ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis account for at least 50 percent of all cases of vaginal infections. The main drugs used to treat these infections have numerous side effects and drug resistance to them is on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-trichomonas and anti candidal effects of acetone extracts of Moringa peregrina in vitro
Material and Methods: We used acetone extracts of Moringa peregrina at concentrations of 375, 750, , 3000 and 4000 microg/ml for the treatment of trichomoniasis; and concentrations of 0/003, , 1 and 2mg/ml for the treatment of candidiasis. We evaluated the effect of the extracts after 24 and 48 hours. The final number of viable parasites were determined by trypan blue staining and neobar lamella; and IC50 [50% Inhibitory Concentration] value was calculated. We also calculated MIC [Minimum Inhibitory Concentration] of the extract for candida. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on the mice macrophage cells was investigated
Result: Comparison between treatment and control groups revealed a significant decrease in the viability of parasites in the treatment group at all concentrations after both 24 and 48 hours [P<0.05]. After 24 hours the IC50 and SI values were calculated as 682 and 4.1 for parasite respectively and MIC value was 2 mg/ml for Candida albicans
Conclusion: Considering favorable effects of acetone extract of Moringa peregrina on inhibiting the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans identification and isolation of active ingredients of the plant, may lead to use of this extract for the treatment of both infections in the future studies
ABSTRACT
Microsporidia infections occur in all invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. The most common microsporidia infecting humans and animals are Enterocytozoon bieneusi. This study aimed to characterize the zoonotic isolates of E. bieneusi using a molecular method among the slaughtered cattle in Tehran. In this descriptive study, 126 fecal samples from slaughtered cattle in Tehran were analyzed for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A transcribed spacer region [500 bp] for rRNA gene of E. bieneusi was amplified using a nested PCR technique. For genotyping, positive samples were sequenced and the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to determine the relationship between the isolates from human, animal and zoonotic isolates. Nineteen out of 126 E. bieneusi PCR-positive samples were sequenced. A high degree of genetic polymorphism, represented by four genotypes [IREb4, IREb5, D, M], was found among the E. bieneusi isolated from cattle. In this study, the most common genotypes were D [38.6%], M and IREb4 [26.3%], respectively followed by IREb5 [10.5%] in the next stage. In phylogenetic analysis, 89.5 percent of the isolates [D, IREb4, IREB5] formed a distinct cluster consisting of genotypes from humans and other domestic animals, but one genotype clustered as E. bieneusi genotypes taken from cattle and pig. Only some E. bieneusi isolates taken from cattle may be of public health importance. However, further studies should be conducted on cattle and other hosts to determine the role of animals in the transmission of infection to human
ABSTRACT
Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea worldwide in both humans and animals. It causes severe and chronic diseases in HIV positive people and neonates. As yet no effective treatment has been found for it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of blue berry cherry, garlic and mixture of them on the Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in HANK medium. Different concentrations of blue berry cherry extract, garlic tablets and mixture of them, with dilutions of%100,%50,%25 and%12.5, were prepared and sterilized by filter 0.22. The oocysts were separated from the stool of young calves suffering from diarrhea and were concentrated by use of sucrose and Shyter methods. 100delta? of the concentrate containing 2×10[6] oocysts and 900? of the above mentioned dilutions [blue berry cherry extract, garlic tablets and mixture of them] were poured into the Ependrof vials [pipes] and kept into an incubator at 37?C for 24 to 48 hours [tests were performed in triplicates]. The results showed that all concentrations were effective in reducing Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, but 1/100 garlic concentration, was more effective than blue berry cherry at the same concentration [P <0.001]. The mixture of them had the highest effect on reducing Cryptosporidium Parvum oocysts compared with those of blue berry cherry or extract of garlic tablets [P <0.001]. Blue berry cherry, garlic and mixture of them are effective in reducing Cryptosporidium oocysts. Since chemical compounds have side effects, use of blue berry cherry, garlic and mixture of them even in very low doses, can reduce the number of oocysts of this parasite, which is probably due to presence of allicin in garlic and polyphenolic compounds in blue berry cherry. Therefore, they can be used in children, elderly and those with immune system defects
ABSTRACT
Culexpipiens complex shows variations in morphological and biological characters including different biological forms and has medical and veterinary importance. Because of having morphological variations, sometimes it is not easy to separate this species from Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. torrenlium. The aim of this study was to identify the Culexpipiens complex species in order to use in control programs in the future. This study was carried out in two randomly selected rural villages in Yazd County, eastern Iran using dipping technique from April to October 2009. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Average of siphon index in fourth-instrar larvae was 3.86 +/- 0.03, the minimum and maximum were calculated 2.43 and 5.14, respectively. Siphon/Saddle index was measured as average, minimum and maximum 3.2 +/- 0.2, 2.78, and 4.42 respectively. In our study, only 4 specimens had single seta 1 on segments III and VI [2.5%] and the remaining beard double seta [97.5%]. The maximum 3-6 branches seta la-S and Ib-S [95%] were observed on siphon. More populations of Culex pipiens from different areas of Iran need to be studied to gain complete information about the taxonomy and ecology of the species in the country
ABSTRACT
Culex pipiens is extremely active in blood feeding in the urban areas. The role of this species in causing annoyance to the people, in addition to transmission of fillers, and viruses has increased their importance. Building of towns without proper principles of health and improvement of sewage systems is considered as the essential factor for producing larval habitat. The present study was carried out for ecological identification of Culex pipiens as the most prevalent mosquito and planning control programs. In this experimental study were selected two cities that had the highest problem of mosquitoes. Suitable shelters were selected for sampling after survey on resting sites and larval breeding places of mosquitoes. Sampling carried out eleven times from May to December in 2009. Different sampling methods carried out such as larval collection, pyrethrum space spray collection, hand collection, light trap, and collection of mosquitoes from pit shelters. In this study, the samples were of three genera Anopheles, Culex and Culiseta and five species of mosquitoes. Totally, 19054 mosquito larvae were caught from different breeding places. Cx. pipiens was predominant and consisted of 82.2% of the larvae. From 523 adult mosquitoes, 118 were collected by pyrethrum space spray collection. Cx. Pipiens with a 90% frequency was the most abundant mosquito, and Cx. sinaiticus was reported for the first time from Yazd Province. Culex pipiens was the predominant species and its seasonal peak activity was from late June to early July. Comparison of abdominal physiological states of the species caught by pyrethrum space spray collection with pit shelter collection showed the exophilic behavior of this species
ABSTRACT
We aimed to develop a PCR-RFLP assay based on available sequences of putative vertebrate hosts to identify blood meals ingested by field female sand fly in the northwest of Iran. In addition, the utility of PCR-RFLP was compared with ELISA as a standard method. This experimental study was performed in the Insect Molecular Biology Laboratory of School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2006-2007. For PCR-RFLP a set of conserved vertebrate primers were used to amplify a part of the host mitochondrial cytochrome b [cyt b] gene followed by digestion of the PCR products by Hae III enzyme. The PCR-RFLP and ELISA assays revealed that 34% and 27% of field-collected sand flies had fed on humans, respectively. Additionally, PCR-RFLP assays could reveal specific host DNA as well as the components of mixed blood meals. Results of PCR-RFLP assay showed that the sand flies had fed on cow [54%], human [10%], dog [4%], human and cow [21%], dog and cow [14%], and human and dog [3%]. The results can provide a novel method for rapid diagnosis of blood meal taken by sandflies. The advantages and limitations of PCR and ELISA assays are discussed