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

Survey of migratory birds [anatidae: anas platyrhynchos] for schistosome parasites from mazandaran province, northern Iran

The aim of the present study was to survey birds' schistosomes in migratory birds [Anatidae: Anas platyrhynchos] which are the source of the disease in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. A number of mallards were bought from the markets of hunted birds. The respiratory tracts [nasal mucosa] and intestinal blood vessels were studied for adult worms. The nasal mucosa was separated and observed by a microscope. In order to separate the visceral schistosomes, after separating intestine, vessel mesenteric was studied under the lamp light and then in saline. The parasite sample was collected for subsequent observation. Fifteen [13.6%] cases out of 110 studied birds had nasal mucosa contaminated with Trichobilharzia sp. egg. Besides that, two birds had adult worms schistosome visceral i.e. Bilharziella sp. The elements that cause cercarial dermatitis in aforementioned region are Trichobilharzia sp. and Bilharziella sp. parasites. Thus, it is necessary for the authorities of health, environmental and agricultural organization of the province to cooperate in order to control this disease.

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

Gastrointestinal helminths of magpies [Pica pica], rooks [Corvus frugilegus] and carrion crows [Corvus corone] in Mazandaran province, north of Iran

Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine birds including crows, rooks, magpies, jays, chough, and ravens. These birds are migratory species, especially in the shortage of foods, so they can act like vectors for a wide range of microorganisms. They live generally in temperate climates and in a very close contact with human residential areas as well as poultry farms. There is no available information in the literature concerning the parasitic infections of these three species of corvidae in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, so this study was conducted to clarify this. As there are three species of corvid birds in Mazandaran Province, 106 birds including 79 magpies, 11 rooks, and 16 carrion crows were examined between winter 2007 and spring 2008 at post mortem for gastrointestinal helminths. The helminths were drawn and identified morphologically in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran and also partly in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, based on the reference books and identification keys like Soulsby, Khalil et al. and Anderson et al. Four species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes, 1 species of trematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalans were identified in these three corvid species. Five species of the helminths are identified for the first time in Iran, and the acanthocephalan species is new host record for rooks. It is clear that these corvid birds have diverse range of helminths and can act as carriers for infecting the domestic fowls

Establishment of Hymenolepis diminuta life cycle to provide parasite mass production

The main object of this experimental work was to practise laboratory production both adult and the larval stage of Hymenolepis diminuta with conventional modification to make further studies easier. Adults H. diminuta were collected from urban rats in Tehran, Iran. The beetles became infected using blended gravid segments with flour as bait. Cysticercoids have been saved after precise dissection of invertebrate hosts. The exposure of infected beetles to laboratory rats was performed to establish the life cycle. Out of 57 collected rats, three rats were infected with H. diminuta. Almost all exposed beetles found infected with the larval stage of parasite. About one-month later H. diminuta eggs were seen in stool examination of laboratory rats. Rare human occurrence of H. diminuta along with light level of clinical manifestation of this parasite, underestimate the concerns toward its public health importance. Nowadays, various field of studies, such as biochemistry with special focuses on the capability of H. diminuta tegument absorption have performed apart from parasitological views alone. In the present study, establishment of this parasite life cycle has practically provided the access of adult and cysticercoid stages of the tapeworm in further researches

First report of Taenia acinonyxi [Ortlopp, 1938] in Acinonyx jubatus venaticus from Iran

The Asian cheetah is known as Iranian panther. A four years old female cheetah was killed in a road accident by a truck in Abbas Abad [Biarjamand] County around Shahrood City in Semnan Province, central part of Iran. Two days after the accident the carcass of animal was autopsied and only five cestodes were obtained from its intestine. In inspection of other organs no other helminth was observed. Cestod samples were fixed and stained by carmine acid. Characterization of the cestodes using morphological standard key, identified the cestodes as Taenia acinonyxi

[Fauna of zoontic parasites of stray dogs in Yasouj suburbs in 2008]

Dogs are among the closest animals to human residents and can by useful for human. A few of zoontic diseases are prevalent in Iran. Dogs are the reservoirs of many of these zoonosis and a major role in transmission of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the zoonotic parasitic fauna of stray dogs in Yasuj. In this descriptive study which was conducted at Yasuj suburbs in 2008, 25 dogs' corpses were necropsied and their tissues were studied for parasitic infections. Collected parasites were placed in special containers and stained for genus and species diagnosis based on their morphological features. The collected data were analyzed with the SPSS software, using descriptive analysis. Of the 25 studied corpses, 23 dogs were infected with at least one parasite. Helminthic infections of dogs were consisted of: Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides sp., Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus and Spirocerca lupi. Four of six detected helminthes in in dogs in this study are zoonotic parasites which are important in human diseases. Among them larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus which causes hydatid cyst disease in human is very important. Control programs should be implemented in this region to prevent these zoonotic diseases

