[Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qom province, Iran, during 2003-2009]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] is a parasitological disease that is transmitted by sand flies. This disease is endemic in different areas of Iran. This study was designed to determine the epidemiological aspects of CL in Qom Province during 2003-2009. This was a cross-sectional study. Geographical and epidemiological data of all patients from 2003 to 2009 with clinical and microscopic diagnosis were monitored and followed up, and their medical records were surveyed. Of 1812 patients with leishmaniasis 1047 cases [57.78%] were male and 765 [42.22%] were female. The prevalence rate of disease was 25.8 in 100,000. The most frequent age group was above 15 years old [74.5%]. 50.39 of the patients were living in urban areas and the rest lived in rural areas, especially in central county villages. 52.65% of the patients had no positive history of traveling to leishmaniasis endemic areas during the previous year. 24.5% of the patients had 3 or more lesions. The most common location of lesion was on their hands [49.08%]. Based on our findings, men in working age group are more likely to have the disease; the number of patients without any history of traveling to endemic areas in Iran during the previous year is very considerable; therefore, we can conclude that leishmaniasis is endemic in Qom Province including in central-part villages. So, the high prevalence rate requires further control and prevention measures

[Determination of fauna and monthly activity of sandflies in the south of baft district, Kerman Province in 2004]

In the recent years, there has been an increasing rate of kala-azar disease in the south of Baft [Kerman/Iran]. A survey on the records of admitted patients in the main hospital of Kerman city from 1993- 2003 showed that from the total of 36 cases of visceral Leishmaniasis, 12 cases [33/3%] were from south Baft. Since awareness of visceral Leishmaniasis vectors status has a key role in disease control and programming, this study was carried out in order to determine the fauna, monthly activity, host preference, and susceptibility of dominant species to 4% D.D.T insecticide. For this purpose, 1710 sandflies [17 species] were collected by sticky traps and aspiratory methods and based on the standards during their monthly activity. The results of the investigation showed that the activity of sand flies starts in April and ends in October with two Peaks in July and September. The predominant species of this area were P. papatasi [33.74%] and P. alexandri [29.82%] that were observed during all months of sandflies activity. According to the result of blood-fed index by ELISA test and using dog and human antiserums, P. papatasi [43/3%] and P. alexandri [33/3%] were positive to human blood. Diagnostic dosage test showed that P. papatasi is susceptible to D.D.T 4% with one hour exposure

[Study of the effect of hemiscorpius lepturus venom on levels of WBC, RBC and hematocrit in rats]

Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion present in the southern provinces of the country, especially inKhoozestan stings a lot of people that results in long-standing dangerous side effects and sometimes evenmortality. As the study of the effects of this scorpion venom on some laboratory animals can determine itsmechanism of action and help us to cure people stung by scorpions, this study has been done to study the effectsof Hemiscorpius lepturus venom on levels of WBC, RBC and hematocrit of rats.An experimental study has been done on 51 rats of the same race with approximate age of 2-3 months,and weight of 200-250 grams. . All the hematological features including WBC [White Blood Cell], RBC [RedBlood Cell] and HT [Hematocrit] were measured prior to venom injection. The same procedures were followedafter injection of 1 microlitre of venom. Results before and after injection have been analyzed by WilcoxonMatched, Pairs signed and Ranks statistical tests.The results of the study have shown that the venom caused changes in the levels of WBC, RBC andHematocrit. The mean level of WBC at the start was 10234, whereas following the venom injection it reached tothe level of 11757 [P < 0.0007]. The mean number for RBC before the treatment was 7509130 and after injection,the number declined to 7065098 [P < 0.0001]. The average amount of Hematocrit before and after injection was40.087% and 39.0588%, respectively [P < 0.001].Hemiscorpius lepturus venom has some effects on the levels of WBC, RBC and hematocrit of rats.The study of the hematological changes in humans can lead to better study of the effect of this venom andconsequently suitable cure for the injured