حسین حمیدی نجات

A zoonotic obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, infects all warm-blooded animals as well as humans worldwide. Identification of the level of infection in intermediate hosts gives us an important data about understanding the role of this parasite in human health as well as estimating the economic loss in livestock. Therefore, the main aim of this study was the isolation and identification of T. gondii from aborted goat fetuses by PCR in Lorestan province.

From autumn 2023 to summer 2024, the brain and liver of 100 goat fetuses were examined for T. gondii by PCR based on the amplification of 529 base pair fragments from repetitive regions of the parasite genome. The study was performed in three aborted fetus groups, less than 2 months, 2 to 4 months and more than 4 months.

From a total of 100 examined samples, conventional PCR detected the T. gondii infection in 6 (6%) and 2 of the brain and liver fetuses respectively.

This study shows a notable level of infection in goat fetuses, and as a result, T. gondii should be considered an important agent involved in the abortion of goats in the Lorestan province of Iran. On the other side, it is necessary to pay more attention to the risk of transmission of this parasite from farmed animals to humans, especially pregnant women and people with suppressed immune system.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease in domestic and wild animals worldwide. This disease is caused by different species Babesia, including Babesia microti, which is zoonotic and can be transmit between humans and animals due to their ability to be transmitted from blood. Limited information is available regarding the presence of Babesia microti in ticks in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Babesia microti in ticks of Khuzestan province and to determine their molecular and genotypic characteristics. The present study was a field-descriptive-cross-sectional study that was conducted for 16 months from June 2017 to September 2018 in Khuzestan province. The ticks (No = 620) were collected from cows, sheep, goats and horses in Khuzestan province and their characteristics were determined using valid keys. The presence of Babesia microti infection and its genotype in collected ticks were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 18S rDNA gene, amplifying a PCR product of 149 bp in length. A total of 620 salivary gland samples collected from ticks included Rhipicephalus turanicus (150), Rhipicephalus sanguinus (60), Hyalomma anatolicum (310) and Hyalomma exquavatum (100). Ten samples were pooled as one sample for DNA extraction. The results of PCR showed that the infection rate of Babesia microti in Hyalomma anatolicum species is 64%. The results of the sequencing of 4 PCR positive samples of Babesia microti from 4 regions of Khuzestan province (Ahvaz, Behbahan, Elahaye and Lali) showed that there are 2 mutations at position (A>G) 465 and (A>C) 517 in Ahvaz isolate. The results of this study also showed the presence of Babesia microti infection in the ticks of domestic animals in Khuzestan province, which should be considered in terms of transmission to humans.

Abstract Chlorine is an effective disinfection agent to kill pathogenic microorganisms in the municipal water treatment system. However, despite treatment, studies have shown that Acanthamoeba is isolated from different water sources in Iran. In this study, the effect of standard concentrations of chlorine used in urban water treatment systems was evaluated on the survival of Acanthamoeba castellanii and its ultrastructure. Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different concentrations (1-10 ppm) of calcium hypochlorite at different times (30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the ultrastructural changes of amoebic trophozoite. This study showed that conventional chlorine concentrations could not completely eliminate A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts. Cysts were more resistant to different chlorine concentrations and compared to trophozoites, fewer cysts were killed at the same chlorine concentration and exposure time. Alteration of the cell membrane permeability, decrease in the number of pseudopodia, increase in mitochondria, vacuolation of the cytoplasm, and changes in the endoplasmic reticulum were the main ultrastructural changes in the chlorine-treated amoeba. This study showed that standard chlorine concentrations used as a disinfectant could not eliminate the trophozoites and cysts of A. castellanii. Due to the pathogenicity of the amoeba and its role as the reservoir and transmission of microbial agents, revising the guidelines for using disinfectants such as chlorine in the treatment of urban water systems is highlighted by this study.

