Anti Leishmanial Effect of Plantago psyllium (Ovate) and White Vinegar on Leishmania major Lesion in BALB/c Mice

Background

Leishmania major is the etiologic agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran, and glucantime injection is currently used for its treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-leishmanial effect of topical Plantago psyllium and white vinegar in L. major infected BALB/c mice.

Methods

Thirty infected mice were divided into five groups as follows: Group 1: treated with the combination of ovata powder and white vinegar, Group 2: treated with glucantime, Group 3: treated with white vinegar, Group 4: treated with the combination of ovata powder and water, and Group 5: without any treatment. All the groups were treated for 18 days. Lesion size was measured, and final smears were prepared for microscopic examination.

Results

The findings indicated that the difference in the mean areas of the ulcers in all the groups before and after treatment was not significant, except for the second (glucantime) and third (vinegar) groups. Also, the results showed that in the first, second, third, and fourth group, 6 (60%), 4 (80%), 3 (60%), and 2 (40%) mice were healed, respectively. However, ulcers remained in all the five mice of the control group.

Conclusion

The combination of ovata powder and white vinegar has been traditionally used to treat leishmanial lesions in Iran. It seems the most anti-leishmanial effect is related to vinegar and supported by Plantago. The route of treatment with this combination is very simple and painless in comparison with injection. Thus, further studies on this issue could help to design more effective and easy-to-use drugs.

Toxoplasmosis in Nomadic Communities: A Seroepidemiological Study in Southwestern Iran

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii is the agent of a zoonotic protozoan infection with worldwide distribution. The rates of infection in different areas are depending on climatic conditions and also social and cultural habits of the people. This cross-sectional study aimed to find out the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in nomadic people in Boyer-Ahmad County, in the southwest of Iran.

METHODS

Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from 1005 individuals of nomadic tribes of Boyer-Ahmad County in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in 2016. A predesigned questionnaire, containing basic epidemiological information was filled out for each subject during the sampling. Sera were evaluated for anti-T. gondii antibodies (both IgG and IgM), using a commercial ELISA kit. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS, using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Out of the 1005 studied subjects, 227 (22.6%) were male and 778 (77.4%) were female. The mean age of participants was 41 years (SD: ±17). The most represented (24.4%) age class was 21-30 years and the least (1.9%) 1-10 years. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 174 (17.3%) of the cases. No statistically significant associations were found between seropositivity to T. gondii and area of residence, age, gender and educational levels of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study show that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the nomads of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province is alike to other communities in our country. Further study is required to elucidate the genotype of T. gondii in this community.

Molecular Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep Aborted Fetuses Reveals Predominance of Type I Infection in Southwest of Iran

Background

We aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in ovine aborted fetuses and evaluate its genetic variations in the southwest of Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 aborted ovine fetuses collected from the different region of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, in lambing season during 2017 and 2018. DNA was extracted from the brain samples of all of the aborted fetuses and PCR amplified, targeting a 529 bp repetitive element gene of T. gondii. Moreover, to find out the heterogeneity of the positive samples, PCR-DNA amplification of the two main genetic markers, B1 and GRA6, of T. gondii were performed. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed, using the BLAST program and MEGA-X software.

Results

The 529 bp gene of T. gondii was detected in 2 out of 100 (2%) of the ovine aborted samples. The sequences analysis of GRA6 and B1 genes revealed that both isolates from the aborted fetuses of sheep belonged to type I of T. gondii. Intra-divergence was more seen in GRA6 gene whereas less divergence was observed in B1 gene.

Conclusion

Congenital infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period is associated with abortion in ovine. Evaluation of more aborted samples from broader geographical areas is needed to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and also the genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion.

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis in a new-emerging focus of human fascioliasis in BoyerAhmad district, southwest of Iran

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of fascioliasis in a population of cattle in a new-emerging focus of human fascioliasis in Boyer-Ahmad District, in the southwest of Iran, was investigated, using an ELISA system and coprological methods.

METHODS

Blood, as well as stool samples, were collected from 150 dairy cattle consisted of 82 (54.7%) males and 68 (45.3%) females, aged from 1 to 8 years, selected from different pastures. The stool samples were evaluated by direct wet mount microscopic examination as well as sedimentation methods. Moreover, modified Telemann was used for detecting of Fasciola eggs. Anti-Fasciola antibodies in the cattle sera samples were determined, using a Fasciola excretory-secretory antigen-specific ELISA.

