comparison of [TIM] gene of Giardia lamblia in laboratory animals and human and the importance of cross transmission probability in Iran

Giardia has the ability to infect many mammals including dogs, cats, deer, mice, ground squirrels, chinchillas, swine, rabbits, pocket mice, oxen, guinea pigs, and humans. Giardia lamblia [also Giardia duodenalis G.intes-tinalis] isolates have been variably divided into two or three genotypes by different investigators, and each group can be divided into subgroups. We have compared the triosephosphate isomerase [tpi] sequences of these genotypes by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] to determine G.lambia genotype in Iran for the first time. In this study, 4 sets of primers were used in which 2 sets were designed by other investigator, and 2 sets were designed by the authors of the present study to confirm the results of the first two primers and also to differentiate the subgroups. Among Giardia isolates, 2/10 and 1/19 of PCR-RFLP of rabbit and mouse respectively amplified with primer PM290. There is evidence that suggests that direct transmission from companion animals to human does occur. Zoonosis is controversial regarding Giardia; however, most researchers believe that its zoonotic potential merits adequate precaution when working with feces of animals that may be infected

[Bone protective effects following ethanolic extract [Otostegia persica] administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: histomorphometric study]

Background: Medical plants have been recently used to treat diabetes. Osteoporosis is one of diabetes side effects and increases the risk of bone fracture in diabetic patient

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential bone protective effects of O.persica ethanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Methods: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and treated as follows: group 1 [control]; group 2 [STZ group]: received STZ 50 mg/kg by a single IP injection; groups 3, 4 and 5 treated with STZ as above+ 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of O. persica extract per day by oral gavage, respectively. On day 29, serum taken for glucose level measurement and left femoral and tibio-fibular bones were dissected for histomorphometric study, while L4 vertebrate were removed for determination of ash weight

Results: 300mg/kg of extract reduced serum glucose levels. Epiphyseal and metaphyseal Trabecular thickness as well as epiphyseal bone area/tissue area significantly decreased in STZ group. O. persica extract at the dosage of 200 mg/kg reversed all these parameters to the control level. No significant difference observed in osteoid thickness among different groups. Ash weight of L4 vertebrate in rats treated with 300 and 450 mg/kg of extract was significantly lower than other groups

Conclusions:The results show that ethanolic extract of O. persica has bone protective effects in STZ-treated rats

[ evaluation of alfalfa for molt induction on intestinal morphometric parameters and performance of commercial laying hens]

Background: The use of feed withdrawal for molt induction can negatively affected the structure and microbial environment of intestine and lead to greater intestinal colonization by salmonella infection

Objectives: The aim of the present experiment was to determine the effects of alfalfa as a high fiber ingredient for molt induction on intestinal morphometric characteristics and performance of commercial laying hens

Methods: In this experiment 108 Hy-line [W36] laying hens aged 74 weeks in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates were used. Using treatments for 12 days molt period were included: 1- control group fed with layer ration [FF], 2- feed withdrawal group [FW], 3- group fed with 90% alfalfa and 10% layer ration [A90]. Performance of birds was monitored for 12 weeks after the end of the molting period

Results: Feed withdrawal hens had lowest villus height in all three regions of the intestine [p<0.05].The highest average of deudenal crypt depths was observed in FW hens. In all three regions of the intestine, the lowest amounts of villus index and villus surface was observed in FW hens [p<0.05]. In all three regions of the intestine, the highest and lowest average of goblet cells was seen in the A90 and FW hens respectively. The highest mean of post molt egg mass was observed in FW hens [p<0.05]. The best FCR was seen in the A90 group

Conclusions: The use of alfalfa-riched feed for molt induction of laying hens results in improvement of morphometric characteristic of intestine and post molt performance

[ morphometrical study of testis and histometrical study of seminiferous tubules in Coenzyme Q10 fed ostriches]

