mehdi nateghpour

Iran is currently striving to eliminate malaria, making it essential to improve the accurate and rapid diagnosis of suspected cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the multiplex/semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, using specific primers, for the precise diagnosis of human malaria species.

Seventy-two blood samples from patients and suspected malaria cases were selected and stored at -80°C in the National Malaria Laboratory. DNA extraction was performed to obtain the genetic material for further analysis. Multiplex/semi-nested PCR was conducted, and the results were compared with microscopic examination.

Out of 72 samples, 36 were positive by microscopic analysis, which included: 16 Plasmodium falciparum , 16 P. vivax , 1 P. ovale , 1 P. malariae , 1 mixed P. falciparum - P. vivax , and 1 mixed P. falciparum - P. malariae . Thirty-three cases were diagnosed through molecular analysis: 16 P. falciparum , 13 P. vivax , 1 P. ovale , 1 P. malariae , and 2 mixed P. falciparum - P. vivax .

Issues, such as false positives, underreporting of mixed infections, and mismatched species identified by microscopic methods need to be addressed and improved to ensure accurate diagnoses.

The intriguing area of paleopathology mergesthe disciplines of archeology and biological studies. Using this line of research, it is possible to identify diseases that have left skeletal traces in the past. In addition, diseases such as various anemia that occur in childhood, when bone tissue is soft and retains evidence, can be identified in ancient bones. Cribra orbitalia (Co), cribra cranii (Cc), and porotic hyperosto-sis (Ph)were ancient skeletal remains' most common degenerative anomalies.

Shahr-i Sokhta datedback to 3200-1800 BCE, is the subject of our research; it is located in Sistan and Baluchistan province (Iran). The research was done on the archaeological data collected during the MAIPS expeditions at Shahr-i Sokhta (2017–2021) kept at the storage of the excavated materials on the site. The skeletal remains were examined for bone abnormalities such as Co, Cc, and Ph. These symptoms were analyzed to obtain traces of anemia-related diseases at this site. Data has been utilized following the Data Collection Codebook

Ninety-six adults were studied while the anemic signs of CC and Co are respectively seen in 27/72 (37.5 %) and 10/57 (17; 5 %), and these samples have been kept for future analysis.

Bones may narrate a person's life, their gender and how old they were whenthey died besides the diseases they had. Some of the skeletons show signs of anemia, Classical paleopathology lets us to re-confirm studying diseases by further targeted sampling using molecular methods.

The recent emergence of drug resistance among malaria parasites has led to increased interest in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria, particularly because these plants tend to have fewer side effects compared to conventional chemical medications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano Spirulina algae extract in conjunction with chloroquine on laboratory mice.

An alcoholic extract of Spirulina was prepared and subsequently processed and characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimalarial activity of these components was assessed in two distinct phases using white mice as the model organism. In the initial phase, the optimal concentration and the effective dose (ED50) of both Spirulina and nano-Spirulina against Plasmodium berghei were determined. Following this, the efficacy of the extract was examined in combination with chloroquine at a fixed ratio. The data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test.

The optimal concentration of the extract was established at 100 mg/kg, which resulted in 85% and 47% inhibition of parasite growth on days 4 and 7, respectively (p < 0.05). The effective doses (ED50) for nano Spirulina and chloroquine were determined to be 100 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the findings from the combined treatment with chloroquine and nano Spirulina extract suggested an antagonistic interaction. Consequently, it is recommended to avoid the concurrent use of these two medications for therapeutic purposes.

The application of nano-extracts derived from Spirulina algae has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the proliferation and growth of parasites, indicating that this extract may significantly reduce the presence of Plasmodium berghei in murine models. However, when administered in conjunction with chloroquine, an antagonistic interaction occurs, leading to an enhancement in parasite growth.

Resistance to artemisinin has threatened major achievements in malaria control, more investigations is needed about resistant strains and related genes. We aimed to induce resistance to artesunate in the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain using intermittent exposure method and comparing P.fk13 gene sequence between susceptible and resistance strains.

