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Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is one of the neglected tropical diseases. We aimed to verify the genetic diversity of S. stercoralis with attention to clinical features of the infection in patients using the Cox1 gene and DNA sequencing. Methods: Using parasitological methods, S. stercoralis was isolated from stool samples of patients who had been referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The patients originated from three endemic provinces of Iran including Guilan and Mazandaran in the north and Khouzestan in the south of Iran. After recording the clinical symptoms of the patients, DNA extraction of the isolates, PCR, and sequencing of the Cox1 gene region were performed. The gene sequences were analyzed by Chromas, Bio edit, and Dna SP 6.0, and phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 7. Results: Overall 10 isolates of S. stercoralis were collected from patients 55 to 73 years old. Among the patients, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous clinical symptoms were the most common, respectively. Ten isolates were classified into 4 haplotypes, 2 of which were specific to this study. Haplotypes 2 and 3 were placed in a subclade with haplotypes including isolates from dogs in Cambodia. Haplotype 4 which is hereby introduced in the world for the first time included an isolate from a patient with hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis. Conclusion: The Cox1 gene showed genetic diversity for S. stercoralis isolates. Accordingly, no significant genetic difference was observed between the sequences from patients with hyper-infection and non-hyper-infection. The only isolate from a patient with disseminated and hyper-infection strongyloidiasis was genetically different from all other isolates in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is one of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in tropical and subtropical regions. The role of lipid profile has been investigated in the survival of larval stages of helminths, but there is limited information about the role of lipid profiles and strongyloidiasis. Hence, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in patients with hyperlipidemia is compared with the nonhyperlipidemia. Methods: In 2023, participants were selected from the laboratory of Porsina Hospital in Guilan Province, northern Iran and their lipid profiles including TG, CHOL, LDL, HDL, and VLDL were measured. They were divided into two groups of case and control and matched based on sex and age. S. stercoralis Ab (IgG) was measured by ELISA methods, using the NovaTec kit. Finally, statistical analysis was performed. Results: Each case and control group consisted of 105 participants, from 13 to 80 years old. 56.66% were female and 43.33% were male. The sero-prevalence of S. stercoralis was found 4.76% in the case group compared to 0.95% in the control group. We found an association between TG fall and VLDL with sero-prevalence of S. stercoralis in hyperlipidemia group (P= 0.034), but other lipid profiles did not show a significant association. A significant relationship was found between contact with dogs and seroprevalence of S. stercoralis (P=0.001). Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of S. stercoralis in the case group was 5 times higher than the control group. A significant association between TG and VLDL fall with S. stercoralis Ab (IgG) was observed, but future studies with more sample sizes are suggested to investigate the anti-atherogenic effect of S. stercoralis. Also, a genetic assessment of S. stercoralis and the host (humane and dogs) is recommended to research zoonotic potential in epidemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stray cats are considered an important source of various human and animal diseases, particularly diseases of parasitic helminths. We aimed to investigate the distribution of zoonotic species of gastrointestinal helminths in stray cats in Meshkin-Shahr district in Ardabil Province in the northwest of Iran. Methods: The gastrointestinal tract of 104 stray cats from villages of Meshkin-Shahr district were provided during 2014-2015. Each gastrointestinal tract was cut into distinct sections, including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and each section was examined separately for detection of helminths. Helminths were collected and then identified at the species level after clearing and staining. Results: Overall, 88 out of 104 cats (84.6%) were found to be infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth. The rate of infection for each species was as follows: Toxocara mystax (syn. cati) (49%), Taenia taeniaeformis (44.2%), Joyexiella pasqualei (32.7%), Dipylidium caninum (23.1%), Rictularia cahirensis (4.8%), and Physaloptera praeputialis (4.8%). Among these parasites, only Ph. praeputialis was collected from the stomach, all other helminths were collected from the small intestine. Conclusion: The results demonstrate a high infection rate of stray cats with zoonotic helminths. The presence of zoonotic species in stray cats, particularly T. mystax, has public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l), is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. Kenya is one of the high endemic countries of CE with the endemic areas in the country being under immense occupation of traditional pastoralists. Turkana area in Kenya, has in the past recorded the highest prevalence of CE in the world. Methods: The keywords cystic