Ticks are parasitic and bloodthirsty arthropods. Different species of ticks are important carriers of animal and human pathogens. Accurate identification and diagnosis as well as their continuous monitoring can be effective in reducing animal diseases, especially in the transmission of some protozoa. As an efficient tool in morphological studies and accurate identification of ticks electron microscopy is very useful. In the present study, using this tool, accurate identification of ticks collected from Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions in 4 consecutive seasons has been done. From a total of 6954 ticks collected from the body surface of cattle, sheep and goats in the two mentioned provinces, 13 species were detected. They include: Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (boophilus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa. Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctate, Haemaphysalis inermis and ixodes ricinus. Based on the results, Factors such as temperature and sampling season are directly related to the isolated ticks. The results of the present study showed that the frequency ratio of Rhipicephalus ticks in different seasons in Khuzestan and Mazandaran provinces has followed a relatively similar pattern.

Trichomoniosis is caused by the obligatory parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus in cats. This protozoan causes some gastrointestinal symptoms such as colitis, semi-formed to liquid diarrhea, and sometimes fresh bloody or mucoid feces, bloating, and bowel incontinence in the infected cats. The present study aimed to diagnose the Tritrichomonas foetus in cats in Ahvaz city by direct smear and culture methods in the Dorset medium. After observation of motile trichomonads, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a diagnostic technique carried out to confirm the organism. In the present study, fecal sampling was taken from 100 cats directly using swap. In wet smear, the motile flagellates that were similar in size to T. foetus by rolling motion’ were identified. Positive samples were cultured in the Dorset medium. A portion of the culture medium was used for extracting genomic DNA followed by nested-PCR assay with two pair primers. The molecular findings showed that 18% of the cats (positive cases) were infected with Tritrichomonas foetus. The cats with diarrhetic history had the most infection rate with 83/3% and 66/66%, respectively. Also, the rate of infection in cats less than one year was 14% and more than the cats of more than one year (4%) significantly. PCR assay was useful in differentiating between T. foetus and another trichomonad observed in fecal samples of the cats.

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease worldwide. Some experimental researches have been shown that infection with Toxoplasma gondii affects the hematological and biochemical analytes, including serum lipid profiles. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hematological and serum lipid profile changes in cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii, referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz. Blood sampling was performed on 100 companion cats, both genders (52 females and 48 males) and in the age range of three months up to 17 years. Modified agglutination test and polymerase chain reaction were used to determine infection due to Toxoplasma, in acute and chronic forms, respectively. Measured indices were included white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, total platelet count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and serum concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and VLDL-c, triglyceride, transferrin, and iron in the infected and healthy groups. The results showed that the prevalence of infection was 11% and 32% in acute and chronic forms of Toxoplamosis, respectively. In comparison between groups, the total cholesterol and LDL-c levels were significantly higher in both infected groups compared to the uninfected one. Furthermore, in the infected group, there was a significant increase in mean HDL-c in males compared with females. All the infected cats were Domestic Shorthair and their mean age was significantly higher than healthy cats. The present study showed that despite the hypothesis of cholesterol consumption by the parasite to form vacuoles, serum total cholesterol as well as LDL-c, were higher in infected cats than healthy animals. It is likely that the parasite will reproduce more easily in a cholesterol and LDL rich environment.

Ticks, as ectoparasites, biological vectors and reservoirs of various diseases, are involved in transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. This research aimed at modeling the probability of tick vectors presence in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Bavy, and Karoon in southwest of Iran.

To perform the modeling, eight criteria (slope, elevation, soil texture, land use, land cover, temperature, humidity, and rainfall) that strongly affect the distribution of ticks were selected. After pairwise comparisons, Super Decision Software was used to determine the significance of each criteria and the weight of sub-criteria was calculated using Expert Choice11. Weighted maps were obtained based on the effect of sub-criteria weights on maps. The final map of the probability of tick vectors presence was prepared based on the weight effect of each criteria in the weighted maps.

Average relative humidity (0.252), average rainfall (0.179), and land cover (0.151) were found to have the greatest effect on the probability of tick presence. Also, the highest probability of tick presence was seen in following cities and rural districts: Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Karoon, Bavy, Meshrahat, Karkheh, Qaleh Chenan, and Anafcheh.