P. falciparum 3D7 strain was cultured according to Trager & Jensen method with some modifications. Serial concentrations between 10-2 mol/l, to 10-7mol/l were prepared, then P. falciparum 3D7 was exposed to each of the dilution to determine IC50 and lethal dose. Sensitivity reduction process was started from the concentration of 10-7mol/l and ended at 10-2mol/l. Exposed parasites were collected after at least 27 days after cultivation in each drug concentration. DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing process were performed to investigate any possible mutations in the P.fk13 gene sequence.

Effectiveness of 10-2mol/l concentration of artemisinin was found as a lethal dose. IC50 value was equal to 5˟10-4 mol/l. The resistant strain was provided in the lab, sequenced and registered in the gene bank as P.f Art -2, (accession number MH796123. 1). Alignment of this registered sample showed no mutation in P.f kelch13 gene in comparison with standard strain submitted in the GenBank.

Resistance to artesunate in malaria parasite may occur but with no mutation in the P.f kelch13 gene. Therefore, whole genome sequencing should be applied to determine mutations in resistant strains.

Anopheles stephensi is an important malaria vector mosquito in Iran and other western Asian countries. In many human communities, plant products have been used traditionally instead of synthetic pesticides for mosquito control due to their minimal hazardous effects. Teucrium polium, known popularly as felty germander, has been introduced in Persian Medicine (PM) as an insect repellent from a long time ago.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate repellent and larvicidal activity of dichloromethane (DCMETP) and ethanolic extracts (EE-TP) of T. polium against An. stephensi under laboratory conditions. The possible chemical components of the extracts were also investigated through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique.

Based on the results, DCME-TP showed better repellent activity than EE-TP with 56.67 and 28.33 % protection, respectively. Larvicidal activity of DCME-TP with 49.41% mortality was also higher than EE-TP (20.24%). The main identified constituents of DCME-TP were long chain alkanes, phenol, aromatic ester, oxaspiro and triterpenoid. While phenolic and aliphatic acid were only the identified components in EE-TP. It is notable that lupeol was detected in DCME of T. polium for the first time.

DCME-TP can be considered as a new herbal candidate to control An. stephensi mosquitoes. Further studies are required on this extract for the fractionation and identification of the active compounds, and the evaluation of their bioactivity in the laboratory and field.

Infections by Plasmodium falciparum, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antimalarial agents’ discovery against infection. In present study, we described a 2’-O-Methyl gapmer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide antisense targeting translation initiation region of 3D7 strain RH5 gene.

The study was conducted in Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2020. ODNs effects were measured by microscopic examination and real time RT-PCR. For microscopy, microplates were charged with 2’-OMe ODNs at different dilutions. Unsynchronized parasites were added to a total of 0.4 ml (0.4% parasitemia, 5% red blood cells), and slides were prepared. Proportion of infected cells was measured by counting at least 500 red blood cells.

RH5 genes start codon regions selected as conserved region besed on alignment results. Gap-RH5-As which was complementary to sequence surrounding AUG RH5 start codon significantly reduced parasite growth (>90% at 50 nM) compared to sense sequence control (Gap-RH5-Se) (17%), (P<0.001). RH5 transcripts were dramatically reduced after exposed to ODNs at a concentration of 5-500 nM for 48 h.

Gemnosis delivery of a chimeric gapmer PS-ODN with 2’-OMe modifications at both sides had high antisense activity at low concentrations (10-100 nM) and shown a good efficiency to reach to target mRNA in human RBCs. Anti-parasite effect was correlated to reduction of target gene mRNA level. In addition, 2’-OMe ODNs free delivery is an effective way and does not need any carrier molecules or particles.

A variety of haemoprotozoa including Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon cause infections in birds and are transmitted by some known vectors. These parasites cause anemia, low appetite, weakness and ultimate ly death in birds. The present study was aimed to determine these parasites, in birds of Mazandaran and Golestan prov inces in Iran.

