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Background: We aimed to detect the genetic diversity of samples identified morphologically as Fasciola spp. from sheep, cattle and goat from Lorestan Province, western Iran using PCR-RFLP method. Besides, we evaluated the genetic diversity indices, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial gene ( ND1 and CO1 )., Methods: PCR-RFLP analysis of ribosomal ITS1 fragment by RsaI restriction enzyme to investigate the genetic characteristics of Fasciola species obtained from different hosts (18 sheep, 21 cattle, and 17goats) was conducted. The samples were sequenced. Sequences were evaluated using BLAST software and the parasite species were identified with similarity percentage and overlap with the species registered in the gene bank. Then similarity and diversity of intra-species and intra-species diversity of Fasciola species were calculated., Results: In Lorestan, based on RFLP pattern, 93% (52) of the Fasciola spp. isolates had a RFLP pattern related to F. hepatica and 7% (4) were F. gigantica . No hybrid forms were detected. The CO1 gene could clarify 19 haplotypes against ND1 gene that found 22 haplotypes among livestock. Sequencing results of the mtDNA showed intra-species identity 98. 5%-100% and Intra-species-diversity: 0-1.5% compared to the GenBank sequences., Conclusion: Using PCR-RFLP method, two species of F. hepatica and F. gigantica , were present in Lorestan Province, but F. hepatica was more prevalent. Mitochondrial genes could better test variability indices in different hosts than ribosomal genes, consequently among mitochondrial genes, the ND1 gene could better examine differences and similarities than CO1., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Heydarian et al. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: Efforts to find a reliable non-molecular means of identification has been the main purpose of the current work that always is persuaded by researchers interested in the field of parasitology., Methods: Adult fasciolids were obtained from the slaughterhouses in different parts of Iran in 2017, and investigated using the classical old fashion morphological appearances of the worms implementing a camera lucida equipped microscope. Histological procedure was subsequently performed for almost the entire collected adult worms followed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. DNA extraction and RFLP-PCR technique were carried out for the entire fasciolid liver flukes. To attain more comparable morphological conclusions, Scanning Electron Micrographs were also implemented for two molecularly identified fasciolids., Results: Based on spine morphology observed in worm's tissue sections two types of tegumental spines, "pointed" and "molar" shapes have been identified addressing to distinguish F. hepatica and F. gigantica species respectively. The present identification has been also supported by Molecular analysis using RFLP-PCR technique., Conclusion: There are some hidden morphological characters implemented in species identification for certain helminths. Meanwhile, the emergence of computer image analysis system (CIAS) on the scene of taxonomy, has revolutionized the accuracy of measurement in morphology by employing detailed parameters that have not been regarded before. The current study has illustrated the tegumental spines of two Fasciola species in tissue sections which has not been enough considered in helminthological publications so far., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests., (Copyright © Iranian Public Health Association & Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) is one of the greatest health challenges facing worldwide. The virus suppresses the immune system of the patient. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization, rarely found in normal people, in patients with stage 4 HIV infection in Kermanshah, Iran, from Mar 1995 to Feb 2016., Methods: In this retrospective study, we surveyed medical records of stage 4 HIV-positive patients with Pneumocystis admitted to Behavioral Counseling Center of Kermanshah . Several parameters were analyzed including demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), treatment regimen, diagnostic methods, presenting signs and symptoms, presence of co-pathogens (bacteria, viruses, or fungi), and nadir of CD4 T-cell count before and after treatment., Results: During the study period, 114 HIV-positive patients were analyzed, of whom 93 were male and 21 were female, respectively. Of 114 cases, 26 (22.8%) patients had Pneumocystis . All 26 colonized patients had CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm3 (range 9-186). The median CD4 count increased from 91 cells/mm 3 pre-trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) to an estimated 263 cells/mm 3 after starting (TMP/SMX). BMI was normal in the majority of the patients (85%) and coughs, sputum, and chest pain (19; 73%) followed by dyspnea, weakness, and lethargy (7; 27%) were the most common presentations of fungal pneumonia., Conclusion: HIV/AIDS-infected patients are an environmental reservoir of P. jirovecii infection that might transmit the infection from one person to another via the airborne route. In addition, rapid identification of such individuals may reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of this disease., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests., (Copyright© Iranian Public Health Association & Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: The shortage of nurses is a global health problem and one of the main challenges for healthcare systems throughout the world including Iran. One of factors that affect the migration trends is psychological needs satisfaction. This study aimed at identifying the psychological factors which persuade Iranian nurses to migrate and suggesting necessary measures in this regard., Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through a traditional content analysis approach on 20 working Iranian nurses who are migrating to other countries between 2015 and 2017. Data were collected through interviews and observation in different wards of hospitals in Iran. Data