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Objective: Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted protozoan infection worldwide. Metronidazole is widely considered as the drug of choice for treating of trichomoniasis but considering its potential side effects, we aimed to assess the therapeutic influences of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Quercus brantii and Artemisia aucheri Boiss as alternative medications against Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis). Methods: The trophozoites were cultured in TYI-S-33 medium at a density of 5x105 trophozoites/mL. Subsequently, they were incubated with varying concentrations of the plant extracts (32, 64, 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL) and metronidazole (16, 32, 64, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL), as the positive control. The number of trophozoites in each well plate was quantified after 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours using trypan blue staining. Finally, the viability of the parasite was assessed by vital methylene blue staining. Results: The hydro-alcoholic extracts of Q. brantii and A. aucheri Boiss at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL demonstrated significant efficacy against the parasite. Our findings indicated that the minimum effective concentrations were 125 µg/mL and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Q. brantii and A. aucheri Boiss have the ability to effectively eliminate T. vaginalis after 48 and 72 hours of treatment. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that hydro-alcoholic extract of Q. brantii and A. aucheri Boiss can induce death in T. vaginalis. However, further complementary in vivo studies are needed to assess the components of these plants in the treatment of T. vaginalis.

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Toxoplasma is capable of causing long-lasting brain cysts in its hosts, which can lead to physiological disturbances in brain neurotransmitters and result in changes in the host's behavior. This study aimed to investigate these changes using an experimental model. Twenty-five female Wistar rats, weighing 220-220 g and six weeks old, were selected for the study. The rats were divided into two control and experimental groups. The experimental group was injected with 5 × 105 tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (virulent RH strain) intra-peritoneally. Four months after the injection, the rats were subjected to behavioral tests, including learning, memory, depression, and locomotor activity tests. The rats were then euthanized, and their brain and serum samples were analyzed for dopamine and serotonin levels. To ensure the presence of cysts in the brain tissue, a PCR test and preparation of pathological slides from the brain tissue were performed. The results showed that the amount of dopamine in the brain of the infected group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the level of serotonin in brain of the infected group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the amount of these neurotransmitters in the blood of the two groups (P > 0.05). Behavioral changes were evaluated, and it was found that the learning and memory levels of the infected rats were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed in locomotor activity between the two groups (P > 0.05). This experimental infection model indicated that changes in neurotransmitter levels lead to behavior changes. CONCLUSION: The presence of parasite cysts in the brain can affect some of the host's behaviors through changes in neurotransmitter levels. Therefore, there is a possibility that there is a relationship between the presence of Toxoplasma cysts in the brain and neurological disorders. The results of this study suggest that chronic toxoplasmosis may play a role in behavior changes in psychotic diseases.

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INTRODUCTION: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs acting as mediators in host-parasite interaction. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted on miRNAs in infectious diseases; however, little data are available about the role of miRNAs in pathogenesis and early diagnosis of CE. METHODS: The current study evaluated the expression of four E. granulosus-derived miRNAs, including egr-miR-125,5p, egr-let-7,5p, egr-miR-2, and egr-miR-71 in fibrotic and healthy liver tissues of 31 CE patients with active and inactive hydatid cysts by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 48.4% had active cysts (CE1 and CE2), while the remainder had transitional (16.1%) and inactive (35.5%) CE types cysts. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed a significant increase of 11.2, 9.91, 6.2, and 13.1-fold in the fibrotic tissue group for egr-miR-125,5p, egr-let-7,5p, egr-miR-2, and egr-miR-71, respectively. Among these miRNAs, egr-miR-125-5p exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.8050 for predicting liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new data about the role of E. granulosus-derived miRNAs in pathogenesis of CE. The high AUC of egr-miR125,5p reflecting the possibility of using egr-miR125,5p as biomarker in CE diagnosis. Further studies on serum of CE patients are needed to confirm the potential role of circulating egr-miR-2a-3p and egr-miR-125-5p in the early diagnosis of CE.

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INTRODUCTION: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus senso lato (E. granulosus s.l.). The larval stages of this parasite, hydatid cyst, are usually diagnosed using imaging modalities and serological testing; however, several studies have recently suggested using the parasite-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel diagnostic biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 31 CE patients who were older than 5 years and were admitted to the hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran for hydatid cyst removal surgery during 2019-2021. The egr-miR-125-5p and egr-miR-2a-3p levels were evaluated in the sera of the CE patients before and 6 months after the surgery using Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the results were compared with the serum samples from 15 healthy volunteers. Then, the intergroup comparisons were performed using the t test. RESULTS: The patients' age range was 6-72 years, with a mean age of 34.6 years. Moreover, based on the classification by the WHO-IWGE, one patient (3.2%) had CE1, 14 patients (45.2%) had CE2, 5 patients (16.1%) had CE3, 2 patients (6.5%) had CE4, and 9 patients (29%) had CE5. Also, 21 patients (67.74%) had a positive antigen test using the ELISA method, while 10 patients (32.26%) had a negative ELISA. The pre-operative expression level of egr-miR-2a-3p was 10.36 folds higher compared to 6 months after the surgery, with an AUC value of 0.8176. However, the expression levels of egr-miR-125-5p did not change significantly 6 months after the surgery compared to pre-operative levels. CONCLUSIONS: According to the present study results, the serum levels of egr-miR-2a-3p can be a promising non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing CE and monitoring its potential recurrence after cystectomy.

