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Many microscopic-based epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of human intestinal pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa including intestinal amoeba performed in Iran show a high prevalence of human intestinal amoeba in different parts of Iran. Such epidemiological studies on amoebiasis are confusing, mainly due to recently appreciated distinction between the Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Differential diagnosis can be done by some methods such as PCR-based methods, monoclonal antibodies and the analysis of isoenzyme typing, however the molecular study of these protozoa in Iran is low. Based on molecular studies, it seems that E. dispar is predominant species especially in the central and northern areas of Iran and amoebiasis due to E. histolytica is a rare infection in the country. It is suggested that infection with E. moshkovskii may be common among Iranians. Considering the importance of molecular epidemiology of amoeba in Iran and also the current data, the present study reviews the data currently available on the molecular distribution of intestinal human amoeba in Iran.

"nBackground: We examined a molecular method with a single-PCR for amplification of a part of CP5 gene enabling us to differen­tiate the pathogenic species, Entamoeba histolytica, from the non-pathogenic species, E. dispar. "nMethods: We developed a single PCR method for this purpose. After investigation of GenBank, primer pairs were de­signed from highly conserved regions of cysteine proteinase (CP5) gene. The primers were utilized in PCR using isolated ge­nomic DNA template of E. histolytica and the PCR products were then sequenced. The same primer and method for PCR was used for isolated genomic DNA template of E. dispar. "nResults: A fragment of about 950 bp was isolated in PCR by using DNA from E. histolytica, however, no banding pattern was produced by using the same primers for E. dispar. We characterized CP5 gene at molecular level in E. histolytica iso­lates from 22 positive; including 20 non-dysentery samples isolated from both cities as well as two dysentery samples iso­lated only from Tabriz. Nucleotide sequence comparison in gene data banks (NCBI, NIH) revealed significant homology with CP5 gene in E. histolytica isolates "nConclusion: We developed a PCR method, which could detect simply and rapidly E. histolytica by amplifying a specific PCR fragment.

Background: Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease and metronidazole is a choice drug for its treatment. Because of disease importance in public health and its controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was carried out.Methods: Fifty-two suspected vaginal samples were collected from 2006 to 2007 in Gynecology Maryam Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All isolates were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR tech­niques. The PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and CSGE methods and two suspected samples were sequenced.Results: Trichomonas vaginalis was identified from all 52 samples. Of 52 isolates, 45 samples were successfully cultured and amplified by PCR except one. Seven were positive only by PCR. Finally, ITS1 fragment was successfully amplified in 51 of 52. CSGE analysis and PCR products di­gestion by MspI followed by sequencing showed nucleotide mutation at position 209 (C209T) of the ITS1 fragment in two (3.9%) of them.Conclusion: The results showed mutation in ITS1 fragment of T. vaginalis in two (3.9%) of Ira­nian isolates which may be related to metronidazole resistance.

Background: Cat as definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The object of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii as well as parasite isolation from faeces and brain tissues of stray cats in Kashan, central Iran. Methods: The prevalence of T. gondii was determined in serum, feces and brain tissue of 50 stray cats. IgG specific antibody to T. gondii was assessed by indirect fluorecent antibody test (IFAT). Results: Overall infection rate was 86% in 1:20 to1:640 titers. The highest percentage (22%) was for 1:160 and the least (6%) were for 1: 640. T. gondii tissue cyst isolated from 2(4%) cats by bioassay in mice. No oocysts detected from cat stool by direct and concentration methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats is high in Kashan region.

Hydatidosis is one of the major zoonotic diseases that cause considerable economic losses and public health problems worldwide. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of E. granulosus in domestic and wild carnivores and the infection rate of hydatid cyst in slaughtered animals and people in Kashan area, central Iran. A total of 142 carnivores including 70 stray dogs, 40 jackals, 22 red foxes, and 10 wolves were examined for the presence of E. granulosus, as well as, 170510 slaughtered sheep, 162665 goats and 13059 cattle for hydatid cyst infection. In addition, 500 inhabitants in rural areas were examined for antibodies to hydatid cyst. Results indicated that 43.7% of carnivores were infected with E. granulosus. Infection rate in slaughtered animals was 2.7%. Overall, the seroprevalence rate in human cases was 2.4%. Eighty-five patients including 47 females and 38 males were hospitalized. The mean annual incidence rate of hydatidosis in human was three cases per 100 000 populations. In general, the situation of the hydatidosis in the livestock and human and echinococcosis in the carnivores of the Kashan is similar to the other zones in Iran.

Amoebiasis is one of the most important human diseases in many countries especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This study was carried out from August 1999 to February 2002 in order to determine the ratio of Entamoeba histolytica / Entamoeba dispar in some regions of Iran. A total of 16,592 stool samples were randomly collected from different agegroups in central, northern and southern Iran both from urban and rural areas. The samples were examined by direct and formalin-ether concentration methods. Two hundred and twenty six samples (1.36%) were positive for E. histolytica/E. dispar cyst (C.I = 1.18-1.54%). The prevalence of infection with E. histolytica/E. dispar was 0.78%, 3.9% and 4.6% for central, northern and southern part of Iran, respectively. The minimum rate of prevalence was 0.6% in Tehran, Yazd and Ardekan (central Iran), while the highest rate (8.3%) was seen in rural areas of Ahwaz (southern Iran).The study showed that ratio of E. histolytica /E. dispar was higher in southern regions (tropical and subtropical) than other regions. It seems that more sanitary facilities and health trainings are needed in different parts of the country, especially in southern Iran, where the rate of infection is high.

