Ectoparasites of Rodents Captured in Hamedan, Western Iran
Journal of arthropod-borne diseases, 2015
Rodents with a population greater than the entire population of other mammals on earth are the so... more Rodents with a population greater than the entire population of other mammals on earth are the source of economic losses and health conflicts. One of the major health problems with the rodents is their role as reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the infestation of commensal rodents with ectoparasites in Hamedan City, Western Iran. The samples were collected by live traps during years 2012-2013. After transferring the samples to the Entomological Laboratory of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, their ectoparasites were collected and identified. A total of 171 slides were prepared from 105 captured commensal rodents: Mus musculus, Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus comprising three orders namely Mesostigmata: Hypoaspis (Laelaspis) astronomica, Dermanyssius sp, Pachylaelapidae (male). Metastigmata: Rhipicephalus sp and Anoplura: Polyplax spinulosa were recovered in Hamedan City. Seventy (66.6%) rodents were found infested with at least one specie...
Infants' Exposure to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother's Breast Milk in Iran
Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2012
The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker fo... more The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker for exposure determination to aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). In the present study, the risk of exposure to AFM(1) in infants fed breast milk was investigated. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of AFM(1) in breast milk samples from 132 lactating mothers referred to four urban Mothers and Babies Care Unit of Hamadan, western Iran. AFM(1) was detected in eight samples (6.06%) at mean concentration of 9.45 ng/L. The minimum and maximum of concentration was 7.1 to 10.8 ng/L, respectively. Although the concentration of AFM(1) in none of the samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by USA and European Union (25 ng/kg) however, 25% had a level of AFM(1) above the allowable level of Australia and Switzerland legal limit (10 ng/L). Lactating mothers and infants in western parts of Iran could be at risk for AFB(1) and AFM(1) exposure, respectively. Considering all this information, the investigation of AFM(1) in lactating mothers as a biomarker for post-natal exposure of infants to this carcinogen deserves further studies in various seasons and different parts of Iran.
African Journal of Microbiology Research, Mar 4, 2011
Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that contaminate food and feed. Due to the high incidence of AFM 1 in milk that have been reported at the Hamadan region in Iran, a study was conducted to identify the cow feed mycoflora with special respect to aflatoxigenic fungi. 186 cows feed samples from traditional-and industrial-dairy farms of Hamadan region were examined using dilution plating technique in summer and winter seasons. The predominant fungi isolated were Aspergillus species (37.4%) (Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, A. parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus) followed by, Penicillium (23.7%), Fusarium (17.5%), cladosporium (9.1%), Alternaria (4.3%), Rhizopus (3.9%) and Mucor species (3.4%). The concentrate feed was the most contaminated feed, for which the mean colony counts for A. flavus and A. parasiticus were 7.25 × 10 2 and 7.50 × 10 2 cfu/g, respectively. The most contaminated feed with these two Aspergilli was concentrate feed (80%) in summer and wheat bran (45%) in winter. The mean colony count of aflatoxigenic fungi in industrial-diary farms was significantly higher than traditional-dairy farms. Moreover, the mean of aflatoxigenic fungi colony count in winter was significantly greater than those in summer seasons (p < 0.00001). The present study tested the hypothesis that differences exist between fresh forages used in summer and the ensiled form used in winter in terms of contamination with aflatoxigenic fungi.
Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2014
Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly in the rural areas, are one of the most important i... more Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly in the rural areas, are one of the most important indices of the hygiene status and sanitation level of the society. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infections among rural inhabitant of Hamadan City, Iran, 2012. Patients and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from 50 families in seven villages that were directly and indirectly involved in raising livestock and other domestic animals in spring of 2012. The demographic data were collected by interview and included age, sex, educational level, place of keeping animals, direct or indirect contact with animals, and occupation. Fecal samples were concentrated using formol-ether sedimentation technique and examined by iodine-stained wet mount method. Indistinguishable samples were assessed by trichrome staining method. Results: Among 228 samples, 80 (35.1%) were diagnosed with parasitic infection, which separately included 43 cases of Entamoeba coli (18.9%), 32 Blastocystis hominis (14%), 16 Endolimax nana (7%), nine Iodamoeba butschlii (3.9%), five Giardia lamblia (2.2%), two Taenia species (0.9%), two Hymenolepis nana (0.9%), one Chilomastix mesnili (0.4%), one Trichuris trichiura (0.4%), and one Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.4%). No significant difference in infection rate was observed with regard to indirect or direct contact with livestock. Coinfection of E. coli and B. hominis, E. coli and I. butschlii, and E. nana and G. lamblia were statistically significant. Interestingly, no Ascaris lumbricoides ovum was seen in this population. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of some infections with intestinal parasites is high in the Hamadan City. Considering that most of the parasites are nonpathogenic, pathogenic ones have been reduced generally in comparison to the previous reports. Nevertheless, the existence of Taenia species and H. nana could not be ignored.