echinococcosis; Prevalence; Diagnosis; Risk-factors; Kenya were searched on google scholar and PubMed and the important literature materials retrieved for further analysis. Results: The most notable infection risk-factor for this disease in the country is the close association between man, dogs, and livestock. Successful control of CE in Kenya requires application of innovative interventions achieved after the review of the disease situation in the country. With the emergence and advent of new diagnostic techniques, CE organ-specific infections and transmission pattern in Kenya differ from what is commonly reported in literature. Conclusion: A better understanding of CE prevalence of different hosts, its transmission pattern and the pathogenicity might make it possible to set up more effective control programs in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polycephalic larva of Taeniidae family isolated from abdominal cavity of a great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) from Golestan province, northern Iran, was subjected to molecular analysis. Genomic DNA from the larva was obtained using a DNA extraction tissue kit. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification of the partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes. BLAST analysis of DNA sequencing indicated 99.00% homology in 12S rRNA and cox1 genes and 98.00% homology in nad1 gene with Hydatigera krepkogorski (accession No. AB731762). The sequences of current isolate were deposited in GenBank by accession Nos. MF281971, MF281972 and MF281973 for 12 SrRNA, cox1 and nad1 genes, respectively. This study was the first report of molecular characterization of H. krepkogorski from Iran. Isolation and characterization of the adult stage from definitive host will help to better clarify incomplete life cycle and morphology data of this species in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, some microsporidial and coccidian parasites were isolated from 103 domestic cats in the Meshkin Shahr area, northwestern Iran during the Jun 2014 to Jun 2015, and their genera were identified using parasitological methods with emphasis on their zoonotic importance. Methods: One hundred and three fecal samples of domestic cats were collected and preserved in formalin (10%) and conserved in phosphate buffer saline solution, finally examined by microscopy after formalin-ether concentration and specific staining. Preservation in dichromate potassium (2.5%) was performed for all coccidian positive samples and then sporulated coccidian oocysts were investigated. Results: The detected parasites were Isospora spp. 6/103(5.8%). Microsporidian spores were identified in 46/103 (44.6%) of all samples post-stained by the aniline blue staining method. Conclusion: Microsporidial infections were more prevalent in domestic cats. Further studies are needed in the identification of microsporidial spores isolated from infected cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polycephalic larva of Taeniidae family isolated from abdominal cavity of a great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) from Golestan province, northern Iran, was subjected to molecular analysis. Genomic DNA from the larva was obtained using a DNA extraction tissue kit. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification of the partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes. BLAST analysis of DNA sequencing indicated 99.00% homology in 12S rRNA and cox1 genes and 98.00% homology in nad1 gene with Hydatigera krepkogorski (accession No. AB731762). The sequences of current isolate were deposited in GenBank by accession Nos. MF281971, MF281972 and MF281973 for 12 SrRNA, cox1 and nad1 genes, respectively. This study was the first report of molecular characterization of H. krepkogorski from Iran. Isolation and characterization of the adult stage from definitive host will help to better clarify incomplete life cycle and morphology data of this species in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study is aimed to diagnose and analyze strongyloidiasis in a population of an endemic area of Iran using nested-PCR, coupled with parasitological methods. Background: Screening of strongyloidiasis infected people using reliable diagnostic techniques are essential to decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with this infection. Molecular methods have been proved to be highly sensitive and specific for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in stool samples. Methods: A total of 155 fresh single stool samples were randomly collected from residents of north and northwest of Khouzestan Province, Iran. All samples were examined by parasitological methods including formalin-ether concentration and nutrient agar plate culture, and molecular method of nested-PCR. Infections with S. stercoralis were analyzed according to demographic criteria. Results: Based on the results of nested-PCR method 15 cases (9.7%) were strongyloidiasis positive. Nested-PCR was more sensitive than parasitological techniques on single stool sampling. Elderly was the most important population index for higher infectivity with S. stercoralis. Conclusion: In endemic areas of S. stercoralis, old age should be considered as one of the most important risk factors of infection, especially among the immunosuppressed individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Majority of parasitic infections in rodents have zoonotic importance. This study aimed to determine the frequency and intensity of intestinal protozoa infections of rodents including Meriones