Nowadays, Coenzyme Q10 is used in male infertility treatment as an oral or injectable supplement. The main role of coenzyme Q10 is presence in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration process to produce energy in the mitochondrial membrane. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q10 on morphological characteristics of the testis and histological features of seminiferous tubules in ostrich. 18 male ostriches, 6 months old, from South African breed [struthio camelus australis] were selected and divided into three groups of 6. Group one [control] was fed only by maintenance ration. The second group received 10 mg/kg and the third one, 20mg/kg of Coenzyme Q10 in their food. Coenzyme was given orally and once daily. After two months, the birds were slaughtered and gonadosomatic index [GSI], weight, height and diagonal of testis, diameter of the seminiferous tubules as well as lumen diameter, the height of their epithelium and also the number of spermatogonial cells, primary spermatocyte, Sertoli and Leydig cells were compared in the control and experimental groups. At the beginning and on 30[th] and 60[th] days of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the birds for endocrinology investigations and the plasma was separated for measuring the plasma concentration of testosterone and cholesterol. After feeding ostriches with Coenzyme Q10, weight, height, diagonal and testicular gonadosomatic index increased significantly in the experimental groups compared to control group [p

[ effect of oral administration of coated methionine on the female goats and suckling kids hair follicles: a histomorphometrical approach]

Using methionine in the diet of the small ruminants can induce the growth of follicles and their fibre growth. In this study, the effect of oral coated methionine on the hair follicles was determined in female Rayeni goats and their breastfed kids during the first 2 months of infancy. For this purpose, 60 healthy singleton born Rayeni goats, approximately 3 to 4 years of age with their one-day-old kids were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The treated mothers group was given 3 gr/day pure oral methionine manually for 60 days. Skin samples of the 4 groups were taken from the middle of the left and right side, on zero, 30 and 60 days of experience. Routine histological processes were done. In each sample, primary and secondary follicles and skin follicles traits, the diameter of the primary and secondary follicles, the diameter of hair and cashmere, the diameter of dermal papilla of primary and secondary follicles and the number of primary and secondary follicles were measured respectively by linear graticule under light microscope. The diameter and percentages of the cashmere of mothers and kids, the firmness, and the length of the cashmere of kids were measured macroscopically. All data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software. The results showed that the oral coated methionine in the diet of the mothers could significantly increase the diameter of primary and secondary follicles and their dermal papilla. In the treated kids, the diameters of the primary and secondary follicles, the dermal papilla of the primary and secondary follicles and the number of secondary follicles showed significant change. According to the study, the oral coated methionine in the diet of the mothers during the first 2 months of infancy can significantly increase the diameter of primary and secondary follicles and their dermal papilla in the mothers and their treated kids. It can also increase the number of secondary follicles in the kids

Molecular epidemiology of human intestinal amoebas in Iran

Many microscopic-based epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of human intestinal pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa including intestinal amoeba performed in Iran show a high prevalence of human intestinal amoeba in different parts of Iran. Such epidemiological studies on amoebiasis are confusing, mainly due to recently appreciated distinction between the Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Differential diagnosis can be done by some methods such as PCR-based methods, monoclonal antibodies and the analysis of isoenzyme typing, however the molecular study of these protozoa in Iran is low. Based on molecular studies, it seems that E. dispar is predominant species especially in the central and northern areas of Iran and amoebiasis due to E. histolytica is a rare infection in the country. It is suggested that infection with E. moshkovskii may be common among Iranians. Considering the importance of molecular epidemiology of amoeba in Iran and also the current data, the present study reviews the data currently available on the molecular distribution of intestinal human amoeba in Iran

[ anatomical and histological study of laryngeal saccule of the donkey [equus asinus]]