In current modelling, considering ecological, topographic, and climatic factors, the probability of the presence of vectors of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was seen to be very high in two rural districts, including Mashrahat (Ahvaz) and Karkheh (Hamidiyeh).

Congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy due to reduced maternal immune system could increase the risk of a child's autism disorder.

The aim of this study was to compare the Toxoplasma gondii infection in children with autism and normal children.

The research method was a case control study. The participants included 50 autistic children and 50 normal (N=100) children, aged between 3 and 12 years-old. They were matched according to age, socio-economic status, severity of the disorder, lack of physical and mental illness and other criteria considered in this research. From each group 5ml blood samples were collected to assess the prevalence of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii. To investigate the research hypotheses, the data were analyzed by Chi-square test.

The results showed that children with autism had a higher level of frequency contamination with Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection than normal group (p < /em><0.001).

Infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in children with autism was significantly higher than in normal children.

Khuzestan Province is one of the most important provinces of Iran in the field of livestock breeding. On the other hand, the infection of sheep with ticks that are important carriers of human and animal pathogens is significant. Ticks can act as carriers of parasites, bacteria, viruses, and rickettsia. The aim of this study was to determine the variety of ticks on sheep in this province.

The ticks were collected from sheep body in 9 cities of Khuzestan Province. They were then transferred to the laboratory in 70% ethanol. Subsequently, sex, genus, and species were identified under a stereomicroscope with diagnostic keys.

A total of 2,722 collected ticks and species of ixodid ticks from 4 genera were identified (1552 male and 1170 female ticks). Hyalomma anatolicum was found as the most abundant tick (52%), whereas Rhipicephalus sanguineus (30%) and Hyalomma excavatum (9%) were also prevalent in this south-west region of Iran. Other observed ticks were Hyalomma asiaticum (8%) and Hakea sulcata (1%).

According to the prevalence of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks, further studies on the control of ticks based on their genetic differences are recommended.

Ticks as biological vectors and reservoirs of diseases, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), have an important role in the transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the biodiversity indices, distribution, and fauna of the vectors of CCHF in Ahvaz, Iran.

The tick samples were collected and identified from the head, ear, groin, under the tail, and around the rectum of cattle, sheep, and goats in spring and autumn. Biodiversity indices were calculated based on the host type. Moreover, the frequency map of the ticks was drawn using ArcGIS software (version 10.4).

A total of 287 livestock were examined in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Overall, five species of tick were identified from three genera. Frequency rates of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Boophilus annulatus were calculated as 21.25%, 2.5%, 61.25%, 11.25%, and 3.75%, respectively. According to the Shannon-Weiner index, the species diversity of the goat host was less than that of the hosts of cow and sheep. In addition, based on the Simpson index, the diversity of dominant species in the goat host was less than that of the other two hosts. Furthermore, the species richness index in sheep host was the highest among the hosts. However, the evenness index of the species based on the host type was calculated to be the highest equal to 0.789 for the host of the cow.

According to the obtained results, there was a relation between biodiversity indices and tick-borne diseases. The aforementioned relationship provides useful information in terms of preventing diseases transmitted by ticks.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals as well as human worldwide. Determining the parasite genotype in intermediate hosts is crucial in evaluating the role of these types in human infections as wll as in prevention programs. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and detect the genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in aborted fetuses of ewes in Lorestan province.
Identification of the parasite was performed on the brain and liver tissues of 142 aborted fetuses using a conventional PCR based on amplification of highly repetitive 529 bp region of the parasite genome. Genotyping of positive samples, which were isolated from the brain and liver, was performed by PCR-RFLP based on SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 molecular markers.
From a total of 142 samples obtained from brain and fetus, 10 cases (7%) were determined as positive samples based on conventional PCR. The precence of parasite DNA was also confirmed in the liver of 3 positive samples. Evaluation of RFLP pattern of amplified SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 genes showed the presence of various types of parasites, incuding type I in 3 samples, type II in 2 samples and atypical type in 5 samples.
Isolation of types I, II and atypical type of T. gondii from ewes in Lorestan province suggests the need for greater attention to parasite transmission from livestock to human, particularly in pregnant women and people with weakened immune system.