Many microscopic-based epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of human intestinal pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa including intestinal amoeba performed in Iran show a high prevalence of human intestinal amoeba in different parts of Iran. Such epidemiological studies on amoebiasis are confusing, mainly due to recently appreciated distinction between the Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Differential diagnosis can be done by some methods such as PCR-based methods, monoclonal antibodies and the analysis of isoenzyme typing, however the molecular study of these protozoa in Iran is low. Based on molecular studies, it seems that E. dispar is predominant species especially in the central and northern areas of Iran and amoebiasis due to E. histolytica is a rare infection in the country. It is suggested that infection with E. moshkovskii may be common among Iranians. Considering the importance of molecular epidemiology of amoeba in Iran and also the current data, the present study reviews the data currently available on the molecular distribution of intestinal human amoeba in Iran.

Background: Cat as definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The object of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii as well as parasite isolation from faeces and brain tissues of stray cats in Kashan, central Iran. Methods: The prevalence of T. gondii was determined in serum, feces and brain tissue of 50 stray cats. IgG specific antibody to T. gondii was assessed by indirect fluorecent antibody test (IFAT). Results: Overall infection rate was 86% in 1:20 to1:640 titers. The highest percentage (22%) was for 1:160 and the least (6%) were for 1: 640. T. gondii tissue cyst isolated from 2(4%) cats by bioassay in mice. No oocysts detected from cat stool by direct and concentration methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats is high in Kashan region.

Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) machines are attractive candidates for Electric Vehicles (EVs) applications due to their axial compact structure, high efficiency, high power and torque density. This paper presents general design characteristics of AFPM machines. Moreover, torque density of the machine which is selected as main objective function, is enhanced by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and variation of PM characteristics, based on sizing equation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Then, torque ripple of the motor is reduced according to the effect of PM characteristics on Torque Ripple Factor (TRF). The designed machine produces sinusoidal back-EMF waveform. The torque density is improved and the torque ripple is reduced. The results are validated by using 3D-FEA (FEA) . Furthermore, to assess the obtained results by FEA method, an advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR) software is used to demonstrate the performance improvement over the Europe test drive cycles.

Two species of the subfamily Poemeniinae (Hym.: Ichneumonidae) were collected and identified from Mazandaran province, Iran during 2016 using Malaise traps. Podoschistus scutellaris and Neoxorides collaris are reported for the first time from Iran and Mazandaran province, respectively. Their diagnostic morphological characters and distribution within and outside Iran are provided.

Systematic study of Ichneumonidae was carried out during 2009 to 2012 in Sari region and suburb.In this study Malaise trap, Window trap, Yellow Pan trap, Light trap and Sweeping trap were used for collecting. Stilbops vetula (Gravenhorst, 1829) from Stilbopinae subfamily is reported for the first time from Iran .

Background: Acanthamoeba species are recognized as the most prevalent free-living amoebae (FLA). They can cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and pulmonary and ocular infections. The present study aimed to isolate and identify Acanthamoeba genotypes in cancer patients referred to Kashan's hospitals in Central Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with oral and nasal swab samples collected from a hundred cancer patients referred to Kashan's Beheshti and Yasrebi hospitals during 2019-2020. The samples were cultured in 1.5% non-nutrient agar (NNA) with heat-killed Escherichia coli and examined for "FLA." A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplifying the 18S rRNA gene was performed, and Acanthamoeba -positive isolates were subjected to nucleotide sequencing to identify their genotypes. Results: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba infection was 51% in the oral cavity and 38% in the nasal samples of cancer patients. The most frequent Acanthamoeba cysts were (51.3%) wrinkled polygonal and sized 9.55-11.5 μm (Group II). Acanthamoeba genotypes T4, T11, and T5 were identified in the oral cavity samples, whereas T4 and T11 were detected in the nasal samples. Conclusion: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba infection in oral and nasal cancer patients was higher in Kashan, Iran, compared to other countries. Due to the high rate of oral Acanthamoeba contamination, oral sampling is recommended for better detection of this protozoan. Since T4 is the predominant genotype that can cause serious diseases in high-risk groups, increasing physicians' awareness of infections associated with Acanthamoeba and preventive and control measures are strongly suggested., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Sima Rasti et al.)

