Helminth parasites of Rhombomys opimus from golestan province, northeast Iran

The aim of the study was to determine the helminthic species occurring in great gerbil Rhombomys opimus collected from Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, northeast Iran. During 2010-2011, a total of 77 R. opimus were captured from rural areas of Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, using Sherman live traps and examined for infectivity with any larva or adult stages of helminthic parasites. Overall, 63 R. opimus [81.8%] were found infected with different helminthic species. The rate of infectivity with each species was as follows: Trichuris rhombomidis 31.2%, Trichuris muris 32.5%, Trichuris spp. 10.4%, Syphacia muris 2.6%, Dipetalonema viteae [Acanthocheilonema viteae] 37.7%, Skrjabinotaenia lobata 15.6%, Hymenolepis [=Rodentolepis] nanafraterna 5.2%, and Taenia endothoracicus larva 1.3%. R. opimus is host for several species of cestodes and nematodes in the study area. The high rate of infectivity with D. viteae indicates the susceptibility of these gerbils to this filarial nematode. Synchronous infections occurred up to four species of helminthes in one host

Differential detection of echinococcus Spp. copro-DNA by nested-PCR in domestic and wild definitive hosts in moghan plain, Iran

Despite Echinococcus granulosus there are merely two old reports of E. multilocularis infection among Iranian canids of Moghan Plain, the only area known endemic for the species. We detected specific DNA markers in fecal samples by PCR [Copro-PCR] for differential diagnosis of Echinococcus species in living canids. Totally 144 fecal samples from domestic dogs, red foxes and a golden jackal were examined for genus-specific Echinococcus coproantigens using ELISA. Forty two positive or ambiguous samples were further examined for Echinococcus species-specific DNA markers by two different set of nested-PCR. Twenty five out of 144 [17.4%] animals were contaminated with E. granulosus including 14 [23.7%] domestic dogs, 10 [11.9%] red foxes and one [100%] golden jackal. But none of them harboured E. multilocularis species-specific Copro-DNA. The overall prevalence of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections in canids of the area was estimated to be 17.4% and 0.0%, respectively. There was a significant relation between the results of Copro-PCR and CA-ELISA. The lack of E. multilocularis infection, compared to previous reports may be due to the differences in used diagnostic methods and/or recently limited territories of wild canids and altered their food resources in this particular area

Sequence analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer [ITS2] region of rDNA for species identification of trichostrongylus nematodes isolated from domestic livestock in Iran

Infectivity of herbivores with Trichostrongylus nematodes is widespread in many countries, having a major economic impact on breeding, survivability, and productivity of domestic livestock. This study was carried out on Trichostrongylus species isolated from domestic livestock in order to develop an easy-to-perform method for species identification. Trichostrongylus isolates were collected from sheep, goat, cattle, and buffaloes in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. Primary species identification was carried out based on morphological characterization of male worms. PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed on genomic DNA and the products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence data was conducted employing Bayesian Inference approach. Consequently, a restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] profile was designed to differentiate Trichostrongylus species. A consensus sequence of 238 nucleotides was deposited in the GenBank for Iranian isolates of Trichostrongylus species including T. colubriformis, T. capricola, T. probolurus and T. vitrinus. The designated RFLP using restriction enzyme TasI could readily differentiate among species having different ITS2 sequence. The molecular analysis was in concordance with morphological findings. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship among the sequences obtained in this study and reference sequence of relevant species. ITS2-RFLP with TasI is recommended for molecular differentiation of common Trichostrongylus species

[Investigating the efficiency of ultraviolet irradiation for inactivation of free living nematodes in water]

Free living nematodes due to their active movement and resistance to chlorination; don't remove in conventional water treatment processes thus can be entered to distribution systems and cause adverse health effects. UV irradiation can be used as a method of inactivating these organisms. This study is done to investigate the effect of ultraviolet lamp on inactivation of free living nematode [Rhabitidae] in water. The effects of duration of irradiation, turbidity, temperature, UV dose and pH are investigated in this study. Ultraviolet lamp used in this study was a 11 watt lamp with intensity of 24 micro w / cm[2]. Contact time required to achieve 100% efficiency for larvae nematodes and adults were 9 and 10 minutes, respectively. Increase of turbidity up to 25 NTU decreased inactivation efficiency of larvae and adult nematodes from 100% to 66% and 100% to 64%, respectively. Change in pH ranged from 6 to 9 did not affect the efficiency of inactivation. With increasing temperature inactivation rate increased. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between the increase in contact time, temperature rise and turbidity reduction with inactivation efficiency of lamp]p<0.001[. Also the effect of the lamp on inactivation of larvae nematode was more than the adults