Toxoplasma Gonda contamine toutes les espèces danimaux à sang chaud y compris les humains. Les chats domestiques et les autres féliformes sont les hôtes définitifs. Le but de la présente études est la comparaison des tests sérologiques et moléculaires dans le diagnostic de linfection causée par Toxoplasma Gonda chez les chats errants dans la région dAhvaz. Un total de 100 chats ont été examinés par la méthode ELISA et test dagglutination modifié (MAT) pour déterminer les anticorps sériques dirigés contre Toxoplasma Gonda (phase chronique), ils ont aussi été examinés par la méthode PCR pour déterminer les antigènes dans le sang (phase aiguë). Selon l'âge, les chats étudiés ont été divisés en 7 groupes. Daprès les résultats obtenus des techniques ELISA, MAT et PCR, la prévalence de linfection par Toxoplasma Gonda était respectivement 30, 39 et 8 pour cent. Le test de Kappa a montré que dans la comparaison entre les tests ELISA et MAT, laccord était bon (0.80), mais ce chiffre était 0.24 pour les tests de MAT et PCR et 0.34 pour les tests ELISA et PCR et laccord entre eux était faible. Séroprévalence chez les chats mâles était 53.33 et 48.71 et chez les femelles était 46.55 et 51.28, selon les méthodes ELISA et MAT. Le genre des animaux na eu aucun effet significatif sur lincidence de linfection (p>0.05). Mais la différence entre les divers groupes d'âge était significative. Le taux dinfection le plus élevé chez les jeunes chats de moins de 3 ans était moins de 3 (p

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria necatrix has the most economic impact on poultry production. Micronemal proteins in Eimeria necatrix are thought to be critical ligands determining host cell specificity at the time of invasion.
Isolation and purification of Eimeria necatrix oocysts from Khuzestan province of Iran was performed. A cDNA encoding microneme 5 (EnMIC5) protein was cloned and expressed as recombinant protein before the evaluation of its immunogenicity by Western blotting.
A primer pair was designed based on the published nucleotide sequence of Eimeria necatrix LZ strain micronem5 gene. A Partial cDNA sequence fragment of 758 bp coding for microneme 5 protein (EnMIC5) was amplified by semi- Nested RT-PCR. PCR products were cloned and expressed in a Maltose Binding protein (MBP) containing expression vector (pMAL-c2x) in Escherichia coli. The cDNA which is encoded for 252 amino acids shows high degree of conservation. It contains the adhesive plasma pre-kallikrein and seven hydrophilic motifs.
The results of SDS-PAGE revealed that the recombinant protein with a molecular weight of 70 kDa was over-expressed after induction with IPTG. Western blotting results revealed that the expressed recombinant protein was reacted with sera of the chicks infected with Eimeria necatrix. It was suggested that this protein should have a good immunogenicity and can be used for further studies.
In conclusion, the high degree of sequence homology indicates that this protein is immunogenic and might be an interesting vaccine target, and deserves further investigation

Linguatula serrata is one of the parasitic zoonoses. The adults, larval stages of the parasite live in nasal airways of canids and visceral organs of herbivors respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of L. serrata nymph infection in sheep from west of Iran by indirect enzyme-linked immunosrobent assay (ELISA). Blood samples (n=1048) were taken from sheep of two province (Ilam (n= 598) and Kermanshah (n=450)) in west of Iran ( at least five different cities of each province). The collected sera were tested by ELISA using excretory-secretory antigens of L. serrata nymph and anti IgG sheep conjugate. Data were classified according to sex, ages of the animals (1-0.05). Seroprevalence was significantly increased with the increase of age, lower (12.1%) in 1-