Background: The mechanisms underlying the clinical outcome disparity during human infection with Giardia duodenalis are still unclear. In recent years, evidence has pointed to the roles of host factors as well as parasite's genetic heterogeneity as major contributing factors in the development of symptomatic human giardiasis. However, it remains contested as to how only a small fraction of individuals infected with G. duodenalis develop clinical gastrointestinal manifestations, whereas the majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Here, we demonstrate that diversity in the fecal microbiome correlates with the clinical outcome of human giardiasis., Methods: The genetic heterogeneity of G. duodenalis clinical isolates from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis was determined using a multilocus analysis approach. We also assessed the genetic proximity of G. duodenalis isolates by constructing phylogenetic trees using the maximum likelihood. Total genomic DNA (gDNA) from fecal specimens was utilized to construct DNA libraries, followed by performing paired-end sequencing using the HiSeq X platform. The Kraken2-generated, filtered FASTQ files were assigned to microbial metabolic pathways and functions using HUMAnN 3.04 and the UniRef90 diamond annotated full reference database (version 201901b). Results from HUMAnN for each sample were evaluated for differences among the biological groups using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test with a post hoc Dunn test., Results: We found that a total of 8/11 (72.73%) human subjects were infected with assemblage A (sub-assemblage AII) of G. duodenalis, whereas 3/11 (27.27%) human subjects in the current study were infected with assemblage B of the parasite. We also found that the parasite's genetic diversity was not associated with the clinical outcome of the infection. Further phylogenetic analysis based on the tpi and gdh loci indicated that those clinical isolates belonging to assemblage A of G. duodenalis subjects clustered compactly together in a monophyletic clade despite being isolated from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic human giardiasis. Using a metagenomic shotgun sequencing approach, we observed that infected individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis represented distinctive microbial diversity profiles, and that both were distinguishable from the profiles of healthy volunteers., Conclusions: These findings identify a potential association between host microbiome disparity with the development of clinical disease during human giardiasis, and may provide insights into the mechanisms by which the parasite induces pathological changes in the gut. These observations may also lead to the development of novel selective therapeutic targets for preventing human enteric microbial infections., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Acanthamoeba spp. are the most common free-living amoeba worldwide, inducing life-threatening diseases such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis, pulmonary infection, and amoebic keratitis. This study aimed to identify the FLA and Acanthamoeba genotypes in patients with pulmonary symptoms suspected of cancer in Kashan's hospitals, Kashan, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 97 bronchoalveolar lavage samples of patients with respiratory symptoms suspected of lung cancer, who were admitted to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan from 2019 to 2020. The samples were cultured onto 1.5% non-nutrient agar enriched with killed Escherichia coli and examined for the presence of FLA. Following amoeba isolation and DNA extraction, Acanthamoeba spp . were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction using JDP1 and JDP2 primers, which amplified a 490 bp fragment from the 18 S rDNA gene. Eighteen Acanthamoeba isolates were sequenced, and the genotypes were identified. The prevalence of FLA and Acanthamoeba and the relationship between symptoms and demographic variables were analyzed with SPSS Software version 16. The prevalence rates of FLA and Acanthamoeba in the BAL samples was 86.6% and 73.2%, respectively. All Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to the T4 genotype. The most symptoms among Acanthamoeba -positive patients were dyspnea and cough; however, their difference was not statistically significant. The findings indicated the high prevalence of FLA and Acanthamoeba in BAL in the population suspected of cancer in Kashan. Since the T4 genotype is a pathogenic genotype of Acanthamoeba , training health and improving sanitation levels would help to prevent infection., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interestThe authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (© Indian Society for Parasitology 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Accurate diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica is important, as it is known as a causative agent for both invasive intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis. Amoebiasis has a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries, and it is responsible for up to 100,000 fatal cases annually. A number of diagnostic methods, including microscopy, culture, antigen detection, molecular based methods, and serological assays have been proposed to assist in diagnosing amoebiasis. The present study aimed to gather new data and review the available diagnostic tests of both intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis and to highlight pitfalls and challenges of each of them. A broad literature of electronic databases was conducted and covered articles published up to March 2022. For laboratory diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis, direct microscopy stool examinations and cultures should be held as the high-performance diagnostic strategies. Molecular and immunological-based assays are also recommended as complementary tests. To diagnose extra-intestinal infection, the use of serological tests is still considered the method of choice. However, serodiagnosis requires further improvement for the accurate differential diagnosis of active infection from past infections., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Polymerase chain reaction followed by high resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis is a simple, rapid and accurate method for molecular detection of various nematode species. The objective of the present study was, for the first time, to develop a PCR-HRM assay for the detection of various animal Trichostrongylus spp. A pair of primers targeting the ITS-2 rDNA region of the Trichostrongylus spp. was designed for the development of the HRM assay. DNA samples were extracted from 30 adult worms of Trichostrongylus spp., the ITS-2-rDNA region was amplified using PCR, and the resultant products were sequenced and characterized. Afterwards, the PCR-HRM analysis was conducted to detect and discriminate Trichostrongylus spp. Molecular sequence analysis revealed that 24, 4, and 1 of the samples were T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus and T. capricola, respectively. Results from PCR-HRM indicated that complete agreement was relatively found between speciation by HRM analysis and DNA sequencing for the detection of Trichostrongylus species. The PCR-HRM analysis method developed in the present study is fast and low-cost; the method can be comparable with other molecular detection techniques, representing a reliable tool for the identification of various species within the Trichostrongylus genus., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Giardiasis has a global distribution and it is a common cause of diarrhea in both children and adults and is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through direct or indirect ingestion of cysts. The laboratory diagnosis of Giardia spp. is mainly based on demonstration of microscopic cyst or trophozoite in stool samples but several immunological-based assays and molecular methods are also available for giardiasis diagnosis. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the applied methods in medical laboratory and to highlight pitfalls and challenges of them for diagnosis of giardiasis. In this article we have evaluated the Giardia diagnostic methods with a broad review of literature, electronic databases and books. The search has covered the articles and some textbooks that have published up to 2018. It has been concluded that traditional microscopy combination with stool concentration method should still be held in the routine medical laboratory due to economical and high sensitivity and immunological-based assay and molecular methods which are recommended to use as a complementary test to the traditional technique., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Purpose: In the current era, cystic echinococcosis (CE), as larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is considered as a threat to human health. Scolicidal agents used in the surgery of cysts have different side effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effects of chitosan nanoparticles containing curcumin (Ch-Cu NPs) on the protoscolices of the hydatid cyst in vitro., Methods: Ch-Cu NPs were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method and their structural and morphological properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta analyzer, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Then, the effects of different concentrations of Ch-Cu NPs (0.25, 0.05, 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) on the fatality rate, and the length and width of protoscolices in different times (5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min) were investigated. In addition, the SEM technique was used to evaluate the structure of the protoscolices after treatment., Results: Based on the results, the presence of curcumin on the chitosan nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Further, XRD analysis approved the crystal structure of chitosan NPs. Furthermore, the highest fatality rate was 68% in 4 mg/mL concentration of Ch-Cu NPs. The length and width of protoscolices decreased based on the high concentrations of Ch-Cu NPs, compared to the control group., Conclusion: Finally, Ch-Cu NPs expressed good scolicidal activities, which made them suitable to be considered as an anti-protoscolex agent.

