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Background & aim: Ticks, as external parasites, biological carriers and reservoirs of various diseases, play a role in the transmission of various disease agents to humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to identify hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the southern villages of Ahvaz-Khorramshahr road in southwest Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in 5 selected southern villages of the Ahvaz-Khorramshahr road in the summer and autumn of 2019, 156 heads of livestock were investigated, ticks in the two seasons of summer and autumn from different parts of the body of cattle, sheep and goats. were collected and identified according to Chegini's diagnostic key. The sample collection method was manual, the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and Vines analysis. Results: In the present study, 156 animals were examined and 234 ticks were caught. A total of 3 species of ticks from 2 genera (Ripcephalus, Hyaloma) were identified. In total, Hyaluma marginatum was the most common species and Rhipicephalus sanguinus was the least abundant. The abundance of Rhipicephalus sanguinus was 16.4%, Hyaluma anatolicum was 36.2% and Hyaluma marginatum was 47.4% in this area. The highest abundance of Hyaloma marginatum and Ripicephalus sanguinus ticks was observed in Umm al-Tir village with 56% and 29%, respectively. The highest abundance of Hyaluma anatolicum species was observed in Krishan village with 50%. Tick infestation was observed in 6% of cattle, 13% of sheep and 10% of goats. The frequency of tick infection based on the body regions in cattle was in the head and neck (59%), under the tail and around the anus (27%), groin (14%), which statistically indicated a significant difference (02.02). p = 0). Conclusion: The distribution of the collected ticks revealed that the studied areas were suitable for the activity of ticks due to the weather conditions, so health planners need to consider the possibility of the spread of tick-borne diseases in these areas.

Following previous detection of Hepatozoon canis and Cercopithifilaria bainae in dogs from Iran, this study aimed to identify potential tick vectors collected from dogs from five provinces of Iran. From October 2018 to September 2021, a total of 222 owned and 541 sheltered dogs from Hamedan (n=305), Kermanshah (n = 227), Yazd (n =80), Khouzestan (n =71), and Mazandaran (n =80) were examined for ticks. Collected ticks (n =3339) were identified morphologically, and adults were screened for the detection of Hepatozoon and Cercopithifilaria either with conventional PCR (n=119 ticks), tick dissection (n=106), or microscopical examination after fixation in formalin (n =102). A total of 169 dogs (22.1%) were infested with ticks. Tick infestation rate varied in different provinces (i.e., 32.4% in Hamedan, 27.3% in Kermanshah, 10.0% in Yazd), but no ticks were collected in dogs from Mazandaran and Khouzestan. The majority of male ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (89.3%) and Rhipicephalus turanicus, but one dog from Kermanshah was infested with Hyalomma asiaticum (1 male and 1 female) and Hyalomma excavatum (1 male). At the molecular examination, Cercopithifilaria was detected in 14.28%, Hepatozoon in 6.7% ticks, and both parasites in 1.68% of Rhipicephalus ticks. Parasites were not observed at tick dissection and histological examinations. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed C. bainae and H. canis in R. sanguineus sensu lato and R. turanicus ticks. Data suggests that both tick species above may play a role in the epidemiology of Cercopithifilaria and Hepatozoon in Iran.

Background and purpose: Coxiella burnetii infection (causative agent of Q fever) is a public health problem and a zoonotic disease with a global prevalence. The importance of zoonotic diseases and their impact on the health of people in a community is undeniable. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks isolated from livestock in different parts of South Khorasan, Iran. Materials and methods: In summer 2019, ticks were collected from cattle, sheep, camels, and goats in five counties of South Khorasan province. The genus and species of hard ticks were identified after isolation from livestock. Nested-PCR was used to identify the bacterial genome. Results: We identified two genera and six species, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus (41. 3%), Hyalomma detritum (8.9%), Hyalomma marginatum (2.2%), Hyalomma anatolicum (3.3%), Hyalomma asiaticum (0.9%), Hyalomma dromedarii (33.5%), and Hyalomma spp. (3.7%). Hyalomma nymphs (n=11, 4.1%) and Rhipicephalus nymphs (n= 3, 1.1%) were also identified. In the present study, none of the samples were infected with Coxiella burnetii. Conclusion: The present study revealed that South Khorasan province is free from epidemic and endemic foci of Coxiella burnetii.

Identification of hard tick species and their hosts are essential for the development of control and prevention programs for tick-borne diseases. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, ticks were collected from the sheep, goat, and camel in different regions of South Khorasan province, Iran in 2018 through cluster sampling method. Fauna and frequency of ticks were recorded and analyzed in SPSS software (version?). In total, 977 ticks were collected, such as: Hyalomma spp, including Hy. dromedarii (40.5%), Hy. anatulicum (30.7%), Hy. marginatum (12.5%), Hy. asciaticum (6.8%), Hy. schulzei (4.4%), Hy. detritum (3.2%), and Hy. scupense (1.1%); Rhipicephalus spp, including Rh. bursa (0.3%), Rh. sanguineus (0.2%); and Haemaphysalis spp, including Ha. concina (0.2%), and Ha. punctate (0.1%). The ticks have a high frequency in the region and the identified species in this study were vectors of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Moreover, the Hyalomma species is dominant and prevalent throughout the studied region in spring and summer. Therefore the health system of the province has to put into consideration the essential care, education and informing about the CCHF disease.

Background: Traditional livestock has a lot of prosperity in the Miankooh district of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province in Iran. Due to the prevalence of hard ticks among livestock in the region, there is the possibility of babesiosis in the region. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of ticks, as well as the frequency of human and animal contamination with babesiosis in this region. Methods: In this study, 205 livestock including sheep and goats and 160 human blood samples and 317 ticks were collected from livestock. All smears were stained to identify the Babesia genus by microscopic method, after which the positive smears were examined by molecular method for identification of Babesia Ovis (B. Ovis) species. Findings: From 205 livestock samples, 64 samples of Babesia infection were confirmed by microscopic method, and 42 samples were confirmed as B. Ovis. Among the 160 human samples, 21 samples were confirmed by the microscopic method as Babesia that 7 of them were confirmed as B. Ovis. To confirm the negative samples, a number of human and animal samples were selected randomly and examined by molecular method, and all of them were negatively confirmed by the molecular method. The tick specimens were also identified by the reliable morphological key to the level of genus and species. All of them identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Conclusion: The prevalence of Babesia infection in livestock in this region is significant; therefore, it is possible to restrict the disease in the area with proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Background: Khuzestan Province is one of the most important provinces of Iran in the field of livestock breeding. On the other hand, the infection of sheep with ticks that are important carriers of human and animal pathogens is significant. Ticks can act as carriers of parasites, bacteria, viruses, and rickettsia. The aim of this study was to determine the variety of ticks on sheep in this province. Methods: The ticks were collected from sheep body in 9 cities of Khuzestan Province. They were then transferred to the laboratory in 70% ethanol. Subsequently, sex, genus, and species were identified under a stereomicroscope with diagnostic keys. Findings: A total of 2,722 collected ticks and species of ixodid ticks from 4 genera were identified (1552 male and 1170 female ticks). Hyalomma anatolicum was found as the most abundant tick (52%), whereas Rhipicephalus sanguineus (30%) and Hyalomma excavatum (9%) were also prevalent in this south-west region of Iran. Other observed ticks were Hyalomma asiaticum (8%) and Hakea sulcata (1%). Conclusion: According to the prevalence of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks, further studies on the control of ticks based on their genetic differences are recommended.

