Iranian Journal of Parasitology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA <p><strong><em>Iranian Journal of Parasitology</em></strong><em>&nbsp;<strong>(IJP)</strong>&nbsp;</em>is the official publication of Iranian Society of Parasitology (ISP) launched in 2006. The society was inaugurated in 1994 and pursues the improvement of the knowledge on the parasites and parasitic diseases, exchange of scientific knowledge with foreign societies, publicity activities, and consultation on the parasitic diseases, and intimate relationship among society members. IJP is supported and published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services and appears quarterly.</p> <p>The main aims of the Journal are: contribution to the field of&nbsp;<strong>Parasitology</strong>, including all aspects of parasites and parasitic diseases (medical and veterinary) and related fields such as Entomology which may be submitted by scientists fromIran and all over the world.</p> <p><strong data-stringify-type="bold">All the manuscripts should be submitted through the Journal Primary Website at <a href="https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/about/submissions">https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/about/submissions</a></strong></p> Tehran University of Medical Sciences en-US Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 Current and Emerging Techniques for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17159 <p><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is an intracellular parasite capable of crossing the placenta in pregnancy and infecting the developing fetus, leading to various congenital anomalies and even abortion. Acute <em>Toxoplasma</em> infection is responsible for almost all cases of congenital toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent pregnant women. Prenatal screening for acute toxoplasmosis primarily involves maternal serology and fetal ultrasound imaging. When serological or ultrasound findings suggest acute infection, further diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm fetal infection. Currently, molecular methods to detect the parasite’s DNA, including polymerase chain reaction-based methods, on amniotic fluid are the gold standard tests for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. In this review, we aim to discuss various aspects of screening and diagnostic methods for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy, including (i) current serological assays, screening approaches, and future perspectives; (ii) the role of imaging techniques, with an emphasis on ultrasound; (iii) principles and recent advances in diagnostic molecular methods; (iv) emerging techniques, such as point-of-care-based tests and biosensors, and microRNAs as novel biomarkers of acute infection; and (v) an overview of screening programs in different countries, important epidemiological determinants, and recommendations for <em>Toxoplasma</em> screening health policies.</p> Aref Teimouri Shima Mahmoudi Atefeh Behkar Keivan Sahebi Hassan Foroozand Gholamreza Hassanpour Hossein Keshavarz Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17159 Molecular Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-Positive Samples in Laboratory Conditions and in the Hospital Environments https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17160 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> We aimed to identity <em>Helicobacter pylori </em>endosymbiont in <em>Acanthamoeba</em>-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> Overall, 134 samples were collected from hospital environments. Microscopic and PCR test were used for detection of <em>Acanthamoeba</em> and <em>H. pylori. </em>The real-time PCR method was used to check the active presence of <em>H. pylori </em>within <em>Acanthamoeba</em> under natural conditions from hospital samples and in co-culture laboratory conditions.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> The rate of contamination of hospital samples with <em>Acanthamoeba</em> was 44.7%. Out of 42 <em>Acanthamoeba</em> PCR-positive samples, 13 isolates (31%) were positive in terms of <em>H. pylori </em>endosymbiont according to sampling location. <em>H. pylori</em> is able to penetrate and enter the <em>Acanthamoeba</em> parasite.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> <em>H. pylori </em>is able to contaminate <em>Acanthamoeba</em> in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic <em>Acanthamoeba</em> in various hospital environments and the hiding of <em>Helicobacter</em> as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients</p> Alireza Mohammadi Abdolhossein Dalimi Fatemeh Ghafarifar Majid Pirestani Majid Akbari Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17160 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of IL-18 (Rs 1946519) in Recurrent Aborted Iraqi Women and Its Association with Toxoplasmosis https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17161 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> We aimed to shed light on the risks of elevated levels of IL-18 in aborted women with toxoplasmosis by evaluating the risk or protective function of alleles or genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL-18 (rs 1946519), which might be related to the susceptibility to toxoplasmosis.