RESULTS

Anti-Fasciola antibodies were detected in 64 (42.4%) of the subjects by ELISA. Out of 64 seropositive cases, 29 (45.3%) were female and 35 (54.6%) were male. No significant association was found between sex and seropositivity to fascioliasis. Considering the age of the cattle, the highest prevalence of fascioliasis (23%) was found in the 5-year old age group. However, the difference between the age of the cattle and seropositivity to fascioliasis was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Fasciola eggs were not detected in fecal samples of any of the studied cattle, while Paramphistomide, as well as Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs, were detected in 6 (4%) and 17 (11.3%) of the subjects, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Findings of the current study provide basic information about bovine fascioliasis in a new focus of human fascioliasis in Iran, which is needed for effective control of this parasitic infection in such areas.

Seroepidemiological study of cystic echinococcosis in nomadic communities in the southwest of Iran: A population-based study

The current study aimed at the seroepidemiological survey of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in nomadic people in Boyer-Ahmad District in the southwest of Iran. One thousand and five nomads were selected by cross-sectional sample collection in nomadic tribes of Boyer-Ahmad District in the southwest of Iran. Blood samples were taken from each individual, and the sera were tested for detection of anti-hydatid cyst antibodies using antigen B-ELISA. A predesigned questionnaire which contained basic epidemiological and individual information related to hydatid cyst was filled for each subject during sample collecting. Subjects of the study were 227 males (22.6%) and 778 (77.4%) females. The mean age of the participants was 40.4 years old (±16.6). Anti-hydatid cyst antibodies were detected in 81 (8.1%) of the subjects. Seroprevalence rate for CE in females (9%) was more than males (4.8%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between CE seropositivity and sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-3.80) and dog ownership (OR = 8.3; 95% CI = 3.94-16.37). The rate of infection with CE in nomadic people in southwest of Iran is considerable. Treatment of dogs and increasing the level of people awareness may contribute a substantial advancement in the control of the disease in the area.

In-vitro Activity of Trigonella foenum graecum Seeds Against a Clinical Strain of Acanthamoeba Genotype T4

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening infection of the cornea disease that often presents with a lengthy and not fully effective treatment. Current therapeutic options against Acanthamoeba are not very effective against the cyst. Calibrated trophozoite/cyst suspension was incubated with the same volume of serial dilutions of the Trigonella foenum graecum aqueous extract (200, 250, 350, 450, 600, and 750 mg/mL) in microcentrifuge tubes and mixed by pipetting up and down. After that, the tubes were incubated at 26 ºC for 24, 48, and 72 h. The obtained result revealed that incubation of the extract (at concentrations ranging from 200 to 750 mg/mL) with Acanthamoeba was able to decrease the number of viable trophozoites and cysts. In the presence of up to 450 mg/mL non-viable trophozoites were observed whereas cysts were only eliminated when incubated with 750 mg/mL of the extract after 24 h. Furthermore, no cytotoxicity of the extract even at the highest concentration tested in the study showed to be toxic for corneal cells. Further studies should be carried out in order to elucidate the active compounds involved in the observed anti-Acanthamoeba activities which could be used for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against Acanthamoeba infections.

Role of environmental, climatic risk factors and livestock animals on the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in newly emerging focus in Iran

INTRODUCTION

Occurrence of leishmaniasis is affected by various biological and environmental factors. Kohgiluye and Boyerahmad (K-B) province is an emerging focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Southwest Iran.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

To elucidate some angles of occurrence of CL in this province, climatic and environmental factors and close proximity to livestock were studied by univariate and two multivariate logistic regression models. The dwelling addresses of 275 CL patients were obtained from Health Centers records for a 5 years period. The effect of mean annual temperature, minimum mean annual temperature, maximum mean annual temperature, mean annual rainfall, slope, elevation, land covers and close proximity to cattle and sheep/goat sheds on the occurrence of CL were analysed using geographical information systems (GIS) approach.