The most important transmission path of intestinal parasites is the consumption of contaminated water and food. This survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Kashan, central Iran. This cross-sectional study was carried on 1018 food handlers who referred to the health centers in order to receive health certificate in 2017-2018. Stool samples of food handlers were collected and examined using direct and formalin-ethyl acetate methods. Results were recorded in information form along with some demographic data such as sex, age. The data were analyzed based on the tests of descriptive statistics by SPSS 16. Of the 1018 individuals examined 851 (83.6%) were men and 167 (16.4%) were female. Infection rate was 10.2% among the population and 9 types of parasites were diagnosed totally. Rate of infection to protozoan intestinal parasites were: Blastocystis sp. 7.17%, Giardia duodenalis 1.2%, Entamoeba coli 1.27%, Endolimax nana 1.08%, Dientamoeba fragilis 0.3%, Iodamoeba butschlii 0.3%, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar 0.2%, Chilomastix mesnili 0.1%. Hymenolepis nana (0.1%) was the only intestinal worm that observed. In this investigation, 8.9% of the individual were infected by one parasite, 1.08% by two and 0.2% by 3 or more parasites. This study showed that infection to intestinal helminthic is rare among food handlers in Kashan but the prevalence of protozoan intestinal parasites is high that similar to other regions of Iran. To reduce the rate of parasitic infections and inhibition of their transmission, continuing the process of promoting the health level is recommended., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data. The intellectual property through necessary coordination and getting informed consent from participants was obtained from the deputy of Iran, Kashan University of Medical Sciences Research committee and attaining the ethics code of (IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.118).

Aim: Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are important parasitic diseases worldwide, causing significant financial losses due to decrease in production and viscera condemnation in animals. We performed the current research to assess the epidemiology of these infections and determine their significance from an economic perspective in Arak, Iran., Materials and Methods: In total, we evaluated 118,463 sheep, 207,652 goats, and 43,675 cattle through necropsic analysis at the slaughterhouses. The average weight of sheep, goat, and cattle liver was 1000, 900, and 5000 g, respectively. The average price of liver in the market was 8 USD/kg. Moreover, the elimination of fundamental nutrients and vitamins was evaluated in infected livers. The prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was determined. Analysis of variance test was applied for the statistical analysis, and the significance level was <0.05., Results: In total, Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were detected in 0.56% (confidence interval CI, 0.54-0.59) and 0.77% (CI, 0.75-0.81) of the animals, respectively (p=0.1). The annual economic loss attributed to fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was 26698.4 and 30479.2 USD, respectively. The total economic loss was 10,880, 9079.2, and 10,520 dollars in sheep, cattle, and goats, respectively. On the other hand, financial loss resulting from fasciolosis was 7160, 6098.4, and 13,440 dollars in sheep, goats, and cattle, respectively. In addition, economic loss due to dicroceliasis was 10,880, 9079.2, and 10,520 dollars, respectively., Conclusion: Overall, fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in Iran always remain common in sheep, goats, and cattle that afford major economic loss of all the country also exist in Arak province. The present study could provide basic information for further examination of liver fluke infections in Iran.

Trichomoniasis, which is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis , is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world including Iran. There were roughly 250 million new cases all over the world in a year. T. vaginalis as an important disease has been associated with HIV (in terms of exposure to sexually transmitted infection, STI) which increases the number of high-risk members, and thus it is an important public health problem. Additionally, this pathogen has been associated with serious health consequences. For instance, it may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant, and increase chances of cervical cancer. Because little information is available about the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in Iranian population, this review was carried out to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis among Iranian population. For this systematic review, data about epidemiology of T. vaginalis in different parts of Iran with different populations were systematically collected from 1992 to 2017 through the international databases such as PubMed, Scirus, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Direct and Google Scholar and Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC). National database searching included Iran Medex, Iran Doc, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID). A total of 39 clinical and laboratory investigations about the prevalence of Trichomoniasis from different regions of Iran were analyzed. The overall prevalence rate of T. vaginalis infection in Iranian population was estimated to be minimally 0.4% and maximally 42%. The present review showed that T. vaginalis infection rate is relatively high among the Iranian population. The control strategies, including personal hygienic education, simultaneous couple treatment, the sensitivity of diagnostic methods, appropriate preventive tool (condom) in sexual contacts could lead to the disruption of transmission., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest We declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Background: The protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Metronidazole is a chosen drug for the treatment. This study evaluated the anti trichomonal activity of alcoholic extracts of combination Verbascum thapsus and Ginger officinale., Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Parasitology Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran in 2015, on 23 women with suspected trichomoniasis referring to Kashan clinical centers. Medium TYI-S-33 was used for culture of three T. vaginalis isolates. Different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μg/ml) of V. thapsus and G. officinale ethanol extract added to Trichomonas trophozoites in 48-well plates and metronidazole considered as positive control and the negative control was TYI-S33 containing Trichomonas trophozoites without any drug. In all of mentioned groups, trophozoites number counted 12, 24, 48 h after culture. Results were analyzed using ANOVA statistical test, to evaluate the toxicity of extract, measured by MTT assay. Induced apoptosis of T. vaginalis after treatment with different concentrations of extract was determined by Flow Cytometry., Results: IC50 of alcoholic extract of combination V. thapsus and G. officinale and metronidazole after 24h was 73.80 μg/ml and 0.0326 μg/ml, respectively. The toxicity percentage of 25-800 μg/ml concentrations of this combination were between 0.2-1.98. In different concentrations of extract (25,50,100,200 and 400 μg/ml) apoptosis percent after 48h was 18.97 to 77.19 and necrosis percent was calculated 1.35, 3.18, 3.10, 1.16 and 4.09, respectively., Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of combination V. thapsus and G. officinale induces programmed death in T. vaginalis . Due to no toxicity on macrophages, it can be examined in vivo studies., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