Introduction and purpose: Ticks as biological vectors and reservoirs of diseases, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), have an important role in the transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the biodiversity indices, distribution, and fauna of the vectors of CCHF in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: The tick samples were collected and identified from the head, ear, groin, under the tail, and around the rectum of cattle, sheep, and goats in spring and autumn. Biodiversity indices were calculated based on the host type. Moreover, the frequency map of the ticks was drawn using ArcGIS software (version 10.4). Results: A total of 287 livestock were examined in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Overall, five species of tick were identified from three genera. Frequency rates of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Boophilus annulatus were calculated as 21.25%, 2.5%, 61.25%, 11.25%, and 3.75%, respectively. According to the Shannon-Weiner index, the species diversity of the goat host was less than that of the hosts of cow and sheep. In addition, based on the Simpson index, the diversity of dominant species in the goat host was less than that of the other two hosts. Furthermore, the species richness index in sheep host was the highest among the hosts. However, the evenness index of the species based on the host type was calculated to be the highest equal to 0.789 for the host of the cow. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, there was a relation between biodiversity indices and tick-borne diseases. The aforementioned relationship provides useful information in terms of preventing diseases transmitted by ticks.

Background and Objective: Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are one of the most important obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates, belonging to class Arachnida, which transmit a wide range of pathological agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans and animals in Iran and around the world. Identifying the distribution of hard ticks in a region is important to monitor their control program, and thereby prevent disease transmission. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, sampling was carried out from different parts of the livestock body during four seasons in four geographical directions and five villages of Famenin County, Hamadan Province, Iran, during 2015-2016. The ticks were initially stimulated by using chloroform solution and then separated from domestic ruminants by forceps. The collected ticks were sent to a laboratory, and then their sex and species were identified by using valid diagnostic keys. Results: We studied 800 domestic ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and found 150 (18.7%) cases of infestation. A total of 274 ticks were collected, 259 of which were hard ticks including four genera of Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Repicephlus, and Haemaphysalis. The greatest diversity of species, including Hyalomma scopens (Hy. deteritum), Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma anatolicum belonged to the genus Hyalomma. The frequency rates of Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Hemaphysalis genera were 73.74%, 15.05%, 10.03%, and 1.15 %, respectively. The highest abundance of ticks was observed in spring (152). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the diversity of hard ticks in the region and the highest abundance of ticks in spring. Considering the importance of ticks in disease transmission among humans and domestic ruminants, health authorities and respective organizations should take appropriate health measures to control and combat these external parasites

Theileriosis is one of the most important protozoan parasitic diseases in Iran that causes economic losses and mortality in livestock. The disease is transmitted by Ixodid ticks and is characterized by fever, anemia, anoxia and eventually death. Diagnosis of the disease was previously based on staining of blood and lymph node samples by Giemsa method. The use of molecular methods is preferred over previous methods due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Due to the fact that Ixodid ticks that can carry the disease are found in many traditional Iranian farms, it is very important to identify and introduce these ticks. The aim of this study was molecular identification of Theileria annulata infection in ticks isolated from cows in Urmia region. A total of 100 ticks from herds with a history of Theileria annulata infection in the area were collected and transferred to the laboratory. Ticks were identified using diagnostic keys. Salivary glands of ticks were separated and analyzed by PCR after isolation using Theileria annulata specific primer (N516, N517). Out of 100 ticks, ten genera and species including Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (33%), Hy. detritum (16%), Boophylus anulatus (16%), Dermacentor marginatum (14%), Rhipicephalus bursa (9%), Hy. anantolicum excavatum (7%), D. niveus (4%) and Haemaphysalis punctate (1%) were identified. The predominant tick was identified as Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. PCR test showed the presence of 721 bp specific band on agarose gel in 62% of tick samples. The high rate of infection in vector mites in the area indicates their high potential for infection of cows with the agent of Theileria annulata.

Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii and is transmitted by more than 40 tick species. This study aimed to identify the tick species in goats of Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province, Iran, and their role in the transmission of C. burnetii. A number of 365 goats were inspected for the infestation of hard ticks in a randomized sampling design, during a 1-year period from April 2013 to April 2014. A total number of 280 tick specimens were collected and identified and were then examined by molecular methods for the presence of C. burnetii infection. 40.8% of the infected animals had at least one species of tick. The goats which were studied were found to be infested by the following tick species: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (33.9%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (22.1%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (17.1%), Hyalomma excavatum (11.1%), Rhipicephalus bursa (5%), Hyalomma detritum (3.9%), Hyalomma dromedarii (3.6%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (1.8%), and Hyalomma marginatum (1%). There were no significant differences between the infestation rate in different seasons, genders and ages of the animals which were studied (p=0.05). The molecular assay of 280 tick specimens revealed the presence of C. burnetii infection in 5 out of 40 pool samples (6-8 tick individuals of the same species in each pool), including H. anatolicum anatolicum (3 pools), H. excavatum (1 pool) and R. sanguineus (1 pool). The present study, therefore, reports the rate of C. burnetii infection transmitted by hard ticks in North-West of Iran for the first time. According to the zoonotic aspect of Q fever, further studies on the carriers as well as other hosts of the infection were found to be necessary.

Background and Objectives Coxiella burnetii (causative agent of Q fever) is an important zoonotic disease with a universal occurrence. Ticks are natural and potential reservoirs of this bacterium and play an effective role in the transmission of Q fever. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks isolated from livestock in Sistan. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in five counties of the Sistan region. The genus and species of hard ticks were identified after collection from some domestic animals. The nestedPCR technique was used to identify the bacterial genome. Results Of all examined ticks, two genera, including 354 Hyalomma (59.399%) and 242 Rhipicephalus (40.6%) were identified. The hard ticks are in three types of species as follows: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (40.1%), Rhipicephalus nymph (0.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (47.5%), Hyalomma sp. (1.5%), Hyalomma nymph (10.4%), and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (0.16%). No infected specimen with Coxiella burnetii was observed in the Sistan region. Conclusion According to the results of previous studies in Sistan and Baluchestan province and neighboring provinces that reported a high prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in collected ticks, it seems that more extensive research, with a larger sample size and host range, is necessary to clarify the situation of this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cattle tick Rhipicephalus spp. causes significant economic losses due to diseases in animals and human. Bm86 is a midgut protein and vaccine candidate, which its sequences among the isolates of Ripsephalus spp are geographically separated, variable, and are the main reason for reducing effectiveness, and subsequently, the failure of the recombinant vaccines. Method: In this bioinformatics study, the sequences of R. microplus and R. annulatus were retrieved, aligned, and edited. Then, the variation plot and phylogenetic tree were constructed. Afterwards, grouping and taxa marking for designing evolutionary vaccine, COBRA antigen, center of tree and ancestral were done. Also, over COBRA vaccine sequences, modeling analysis and superimpose test were done. Results: In both R. microplus and R. annulatus, the most variable region were residues 177-181, 270-276, and 351-352, respectively. 6 sequences were selected as appropriate sequences for design of evolutionary vaccine, and 12 for the realignment of and achieving sequences for design of COBRA antigen. On the other hand, R. annulatus sequences were in sister branches and more similar to each other compared to Bm86 protein sequences in R. microplus except ADQ19687. The sequences selected for vaccine design based on the center of tree and ancestral, were AJE29931, AJE29932, and ATW75472, and ATW5476, ADM86722, ACZ55133 sequences, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-tick COBRA-based vaccines of Bm86 could be more cost-effective and better alternative with broader spectrum, compared to the commonly used recombinant vaccines.

