فهرست مطالب

Iranian Journal of Parasitology
Volume:3 Issue: 4, Oct-Dec 2008

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1387/10/01
  • تعداد عناوین: 9
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  • A. Shahbazi, A. Raeisi, M. Nateghpour, M. Mohebali, M. Asmar, H. Mirhendi Page 1
    Background
    Approximately 85-90% of malaria infections in Iran are attributed to Plasmodium vivax, while little is known about the genetic of the parasite and its strain types in this region. This study was designed and performed for describing genetic characteristics of Plasmodium vivax population of Iran based on the merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequence.
    Methods
    Through a descriptive study we analyzed partial P. vivax merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequences from 17 clinical P. vivax isolates collected from malarious areas of Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted by Q1Aamp® DNA blood mini kit, amplified through nested PCR for a partial nucleotide sequence of PvMSP-3 gene in P. vivax. PCR-amplified products were sequenced with an ABI Prism Perkin-Elmer 310 sequencer machine and the data were analyzed with clustal W software.
    Results
    Analysis of PvMSP-3 gene sequences demonstrated extensive polymorphisms, but the sequence identity between isolates of same types was relatively high. We identified specific insertions and deletions for the types A, B and C variants of P. vivax in our isolates. In phylogenetic comparison of geographically separated isolates, there was not a significant geo­graphical branching of the parasite populations.
    Conclusion
    The highly polymorphic nature of isolates suggests that more investigations of the PvMSP-3 gene are needed to explore its vaccine potential.
  • M. Nateghi Rostami, A. Khamesipour, Se Eskandari, A. Miramin Mohammadi, A. Sarraf Nejad, H. Keshavarz Page 9
    Background
    Determination of the division history of T cells in vitro is helpful in the study of effector mechanisms against infections. Technique described here uses the intracellular fluorescent label carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to monitor the proliferation.
    Methods
    In a cross sectional study, blood samples were collected from 7 volunteers with history of cutaneous leishmania­sis (CL) and one healthy control from endemic areas in Isfahan province who referred to the Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy (CRTSDL), then CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes and CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peri­pheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using mAbs and magnetic nanoparticles. CFSE labeled CD4+ or CD8+ lympho­cytes cultured with autologous monocytes in the presence of PHA, SLA, live Leishmania major or as control with­out sti­mulation. Cells were harvested after 7 days and were analyzed using flow cytometry.
    Results
    Five consecutive divisions were monitored separately. Stimulation of CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes from CL sub­jects with SLA showed a significant difference in proliferation comparing with unstimulated cells (P< 0.05). The signifi­cant difference in the percentages of CD4+ cells stimulated with SLA was revealed at different divisions for each subject. In CD8+ lymphocyte, significant stronger stimulation of SLA was evident later in the proliferation process. The mean number of divisions in both CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes stimulated with SLA was significantly greater than when stimulated with live L. major (P=0.007 / P=0.012, respectively)
    Conclusion
    The percentage of divided cells might be calculated separately in each division. The cells remained active following CFSE staining and there is possibility of functional analysis simultaneously.
  • Ghr Karimi, M. Abdigoudarzi, M. Valizadeh, H. Miranzadeh Page 19
    Background
    Ornithobilharziosis as one of the parasitic infections may give rise to serious economic problems in animal husbandry. The Aim of the study was to prepare and compare the somatic and excretory-secretory (ES) antigens of O. tur­kestanicum in gel diffusion test
    Methods
    Excretory-secretory (ES) and somatic antigens of Ornithobilharzia turkestanicum were prepared from collected worms from mesentric blood vessels of infected sheep. The laboratory bred rabbits were immunized with antigens and then antisera were prepared. The reaction of antigens and antisera was observed in gel diffusion test.
    Results
    ES antigens of this species showed positive reaction with antisera raised against ES and also somatic antigens. Somatic antigens also showed positive reaction with antisera raised against somatic and also ES antigens.
