Loxoscelism: a case report from Bandar Abbas in south of Iran

Loxoscelism is a medical condition resulting from the envenomation by recluse spiders [Loxosceles spp.], which could lead to necrotic tissue symptoms. The only species of this genus recorded from Iran, Loxosceles rufescens, or the Mediterranean recluse spider, has a cosmopolitan distribution and have already been recorded from numerous parts of Iran, including Bandar Abbas. This study aims to report a case of loxoscelism in Bandar Abbas [southern Iran] for the first time. This report is related to a 46-year-old female patient who referred to infectious ward of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, with acute necrotic clinical symptom on right flank of her trunk due to the bite of a spider. As Loxosceles rufescens has already been recorded from Hormozgan Province, cases of loxoscelism are likely in this region. Diagnosis and treatment of most of the cases is very difficult, because the spider may not be identified correctly and the clinical symptoms are similar to other diseases; this will result in false differential diagnosis of the disease and consequently, delay in appropriate treatment

occurrence of red-back spider latrodectus hasselti [araneae:theridiidae] in Bandar Abbas, Southern Port of Iran

Due to importance and fatal affect of Red-back spiders, Latrodectus hasselti, a faunistic survey for presence of this spider in Bandar Abbas has been conducted. This animal is considerably the most medically importance spiders all over the world. Live adult spider specimens were collected from Bandar Abbas town using hand catch conventional method and transferred to the laboratory throughout the summer of 2008. They were identified based on morphological characteristics and taxonomic keys and confirmed by some external experts. Results showed the occurrence of the red-back spider, L. hasselti from Bandar Abbas, southern port of Iran. Two female specimens were found. The spider had specific morphological characters including black color with an obvious orange to red longitudinal strip on its upper parts of abdomen. Although the specimens were collected from south of the country, however since the region is an important harbor and port and goods come form different parts of world we assume the possibility of arrival from its origin and native breeding sites of the world. Therefore further investigation is needed to clarify the presence of this species in different parts of Iran

Detection of Borrelia persica infection in Ornithodoros tholozani using PCR targeting rrs gene and xenodiagnosis

Relapsing fever caused by Borrelia persica, is an acute tick-borne disease which is transmitted by soft ticks of Ornithodoros tholozani to human. Value of PCR and xenodiagnosis for detection of B. persica in O. tholozani ticks was compared. Sixty-four Borrelia- free ticks were fed on infected guinea pigs and used for the experiments. For xenodiagnosis, a group of 32 ticks in subsequent blood meal were fed on sterile guinea pigs and the indication of B. persica in the animal blood was tested 5-14 days later by dark-field microscopy. For PCR, all 64 ticks were subjected to PCR against B. persica rrs gene [16S-rDNA]. Also sensitivity of PCR in terms of minimum detectable number of spirochetes as well as the effects of tick sex and post digestion was tested. PCR revealed B.persica DNA in 98.4% ticks, in which B. persica were found in 25.0% by xenodiagnosis. PCR was enough sensitive to give positive results for DNA of 1 spirochete. PCR success rates were similar for male or female ticks. Course of time did not affect the efficacy of PCR and similar results were observed for ticks of immediately fed, semior completely gravid or completely digested blood ones. Our results indicate that due to very low specificity and time consuming, xenodiagnosis is not a useful method whereas PCR method has advantages for study the Borrelia prevalence in ticks

Study on presence of borrelia persica in soft ticks in Western Iran

A molecular survey was conducted to investigate the presence of pathogenic Borrelia persica species causing the tick borne relapsing fever [TBRF] in Takistan district Qazvin Province, western Iran. A number of 1021 soft ticks were collected from 31 villages including previously reported infected and none-infected TBRF cases and individually examined for the presence of B. persica DNA by conventional PCR targeting the 16SrRNA. A total of 1021 soft ticks of three species of Ornithodouros tholozani [120: 11.75%]. O. lahorensis [461: 45.15%] and Argaspersicus [440: 43.1%] were collected and tested against Borrelia infection. Soft ticks were more prevalent [67%] in infected areas than none infected areas. The rate O. tholozani in infected areas was much greater [29 times] than none infected areas. Ninety seven percent of soft ticks in none infected areas were of O. tholozani. Sixteen [16.7%] ticks of tested [n=95] O, tholozani were infected with B. persica. Three [1.3%] out of 205 soft ticks of O. lahorensis were positive for Borrelia sp., and no infection was observed in A persicus. Taq/ RFLP analysis and sequence analysis of the positive PCR products showed the presence of B. persica. The RFLP analysis showed that the positive ticks of O. lahorensis were infected with unknown Borrelia species. This study showed that although there were no TBRF cases in Takisan. but still infected O. tholozani, the known vector of TBRF. presented in the region. Control measures needs to be fulfilled in Thakisan

Faunistic study and biodiversity of scorpions in Qeshm Island [Persian Gulf]