Ticks are parasitic and bloodthirsty arthropods. Different species of ticks are important carriers of animal and human pathogens. Accurate identification and diagnosis as well as their continuous monitoring can be effective in reducing animal diseases, especially in the transmission of some protozoa. As an efficient tool in morphological studies and accurate identification of ticks electron microscopy is very useful. In the present study, using this tool, accurate identification of ticks collected from Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions in 4 consecutive seasons has been done. From a total of 6954 ticks collected from the body surface of cattle, sheep and goats in the two mentioned provinces, 13 species were detected. They include: Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (boophilus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa. Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctate, Haemaphysalis inermis and ixodes ricinus. Based on the results, Factors such as temperature and sampling season are directly related to the isolated ticks. The results of the present study showed that the frequency ratio of Rhipicephalus ticks in different seasons in Khuzestan and Mazandaran provinces has followed a relatively similar pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of hard tick species and their hosts are essential for the development of control and prevention programs for tick-borne diseases. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, ticks were collected from the sheep, goat, and camel in different regions of South Khorasan province, Iran in 2018 through cluster sampling method. Fauna and frequency of ticks were recorded and analyzed in SPSS software (version?). In total, 977 ticks were collected, such as: Hyalomma spp, including Hy. dromedarii (40.5%), Hy. anatulicum (30.7%), Hy. marginatum (12.5%), Hy. asciaticum (6.8%), Hy. schulzei (4.4%), Hy. detritum (3.2%), and Hy. scupense (1.1%); Rhipicephalus spp, including Rh. bursa (0.3%), Rh. sanguineus (0.2%); and Haemaphysalis spp, including Ha. concina (0.2%), and Ha. punctate (0.1%). The ticks have a high frequency in the region and the identified species in this study were vectors of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Moreover, the Hyalomma species is dominant and prevalent throughout the studied region in spring and summer. Therefore the health system of the province has to put into consideration the essential care, education and informing about the CCHF disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Ticks are external parasites that can be vectors of several disease agents. This survey was carried out to determine distribution and biological diversity of hard tick species in Maraveh Tapeh County, Golestan Province, Iran in spring 2016. Materials and methods: In 10 selected villages in the study area, about 29 cattle, 99 sheep, 62 goats and 11 camels were inspected for tick infestation. The ticks isolated were preserved in a solution of 70% alcohol and identified. The Margalef, Shannon-Wiener, Simpson and Evenness indices were used to measure the biodiversity. Results: A total of 476 ticks were collected. Two hard tick genera (Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) and twelve species were identified including Hyalomma anatolicum, Hy. scupense, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. marginatum, Hy. dromedarii, Hy. rufipes, Hy. asiaticum, Hy. excavatum, Hy. detritum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, R. bursa and R. sanguineus. Further analysis of the data showed that R. sanguineus and Hy. asiaticum were the most abundant species in the whole area and plateau areas, respectively, while R. sanguineus was most abundant in both hillside and mountainous areas. Based on the Margalef index, the species diversity was higher in foothill areas and it was lower in the goat host than other hosts, while based on the Shannon- Wiener index, the species diversity was higher in plateau areas and in the sheep host it was less than in other hosts. Conclusion: Ticks population dynamic studies and calculating their biodiversity indices are helpful in understanding the situation of vectors and the future situation of vector-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theileriosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan that causes great economical losses to animal husbandry in different regions of Iran . The present study was done in order to identify of Theileriaovis in hard ticks in Lorestanprovince . Amongst five different regions in Lorestan, and during the April-to-july period of the year 2012, 265 cases of hard ticks were collected from the ear and the body surface and 100 blood smears from ear veins of anemic and feverish sheep. DNA extraction was done from the salivary glands of collected ticks and PCR test was performed using a pair of 520 bp specific primer of SSurRNA gene of T. ovis . The microscopic examinations of blood smears showed that 12 samples of blood smears ( 12 %) contained the piroplasmic forms of Theileriaspcies. The PCR revealed that 37 out of 152 Rhipicephalussanguineus (24/34 % ) were positive for T. ovisgenum including 21 female (13/81%) and 16 male (10/52%) ticks while the other ticks were not infected by this parasite. Out of total of 265 tick samples, R.sanguineus was highest (38.35%) and Haemaphysalispunctatahad the lowest (3/01%) frequencies. Regarding the vast distribution of R.sanguineus in the area, it seems that this tick may be the main vector of T.ovis in Lorestan province, Iran.

Ticks are very important in animal husbandry and they can transmit different disease. Some of the important transmitted disease by the ticks such as theilerioses and babesioses are very distributed in our studied area and hence this study was done about sheep ticks species diversity of Tabriz city to obtaining epidemiological importance aspects from sheep disease that are transmitted by ticks in this area. Our results showed that in this study the species diversity of founded ticks were Hyalomma anatolicom anatolicom, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguinus and Haemaphysalis sulcata. Of the 1302 prepared ticks Hyalomma anatolicom anatolicom with 919 in number (70.58%) was the highest infection having and Haemaphysalis sulcata with 45 in number (3.46%) was the least infection having and after Hyalomma anatolicom anatolicom, Rhipicephalus sanguinus with 200 in number (15.36%) and Rhipicephalus bursa with 138 in number (10.6%) were observed with highest infection having rate respectively. Also highest infection of season was summer compared (p