    Conclusion
    The antigenicity of O. turkestanicum ES and somatic antigens is the same in gel diffusion test.
  • M. Fallah, A. Bazmani, A. Mazloumi Gavgani, H. Taherkhani, M. Hajilooi Page 23
    Background
    In the visceral leishmaniasis (VL), parasites reside in reticuluendothelial system, mainly in macrophages. Endothelial Selectin (E-selectin) might play an important role in leukocyte-endothelium interactions and inflammatory cell recruitment. The aim of this study was determining E-selectin level and its polymorphism in three groups, patients, seroposi­tive and healthy individuals.
    Methods
    Serum soluble E-selectin levels as well as 2 polymorphisms of E-selectin (Ser128Arg and Leu554Phe) were measured in a cohort of patients with documented VL (n=64), a healthy control group (n=74) and a seroposi­tive for VL but without any symptoms (n=81). Circulation concentration of E-selectin levels was measured by ELIS. The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR procedure was used for detecting polymorphisms.
    Results
    The mean of E-selectin levels significantly differed between three groups (P<0.026), and were increased in pa­tients in comparison with other groups. Difference was more considerable between two groups of patients and healthy ones (patients 92.8 ng/ml; healthy individuals 71.9 ng/ml). Polymorphisms were associated with soluble E-selectin levels and altogether explained 14.4%, 7.2%, and 8.7% in patients, seropositive and seronegative healthy individuals, respectively. Distribution of polymorphisms of 128Ser/Arg and 554Leu/Phe among three groups was not different significantly; however, there was a considerable arrangement in distribution of Ser128Arg polymorphism and 128Arg allele in healthy group was more than two fold of patients (55% against 20%).
    Conclusion
    The association between soluble E-selectin levels and visceral leishmaniasis suggests that this molecule might have significant role in the inflammatory process in VL. Moreover, frequency of 128Arg allele in healthy group was higher than patients.
  • M. Behnia, A. Haghighi, H. Komeilizadeh, Sj Seyyed Tabaei, A. Abadi Page 32
    Background
    Amoebiasis is due to infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The patients infected with E. histolytica must be treated right after definite diagnosis and no need to treat infected individuals with E. dispar isolates. Metronidazole is used as a drug of choice against amoebiasis. However, like a lot of other chemical agents, this drug has its own side effects. This prompted us to carry out, an in vitro research into antiamoebic effect of Iranian Allium sativum (gar­lic), which has been used for centuries, as an herbal medicine, without harmful side effects.
    Methods
    Hydro-alcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil of 100 gram of crushed A. sativum was isolated and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts and essential oil in comparison with metronidazole were obtained on trophozoite of E. histolytica, HM-1: IMSS strain in TYI-S-33 medium.
    Results
    The MIC for A. sativum hydroalcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil after 24 hours was 60mg mL-1, 4mg mL-1 and 0.4mg mL-1, respectively. After 48 hours the MIC for A. sativum hexanic extract and essential oil was 3mg mL-1 and 0.3mg mL-1, respectively. MIC for metronidazole was obtained 2μg mL-1 and 1.5μg mL-1 after 24 hours and 48 hours, in that order.
    Conclusion
    Iranian A. sativum is effective on the trophozoites of E. histolytica species and the essential oil exhibited the greatest antiamoebic activity, at the lowest MIC.
  • N. Ghobakhloo, M. Nateghpour, S. Rezaee, H. Hajjaran, M. Mohebali, H. Abedkhojasteh Page 39
    Background
    The emergence and spread of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the world stimulated some investigators to consider different aspects of chloroquine resistance in human and rodent Plasmodia. Using animal Plasmo­dia, particularly primate and rodent Plasmodia can be useful model for human Plasmodia studies. In this study we have tried to consider and compare the sequence of chloroquine resistance transporter (crt) gene among chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium berghei.