Scorpions are known as the most widespread poisonous creatures that cause casualties and death to human. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Among the sixteen Iranian Island in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm Island is the biggest and is located in the focus of the important internal and international commercial marinelines. Furthermore, thousands of tourists also visit the Island every year for its natural beauties and the siteseeings. The present research study was carried out during 1998-99 throughout Qeshm Island in order to know the species of scorpions, their abundance, the distribution and control strategy in order to reduce the scorpion stings and to safeguard the visitors as well as the local population. Collections were made randomly during the night. Samples were searched by black light and then collected by forceps. A total of 102 scorpions were captured. The scorpions were identified as Buthotus jayakari numbered 42 specimens [41.17%] and B. leptochelys numbering only 7 specimens [6.86%] belonging to the family Buthidae. Androctonus crassicauda was collected in the most parts of the Island and considered as the dominant species. The sex ratio was 1:1.53 in favor of females. B. leptochelys was rare species and by far restricted in its distribution. Considering the high population of A. crassicauda and its wide distribution, it is regarded to be responsible for the majority of scorpion stings in Qeshm Island

Faunestic study of ants with emphasis on the health risk of stinging ants in Qeshm Island, Iran

Qeshm [26.75N, 55.82E], Iran, is 1500 km[2] island in the Strait of Hormuz. Qeshm is a free trade zone, acting as an important channel for international commerce, and has been the site of much recent development. There is potential risk of stinging ant attacks for residents and visitors that may occur in the island. The aims of this study were to find out the fauna, dispersion, and some of the biological features of ant species with special attention to those, which can play role on the public health of the island. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed ants around the island using non-attractive pitfall traps and active collection to evaluate potential threats to humans and other species during 2006-2007. All collected specimens were identified using the morphological ant keys. Only six ant species were found: Pachycondyla sennaarensis [41%], Polyrhachis lacteipennis [23%], Camponotus fellah [16%], Cataglyphis niger [9%], Tapinoma simrothi [7%], and Messor galla [4%]. We were surprised not to find any cosmopolitan tramp ants so often associated with commerce and development. Instead, all six species may be native to the Middle Eastern region. The most common species, P. sennaarensis, has a powerful sting and appears to do well around human habitations. This species may prove to be a serious pest on the island

House dust mite contamination in hotels and inns in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran

House dust mites have been shown to be strongly associated with allergic respiratory diseases such as, bronchial asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in the world. The climatic conditions of Bandar-Abbas, which is located in a coastal area and has a humid subtropical climate, provide a suitable place to proliferate mites. The aim of this study was to determine the contamination rate and analyze the house dust mite fauna in hotels and inns in Bandar-Abbas that had not been investigated previously. In this study 6 hotels and 6 inns were selected randomly in six areas of Bandar-Abbas. Two dust samples were collected from each place with a vacuum cleaner. One square meter of carpets and mattresses were vacuumed for a period of 1 min. Then the samples were cleared in lactic acid and then mites were mounted in Hoyer's medium for study and identification. A total of 2644 mites were collected and identified. The major mite family was Pyroglyphidae [98%]. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent and most numerous species recorded, occurring in 91% of samples examined and forming 88% of the Pyroglyphidae and 86% of the total mite populations. The family Cheyletidae was less commonly found with Cheyletus malaccensis [2%]. Most of the mites were isolated from the carpets [57.5%], and a smaller number from mattresses [42.5%]. Mites were present in 96% of the dust samples. Results revealed that all inns and 83% of hotels were contaminated by more than one species of mite and 34% of them had a population of more than 100 mites /g dust. This rate of contamination can be a major risk factor in asthma and other respiratory allergic diseases

Regional evaluation of bacterial contamination in hospital environment cockroaches

Cockroaches play an important role in transmission of different diseases either mechanically and occasionally biologically. The aim of current study was on the identification of cockroaches and their contamination to different bacteria in two hospitals affiliated to the Kordestan University of Medical Sciences which was performed in 2003. Cockroaches were collected from different parts using sticky traps, direct collection, and by means of vacuum cleaner. Collected cockroaches were identified according to the reliable systematic keys. Some of the collected cockroaches were selected randomly for the presence of bacteria in their external parts as well as in the digestive tract using specific culture media. Totally 450 specimens were collected. From which 44.4% identified as American Cockroach, Periplaneta Americana and remaining German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Among collected cockroaches 58 specimens of German cockroaches and 40 American cockroaches were selected to search for the presence of bacteria. Results of culture media exhibited that 89.8% [88.98] of cockroaches were positive to the bacteria. The bacteria were found mainly on external parts [67%] and remaining from alimentary canal. The main common bacteria was found Escherichia coli, however, only 5.1% was Escherichia sp., which was found on external parts. Among two hospitals it is found that Tohid hospital was more infected [97.5%]. In the hospitals the infectivity of American cockroaches was more prevalent than other species. All the American cockroaches and 70% of German cockroaches were infected to at least one bacterium. Result showed that the presence of cockroaches in the hospitals can threaten the health of hospitalized patients. Both cosmopolitan species was found infected in the hospitals. Sanitation of different departments as well as different method of control is recommended in the context of Integrated Vector Management for cockroach control