Molecular diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection by PCR detection of specific DNA in human stool samples

Strongyloidiasis is mostly an asymptomatic infection and diagnosis of latent infections is difficult due to limitations of current parasitological and serological methods. This study was conducted to set up a PCR-based method for molecular diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection by detection of copro-DNA in stool samples. A total of 782 fresh stool samples were collected and examined by agar plate culture. Among those sixteen stool samples, which confirmed to be infected with S. stercoralis were examined as positive control to set up each single and nested PCR, using two primer sets designing to amplify partial ribosomal DNA of S. stercoralis genome. Since, single PCR method yielded higher efficacy in detecting positive samples, in the second step, 30 stool samples, which found negative for S. stercoralis by agar plate culture of single stool sample, were examined by single PCR. Data analysis was performed using McNemar's chi[2] test, with consideration of a P-value of <0.05 as indication of significant difference. In amplification of DNA extracted from stool samples, single PCR detected S. stercoralis DNA target in all 16 positive samples, while nested PCR amplified DNA in only 75% of samples. In the second step, single PCR amplified S. stercoralis extracted DNA in 5 out of 30 samples which were negative by coproculture. Single PCR method amplifying a short [100bp] target represented more efficacies for detection of S. stercoralis in faecal examination compared to agar plate culture and nested PCR, which amplified longer target

Endoparasites of rodents and their zoonotic importance in Germi, Dashte-Mogan, Ardabil province, Iran

In order to verify the infectivity of rodents with endoparasites in Germi [Dashte-Mogan, Ardabil Province] the current study was undertaken. Using live traps, 177 rodents were trapped during 2005-2007. in field laboratory, all rodents were bled prior to autopsy, frozen at -20[degree sign] C, and shipped to the School of public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In parasitological laboratory, every rodent was dissected and its different organs were examined for the presence of any parasite. Blood thick and thin smears as well as impression smears of liver and spleen were stained with Geimsa and examined microscopically. Two species of rodents were trapped; Meriones persicus [90.4%] and Microtus socialis [9.6%]. The species of parasites found in M. persicus and their prevalences were as follows: Hymenolepis diminuta [38.8%], Hymenolepis nana [2.5%], Trichuris sp. [40.6], Mesocestoides larva [=tetraptrathyridium] [3.1%], Capillaria hepatica [6.9%], Moniliformis moniliformis [11.3%], Syphacia obvelata [2.5%], Taenia endothoracicus larva [0.6%], Physaloptera sp. [0.6%], Dentostomella translucida [0.6%, Heligmosomum mixtum [0.6%], Strobilocercus fasciolaris [0.6%], and Aspiculuris tetraptera [11.8%]. There were no statistical differences between male and female for infectivity with parasites in either M. persicus or M. socialis. No blood or tissue protozoan parasite was found in any of the rodents examined. Among different species identified, some had zoonotic importance. Therefore, the potential health hazard of these species needs to be considered to prevent infectivity of humans

Prevalence of Echinococcus spp. infection using coproantigen ELISA among canids of Moghan plain, Iran

Echinococcosis is one of the most important helminthic zoonotic diseases in Iran. Intestinal Scraping Technique [IST], the traditional method for diagnosis of the infection in definitive hosts, has many disadvantages including low susceptibility and being expensive, hazardous and laborious. Detection of coproantigens in fecal samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [CA-ELISA] is known as a useful tool for intravital mass-screening of definitive host populations. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. infection among canids in Moghan plain, the only area in Iran known to be endemic for E. multilocularis. One hundred thirty eight fecal samples were collected from red foxes and domestic dogs in three counties of Moghan plain namely Pars Abad, Bileh Savar and Germi. The samples were examined using an ELISA, designed for the detection of Echinococcus-specific coproantigen and the formalin-ether concentration method as well. Totally, out of 138 fecal samples, 27 [21.6%] turned positive for Echinococcus. Coproantigen was detected in 16.7% and 27.1% of red foxes and domestic dogs, respectively. Formalin-ether concentration method revealed that 43 [31.2%] of samples harbored at least one parasitic helminth, but Taenia eggs were detected only in 3 fecal samples. Since coproantigen presence reflects current intestinal infection with adult worms, CA-ELISA can be regarded as one of the most useful immunological tools for diagnosis of Echinococcus infection. Besides, the high susceptibility, low cost and rapidity

survey on intestinal parasitic infections in patients referred to a hospital in Tehran

To determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in people referred to Kashani Hospital Tehran during Summar season in 2005. Fecal samples were examined by direct examination, formalin-ether concentration and staining with Ziehl-Neelsen. To identify Strongyloides stercoralis samples were cultured on the nutrient agar medium. In a total of 205 cases examined 29.75% were found infected with at least one parasite. The rates was as follows: Blastocystis hominis 20.9%, Giardia lamblia 5.36%, lodamoeba butschelii 0.48%, Dientamoeba fragilis 0.48%, Trichomonas hominis 0.48%, Endolimax nana 0.97%, Enterobius vermicularis 0.48% and Taenia 0.48%. Results included the significance of Giordia infection in children along with symptoms. 76.74% of patients with Blastocystis infection have presented with intestinal symptoms. More research is encouraged to identify the relationship of B. hominis and the symptoms

Comparison of five simple methods for DNA extraction from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces for PCR-amplification of ribosomal DNA

Cystic hydatid disease is an important zoonosis, affecting humans and animals and is a significant public health and economic problem throughout the world and Iran. Since extraction of DNA from the parasite is a primary and crucial step which has a principal effect on PCR results, in the current study five simple methods for DNA extraction from protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus were applied and compared with each other. After collecting hydatid cysts from an abattoir, DNA samples were extracted from two cyst isolates from sheep, two from goats and two from camels using five different methods involving the use of glass beads, mechanical grinder, freeze-thaw, boiling and crushing. For all DNA samples extracted, one PCR assay based on amplifying rDNA-ITS1 region was performed and amplicons resolved on 1.5% agarose gels. The methods were compared regarding to DNA and PCR bands, time and cost effectiveness and laborious amount. The target DNA was successfully amplified from all samples using all methods produced an expected band size. All methods showed some advantages and disadvantages in PCR gels. The boiling method, which was the most time and cost effectiveness method, achieved the thickest bands in the PCR following grinder, crushing, freeze-thaw and glass beads. Boiling and crushing methods were the most suitable methods regarding their amplicon quality, easiness, quickness and cost effectiveness

Ectoparasites of rodents captured in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran

Rodents play important role as hot of ectoparasites and reservoir of different zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to asses the infestation of commensal rodents with ectoparasites in Bandar Abbas, a port city located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf in Iran. Rodents were captured using live traps during the study period in year 2007. after transferring the rodents to the laboratory, they were identified and then their ectoparasites were collected and mounted for species identification using appropriate systematic keys. A total of 77 rodents were identified including Rattus norvegicus [74%], R. rattus [16.9%], Mus musculus [7.8%] and one hamster. Among all rodents, 40.3% were found infested with ectoparasites. A total of 6 ectoparasites were collected comprising flea, lice, mite and tick. Two species fleas; Xenopsylaa cheopis and X. astia were identified with higher index of X. astia. Two genera of ticks including Hyalomma sp. And Rhipicephalus sp. Were identified. Laelaps nuttalli was the only mite found. The Polyplax spinulosa was considered as lice ectoparasite. Among all arthropods collected, flea and lice had the most and the least frequency, respectively. Nearly all rodent species were infested with Xenopsylla. These fleas are important due to their role in plague and murine ty-phus transmission. Ticks are important due to their role in CCHF [Crimean-Cong Hemorrhagic Fever], theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis transmission. Monitoring of ectoparaiste infestation is important for preparedness and early warning preparation for possible control of arthropod-borne diseases

Seasonal activity of ticks and their importance in tick- borne infectious diseases in west Azerbaijan, Iran