    Methods
    This experimental study was performed at the Malaria Laboratory of School of public health. DNA was ex­tracted from two strains of P. berghei which their resistance and sensitivity had been demonstrated in mice with treatment by chloroquine. By using specific primer for crt gene some parts of this gene were amplified by PCR, and obtained frag­ments were then sequenced and compared.
    Results
    There were considerable differences in crt gene between two strains. Sequenced 1212 bp of crt gene fragment in the two strains showed 43 differences at nucleotides level and 16 differences in presumed coding amino acids.
    Conclusion
    crt can be addressed as a considerable gene which involves in induction of resistance to chloroquine in P. berghei, as P. falciparum. The results increased such a promise that considering crt gene in chloroquine-sensitive and chlo­roquine-resistant P. berghei can prepare suitable and helpful fields for more understanding the molecular aspects of chloro­quine-resistance in Plasmodia and reversing the effectiveness of 4-aminoquinolines particularly chloroquine for treatment of drug resistant Plasmodia.
  • Za Dar, S. Tanveer, Gn Yattoo, Ba Sofi, Sa Wani, Pa Dar, Ba Fomda Page 45
    Background
    Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the ascarid of dogs and cats, the main representative of which is a Toxocara canis. Distribution of the disease is world wide and is more prevalent in children. The present study was carried out in children of Kashmir valley, to determine the toxocariasis seropositivity.
    Methods
    For the present seroepidemiological study, blood samples were collected at random from children of all the six districts of the Valley. The sampling was carried from Jan 2004 to Dec 2005. A total of 286 children, 162 males and 124 females in age group of 0-16 years were selected for the present study. ELISA was used for detection of IgG antibodies against Toxocara excretory secretary antigen. A questionnaire interview was conducted to obtain the data concerning their age, sex and habits. The particular points in the questionnaire asked were recorded on the format right on the spot.
    Results
    Gender was found a significant risk factor for the Toxocara infection in children population. Male children were found more infected (41.97% as compared to females (20.94%). The total seroprevalence of T. canis antibodies in children of Kashmir valley was 32.86 %. The risk factors that were found associated with the infection of toxocariasis in children population of Kashmir valley include family back ground, status of living conditions, awareness, etc.
    Conclusion
    The present study reveals high prevalence of T. canis infection in children of Kashmir valley. It is important to raise the awareness of health professionals, public and educators to the fact that toxocariasis is a public health problem. Health promotion by means of a school based educational approach, diagnosis and continuous programme of treatment are necessary.
  • Marzieh Amini, Hossein Nahrevanian, Mahin Farahmand Page 51
    Background
    To compare the pathogenicity differences in two susceptible Balb/c and resistant C57bl/6 mice infected with Leishmania major MRHO/IR/75/ER as a prevalent strain of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran.
    Methods
    Mice were assigned into four groups as control and infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Experimental leishma­niasis was initiated by (s. c) injection of the 2×106 L. major promastigotes into the basal tail of infected groups. The devel­opment of lesions was determined weekly by measuring the two diameters. After 10 weeks, all mice were killed humanly, target tissues including lymph node, spleen and liver from each mouse were removed, weighted, and their impression smears were prepared.
    Results
    Proliferation of amastigotes inside macrophages, pathogenicity signs in two susceptible, resistant hosts was varied, and these variations were depended on mice strain
    Conclusion
    Host immunity may modify clinical signs and could affect the proliferation of amastigotes inside macro­phages, the size of lesions, the survival rates, the degree of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly and the percentage of amasti­gotes in lesion, liver, spleen, lymph node and brain smears
  • Maliheh Metanat, Batool Sharifi, Mood, Mahnaz Sandoghi, Roya Alavi, Naini Page 60
    A 48-year-old man referred with pain and swelling at the upper and middle third of left tibia with a history of previous os­seous hydatid disease three years ago. Despite surgical procedure which was performed in this case, recurrence was ob­served and repeated exploration with wide resection and oral medical therapy were recommended. Bone hydatid cyst is an uncommon disease with difficult response to treatment. Hydatid disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of bone in endemic regions.