Background and Aim: Ixodidae (hard ticks) are obligate blood-feeders of vertebrates with major roles in transmission of pathogenic microorganisms including theileriosis, babesiosis and CCHF virus, as well as relapsing fever, to domestic animals and humans. This study was conducted to determine the distribution of ixodidae species, vectors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), in the border areas in North West of Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Ahar and Kaliybar Counties, East Azarbaijan Province, Iran. Randomized cluster sampling was done in villages in the forest and mountainous regions. Ticks were isolated by forceps from the animals, kept in sampling tubes and transferred to the laboratory. Then the tick samples were identified using taxonomical keys. Results: A total of 2022 hard ticks were isolated from 1400 head of livestock (1000, 200, 180 and 20 head of sheep, goat, cow and buffalo, respectively). On the average, the infestation rate was 1.44 per head of cattle ─ 0.11% in goats, 0.32% in sheep, 0.90% in buffaloes, 9.25% cows. Out of the ticks isolated, 498 (24.63%) were male, 741 (36.65%) were female and 782 (38.67%) nymph, plus one larva. The ticks belonged to the lxodidae family, including four genera: Hyalomma (88.82%, with the following three species: Hyalommaanatolicum (39.22%), Hyalommamarginatum (9.15%) and Hyalommaasiaticum (0.69%)); Rhipicephalus (8.8%); Dermasentor (1.58%); and Haemaphisalis (0.8%). The others identified were Hyalomma nymph (38.67%), Hyalomma sp. (1.04%) and Hyalomma larva (0.05%), Rhipicephalus bursa (5.19%), Rhipicephalussanguineus (3.61%), Dermasentor marinates(1.58%), Haemaphisalissulcata (0.59%), and Haemaphisalispunctata (0.15%), as well as Haemaphisalisconcinae (0.05%). Hyalommaanatolicum was the dominant species. Conclusion: The dominant tick species in the regions studied was Hyalommaanatolicum, a tick having a major role in transmission of many disease vectors including CCHF, ovin babesiosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, etc. It is essential that the provincial Contagious Disease Center and Veterinary Department take appropriate action with the collaboration of other relevant departments to combat the tick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a faunestic study, to determine the frequency and distribution of soft ticks (Argasidae) in suberbs of Hamden city, 16 Villages were selected randomly from 12 rural districts. For village 10 places including five living room and five stables were adapted in different geographical directions (north, south, east, west & center). The specimens were gathered by handcatch method using a forceps within a constant period of time (about 30 minutes). In this study, totally 1780 specimens gathered and diagnosed using a (diagnostic) discriminative key. Subsequent to transferring them to parasitology department of Pasteur institute of IRAN among the four identified species (belonging to two genera Argas & Ornithoros) Argas persicus of the genus Argas included about 31.7% of all specimens and with relative density rate of 7.04 ticks per place showed a patchy distribution in same (6%) rural districts. In the genus Ornithodoros 66.5% of diagnosed specimens appeared to be O.lahorensis this species with the highest relative density (14-8 tick per place) displayed a wide distribution in most rural districts. O. canestrinii with 1.2% and O.tholozani with 0.6% ( of totall specimens) showed the lowest relative density, (0.28 tick per place) and (0.14 tick per place) respectively. Those two species showed a limited distribution in one third of villages. Inorther to investigate if the O.tholozani specimens were harbouring Borrelia spp. A suspention of crashed bodies ticks was inoculated to six susptible laboratory animals. All the blood smears taken after 10 days appeared be negative.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are important ectoparasites in ruminants which cause economic losses in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine geographic distribution, frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in domestic ruminants in Ilam province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 445 domestic ruminants (139 cattle, 162 sheep, 144 goats) from 120 flocks of 30 villages in north and south parts of Ilam province were randomly selected and examined in summer 2015. The ixodid ticks were collected from body surface of examined animals and identified. RESULTS: Of all examined ruminants, 44.6% cattle, 51.23% sheep, and 52.08% goats were infested with a total number of 1209 unfed ixodid ticks. The highest prevalence of hard ticks was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (15.55%), 1-2 year-old female sheep (19.75%) and less than 1 year-old female goats (17.36%) in the region. The highest prevalence was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (37.1%), 1-2 year-old ewes (38.55%) and less than 1 yearold kids (33.33%). There was significant difference between prevalence and different age groups of infested sheep and cattle. Of 1209 collected ixodid ticks, tick indices (tick number per animal) were 6.1, 5.9 and 4.5 in cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. The highest infestation in cattle (17 flocks, 14.1%), sheep (13 flocks, 10.8%) and goats (14 flocks, 11.6%) was respectively found in north, south and southern parts of the region. The highest tick aggregation was found for ears in cattle (31.13%), sheep (34.41%) and goats (28.9%). Of all examined ticks (1209), two genera including Hyalomma (37.62%) and Rhipicephalus (62.38%) with seven, seven, and six species in cattle, sheep, and goats were respectively identified. The predominant infesting ticks were R. sanguineus (22.16% in cattle) from north (11.31%) and H. anatolicum anatulicum (21.8% in sheep and 24.77% in goats) from south (15.49% and 13.42%) part of the province. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that species diversity and frequency of ixodid ticks were prevalent in domestic ruminants of different parts of Ilam province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Fungi from the genus Metarhizium are used increasingly in commercial formulations against insects. But a few field experiments have been performed to kill ticks with these fungi. The development of tick resistance to acaricides and our awareness that chemicals are harmful to the environment, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate efficacy of applying 4 different formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae fungus to combat Hyalomma ticks. Methods: In this experimental study, 4 different formulations were used which included: 1) Distilled water with 2% Tween and Metarhizium anisopliae, 2) Distilled water with 10% cotton seed oil, 0.01% sucrose, 0.2% tween and Metarhizium anisopliae, 3) Distilled water with 10% liquid paraffin, 0.01% sucrose, 0.2% tween and Metarhizium anisopliae and 4) distilled water as the control group. The four prepared formulations were equally sprayed on 128 mature ticks, in 4 groups. Number of dead ticks due to spray of formulations were counted in the following days. Treatment effect based on mortality of ticks, was assessed using time-survival analysis. Results: Though of the suspensions made with water, liquid paraffin, cotton seed oil and the fungus, cotton seed oil suspension was the best treatment effect, but there were not significant differences between these three groups. There were significant differences between these groups and control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Oil suspension containing Metarhizium anisopliae fungus can be used instead of toxic chemicals compounds to eliminate Hyalomma ticks from farm animal bodies, with no harm to the environment, animals and humans. Therefore, further research is recommended in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Hard ticks are important hematophagous arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida. They transmit different groups of micro-organisms such as arboviruses, bacteria and parasites to animals and humans. Determining the fauna and geographical distribution of hard ticks in a given area is crucially important in planning the prevention and control programs. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Sari Township, in the north of Iran. To collect tick samples, first the researchers selected 10% of the villages, then 10% of the flocks (sheep, goats, and cows) in each village were selected, finally 10% of the animals in each flock were monthly examined in different seasons from June 2007 to July 2008. The species were determined and GIS (Geographical Information System) database was created to visualize their geographical distribution. Results: Six different species belonging to different genera of hard ticks including Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, Boophilus annulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus were collected from animals. The relative frequency of these species were 63.76%, 15.35%, 9.58%, 7.63%, 1.86% and 1.78% respectively. Geographical distribution of the collected tick species was mapped using GIS software. Conclusion: The results showed that Rhipicephalus bursa is the dominant tick species on domestic ruminants in Sari Township. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Ticks, as ectoparasites, biological vectors and reservoirs of various diseases, are involved in transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. This research aimed at modeling the probability of tick vectors presence in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Bavy, and Karoon in southwest of Iran. Materials and methods: To perform the modeling, eight criteria (slope, elevation, soil texture, land use, land cover, temperature, humidity, and rainfall) that strongly affect the distribution of ticks were selected. After pairwise comparisons, Super Decision Software was used to determine the significance of each criteria and the weight of sub-criteria was calculated using Expert Choice11. Weighted maps were obtained based on the effect of sub-criteria weights on maps. The final map of the probability of tick vectors presence was prepared based on the weight effect of each criteria in the weighted maps. Results: Average relative humidity (0.252), average rainfall (0.179), and land cover (0.151) were found to have the greatest effect on the probability of tick presence. Also, the highest probability of tick presence was seen in following cities and rural districts: Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Karoon, Bavy, Meshrahat, Karkheh, Qaleh Chenan, and Anafcheh. Conclusion: In current modelling, considering ecological, topographic, and climatic factors, the probability of the presence of vectors of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was seen to be very high in two rural districts, including Mashrahat (Ahvaz) and Karkheh (Hamidiyeh).