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> IL-18 levels in patient and control blood samples were determined using ELISA, and the SNP IL-18 (ra 1946519) was subjected to the high-resolution method.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Compared to healthy pregnant women (HP), the IL-18 serum levels of recurrent abortion with toxoplasmosis (RAWT), recurrent abortion without toxoplasmosis (RAWOT), and healthy non-pregnant (HNP) women decreased with significant differences. Additionally, a strong association between patients and controls was found in the SNP IL-18 data. RAWT and RAWOT with the genotypes AA and AC had significantly lower IL-18 serum levels than women HP, according to the distribution of IL-18 serum levels by SNP.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> The serum level of IL-18 varied by genotype in patients with substantial differences compared to controls, while the SNP of IL-18 has been linked as a risk factor in toxoplasmosis-infected recurrent abortion women.</p> Sabreen Hadi Fadhil Entsar Jabbar Saheb Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17161 Evaluation of a 70 kDa Excreted/Secreted Coproantigen Immunoassay for the Detection of Toxocara canis in Dogs https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17162 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> We aimed to develop a sandwich ELISA, using polyclonal antibodies against excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens specific to coproantigens present in <em>Toxocara canis</em>-positive dogs.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> Antibodies were produced at Biological Sciences School, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, <em>México</em> in 2023 by immunization of rabbits with antigenic extracts from in vitro cultures of <em>T. canis</em> larvae. Assays were performed on 100 stool samples from pet dogs, measuring sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity against other parasitic infections.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> High values of sensitivity (100%), specificity (90.9%), and positive (93.47%) and negative (95.45%) predictive values were obtained, respectively. We obtained an E/S protein with a molecular weight of 70 kDa, which showed high sensitivity and specificity by ELISA, but it presented cross-reactivity against <em>Ancylostoma caninum</em> and <em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em>.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Additional studies are necessary to increase the specificity percentage since this assay demonstrated significant potential as a useful and inexpensive diagnostic tool for immunodiagnostic in dog feces.</p> Ana Cristina González-Morales Zinnia Judith Molina-Garza Ricardo Gomez-Flores Juan José Zárate-Ramos Lucio Galaviz-Silva Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17162 Modulation of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase 1 (OGG1) Alleviated Anemia Severity and Excessive Cytokines Release during Plasmodium berghei Malaria in Mice https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17163 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> The interplay of OGG1, 8-Oxoguanine, and oxidative stress triggers the exaggerated release of cytokines during malaria, which worsens the outcome of the disease. We aimed to investigate the involvement of OGG1 in malaria and assess the effect of modulating its activity on the cytokine environment and anemia during <em>P. berghei</em> malaria in mice.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> <em>Plasmodium berghei ANKA</em> infection in ICR mice was used as a malaria model. OGG1 concentration and oxidative stress levels in <em>P. berghei</em>-infected mice and their control counterparts were assessed during malaria using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OGG1 activity in malaria mice was modulated using treatment with TH5487 and O8-OGG1 inhibitors. The effects of modulating OGG1 activity using OGG1 inhibitors on cytokine release and anemia during <em>P. berghei</em> malaria infection were assessed by cytometric bead array and measurement of total normal red blood cell count respectively.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> The plasma OGG1 level was significantly upregulated and positively correlated with parasitemia during <em>P. berghei</em> malaria in mice. Modulation of OGG1 ameliorated malaria severity by improving the total normal RBC count in TH5487 and O8-treated mice. Modulation of OGG1 with TH5487 caused significant reductions in serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10. Similarly, OGG1 modulation activity using an O8-OGG1 inhibitor caused a significant reduction in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em> </strong>The findings indicate the involvement of OGG1 in the <em>P. berghei</em> malaria infection. OGG1 inhibition by TH5487 and O8-OGG1 inhibitors suppressed excessive cytokine release, and this may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ameliorating the severity of malaria infection.