دکتر محمد فلاح

Cystic echinocossosis (hydatidosis) caused by the larval stage of cestodes of the genus Echinococcus is an important and prevalent zoonotic disease. In human patients, surgical removal of the cysts is the treatment of choice in many cases however, leakage of the larva (protoscoleces) during the surgery and formation of new cysts is a concern. Presently, different solutions such as hypertonic saline and silver nitrate are used to inactivate the cyst-dwelling protoscoleces but each have some side-effects hence searching for novel protoscolicide formulations with high efficacy and low side-effects has been always in the focus. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions of Echinophora platyloba, to evaluate antioxidant properties of the extracts and to assess their protoscolicical effects in vitro. For this purpose, hydroalcoholic extracts of Echinophora platyloba were extracted in ethanol concentrations of 0, 50 and 100% and during 24, 48 and 72 hours. Response surface methodology (RSM) was perform to estimate optimal extract conditions. Finally, 200, 400 and 600 ppm concentrations of optimized extracts were tested on live protscoleces from sheep and goat livers collected from Hamedan abbatoir. Results showed that Echinophora platyloba extract prepared with absolute ethanol in 24 hours could inactivate 100% of protoscolicess after 5, 15 and 30 minutes of exposure. This in vitro study suggest that ethanolic extract of Echinophora platyloba can potentially be applied in vivo.

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world, with resistant cases spreading. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ferulago angulata extracts and essential oil on Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan.

In this study, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts and essential oil of F. angulata aerial parts were prepared and tested to determine the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) and the percentage of growth inhibition (GI%). The tests were carried out on two clinical isolates of T. vaginalis under aerobic conditions and against metronidazole and control.  The tests were surveyed after 24 and 48 hours of incubation.

After 24 hours, the MLC of methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts and essential oil were 250, 500, 250 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The MLC of ethyl acetate and hexane extracts were reduced to 250 and 125 μg/ml, after 48 hours. GI% at Sub-MLC for extracts and essential oils were 24.3% to 93.2%, after 24 hours, and from 51.6% to 95.1% after 48 hours. Also, the mean MLCs of metronidazole after 24 and 48 hours were 9.3 and 4.6 μg/ml.

The results of this study showed that F. angulata has anti-trichomonial potential. Thus, more investigations it is necessary to purify the constituents of essential oil and extracts. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments will clarify the antimicrobial potential of the plant to make a more correct judgment.

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common intestinal nematodes in the world and is found in all developed and developing communities. Children are the most vulnerable group in this regard. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection amongst kindergartens in Hamadan, Iran, in 2019.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 active kindergartens in Hamadan, Iran. A total of 18 kindergartens were selected, followed by the random selection of a number of children from each kindergarten. The adhesive cello-tape is a standard method for examining this disease, and mothers were trained to use this method. Subsequently, the sampling was conducted by this method.

Out of 451 children from 18 kindergartens, the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was obtained at 0.4% (n=2). The mean age of the children in this study was 5.45±0.93 years. Since the prevalence of the disease was not significant, the results were not analyzed.

The results of this study show that the prevalence of this disease has decreased over a decade in Hamadan, Iran; however, this infection still exists. Therefore, specific measures should be taken to control the transmission cycle of E. vermicularis

Zoonotic intestinal parasites and intestinal nematodes of livestock are indirectly one of the human health challenges in developing countries. Considering the possible role of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic animals in the transmission of infection to humans, their economic significance in the production of protein products, and the lack of up-to-date information on the contamination status of ruminants in the region. As a result, the present study aimed at determining the frequency of Trichostrongylus species in ruminants slaughtered at Hamadan slaughterhouse in 2020. 