The project was performed on 340 live birds in 2016. The samples were collected from February to Septem ber 2016, from each bird, two thin and thick blood smears were prepared and the remaining blood about 1ml was kept in EDTA-containing tubes for molecular studies. The slides were stained with 10% Giemsa, then examined microscopical ly. About ten percent of the negative samples were considered for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, using specific primers to diagnose Plasmodium and Haemoproteus spp. Electrophoresis was done for PCR products and rele vant bands to the parasites were identified based on the size. The considered birds belonged to ducks, chickens, roosters, and pigeons.

From 340 microscopically examined blood samples 32 (9.5%) samples were positive. Twenty-five (7.35%) of them were infected with the genus Haemoproteus. Seven samples (14%) out of 50 microscopically negative samples were found as Haemoproteus or Plasmodium spp when PCR technique was employed.

This study revealed the existence of malaria parasites and other haemosporidia in birds in Iran. Employing molecular methods (PCR examination) could detect more infections.

Malaria parasites cause a tremendous burden of disease in both the tropics and subtropics areas. Growing of drugs resistance in parasites is one of the most threats to malaria control. The aim of study was to investigate the anti-malarial activity of nano-emodin isolated from Rhamnus cathartica on Plasmodium berghei in mice to evaluate parasites inhibition rate using in-vivo test.

The study was conducted in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, during 2020. Nano- emodin particles were prepared from Rhamnus cathartica, and confirmed by Zeta Potential Analyzer, DLS and electron microscopy techniques. Mice were infected with P. berghei and treated by emodin nanoparticles. Parasitemia was evaluated in each group in comparison with control group. Toxicity test was done using twice the highest concentration of emodin extract on a separate group of mice and ED50 was calculated.

Emodin extract was significantly effective in all concentrations on D4 (P<0.05). The most effective on parasitemia was observed in 400 mg/kg of Liquid Nano-emodin and solid (non-Nano) emodin. ED50 for emodin extract was determined 220 mg/kg. Toxicity test showed no toxic effect on the subjects.

The emodin extract is safe, lack of side effects. So, it can be used for more and longer period of time and in higher doses. Emodin extract, either in form of liquid and nanoparticle or in a solid form, has the same therapeutic effect on P. berghei in infected Balb/c mice.

Plasmodium falciparumcauses the most fatal form of malaria in humans. At present, the common treatments are not effective enough and the incidence of drug resistance is increasing in malarious areas. Therefore, presenting novel methods for therapeutic purposes assumes significant importance. Recent studies have indicated that aqueous or alcoholic extracts of Curcumalonga and Heracleum persicum show a broad spectrum of anti-microorganisms activity. In this (in vitro) study, the effects of C. longa and H. persicum extracts were assessed on P. falciparum since there has been limited clinical research into their effectiveness on Malaria.

The alcoholic extracts of H. persicum and C. longa were prepared in 10-1, 10-3, and 10-5mg/ml dilutions. These solutions were tested on P. falciparum with 10% parasitemia in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% hematocrit. Each of the dilutions was examined in triplicate and the inhibitory effect of the solutions on parasites was measured via determining the average parasitemia andtheir schizont rate. Finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS software.

The rate of parasitemia declined in three different dilutions of both H. persicum and C. longa. The mean of antiplasmodial inhibitory activity of herbs was 83.23±2.47% in H.persicum and 99.91±0.0% in C.longa. Moreover, all dilutions of both H.persicum and C.longa showed a significant effect on decreasing the percentage of schizont in comparison with the control group (P-value<0.05).

The present study indicated that alcoholic extracts of C. longa and H. persicum possess acceptable antiplasmodial effects and can be developed as valuable alternatives to ineffective antimalarial drugs. These results support the claims of recent studies that C. longa and H. persicum,have considerable antimicrobial activities.Considering thenotable in vitroantiplasmodial efficacy of C.longa and H.persicum, further studies with in vivo method are recommended.

The use of antimalarial drugs with number of compounds in combination form may potentiate each other's activity.

