Identification and genetic variation of fasciola species from Tabriz, north-western Iran

Fascioliasis is considered as the most important helminthic infection of cattle and sheep. Traditional approaches using morphlogical and biologic characters cannot cause a certainty in the accurate and precise identification and intra-specific differences of Fasciola spp. In this study, we identified Fasciola species using ITS-1 marker and described genetic variation of each species of the parasite in isolates from Tabriz slaughterhouse in West Azerbaijan Province, north-western Iran. Overall, 100 samples [50 from sheep and 50 from cattle] morphologically detected as Fasciola worms were studied for identification of Fasciola species by PCR-RFLP method and intra-species variation of the parasite using RAPD-PCR technique. A region of approximately 460bp in all samples was successfully amplified. There were no identifiable variations among the size of PCR products. Two and three fragments in samples correspond to F. hepatica and F. gigantica was seen, respectively, through PCR-RFLP method. No difference was seen in digestion pattern according to host [sheep or cattle]. Different types of each species of the parasite was observed using RAPD-PCR technique. We could have an estimate of frequency of F. hepatica and f. gigantic and different genotype of the parasite in isolates from one locality in north-western of Iran. By extension of such studies in future to other animal hosts [buffalo and goat] and including more regions to sampling, the reliability of the results and their application for control programs in zoonotic diseases will be increased

Molecular epizootiology of rodent leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic area of Iran

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is an expanding disease and public health problem in Iran. In the current study, natural Leishmania infection rate and seasonal fluctuation of the infection in Rhombomys opimus population of a hyperendemic focus of ZCL in Iran was investigated. The study was conducted from October 2006 to October 2008 in Esfahan Province, central part of Iran. An extensive sampling of rodents using Sherman traps was done in different seasons. Nested PCR assay was used for detection and identification of Leishmania species and the results were confirmed using PCR-RFLP. Leishmania infection rate was 58.6% [34 of 58] using nested PCR. 44.8% of the gerbils were infected only with L. turanica and 1.7% with L. gerbilli alone. A mixed natural infection with L. major and L. turanica was seen in 12.1% of the rodents. L. major infection alone was not seen in R. opimus population in the study area. The highest and lowest Leishmania infection rates were observed in fall and spring respectively. L. turanica infection was observed throughout the year whereas mixed infections with L. major and L. turanica was not seen in spring. It is concluded that in the study area, L. major, L. gerbilli and L. turanica circulate in the population of R. opimus. Leishmania major infection usually accompanied by L. turanica in naturally infected gerbils with the highest rate in fall. It is recommended that the role of L. turanica in the epidemiology and transmission of ZCL be revisited

[Seroepidemiologic survey of crimean-congohemorrhagic fever among slaughters and butchers in Isfahan]

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] is a viral zoonotic infection that, formerly several cases has been reported in Iran. During recent years some outbreaks has been reported in different parts of country including Isfahan. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF according to finding of IgG among butchers and slaughters of Isfahan province. In this cross-sectional study, conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus Laboratory in Pasteur Institute, IgG antibody against CCHF was assessed among 80 individuals. The study was conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus laboratory in Pasteur Institute of Iran on 2004. Overall, 4 [5%] persons were seropositive and 2 cases had borderline results. There was no statistically significant difference between butchers and slaughters. Positive cases were detected mainly in the Isfahan slaughterhouse. The findings of the current study show that although CCHF is endemic among domestic animals in Isfahan province, but seropositivity in high risk groups, e.g. butchers and slaughters is not so high. More serious measures should be considered for prevention of CCHF in high risk groups

effect of chemical weapons on serum concentrations of various hormones

Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, ACTH, TSH, T4, T3 and resin T3 uptake were measured in 53 men injured by chemical warfare containing nerve agents, 31 subjects exposed to chemical weapons containing sulfur mustard, and in 34 healthy men. In those exposed to nerve agents, all tests were normal four days after exposure. In men who had been injured by mustard compounds three to eight days before testing, serum FSH, LH, TSH and prolactin were normal, but significant decreases from normal values were noted in free T4, index [7.2 +/- 1.5 vs 8.9 +/- 1.5], free T3 index [116 +/- 25 vs 130 +/- 11], and testosterone [398 +/- 135 vs 676 +/- 273 ng/dl]. Mean ACTH concentration was significantly increased [60 +/- 33 vs normal 35 +/- 19 pg/ml]. We conclude that following exposure to nerve agents, there is no alteration in serum concentrations of the various hormones tested, but injury by sulfur mustard may induce falls in serum thyroid hormones and testosterone, and an increase in ACTH concentrations