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Background: The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is known for nutrient-recycling through the bioconversion of organic waste into protein-rich insect larvae that can be processed into an animal feed ingredient. However, information on species distribution and its genetic structure in Iran is scarce. Methods and results: We directed a survey on the Caspian Sea coast, with a reconstructing demographic relationships study using two parts of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COI) gene (barcode and 3' end regions) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) to identify BSF' genetic diversity in retrospect to the global diversity and the potential origin of the Iranian BSF population. Larvae and adults were recovered from highly decomposed poultry manure, in May 2020. Sequence analysis of both regions of COI gene (about 1500 bp) revealed a single haplotype, identical to that of haplotype C, a worldwide commercial strain originated from Nearctic, Palearctic, or African biogeographic regions. However, the ITS2 locus was confirmed to be invariable across samples from diverse biogeographic regions. Conclusion: The results proved the presence of BSF in north of Iran. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty when and where this species first established in Iran, and they have likely been released to nature due to the existence of companies importing and breeding such flies. Due to heavy international trading, the introduction and settlement of this fly in the southern coasts of the country is highly suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drosophila melanogaster flies are smooth, low upkeep and safe model organisms, they can be effortlessly used in different fields of life sciences like genomics, biotechnology, genetics, disease model, and Wolbachia-based approaches to fight vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Methods: Fruit fly specimens were collected in 25 districts (14 provinces) of Iran and their morphological recognition was proven by molecular analysis based on sequence homology of mitochondrial COI barcode region. Essential information and specific requirements were provided for laboratory rearing of D. melanogaster. Results: Drosophila melanogaster colonies were found in 23 out of 25 districts. Also, five related species coincident with D. melanogaster were reported in this study including D. ananassae/D. parapallidosa, D. hydei, D. repleta, Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae). The Iranian D. melanogaster molecular signature and their rearing techniques have been described here. The complete life cycle, from (egg to adult), takes approximately 8 days at 25 °C. Some biological points have been presented with highlighting capturing, rearing, culturing, and embryo collection along with primitive recognition and segregation between females and males have been presented. A recipe for culture media and the quantity of various ingredients have been provided. Conclusion: This is the first report on the D. repleta and D. ananassae/D. parapallidosa species for the country. Results of this study provide efficient and effective rearing procedures which are requirement for both small-scale for facilitating entomological research and large-scale use in justifiable vector control management such as disease model or Dengue control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anopheles stephensi is the main vector of malaria in Iran. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility of An. stephensi from the south of Iran to bendiocarb and to investigate biochemical and molecular resistance mechanisms in this species. Methods: Wild An. stephensi were collected from Hormozgan Province and reared to the adult stage. The susceptibility test was conducted according to the WHO protocols using bendiocarb impregnated papers supplied by WHO. Also, field An. Stephensi specimens were collected from south of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchistan Provinces. To determine the G119S mutation in the acetylcholinesterase (Ace1) gene, PCR-RFLP using AluI restriction enzyme and PCR direct-sequencing were performed for the three field populations and compared with the available GenBank data. Also, biochemical assays were performed to measure alpha and beta esterases, insensitive acetylcholinesterase, and oxidases in the strains. Results: The bioassay tests showed that the An. stephensi field strain was resistant to bendiocarb (mortality rate 89%). Ace1 gene analysis revealed no G119S in the three field populations. Blast search of sequences revealed 98–99% identity with the Ace1 gene from Pakistan and India respectively. Also, the results of biochemical tests revealed the high activity of non-sensitive acetylcholinesterase, alpha and beta-esterase in the resistant strain compared to the susceptible strain. No G119S was detected in this study additionally the enhanced enzyme activity of esterases and acetylcholinesterase suggesting that resistance was metabolic. Conclusion: The use of alternative malaria control methods and the implementation of resistance management strategies are suggested in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this review was to describe the application of molecular methods in epidemiological aspects of malaria vectors, parasites, and human hosts in Iran and their critical role in malaria control and elimination programs. Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched systematically for original published papers on PCR, the molecular identification of malaria vectors, the molecular epidemiology of malaria, insecticide resistance, and drug-resistant parasites, in Iran. In total, 51 studies on molecular entomology and 36 studies on molecular parasitology of malaria and three on human host were selected. Results: Molecular methods are essential for improving the detection of malaria infection and monitoring antimalarial drugs and insecticide resistance in malaria elimination settings such as Iran. Conclusion: The application of molecular methods may be of particular interest for malaria control/elimination programs, for monitoring progress towards malaria elimination, and for optimal orientation of program activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria continues to be the main vector-borne disease in Iran. The endemic foci of malaria are in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, the borderline of Iran and Pakistan. By the year 2020 the program of the country is malaria elimination. The main vector control is using insecticide as Indoor Residual Spraying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the susceptibility of main malaria vectors to different insecticides recommended by WHO., Methods: All the insecticides papers supported by WHO and evaluation of insecticide resistance of Anopheles stephensi , Anopheles culicifacies , Anopheles superpictus to different chemical groups of imagicides including DDT 4%, malathion 5%, propoxur 01.%, lambdacyhalothrin 0.05%, deltamethrin 0.025% and permethrin 0.75% were followed by the WHO guideline., Results: Results of the susceptibility test against different insecticides revealed that An. stephensi and An. culicifacies are resistant to DDT and susceptible to other insecticides. An. superpictus is susceptible to all groups of pesticides., Conclusion: Knowledge on insecticide resistance in target species is a basic requirement to guide insecticide use in malaria control programmes in local and global scales., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)