</p> Abdullahi Samaila Rusliza Basir Nur Aimi Liyana Abdul Aziz Abdusalam Abdullah Alarabei Mukhtar Lawal Gambo Maizaton Atmadini Abdullah Mohd Khairi Hussain Norshariza Nordin Roslaini Abd Majid Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17163 Properties of Compounds Citral and Geraniol on Trichomonas gallinae: Activity in Vitro and Cytotoxicity https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17164 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Avian trichomoniasis is an important disease that causes bird mortality, both wild and captive, around the world. This study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiparasitic activity of citral (3.7-Dimetil-2.6-octadienal) and geraniol (trans-3.7-Dimetil-2.6-octadien-1-ol) against<em> Trichomonas gallinae </em>trophozoites.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> In vitro assays were conducted at the Laboratory of Protozoology and Entomology (LAPEN) at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Brazil in 2019 using tests with 10<sup>6 </sup>parasites and citral and geraniol at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μM and four controls: NC (culture medium and trophozoites), MTZ (trophozoites plus 100 μM of metronidazole), and TW (trophozoites plus vehicles used for solubilizing derivatives (0.01% Tween).</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> The citral (60 μM) and geraniol (50 μM) concentrations reduced the trophozoitesʼs viability by 100%. The molecular docking experiment demonstrated that citral and geraniol might inhibit a hydrogen enzyme for <em>T. gallinae</em> survival.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> The major compounds of lemongrass have potential antitrichomonal activity against<em> T. gallinae </em>in vitro<em>.</em></p> Bruna Baccega Juliana Montelli Fenalti Alexia Brauner de Mello Yan Wahast Islabão Paloma T. Birmann Alessandra Neis Marjorie de Giacometi Francielle Liz Monteiro Silvia de Oliveira Hubner Rodrigo de Almeida Vaucher Nara Amélia da Rosa Farias Roghayeh Norouzi Abolghasem Siyadatpanah Camila Belmonte Oliveira Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17164 Molecular Detection and Characterization of Haemonchus spp. in Cattle in Nigeria https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17165 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Haemonchosis is a major parasitic infestation in ruminant livestock, causing significant economic losses annually. The causative organisms are helminths of the genus <em>Haemonchus </em>spp. Detection of the causative agent is important for effective management and control of the disease. Molecular detection and characterization of parasites is a very dependable approach for parasite identification, especially where morphological characterization is unreliable.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> To detect and characterize <em>Haemonchus species</em> in cases of haemonchosis at a Municipal abattoir in Ibadan, Nigeria; abomasal samples were collected from cattle at the abattoir. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect and amplify 320 bp internal transcribed spacer-2 (<em>ITS-2</em>) and 400 bp external transcribed spacer (ETS) genes of the adult worms in the samples. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction were carried out to further confirm the presence of the worms.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> PCR, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed the presence of <em>H. placei </em>in the abomasal samples and further confirmed the species as a distinct species of bovine worms at the abattoir. Multiple sequence alignment also revealed genetic sites that can be employed to distinguish <em>H. placei</em> from <em>H. contortus</em> and <em>H. similis</em>.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Molecular techniques; PCR and sequence analysis are very important and reliable in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. This will help to formulate effective control measures for eradication of the parasite.</p> Olamilekan Banwo Olalekan Jeremiah Rofiat Adesina Abraham Adeyemo Olusegun Fagbohun Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17165 Survival of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis in Experimentally Infected Wild Boar Muscle Tissue under Freezing and Environmental Conditions https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17166 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of <em>Trichinella spiralis</em> and <em>T. pseudospiralis</em> in decaying wild boar tissue and assess their freezing tolerance in experimentally infected animals.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> The present study was conducted in Buenos Aires City, Argentina during the 2018-2019 period. Two wild boars were used, one infected with 20,000 muscle larvae (ML) of <em>T. spiralis</em> and the other with <em>T. pseudospiralis</em>. Both animals were euthanized 19 weeks post-infection. Limbs from each boar were placed over soil in plastic containers to assess ML survival in decaying tissue, under natural temperature and humidity, shielded from rain. Weekly samples were taken for artificial digestion, and the ML were inoculated into mice to determine their reproductive capacity index (RCI). Additionally, to evaluate the freezing tolerance of the ML, muscle samples were stored at -18°C. Six samples were taken and digested after 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 14 days, with subsequent inoculation into mice to assess RCI.