Although donkeys play an important role as pack and draught animals, there is sparse information available on the histological and anatomical data for their respiratory tract. This study examined the larynxes of 4 healthy donkeys to provide data using histological techniques and anatomical dissection. The histological specimens were taken after fixation in 10% formalin and tissue passages were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and then studied under a light microscope. The laryngeal muscles and mucosa, for anatomically studying the saccules, were dissected and photographed. Compared with the horse, the donkey epiglottis is relatively shorter and more sharply pointed. Ashallow, thumb shaped depression on the rostral of each vocal fold corresponds in position to the laryngeal ventricle in the horse. In the donkey, large paired laryngeal saccules, interposed between the thyroarytenoideus M. and the thyroid cartilage, open into the laryngeal cavity through a small circular orifice. There is a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lined saccule. Sero-Mucus secreting glands, subepithelial lympho-venous plexuses and lymph follicles were present in its orifice wall. Furthermore, the large thyroarytenoideus M. is subdivided into ventricular and vocal parts, which are thought to control the expression of secretion from the laryngeal saccule. It seems that unusual characteristics of vocalization in the donkey may be related to the shape and orientation of these larynx resonance chambers. Further investigations are needed to clarify this point

Rapid detection of Toxoplasma gondii antigen in experimentally infected mice by dot- ELISA

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide endemic disease. In congenitally infected infants and AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. In these cases antibody detection is difficult; so detection of parasite or its components could be useful tool for early detection and following treatment of the infection. Sixty-three BALB/c mice were injected intra-peritoneal with 5x10[3] tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain, nine mice were sacrificed daily for 7 days. Fourteen mice were injected with phosphate buffer saline as control group. Dot-ELISA was performed for detection of T.gondii antigen in mice sera and capture -ELISA was done as golden standard assay too. Toxoplasma gondii antigen was detected from day 2 in mice sera; 22% of mice sera on day 2, 33% on day 3,77% on day 4 and 100% on day 5 till their death on day 7 had shown antigenemia by dot -ELISA, no positive result was detected in control mice by dot-ELISA. Dot-ELISA is a sensitive method for diagnosis of T. gondii infection in the animal model; also, this technique is more rapid and easy to perform method in comparison with capture-ELISA

[Suicide pattern in the world Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region]

Suicide in the year 2000 has been the 25[th] leading cause of death in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and therefore, it could not be considered as one of the most urgent health problems. However, different age and sex groups in this region have demonstrated different patterns of suicide, which worthy of consideration. This study uses data based on the ICD9 codes E950-E959 [suicides], which have been provided by the WHO Global Burden of Disease project for 2000, version 1. Different age and sex groups [5-14, 15-29, 30-44, 45-59, 60 and above] standardized rates of suicidal deaths based on the countries' level of income were plotted and compared with each other. Similar procedure was applied to compare suicide deaths as a proportion of all deaths due to injury. The results show that in the first and the second age groups the rates of suicide are higher in females in comparison to males. For the rest of suicide are higher in females in comparison to females. The most high-risk age group among females is the second one [8.6 per 100000] and among males is the last one [10.8 per 100000] and among males is the last one [10.8 per 100000]. Furthermore, plotting suicide deaths as a proportion of all deaths due to injury reveals that in all age groups especially the second one of the proportion of such deaths is substantially higher in females in comparison to males. In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region females in the age group 15-29 and males in age group 60 and above are among the most high-risk people in terms of committing suicide. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the ways of preventing suicide among on these age groups especially in the countries with low and middle income

Correlation between lipid-lowering and bone-protective effects of eicosapentaenoic acid in rats with steroid induced bone loss

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between lipid-lowering and bone-protective effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on steroid-induced bone changes in rats. Twenty-one male 10-week-old Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups [n = 7 each] and treated with 0.9% NaCl SC [group 1] or methylprednisolone 7 mg/kg SC once a week [group 2] or methylprednisolone 7 mg/kg SC once a week + eicosapentaenoic acid 160 mg/kg, PO daily [group 3], for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum total cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations were determined using enzymatic colorimetric assays and bone histomorphometric analyses were performed on cancellous bone of femoral epiphysis and metaphysis using a photomicroscope and a digital camera. Histomorphometric parameters demonstrated a significant bone loss due to methylprednisolone administration, which was partly restored by eicosapentaenoic acid. A strong inverse correlation was observed between the serum total cholesterol concentration and epiphyseal trabecular width and metaphyseal trabecular osteoid width [R = -0.82, P = 0.04 and R = -0.86, P = 0.01, respectively]. Serum triglycerides concentration was also strongly and inversely correlated with the above mentioned parameters [R = -0.88, P = 0.02 for epiphyseal trabecular width and R = -0.81, P = 0.02 for metaphyseal trabecular osteoid width]. The correlation between the lipid-lowering and bone-protective effects of eicosapentaenoic acid may be helpful in the clarification of its effects on bone and lipid metabolism