… and Sequencing of a Gene Encoding Mannose Binding Protein in an Iranian Isolate of Acanthamoeba castellanii as a Major Agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis
Background: Acanthamoeba castellanii is the important cause of amoebic keratitis in Iran. The key... more Background: Acanthamoeba castellanii is the important cause of amoebic keratitis in Iran. The key molecule in pathogene-sis of Acanthamoeba keratitis is Mannose Binding Protein (MBP) led to adhesion of amoeba to corneal epithelium. Subse-quent to adhesion other cytopathic effects occur. The goal of this study was to identify the molecular characterization of a gene encoding MBP in an Iranian isolate of A.castellanii in order to pave the way for further investigations such as new therapeutic advances or immunization. Methods: A.castellanii was cultured on non nutrient agar. Extraction of DNA was performed by phenol-chloroform method. After designing a pair of primer for the gene encoding MBP, PCR analysis was performed. Finally, the PCR prod-uct has been sequenced and the result submitted to the gene data banks. Results: An MBP gene of 1081 nucleotides was sequenced. This fragment contained three introns and encodes a protein with 194 amino acids. Homology search by Blast program sho...
Background: Fecal antigen detection using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and oocys... more Background: Fecal antigen detection using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and oocyst detection using auramine phenol (AP) staining methods, are told to be more sensitive compared to other conventional methods, for diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antigen-detection capacity in the stool specimens using ELISA and oocyst detection by AP staining methods, for the diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from residents of rural areas of Hamadan, West of Iran. Each fecal sample was divided into two parts, one kept frozen at -20˚C for Ag-capture ELISA and the other in 10% formalin for the AP staining method. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection ELISA procedure was performed according to the manual of the manufacturer. The preserved samples concentrated using the formalin-ether concentration technique were stained with AP and then investigated under florescent microscopy.
Results: Eight (3.5%) and three (1.3%) out of 228 fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium infection by ELISA and AP staining methods, respectively. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection using ELISA showed an increased frequency of the infection, compared to the AP staining method (P = 0.062).
Conclusions: For epidemiological studies and diagnostic purposes of the Cryptosporidium infection, especially in asymptomatic individuals, Ag-detection ELISA is an easy to perform and accurate method, compared to other conventional microscopic methods.
Trichomonas vaginalis is the agent of urogenital tract infection that causes human trichomoniasis... more Trichomonas vaginalis is the agent of urogenital tract infection that causes human trichomoniasis with some serious health complications. More understanding about genetic features of the parasite can be helpful in the study of the pathogenesis, drug susceptibility and epidemiology of the infection. For this end, we conducted analysis of the actin gene of T. vaginalis by applying the PCR-SSCP (PCR-Single Stranded Conformational Polymorphism) and nucleotide sequencing method. Fifty T. vaginalis samples were collected from 950 women attending gynecology clinics in two cities of Iran, Hamadan and Tehran, from November 2010 to July 2011. After axenisation of isolates, all samples subjected to PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing. According to the SSCP banding patterns and nucleotide sequencing, seven sequence types were detected among the isolates. Alignment of the nucleotide sequences showed five polymorphic sites in the different strain types. Amino acid substitution was not observed in ...
Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of human urogenital infection, is the m... more Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of human urogenital infection, is the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. In spite of the high prevalence and medical importance of trichomoniasis, there is little knowledge about genetic epidemiology and genetic characterisation of this parasite. For this purpose, a Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphism-PCR (SSCP-PCR) typing method was conducted for Iranian T. vaginalis isolates using 5.8s ribosomal gene (rRNA gene) and the flanking internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Nine hundred and fifty vaginal swab samples were examined in which 50 (5.3%) samples were parasitologically positive and used for molecular identification based on SSCP-PCR and nucleotide sequence analyses. Results of the SSCP analysis showed two distinct reproducible banding patterns (I, II) which were confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis in the ITS1 regions. Frequencies of the SSCP banding patterns I and II were 84%...
Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite causes cryptosporidial diarrhea, which is typ... more Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite causes cryptosporidial diarrhea, which is typically a short-lasting benign infection, but can become severe and nonresolving in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of the present study was to determinate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in livestock and humans that were in contact with livestock in Hamadan district, Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 660 fecal specimens were collected; 228, 195 and 237 from humans, whom raising livestock, their calves and lambs/goats, respectively in spring 2012. Samples were concentrated by formalin-ether concentration technique and examined using cold modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Results: Two (0.87%) out of 228, 25 (12.8%) out of 195 and 6 (2.5%) out of 237 fecal samples of humans, calves and lambs/goats were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the infection to Cryptosporidium and demographic variables of humans. However, Cryptosporidium infection rate was higher in diarrheic calves (OR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.21; P=0.010). Conclusion: Despite studies conducted in some regions of Iran that resulted in a relatively high rate of infection in humans in contact with livestock, our results showed low prevalence and low carrier status in the asymptomatic persons in Hamadan region. Because the infection in calves and lambs/goats was relatively high, these animals could be probable reservoir of infection for humans in this area.
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease that is endemic in some areas of Iran, including East Azerbai... more Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease that is endemic in some areas of Iran, including East Azerbaijan. IFN-γ is one of the cytokines that triggers cell-mediated immunity, thus initiating elimination of the infection. This case-control study was performed to investigate the association between the polymorphism of the IFN-γ gene at the +874A/T locus and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In this study conducted during 2012-2013, 267 participants were selected from individuals living in an endemic area of VL. Subjects were divided into three groups; 86 patients with VL, 82 seropositive individuals without any history of leishmaniasis, and 99 seronegative healthy controls. Genotyping of the IFN-γ +874A/T polymorphism was carried out using an Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR (ARMS-PCR). The frequency of the +874A allele in the patient group (75.5%) was higher than in the seropositive individuals (54%). The highest frequency of the +874T/T genotype was observed in seropositive indivi...
Acanthamoeba keratitis cases have emerged in the recent years in Iran. In this case, an amoebic k... more Acanthamoeba keratitis cases have emerged in the recent years in Iran. In this case, an amoebic keratitis due to a mixed infection with Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia species is reported. Corneal scrapes, contact lenses and contact lens cases obtained from the patient were analysed and were positive for cysts of Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia genera. Genus-specific PCR was carried out for both genera, confirming the microscopic observations. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a possible mixed amoebic infection due to Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia and raises awareness within contact lens wearers in Iran.
Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that contaminate food and feed. Due to the high incidence of AFM 1 in milk that have been reported at the Hamadan region in Iran, a study was conducted to identify the cow feed mycoflora with special respect to aflatoxigenic fungi. 186 cows feed samples from traditional-and industrial-dairy farms of Hamadan region were examined using dilution plating technique in summer and winter seasons. The predominant fungi isolated were Aspergillus species (37.4%) (Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, A. parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus) followed by, Penicillium (23.7%), Fusarium (17.5%), cladosporium (9.1%), Alternaria (4.3%), Rhizopus (3.9%) and Mucor species (3.4%). The concentrate feed was the most contaminated feed, for which the mean colony counts for A. flavus and A. parasiticus were 7.25 × 10 2 and 7.50 × 10 2 cfu/g, respectively. The most contaminated feed with these two Aspergilli was concentrate feed (80%) in summer and wheat bran (45%) in winter. The mean colony count of aflatoxigenic fungi in industrial-diary farms was significantly higher than traditional-dairy farms. Moreover, the mean of aflatoxigenic fungi colony count in winter was significantly greater than those in summer seasons (p < 0.00001). The present study tested the hypothesis that differences exist between fresh forages used in summer and the ensiled form used in winter in terms of contamination with aflatoxigenic fungi.
A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out in summer and winter in raw mil... more A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out in summer and winter in raw milk samples from 93 traditional and industrial dairy farms of the Hamedan district in order to address representative data on AFM1 in milk collected from these regions. Of the 186 milk samples, AFM1 was detected in 119 samples (63.97%). The mean concentration of AFM1 in contaminated samples was 43.4 ng/L, and the minimum and maximum levels were ≤10 and 410 ng/L, respectively. Fourteen (11.76%) contaminated samples had AFM1 in concentrations in excess of the maximum levels specified in European Union regulations, i.e., 50 ng/L. The contamination ratio of milk in summer and winter months was 56.5 and 71.7%, respectively (P < 0.02). This is the first report on AFM1 determinations in raw milk from western Iran, one of the main milk-production areas, as well as comparison between milk obtained from different dairy farms in Iran.