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> <em>T. spiralis </em>remained infective in decaying wild boar tissue for 11 weeks, while <em>T. pseudospiralis</em> remained infective for only 4 weeks. The freezing tolerance assay showed that <em>T. spiralis </em>ML remain infective for 9 days. However, <em>T. pseudospiralis</em> ML remain infective for only 2 days at -18°C.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> The findings highlight the survival strategies of <em>T. spiralis</em> and <em>T. pseudospiralis</em> in different environmental conditions, which may have implications for understanding their transmission dynamics in wild animals</p> Clara Bessi Mariano Emmanuel Ercole Fernando Adrian Fariña Francisco Montalvo Valeria Fassa Marcelo Acerbo Miriam Mabel Ribicich Mariana Inés Pasqualetti Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17166 Genetic Diversity of Strongyloides stercoralis with Attention to Clinical Features in Patients Originated from Three Endemic Provinces in the North and South of Iran https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17167 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> <em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em> is one of the neglected tropical diseases. We aimed to verify the genetic diversity of <em>S. stercoralis</em> with attention to clinical features of the infection in patients using the <em>Cox</em>1 gene and DNA sequencing.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> Using parasitological methods, <em>S. stercoralis</em> was isolated from stool samples of patients who had been referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The patients originated from three endemic provinces of Iran including Guilan and Mazandaran in the north and Khouzestan in the south of Iran. After recording the clinical symptoms of the patients, DNA extraction of the isolates, PCR, and sequencing of the <em>Cox</em>1 gene region were performed. The gene sequences were analyzed by Chromas, Bio edit, and Dna SP 6.0, and phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 7.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Overall 10 isolates of <em>S. stercoralis</em> were collected from patients 55 to 73 years old. Among the patients, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous clinical symptoms were the most common, respectively. Ten isolates were classified into 4 haplotypes, 2 of which were specific to this study. Haplotypes 2 and 3 were placed in a subclade with haplotypes including isolates from dogs in Cambodia. Haplotype 4 which is hereby introduced in the world for the first time included an isolate from a patient with hyper-infection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> The <em>Cox</em>1 gene showed genetic diversity for <em>S. stercoralis</em> isolates. Accordingly, no significant genetic difference was observed between the sequences from patients with hyper-infection and non-hyper-infection. The only isolate from a patient with disseminated and hyper-infection strongyloidiasis was genetically different from all other isolates in the present study.</p> Sahar Semnan Eshrat Beigom Kia Meysam Sharifdini Enayat Darabi Zohre Fakhrieh-Kashan Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17167 Prevalence and Clinical Aspects of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among High-Risk Women in Karaj, Iran https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17168 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan <em>Trichomonas vaginalis</em><em>, </em>which causes health and emotional damages to the sufferers annually. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of <em>T. vaginalis</em> and its related risk factors among the high-risk women in the city of Karaj, central Iran.</p> <p><strong><em>Methods</em></strong><strong>:</strong> This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and September 2022. In all 192 samples were taken from high-risk women referred to the center for vulnerable women and also from women in Fardis Prison of Karaj. All samples were examined by culture and microscopic method.</p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> The overall prevalence of <em>T. vaginalis</em> in high-risk women was estimated at 7.8% (15/192). Subgroup prevalence was also assessed according to the severity of symptoms, and no significant association was observed between the prevalence and the symptoms’ severity.</p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Due to the high prevalence of the parasite among vulnerable/high-risk women, particularly in people with poor socioeconomic conditions, preventive health measures in this high-risk group seem necessary. Nevertheless, given that men have no symptoms but may be carriers of the parasite, the same study is also recommended for men.