This study was conducted in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2018. It was based on two methods including in vivo and in vitro tests with aim of considering interaction between chitosan and chloroquine against Plasmodium berghei and P. falciparum parasites using different ratios of the agents with ED50s and IC50s baselines.

Administrating 10 and 20 mg/kg (mouse body weight) of chitosan alone to the P. berghei –infected mice up to 4 successive days resulted in 37% and 45% inhibition of P. berghei respectively, while employing the compound with chloroquine in combination form with ratios of 90/10 and 70/30 (chloroquine/chitosan) had a considerable potentiation including 71.58% and 83.85% inhibition effectiveness against P. berghei. Moreover, 20 mg/L (CCM) concentration of chitosan alone could eliminate 69.55% of P. falciparum in culture medium while in combination with chloroquine in ratios of 90/10 (chloroquine/chitosan) had considerable potentiation including 79.14% inhibition effectiveness. Mean survival time of those mice received combination therapy in ratios of 90/10 and 70/30 (chloroquine/chitosan) was longer than those took up mono therapy of either chloroquine or chitosan based on their ED50s doses.

Interaction between chloroquine and chitosan showed considerable potentiation in combination form against either P. berghei or P. falciparum using in vivo and in vitro tests respectively. Meanwhile, interaction between the above mentioned agents resulted in a notable survival time for those P. berghei-infected mice treated with the combination.

Asymptomatic malaria, which usually exists in low parasitemia, acts as the Plasmodium species reser voirs contributing towards malaria transmission. This situation hinders malaria elimination programs in endemic areas, thus necessitating an active case detection with a high sensitive method and treatment of cases. This is why we used a High Resolution Melting (HRM) assay to monitor the trend of asymptomatic malaria in a malaria endemic area of Iran which is under elimination program.

The peripheral blood was sampled from 271 clinically approved non-febrile individuals from a malaria en demic zone of southeastern Iran for asymptomatic malaria prevalence detection by microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and HRM methods. The HRM assay was done based on the amplification of 18S SSU rRNA gene.

The HRM assay revealed infections from three individuals out of 271 (1.1% asymptomatic malaria prevalence) from the participants, two Iranian natives with Plasmodium vivax infection and one Pakistani immigrant with P. falcipa rum infection. Neither microscopy nor RDTs detected Plasmodium spp infections from the 271 non-febrile individuals. The nucleotide sequencing analysis of the positive controls used in this study showed a close homology with the refer ence gene bank sequences of P. falciparum 3D7 (CPO16995.1) and P. vivax Sal-1(UO3079.1).

This study revealed a low frequency of asymptomatic malaria trend within malaria endemic areas of southeastern Iran which are under intense elimination program and also the ability of HRM assay in detecting low Plasmodium spp parasitemia beyond the limits of microscopy and RDTs.

This study was designed to detect, if there are asymptomatic malaria infections amongst native and immigrant population from Afghanistan and Pakistan countries in Sistan & Baluchistan Province of Iran, where is under the national malaria elimination program.

This cross-sectional study was performed among native individuals and resident immigrants in the southeastern province of Sistan & Baluchistan from May 2016 to Jul 2017. A total of 271 individuals were considered in this cross- sectional study based on microscopical method, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and PCR techniques. Out of 271 native and immigrant participants 140 (52%) and 131 (48%) were male and female, respectively.

None of the prepared samples was diagnosed as malaria positive case when was considered via above mentioned three techniques.

Neither native nor immigrant individuals had asymptomatic malaria, hinting that national malaria elimination program is performed according to planned schedule in the studied areas

Among the human parasitic diseases, malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. To prevent the high mortality and tracking malaria elimination efforts, a prompt and sensitive diagnosis is essential.  This study aimed to compare High-Resolution Melting (HRM) and microscopic methods to diagnose Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax.

Eighty-one blood samples were collected from patients with clinical symptoms who were suspect to malaria in Chabahar district, southeastern Iran and also, from those who were referred to Malaria National Laboratory in the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Microscopic examination and HRM method were used to the diagnosis of Plasmodium parasites simultaneously.