Theileria annulata is one of the protozoan parasites which is transmitted by hard ticks and causes tropical theileriosis in cattle and buffaloes. This disease is one of the most important economic loss producing causes in several countries. This survey was conducted on 90, 2-5 years old native cattle (30 healthy, 30 involved with theileriosisand 30 asymptomatic cattle infected with Theileria). Blood samples were collected and then some hematologic and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The results revealed that in the involved group, RBC, PCV, HB, MCHC and WBC measures were significantly reduced compared with control group (P

Shadegan wetland is a suitable ecology for Anopheles activity. Anopheles mosquitoes are important vectors of plasmodium species, filariasis and causing agents of encephalitis. Studies have shown that at least 7 species which are important in malaria transmission are present in Iran. From these species An. maculipenis is more distributed in southern Iran than other species. In the present study which performed in the spring, autumn and winter 2009 and 2013, from 5 different zones around the Shadegan wetland, 3884 mosquitoes were gathered with sucking tube and New Jersey trap and diagnosed according to the diagnostic keys. From trapped mosquitos 440 of them were Anopheles spp. which 330 (75%) were An. pulcherimus, 82 (18/63%) An. hyrancus, 22 (5%) An. stephenci and 6 (1/36%) An. turkhudi An. stephenci has been reported as a vector of malaria in Iran. Such studies need further attempts for understanding the distribution of mosquitoes and infectious agents and also case reports of related diseases.

In this study، serum samples from 188 slaughtered water buffaloes were collected from Ahvaz abattoir during 2010-2011. The collected sera were analyzed by two commercial Elisa kits (IDEXX and ID VET) and NAT method. Seroprevalence of N. caninum in commercial kits IDEXX and ID VET and NAT method were 55. 9%، 66. 5% and 56. 9% respectively، which was significantly higher in ID VET Elisa kit in comparison with IDEXX Elisa Kit and NAT method، but there was no significant difference between IDEXX Elisa Kit and NAT method. Agreement between ID VET Elisa kit and IDEXX Elisa kit and NAT method was weak، and Kappa statistic for these associations were 0. 36 and 0. 26 respectively، but agreement between IDEXX Elisa kit and NAT method was moderate (Kappa statistic = 0. 59). Seroprevalence of neosporosis according to IDEXX Elisa kit in female and male water buffaloes were 59. 7% and 53. 7% respectively. Seroprevalence of neosporosis in water buffaloes with age of 2 years and lower and with age of more than 2 years were 57. 3% and 53. 1% respectively. Relationship between age and sex of water buffaloes and infection with N. caninum was not significant (P>0. 05).