Morphological and morphometrical description of trichostrongylus species isolated from domestic ruminants in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran

Genus Trichostrongylus [Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae] is one of the most important zoonotic nematodes with wide geographic distribution in the world. The purpose of the present study was to describe morphological and morphometrical characteristics of male Trichostrongylus species, currently prevalent in domestic ruminants of Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. Gastro-inetstinal organs of 1600 sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalos, slaughtered in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran, were examined for infectivity with Trichostrongylus species. For examination and measurements of helminthes, Azo-carmine staining was performed, followed by camera lucida drawings of morphological characters and measurements of morphometrical criteria with a calibrated microscope. Using valid nematodes systematic keys, almost all the parasites were identified at the level of species. Overall, 114 animals were found infected with at least one species of Trichostrongylus. Considering morphlogifcal characteristics of male Trichostrongylus, six species were identified including T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, T. probolorus, T. capricola, T. longispicularis and Trichostrongylus sp.. Although, compared to the previous decades, currently Trichostrongylus is much less prevalent in the domestic ruminants of the study area, but still different species occur in these animals

Heavy worm burden of moniliformis moniliformis in urban rats with histopathological description

Due to scarcity of human reports, we took advantage of the heaviest infection of M. moniliformis in rats, to describe histopathological and microanatomical valuable useful keys while confronting human occurrences. Samples were obtained from captured rats in Tehran, capital of Iran, during two decades. Tissues sections were performed through hematoxylin and eosin staining to describe histopathological changes in rat's intestines. Totally, nine rats were found infected with M. moniliformis amongst 272 obtained rats. Heavy infection has been distinguished in 2 individuals with parasite burden of 141 and 73 adult worms. Cross sections of worms within the lumen show mucosal thickness, infiltration of eosinophilic leukocyte and increase in goblet cells. Beyond the uncommonness of human infection with M. moniliformis unintended infections should not be ignored. Abundance of rats and roaches as definite and intermediate hosts must be considered particularly in countries with poor hygiene

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

Multi vesicular osseous hydatid disease of the mandible- a case report

Hydatid disease is a common and major public health issue caused by parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The highest prevalence of the parasite can be found in different parts of world like Africa, Australia, and South America. This infection can occurs in almost any part of the body. Here we present clinical, radiological, histological features and treatment of a multi vesicular osseous hydatid disease of the mandible in an Afghan 5 year old boy with a firm swelling in the right side of mandible

Ocular dirofilariasis, a case report

Accidental infection with animal filarial worms in humans is a dilemma for clinicians and parasitologists throughout the world. To date a variety of such rare parasitoses have been reported mostly in tropics and subtropics. Human dirofilariasis is among those unusual zoonotic infections that occasionally have been observed in the eye and in subcutaneous areas exhibiting with nodule for mation. Filarial worms are transmitted to humans through invertebrate biological vectors such as certain species of mosquitoes. The present report describes a peculiar case of ocular dirofilariasis in a 49-year-old man resident in Iran

Prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths of canids in Mogahan plain, Northwestern Iran

The present study was aimed to elucidate the status of intestinal helminth infections in canids of Moghan Plain, northwestern Iran. Eighty-five intestine samples from dead or shot wild canids, 59 fecal samples from sheepdogs and 5 from red foxes were collected from 2006 to 2008 and examined in Parasitology department of Pasteur Institute of Iran. Generally, adult worms, larvae, and eggs of 13 species of various parasitic helminths were recovered. Necropsy examinations showed that 96.47% animals harbored at least one helminth species. The prevalence of different species in necropsy were Mesocestoides sp. 84.7%, Rictolaria spp. 55.3%, Macranthorhynchus hirudinaceus 45.9%, Toxocara canis 43.5%, Toxascaris spp. 35.3%, Joyeuxiella sp. 34.1%; hookworms; 22.4%, Taenia spp. 11.8%, Alaria spp. 2.4% and Dipylidium caninum 1.2%. Besides, eggs belonging to 10 species of parasitic helminths were identified in 46 fecal samples and generally, 30.9% of samples harbored eggs of at least one helminth species. The high prevalence of various helminth infections among canids in Moghan plain and contamination of environment by helminths eggs may increase the risk of infection for native people