Microscopic results revealed 45 positive cases (12 P. falciparum and 33 P. vivax) out of 81 collected samples while according to HRM analysis results 11 and 33 samples were identified as P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively. HRM analysis also revealed 1 mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. malariae.

HRM analysis provides a promising mean for simultaneous detection and discrimination of the Plasmodium spp. especially in mixed infection cases.

Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is one of the most important surface sporozoite antigens in malaria, recently considered as a candidate for vaccination. Considering the importance of CSP, this study was conducted to investigate the polymorphism and genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax Circumsporozoite Protein (Pvcsp) in the southeastern region of Iran during 2015-2016.

To investigate polymorphism and genetic diversity, 20 blood samples were collected from patients with P. vivax, then DNA was extracted and amplified using partial sequence of CSP gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were sequenced and compared to sequences from genomic databases using BLAST. Genetic evaluation and phylogenic analysis were performed using MEGA7 and DnaSP5 software’s on 38 sequences include 20 sequences of our study and 18 sequences of Gene Bank.

Eleven isolates were VK210 genotype and 9 isolates contained VK247. The result of variable segregation nucleotide site indicated that the differentiation of sequences in CSP were 25.67% in our 20 samples which are less than the 38 samples with a value of 26.67%. Comparing the ratio of dN/dS regions in the CSP gene indicates that the CSP varies more synonymously and amino acid has lower variation. Out of 38 samples, 35 unique haplotypes were identified based on 1042 nucleotide sequences in CSP, showing a variation percentage of 99.4%.

The Tajima D analyses showed that CSP gene in P. vivax had a positive number in the total analyzed sequences, which means that the P. vivax mutations are in order to select positive evolution.

To overcome human malaria problem several solutions have been employed including extensive studies in the field of Plasmodia relevant antigens. The aim of this study was to determine allelic variation in the MSP1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum among some falciparum malaria-infected patients in Southeastern Iran. Twenty P. falciparum positive cases were enrolled from Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran in 2013–15. From each case, 1.5ml of peripheral blood was collected into EDTA contained tubes. Thick and thin blood smears were stained with standard Giemsa stain and were checked with conventional microscopical method. DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplification of block 2 MSP1 was performed using specific primers. Gel electropho resis was done and results showed some amplification fragments corresponding to block 2 regions of Pf MSP1 gene. Finally, four samples from different allelic types were sent for sequencing process. Fragments were different in size, so classified into six allelic types as kinds of 1–6 based on happening fre quencies. Digestion of PCR products revealed two sub allelic types (A and B) within allelic types 2 and 3, but not in al lelic types 1, 4, 5 and 6. Twenty percent of samples were sent for sequencing. Sequence alignment showed 78.95% to 91.83% identity between samples. Identity between samples and phylogenetic tree revealed that there is an extensive diversity range among isolates. Fifty percent of the isolates were under the risk of complicated malaria. Two of these patients (10%) needed special care and recovery was obtained after getting hospital services.

Plasmodium berghei is a rodent malaria parasiteand has been very valuable means in the progress of our understanding of the essential molecular and cellular biology of the malaria parasites. Availability of hosts such as mice and vectors such as Anopheles stephensi has made this parasite a suitable system to study the parasite-host and vector-parasite relationships. Numerous studies have described life cycle and parameters influencing maintenance of the parasite within the mice or the mosquito. In this paper we revealed more details and have addressed some parameters and points influence maintenance of various life stages of the parasite (merozoites, macrogametocytes, ookinetes, oocysts and sporozoites) in the laboratory model P.berghei–A.stephensi-BALB/c mouse. This study helps understanding the biology of vertebrate-parasite and mosquito-malaria interactions that may aid in the development of a new generation of drug/vaccine and vector-based measures for malaria control.

