Emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major in a new focus of central Iran.

Reports from a health center in Esfahan province show an increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases in the southern areas during 2000-2002, leading us to carry out an epidemiological study using standard techniques in Mobarakeh county, central Iran in 2003. Data were collected on the prevalence of scars and active lesions among 1237 households in Dehsorkh district (3086 residents) and 191 children attending primary schools in Mobarakeh city. Smears were prepared by scraping the edges of the active lesions. To determine the reservoir host of the disease, rodents and dogs were caught and examined. Sand flies were collected biweekly from indoor and outdoor locations in the study areas. Parasites isolated from humans and rodents were characterized by RAPD-PCR technique. The prevalence of scars and active lesions was 2.5% and 1.6% respectively in the 3086 residents of Dehsorkh district and 6% and 4% respectively in the schoolchildren. Among rodents, 7 of 18 Nesokia indica (39%) and 1 of 9 Meriones persicus (11%) were found to be infected with Leishmania major. Phlebotomus papatasi was the commonest sand fly species indoors and outdoors. Although CL has been present in some northern counties of Esfahan province, our investigation revealed that the disease has spread to southern parts of the province. Rapid treatment of patients, destroying gerbils, and promotion of general and health education for the local population is recommended.

Epidemiological aspects of Pediculosis capitis and treatment evaluation in primary-school children in Iran.

This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of and epidemiological factors associated with, head lice infections in Iranian primary schools in 2006 and evaluate data on the therapeutic efficacy of lindane shampoo. A total of 40586 children (19774 boys (48.72%) and 20812 girls (51.28%)] from 198 Governmentprimary schools in Kerman, were screened for head lice between March and June 2006. The diagnosis of head lice infestation was confirmed by clinical inspection of scalp and hair for the presence of adult lice nymphal stage, or eggs (nit) by line-toothed head lice comb. All children infested with lice were treated with lindane shampoo (1% gamma benzene hexachloride). The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 1.8%. The prevalence of infestation was significantly higher in girls (2.9%) than in boys (0.6%) (p = 0.000). The infestation rate was greater among pupils who were living in rural areas (4.6%) than in urban areas (1.5%). Of the 721 children with a positive examination result, 424 pupils (58.8%) were reported as having been infested with head lice in the previous 6 months. Mother's education level was a significant risk factor in this model (p < 0.05). At 2 weeks after the primary treatment, the success rates of treatment were 49%. Comprehensive survey in our work showed the better future of the disease and related factors. Education campaigns by health care officials, physicians and teachers are expected to be helpful for head lice control. It is essential that governments should be supported form cooperation between the school authorities and public health centers to successful control head lice infestation in primary school. Also there is an urgent need to identify safe, novel insecticides for proved efficacy.

Entomological survey of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a focus of visceral leishmaniasis in central Iran.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major vector-borne disease in Iran. A focus of VL is present in Shahreza county, Isfahan province, central Iran. The main objective of this study was to determine the probable vectors in this area. METHODS: Sand flies were collected biweekly using sticky paper traps, CDC light-traps, and aspirators from outdoors as well as indoors. All female sand flies were dissected and identified. Promastigotes were inoculated to hamsters and detected by Nested PCR. Approximately 7528 sand flies representing 12 species were collected from April 2003 to October 2004. Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi Scopoli, Phlebotomus (Larroussious) major Annandale and Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia) sintoni Pringle were the predominant species. Two percent of P. major was found with natural promastigote infections. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: This is the first report of natural promastigote infection in P. major in central Iran. The activity of P. major started from April and ended in October with a peak in September. The parasites were identified as Leishmania infantum using standard PCR. P. major is a possible vector of leishmaniasis and is susceptible to DDT in this area.