</p> Amir Bairami Kourosh Kabir Behrouz Abbasi Alaei Saeed Bahadory Mostafa Rezaeian Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17168 Fasciola hepatica Diagnosed with Endoscopic Ultrasound and Treated with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography: A Case Report https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17169 <p>This article discusses <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> infection, a zoonotic parasite that lives in the liver bile ducts. A 31-year-old female patient was diagnosed with symptoms such as nausea, increased liver enzymes, and right upper quadrant pain for about a year. The parasite was detected in the common bile duct by Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and removed by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP). Treatment was performed with 10 mg/kg triclabendazole. Eosinophilia, abdominal pain, and dietary history are important clues in the diagnosis of infection. Imaging methods, especially EUS, play a critical role in diagnosis. With this method, parasites can be seen as mobile hyperechogenic structures. If untreated, parasites can survive in their hosts for many years, therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing complications. It is recommended to monitor the eosinophil levels and serological test results of patients after treatment. As a result, EUS is a very valuable diagnostic tool in suspected cases.</p> Mustafa Zanyar Akkuzu Ahmet Yavuz Berat Ebik Ümit Karabulut Ali Üzel Ferhat Bacaksız Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17169 Lung Cyst Hydatid Extracted via Bronchoscopy and the Necessity of Surgery: A Case Report https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17170 <p><em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> remains a global public health issue. Although predominantly affecting the liver, the lungs are the second most affected organ and often undergo surgical intervention. Here, a case managed by bronchoscopy and medical therapy is presented. A 26-year-old woman was presented with a cough, hemoptysis, and a 5 kg weight loss in the last two months. Chest imaging identified a 4 cm centrally cystic mass lesion in the middle lobe of the right lung, which was suspicious of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy revealed a whitish, plastic-like object that was difficult to extricate and obstructed the middle lobe bronchus. We removed the material and purulent secretions covering it and opened the middle lobe bronchus totally. The histopathological study verified its consistency with hydatid cyst. There was no evidence of a hydatid cyst on computerized thomography after bronchoscopy. The lesion in the left lobe of the liver, confirmed to be suggestive of a hydatid cyst via ultrasonography, was treated using the PAIR technique. We administered oral albendazole to continue the treatment. It may be a reasonable approach to postpone surgery in order to preserve lung tissue in patients who have undergone complete removal of hydatid cyst material via bronchoscope.</p> Oguz Karcioglu Ayşen Kara Olcay Kurtulan Serkan Uysal Ziya Toros Selçuk Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17170 Acute Kidney Failure Confused with Thrombocytopenic Thrombocytic Purpura in Malaria: A Case Report https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17171 <p>Malaria has become widespread, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, owing to disruptions experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both cerebral malaria and acute kidney injury are important indicators of severe malaria. Depending on the degree of acute renal failure, hemodialysis/hemofiltration treatment is required. Our patient was a 22-year-old male from the Republic of Chad. The patient with confusion came to our country 15 days prior and was admitted to the internal medicine intensive care unit. Initially, Thrombocytopenic Thrombocytic Purpura (TTP) was considered because of clinical and laboratory similarities. As the patient had a history of coming from an endemic area, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly, malaria was considered. The patient was diagnosed with <em>falciparum</em> malaria due to the presence of multiple ring-shaped trophozoites and banana gametocytes. The patient with cerebral malaria, hyperparasitemia (parasite load 15%), hyperbilirubinemia and acute kidney injury was considered to have severe malaria. Intravenous artesunate was planned, but since it could not be obtained immediately, oral artemether+lumefantrine was started, and the patient became conscious at the 24th hour of treatment. During the follow-up, the patient's creatinine levels increased to 6.9, and the patient was subjected to hemodialysis several times. After effective hemodialysis and antimalarial treatment, the patient was discharged without sequelae on the 20th day of hospitalization. This case report is thought to be important in that it emphasizes that the diagnosis of malaria may be delayed due to its confusion with microangiopathic hemolytic anemias, and that it emphasizes the importance of correct management of complications.