In this study, 15 Acanthamoeba isolates from AK patients and 10 environmental samples (water, soi... more In this study, 15 Acanthamoeba isolates from AK patients and 10 environmental samples (water, soil and animal-origin samples) were classified at the genotype level based on the sequence analysis of the Diagnostic Fragment 3 (DF3) of Acanthamoeba small subunit rRNA gene. The obtained results revealed that most of these Acanthamoeba strains belonged to genotype T4 both in clinical and environmental samples. The presence T11 genotype in clinical samples was also revealed after the genotyping analysis and to our knowledge this is the first report of T11 genotype in Iran. Moreover, the isolation of T4 genotype from cow faeces in this study highlights a possible transmission of Acanthamoeba through animal faeces in Iran.
A total of 52 corn samples collected in 2000 from four main corn production provinces of Iran (Fa... more A total of 52 corn samples collected in 2000 from four main corn production provinces of Iran (Fars, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Mazandaran) were analyzed for contamination with Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisins (FB 1 , FB 2 , FB 3 , and 3-epi-FB 3 ). The mean incidence of F. verticillioides (percent of kernels infected) for these four areas was 26.7, 21.4, 24.9, and 59.0%, respectively. The incidence in Mazandaran was significantly (p < 0.05) above that of the other areas. All samples from Mazandaran were contaminated with fumonisins with a mean level of total fumonisins of 10674 µg/ kg. In contrast, the incidence of fumonisin contamination above 10 µg/kg was 53 (8/15), 42 (5/12), and 57% (8/14) in the samples from Fars, Kermanshah, and Khuzestan, respectively, and the corresponding mean total fumonisin levels were 215, 71, and 174 µg/kg, respectively. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the fumonisin levels of the corn samples from these three provinces, which were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the fumonisin contamination in samples from Mazandaran.
Fumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have... more Fumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have been shown to cause a variety of significant adverse health effects in livestock and experimental animals, and are probable human carcinogens. Thirty-three maize samples were collected at ports from bulk shipments, which were imported into Iran from six countries during 2001–2002, and analysed by HPLC for the most abundant of the naturally occurring fumonisin analogues, namely fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3). Of the 33 samples, 21 (64%) were found to contain FB1 (58–512 μg/kg) at levels above 10 μg/kg. The frequency of FB1 found in maize samples imported from Uruguay and Canada was 75%, followed by China and Argentina (67%), USA (60%), and Brazil (50%). The average FB1 level was 266 and 169 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. Medians were 250 and 146 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. FB2 levels ranged from not detected (<10 μg/kg) to 53 μg/kg, whereas no sample had an FB3 level above the detection level (10 μg/kg). This is the first report of fumonisin contamination of imported maize in Iran. Although, the level of all detected fumonisins were below the Iranian and FDA tolerance levels for foods and feeds, It is necessary to maintain the strict rules to ensure continued safety of imported maize.
Ectoparasites of Rodents Captured in Hamedan, Western Iran
Journal of arthropod-borne diseases, 2015
Rodents with a population greater than the entire population of other mammals on earth are the so... more Rodents with a population greater than the entire population of other mammals on earth are the source of economic losses and health conflicts. One of the major health problems with the rodents is their role as reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the infestation of commensal rodents with ectoparasites in Hamedan City, Western Iran. The samples were collected by live traps during years 2012-2013. After transferring the samples to the Entomological Laboratory of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, their ectoparasites were collected and identified. A total of 171 slides were prepared from 105 captured commensal rodents: Mus musculus, Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus comprising three orders namely Mesostigmata: Hypoaspis (Laelaspis) astronomica, Dermanyssius sp, Pachylaelapidae (male). Metastigmata: Rhipicephalus sp and Anoplura: Polyplax spinulosa were recovered in Hamedan City. Seventy (66.6%) rodents were found infested with at least one specie...
Infants' Exposure to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother's Breast Milk in Iran
Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2012
The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker fo... more The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker for exposure determination to aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). In the present study, the risk of exposure to AFM(1) in infants fed breast milk was investigated. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of AFM(1) in breast milk samples from 132 lactating mothers referred to four urban Mothers and Babies Care Unit of Hamadan, western Iran. AFM(1) was detected in eight samples (6.06%) at mean concentration of 9.45 ng/L. The minimum and maximum of concentration was 7.1 to 10.8 ng/L, respectively. Although the concentration of AFM(1) in none of the samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by USA and European Union (25 ng/kg) however, 25% had a level of AFM(1) above the allowable level of Australia and Switzerland legal limit (10 ng/L). Lactating mothers and infants in western parts of Iran could be at risk for AFB(1) and AFM(1) exposure, respectively. Considering all this information, the investigation of AFM(1) in lactating mothers as a biomarker for post-natal exposure of infants to this carcinogen deserves further studies in various seasons and different parts of Iran.