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

Prevalence of Linguatula serrata infection in domestic bovids slaughtered in Tabriz abattoir, Iran

Linguatulosis is a rare zoonotic parasitic infection, in which human plays the role of both definitive and intermediate host and can be occasionally infected. This study determines the status of infection in livestock and its potential risk to men in the northwestern province of Azarbaijan-e-Sharghi, Iran. In a cross-sectional study from June 2007 to June 2008, 800 slaughtered animals including 400 cattle and 400 buffaloes from Tabriz abattoir in Azarbaijan-e-Sharghi Province were randomly selected and examined for L. serrata nymphs. After primary macroscopical inspection, all liver and lung samples were cut to small pieces, treated with a tissue digestion method and checked macroscopically and microscopically for free or encapsulated nymphs. Out of 800 animals, 3 [0.38%] were found to be infected with L. serrata nymphs and the prevalence of infection in cattle and buffaloes was determined to be 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Linguatula infection occurs as an endemic zoonosis in the study area and has an active transmission life cycle

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

Gastrointestinal helminthic parasites in Stray cats [Felis catus] from North of Iran

Cats play a crucial role in the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminthic parasites and also play a major role in transmitting of these parasites through faecal contamination of soil, food or water. The aim of this study was to determine the species of gastrointestinal helminthes parasites in stray cats from a rural area of Bandar-e-Anzali, Iran. Gastrointestinal helminthes were collected from 50 necropsied stray cats [Felis catus] after capturing them by trapping from different regions of the city and humanely euthanatized in Bandar-e-Anzali, a port in the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, from March to November 2003. The prevalence of infection was 90%, with those of individual parasites being Diplopylidium nolleri 54%, Physaloptera praeputialis 32%, Ancylostoma tubaeforme 20%, Joyeuxiella pasqualei 10%, Toxocara cati 8%, Pterygodermatites affinis 6%, Ancylostoma caninum 4%, and Taenia taeniaeformis 2%. Concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 34% of the individuals. In relation to the sex, the differences were not significant. P. praeputialis, T. cati, D. nolleri and sometime J. pasqualei are the commonest Helminthes in cats. This is the first reported isolation of P. affinis and A. caninum infections from cats in Iran

Natural infection of Pachysentis canicola [Acanthocephala: oligacanthorhynchida] in fox from Persian Gulf coastal area in Iran

Pachysentis canicola [Meyer, 1931] is an acanthocephalan belonging to the class Oligacanthorhynchida. These species parasitize canids and other carnivores as definitive hosts which are followed by ingestion of an infected arthropod as its biological intermediate host. We present here a natural occurrence of P. canicola in fox from Iran with special attention to its morphological characteristics

Seroepidemiology of human hydatidosis in Golestan province, Iran

Hydatidosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide. So far no survey was conducted to determine the rate of human hydatidosis in Golestan Province, so using IFA and ELISA tests the prevalence of this disease was detected in patients referred to health centers in this province. Totally 1024 serum samples were collected from patients referred to different health centers in 4 cities of Gloestan Province including Gorgan, Gonbad kawoos, Aliabad Katool and Kordkoy. All the sera were examined using IFA and ELISA tests. Twenty four cases [2.34%] were positive for hydatidosis in Golestan Province using IFA, whereas 22 cases [2.15%] showed positivity using ELISA. Gorgan, Gonbadkaoos, Aliabad Katool and Kordkoy demonstrated the rate of positivity as 1.41%, 2.40%, 5.36% and 2.30%, respectively, but no significant difference was seen. As to positivity, there was no significant difference between age groups, sex, different cities and rural or urban life, but a significant different was seen according to job and literacy [P< 0.001]. According to Job and literacy, housewives and illiterates had the highest rate of infection as 3.67% and 3.72%, respectively. As regards residency, urban life showed no significant difference with rural life [2.47% vs. 2.45%]. Age group of 40-49 years old had the highest rate of positivity [3.95%]. Females were more infected than males [3.16% vs. 1.93%]. The rate of prevalence in this province shows somehow a resemblance with the other cities in Iran. Considering the lifestyle in this province a complementary study is suggested in all related cities