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Background: We aimed to evaluate currently protoscolices agents by using two methods including injection and impregnated sponges with protoscolices agents. Methods: Hypertonic saline 20%, silver nitrate 0.5% and Ethanol 96% were injected into sheep hydatid cysts. Then, after different exposure times (5, 10, and 15 min), the protoscolices were aspirated from the cyst and viability of the protoscolices were evaluated microscopically using vital staining. In the second part, the live protoscolices were sprayed on the soaked sponge with the mentioned protoscolicidal agents. After different exposure times live protoscolices were counted microscopically. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for showing difference significant between studied groups. Results: Cyst injection method showed that ethanol, Nacl and AgNo3 have 80%, 60% and 6% protoscolocidal efficacy, respectively (P<0.05). In sponge method the most and fastest protoscolocidal efficacy were observed in all used protoscolicidal agents. Conclusion: Ethanol and NaCl and AgNo3 with sponge method is more effective than the injection of protoscolices agents in the cyst.

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Fasciolosis is a common parasitic disease in many parts of the world. The current case study is the first report of the confirmed fasciolosis in the southwest of Iran. The patient was a 51-year-old woman whom was referred to hospital for hypochondria pain and mild fever. She had several travels history to north province and consumption of row watercress. Sonography and ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) finding showed two mature Fasciola spp. in her common bile duct (CBD). The helminths were pulled from CBD and was identified as F. gigantica. The sera of the patient and her family were examined. The titration of antibody against Fasciola was high in sera of the patient but not positive for other member of her family. In the area with low prevalence of fasciolosis, patients clinical history and travelling to endemic areas should be considered for correct diagnosis. Fasciolosis should be considered as a travel-borne diseases in endemic areas and the consumption of water vegetables should be avoided.

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PURPOSE: Cystic Echinococosis is one of the important parasitic diseases that is considered as a problem economics and health in many parts of the world. Many efforts have been performed for controlling the disease in the world. To reach a reliable vaccine against Cystic Echinococosis is one of the important duty of governments. Several antigen of hydatid cyst for vaccine candidate have been evaluated. In this study, P-29 antigen has been used for this purpose. METHODS: E.g P29 antigen was cloned in Escherichia coli and transfected into the Chinese hamster ovary cell for antigen proliferation and used for vaccination in Balb/c mice. The recombinant antigen E.g-29 was shown using Western blot test. Two dilution of DNA vaccine (pCEgP-29) including 50 µg/100 µl and 100 µg/100 µl were prepared. Twenty four Balb/C male 6-8 week mouse were divided in 4 groups. The groups were included in 2 vaccination groups (pcEg.P29 50 µg/100 µl and 100 µg/100 µl dilution) as immunized groups and 2 groups of plasmid and PBS as control. The mice were injected intramuscularly 3 times with 2 weeks interval. After 3 weeks from last injection, all groups were challenged intraperitonealy with 2000 protoscolices. After 5 months, the mice were euthanized by ketamine/xylasine injection and number, size, and weight of cysts were recorded. RESULTS: Immunization rate was up to 93% in vaccinated group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that rEg.P29 could be considered as an effective vaccine for controlling of E. granulosus prevalence in intermediated host.

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Norwegian scabies (hyperkeratosis scabies) is an acute form of skin disease seen in immune-compromised patients. This study aimed to describe two cases of Norwegian scabies from Ahvaz, southwest of Iran in 2015. Two patients included a 55 year old man with renal transplant history and a 49 yr old man with diabetic mellitus and autoimmune disease, complained of dermatitis lesions and itching with sever hyperkeratosis, several macula and papules on neck and armpits for one-month duration were referred to a Iran Zamin Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Ahvaz, Southwestern Iran in 2015. Patients were referred for fungal examination. Scraping from the crusted lesions of skin and slide preparation with 20% KOH was done. Microscopic examination presented that huge infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei in all forms of parasite included adult female, nymph stage and eggs. One of the patients spouse was also infested by Sarcoptes and appeared mild clinical symptoms. The disease was diagnosed with Norwegian scabies and the patients were successfully treated with topical 5% permethrin ointment for two weeks continuously. Overall, Norwegian scabies should be considered in immune- compromised patients with contaminated areas.

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Myiasis is caused by invasion of larvae stage of dipterans fly in living tissue of vertebrate host including human and animals. The most important family is Calliphoridae and included Calliphora, Lucilia, Chrysomyia and Cochliomyia genus. A 35-yr-old man with gastric cancer history referred to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz Southwest of Iran in 2015. He was infected by nasal myiasis from Lucilia spp. in ICU. The genus of third larvae stage was identified by microscopic examination and culture of pupa. The population of flies inducing myiasis should be controlled in hospitals.

