sima rasti

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the important food-borne parasitic pathogens that infect humans and a wide range of warm-blooded animals. Consumption of poultry meat, especially chicken, is a potential risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in industrial broilers referred to the Kashan poultry abattoir, Iran, in 2023.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 114 brain and heart samples of industrial broilers were randomly collected from Kashan poultry abattoir. Two prepared direct smears from each sample were stained with Giemsa stain and examined microscopically for the presence of tissue cysts of T. gondii. The genomic DNA was extracted using a commercial kit. PCR method was used for detection of the B1 genome of T. gondii using specific primers. The PCR product was evaluated by electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS software.

Of 114 chicken samples, 65 (57%) and 49 (43%), were male and female respectively. Totally, 12 samples (10.5%) were positive for T. gondii infection. T. gondii DNA fragments were detected in 8 (7.06%) of the samples. Microscopy examination revealed T.gondii in 6 (5.26%) samples. All infections were related to brain samples, and no infection was detected in heart muscle samples.

Infection with T. gondii is considerable in broilers in the Kashan region. Therefore, preventive measures such as training people to properly cook meat before consumption and avoiding eating raw or under‑cooked poultry meat products are recommended to prevent human infection to T. gondii. In order to stop life cycle of this parasite, avoiding using raw bird meat for feeding pets such as cats is recommended.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) frequently occurs in many rural and urban areas of Iran. Leishmania major and L. tropica are principally two causative agents of CL in Iran. We report here a case of leishmaniasis of the ear in a 61-year-old man referred to the Reference laboratory, Kashan, central Iran, in Jan 2022. He suffered from a 2-month history of a 1×3 cm lesion on the left ear. In the microscopy examination, amastigotes forms of Leishmania spp. were observed. L. tropica was confirmed using a single PCR with species-specific primers. The patient was introduced to a physician to begin the treatment protocol. It is recommended that physicians, especially in an endemic area, investigate any atypical lesion for CL.

Despite the various studies done in the field of cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment, there is still no perfect and safe drug for definite treatment of this disease. Therefore, the quest to find an appropriate drug continues. Previous studies have shown that auranofin has anti‑leishmanial activity; therefore, in this study; the effect of auranofin on Leishmania major was studied.

Effectiveness of four concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 8μg/ml) of auranofin on L. major was studied. After culturing amastigotes and promastigotes of the parasite, IC50 was calculated. The ability of auranofin to induce apoptosis in promastigotes was evaluated, and the degree of fragmentation of promastigotes DNA after treatment with auranofin was studied. Subsequently, the ultrastructural changes induced by treatment with auranofin in promastigotes were studied. Using the obtained results, IC50 of auranofin against amastigotes and promastigotes was calculated as 1.007 and 2.38 μg/ml, respectively.

Showed that auranofin induce apoptosis in L. major. The highest rate of apoptosis (%80.1) occurred at the concentration of 8 μg/ml and also auranofin‑induced fragmentation of DNA. Considerable changes occurred in the shape of body and free flagellum of the L. major promastigotes after treatment with auranofin.

Based on the results, it can be concluded that auranofin has a considerable anti‑leishmanial activity and additional studies in this field will be based on the results

Free –living Amoeba (FLA) are microorganisms that are abundant in the nature. Some genus of these protozoa are opportunistic and cause granulomatous encephalitis and lung infections in immunocompromised people such as cancer patients. Due to the little information about the status of infection of these parasites in the above patients, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence of FLA in cancer patients in Kashan hospitals.

This cross-sectional study was performed on hundred oral cavity mucosal samples of cancer patients referred to Shahid Beheshti and Yathribi hospitals in Kashan during 2019 to 2020. The samples were cultured onto 1.5% Non-nutrient agar enriched with killed Escherichia coli and examined for the presence of FLA. The rate of contamination with free living amoebae and its relationship with demographic information of patients were analyzed by SPss. 16

Overall, the prevalence of free-living amoeba in oral cavity of cancer patients was 89%. Also, 92.6% of breast cancer and 90.9% of bowel cancer patients were positive for FLA, respectively. The highest rate of FLA contamination was observed in women over the age of 66 years. In addition, the highest rate was observed in 90.9% of illiterate people and the lowest in 76.9% of academics, but the difference was not significant.