West Azerbaijan is considered as a main region for domestic animal breeding. Due to importance of herd as a main host and ticks as a vector of relapsing fever and CCHF, a comprehensive study was undertaken in the region. Outdoor, indoor collection as well as ticks stick to the animals' body were collected and identified. The study was conducted during the whole seasons in 2004-2005. During four seasons a total of 2728 ticks of two families [Ixodidae and Argasidae] were collected comprising 7 genera of 5 hard ticks and two genera of soft ticks including Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Boophilus and Dermacentor. The soft ticks were Ornithodoros and Argas. These 7 genera included 18 species. The main species were Haemaphysalis inermis, H. punctata, H. sulcata, H. numidiana, H. concinna, Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. anatolicum, Hy. detritum, Hy. dromedarii, Hy. asiaticum, Hy. schulzei, H. aegyptium, Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sangiuneus, Dermacentor marginatus, Boophilus annulatus, Ornithodoros lahorensis, and Argas persicus. Frequency of ticks during different seasons was different. A pyrethroid insecticide, cypermethrin, which is widely used for tick control was tested against soft ticks. The test method was based on WHO recommendation. At the LD50 level A. persicus needs more concentration than O. lahorensis. Ornithodoros and Argas are the more prevalent soft ticks in the region. Distribution and prevalence of hard ticks was varied in different seasons. Results of this study will provide a clue for vectors of tick-borne diseases in the region for local authorities for implementation of tick control

Scarab beetle [coleoptera: scarabaeidae] fauna in Ardabil province, north west Iran

Dung beetles of Coleoptera associated to undisturbed cattle droppings in pastures present great diversity and abundance. Dung beetles also play an important role for transmission of some helminthes to human and cattle. This study was made to survey the biodiversity and abundance of these beetles in Ardebil Province, western Iran. According to the field study all beetles attracted to fresh cow dung in five areas of Ardebil Province including Namin, Ardabil, Meshkinshahr, Neer and Sarein were collected and identified. They were collected during summer 2007 from June to September, with general peaks appearing to be correlated with temperature mainly at 11 a.m to 15 p.m. The samples were identified using appropriate systematic key A total of 231 specimens belonging to 9 beetle genera and at least 15 species were identified as Euoniticellus fulvus, Sisyphus schaffaer, Euonthophagus taurus, Copris lunaris, Chironitis pamphilus, Gymnopleurus coriarus, Euonthophagus amyntas, Caccobius schreberi, Onthophagus speculifer, Onthophagus furcatus, Aphodius, lugens, Aphodius fimetarius, A. scrutator, Geotrupes spiniger and G. stercorarius The most abundant and diverse subfamilies were Coprinae, Geotrupinae, and Aphodiinae. We found 15 species of dung beetles occurred in the region. The prevalence of each species is varied depending on location. Some of them play an important role for helminths transmission of veterinary and public health importance. The finding will provide a clue for pasture management as well as public health monitoring and surveillance of the disease transmitted by dung beetles

Determination of rodent ectoparasite Fauna in Sarpole-Zahab district, Kermanshah province, Iran, 2004-2005

Ectoparasites of various species of rodents were examined from Sarepole Zehab, Kermanshah Province Iran during 2005. This city is bordered with Iraq. A total of 139 rodents included 6 species of hosts were captured during all different seasons and examined for ectoparasites using live trap. The area of study was mainly plateu [70%] and mountanous. The hosts including: Microtus socialis, Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, Nesokia indica, Meriones persicus and Tatera indica. The 9 species of ectoparasites recovered included 3 fleas [Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla buxtoni, Nosopsyllus medus], one sucking lice [Polyplax spinolosa], two ticks [Rhipicephalus sp., Hyalomma sp.], and 3 mites [Lealaps nuttalli, Dermanysus sanguineus, Ornithonussus bacoti]. Among all arthropod collected, the lice and flea had the most and least frequency, i.e. 77.7% and 4.4%, respectively. The data showed that the ectoparasites on some rodent hosts tend to prefer particular host body sites, and that some ectoparasite species sites may overlap owing to their inaccessibility to the host

new primer pair in ITS1 region for molecular studies on echinococcus granulosus

Echinocuccus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis has long been recognized as having a high degree of genetic divergence. The strains characterization seems to be essential for the establishment of a preventive and control strategy in every endemic area. Using DNA based methods for strain /genotype characterizations of E. granulosus have some difficulties, especially access to an efficient and pure concentration of DNA and proper primers. Using grinder method, a pure and high concentration DNA was extracted from 10 human hydatid cysts collected from Isfahan [central Iran] hospitals, and processed for PCR reaction. Using DNASIS, the primers were designed in internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1] region, following analysis of 30 E. granulosus nucleotide sequences, extracted from gene bank. This new and specific E. granulosus primer which amplified DNA thoroughly can be applied for molecular studies on echinococcosis

Distribution of soft ticks and their natural infection with Borrelia in a focus of relapsing fever in Iran