The prevalence of bovine Sarcocystosis is high in the most regions of the world. It can be a human health problem due to consumption of raw or under cooked hamburgers or other bovine meat products. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and species identification of Sarcocystis among of hamburgers, using PCR-RFLP methods in Kashan, central Iran. Overall 200 raw industrial hamburgers samples with at least 60% meat were randomly collected from nine different brands in Kashan, central Iran. The genomic DNA was extracted and a PCR-RFLP method was used to amplify an approximately 900 bp fragment at the 18S rRNA(SSU) gene, restriction enzyme BclI was used for species identification. The results showed that 58 (29%) of 200 tested hamburger samples were infected to Sarcocystis spp. The prevalence rate was 31.25 and 26.9% in the hamburgers with 90 and 60-75% meat, respectively. According to PCR-RFLP analysis, 43 (74.1%) of the 58 isolates were Sarcocystis cruzi , 12 (20.7%) showed co-infection to S. cruzi and Sarcocystis hirsuta , 2 (3.5%) was mixed infected to S. cruzi and Sarcocystis hominis , 1 (1.7%) showed the pattern of mix infection to three species. This study revealed one-third of industrial hamburger were infected to S. cruzi or mixed infection of S. cruzi with other bovine sarcocytosis. To prevent cattle infection, the possible ingestion of the disposal sporocyst stage from dogs must be eliminated. Although in this study, the prevalence of S. hominis was low and cannot be considered as a major zoonosis, it should be recommended avoiding eating under cooked hamburger and other bovine meat products to prevent human infection.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated parasite affecting about 276 million people annually worldwide. Tricomoniasis is associated with different complications in pregnant women and infants. 5'-nitroimidazole derivatives (metronidazole, ornidazole, and tinidazole) are FDA approved drugs recommended for trichomoniasis treatment. Treatment with metronidazole 5'-nitroimidazole derivatives is associated with many side effects, and drug resistance to metronidazole has been reported in some cases. Recently, many attempts have been made to evaluate the effects of plants on causative agents of vaginal infections. In our research, the national and international databases were searched and the effects of various herbal extracts on T. vaginalis in Iran were reviewed from 2006 to 2016. In articles investigated, some plants had favorable antitrichomonal effects and needed to be further investigated. All the plant extracts have only been evaluated in vitro. Surveys of different articles in this review show that the active ingredients present in different parts of plants, including aerial parts, leaves, flowers, stems, and root can be suitable sources for introducing and developing new antitrichomonal compounds.

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with immunocompromising conditions., Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in different groups of immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients (HD), renal transplant recipients (RTR), cancer and HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with healthy individuals in two central cities of Iran (Kashan and Qom)., Methods: In this case-control study, the stool samples of 135 HD, 50 RTR, 60 cancer patients, 20 HIV/AIDS patients and 120 healthy subjects were tested using direct-smear, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Agar plate method., Results: The overall infection rate was 11.7% (31/265) in patient groups and 0% (0/120) in the control group. The frequency of parasites was 25% in HIV/AIDS patients, 11.9% (16/135) in HD, 12.0% (6/50) in RTR and 6.7% (4/60) in cancer patients. Blastocystis hominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.0%) were the most prevalent parasites in patient groups. The infection rate was significantly higher in male (17.6%) than female (5.4%) patients (p = .002), but no statistically significant association was observed according to the age and educational levels., Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of IPIs in immunocompromised patients. The results of this study suggest that periodic stool examinations for screening of IPIs should be included as a part of routine medical care in these patients.

Background: One of the most important zoonotic helminths in the world is known as Echinococcus granulosus . Different strains of the E. granulosus have been described based on morphological and molecular characterizations, however, there is limited information regarding the characteristics of the phenotypes and genotypes of E. granulosus in Iran., Methods: The present study was prepared to evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of E. granulosus isolates collected from human, goat, sheep, and cattle based on 19 standard morphometric parameters and mitochondrial and nuclear genes ( CO1, ND1 , and ITS1 ) in Kashan, Markazi Province, Iran during 2013-2014., Results: The biometric analysis for the 19 characters revealed that the 19 morphometric values of cattle isolates were exceptionally higher than human, goat, and sheep isolates ( P <0.05). Molecular analysis confirms the morphological findings. Phylogenic analysis of the CO1 , NAD1 and ITS1 genes for all isolates, independent of the host, revealed that the common sheep strain (G1) is traveling among livestock in Kashan and the strains are highly adapted to goats, cattle, sheep, and humans., Conclusion: Both morphological and molecular results of this study indicated that the only genotype G1 of E. granulosus travels between humans and other intermediate hosts of this parasite in the area study.

Background: Based on genotyping study of human isolates of Giardia lamblia ; humans are mainly infected by two assemblages A and B. The present study was carried out to determine the sub-assemblages of G. lamblia isolated from food handlers referred to Kashan health centers, central Iran, 2015., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 3653 stool samples collected from food-handlers that annually refer to health center for getting a health certification and examined microscopically for G. lamblia cyst. Totally, 44 isolates were selected from 47 Giardia positive samples. Cysts were partially purified by the sucrose density gradient method. After freeze-thaw cycles, genomic DNA was extracted using QIAamp Stool Mini kit. A single step PCR-RFLP method was used to amplify a 458bp fragment at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh ) locus, restriction enzymes BspLI and RsaI were used for distinguish between genotypes A and B and their subgroups., Results: Of 44 isolates, 24(54.5%) were sub-assemblage AII, 9(20.5%) group B including 7(15.9%) BIII and 2(4.6%) BIV sub-assemblage and 11(25%) isolates showed a mixed pattern of AII and B. Sub-assemblage AI was not detected in this study., Conclusion: The higher rate of sub-assemblage AII demonstrated an anthroponotic origin of the infection so infected food-handlers could directly transmit this protozoan to consumers via contaminated food and water. For finding of pattern of transmission and distribution of Giardia assemblages and sub-assemblage, more studies in human and animal population in different regions are necessary.