The rate of free-living amoeba in oral cavity of cancer patients in Kashan were more than the study results of Iran and world. Therefore, health education about transmission and sanitation is recommended for prevention of infection.

 Blastocystis species are one of the most common enteric protist infections in humans and some animals worldwide. Molecular studies have shown that there is a high level of genetic variation among Blastocystis isolates. The aim of this study was to identify the subtypes and frequency of Blastocystis isolates in patients who referred to the medical diagnostic laboratories in Kashan, Central Iran. 

 This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1118 patients, from December 2017 to June 2018. Fecal specimens were evaluated by the microscopic examination. Positive samples were cultivated in Robinson media. After massive growth and DNA extraction, a 550 bp from the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for subtype identification. The PCR products have been sequenced, identified, and compared at the NCBI site. The results were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16. 

 The frequency of Blastocystis sp. was 8.58%, (confidence interval = 6.94%–10.22%) from which 76% were men and 24% were women. Of the 51 PCR positive samples, ST3 (41.2%), ST1 (39.2%), ST2 (11.8%), and 7.8% isolates were identified as mixed. ST3 and ST1 have been more common. The highest levels of infection were observed in the food-handlers, the age group of 31–40, and people with high school education. 

 The results showed that the frequency of Blastocystis was lower than other studies and the most common Blastocystis subtype was subtype 3, followed by subtype 1, and subtype 2.

Vermamoeba vermiformis is an opportunistic free living amoeba(FLA) that is ubiquitous in different environmental sources. This Amoeba can cause Amoebic Keratitis(AK) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephlitis (GAE) in immunocompromised patients. This study was conducted to determine the rate of Vermamoeba vermiformis in stagnant water and soil in Arak.

  In this Cross-Sectional study, stagnant water(60) and soil samples(36) were collected from Arak parks. The samples were filtered in 0.45µm nitrocellulose paper and cultured on to 1.5% NNA for the presence of free living amoeba(FLA). After DNA extraction, Vermamoeba vermiformis was identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) using primers NA1 and NA2. Eight isolates of Vermamoeba vermiformis were sequenced blasted and after confirmation, recorded in the Gene Bank. The data were recorded in SPSS.16 and analyzed using X2 and Fischer Exact test.

Out of 96 environmental sources, 29.2% were positive for free living amoeba. The rate of FLA pollution in stagnant water and soil were 28.3 and 30.6% respectively(P<0.001). The contamination rate of stagnant water and soil with Vermamoeba vermiformis were 10% and 16.7%, respectively(P<0.001).

The results of the present study revealed ,that stagnant water and soil resources were contaminated to FLA and Vermamoeba. Due to the Pathogenic ability of this amoeba and the possibility of endosymbian pathogens in it, health education is recommended for controlling and preventing the disease, especially in susceptible patients, including those who use contact lenses.

Acanthamoeba spp. are an opportunistic protozoan in environmental sources that can cause respiratory infection and keratitis. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genotypes of Acanthamoeba in rural drinking water sources in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol, Iran. In this study, 162 samples from 54 drinking water sources were collected in 2017. After samples filtration, they were cultured on non-nutrient agar to isolate free-living amoeba. After DNA extraction, the Polymerase Chain Reaction using JDP1, JDP2 primers was performed to detect Acanthamoeba spp. and finally the genotype of eight isolates was determined. Data analysis was done in SPSS applying Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Among the samples 35.2% were found to be contaminated with free-living amoeba, among which 19 isolates (11.7%) were confirmed as Acanthamoeba. The rates of free-living amoeba and Acanthamoba were 35.4% and 11.8%, respectively, in Kashan, which were higher than those in Aran-Bidgol. Frequency of free-living amoeba in Qanat, well, and spring was 55.6%, 30.2%, and 26.7%, respectively. Acanthamoeba contamination rates were 13.9%, 11.5% and 10%, respectively. Acanthamoeba contamination rate was higher in surface wells than that in deep wells. The genotype of all Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to T4. This study revealed that drinking water sources were contaminated with free-living amoeba and Acanthamoeba. All isolates were T4 genotype, therefore, these sources could be considered as a risk factor for public health.

Aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a skin infection that causes various forms of ulcers and also remains scars even after treatment. This disease is prevalent in many countries of Middle East including Iran. Since determining the species of the parasite is important for prevention and control programs, this study was conducted to identify Leishmania species in Aran and Bidgol, Isfahan province, center of Iran. Materials and
This cross-sectional study was carried out on 112 CL suspected patients who referred to health centers of Aran and Bidgol. Serosity of the wound was collected, and amastigote form was detected by microscopic method. After extraction of DNA from serosity, kDNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify Leishmania species.
Fifty-four of all suspected CL samples (48.2%) were positive microscopically, while 55 (49.1%) were positive using kDNA-PCR. The results of PCR revealed that 51 isolates (92.7%) were Leishmania major and 4 (7.3%) Leishmania tropica, respectively. The most lesion form caused by L. major was papular or volcanic-like, while all of wounds caused by L. tropica were papular/nodular forms.
The results of the study indicated that the predominant species was L. major and zoonotic CL is more prevalent in this region

Acanthamoeba, the causative agent of granulomatous amebic encephalitis )GAE), is among the most prevalent free-living amoebas (FLA) existing in water, soil and dust. This study was conducted to determine FLA and identify Acanthamoeba genotypes isolated from stagnant water in Kashan, Iran.
In this descriptive study, 138 stagnant water samples were collected from Kashan mosques and public parks. The samples were filtered (0.45µm) and cultured onto non-nutrient agar for the presence of FLA. Acanthamoeba spp. was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers, which amplified a 490 bp fragment. Among ten sequenced isolates of Acanthamoeba, different genotypes were determined by sequence analysis. The parameters such as pH, temperature, sampling season and related results were recorded and analyzed using SPSS16.
The rate of FLA was 88.4 %, 59.4% of which were confirmed as Acanthamoeba spp. using PCR method. The rate of Acanthamoeba T4 and T2 genotypes were 80% and 20%, respectively. There was a significant relation between FLA rate and sampling season (P= 0.01). The highest rate of FLA and Acanthamoeba was observed at pH 7. There was no significant relationship between FLA and Acanthamoeba spp. with pH and temperature.
The rate of FLA and Acanthamoeba in stagnant water were high in Kashan. The dominant Acanthamoeba genotype (T4) is pathogen. Due to serious amoeba-induced complications, hygienic education is recommended to increase the public awareness on transmission and health/preventive measurements.

Acanthamoeba is one of the most common opportunistic free-living amoebae, with ubiquitous presence in various environmental sources. Pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
The aim of the present study was to identify Acanthamoeba genotypes in soil, hospital dust, and stagnant water samples from Kashan, Central Iran.
In this cross sectional study, a total of 122 samples from soil (n, 32), hospital dust (n, 40), and stagnant water (n, 50) were collected and examined for the presence of free-living amoebae and Acanthamoeba species. All the samples were cultured onto non-nutrient agar plates for detection of free-living amoebae. Acanthamoeba species was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, using specific primers. A total of 29 Acanthamoeba isolates were sequenced, and different genotypes were detected via sequence analysis.
The results showed that 82.8% (101/122) of samples were positive for free-living amoebae. The PCR assay revealed that 62.5%, 52.5%, and 50% of soil, hospital dust, and stagnant water samples were positive for Acanthamoeba species, respectively. Moreover, T4, T5, T2, T7, and T11 genotypes were identified. The most common genotype was T4 (76%), isolated from stagnant water.
Acanthamoeba is a prevalent species in the soil, hospital dust, and stagnant water of Kashan. As this protozoon can cause severe infections, health education and improvement of sanitation services are recommended for prevention of infection.

