Soil contamination of public places with Toxocara spp. egg in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2014

Background: Toxocariasis is considered as an important neglected tropical disease. Although, the prevalence of Toxocara eggs in soil has previously been reported in different parts of Iran, the extent of this condition is not precisely known in Kermanshah city, west of Iran

Materials and Methods: A total of 126 soil samples were collected from different zones of Kermanshah public places during April-June 2014. The samples were examined for Toxocara spp. eggs via modified floatation method using sodium nitrate [NaNO3] and the data was analyzed using Data Analysis and Statistical Software [STATA Ver.13.1]

Results: Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 17 [13.5%] out of 126 samples collected from the studied areas. There was a significant difference between contamination rate in the areas with low levels of health status and that in the areas with high levels [p=0.003]

Conclusion: according to the results obtained in the present study public parks, streets, and squares of Kermanshah are contaminated with eggs of Toxocara spp. Considering these findings, establishment of a wisely planned health program for controlling helminthes in the soil and the population of the stray dogs and cats in order to reduce the distribution of parasitosis is strongly recommended

[ identification of human cryptosporidium species in Tehran by PCR/RFLP]

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important parasitic infections in Iran which causes diarrhea in humans and animals. The identification of the Cryptosporidium species among humans is necessary. This study aims to identify species of Cryptosporidium isolated from patients that referred to three hospitals in Tehran based on the 18s rRNA gene by nested PCR-RFLP assay. In the first step of the present descriptive cross-sectional study, 1128 human fecal samples were collected from patients that referred to three hospitals [Ali Asgar, Mofid and Imam Khomeini] in Tehran. The samples were examined for Cryptosporidium by modified acid fast staining. In the second step, DNA of the positive samples were extracted, then gene of 18s rRNA was amplified by nested PCR in order to differentiate between species. The PCR products were subsequently digested by Vsp1 restriction enzyme and their sequences determined. The modified acid fast method detected 12 [1.06%] positive samples which was confirmed by a molecular technique. The 845bp fragment of 18s rRNA was digested by restriction enzymes. There were 10 samples identified as Cryptosporidium parvum that showed similar patterns on 2.5% agarose gel; 2 other samples were identified as Cryptosporidium homonis and Cryptosporidium andersoni based on the different patterns and sequence results. Although Cryptosporidium parvum is introduced as the major agent for cryptosporidiosis in humans, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium andersoni may also infect humans

Detection of Cryptosporidium infection by modified ziehl-neelsen and PCR methods in children with diarrheal samples in pediatric hospitals in Tehran

The aim of this study is evaluation of molecular assay and the standard staining method. Cryptosporidium is a protozoon from coccidian subclass, which is one of the most important causes of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised individuals around the world. Diagnosis and treatment are necessary for mentioned cases. Usual diagnostic method for this parasite is fecal smear preparation, modified ziehl-neelsen staining, microscopic consideration and oocyst observation. A totally of 2510 stool samples collected from children with diarrhea of 4 pediatric hospitals. Direct smears prepared from fresh fecal samples and from the sediment of formalin-ether method of the same samples. The smears stained with modified ziehl-neelsen method then considered with microscope. The 30 positive samples with staining method considered with DNA extraction and PCR method for cryptosporidiosis infection determination and sensitivity evaluation. 114 random negative samples considered with DNA extraction and PCR method for cryptosporidiosis infection diagnosis and specificity evaluation. 30 positive cases from 2510 fecal samples detected by modified ziehl-neelsen staining and PCR method. We did not have any false positive cases by staining method but 2 cases of negative samples by staining method were positive by PCR technique, which informed us of 2 false negative. The positive samples sequenced for reconfirmation. Thus, sensitivity of staining method was computed to be 94% and specificity was 100% but sensitivity and specificity of PCR method was calculated to be 100%.