Background: Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted protozoan diseases in the worldwide. Metronidazole is the choice drug for trichomoniasis treatment, however, metronidazole resistant Trichomonas vaginalis ( T.vaginalis ) has been reported. Natural products are the source of most new drugs, and Zingiber officinale (Ginger ) is widely used ingredient in the traditional medicine., Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of the ginger ethanol extract on the growth of T.vaginalis trophozoites in vitro., Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 970 women who were attend in Kashan health centers were examined for T. vaginalis . Of them, 23 samples were infected with T.vaginalis . Three T. vaginalis isolates were cultured in a TYI-S-33 medium. The effect of ginger ethanol extracts and its toxicity in different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 µg/ml) on mouse macrophages were measured in triplicate exam by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The effect of ginger on apoptosis induction was determined by Flow cytometry., Results: The IC 50 of ginger and metronidazole were 93.8 and 0.0326 µg/ml, respectively. 12, 24 and 48 hr after adding different concentrations of extract on mouse macrophages, fatality rates in maximum dose (800 µg/ml) were 0.19, 0.26 and 0.31 respectively. Flow cytometry results showed the apoptosis rate following treatment with different concentrations of the extract after 48 hr were 17, 28.5, 42.1, 58.8, 76.3 and 100% respectively, while in the control group was 2.9%., Conclusion: Ginger ethanol extract induces programmed death in T. vaginalis . It is recommended that due to the known teratogenic effect of metronidazole, ginger can be considered as an alternative drug for metronidazole., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in the northwest of Isfahan province, Iran. Increase in the incidence of the disease in Kashan has made it necessary to find out the best method for diagnosis and molecular characterization of Leishmania species. In the present study, 130 patients suspected to cutaneous leishmaniosis referred to health care centers of Kashan were examined. Serosity of lesion was collected for smear preparation and cultured in Novy-Nicolle-McNeal medium. DNA was extracted from serosity, and Leishmania species was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) specific primers. The diagnostic criteria of CL were based on the observation of amastigotes in the smear, promastigotes in culture, presence of expected bands in PCR, or nested PCR. Of 130 specimens, 87 (66.9%), 72 (56.2%), 98 (75.4 %), 96 (73.8%), and 99 (76.2%) were positive for microscopic culture, PCR, nested PCR, and combined PCR and microscopy (proposed method), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of PCR were 99%, 100%, 100%, 96.9%, respectively, for microscopy 87.9%, 100%, 100%, 72.1%, for culture 72.7%, 100%, 100%, 53.4 %, and for nested PCR 97%, 100%, 100%, 91.2%, respectively. Based on the results of the study, kDNA-PCR was the most sensitive method for diagnosis of CL., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: Acanthamoeba is one of the most abundant free-living amoebas that is widely distributed in natural and artificial environment resources. Acanthamoeba pathogenic genotypes cause chronic human diseases including amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The aim of this study was to determine and identify Acanthamoeba genotypes residing in pools and stagnant water in ponds in Sistan region in southeast Iran. This descriptive study was conducted at the Parasitology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences., Methods: In this descriptive study, 93 water samples were collected from pools and ponds in Zabol, Zahak, Hirmand, Hamoon, and Nimrooz in Sistan region. Samples after filtering through 0.45-μm nitrocellulose paper filters were cultured in a 1.5% non-nutrient agar medium enriched with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted using specialized primers for detecting the genus Acanthamoeba. The sequencing of positive samples was used for determining Acanthamoeba genotypes., Results: From 82 free-living amoeba positive culture samples, 38 isolates were confirmed to belong to the genus Acanthamoeba by PCR. On sequencing, 34 samples (89.47%) belonged to the T4 genotype, three (7.9%) to the T5 genotype, and one (2.63%) to the T3 genotype., Conclusion: All genotypes found in this study are potentially pathogenic. The T4 genotype is the main genotype of Acanthamoeba responsible for amoebic keratitis. Resource water is a potential risk factor for the distribution of free-living amoeba. Therefore, more attention of health authorities to determine, training and prevention from infection are recommended.

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the important opportunistic pathogen among solid-organ transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients (HD). This study was aimed to detect toxoplasmosis among 50 renal transplant recipients (RTR), 135 HD and 120 healthy individuals in two cities (Kashan and Qom) that located in the center of Iran, from 2014 to 2015. Serological detection (IgG and IgM antibodies) was performed among all individuals in case and control groups. Molecular detection was performed on all IgM positive individuals or IgG positive with moderate to high (>51 IU/mL) antibody titers in HD (n = 42) and control groups (n = 21). In RTR patients, molecular detection was conducted among all seropositive or seronegative individuals (n = 50). IgG seropositivity was detected in 52% (26/50) of RTR, 63% (85/135) of HD and 33.3% (40/120) of the control group. The rate of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was significantly elevated in RTR and HD patients than the control group (p = 0.023 and p < 0.001, respectively). IgM seropositivity was only detected in one HD patient. T. gondii DNA was detected in 12% (6/50) of RTR and 7.1% (3/42) of HD patients. The results of this study suggested that the screening of toxoplasmosis should be given greater consideration among RTR and hemodialysis patients.

Background: Insecticide resistance is one of the serious problems for German cockroach control program. This study was conducted to determine the bendiocarb and Carbaryl resistance mechanisms in German cockroaches using the piperonyl butoxide (PBO)., Methods: Bioassay tests were conducted with 4 to 6 different concentrations of both insecticides with four replicates of 10 susceptible strain cockroaches per concentration to determine of discriminative concentration. After determining discriminative concentration, the result was compared to wild strain. The levels of susceptibility and resistance ratio (RR) and synergism ratio (SR) were calculated for each five wild strains. Moreover resistance mechanisms in wild strains were determined using PBO synergist in vivo., Results: Hospital strains showed different levels of resistance to bendiocarb and carbaryl compared to susceptible strain. The bendiocarb and carbaryl resistance ratios ranged from 2.11 to 7.97 and 1.67 to 2 at LD50 levels, respectively. The synergist PBO significantly enhanced the toxicity of bendiocarb and carbaryl to all strains with different degrees of synergist ratio, 1.31, 1.39, 3.61, 1.78, 1.62 and 2.1 fold for bendiocarb, 1.19, 1.18, 1.12. 1.29, 1.45 and 1.11-fold for carbaryl, suggesting monooxygenase involvement in bendiocarb and carbaryl resistance., Conclusion: The synergetic effect of PBO had the highest effect on bendiocarb and resistance level was significantly reduced, which indicates the important role of monoxidase enzyme in creating resistance to Bendiocarb. Piperonyl butoxide did not have a significant synergistic effect on carbaryl and did not significantly break the resistance.