African Journal of Microbiology Research, Mar 4, 2011
Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that contaminate food and feed. Due to the high incidence of AFM 1 in milk that have been reported at the Hamadan region in Iran, a study was conducted to identify the cow feed mycoflora with special respect to aflatoxigenic fungi. 186 cows feed samples from traditional-and industrial-dairy farms of Hamadan region were examined using dilution plating technique in summer and winter seasons. The predominant fungi isolated were Aspergillus species (37.4%) (Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, A. parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus) followed by, Penicillium (23.7%), Fusarium (17.5%), cladosporium (9.1%), Alternaria (4.3%), Rhizopus (3.9%) and Mucor species (3.4%). The concentrate feed was the most contaminated feed, for which the mean colony counts for A. flavus and A. parasiticus were 7.25 × 10 2 and 7.50 × 10 2 cfu/g, respectively. The most contaminated feed with these two Aspergilli was concentrate feed (80%) in summer and wheat bran (45%) in winter. The mean colony count of aflatoxigenic fungi in industrial-diary farms was significantly higher than traditional-dairy farms. Moreover, the mean of aflatoxigenic fungi colony count in winter was significantly greater than those in summer seasons (p < 0.00001). The present study tested the hypothesis that differences exist between fresh forages used in summer and the ensiled form used in winter in terms of contamination with aflatoxigenic fungi.
Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2014
Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly in the rural areas, are one of the most important i... more Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly in the rural areas, are one of the most important indices of the hygiene status and sanitation level of the society. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infections among rural inhabitant of Hamadan City, Iran, 2012. Patients and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from 50 families in seven villages that were directly and indirectly involved in raising livestock and other domestic animals in spring of 2012. The demographic data were collected by interview and included age, sex, educational level, place of keeping animals, direct or indirect contact with animals, and occupation. Fecal samples were concentrated using formol-ether sedimentation technique and examined by iodine-stained wet mount method. Indistinguishable samples were assessed by trichrome staining method. Results: Among 228 samples, 80 (35.1%) were diagnosed with parasitic infection, which separately included 43 cases of Entamoeba coli (18.9%), 32 Blastocystis hominis (14%), 16 Endolimax nana (7%), nine Iodamoeba butschlii (3.9%), five Giardia lamblia (2.2%), two Taenia species (0.9%), two Hymenolepis nana (0.9%), one Chilomastix mesnili (0.4%), one Trichuris trichiura (0.4%), and one Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.4%). No significant difference in infection rate was observed with regard to indirect or direct contact with livestock. Coinfection of E. coli and B. hominis, E. coli and I. butschlii, and E. nana and G. lamblia were statistically significant. Interestingly, no Ascaris lumbricoides ovum was seen in this population. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of some infections with intestinal parasites is high in the Hamadan City. Considering that most of the parasites are nonpathogenic, pathogenic ones have been reduced generally in comparison to the previous reports. Nevertheless, the existence of Taenia species and H. nana could not be ignored.
… and Sequencing of a Gene Encoding Mannose Binding Protein in an Iranian Isolate of Acanthamoeba castellanii as a Major Agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis
Background: Acanthamoeba castellanii is the important cause of amoebic keratitis in Iran. The key... more Background: Acanthamoeba castellanii is the important cause of amoebic keratitis in Iran. The key molecule in pathogene-sis of Acanthamoeba keratitis is Mannose Binding Protein (MBP) led to adhesion of amoeba to corneal epithelium. Subse-quent to adhesion other cytopathic effects occur. The goal of this study was to identify the molecular characterization of a gene encoding MBP in an Iranian isolate of A.castellanii in order to pave the way for further investigations such as new therapeutic advances or immunization. Methods: A.castellanii was cultured on non nutrient agar. Extraction of DNA was performed by phenol-chloroform method. After designing a pair of primer for the gene encoding MBP, PCR analysis was performed. Finally, the PCR prod-uct has been sequenced and the result submitted to the gene data banks. Results: An MBP gene of 1081 nucleotides was sequenced. This fragment contained three introns and encodes a protein with 194 amino acids. Homology search by Blast program sho...