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

[Determination of reservoir[s] and vector[s] of cutaneous leishmaniasis by nested-PCR in Marvdasht District, Fars Province, Southern Iran]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] is an increasing public health problem in several parts of Iran. In southern parts, the incidence of CL has been doubled over the last decade. This epidemiological study was done for determination of reservoir[s] and vector[s] of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural regions of Marvdasht, Fars province, southern Iran during 2003 and 2004. A total of 126 rodents were collected from three villages using live traps and their Giemsa-stained smears were studied for leishmania infection. After DNA extraction from positive smears, Nested-PCR was used for the identification of parasite species. In another procedure, 200 sand flies were collected by aspirator and after species identification DNA extraction and PCR was done. The collected samples included Meriones libycus [75.4%], Cricetulus migratorius [14.3%] and Microtus arualis [10.3%]. Eight out of 95 Meriones libycus [8.4%] were found to be infected with Leishmania major. None of the other species were positive. Among the collected female sandflies 75% were identified to be Phlebotomus papatasi and 2.7% of them were found with L.major infection. Only 2.7% of Phlebotomus papatasi were found naturally infected with Leishmania major. This is the first report of detection of L.major by Nested-PCR in P.papatasi as a proven principal vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars province, south of Iran

Arthropod parasites of rodents in khorram abbad district, lorestan provincen of Iran

Ectoparasites are considered as the main vectors of zoonotic diseases. They play an important role for transmission of wide variety of diseases such as CCHF, leishmaniosis and plague to human and vertebrates. Mammals, especially rodents, are the most important reservoirs of zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the ectoparasites of rodents captured in Korram-Abad, Lurestan Province, Iran during year 2002-2003. Rodents were live trapped from 24 localities in six major land-resource areas. A total of 167 alive rodent specimens were transported to the laboratory and after anesthetizing by chloroform their ectoparasites were removed. Collected ectoparasites were mounted and identified. Altogether 218 ectoparasites related to 3 orders, 6 families, 6 genera, and 7 species were systematically recognized. Fleas with 3 species had the most number of species, mites and lice allocated the most [64.67%] and the least [3.21%] frequency of ectoparasites, respectively. Ectoparasites were more prevalent in Zagheh area [38.99%]. Haemolaelaps glasgowi [42.2%] was the most common ectoparasite while, Nosopsyllus irranus only constituted approximately 0.91% of specimens. Zagheh area could be a high-risk zone for zoonotic disease transmission due to poor hygienic circumstances

[Snake bite and scorpion sting in cities affiliated to Khorasan University of Medical Sciences during 2002-2003 in Iran]

Poisonous creatures are the main causes of stings in the world with the approximate number of 1000000 cases annualy. From this, 10% of the cases leads to short and long term disability, which causes economic and social loss. Researches focus on scorpions and snakes as the main causative agents of poisoning. There are several species of snakes and scorpions which cause the problem for cattle and human being. Preventive and curative measures are the applicable methods for their control. Scorption bite is considered as one of the important causes of health problem in tropics specially in southern parts of Iran. For instance, in rural areas of Khuzistan province there are several thousand cases among children which may cause death. Lack of information about scorpion and snake species and the treatment methods are the main causes of death among people. The main objective of this research was focusing on identification of scorpion and snake species as well as applying the results as a clue for local authorities about first aids treatment, remedies, anticerum, antivenums and their proper use for stung people. In this cohort study all the information related to scorpion and snake bites from different cities affiliated to Khorasan University of Medical Sciences was collected and the results were analyzed using EPI6 program by a computer. The results showed the total number of snake bites 11 and 43 in the years 2002 and 2003. The figures for scorpion bites were 146 and 449 respectively for the same years. Snake bite were more prevalent in Taybad city [63.6%], whereas Bardeskan, Bojnourd, Daregaz and Kashmar had the fewer cases [9%] in the year 2002. In the following year, Taybad and Bojnourd cities had the most cases [23.2% and 16.25 respectively]. Scorpion bite was more prevalent in Taybad and Bardeskan cities [60.9% and 17.8%0 for the year 2002]. For the year 2003 it was 27.8% and 24.2% respectively. There was significant difference between the cities with arid and hot climates and mountainous areas in terms of scorpion bites [P<0.05]. This difference, however, was not significant for snake bites [p>0.05]. From the results it can be concluded that Tayebad city for having high temperature, desert situation and vicinity to Afghanistan, has the highest cases of snake bites. Bardeskan city has the same climatic condition with several species of scorpion so that it was expected to have more scorpion bites in this city. In the year 2003, the rainfall was more than the previous year, resulting in more agricultural and outdoor activities. Hence it was postulated that scorpions and snakes are active during the season, therefore the number of cases was high in the year 2003