Typhus is a disease common to both humans and animals, transmitted by lice, ticks, or rats. The tick variant of this disease is more prevalent in colder regions such as Azerbaijan, where unsanitary living conditions and a local abundance of ticks may exist. Historically, typhus appeared in Azerbaijan as both a local and an epidemic disease, causing numerous casualties. During the Qajar period, no measures were taken to combat it, and typhus was somewhat managed as an endemic and local disease, with casualties kept to a minimum. However, with the onset of World War I on July 28, 1914, the typhus epidemic escalated due to a lack of sanitation and cleaning materials in the province of Azerbaijan, eventually. It became widespread in March 1917 alongside the triple threats of famine, cholera, and the Spanish flu. It left many casualties at the end of World War I in 1918. In this article, we will first state the global history of typhus and then delve into the history of endemic and local typhus in Azerbaijan during the Qajar period (1796-1925). Finally, we will explore the role of the typhus epidemic during World War I. We will analyze this in conjunction with other factors such as cholera, spatial influenza, severe famine, malnutrition, and food poverty, which played a significant role in the severity of the disease’s spread and the resulting fatalities among Iranians in Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are important ectoparasites in equids which causes economic losses in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. This study was aimed to determine frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in equids in Turkman sahra, Iran. 240 equids were randomly selected and examined from 2018-2019. Ixodid ticks were collected from body surface of examined animals and identified. Of all examined equids, 37.91% horses, and 4.16% donkeys were infested with a total number of 357 ixodid ticks. Tick indices (tick number per animal) were 3.53. The highest prevalence of hard ticks was found in ≥3 years-old equids in the region. There was significant difference between prevalence and different age groups of infested animals. Of all examined ticks (357), three genera including Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp. and Dermacentor spp. with four species. i.e. Hyalomma anatolicum (65.26%), H. marginatum (10.64%), Rhipicephalus bursa (22.12%) and Dermacentor marginatus (1.96%) were identified. Ixodid ticks' infestations occured throughout the year with the highest prevalence in spring. There was significant difference between prevalence of hard ticks and seasons in this study. The results revealed that species diversity and ixodid ticks' infestations were prevalent in the equids of Turkman sahra, Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is not any report of the outbreak of Babesia bigemina in south, southeast and central regions of Iran, some clinical evidences of Texas Cattle Fever were observed in some native cattle in Sistan region, southeast of Iran. We conducted the present study to morpho-molecular identification of Babesia bigemina, to find the tickvector and evaluation of clinical symptoms in the affected cattle. In spring 2018, the presence of Babesia bigemina piroplasm was evaluated in the blood specimens of 17 cattle that have been diagnosed with high fever, hemoglobinuria and severe anemia with Giemsa staining method. The collected ticks from affected cattle have been identified morphologically. The clinical symptoms were analyzed and treatment was performed with imidocarb dipropionate. The PCR procedure amplified the Babesia bigemina specific fragment of ITS1-5.8S-ribosomal DNA in blood specimens and tick salivary glands. The morpho-molecular investigations showed Babesia bigemina piroplasm in the blood of 8 numbers of investigated cattle. Also, the ITS1-5.8S-ribosomal DNA of Babesia bigemina was detected in the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus annulatus collected ticks. The clinical disorders of the disease have been treated after administration of Imidocarb dipropionate. The findings of the present study illustrate a new focus of Texas Cattle Fever and its vector in Sistan region, southeast of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The soft tick, Ornithodoros tholozani, is of major medical importance due to biting humans and taking blood-meal. Despite the medical importance of this tick, no in-depth studies have been carried out to distinguish different forms and their capability in transmitting the disease. To this end, this study was carried out to identify phenotypic diversity, and contamination of the different strains of this tick to Borrelia persica in Zanjan province. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, microscopic examination was carried out with 0.1 micrometer precision, and 20 quantitative morphometric indexes were measured alongside the assessment of qualitative factors. The contamination to Borrelia was investigated through feeding on three-day-old neonate mice, and injection of squashed suspension into the peritoneum of the mice. Results: laboratory investigation revealed that the contamination by Borrelia in tick samples was 0.004-0.008. Morphologic traits examination revealed that body size of the ticks from Khodabandeh and Mahneshan cities was 6.81× 3.93 mm. The two strains of Khodabandeh and Mahneshan had different capitulum widths, and genital opening sizes. Males of Ornithodoros tholozani were smaller than females reaching a size of 4.6 × 2.6 mm. Apart from the length and width of capitulum which were higher in Mahneshan samples than in Khodabandeh, the other indexes were not significantly different. The nymphs in the two strains differed in the body size, the length and width of capitulum, the lengths of the second and fourth segments of the palp; however, they were identical in other indexes. Conclusion: Regarding the morphologic distinction between samples in the study sites and their contamination by Borrelia; and lack of comprehensive knowledge in analyzing the data, it seems necessary to conduct extensive research in order to review description of the species, express taxonomic position of different strains and provide molecular identification protocol in order to prioritize the application sites, and monitor the administration plans to precisely determine the infection rate of the ticks to Borrelia in diverse geographical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral febrile hemorrhagic disease that is common between human and animal. This study was performed with the aim of determining epidemiological status of CCHF in Qom province. Methods: This descriptive study was done on patients with clinical signs or with an epidemiological history of CCHF, who were referred to hospitals, health centers, and private clinics during 2011. Then, based on guideline of the National Technical Committee of the Ministry of Health, patients were classified into three groups of suspected, probable and confirmed. The data were analyzed by frequency table, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. p