Tick-borne diseases such as relapsing fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] are of public health importance in Iran. There are 471 reported cases of relapsing fever in 2003, according to the Ministry of Health of Iran. The number of cases has been increased in recent years. Its distribution is more or less prevalent in different parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to find out the fauna and natural infection of soft ticks with Borrelia in Qazvin Province, during their seasonal activity. The province covers 15821 km[2] between 48-45 to 50-50 east of Greenwich Meridian of longitude and 35-37 to 36-45 north latitude of the equator. For this purpose a field study was carried out in the region. A total of 54 villages from 19 districts were selected randomly and ticks were collected from their habitats according to the standard method. A total of 3197 Argasidae ticks were collected from human dwellings, poultry and animal shelters. They belonged to Argas and Ornithodoros genera which 36.8% were Argas persicus, 4% A. reflexus, 6.4% O. canestrini, 45.5% O. lahorensis and 7.3% O. tholozani. It should be noted that 12 ticks of O. erraticus were collected from 12 rodents borrows. We found that 8.82% of O. tholozani ticks were infected with Borrelia persica and half of the O. erraticus were infected with Borrelia microti. All the people who are involved with veterinary activities should be aware of disease transmission by the ticks. In the endemic area of the disease tick control is recommended

Ophthalmomyiasis caused by flesh fly [Diptera: Sarcophagidae] in a patient with eye malignancy in Iran

Here we describe a case of Ophthalmomyiasis in a male patient with basal cell carcinoma. During the operation several live and motile maggots were removed from the lesion. Preliminary examination on the larvae confirmed their affiliation to the genus Sarcophaga [Diptera: Sarcophagidae].This genus is widely distributed throughout the world and species are very difficult to identify. The authors made attempt to approach species identification by rearing larvae to the adult flesh flies, but due to shortage of adult male specimen, reliable diagnosis in the level of species was not obtained. Possible interaction between ocular myiasis and malignancy concerning the case has not been addressed in this paper

Intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients

Organ transplant recipients can experience serious diseases from infections due to emerging and reemerging parasitic infections. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among renal transplant recipients of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2003 to August 2004 on renal transplant recipients in Iran. A total of 706 fecal samples obtained from randomly selected population originated from all over Iran. Patient's information was recorded in a questionnaire before sampling. A sample of stool was taken from each person. Direct wet smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Ziehl-neelsen staining, and agar plate culture were done for each sample. Totally 32 patients [4.5%] were positive for parasitic infections. In searching for emerging parasitic infections, the most prevalent parasites were found to be Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli, respectively. The merely ova which were seen were related to Hymenolepis nana. With investigation of healthy control, no significant difference was found between transplanted and normal population. The population showed controlled rate of intestinal infections probably due to regular awareness concerning risks of opportunistic infections; albeit regular surveillance through routine examination of stool samples for parasites seems considerably advantages the transplant recipient patients

analysis of hydatid cyst surgeries in Tehran Milad Hospital, Iran, during 2001-2004

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease which is due to infectivity with larval stage of dog tapeworm,"Echinococcus granulosus". The disease is chronic and cysts can be lodged in different organs of the intermediate hosts. It has cosmopolitan distribution and impact health and economical challenges for the many countries throughout the world. In Iran, human cases are constantly reported from different medical centers, Therefore, accurate information on the distribution of the disease is first step for the control and prevention. In this descriptive study, demographic information [sex, age, occupation] about patients who underwent hydatid cyst surgeries during 2001-2004 in Tehran Milad Hospital were collected and analyzed. Among 78 patients who had hydatid cyst operations in Milad hospital, 56.5% were female and 43.5% male. Liver was the most commonly invovled organ. According to the result of this study, females were found more infected with hydatid cysts than males

Helminth eggs in raw and treated wastewater in the Islamic Republic of Iran

To assess the type and load of helminths in wastewater and the quality of treatment, we examined the raw and treated wastewater of 8 wastewater treatment plants [WTP] in Tehran and 2 in Isfahan for the presence of helminth eggs during 2002-2003. Wastewater samples obtained from both inlet and effluent of each treatment plant were examined on several occasions using the modified Bailenger method. Untreated entry wastewater in Tehran WTPs contained a larger variety of helminth eggs than those of Isfahan, as well as higher total egg counts. The helminths identified in the influent of Tehran included Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichostrongylus spp., Taenia spp., Hymenolepis nana and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while in Isfahan only A. lumbricoides, Trichostriogylus and H. nana were isolated. After treatment, the number of eggs/L fell to