran ( Simulium dahestanicum) was discovered during the sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) is still a serious health problem in Iran. The objective of the study was to determine the differences in sand fly biodiversity in Shush (plain) and Khorramshahr (littoral) Counties, Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. Sand flies were collected using sticky paper traps from urban, semi urban, agricultural and natural ecotypes. Alpha and beta diversity were calculated using Shannon–Weiner index and Jaccard's and Sorensen's coefficients, respectively. Synanthropic index was determined for the first time for Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus alexandri in different land use categories in Iran. Totally 11213 specimens, 68.47% in Shush and 31.53% in Khorramshahr, were collected. Eleven species of sand flies including, 2 of genus Phlebotomus and 9 of genus Sergentomyia were identified . Sergentomyia christophersi was found as a new record. Dominant species were P. papatasi and Sergentomyia sintoni . Shannon–Weiner index, richness and evenness in semi urban area of Shush County were more than other habitats. The analysis of α biodiversity showed that agricultural ecosystem of Khorramshahr County had the highest diversity due to maximal richness and diversity and also relatively high evenness. Comparison of similarity of the sand flies population composition between Shush and Khorramshahr indicated the maximum similarity between the urban area of Shush and the semi urban area of Khorramshahr ( S j = 75% and S s = 86%). Synanthropic index of P. papatasi and P. alexandri were calculated to be −83.34 and −91.18, respectively in Shush County. Estimated synanthropic indices for P. papatasi and P. alexandri in three habitats (natural, semi urban and urban) of Khorramshahr County were −69.84 and −85.89, in the same order. The factors for having high diversity of sand flies in the plain area studied may be due to higher annual precipitation, the related land use and land cover. The changes on the composition of sand flies are perhaps due to human intervention in their natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this research was to use environmental variables for predicting the probability of Hemiscorpius lepturus existence in the provinces where situated in the west of the Zagros Mountains. Materials and Methods: In this study, 64 occurrence records of the H. lepturus were extracted from the published documents available in electronic databases. MaxEnt model was used for predicting the ecological niches of this species. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and 19 climatic variables were used as the environmental variables affecting the distribution of this scorpion. The Jackknife test in the model was used to indicate the importance of variables to predict the probability of the presence of the studied species. The logistic threshold that was evaluated using a logistic regression algorithm showed the converting of the probability model into a binary model. The model was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC). The probability presence map of this scorpion was then prepared in ArcGIS 10.5 Software. Results: The results of the analysis showed that the most important environmental factor on the distribution of H. lepturus was the maximum temperature of the warmest month (Bio5) with a contribution rate of 43% and permutation importance of 8%. The Jackknife test revealed that NDVI did not gain any value when it used independently in the model. The logistic threshold was reported 0.255 for the maximum test sensitivity plus specificity. The AUC of the model was 0.7698, shows an acceptable value for model validity. Overall the hot spots for this toxic scorpion seem to be in Khuzestan, Lorestan, and Ilam Provinces of the studied area. Conclusion: Regarding our findings, MaxEnt algorithm, in combination with geographic information system contributed to revealing the effects of environmental variables on the probability of H. lepturus presence in the west of Zagros Mountains. These visualized maps as a warning alarm can be helpful to policymakers for managing, controlling, and monitoring the scorpionism in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head lice as obligated ectoparasite is a public health concern. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis as public health concern among girl's primary school in southwest of Iran., Study Design: A cross-sectional study., Methods: This study was conducted in Karoon County, south-west of Khuzestan Province in Iran in 2017-2018. Totally, 851 students were interviewed randomly, examined by a medical entomologist and completed a questionnaire containing 18 questions based on individual, social, economic, cultural and health information. Results were presented as prevalence and percentages for qualitative variables and also, the data were analyzed by univariate logistic and multivariate regression models., Results: About 199 (23.38%) girls were infected by head lice. Univariate logistic regression indicated that the prevalence of pediculosis was directly associated with the grade of education, father's job, shared personal hygiene products, number of combing, having permanent head cover at home, infection in other members of the family and previous infection. Multivariate logistic regressions for predicting of head lice infection in girl students were reported permanent head cover at home (OR: 1.399, 95% CI: 0.934, 2.097, P=0.104), grade of education (OR: 1.948, 95% CI: 1.307, 2.905, P=0.001), father's job (OR: 2.385, 95% CI: 1.518, 3.750, P<0.001), shared personal hygiene products (OR: 1.817, 95% CI: 1.224, 2.698, P=0.003) and using hair oil (OR: 1.904, 95% CI: 1.279, 2.836, P=0.002) had significant relation with head lice infestation CONCLUSION: Head lice remind as serious health problem in Karoon County, southwest of Iran. Due to high infestation, periodic screening of the student is recommended for early detection and treatment.