Background: The number of valid of pathogen and non-pathogen species of Entamoeba has continuously increased in human and animals. This review is performed to provide an update list and some summarized information on Entamoeba species, which were identified up to the 2014., Methods: We evaluated the Entamoeba genus with a broad systematic review of the literature, books and electronic databases until February 2014. The synonyms, hosts, pathogenicity and geographical distribution of valid species were considered and recorded. Repeated and unrelated cases were excluded., Results: Totally 51 defined species of Entamoeba were found and arranged by the number of nuclei in mature cyst according to Levin's grouping. Seven of these species within the 4 nucleate mature cysts group and 1 species with one nucleate mature cyst are pathogen. E. histolytica, E. invadence, E. rananrum and E. anatis causes lethal infection in human, reptiles, amphibians and brides respectively, four species causes non-lethal mild dysentery. The other species were non-pathogen and are important to differential diagnosis of amoebiasis., Conclusion: There are some unknown true species of Entamoeba that available information on the morphology, hosts, pathogenicity and distribution of them are still very limited and more considerable investigation will be needed in order to clarify the status of them.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazole is used as routine treatment of disease. Some reports have confirmed the potential carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of this drug on fetus and indication of drug resistance. Verbascum thapsus belongs to the family of Scorphulariaceae. Its antiinflammatory properties, disinfectant and skin healing effects are well known. This plant has been used to treat diarrhea and genitourinary infection in traditional medicine. Effects of different concentrations of the Verbascum thapsus extract were tested on the growth and motility of T. vaginalis trophozoites. To evaluate the toxicity of extract, their effects on mice macrophages were measured by MTT([3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)- 2,5-diphenyle tetrazolium bromide ])assay. In this experimental study the effect of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract on induction apoptosis in T. vaginalis was determined by Flow Cytometry. Results were analyzed by Flow Jo software and the degree of apoptosis was determined. Toxicity percentage of 25-800 μg/ml concentrations of Verbascum thapsus alcoholic extract for mice macrophages was observed between 0.17-0.25 after 12 hours and they were between 0.25-0.42 and0.45-0.95 after 24 and 48h respectively. IC50 (inhibitory concentration, 50%) of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract and metronidazole after 24h was 39.17 and 0.0326 μg/ml respectively. Flow cytometry results showed the percent of apoptosis following treatment of trophozoites with different concentrations of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract (25, 50,100,200,400 μg/ml), were 20.7, 37.04, 47.5, 62.72 and 86.35 respectively, while in control group was 2.9. According to this study, Verbascum thapsus extract induces programmed death in T. vaginalis. It is recommended that Verbascum thapsus extract can be considered as a suitable choice for Medical Studies.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is common and endemic in many areas of Iran, caused by species of a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. There is not any effective vaccine against leishmaniasis; so, therapy is important for prevention and separation of disease. Herbal extract for treatment of CL is cost-effective, applicable topically to lesions, and can avoid the development of drug resistance., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo activity of an alcoholic extract of Hedera helix (a native Iranian plant) on the experimental ulcer of zoonotic CL in Balb/c mice., Materials and Methods: At least 5x l0(6) promastigotes of Leishmania major (MHOM/64/IR/ER75) were inoculated subcutaneously in the tail base of Balb/c mice. Fifty six infected mice were distributed in four groups, two groups (16 mice for 20% alcoholic extract of H. helix and 13 for 70% extract) were used as experimental groups, one (15 mice) as placebo control (Control A), and one (12 mice) as negative control. Treatment effects of two concentrations were determined by comparison of placebo and nontreated groups via measuring the size of skin lesions and the number of parasitologically positive and negative mice after the therapy period., Results: This study showed that the main lesion size did not decrease significantly, or the small lesions did not completely disappear after treatment by H. helix alcoholic extract. Amastigotes counts (mean ± SD) of the skin lesions decreased in control A and 20% concentration groups, but in negative control and 70% concentration groups the number of parasites did not reduce., Conclusions: The present study did not support the in vivo antileishmanial effect of H. helix extract. We recommend further studies using major components of H. helix, especially hederasaponin (saponin K10), to investigate the antileishmanial effect of this plant on L. major.

Many microscopic-based epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of human intestinal pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa including intestinal amoeba performed in Iran show a high prevalence of human intestinal amoeba in different parts of Iran. Such epidemiological studies on amoebiasis are confusing, mainly due to recently appreciated distinction between the Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Differential diagnosis can be done by some methods such as PCR-based methods, monoclonal antibodies and the analysis of isoenzyme typing, however the molecular study of these protozoa in Iran is low. Based on molecular studies, it seems that E. dispar is predominant species especially in the central and northern areas of Iran and amoebiasis due to E. histolytica is a rare infection in the country. It is suggested that infection with E. moshkovskii may be common among Iranians. Considering the importance of molecular epidemiology of amoeba in Iran and also the current data, the present study reviews the data currently available on the molecular distribution of intestinal human amoeba in Iran.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a health problem in many rural and urban regions of Iran and drug resistance has emerged as a major impediment in the treatment of leishmaniasis. This study aims to determine the drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR in some endemic areas of Iran., Methods: Ninety seven samples were collected from ulcers of leishmaniasis patients from some endemic areas of Iran. The Giemsa stained samples were examined microscopically and cultured in NNN and RPMI 1640 mediums for parasite detection. After DNA extraction, PCR was done by a pair of specific primers. For detection of mutation in DNA, first PCR products were electrophoresed on CSGE gel. The suspected samples were compared by sequencing and RFLP results were demonstrated. Comparison of DNA derived from a wild type cell and mutant cell was undertaken by CSGE and sequencing methods., Results: Among 90 isolates (92.8%) examined for detection of mutation in gene with CSGE and RFLP, 10 (11.1%) revealed a disorder in sequencing selection for unresponsive to drug., Conclusion: Drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis to sodium stiboglocanat is probably due to a mutation in a genome. A field study is needed to determine the distribution of drug resistance and other gene mutations involved in unresponsiveness to drugs in leishmaniasis endemic areas of Iran.