Background: Fecal antigen detection using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and oocys... more Background: Fecal antigen detection using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and oocyst detection using auramine phenol (AP) staining methods, are told to be more sensitive compared to other conventional methods, for diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antigen-detection capacity in the stool specimens using ELISA and oocyst detection by AP staining methods, for the diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from residents of rural areas of Hamadan, West of Iran. Each fecal sample was divided into two parts, one kept frozen at -20˚C for Ag-capture ELISA and the other in 10% formalin for the AP staining method. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection ELISA procedure was performed according to the manual of the manufacturer. The preserved samples concentrated using the formalin-ether concentration technique were stained with AP and then investigated under florescent microscopy.
Results: Eight (3.5%) and three (1.3%) out of 228 fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium infection by ELISA and AP staining methods, respectively. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection using ELISA showed an increased frequency of the infection, compared to the AP staining method (P = 0.062).
Conclusions: For epidemiological studies and diagnostic purposes of the Cryptosporidium infection, especially in asymptomatic individuals, Ag-detection ELISA is an easy to perform and accurate method, compared to other conventional microscopic methods.
Trichomonas vaginalis is the agent of urogenital tract infection that causes human trichomoniasis... more Trichomonas vaginalis is the agent of urogenital tract infection that causes human trichomoniasis with some serious health complications. More understanding about genetic features of the parasite can be helpful in the study of the pathogenesis, drug susceptibility and epidemiology of the infection. For this end, we conducted analysis of the actin gene of T. vaginalis by applying the PCR-SSCP (PCR-Single Stranded Conformational Polymorphism) and nucleotide sequencing method. Fifty T. vaginalis samples were collected from 950 women attending gynecology clinics in two cities of Iran, Hamadan and Tehran, from November 2010 to July 2011. After axenisation of isolates, all samples subjected to PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing. According to the SSCP banding patterns and nucleotide sequencing, seven sequence types were detected among the isolates. Alignment of the nucleotide sequences showed five polymorphic sites in the different strain types. Amino acid substitution was not observed in ...
Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of human urogenital infection, is the m... more Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of human urogenital infection, is the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. In spite of the high prevalence and medical importance of trichomoniasis, there is little knowledge about genetic epidemiology and genetic characterisation of this parasite. For this purpose, a Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphism-PCR (SSCP-PCR) typing method was conducted for Iranian T. vaginalis isolates using 5.8s ribosomal gene (rRNA gene) and the flanking internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Nine hundred and fifty vaginal swab samples were examined in which 50 (5.3%) samples were parasitologically positive and used for molecular identification based on SSCP-PCR and nucleotide sequence analyses. Results of the SSCP analysis showed two distinct reproducible banding patterns (I, II) which were confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis in the ITS1 regions. Frequencies of the SSCP banding patterns I and II were 84%...
Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite causes cryptosporidial diarrhea, which is typ... more Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite causes cryptosporidial diarrhea, which is typically a short-lasting benign infection, but can become severe and nonresolving in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of the present study was to determinate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in livestock and humans that were in contact with livestock in Hamadan district, Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 660 fecal specimens were collected; 228, 195 and 237 from humans, whom raising livestock, their calves and lambs/goats, respectively in spring 2012. Samples were concentrated by formalin-ether concentration technique and examined using cold modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Results: Two (0.87%) out of 228, 25 (12.8%) out of 195 and 6 (2.5%) out of 237 fecal samples of humans, calves and lambs/goats were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the infection to Cryptosporidium and demographic variables of humans. However, Cryptosporidium infection rate was higher in diarrheic calves (OR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.21; P=0.010). Conclusion: Despite studies conducted in some regions of Iran that resulted in a relatively high rate of infection in humans in contact with livestock, our results showed low prevalence and low carrier status in the asymptomatic persons in Hamadan region. Because the infection in calves and lambs/goats was relatively high, these animals could be probable reservoir of infection for humans in this area.
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease that is endemic in some areas of Iran, including East Azerbai... more Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease that is endemic in some areas of Iran, including East Azerbaijan. IFN-γ is one of the cytokines that triggers cell-mediated immunity, thus initiating elimination of the infection. This case-control study was performed to investigate the association between the polymorphism of the IFN-γ gene at the +874A/T locus and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In this study conducted during 2012-2013, 267 participants were selected from individuals living in an endemic area of VL. Subjects were divided into three groups; 86 patients with VL, 82 seropositive individuals without any history of leishmaniasis, and 99 seronegative healthy controls. Genotyping of the IFN-γ +874A/T polymorphism was carried out using an Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR (ARMS-PCR). The frequency of the +874A allele in the patient group (75.5%) was higher than in the seropositive individuals (54%). The highest frequency of the +874T/T genotype was observed in seropositive indivi...