Rodents perform a crucial role in dispersal of zoonosis causes globally. We aimed to investigation about infection levels of parasitic agents in rodents’ population in Meshkinshahr areas, northwest of Iran from Apr to Sep 2014. Two hundred four rodents were trapped and anaesthetized. A sample of blood was collected via cardi opuncture from each one. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa. All stained smear were examined under light microscopy with high magnification by two expert microscopists. Every suspected uni cellular observed were measured microscopically and compared with key references to diagnose. Captured rodents were identified as three genera including Meriones persicus, Mus musculus, Cricetulus migraturius. Protozoa identified in this study were included of Spironucleus muris and Eperythrozoon coccoides, these parasites were observed in blood smear of 0.98% of rodents. S. muris and E. coccoides were seen in M. mus culus and C. migraturius, respectively. The present study increases awareness about Eperythrozoonosis in rodents and its potential transmis sion to domestic animals and even to human in rural districts in Iran. Moreover, the attack of Spironucleus on the mucus of colon and its systemic risk was confirmed.

Although Plasmodium vivax is usually known as benign malaria, some variations of the parasite can result in acute and sever infection. In this study we tried to determine some genetic variations in PvAMA-1 antigen among the samples were collected form southeastern Iran. About two ml blood samples were collected into EDTA pre-dosed tubes from 30 P. vivax–infected patients individually between 2011 and 2013. A Giemsa stained thick and thin blood film was prepared from each of the patients. A PCR-RFLP technique was employed using EcoR-1, Pvu-II and Hind3 restriction enzymes to determine the allelic variations of the antigen. A 1300bp gene corresponding to PvAMA-1 was selected for the amplification process. Among the total cases identified in this study 90% showed similar bounds when exposed to the restriction enzymes. Nine isolates (accession numbers: KF435081-KF435083 and JF682785-JF682790) were identified and registered in Gene bank. Identity among isolates was more than 96% in nucleotide level. Dendrogram clarified a close relationship among the clusters in spite of geographical distribution of the parasite. This study increased our data about prevalence and variation of PvAMA-1 alleles amongst P. vivax isolates in southeastern parts of Iran where besides native population bears considerable Afghan and Pakistani immigrants.

We evaluated the anti-malarial activity of Heracleum persicum individually and in combination with chloroquine.
This study was conducted at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2015-2016. The Peter̛ s method was used for determining fifty percent effective dose (ED50) of the H. persicum extract and chloroquine individually against chloroquine sensitive P. berghei in small white mice. Six experimental groups for H. persicum and 6 groups for chloroquine and two control group (positive and negative) were considered for determination of ED50. Interaction between H. persicum and chloroquine also was evaluated based on fixed ratios method. Ratios of 0/100, 20/80, 40/60, 60/40, 80/20, 100/0 of ED50 of chloroquine and H. persicum respectively were tested against the parasite. Then inhibitory effects of two drugs were calculated and plotted in the relevant graphs.
Overall, 1500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg concentrations of H. persicum against P. berghei resulted in ED50 and ED74 respectively. ED50 of chloroquine against the parasite was obtained as 1.4 mg/kg of mouse body weight. Moreover, combination of H. persicum and chloroquine showed a weak potentiation in ratios of 40/60 (chloroquine . persicum) with 64% inhibition, but not in other ratios.
Although H. persicum individually showed a reasonable antimalarial efficacy against chloroquine sensitive P. berghei, in combination with chloroquine it showed additive or antagonism result except in ratios of 40%CQ%HP.

For many years, malaria was a major life-threatening parasitic infection in Iran. Although malaria elimination program is implementing in the country, still some cases annually are reported from malaria-endemic areas.
This study was conducted in five malaria endemic districts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan countries. Overall, 170 and 38 vivax malaria and falciparum malaria infected patients were enrolled in the study from 2013-2014. All the cases were selected according to criteria of the WHO guideline for in vivo drug sensitivity tests in malaria parasites. Evaluation of drug sensitivity test was conducted with some modifications.
The patients with vivax malaria responded to the regimen of chloroquine in 37.4(±15.9), 40(±13.8) and 42(±17.7) h for Pakistani, Iranian and Afghani nationalities respectively based on MPCT evaluation. The results showed a considerable difference between them and Iranian subjects. MPCT for the patients with falciparum malaria was calculated as 28(±18.05), 26(±12.03) and 36(±16.9) h for Iranian, Pakistani and Afghani nationalities respectively. There was a marginally significant difference between Afghani and other nationalities and between males and females.
Treatment of all the patients resulted in ACPR and MPCT of P. vivax showed that the parasite became more sensitive to chloroquine than previous years in studied areas.