Background: Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease and metronidazole is a choice drug for its treatment. Because of disease importance in public health and its controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was carried out., Methods: Fifty-two suspected vaginal samples were collected from 2006 to 2007 in Gynecology Maryam Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All isolates were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques. The PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and CSGE methods and two suspected samples were sequenced., Results: Trichomonas vaginalis was identified from all 52 samples. Of 52 isolates, 45 samples were successfully cultured and amplified by PCR except one. Seven were positive only by PCR. Finally, ITS1 fragment was successfully amplified in 51 of 52. CSGE analysis and PCR products digestion by MspI followed by sequencing showed nucleotide mutation at position 209 (C209T) of the ITS1 fragment in two (3.9%) of them., Conclusion: The results showed mutation in ITS1 fragment of T. vaginalis in two (3.9%) of Iranian isolates which may be related to metronidazole resistance.

Objective: We evaluated the relationship between opium consumption and bladder cancer (BC) in a case-control study of an Iranian population., Materials and Methods: In a hospital-based case-control study of 179 patients with BC and 179 cancer-free controls frequency-matched by age, sex, and smoking status, we investigated the relationship between opium consumption and BC. A comprehensive epidemiologic interview was conducted on all participants to collect personal information, such as demographics and smoking status., Results: Overall, we found significant age, sex, cigarette smoking adjusted association between BC risk and opium consumption, [odds ratio (OR) = 4.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.53-6.28]. The elevated risk was more evident in older individuals (OR = 5.42; 95% CI, 4.12-7.28) than younger individuals (OR = 3.65; 95% CI, 2.76-4.76) (P = 0.01). Heavy smokers with the opium consumption exhibited a 6-fold elevated risk for BC (OR = 6.16; 95% CI, 3.34-8.32) (P = 0.0001). When stratified according to different grades of BC, a 3.4-fold increased risk was associated with the opium consumption in grade III with an OR of 3.44 (95% CI, 2.82-8.28) (P = 0.001). A similar but slightly higher risk was also seen in case of grade IV tumors (OR = 3.86; 95% CI, 2.14-10.16) (P = 0.001). Invasive bladder tumors were more common among the opiates users (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.44-5.42) (P = 0.01). Cumulative risk of BC in women with opium consumption (OR = 4.10 95% CI, 3.54-5.88) (P = 0.001) was slightly less than in men (OR = 5.10 95% CI, 3.54-5.88) (P = 0.0001). Based on Pearson correlations, the risk of BC significantly correlated with opium dependence duration (r = 0.74, P = 0.001), type of opiate used (r = 0.65, P = 0.001), and simultaneous cigarette smoking (r = 0.74, P = 0.0001)., Conclusion: The results indicated that there is about 5-fold increase in risk of developing this cancer in the presence of opium consumption. Further research is needed to investigate the functional implications of the opium consumption in BC., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Knowledge of the normal range of brain weight is a useful parameter in diagnosis of many pathological conditions. There are racial differences as well as other variables in any population affecting the brain weight. We conducted this study to determine the brain weight in healthy adult Iranian population among both sexes in order to formulate a standard reference range taking into account the variables of age, sex, weight, BMI and height., Materials & Methods: Prospective analysis of data from 1308 forensic autopsies of Iranian adults from 23 June 2008 to 22 June 2009 was performed. All subjects were Iranian adults dying of short survival injury time (<15 min) from unnatural deaths who showed no pathological changes., Results: Brain weight, body weight, body height and BMI were evaluated in 1143 subjects, including 856 males and 287 females, ranging 16-88 years old. Brain weight in males and females was 1322.45 ± 117.05 and 1219.03 ± 127.85 gm respectively (P = 0.001). A negative significant correlation between age and brain weight was seen in both sexes (P = 0.001). Moreover, there was a positive significant correlation between body height and Brain weight in males and females (P = 0.001)., Conclusions: The study indicated higher values in males than females. The observed correlation of brain weight with age, weight and body height was more prominent in females. The results revealed that body height and age in males and body height, weight and age in females may play a predictive role in estimation of brain weight., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Background: We examined a molecular method with a single-PCR for amplification of a part of CP5 gene enabling us to differentiate the pathogenic species, Entamoeba histolytica, from the non-pathogenic species, E. dispar., Methods: We developed a single PCR method for this purpose. After investigation of GenBank, primer pairs were designed from highly conserved regions of cysteine proteinase (CP5) gene. The primers were utilized in PCR using isolated genomic DNA template of E. histolytica and the PCR products were then sequenced. The same primer and method for PCR was used for isolated genomic DNA template of E. dispar., Results: A fragment of about 950 bp was isolated in PCR by using DNA from E. histolytica, however, no banding pattern was produced by using the same primers for E. dispar. We characterized CP5 gene at molecular level in E. histolytica isolates from 22 positive; including 20 non-dysentery samples isolated from both cities as well as two dysentery samples isolated only from Tabriz. Nucleotide sequence comparison in gene data banks (NCBI, NIH) revealed significant homology with CP5 gene in E. histolytica isolates, Conclusion: We developed a PCR method, which could detect simply and rapidly E. histolytica by amplifying a specific PCR fragment.