persicus, Mus musculus and, Cricetulus migratorius. Methods: This survey was conducted in Meshkin Shahr district in northwestern Iran from Mar. to Dec. of 2014. Intestinal samples of 204 rodents including M. persicus (n=117), M. musculus (n=63) and C. migratorius (n=24) were parasitologically examined. Formalin-ether concentration method was done for all of rodents stool samples and observed with light microscope. All of suspected cases were stained with trichorome staining Method. Cultivation in dichromate potassium 2.5% was carried out for all of coccidian positive samples. Acid fast and aniline blue staining methods were used for detecting of coccidian oocysts and intestinal microsporidial spores, respectively. Results: About 121(59.3%) of the caught rodents were generally infected with intestinal protozoa. Entamoeba muris 14(6.9%), Trichomonas muris 55(27.0%), Chilomastix betencourtti 17 (8.3%), Giardia muris 19(9.3%), Eimeria spp. 46(22.5%), Isospora spp. 4(2%) and Cryptosporidium spp. 1(0.5%) were found from the collected rodents. Microsporidian spores were identified in 63 (31%) out of the 204 collected rodents using aniline blue staining method. Conclusion: Since some of the infections are zoonotic importance thus, control of rodents can be decreased new cases of the parasitic zoonoses in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was the seroepidemiological survey for detecting the status of human fasciolosis in Lorestan Province, western Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015-16. Based on statistical estimations, 1256 serum samples were collected from different parts of Lorestan Province, western Iran, and stored at -20 °C until use. The collected serum samples were analyzed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran using indirect ELISA method. Results: Anti-Fasciola antibodies were detected in 16 (1.3%) individuals. Regarding the seropositivity to fasciolosis, no significant differences were found between age groups, sex, level of education and occupation; however significant differences were observed regarding location, consuming local freshwater plants and water resources (P<0.02.). Conclusion: Local freshwater plants and unfiltered water resources were probably the main sources of the infection. Health education by local health centers to elevate awareness of people, and providing facilities for safer drinking water, especially in rural areas may help decrease the risk of fasciolosis infection in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carnivore carcasses on the roads can be regarded as study materials in parasitology and eco-epidemiology. Stray carnivores such as dogs and cats are known to harbor so many different pathogens like zoonotic helminthes. The current investigation, apparent the status of the helminthic parasites found in road killed carnivores from different parts of Guilan Province north of Iran. Methods: Fifty road killed carnivores including 27 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 11 golden jackals (Canis aureus) and 12 stray cats (Felis catus) were collected from 21 locations of Guilan Province, during Apr to Nov 2015. Internal organs of the carcasses, including digestive tract, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, skin, eyes as well as muscles were carefully inspected and sampled for helminthological investigation. Results: About 80% of the 50 carnivores, (stray dogs 77.77%, golden jackals 81.81%, and stray cats 91.66%) were found naturally infected with helminthic parasites. Dipylidum caninum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Dirofilaria immitis, Dioctophyma renale, Dipylidum caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides spp., Taenia hydatigena, Taenia hydatigera, Joyuxiella spp., Spirometra spp. are reported herein. Conclusion: The prevalent occurrence of zoonotic helminthes such as T. canis, T. cati, T. leonina, E. granulosus, D. immitis and D. renale in stray carnivores should be considered as a public health hazard, specifically within a vast tourism area like Guilan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rodents play an important role as reservoir of some pathogens, and the host of some ectoparasites as well. These ectoparasites can transmit rodents' pathogens to human or animals. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and infestation load of ectoparasites on rodents in Meshkin-Shahr District, northwestern Iran. Method: Rodents were captured using baited live traps in spring 2014 from Meshkin-Shahr District and were transferred to the laboratory for identification to the species level. Their ectoparasites were collected, mounted and identified. Results: Three rodent species including Meriones persicus (74%), Mus musculus (16.9%) and Cricetulus migrato- rius (9%) were identified. Among all rodents, 185 specimens (90.69%) were infested with a total of 521 ectopara- sites. Overall, 10 arthropods species were collected, including fleas (97.6%), one mite (1.6%) and one louse species (0.6%) as follows: Xenopsylla nubica, X. astia, X. buxtoni, X. cheopis, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, N. iranus, Cten- ocephalides felis, Ctenophthalmus rettigismiti, Ornithonyssus sp and one species of genus Polyplax. The most prev- alent ectoparasites species was X. nubica (89%). Conclusion: Nearly all rodent species were infested with Xenopsylla species. Monitoring of ectoparasites on infested rodents is very important for awareness and early warning towards control of arthropod-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]