Astrodaucus persicus (Apiaceae) is one of the two species of this genus which grows in different parts of Iran. Roots of this plant were rich in benzodioxoles and used as food additive or salad in Iran and near countries. The aim of present study was evaluation of antimalarial and cytotoxic effects of different fractions of A. persicus fruits and roots extracts.
Ripe fruits and roots of A. persicuswere extracted and fractionated by hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol, separately. Antimalarial activities of fractions were performed based on Plasmodium berghei suppressive test in mice model and percentage of parasitemia and suppression were determined for each sample. Cytotoxicity of fruits and roots fractions were investigated against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), colorectal carcinoma (SW480) and normal (L929) cell lines by MTT assay and IC50 of them were measured.
Hexane fraction of roots extract (RHE) and ethyl acetate fraction of fruits extract (FEA) of A. persicus demonstrated highest parasite inhibition (73.3 and 72.3%, respectively at 500 mg/kg/day) which were significantly different from negative control group (P According to the results, RHE and FEA fractions of A. persicus could be introduced as excellent choice for antimalarial drug discovery. In addition, cytotoxic activity of RHE was noticeable.

Islamic culture has a bright and comprehensive history in human civilization. Based on Islamic teachings the spirit and body are in close relation with a mutual influence on humans’ health. The Holy Qur’an as well as the Prophet of Islam and his successors (peace be upon them) have paid deep attention to both spirit and body. Moreover, according to religious scholars’ decree (fatwa) cleanness and neatness has been mentioned as the main condition for worships to be accepted. The Prophet (PUH) said: “Neatness is half of the faith”. Therefore, efforts to keep the health of both spirit and body are important to Muslims. Although, in ancient time, health and medicine were bined together, later they were divided into three sections including health, clinical diagnosis of disease and treatment. Based on Islamic teachings, Muslim scholars learned medicine and then began to translate some Greek, Seriani and Indian medical knowledge into to Arabic language, which has shaped the golden age of Islamic medicine spanning between the 8th and the 15th Centuries.
Among the Islamic countries Iran had a specific place in the field of medical sciences. Jondishapour was one of the most prominent medical educational centers back then. This article elaborates on the status of medicine based on historical evidence as well as Muslim physicians in the golden age of Islamic medicine.

Malaria is a big problem of public health in many tropical countries where socioeconomic development is deficient. Four species of plasmodium are capable of infecting human: P. falciparum, P. malaria, P.vivax, P. ovale. Southeastern corner of Iran, including Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan and the tropical part of Kerman Province, are endemic region of malaria. This study aimed to find out clinical findings in malaria caused by various plasmodium species in moderate transmission area of southern Kerman Province.
This study was conducted in health centers of Kahnooj, Manujan, Ghale-Ganj, Roudbar and Fariab in south of Kerman Province, Southeastern Iran during 2005-2009. Three hundred and thirty patients with positive malaria parasite slides entered the study. Frequencies of several malaria clinical presentations were investigated in four plasmodium species.
54.2% of considered patients were male. Mean age of patients was 22.8±17.8 yr. Younger and older patient were 6 months and 80 yr, respectively. Ten patients were infected with P. falciparum, 314 with plasmodium vivax and 6 with mixed infection. The symptoms of fever, chills and sweating were present in 74.6% of subjects. Other complaints were joint pain, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Splenomegaly was detected in 17.57% of the individuals.
Malaria should be considered in differential diagnosis of all acutely febrile patients in endemic area. Classic symptoms of fever, chills and sweating may not present in all of patients.