Linguatula serrata as a cosmopolitan parasite is one of the parasitic zoonoses. The adult parasites live in the nasal airways or frontal sinuses of canids as the definitive hosts and larval stages in the liver¸ lung and mesenteric lymph nodes of ruminants as intermediate hosts. Humans may be infected by eating eggs or nymphs of the parasite. All intermediate hosts may be infected without showing any clinical signs. No serological methods presented for detection of the infection in herbivorous animals. In this study، for the first time، an indirect ELISA test was developed for the detection of Linguatula serrata infection in sheep by using somatic and excretory-secretory antigens، isolated from nymphs of the parasite. Nymphs of the parasite were collected from mesenteric lymph nodes of infected sheep and used for preparation of somatic antigens by sonication (250 nymphs/10ml، PBS- RPMI1640). The excretory-secretory antigens were prepared by incubation of the larvae (200 nymphs/10ml) in RPMI-1640 media for 24 h. Appropriate dilutions of sera، anti-Sheep IgG conjugate، somatic and excretory-secretory antigens were determined as 1:100، 1:5000، 1:40 and 1:4 respectively. Evaluation of the ELISA was performed by 121 sera (73 positive and 48 negative). The sensitivity، specificity، positive predictive value (PPV)، negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the ELISA for somatic antigen were 90. 4%، 75. 0%، 84. 6%، 83. 7%، 84. 2% and those for excretory-secretory antigen were 89. 0%، 93. 8%، 95. 6%، 84. 9% and 90. 9%، respectively. Data analysis of the present study by SPSS software and Mac Nemar Test showed that excretory-secretory antigens are better than somatic antigens for detecting of the infection in sheep. Therefore the ELISA test using excretory-secretory antigen of nymphs of Linguatula serrata can be used for detection of infection in sheep، especially in epidemiologic studies and developed for other hosts.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by two hemoprotozoan parasites، Theileria equi and Babesia caballi، which occurs in pre acute، acute، sub-acute and chronic forms. This disease is one of challenges for international movement of horses. The aim of this study is to evaluate hematological parameters and clinical signs of EP in purebred Arabian horses of Ahvaz. After clinical examination، Jugular blood was collected from 59 purebred Arabian horses (14 diseased and 45 clinically healthy horses) and complete blood count was performed for samples. The disease agents were identified using microscopic examination and multiplex PCR. Only T. equi was identified in the obtained samples. Horses were divided the to three groups (control، infected، diseased) according to PCR and clinical examination results. Clinical signs and hematological changes were discussed for each group. EP caused anemia in diseased group، while the infected group showed no obvious difference from control group. Fever، icterus or pale mucous membranes were the most frequent clinical findings in diseased horses. Stress seems to have special role in intensification of EP signs in purebred Arabian horses of Ahvaz. This is the first PCR confirmation of T. equi in purebred Arabian horses of Ahvaz. Khuzestan province is one of ancient centers for raising horses in Iran، especially for Arabian horses. Today، horse raising has become an industry in this region and according to the importance of EP for horse raising industry and economic losses of this disease، it seems more focus should be made for EP concerning its prevention and treatment in Khuzestan province.

Theileria equi is a protozoan of the phylum Apicomplexa، transmitted by ixodid ticks and it is endemic in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The clinical signs in infected equines include fever، anemia، icterus، and in some cases death can occur. In June of 2011، 2 Arabian mares 2 and 8 years old were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital، University of Shahid Chamran، Ahvaz، Iran with history of anorexia، depression، reluctance and difficulty to movement. Physical examination revealed petechiae in the ocular and vaginal membrane; sever jaundice، mild dehydration and many ticks in skin of the inguinal، perineal and armpit regions. The rectal temperature were 40. 5˚C and 39. 5˚C، heart rates of 88 and 64 beat /minute and respiratory rates of 60 and 72 per minute respectively. Respiratory sounds were increased in the both animals. No abnormality was detected in any limbs. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into a tube with EDTA as anticoagulant for haematological examination and blood smears were taken from upper lip for parasitology assay. Examination of the stained blood smears from the two horses revealed few parasitized red blood cells with T. equi. Both horses had sever anemia. Affected mares were treated with imizol (imidocarb)، 4mg/kgBW every 72 hours up to 3 times، phosphorus and Vit. B12. After one month، the mares were recovered completely. With consideration to prevalence of Theileria equi in middle east countries and economic importance of this disease in horse farms and also the presence of infection in the Khuzestan province، a comprehensive epidemiological study is necessary for evaluation of Theileria equi prevalence and detection of carrier animals، thus the appropriate strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease can be down.

Tropical fasciolosis caused by infection with Fasciola gigantica is regarded as one of the most important single helminthes infections of ruminants in Asia and Africa. Fasciolosis diagnosis، due to low sensitivity of coprological diagnostic method has been challenging for a long period. To evaluate the usefulness of ELISA for diagnosis of anti – Fasciola gigantica antibodies in parasitized sheep، crude، as well as excretory-secretory (E/S) antigens were examined with 50 positive and 45 negative serum samples. Results were compared with liver inspection in slaughterhouse. The cut off values were determined in 0. 469 and 0. 516 for crude and E/S antigen respectively. We found 82% of sensitivity، 95. 6 of specificity، 95. 3% positive predictive value and 83 % negative predictive value using crude antigen. We have also found 92% of sensitivity، 93% specificity، 93. 8% positive predictive value and 91. 4 % negative predictive value using E/S antigen. We concluded that ELISA، specially using E/S antigen، is a good tool for serodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica infection in sheep herds.