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BACKGROUND: We aimed to use of IL-12 and IFN-γ for prevention and treatment of hydatidosis in experimental animal models. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in Ahvaz City, southwest of Iran in 2017. Forty female BALB/C mice with 6-8 wk old were divided into four groups (two group test and two group control). The mice were challenged with 2000 protoscolices and a combination of IL-12 (10 µg/kg) and IFN-γ (25 µg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally daily one week at the time of challenging (prevention group) and three months after challenging (treatment group). After four months, the mice were euthanized and the number, size, and weight of the cysts were measured in all studied groups. Pathologic slides were prepared from cyst wall for pathologic changes study. RESULTS: There issignificant reduction in number, size, and weight of cysts in test groups. CONCLUSION: Cytokine therapy is effective methods especially for prevention of cyst formation and to treat non-operable cases. Further study of combination of chemotherapy and cytokine therapy should be investigated.

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AIM: The main goal of the present research conducted to assess the in vitro activity of the nematophagous fungi Duddingtonia flagrans, Fusarium solani, Verticillium chlamidosporium, and Trichoderma harzianum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four isolates of fungi including D. flagrans, F. solani, V. chlamidosporium and T. harzianum were used in this study. Horse faeces were used to provide the larvae stage of Strongyloidae family for the experiments. RESULTS: D. flagrans was the most effective fungus to reduce the population of the larval nematodes. D. flagrans was able to kill 100% of larvae after 14 days of incubation. The significant effect was seen after 7 days of incubation, therefore, the live larvae was decreased to 9, 11, 19 and 25 for D. flagrans, V. chlamidosporium, F. solani and T. harzianum, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results illustrated that D. flagrans were most successful fungus for reducing the number of Strongylidae family larva stage from horse faeces. Follow D. flagrans, the live larvae was significantly reduced for V. chlamidosporium, F. solani and T. harzianum, respectively.

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Strongyloidiasis is a life-threatening parasitic infection, especially in immunosuppressed patients, with death often occurring within several days. The disease has a worldwide distribution and is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate seroepidemiology of Strongyloides infection amongst immunocompromised patients in Southwest Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst a population of immunocompromised patients who were referred to health care or hospital referral centres in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran. Serum samples were tested by an enzyme immunoassay for anti-IgG Strongyloides antibody. Anti-Strongyloides stercoralis antibody was detected in 39 of 270 immunocommpromised cases, yielding a prevalence of 14.4%. No significant differences were indicated in terms of gender, age, or type of immunocompromised disorder with anti-Strongyloides stercoralis antibody levels. In conclusion, our results demonstrated high seroepidemiology of infection with this parasite in the region. Therefore, it appears immunocompromised patients should be tested for this infection using sensitive tests. However, current research underscores that strongyloidosis must not be neglected, and further assessments in high risk population are warranted.

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BACKGROUND: Biological control of parasitic nematodes by microorganisms is a promising approach to control such parasites. Microorganisms such as fungi, viruses and bacteria are recognized as biocontrol agents of nematodes. OBJECTIVES: The current study mainly aimed to evaluate the in vitro Potential of various saprophyte soil-fungi in reducing the infective larvae stage of parasitic nematode Trichostrongylidae family. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sheep feces were employed to provide the required third stage larvae source for the experiments. The nematode infective larvae of Trichostrongylidae family including three species of Ostertagia circumcincta, Marshalgia marshali and Heamonchos contortus were collected by Berman apparatus. Fifteen isolates of filamentous fungi were tested in the current study. One milliliter suspension containing 200 third stage larvae of Trichostrongylidae family was separately added to the fungal cultures in 2% water-agar medium Petri-dishes. Every day the live larvae were counted with light microscope (10X) and the number of captured larvae was recorded on different days. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the results of co-culture of nematodes larva and fungi after seven days. The most effective fungi against the nematodes larvae were Cladosporium sp., Trichoderma sp., Fusarium equisetti, after seven days of incubation. CONCLUSIONS: The studies on fungi could be applied as suitable tools in biocontrol of nematode infections. However, additional surveys are required to select efficient with the ability to reduce the nematode larvae in the environment.

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PURPOSE: To present a case of massive orbital myiasis. CASE REPORT: An 87-year-old debilitated woman suffering from left ocular pain of four days' duration presented with a severely necrotized left orbit and several attached live larvae. The upper and lower eyelids and the eyeball were completely destroyed. She had history of eyelid surgery in the same eye due to a skin lesion, apparently some type of skin cancer, 15 years before. The larvae were identified as Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera: Calliphoridae) or old world screwworm fly. CONCLUSION: Infestation of ocular and orbital tissues by fly larvae (ophthalmomyiasis) progresses rapidly and can completely destroy orbital tissues within days, especially in patients with poor general health. Treatment consists of removal of the larvae and surgical debridement.