[Effects of hull- less barley food diet on the histomorphometric changes of small intestine of adult cocks]

Diet components are one of the determination factors for changing of morphology of small intestines which lead to a change in digestien and absorption of nutritiond subs tonces. To study the histomorphometric changes of small intestine due to hull- less barley food diets in poultry, 20, of 70 weeks old healthy Road Island Red cocks were selected and divided equally into 2 experimental groups and fed with hull less barley, and commonly usual diet [control]. Feeding was gradually and by adding the experimental food to the commonly used diet through one week. At the end of the week, all animals starved for 24 hrs and then fed with experimental diets for following week. At the end all animals were weighted and sacrificed after 24 hrs of starving. excreta viscosity and crude diet energy, crude excreta energy and metabolisable energy were measured and the data were analyzed using Duncan method, transverse sections from small intestine were successively cut with 2cm intervals and fixed with 10% buffered formalin. Routine histological laboratory methods were used and sections were studied under light microscope. Heights and width of the villi and dept of the crypts and goblet cells number were measured. Data's were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test. Results showed: increasing in viscosity, increasing the villus heights [p<0.011], villus width [p=0.002] and crypt depth [p<0.001] and number of goblet cells [p<0.001] in jejunum, decreasing in height of the villi [p<0.001] and increasing in crypt dept [p<0.001] and goblet cells number [p=0.04] in the duodenum and increasing of the crypt dept [p=0.004] in the ileum were observed respected to the control

[Differential diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica from Entamoeba dispar and study on the intestinal parasites in rural areas of Ahwaz and Hamidieh]

Differential diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is important in clinical and epidemiological studies. The two organisms are morphologically identical but they differ in their genetics, biochemistry, and pathogenicity. The present study was carried out with the aim of distinguishing the two species and determining the prevalence of each organism in the rural areas of Ahwaz and Hamidieh. A total of 782 stool specimens were randomly collected and examined by formalin-ether concentration and direct methods. Twenty-one isolates of E. histolytica/ E. dispar were successfully cultured on Robinson's medium. DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method and identified by PCR-RFLP after digestion with HinfI. Over 75% of the individuals were infected with at least one of the intestinal parasites. Entamoeba coli infection rates were very high [51.9%] among the population, while only 0.76% of individuals were positive for Dientamoeba fragilis. Sixty-five individual [8/3%] were infected with E. histolytica /E. dispar. The PCR-RFLP showed that 19 samples [90.48%] were positive for E. dispar; one sample [4.76%] was positive for E. histolytica and another sample [4.76%] showed mixed infection. Conclusion These findings show that the nonpathogenic E. dispar is predominant in Ahwaz and Hamidieh rural area

[Histological study of rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss] after administration of 17 alpha- methyl testosterone]