Abomasum‎ and intestinal samples were taken from 338 livestock by referring to Hamadan slaughterhouse. The samples were placed separately in sealed containers and transferred to the parasitology research laboratory of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences to diagnose parasitic infection. After opening and washing the contents of the samples in a large tray, these contents were filtered through a wire sieve several times and the obtained transparent material was gradually poured into other trays. At that point, the worms were separated with the help of a hand-held magnifying glass and the light of the study lamp and were placed within bottles containing alcohol-glycerin. The worms were then identified at the genus and species levels using diagnostic keys. Information about livestock such as gender, type of livestock, anatomical position, and habitat were recorded in the information form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the results were presented as tables and graphs.

Out of 338 livestock, 70 (20.70%), 264 (78.10%), and 4 (1.18%) were Cattles, sheep, and goats, respectively. In addition, 240 (71%) and 98 (28.99%) livestock were male and female, respectively. 301 (89.05%) and 37 (10.94%) livestock were young and old, respectively. The highest percentage of infected specimens was related to Ostertagia Ostertagi (64 cases, 48.5%) and the lowest percentage of infected specimens was related to male Nematodirus filicollis (1 case. 1.6%). Most of the infestations were reported for the male livestock and from those raised in Qorveh area. In addition, no worm infestation was observed incattle and goats.

Ostertagia infection was highly prevalent in the studied livestock. The zoonosis Trichostrongylus parasite was not observed in the present study. The prevalence of intestinal nematodes in sheep in the region is still significant and should be controlled by the relevant authorities.

Hydatidosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world. The main issue of the treatment of this disease is elimination of protoscolices during surgery to prevent from causes of secondary cysts. The aim of this study was to evaluation of scolicidal effects of Cornus mas (C mas) and Lavandula officainalis (L officainalis) extract in vitro.

In this experimental study livers containing hydatid cysts were collected from Hamadan abattoir and transferred to parasitology laboratory. Under sterile conditions, protoscolices were removed from the cyst. Hydro alcoholic extracts of C mas and L officainalis were prepared. Then protoscolices was exposed with concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/ml at 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Finally the percentage of living protoscolices was examined by light microscopy and vital eosin staining.

In both extracts the highest scolicidal effect was observed in 60 minutes. L officainalis extract at concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 mg / ml were 47%, 57%, 75% and 94%, respectively. Also C mas extract at the same concentrations 47%, 56%, 63% and 87% were observed. while the lowest of scolicidal effect for L officainalis and C mas in 5 minutes was observed 41%, 43%, 50%, 58%, and 41%, 43%, 46%, 51% respectively.

The highest scolicidal effect of L officainalis extract compared to C mas is probably due to the active ingredient of L officainalis, which can achieve better results by further study and identification and purification of effective material in its.

Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted parasitic disease in the world. Due to its importance and the need for recognizing its prevalence and epidemiology, this study was conducted to determine the rate of T. vaginalis infection in women referred to Health Centers in Arak, Iran, in 2020.

In this cross-sectional study, from 630 women undergoing genital examinations, a sample of the vaginal swab was prepared, kept in a special container, and transferred to the laboratory within 2 hours. Furthermore, a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and clinical signs of patients was completed. The samples were examined using two methods of wet smear and culture in a Diamond medium. The obtained data were recorded and analyzed.

According to the results, 41.5% of the participants were in the age group of 25 to 34 years. The prevalence of trichomoniasis in the study population was 0.9%. The rate of infection was not related to age and education level; however, it was related to the marital status of patients (P<0.003). The most common symptom in patients was vaginal discharge, which was present in 67.1% of the women. Infection of patients showed statistically significant differences with different intensities of vaginal discharge, consistency of vaginal discharge, as well as itching and burning. The minimum lethal dose of metronidazole was determined to be 6.2 μg/ml in 24 hours and 1.6 μg/ml in 48 hours.

The prevalence of trichomoniasis in this population was relatively low and was associated with marital status, clinical symptoms, discharge and consistency of vaginal discharge, as well as burning and itching. Moreover, the investigated samples were sensitive to metronidazole.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic infection that can affect the human eye, some viscera, and even the nervous system. The infection is worldwide and is more prevalent in areas with poor hygiene such as rural areas. This investigation aimed at studying the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Qaemshahr, north of Iran, for the first time, and recognizing its risk factors in rural areas.