Background and purpose: Ticks, as ectoparasites, biological vectors and reservoirs of various diseases, are involved in transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. This research aimed at modeling the probability of tick vectors presence in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Bavy, and Karoon in southwest of Iran. Materials and methods: To perform the modeling, eight criteria (slope, elevation, soil texture, land use, land cover, temperature, humidity, and rainfall) that strongly affect the distribution of ticks were selected. After pairwise comparisons, Super Decision Software was used to determine the significance of each criteria and the weight of sub-criteria was calculated using Expert Choice11. Weighted maps were obtained based on the effect of sub-criteria weights on maps. The final map of the probability of tick vectors presence was prepared based on the weight effect of each criteria in the weighted maps. Results: Average relative humidity (0.252), average rainfall (0.179), and land cover (0.151) were found to have the greatest effect on the probability of tick presence. Also, the highest probability of tick presence was seen in following cities and rural districts: Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Karoon, Bavy, Meshrahat, Karkheh, Qaleh Chenan, and Anafcheh. Conclusion: In current modelling, considering ecological, topographic, and climatic factors, the probability of the presence of vectors of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was seen to be very high in two rural districts, including Mashrahat (Ahvaz) and Karkheh (Hamidiyeh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonella species are lesser-known pathogenic bacteria that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Currently, out of 40 Bartonella species/subspecies, at least 17 are associated with clinical signs in humans and animals. However, despite the zoonotic importance of bartonellosis, there is limited information about prevalence and species infecting dogs and cats in Iran. The aim of this study was molecular identification of Bartonella species in dogs and arthropods infesting them in Hamedan and Kermanshah cities in the west of Iran. Blood genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from 100 dogs (45 from Hamedan and 55 from Kermanshah) and, of 25 Ctenocphalides canis fleas, six Pulex irritans fleas and 12 Rhipecephalus sanguineus ticks collected from nine infested dogs were examined for the presence of Bartonella species. Conventional PCR targeting fragments of ITS and rpoB genes was performed, and PCR-positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally and analyzed phylogenetically. Out of 100 dogs, 14 dogs (14%, ten from Hamedan and four from Kermanshah) were found infected with Bartonella species. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed the presence of four Bartonella species in the examined population i.e. Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Candidatus B. merieuxii in dogs. None of the examined fleas scored positive but one Rh. sanguineus tick from a blood-negative dog was infected with Bartonella DNA. Results of the present study showed the presence of different zoonotic Bartonella species in dogs of Hamedan and Kermanshah cities highlighting the importance of this vector-borne infection. Effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of pet and urban dogs and cats and successful chemoprophylaxis are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhus is a disease common to both humans and animals, transmitted by lice, ticks, or rats. The tick variant of this disease is more prevalent in colder regions such as Azerbaijan, where unsanitary living conditions and a local abundance of ticks may exist. Historically, typhus appeared in Azerbaijan as both a local and an epidemic disease, causing numerous casualties. During the Qajar period, no measures were taken to combat it, and typhus was somewhat managed as an endemic and local disease, with casualties kept to a minimum. However, with the onset of World War I on July 28, 1914, the typhus epidemic escalated due to a lack of sanitation and cleaning materials in the province of Azerbaijan, eventually. It became widespread in March 1917 alongside the triple threats of famine, cholera, and the Spanish flu. It left many casualties at the end of World War I in 1918. In this article, we will first examine the global history of typhus and then delve into the history of endemic and local typhus in Azerbaijan during the Qajar period (1796-1925). Finally, we will explore the role of the typhus epidemic during World War I. We will analyze this in conjunction with other factors such as cholera, spatial influenza, severe famine, malnutrition, and food poverty, which played a significant role in the severity of the disease’s spread and the resulting fatalities among Iranians in Azerbaijan.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are one of the most important ectoparasites in animals that cause economic losses in livestock industry. So, removal or reduction of ticks on animals is necessary. Cysteine proteases are among the compounds that play an important role in the physiological action of ticks and are a good candidate for the anti-tick vaccine. Cathepsins is one of the most important cysteine proteases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was cloning and expression of recombinant cathepsin L gene of Rhipicephalus annulatus in order to evaluate its immunogenicity. METHODS: After collection the ticks were cultivated. Then RNA was extracted from ticks, cDNA was synthesized by using specific primer of cathepsin and amplification by RT-PCR. The desired genes were cloned into expressional pQE30 plasmid. Further, a shorter sequence of the cathepsin gene (654 bp) was prepared as a synthetic plasmid. The expression of the protein produced by both recombinant plasmids in the E.coliBL21 prokaryotic expression system is carried out and the immunity of the recombinant proteins was evaluated by Dot Blot and Western Blot using serum of challenged rabbits with recombinant protein and calves infected with ticks were examined and compared. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the protein derived from recombinant plasmid No. 2 had higher expression and purity due to its solubility. Also, the challenge of rabbit serum with these proteins was able to identify both recombinant proteins. But the serum of challenged calves with ticks did not show a satisfactory response with recombinant proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sera reaction of calves infested with ticks was lower than the challenged rabbits sera with cathepsin L, this result was expected, because L cathepsin protein is considered as a concealed antigen. Overall, the recombinant cathepsin L could be an appropriate candidate for immunizing calves against Rhipicephalus annulatus, although it seems further investigations are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to detect Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs in Urmia municipality, northwestern Iran. The effects of age, sex, lifestyle, and tick infestation as risk factors in the incidence of the disease were studied. During years 2018 and 2019, a total of 246 whole blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of each examined dog (103 stray dogs, 99 shelter dogs, and 44 pets) and subjected to microscopic and molecular examinations. Ixodid ticks were also collected from the body surface and identified. Microscopically, infected neutrophils with Hepatozoon spp. were detected in 5 of 246 (2/03%) thin stained blood smears. Molecularly, 23 out of 246 (9.34%) blood samples were found to be infected with H. canis. There was no significant difference in different age groups and the sex of sampled dogs. However, stray dogs had a higher significant infection rate than pets and shelter ones. In body inspection, all ticks were belonging to the specie of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The obtained sequence was transferred to GenBank/NCBI (samples accession numbers MT001887). BLAST analysis of obtaining sequences isolated from dogs indicated a 100% similarity with H. canis 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank. Based on our results canine hepatozoonosis was common in dogs in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GAnaplasma phagocytophilum is a gram-negative intracellular bacterium that transmitted by hard ticks. A. phagocytophilum infect and multiply in the organs of ticks, in particular the salivary glands which enable the transmission to vertebrate hosts during feeding. The tick becomes infected by feeding on an infected host and there is transstadial but not transovarial passage of the organism. The majority of ticks are infected with the organism in enzootic areas. There are strains of A. phagocytophilum that have biological and ecological difference, including variations in host pathogenicity, vectors and geographical distribution. The organism has an interesting feature to grow in neutrophils by stopping the antibacterial activity of neutrophils. The bacterium is able to survive in the immune host, using complex mechanisms of antigenic variation. A. phagocytophilum infects humans and various animal species including dogs, sheep, cows, horses, wild deer and rodents. The disease is known as human granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs, equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in horse and tick borne fever in ruminants. Cattle tick borne fever caused by A. phagocytophilum is characterized by high fever, reduced milk yield, inclusions in circulating neutrophils, leukopenia, abortions, reduced fertility, coughing, respiratory signs and swelling of the hind limbs. Clinical signs of human occur a week after the tick bites, the disease usually presents as an acute, sometimes fatal febrile syndrome, illness characterized by headache, chills, myalgias, arthralgia, malaise, and hematological abnormalities, such as neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevated hepatic aminotransferase levels and may lead to death. In this review article the history, bacteriology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease caused by A. phagocytophilum is written based on the latest scientific findings. Several hard tick species are distributed in Iran and they are the most important ectoparasites of animals. A. phagocytophilum has been detected not only in Ixodes ricinus but also in cattle and sheep of Iran using molecular techniques. However, despite the zoonotic potential of the agent, there is no evidence in the identification of A. phagocytophilum in humans, and it seems necessary to research on the prevalence and epidemiology of the disease in the human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine theileriosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in Iran which causes severe economic losses through decreasing