Study of histological changes in gonads of fish received a variety treatment of 17-alpha methyl testosterone. Rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss]. Descriptive study. Application of 17 - alpha methyl testosterone [MT] using immersion and/or oral administration methods in two seasons and in 5 and 11 treatments along with a control group with no hormonal treatment for each season, respectively. In immersion method eyed eggs and larvae were immersed in 250 mg/l MT bath for 2 hours twice 4 and 8 days apart. In oral administration method newly feeding larvae were fed with food containing 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 30 ppm MT for 60, 70, 90 and 120 days after commencing active feeding. Histological examination was carried out on gonads of 20 fish from each treatment as well as control group at the age of 11 and 24 months for two seasonal groups of fish, respectively. Masculinization and sterilization were successfully carried out on rainbow trout by using a variety treatment of MT. A range of histological changes were observed in gonads of different treatment groups. This included histologically normal males, normal females, intersex, totally atrophic gonads and sterile fish. In some testes a number of follicles were seen among the mass of spermatozoa. In intersex gonads both male and female cell types were observed alongside each other. Sterile gonads could be categorized as: sterile males, sterile females as well as completely sterile containing residual male cells, residual female cells and no cells at all, respectively. in a number of specimens spermatozoan cysts were typically observed. Application fo 17-alpha methyl testosterone to rainbow trout at early stages of development could dramatically change the histological profile of gonads ranging from functional testes, to intersex, to sterility

SSU-rRNA gene analysis of cryptosporidium spp. in HIV positive and negative patients

Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan parasite of humans and a wild range of domestic as well as wild animals. An 833-bp fragment of the 18S-rRNA gene was used to identify Cryptosporidium spp. recovered from children and adult patients, in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] positive and negative patients in Iran. Initial identification of cryptosporidiosis was carried out by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining method of stool samples. The samples, then, were identified specifically by nested PCR, targeting the most polymorphic region of the 18S-rRNA gene. The genotype encountered was detected by re-striction endonuclease digestion of the nested-PCR product. Among 17 analyzed isolates, two different genotypes of Cryptosporidium were identified; 24% of the isolates belonged to C. parvum human genotype, and 76% to the potentially zoonotic species of C. parvum bovine genotype. The results of the present study showed that in contrast to HIV negative individuals, HIV positive individuals were more likely to be infected with zoonotic genotypes of the parasite; it was also confirmed the fact that zoonotic transmission of the parasite in Iran was as frequent as the transmission of anthroponotic origin. These outcomes are helpful for researchers to establish the corresponding prevention and treatment measures

Serological study of toxoplasma gondii infection using IFA method in renal transplant recipients

Toxoplasmosis is a wide distributed opportunistic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This was a cross-sectional study of T. gondii antibody titer, which was conducted from June 2003 to August 2004 on renal transplant recipients in Iran. A total of 551 serum samples were obtained from randomly selected population referred from different areas all over the country to Shafa Central Clinic in Tehran. Patient's information was recorded in a questionnaire before sampling. Two samples of finger-prick blood were collected from each person and antibody titer against Toxoplasma was assessed by Indirect Fluorescence Antibody [IFA] technique on serum samples. Totally 39 cases [7.1%] of samples were positive for antibody by the titer of 1: 20 and higher. On investigation of risk factors, no significant difference was found between consumption of under-cooked meat, close contact with animals, and the source of drinking water and seropositivity rate of toxoplasmosis. The relatively low seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma infection shows the successful approaches to awareness of transplant recipients about the potential risks of acquisition of infectious diseases due to regular administration of suppressive drugs. However, the regular surveillance through serological screening of Toxoplasma antibody in kidney transplant recipients is advisable

Molecular characterization of 70 kDa heat shock protein [HSP70] gene in Entamoeba dispar

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is still mentioned as one of the major health problems in tropical and subtropical areas. E. histolytica has recently been redescribed as two distinct species; E. histolytica and E. dispar. In the present study, we characterized the 70 kDa Heat Shock Protein [HSP70] of E. dispar at molecular level and compared it with that of E. histolytica. With these findings, we were able to distinguishe E. dispar from the infectious E. histolytica. Pairs of 21 nucleotide primers were designed from highly conserved regions of the same gene in other eukaryotic cells. Mentioned primers were utilized in PCR by using isolated genomic DNA template of E. dispar and the PCR fragments were then sequenced. By the time, 1020 nucleotides have been sequenced and characterized within open reading frame of this new gene which encode a polypeptide with 337 amino acids. Nucleotide sequence comparison in gene data banks [NCBI, NIH] for both the partial DNA and its deduced amino acid sequence revealed significant homology with members of the eukaryotic 70 kDa HSP family. Small parts of the mentioned sequences from E. dispar were about 100% identical to the sequences of 70 kDa HSP from E. histolytica other eukaryotic cells. The new partial gene fragment and its encoded protein have been submitted to the gene data banks [NCBI, NIH] and registered under the accession number of AY763790

