[Identification of mutation for drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease and one of the health problems world wide. The pentavalent antimonial drugs [e.g. pentostam and Glucantime] are the first line treatment for leishmaniasis, and resistance to these drugs is a serious problem. Using PCR method, this study was carried out to identify the mutation for sodium stibogluconate resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases referred to different health centers during 2006-8. This descriptive study was conducted on 150 isolates of leishmania major and leishmania tropica to identify the mutation in drug resistance gene. Promastigote clones were cultured in enriched RPMI 1640 medium and then the genomic DNA was isolated and using a pair of primers, a 400 bp of the gene was amplified. Finally, the PCR products were screened by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis [CSGE] method and then the mutation was confirmed using RFLP with Sdu1 enzyme. Screening using CSGE and RFLP methods showed that 6.3% of the samples carried a mutation for drug resistance gene. Results showed a resistance for cutaneous leishmania against sodium stibogluconate. Further studies are required to determine the biochemical mechanism of this resistance

[Detection of drug resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis by PCR]

Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease. Considering the importance of the disease in public health and the controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of metronidazole resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis [T. vaginalis] with PCR-RFLP method in Tehran and in Kashan. In this descriptive study 140 samples of T. vaginalis in patients with T. vaginalis infections were collected and assessed microscopically. Then they were isolated and examined by culturing in dorset's medium, DNA extraction and PCR amplification. The PCR products were analyzed using RFLP and suspected samples were sequenced. All but 7 samples were T. vaginalis positive by PCR. Sixty-two samples [44.4%] were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques; 12 samples [8.5%] by microscope and PCR, 56 samples [40%] by culture and PCR and other 3 samples [2.1%] were positive only by PCR. Two samples [1.5%] were also examined for detection of mutation in 18S rRNA gene with RFLP in Tehran. This study shows that T. vaginalis infections in the female population living in Tehran are metronidazole-resistant. Since metronidazole is considered as the drug choice for T. vaginalis infections, more studies are recommended for identification of the drug resistance mechanisms and prevention of the disease

[Effect of different types of blood on the growth of cutaneus leishmaniasis agent in vitro]

As there is a high prevalence of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran, the problems and expenses for culture of the parasite are important. The effect of different types of blood human, cattle, sheep and goat on growth of leishmania tropica promastigote, L.major were examined and compared with rabbit blood. This study was preformed during 2001-2003 in Kashan. This analytical study was performed on promastigote L. tropica and L. major which was confirmed by the World Health Organization. The examination was repeated 10 times. The time of compatibility with culture medium, maximum and minimum growth based on decrease in number of active parasite as compared to the basic number at the time of culture were determined and judged statistically. The time of compatibility with culture medium was equal in all cases and it was about 1 to 3 days. With human, sheep and goat blood, maximum growth of parasite was reached in a shorter time period as compared to0 cow blood. The minimum growth in the blood of rabbit and cow was more than human, goat and sheep blood. The growth of 2 kinds of parasites in rabbit blood was more than human, goat and sheep blood [P<0.05], but it was similar to the amount of growth of these parasites in rabbit and cow blood. In places where it is difficult to have access to rabbit or cow blood, human B negative blood can be used

Comparison of metronidazole and furazolidone against giardia lamblia in children

This study was conducted on children infected by Giardia lamblia to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of Metronidazole and Furazolidone drugs in Kashan. One hundred twenty two individuals infected with Giardia lamblia were assigned in 2 groups. They were 5-12 years old. Patients were surveyed four weeks following the therapy with Metronidazole and Furazolidone. Results were compared using chi-square method. Of 122 infected patients, 68.8% were urban residents, 43.4% were females and 56.6% were males. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical symptoms [84.2%]. Four weeks after the therapy, the efficacy of metronidazole and furazolidone were 87 and 81.6%, respectively. Malaise [12.9%] and dark urine [25%] was the most frequents side effects of metronidazole and furazolidone, respectively. With respect to the efficacy of antiparasite drugs in the treatment of giardiasis, further studies in different parts of the country are highly recommended