weight, milk production and increased mortality. The causative agent, Theileria annulata, is transferred by the ticks of genus Hyalomma. Diagnosis of theileriosis is based on clinical signs, microscopic examination. Nowadays, molecular biology methods like PCR are used for detection. Given the importance of bovine theileriosis, the aim of this study was diagnosis of T. annulata from suspected bovine with theileriosis in Qazvin province using microscopic examination and PCR. Out of 68 dairy cattle with clinical symptoms were taken from blood samples. Then the blood smear was prepared and stained with Giemsa dye. Positive samples were incorporated for molecular studies. DNA of blood was extracted using phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol and performed PCR using specific primers of Tams1 and 18S rRNA genes. Then, the PCR product of one sample was sequenced. Based on the obtained results, out of 68 in 28 (41.18%) blood samples was observed Theileria annulata by light microscopy, whereas all of the samples were positive by PCR. BLAST analyses based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Iranian isolate determined the 99.1% identity. Based on the obtained results, T. annulata had a high frequency in cattle of Qazvin province. It is suggested that further studies be conducted in this field in order to obtain more accurate estimates of disease in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) is a medicinal plant belong to the sunflower family with anti-diabetic, antidepressant and anti-cancer properties. The crisis of salinization of agricultural lands is considered as one of the most important problems of the world and Iran, and as an environmental stress, it has a direct effect on many plant characteristics under stress. Since there is little information about the response of Sonchus plant to salinity stress, the present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity on some morphological and physiological traits as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes under salinity conditions. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three repetitions in 2018 in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture of Urmia University. Salinity stress was applied at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM of NaCl salt) at the 6-8 leaf stage, and shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root length were recorded. Also, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), protein content, relative leaf water content (RWC), proline and carbohydrate contents, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (PX) were measured in the lower and middle leaves of the plants. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the obtained data and comparison of the means of the treatments using Duncan’s test were implemented in SAS 9.4 software. Results: The results showed that root length, root dry weight and shoot dry weight decrease significantly with increasing salinity level. Also, the content of chlorophyll a and b increased in salinity conditions, while salinity decreased the amounts of carotenoids. The highest amount of chlorophyll was observed in the lower leaf under 150 mM NaCl. The content of protein, proline and soluble sugar was enhanced with increasing salinity level; the maximum amount of these parameters was observed in the middle leaf at 150 mM NaCl. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds was observed at the stress level of 50 mM NaCl. The content of sodium ion (Na+) increased with increasing salinity level, while the amount of potassium ion (K+) declined. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes, as well as FRAP and DPPH antioxidant capacity increased in salinity conditions. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that Sonchus arvensis plant copes with salinity through increasing some osmolytes under stress conditions. Moreover, an enhancement of the amount of chlorophyll a and b at high levels of salinity showed that Sonchus arvensis is probably a salt-tolerant plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life table parameters and predation rate of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan (Phytoseiidae) fed on Cenopalpus irani Dosse (Tenuipalpidae) nymphs reared on four apple cultivars Kohanz Golab, Imperial Gala, Lebanon Red, and Granny Smith were determined under laboratory conditions. The longest developmental time of immature stages in females was observed on Kohanz Golab, and the shortest one was on Granny Smith. The fecundity ranged from 19.17 eggs/female on Golab Kohanz to 32.78 eggs/female on Granny Smith. The highest and lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r) were obtained on Granny Smith (0.251 day-1), and Kohanz Golab (0.113 day-1), respectively. The total prey consumption by all immature stages on Kohanz Golab, Imperial Gala, Lebanon Red, and Granny Smith was 42.90, 34.71, 31.83, and 24.53 prey, respectively. The total prey consumption by adult females was 543.76 prey on Kohanz Golab, 419.40 prey on Imperial Gala, 376.87 prey on Lebanon Red, and 276.76 prey on Granny Smith. Our results showed that predator performance was strongly affected by feeding on C. irani mites reared on different apple cultivars, and also a significant difference was seen in the hunting capacity of T. bagdasarjani on different apple cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mating behavior of the predatory mite Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari:Phytoseidae) was studied under laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 25 ¬± 1 ºC, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D). Twenty pairs of newly emerged virgin females and unmated males were kept separately on plastic discs in Petri dishes (9 cm diameter) and their mating behavior was observed continuously under a stereomicroscope using cold light. During mating behavior four phases were recognized. The mean time until the first contact of female and male individuals was approximately 14.4 ± 3.25 minutes (Phase 1). After the first contact the mite male moved to the top of female's dorsum and stayed there for a short time and later moved to the underneath of her in mating position (venter-to-venter position). The mean time needed for this phase was 0.17 ± 0.01 minutes (Phase 2). Then the female walked for mean of 1.09 ± 0.03 minutes in venter-to-venter position (Phase 3). Subsequently the female mite remained still in the mating position for mean of 16.8 ± 0.78 minutes during which probably the sperm transferred from male to female (Phase 4). In addition our results indicated that no changes were observed in the spermathecae of virgin females; after mating most of the females had one spermatophore in one spermatheca while in few of tested females one spermatophore was found in both spermathecae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Head lice (Pediculus capitis) infestation is considered an important hygienic problem in developing countries. The aim of study was to compare 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion effects for treatment of infected head lice students in primary girl schools in Gotvand County, Khuzestan province. Methods: The studied population was first- to sixth-grade students in elementary schools. Positive cases with head lice after identification (304 persons) were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Permethrin shampoo and dimethicone lotion were allocated for the first and the second groups, respectively. The drug therapeutic effects were studied after 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS software. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.778). Results: In total, 304 students participated in the study. The age of students ranged between 7 and 12 years which 47.7% of them were between 7 and 8 years. Also 60.9 and 39.1% of them were in urban and rural schools, respectively. The drug effectiveness were 46.1, 69.5 and 100, and 77.6, 85.3 and 100% for permethrin and dimethicone in the first, second and third intervals after treatment, respectively. There was a significant difference between the effect of drugs in the first interval (P = 0.00) after treatment but there was not a significant difference between the second (P = 0.084) and the third (P = 0.43) intervals after treatment. Conclusions: It is recommended the use of dimethicone lotion and permethrin shampoo as the first and second option, respectively in eliminating the head lice infestation in primary girl schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a gram-negative intracellular bacterium that transmitted by hard ticks. A. phagocytophilum infect and multiply in the organs of ticks, in particular the salivary glands which enable the transmission to vertebrate hosts during feeding. The tick becomes infected by feeding on an infected host and there is transstadial but not transovarial passage of the organism. The majority of ticks are infected with the organism in enzootic areas. There are strains of A. phagocytophilum that have biological and ecological difference, including variations in host pathogenicity, vectors and geographical distribution. The organism has an interesting feature to grow in neutrophils by stopping the antibacterial activity of neutrophils. The bacterium is able to survive in the immune host, using complex mechanisms of antigenic variation. A. phagocytophilum infects humans and various animal species including dogs, sheep, cows, horses, wild deer and rodents. The disease is known as human granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs, equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in horse and tick borne fever in ruminants. Cattle tick borne fever caused by A. phagocytophilum is characterized by high fever, reduced milk yield, inclusions in circulating neutrophils, leukopenia, abortions, reduced fertility, coughing, respiratory signs and swelling of the hind limbs. Clinical signs of human occur a week after the tick bites, the disease usually presents as an acute, sometimes fatal febrile syndrome, illness characterized by headache, chills, myalgias, arthralgia, malaise, and hematological abnormalities, such as neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevated hepatic aminotransferase levels and may lead to death. In this review article the history, bacteriology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease caused by A. phagocytophilum is written based on the latest scientific findings. Several hard tick species are distributed in Iran and they are the most important ectoparasites of animals. A. phagocytophilum has been detected not only in Ixodes ricinus but also in cattle and sheep of Iran using molecular techniques. However, despite the zoonotic potential of the agent, there is no evidence in the identification of A. phagocytophilum in humans, and it seems necessary to research on the prevalence and epidemiology of the disease in the human population.