</p> Pinar Gurkaynak Nejla Yılmaz Gocen Ahmet Mert Yanık Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17171 Molecular Tracking of Leishmania major in an Archived Rattus norvegicus Spleen Sample in Iran: A Case Report https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17172 <p>Rodents are the primary reservoir hosts for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by <em>Leishmania major</em>. Knowing reservoir hosts is crucial for leishmaniasis surveillance and control programs in endemic areas. In this study, we examined an archived spleen of <em>Rattus norvegicus</em> obtained during a pest control program in 2000 in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The sample was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing to determine the presence of Trypanosomatidae based on the internal transcribed spacer (<em>ITS</em>) 1 gene. Amplification and sequencing of the discriminative region of the <em>ITS1</em> gene followed by BLAST analysis showed the highest similarity with <em>L. major</em> isolates. Also, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that our sample was grouped with <em>L. major</em> isolates retrieved from the GenBank database. This finding might support the claim that <em>R. norvegicus</em> acts as a potential reservoir host for <em>L. major</em>. Further studies, including a survey on more rodent samples as well as studying sandflies in the area, might uncover the possible presence of such pathobiological conditions in ZCL transmission in urban and suburban settings.</p> Mahya Allahmoradi Faezeh Najafi Mona Koosha Elham Kazemirad Alireza Latifi Saied Reza Naddaf Hamed Mirjalali Mehdi Mohebali Homa Hajjaran Domenico Otranto Gholamreza Mowlavi Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17172 The Molecular Detection and Therapeutic Management of Pathogenic Theileria luwenshuni Infection in a Goat: A Case Report https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17173 <p>A 2-year-old female Assam Hill goat was presented with a clinical history of anorexia, fever, mild anemia, rough body coat, dehydration, tachycardia, dyspnea and swelling of palpable lymph nodes. Hematology revealed low hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and thrombocyte count. Biochemical analysis showed increased serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea in comparison to the normal reference range. Microscopic examination showed intra-erythrocytic forms of Theileria species. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene sequence confirmed Theileria luwenshuni infection. The goat was treated with buparvaquone and oxytetracycline and recovered uneventfully. A three-month follow-up showed no recurrence. This study reveals the presence of T. luwenshuni in Assam, India and it should be considered in differential diagnosis and as one of the important pathogens of clinically sick goats. The present case report provides a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment for a goat infected with pathogenic T. luwenshuni in Assam, India. To our knowledge, the present communication describes about the first successful therapeutic management of pathogenic Tluwenshuni infection in a goat supported with molecular evidence from Assam, a north-eastern state of India.</p> Syed Abdul Arif Deepa Lahkar Sophia Makdoh Gogoi Bendangla Changkija Parikshit Kakati Lukumoni Buragohain Mamta Pathak Tinku Das Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17173 Coexistence of Giant Hydatid Cyst and Hepatocellular Carci-noma: A Case Report and Literature Review https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17174 <p>From a global perspective, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hydatid cyst disease are both common; however, the endemic and zoonotic nature of hydatid cysts (due to <em>Echinococcus</em> larvae) makes the simultaneous detection of the two conditions a rare occurrence. In this case report, in a 43-year-old male patient, we aim to draw attention to the potential coexistence of HCC and liver hydatid cysts by presenting a case in which HCC tissue was detected in the cyst wall—removed by emergency surgery due to cyst perforation. Hydatid lesions in the liver may exhibit tumor-like growth characteristics. Consequently, identifying a hydatid cyst concomitant with HCC can be challenging, particularly when HCC has developed within the cystic structure. Careful assessment of resected tissues and detailed diagnostic approaches can facilitate the identification of such cases, even if the risk of HCC in patients with hydatid cysts is marginal. It may be advisable to suggest periodic monitoring with HCC-related markers and liver imaging methods.</p> Ismail Eren Birol Sukru Salih Toprak Fatih Gurel Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17174 Comment on “A New Immunogenic Structure of Polyepitopic Fusion against Leishmania major: In Silico Study” https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17175 <p>The Article Abstract is not available.</p> Hamidreza Majidiani Seyyed Amir Hosseini Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17175 Response Comment on “A New Immunogenic Structure of Polyepitopic Fusion against Leishmania major: In Silico Study” https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJPA/article/view/17176 <p>The Article Abstract is not available</p> Saeed Pirmoradi Mohammad Darvish Khadem Zohre Monjezi Somayeh Bahrami Chukwunonso O. Nzelu Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024-12-08 2024-12-08 10.18502/ijpa.v19i4.17176