RESULTS

CL occurred in all counties with the most cases in Northwest, West and South semi-arid and warm regions. Land cover, slope, elevation and close proximity to cattle sheds, were the most effective factors. Urban, dry farm and thin rangeland were found as the most important land covers. Slope and elevation decreased the probability of disease. Close proximity to cattle sheds notably increased the chance of CL. The importance of other factors such as rainfall, temperature and close proximity to sheep/goat sheds only were shown when their effects were evaluated independently from other factors. So regions with urban, dry farm and thin rangeland covers with lower slope and altitude where in close proximity of cattle sheds seems to be potentially most high risk areas.

CONCLUSION

Distribution of CL cases is influenced by combination of environmental, ecological factors and close proximity to livestock sheds but control programs should be focused on cities and villages in the above-mentioned most high risk regions.

Production of Monoclonal Antibody Against Excretory-Secretory Antigen of Fasciola hepatica and Evaluation of Its Efficacy in the Diagnosis of Fascioliasis

Parasitological methods are not helpful for the diagnosis of fascioliasis in acute and invasive periods of the disease. Detection of coproantigens seems to be a suitable alternative approach in the diagnosis of fascioliasis. The present study aimed to develop a reliable antigen detection system, using monoclonal antibodies raised against excretory-secretory (ES) antigen of Fasciola hepatica, for the diagnosis of fascioliasis. Fasciola adult worms were collected from the bile ducts of infected animals. Species of the fluke was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR). ES antigen of F. hepatica was prepared. For production of monoclonal antibodies, mice were immunized with ES antigens of F. hepatica. Spleen cells from the immunized mice were fused with NS-1 myeloma cells, using polyethylene glycol. Hybridoma cells secreting specific antibody were expanded and cloned by limiting dilution. Moreover, polyclonal antibody was produced against F. hepatica ES antigen in rabbits. A capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system, using produced monoclonal antibody, was designed and stool samples of infected animals along with control samples were tested by the system. The capture ELISA detected the coproantigen in 27 of 30 (90%) parasitologically confirmed fascioliasis cases, while 4 of 39 (10.25%) samples infected with other parasitic infections showed a positive reaction in this system. No positive reactivity was found with healthy control samples. Accordingly, sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 94.2% were obtained for the capture ELISA system. The results were compared with those obtained with commercial BIO-X ELISA, and a very good (kappa = 0.9) agreement was found between the commercial kit and the developed capture ELISA. Findings of this study showed that the produced monoclonal antibody has appropriate performance for the detection of Fasciola coproantigen in stool samples and can be appropriately used for the diagnosis of fascioliasis.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan infections: a population-based study in rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad district, Southwestern Iran

BACKGROUND

Parasitic infections are still a significant health problem in rural areas in developing countries including Iran. There is no recent population-based data about the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in most rural areas of Iran. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in inhabitants of rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad district, Southwestern Iran.

METHODS

A total of 1025 stool samples were collected from the inhabitant of 50 randomly selected villages in Boyer-Ahmad Township. The stool samples were evaluated by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, zinc sulfate floatation, and Trichrome permanent stain for detection of protozoan infections. Diarrheic samples were further evaluated with a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method for detection of coccidian parasites.

RESULTS

The prevalence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic intestinal parasites in the population was 37.5% (385 out of 1025 cases), some individual with multiple infections. Giardia lamblia was detected in 179 (17.46%), Blastocystis hominis in 182 (17.76%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar in 9 (0.87%), Endolimax nana in 216 (21.07%), Entamoeba coli in 151 (14.73%), Ioedamoeba butschlii in 45 (4.39%), Chillomastix mesnili in 22 (2.14%), Trichomonas hominis in 2 (0.19%) and Dientamoeba fragillis in 2 (0.19%) of cases. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between protozoan infection (pathogenic protozoa) and contact with animals (OR yes/no = 2.22, p < 0.001) and educational status (OR higher/illiterate = 0.40, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study demonstrated that protozoan infection rate in rural areas of southwestern Iran is still high and remained as a challenging health problem in these areas.

A Consistent PCR-RFLP Assay Based on ITS-2 Ribosomal DNA for Differentiation of Fasciola Species

OBJECTIVE(S)

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by liver fluke species of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Differentiation of these two species, based on their morphological characteristics, is difficult. The current study aimed to use PCR-RFLP assay to distinguish between F. hepatica and F. gigantica, based on profiles of RFLP, produced by effect of endonucleases on ITS2 of the ribosomal DNA genes from these two species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult Fasciola spp. were isolated from bile duct of naturally infected animals. The species of Fasciola were confirmed by sequencing the 505 bp region of the ITS2 gene in the isolates. By running the sequences of the samples in NEBcutter, suitable restriction enzymes (MspI and KpnI) were selected. Eight F. gigantica and eighteen F. hepatica samples were evaluated.