were written and analyzed after reduction, naming them, obtaining analytical codes, and identifying the categories and subcategories using traditional method., Results: Three main categories in relation to satisfaction of the psychological needs and reasons for migration were obtained after data analysis. The first category was "authority" with two subcategories of independent decision-making power and being unconsidered, the second category was "social support" with three subcategories of communication with health team members, communication with nurse colleagues, and communication with nurse managers, and the third category was "job promotion" with four subcategories of addressing the routines, nurse role, job promotion opportunities, and teaching organizational environment., Conclusion: Identifying problems and obstacles to achieve the goal is the first step to solve the problem. This study provided further and clearer understanding of psychological causes regarding decision of nurses to migrate to developed countries, and nurses noted that the decision to migrate is in the search to meet their psychological needs., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in the definitive hosts (human and livestock) and intermediate ( Lymnaea snails) hosts in Kermanshah Province, western Iran from 2014-2016., Methods: The study on animals was descriptive and retrospective one. All daily records of animals slaughtered in the abattoirs were analyzed. For the study of human fascioliasis, 975 serum samples were collected from different parts of Kermanshah Province and analyzed using ELISA based on excretory-secretory antigens. Moreover, 4400 Lymnaea snails were collected from 25 habitats. The snails were identified and examined for presence of cercariae by shedding method., Results: Fasciolosis was diagnosed in 1.7% of slaughtered animals, which was significantly greater than the other species ( P <0.005). There was significant difference ( P <0.001) between the prevalence of fasciolosis and seasonal pattern. As for human cases, five cases (0.5%) were positive for fascioliasis. Regarding the seropositivity to fasciolosis, no significant differences were found for age groups, sex, level of education and occupation. No Fasciola infection was seen in snails of the family Lymnaeidae., Conclusion: The prevalence of Fasciola parasite was lower compared to other provinces. This is probably due to sequential decline in rainfall and hot climate that makes conditions difficult for the snail intermediate host snails and the larval stages of fasciolid trematodes. The habitual food of people is another important point., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Fascioliasis is a foodborne zoonotic disease caused by the two parasite species Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica . In spite of the presence of both species of Fasciola in the livestock, to our knowledge, to date, no cases of human F. gigantica infection have been reported in Iran officially. Here, we report such a case in a 25 yr old woman referred to The Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2016. CT imaging and MRCP revealed an ill-defined lesion of segments of liver. Specific ELISA produced a positive result besides detecting egg of the parasite via stool exam. The identification of parasite species was performed by the DNA extracted from the eggs and sequencing ITS-1, in addition to comparison to GenBank retrieved sequences, using the BLAST search tool. The sample showed 100% identity with F. gigantica . She was treated for fasciolosis with a single dose of Egaten® 10 mg/kg with positive response. This is the first case of human fasciolosis due to F. gigantica reported in Iran., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest We have no conflict of interest related to this work.

Background: We aimed to describe morphological and morphometrical characteristics of Fasciola spp. in livestock from Ardabil Province, Northwest Iran., Methods: Forty adult flukes were collected from different definitive hosts (cattle and sheep). Previously specimens were identified as F. hepatica or F. gigantica based on PCR-RFLP of the ITS-1 region with RsaI enzyme. We identified Fasciola spp. based on morphological and metric assessment of external features of fresh adults, morphological and metric assessment of internal anatomy of stained mounted worms. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student's t-test implemented in SPSS 15.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois). Then the morphometric criteria of Fasciola samples were compared with PCR-RFLP data. The results of PCR-RFLP were confirmed by COI gene sequence., Results: The differences between the body length, area of the body, peripheral of the body, succer area, cone length, cone width, in two species were significant ( P < 0.05). Based on Morphological characterizations, 6 specimens had the intermediate morphological features and 19 and 15 specimens had morphological features of F. hepatica and F. gigantica , respectively. In contrast, RFLP results showed, F. hepatica was present in 20 of the isolates, and F. gigantica in 20 isolates. No hybrid forms were detected., Conclusion: PCR-RFLP method can be used for differentiation of Fasciola species, which is more reliable method than morphology. Using morphology methods, merely, is not efficient for determination of genetic diversity.

Background: We evaluated the genetic diversity of samples identified morphologically as Fasciola spp. from sheep, cattle and goat from Kermanshah Province, western Iran using PCR-RFLP method., Methods: We used PCR-RFLP analysis of ribosomal ITS1 fragment using RsaI restriction enzyme to investigate the genetic characteristics of Fasciola species obtained from different hosts (16 sheep, 28 cattle, 4 goats). The species of Fasciola were confirmed by sequencing the 700 bp region of ribosomal ITS1 gene., Results: In Kermanshah, F. hepatica was present in 96% of the samples, F. gigantica was found only in two cattle sample. No hybrid forms were detected in the present study., Conclusion: Our results contribute to clarify the dark spots of Fasciola genotyping in different parts of Iran.