Cryptosporidia are protozoan parasites that have worldwide distribution and can cause diarrhea and mal-absorption in young horses. Sometimes, it can cause illness in neonatal foals, too. In present study, the frequency of equine Cryptosporidiosis in Ahvaz was investigated. The samples were taken from 100 horses during spring and summer 2009. The ages of horses were from 1 month to 27 years old. Fecal samples were stained by modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Results were analyzed with Chi-square Test and Fisher’s exact test. The results showed that the rate of infection to Cryptosporidium was 18%. There was no significant correlation between infection to Cryptosporidium and sex, age and fecal thickness. The rate of infection to Cryptosporidium in studied horses is very similar to studies done in other countries.

Micronemes are secretory organelles of the invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites and contain proteins that are important for parasite motility and host cell invasion. Even though coccidiosis is a complex disease that can be caused by any combination of mainly seven species, most of the molecular researches concerning characterization of host and parasite genes and proteins have been limited to Eimeria tenella. The present study describes isolation and purification of Eimeria necatrix oocysts that can be used for an inexpensive and simple total RNA extraction method to partial sequence determination of a cDNA encoding microneme 5 protein. Using the extracted total RNA as template and oligo(dT) as primer, cDNA was synthesized. In order to amplify cDNA encoding the micronem 5 protein (EnMIC- 5), RT-PCR was applied with the specific primers based on the known EST sequence. Following amplification, the unique and thick 758 bp fragment was seen. Domain analysis of EnMIC-5 revealed that the sequence contains the conserved domain of PAN/APPLE superfamily between amino acid resides 130 to 201. This domain has strong similarity to the adhesive plasma pre-kallikrein. Despite sequence similarity of EnMIC-5 with those sequences in database, differences may represent some allelic polymorphism.

In this study, effect of benzalkonium chloride on treatment of Ichthyophthiriasis of common carp and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis theronts was studied and compared with conventional methods of treatments and substances. For this purpose, 100 juvenile common carp were divided into 5 similar groups including formalin bath, formalin plus malachite green bath, formalin plus benzalkonium bath, benzalkonium bath and control group without any treatment. Dosage and treatment duration were chosen according to conventional treatment strategies. Mortality rate of fish in each groups were recorded in one month. These drugs and treatment methods were also used in-vitro on live theronts and the efficacy of each treatment (killing and immobilizing effect on theront) was measured. In-vivo results showed that the mortality rate in formalin bath, formalin plus malachite green bath, formalin plus benzalkonium bath, benzalkonium bath and control group were 25%, 35%, 40%, 15% and 65% respectively. In-vitro results show that survival rate of theronts after one month in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 75%, 65%, 60%, 85% and 100% respectively. Results of in vitro assay show some differences among groups. Live theront per ml after treatment in control group was higher than all other treatment groups. In the malachite and formalin group the mortality rate of theront was lower than other treatment groups.

The aim of present study was molecular determination of Eimeria species cause subclinicalcoccidiosis in back-yard chickens of Ahvaz with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)and parasitological procedures and comparison of PCR with traditional parasitologicprocedures. For this reason, one hundred and three back-yard chickens were bought fromAhvaz bazaar then euthanized. After isolation of oocysts from infected birds morphologic and morphometric procedures and also PCR were applied. Results revealed that sixty threechickens (61.1%) infected with Eimeria. E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. brunetti and E. mitiswere detected by PCR, however oocysts with E. praecox criteria were also distinguished by morphologic and morphometric examinations. Except for E. maxima, PCR and traditionalbiometrical diagnosis showed poor agreement for discrimination of Eimeria species inchickens. K values for detecting each species were 0.27, 0.38, 0.45 and 0.76 for E. mitis, E. acervulina, E. brunetti and E. maxima, respectively. The present study revealed that PCR can apply as an accurate diagnostic tool for Eimeria species compare with traditional parasitologic procedures and in the absence of molecular methods, parasitological procedures may lead to confusing results.