RESULTS

While RFLP pattern with MspI produced a profile by which it was difficult to differentiate these two species, KpnI along with MspI, produced a consistent pattern of a 231, 212 and 93 bp fragments in F. hepatica. This pattern was not seen in F. gigantica.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study demonstrated that RFLP with KpnI and MspI produce a suitable pattern which simply differentiates F. hepatica from F. gigantica.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in boyer ahmad district, kohgiluyeh & boyer ahmad province, southwest of iran

BACKGROUND

Mediterranean type of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is present in different parts of Iran. Several studies have identified dogs as the main reservoirs of the VL caused by Leishmania infantum in Iran and other Mediterranean regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis as animal reservoir host for human visceral leishmaniasis in Boyer Ahmad district in southwest of Iran.

METHODS

A seroepidemiological study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among ownership dogs by using direct agglutination test (DAT) in 23 of 182 villages of Boyer Ahmad district, during August 2009 to August 2010. One hundred and seventy serum samples from ownership dogs were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling in villages of Boyer Ahmad district. All samples were tested by DAT and anti-Leishmania antibodies titers at ≥ 1:320 was considered as positive.

RESULTS

Of the 170 serum samples, 10% were positive by DAT at titers of 1:320 and higher. No statistical significant difference was found between male (10.7%) and female (8.3%) seroprevalence. The highest seroprevalence rate (15.1%) was observed among the ownership dogs of four to seven years age. Altogether, seventeen (25.4%) of the seropositive dogs had clinical signs and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

It seems that Boyer Ahmad district is an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Iran.

An observational study on the current distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in different geographical zones of Iran and implication to health policy

Visceral leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases that is endemic in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to determine current distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in four distinct geographical zones of Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted using direct agglutination test (DAT) on 9396 and 2559 serum samples collected from humans and domestic dogs, respectively during the period of 2007 through 2009. Altogether, 403 (4.3%) out of 9396 human serum samples collected from 4 distinct geographical locations showed anti-Leishmania antibodies with titers ≥ 1:3200. Physical examinations performed on 142 sero-positive cases with anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers of 1: 3200 to 1:102400 among whom fever (94.4%), paleness (67.6%) and hepato-splenomegaly (42.2%) were the predominant clinical signs and symptoms. The highest sero-prevalence rate (1.55%) was found in children ≤ 5 years old. Out of 2559 serum samples collected from domestic dogs, 212 (8.3%) were DAT positive (≥ 1:320). Leishmania infantum is the principal causative agent of the disease was isolated from both infected humans and dogs in Iran. Our findings indicate that Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis with different distribution occurs in different geographical locations of Iran.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: asymptomatic infected dogs as a source of L. infantum infection

Clinically infected dogs have been identified as the main reservoir hosts of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of asymptomatic infected dogs compared with symptomatic ones as a source of L. infantum infection to golden hamster. For this purpose, anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected with direct agglutination test (DAT) in 13 symptomatic (7 seropositive =>or=1:320) and 53 asymptomatic (9 seropositive =>or=1:320 and 44 seronegative =<1:320) ownership dogs. DNA of Leishmania sp. was extracted from skin and peripheral blood tissues of each dog and tested by PCR. Sixty-six Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were used for the determination of infectivity and pathogenicity of L. infantum, isolated from the dogs. We used the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) rDNA sequence analysis. The results showed that 22 and 11 out of 66 inoculated golden hamsters were positive by PCR and parasitological examinations, respectively. From 22 PCR positive hamsters, 17 were related to asymptomatic dogs and 5 were from symptomatic ones. There was no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in producing Leishmania infection in the susceptible animal model (P=0.66). Smears and cultures of 5 dogs from 13 symptomatic dogs (38.5%) and 6 dogs from 53 asymptomatic ones (11.3%) were found to be positive at parasitological examination. All the L. infantum isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs were similar in sequencing. In conclusion, asymptomatic infected dogs as well as symptomatic ones can harbor L. infantum in their blood and skins which are virulent and infectious for inoculated golden hamster.