[Effect of echinacea purpurea on control of leishmania major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice]

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoa parasites of the genus Leishmania and is endemic in some areas of Iran. Echinacea purpurea is a native plant from North America which is one of the most important medical herbs known with immuno-stimulant properties. This study was performed to determine the effect of alcoholic extract of Echinacea purpurea on prophylaxis and treatment of Leishmania cutaneous lesions. In this experimental study which was conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2009, eighteen mice were divided into 3 groups. Group one received Echinacea purpurea extract [200 mg/ml] in their water, for 2 weeks before parasite injection, while group two were first injected with parasite amastigotes, followed by administration of Echinacea purpurea extract for 2 weeks. Group three was the control group, which received parasites, but not the extract. The size of Leishmania lesions in the tail base, right and left foot were measured with vernier caliper. The lesion areas were calculated and the collected data were analyzed with SPSS software. The mean of lesion size in each group of mice were compared and analyzed. No significant differences in the lesions size were found between the three mice groups. Therefore, Echinacea purpurea extract was not effective against Leishmania major based on the findings of this study. Our findings suggest that Echinacea extract is not effective in treatment or prophylaxis of leishmaniasis in mice. Yet, further studies are needed to determine the effects of other extracts of this plant

prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among free-ranging chickens in Southern Iran using IFA and nested-PCR

As consumption of chicken meat may be as one of the sources of human infection, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in farm chickens[Gallu gallus domesticus] in Shiraz, southern Iran. Two hundred and thirty one blood samples were collected from farm chickens by a cluster random sampling method and tested for toxoplasmosis by indirect fluorescent antibody technique [IFAT]. The samples of the brain, heart, and liver of the chickens were tested by a Nested PCR method. The results were analyzed by SPSS software using Chi-Square test and a P value <0.05 was considered statically significant. Out of 58 seropositive chickens, 29 [1:16 in eight, 1:32 in 14, 1:64 in five and 1:128 in two birds] and out of seronegative chickens, three were enrolled in the study. The most infected tissue was liver [27 out of 29] and the lowest was the heart [16 out of 29] [alpha =0.05, P=0.002]. None of the seronegative chickens was positive in PCR method. Only 2 out of 8 cases with a titer of 1:16 [as cut off point] were negative in PCR method whereas the remained were positive. Based on cultural and food habits in our area, the meat and viscera of chicken may be important sources of infection in human when consuming semi-cooked meats. Considering the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in chickens, standards in chicken breeding, education of environmental health personnel and standardization for preparation and handling techniques are required by Health and Veterinary organizations

[First report of Kala-azar from Qeshm Island in Persian Gulf]

Visceral Leishmaniasis [VL] is a sever disease that is prevalent in Iran. We report a case of VL in a 3.5 year-old boy. Prolonged fever, chill, abdominal distention, and weight loss were important symptoms. Blood count showed pancytopenia and hypohemoglobinemia. Specific anti-leishmanial antibodies were detected by serological test [IFAT, DAT] but no Leishman body was observed in bone marrow. However, a 145 bp band of KDNA belong to L. infantum was detected by PCR method. Glucantime was administered and treatment was well tolerated. This is the first report of VL from Qeshm Island in Persian Gulf