In this cross-sectional study, 370 people were selected from different rural areas and after completing a questionnaire, blood samples were collected. After isolation of serums, anti-Toxocara antibody was examined by ELISA kit (Novatec, Germany). Data were analyzed in SPSS V24 using logistic regression.

Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in 159 (42.97%) patients. No significant association was observed between positive anti-Toxocara and variables studied (P>0.05). Among five selected areas, the rates of positive anti-Toxocara were significantly higher in two rural areas (P<0.05).

To the best of our knowledge, this study reported the highest seroprevalence of Toxocara in Iran. Physicians in this area are suggested to pay more attention to this infection. Due to the high seroprevalence of Toxocara in this region, further studies are required in other regions in Mazandaran province with a similar climate.

Hydatid cyst is one of the most common parasitic diseases of humans and livestock, which is caused by the larval stages of the Echinococcus granulosus parasite. The disease is present in all parts of the world, including Iran, and it is important for health and economics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hydatid cyst in the slaughtered livestock in Sarpol Zahab and sero-epidemiology of human hydatidosis in this city in 2018.
Materials &

  In this descriptive- cross sectional study, a total of 1000 cattle: 1000 sheep and 1000 goat were slaughtered in Sarpol-e Zahab city in Kermanshah Province. Hydatid cyst organs were evaluated macroscopically, physical examination and cutting, as well as completing the questionnaire. Also, 736 blood samples were collected from people referring to the health centers of Sarpol Zahab city. Demographic data including age, sex, and occupation, history of contact with the dog and area of living were collected by questionnaires. Samples were examined by ELISA method after transfer to laboratory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test.

Anti-Ecchinococcus granulosus IgG was detected in 8(1/1%) out of 736 sera including 5(62.5%) males and 3(37.5%) females. There was no significant relationship between serum positive and area of living, educational level, gender and contact with the dog. The prevalence of hydatid cysts in livestock was 261(8.7%). The infection rate of hydatid cysts in sheep, cattle were 188 (18.8%), 45(4.5%), and 28 (2.8%) respectively. There was a significant difference between the infection rate in sheep with goat and cattle (P <0.05). The prevalence of hydatid cyst in female livestock was 53.6% and in males was 4.7%, which was statistically significant (P <0.05). The prevalence of hydatid cyst in the liver of sheep, cattle and goats was 84.04%, 86.7% and 89.3%, respectively.

The Present study shows lower prevalence of hydatid cyst in Sarpol Zahab compared with those reported in other parts of the country. Therefore, it seems that health measures and raising awareness of people play a major role in reducing of human hydatid cyst. On the other hand, the prevalence of hydatid cyst in the livestock is relatively high. Therefore, disrupting the life cycle of the parasite between the final and intermediate host by controlling stray dogs and proper eliminating the offal seems to be necessary in controlling hydatid cyst.

Toxoplasmosis with a worldwide distribution is one of the most common opportunistic infections in the immunodeficient patients and causes abortion and congenital complications in pregnant women infected with acute infection. The main route of infection is contact with infected cat and consuming under-cooked meat. Because the presence of parasite in the all body fluids, it is probable that transfusion during acute infection leads to transmission of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the IgM and IgG antibodies in the Hamadan blood donors and its relation to some epidemiologic risk factors.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 540 blood specimens were taken randomly from healthy blood donors in the Hamadan blood transfusion center. All samples examined by ELISA method for IgG and IgM antibodies. The results analyzed in relation to epidemiological factors such as age, gender, occupation and some Toxoplasma infection risk factors.

About 518 participants in this study were male, others were female. Totally, 294 (54.4%) of studied population were positive for IgG antibody and 10 (1.9%) were positive for IgM antibody. There was no significant relationship between seropositivity and Toxoplasma infection risk factor.

Because the screening didn’t perform on the blood donors in Hamadan; according to results of this study, Toxoplasma infection in blood donors of Hamadan is relatively high and, the rate of IgM antibody could considered for screening of this population.