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.

Background and purpose: Tick paralysis is a relatively rare and fatal disease caused by some species of blood-sucking ticks of Ixodidae family including Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor andersoni. This disease is characterized by ascending acute flaccid paralysis but could be misdiagnosed with other neurological diseases especially, Guillain-Barré syndrome because of similar clinical presentations. In this review we aimed to introduce tick paralysis to raise awareness on differential diagnosis of tick paralysis with other neuropathies. Materials and methods: A narrative review study was performed in which data was collected without time and language limits from international electronic databases including: Pub Med, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier (ScienceDirect, Scopus), Lilacs, and Iranian scientific databases including: Barakatkns, SID, Civilica, Magiran, and Medlib using appropriate keywords. Results: Tick paralysis mainly affects children (usually girls). The paralysis is caused by toxin in the saliva of hard ticks and if blood feeding is continued for a long time, respiratory failure and probably death may occur. The absolute therapy of tick paralysis is simply removing ticks that are attached to the patient's body. Improvement in symptoms is usually observed within 24 hours to a few days after removing the tick/s. Conclusion: Finding the tick/s and symptoms of paralysis are the main characteristics in diagnosis of tick paralysis. Since the disease is caused by the toxin in tick saliva, therefore, antibiotics are not effective in its treatment. Also, due to frequent misdiagnosis of the disease, awareness of the healthcare providers can play a considerable role in early detection, treatment, preventing additional costs of laboratory examinations, and ultimately prevent death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonosis transmitted by ticks. Determining the predictors of preventive behaviors of this disease and designing a structured educational intervention has an important role in promoting the health of all people who are directly or indirectly exposed to this dangerous disease, including ranchers and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the preventive behavior predictors in ranchers in Zabol. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 rural ranchers by a multi-stage sampling method randomly were selected and surveyed. The data were collected via a multi-section questionnaire that was developed based on the health belief model and its validity and reliability was confirmed by experts and Cornbrash's alpha coefficient (α= 0.72). The data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using descriptive and analytic statistics (percentage, mean, Pearson Correlation coefficient and linear regression test).The significant level was set at 0.05. Results: 91.5%, 46.5% and 31.5% of participants, respectively, were male, illiterate and rancher and over about 50% of them had butchered an animal in the past. Results also showed that preventive behaviors of CCHF have a positive significant association with perceived benefit and perceived self-efficacy, and also results of linear regression test showed that self-efficacy forecasted 11% of behavior variances in participants. Conclusion: Maintaining and improving the ranchers health against the risk of CCHF in tropical regions, particularly in the Sistan region in Sistan and Bloochestan province is an educational urgency and interventions based on the health belief model should emphasize more on the self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some mites species feed on cereal seeds and cause significant economic damage by reduction their quantitative and qualitative value. In 2006, to identify grain seed mites in Golestan province, sample were taken from 8 warehouses in 5 cities, located in 5 cities including Gorgan, Mino-Dasht, Bandar Turkmen, Gonbad and Agh-Qala. In total, 192 samples and sub-samples of wheat, barley and corn seeds were collected. In this sampling, 21 species from 17 genera and 10 families were identified, of which 13 species belonged to the Astigmatina group in the Sarcoptiformes order, 7 species belonged to the Prostigmata suborder and Trombidiformes order, and one species belonged to the Mesostigmata order. Lepidoglyphus destructor(Schrank),Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Shrank) and Acarus siro L. with 42.2%, 15.4% and 12% abundance respectively, have the most relative abundance among the pest mites. Among the predatory mites, Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (13.4%) was the most abundant. About 66.6% of all samples were infected with mites. The frequency of mites in wheat, corn and barley seeds were respectively, 61.4%, 20.8% and 17.7%. The highest number of mites was observed in Agh-Qala Talaii warehouses (40%). The average number of mites per kilogram of sampling materials was 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aim: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially lethal systemic viral disease in human beings, which is transmitted by tick bites. In nature, the triggering virus is found in vertical and horizontal cycles between the tick vectors and different species of domestic and wild vertebrates which are circulated and maintained. The purpose of this study was to determine the viral infection were collected from livestock ticks in the Marvdasht, Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study, samples were randomly selected from 6 villages near marvdasht. A total of two hundred ticks (hard and soft) from sheep, goats and cattle were collected and the related information was recorded. Ticks were sent to the laboratory under appropriate conditions of humidity and temperature. They were identified to species level using valid entomological keys. The identified ticks were transferred to the National Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses. The Ticks infections were analyzed by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect CCHF virus genome. Results: The results indicated that viral genotypes were present in at least 9 samples (4.5%) of the studied tick population. The infected ticks belonged to Hyalomma marginatum‚ Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Conclusion: Due to confirming the cycle of the virus, it can be mentioned that CCHF has recently emerged as an important public health problem in this region and systematic performance monitoring and control programs to reduce the livestock population, distribution, inform and educate high-risk occupations of vectors is required.

Introduction: Fluoxetine is a drug used to treat depression and has toxic effects on liver cells. Thymoquinone, the most important active ingredient in black seed (Nigella sativa), has several pharmacological effects, including sedation, reduced motor activity, and muscle relaxation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of thymoquinone on reducing the hepatotoxicity effects of fluoxetine. Methods: A total of forty Wistar rats were treated with fluoxetine, thymoquinone, and silymarin for four weeks. Different techniques, including biochemical analysis, qRT-PCR, and histopathological examination, were performed to investigate the effect of drugs on the oxidant/antioxidant system and inflammatory responses. Results: Our results revealed that fluoxetine increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and inhibited antioxidant systems in rat hepatocytes. In addition, fluoxetine increased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and also the migration of lymphocytes to liver cells. In contrast, thymoquinone (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) significantly decreased MDA, PC, and TNF-α levels. Moreover, thymoquinone enhanced the catalytic activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and GSH. Thymoquinone only at a dose of 40 mg/kg can inhibit the infiltration of lymphocytes into the liver. Conclusion: Thymoquinone exerted liver protective effects against fluoxetine hepatotoxicity by inducing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study suggests that thymoquinone, in combination with fluoxetine, can be used to reduce liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the rate of infestation to external parasites, determine the fauna (genus and species) and also investigation their role in transmission of protozoan infections in goat in maku region. This survey was conducted from March 2010 (Farvardin 1389) to April 2011 (Esfand 1389). The data was analyzed by SPSS software (Ver. 16) .The results revealed that 137 goats (33.5%) were infested by hard ticks. There weren`t any infestation by other external parasites (mite, lice, flea, myias). The whole detected ticks were 435 and each goat had an average of 1.08 ticks. The identified hard ticks on goats in respect to their prevalence were Rhipicephalus bursa (68.50%),Hyaloma anatolicum.anatolicum (16.32%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (9.46%), Haemaphysalis punctata(3.21%) and Dermacentor marginatus( 2.52%). Distribution of ticks over different parts of the body surface was as follows: groin and breasts (50.80%), head and neck (25.05%), subscapula (13.10%) and genital organs and under tail (11.03%). Out of 137 positive samples 103 goats (25.75%) were infected with Babesia, out of which 87 goats (84.46%), 12 goats (11.65%) and 5 goats (3.89%) infected with B. ovis, B. mutasi and mixed infection with B. ovis and B. mutasi, respectively. There wasn`t any infection with Theileria and Anaplasma. The results indicated that infections with Rhipicephalus bursa was the highest in goats in Maku region, and among protozoan infections, B. ovis infection was the highest one , that is the frequency of Rhipicephalus bursa in comparison to other kinds of detected ticks among positive samples of Babesia was high and is meaningful (p

In order to determine the tick specie of goats, reared in cities of west-Azarbaijan province, the present investigation was performed from March 2006 (Farvardin 1385) to April 2007 (Esfand 1385). Meanwhile, distribution of ticks according to age and sex on different part of the body and the seasonal variation of tick population and infestation were also studied. Overall 1800 goats of both sexes, from 21 cities and their suburbs in west-Azarbaijan province were examined for tick infestation. The results revealed 52 (2.88%) goats were infested by hard ticks. The highest percentage of infestation was observed in Miandoab area during June 2006 (Khordad1385), while the lowest percentage was in Shahindegh area during February 2006. There was a significant difference (p