Acanthamoeba keratitis cases have emerged in the recent years in Iran. In this case, an amoebic k... more Acanthamoeba keratitis cases have emerged in the recent years in Iran. In this case, an amoebic keratitis due to a mixed infection with Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia species is reported. Corneal scrapes, contact lenses and contact lens cases obtained from the patient were analysed and were positive for cysts of Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia genera. Genus-specific PCR was carried out for both genera, confirming the microscopic observations. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a possible mixed amoebic infection due to Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia and raises awareness within contact lens wearers in Iran.
Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that contaminate food and feed. Due to the high incidence of AFM 1 in milk that have been reported at the Hamadan region in Iran, a study was conducted to identify the cow feed mycoflora with special respect to aflatoxigenic fungi. 186 cows feed samples from traditional-and industrial-dairy farms of Hamadan region were examined using dilution plating technique in summer and winter seasons. The predominant fungi isolated were Aspergillus species (37.4%) (Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, A. parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus) followed by, Penicillium (23.7%), Fusarium (17.5%), cladosporium (9.1%), Alternaria (4.3%), Rhizopus (3.9%) and Mucor species (3.4%). The concentrate feed was the most contaminated feed, for which the mean colony counts for A. flavus and A. parasiticus were 7.25 × 10 2 and 7.50 × 10 2 cfu/g, respectively. The most contaminated feed with these two Aspergilli was concentrate feed (80%) in summer and wheat bran (45%) in winter. The mean colony count of aflatoxigenic fungi in industrial-diary farms was significantly higher than traditional-dairy farms. Moreover, the mean of aflatoxigenic fungi colony count in winter was significantly greater than those in summer seasons (p < 0.00001). The present study tested the hypothesis that differences exist between fresh forages used in summer and the ensiled form used in winter in terms of contamination with aflatoxigenic fungi.
A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out in summer and winter in raw mil... more A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out in summer and winter in raw milk samples from 93 traditional and industrial dairy farms of the Hamedan district in order to address representative data on AFM1 in milk collected from these regions. Of the 186 milk samples, AFM1 was detected in 119 samples (63.97%). The mean concentration of AFM1 in contaminated samples was 43.4 ng/L, and the minimum and maximum levels were ≤10 and 410 ng/L, respectively. Fourteen (11.76%) contaminated samples had AFM1 in concentrations in excess of the maximum levels specified in European Union regulations, i.e., 50 ng/L. The contamination ratio of milk in summer and winter months was 56.5 and 71.7%, respectively (P < 0.02). This is the first report on AFM1 determinations in raw milk from western Iran, one of the main milk-production areas, as well as comparison between milk obtained from different dairy farms in Iran.
In this study, 15 Acanthamoeba isolates from AK patients and 10 environmental samples (water, soi... more In this study, 15 Acanthamoeba isolates from AK patients and 10 environmental samples (water, soil and animal-origin samples) were classified at the genotype level based on the sequence analysis of the Diagnostic Fragment 3 (DF3) of Acanthamoeba small subunit rRNA gene. The obtained results revealed that most of these Acanthamoeba strains belonged to genotype T4 both in clinical and environmental samples. The presence T11 genotype in clinical samples was also revealed after the genotyping analysis and to our knowledge this is the first report of T11 genotype in Iran. Moreover, the isolation of T4 genotype from cow faeces in this study highlights a possible transmission of Acanthamoeba through animal faeces in Iran.
A total of 52 corn samples collected in 2000 from four main corn production provinces of Iran (Fa... more A total of 52 corn samples collected in 2000 from four main corn production provinces of Iran (Fars, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Mazandaran) were analyzed for contamination with Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisins (FB 1 , FB 2 , FB 3 , and 3-epi-FB 3 ). The mean incidence of F. verticillioides (percent of kernels infected) for these four areas was 26.7, 21.4, 24.9, and 59.0%, respectively. The incidence in Mazandaran was significantly (p < 0.05) above that of the other areas. All samples from Mazandaran were contaminated with fumonisins with a mean level of total fumonisins of 10674 µg/ kg. In contrast, the incidence of fumonisin contamination above 10 µg/kg was 53 (8/15), 42 (5/12), and 57% (8/14) in the samples from Fars, Kermanshah, and Khuzestan, respectively, and the corresponding mean total fumonisin levels were 215, 71, and 174 µg/kg, respectively. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the fumonisin levels of the corn samples from these three provinces, which were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the fumonisin contamination in samples from Mazandaran.
Fumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have... more Fumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have been shown to cause a variety of significant adverse health effects in livestock and experimental animals, and are probable human carcinogens. Thirty-three maize samples were collected at ports from bulk shipments, which were imported into Iran from six countries during 2001–2002, and analysed by HPLC for the most abundant of the naturally occurring fumonisin analogues, namely fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3). Of the 33 samples, 21 (64%) were found to contain FB1 (58–512 μg/kg) at levels above 10 μg/kg. The frequency of FB1 found in maize samples imported from Uruguay and Canada was 75%, followed by China and Argentina (67%), USA (60%), and Brazil (50%). The average FB1 level was 266 and 169 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. Medians were 250 and 146 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. FB2 levels ranged from not detected (<10 μg/kg) to 53 μg/kg, whereas no sample had an FB3 level above the detection level (10 μg/kg). This is the first report of fumonisin contamination of imported maize in Iran. Although, the level of all detected fumonisins were below the Iranian and FDA tolerance levels for foods and feeds, It is necessary to maintain the strict rules to ensure continued safety of imported maize.
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Papers by Amir Maghsood
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antigen-detection capacity in the stool specimens using ELISA and oocyst detection by AP staining methods, for the diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from residents of rural areas of Hamadan, West of Iran. Each fecal sample was divided into two parts, one kept frozen at -20˚C for Ag-capture ELISA and the other in 10% formalin for the AP staining method. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection ELISA procedure was performed according to the manual of the manufacturer. The preserved samples concentrated using the formalin-ether concentration technique were stained with AP and then investigated under florescent microscopy.
Results: Eight (3.5%) and three (1.3%) out of 228 fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium infection by ELISA and AP staining methods, respectively. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection using ELISA showed an increased frequency of the infection, compared to the AP staining method (P = 0.062).
Conclusions: For epidemiological studies and diagnostic purposes of the Cryptosporidium infection, especially in asymptomatic individuals, Ag-detection ELISA is an easy to perform and accurate method, compared to other conventional microscopic methods.
Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 660 fecal specimens were collected; 228, 195 and 237 from humans, whom raising livestock, their calves and lambs/goats, respectively in spring 2012. Samples were concentrated by formalin-ether concentration technique and examined using cold modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Results: Two (0.87%) out of 228, 25 (12.8%) out of 195 and 6 (2.5%) out of 237 fecal samples of humans, calves and lambs/goats were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the infection to Cryptosporidium and demographic variables of humans. However, Cryptosporidium infection rate was higher in diarrheic calves (OR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.21; P=0.010). Conclusion: Despite studies conducted in some regions of Iran that resulted in a relatively high rate of infection in humans in contact with livestock, our results showed low prevalence and low carrier status in the asymptomatic persons in Hamadan region. Because the infection in calves and lambs/goats was relatively high, these animals could be probable reservoir of infection for humans in this area.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antigen-detection capacity in the stool specimens using ELISA and oocyst detection by AP staining methods, for the diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 228 fecal samples were collected from residents of rural areas of Hamadan, West of Iran. Each fecal sample was divided into two parts, one kept frozen at -20˚C for Ag-capture ELISA and the other in 10% formalin for the AP staining method. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection ELISA procedure was performed according to the manual of the manufacturer. The preserved samples concentrated using the formalin-ether concentration technique were stained with AP and then investigated under florescent microscopy.
Results: Eight (3.5%) and three (1.3%) out of 228 fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium infection by ELISA and AP staining methods, respectively. Cryptosporidium Ag-detection using ELISA showed an increased frequency of the infection, compared to the AP staining method (P = 0.062).
Conclusions: For epidemiological studies and diagnostic purposes of the Cryptosporidium infection, especially in asymptomatic individuals, Ag-detection ELISA is an easy to perform and accurate method, compared to other conventional microscopic methods.
Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 660 fecal specimens were collected; 228, 195 and 237 from humans, whom raising livestock, their calves and lambs/goats, respectively in spring 2012. Samples were concentrated by formalin-ether concentration technique and examined using cold modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Results: Two (0.87%) out of 228, 25 (12.8%) out of 195 and 6 (2.5%) out of 237 fecal samples of humans, calves and lambs/goats were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the infection to Cryptosporidium and demographic variables of humans. However, Cryptosporidium infection rate was higher in diarrheic calves (OR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.21; P=0.010). Conclusion: Despite studies conducted in some regions of Iran that resulted in a relatively high rate of infection in humans in contact with livestock, our results showed low prevalence and low carrier status in the asymptomatic persons in Hamadan region. Because the infection in calves and lambs/goats was relatively high, these animals could be probable reservoir of infection for humans in this area.