Contact lens-associated acanthamoeba keratitis in Iran

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a vision-threatening infection caused by pathogenic species of the genus Acanthamoeba. In this study, 13 Acanthamoeba keratitis cases were diagnosed among 52 keratitis patients. To confirm the identity of Acanthamoeba at the genus level, a PCR-based method was used, and their pathogenic potential was determined using in vitro cytotoxicity assays on human corneal epithelial cells. Twelve [92.3%] of Acanthamoeba keratitis patients were contact lens wearers; among them eleven [91.7%] wore soft contact lenses. 11/13 [84.6%] isolates were axenised in liquid culture medium, of which 10 [90.9%] isolates disrupted corneal cells. Nine [69.2%] isolates showed Acanthamoeba sp. group II, and four [30.8%] showed group III morphology. To our knowledge this is the first report of determination of Acanthamoeba pathogenicity in Iran. This study confirms the importance of determination of pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolates for clinical purposes

[Knowledge, attitude and practice of health workers on family planning in Rafsanjan-1383]

The community involvement is among the key issues in the success of family planning programs and this is closely related to their level of knowledge and awareness. It is therefore, very important to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the different groups of people especially those who have a key role, such as Health Workers, in the family planning programs. A questionnaire including 32 items was designed to assess the level of knowledge attitude and practice of the Health Workers in Rafsanjan province [n=170] regarding family planning. Trained interviewers interviewed the relevant population and the results were analyzed by SPSS. The results indicate that the knowledge and attitude of the Health Workers on family planning has been appropriate Correct responses were given to most of questions on knowledge and attitude [70%]. Health Workers' practice was also appropriate [70%] comparing the results of the study with those of a decade ago on the same population was indicated a big improvement. In the end, regarding the key role of the population studied on family planning in rural communities, holding in-service training programs to promote knowledge, attitude and practice of the Health Workers is suggested

Molecular characterization of toxoplasma gondii from Bird Hosts

The determination of Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in a variety of domestic birds is thought as a good indicator of distribution of T.gondii ooccyts in the environment. To verify the potential role of domestic birds in circulating toxoplasmosis in Iran, the present study was conducted in Mazandaran Provinces, northern Iran. Latex agglutination test [LA] antibodies were found in 25 of 58 free-ranging chickens [Gallus domesticus] and ducks [Anas sp.]. Also, viable T. gondii was isolated from 7 of 25 seropositive chickens and ducks by bioassay of their brains and hearts into mice. Most of the isolated strains were avirulant to mice. Genotyping of T.gondii isolates using Multiplex PCR for 5 microsatellite markers indicated that 7 isolates were type III. In this study type II and III isolates and mixed genotypes were not found. This study showed that domestic birds could have a potential role in transmitting toxoplasmosis to humans in Iran

Comparison of the recombinant glucosephosphate isomerase from different zymodemes of entamoeba histolytica with their natural counterparts by isoenzyme electrophoresis

Entamoeba histolytica is the etiological agent of invasive amoebiasis, the third leading parasitic cause of mortality in the world. Our aim was to find a molecular correlation between a glucosephosphate isomerase zymodeme analyses in E. histolytica zymodemes. It was demonstrated that natural and recombinant glucosephosphate isomerase enzymes of E. histolytica comigrated in the starch gel electrophoresis, indicating that the isoenzyme pattern of E. histolytica glucosephosphate isomerase could be explained from the primary sequences alone and means that expression of the polypeptides of the described sequences in Escherichia coli are able to reproduce the classical glucosephosphate isomerase isoenzyme patterns