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Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan with worldwide distribution. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is a very critical issue, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was rapid detection of T. gondii DNA in peripheral blood samples (PBS) employing HRM technique and using RE gene., Methods: Totally, 242 samples from pregnant women and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients were collected from different hospitals and medical centers of Tehran during Oct 2017 to Dec 2018. High resolution melting analysis (HRM) using partial sequences of repetitive element (RE) gene was done and compared with ELISA test., Results: Overall, 51 were positive for acute toxoplasmosis that among them, 12 and 20 reported as positive in pregnant women and HIV + patients, respectively using HRM technique. Among 70 patients in chronic phase of disease, 10 and 3 samples were reported as positive for pregnant women and HIV + patients respectively. From 121 negative control, 3 (4.62%) samples associated with HIV + patients, showed positive real-time PCR and HRM analysis results., Conclusion: For the first time, HRM technique via employing RE gene was used for detection of T. gondii infection in PBS. This method is suitable, helpful and in parallel with serological methods for early diagnosis of acute as well as active form of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and HIV + patients. The use of techniques based on melt curve and through employing next-generation dyes for diagnosis of T. gondii would be accessible for patients in developing countries., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this work., (Copyright© Iranian Public Health Association & Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Iran universities of medical sciences have experienced a period of expansion in past decades. Now previous concerns are alleviated, and the former quantity-based policy has given a way to a more quality-seeking attitude. In this study, we developed a planning model for expansion and stagnation of higher education in Iranian universities of medical sciences based on workforce requirements of the country and capabilities of the universities. The plan provided an objectively documented base for the authorities to decide on developmental limits of universities. We devised guidelines for justifying existing programs within universities, assigning new undergraduate and postgraduate programs to universities, voluntary request of universities to cancel a program, and their request to offer new programs for the first time in the country, based on three factors: university educational status, each university-program educational status and the nation's need for each discipline. Related councils of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education legitimately approved the plan and guidelines. In this article, we introduced the methodology of developing the plan, described it and its related guidelines and discussed challenges and limitations we encountered in design and application phases.