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasitic protozoon, which is a causative agent of serious complications such as encephalitis in immunodeficiency patients. Considering insufficient data on toxoplasmosis in these patients, the present study was conducted to determine the seroepidemiology of T. gondii among immunodeficiency patients.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer, ADIS, hemodialysis and renal transplant patients (case group) and healthy persons (control group) in Kashan and Qom cities. Totally, 317 serum samples were collected from the case group and 120 samples from the control group. The ELISA method was used to determine the anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies.
Totally, 60.3% of the samples from the case and 33.3% from the control groups were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG (P The prevalence of T. gondii was higher in different immunodeficiency patients compared to healthy persons. Screening examinations were recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of patients to prevent serious side-effects and health education.

Based on genotyping study of human isolates of Giardia lamblia; humans are mainly infected by two assemblages A and B. The present study was carried out to determine the sub-assemblages of G. lamblia isolated from food handlers referred to Kashan health centers, central Iran, 2015.
In this cross-sectional study, 3653 stool samples collected from food-handlers that annually refer to health center for getting a health certification and examined microscopically for G. lamblia cyst. Totally, 44 isolates were selected from 47 Giardia positive samples. Cysts were partially purified by the sucrose density gradient method. After freeze-thaw cycles, genomic DNA was extracted using QIAamp Stool Mini kit. A single step PCR-RFLP method was used to amplify a 458bp fragment at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus, restriction enzymes BspLI and RsaI were used for distinguish between genotypes A and B and their subgroups.
Of 44 isolates, 24(54.5%) were sub-assemblage AII, 9(20.5%) group B including 7(15.9%) BIII and 2(4.6%) BIV sub-assemblage and 11(25%) isolates showed a mixed pattern of AII and B. Sub-assemblage AI was not detected in this study.
The higher rate of sub-assemblage AII demonstrated an anthroponotic origin of the infection so infected food-handlers could directly transmit this protozoan to consumers via contaminated food and water. For finding of pattern of transmission and distribution of Giardia assemblages and sub-assemblage, more studies in human and animal population in different regions are necessary.

Scabies is one of the most common itching contagious skin disorder in the world. The agent of disease is Sarcoptes scabiei.
This study was conducted to determine the frequency and clinical manifestations of S. scabies in suspected patients referred to health centers of Kashan during 2010 - 2014.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 129 patients suspected to Sarcoptes scabiei. The demographic and clinical symptoms for each of patients were recorded in questionnaire by interview. A deep skin scrap was prepared and wet smear were prepared using 10% KOH. By observation of each form of Sarcoptes was identified as positive sample. The data were recorded in Spss. ver 16.5 and analyzed by X2 and fisher exact tests.
The results of this study showed that 28 (21.7 %) were Sarcoptes positive. The frequency of sarcoptes was higher in males (23%) than females (20.6%). The difference was not statistically significant. The most cases were isolated in spring and winter. Sarcoptes infestation was the most in elderly and patients undergone dialysis. There is significant difference between disease and age group and underlying disease (P = 0.03, P = 0.014; respectively). Erosion or pustule was the most clinical signs in positive cases.
The results of study showed that the rate of scabies infestation in Kashan is relatively high, and the most cases were in elderly patients. Health education to increase awareness of the families for prevention of scabies was recommended.

Contamination of human and animal body tissues with flies’ larvae and diptera cause myiasis. A 26 yr old female patient refers to Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, central Iran because of urogenital infection, pain in the right part of stomach, smelly and reddish vaginal discharge and frequent urination. In the first checking, urine sample was taken. In the sample, active and alive larvae were seen. The live samples were taken to the Environmental Health Department Lab of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in clean glass jars. In the morphological survey, Psychoda sp larvae were identified. In Iran, this study is the first report of this species of larva that causes urinary myiasis. This fly larva is not carnivore or bloodsucker and feeds on bacterial agents. Observance of personal hygiene especially during defecation and urination is essential to prevent contamination of this type of myiasis.

There are scant evidences between giardiasis and enterobiasis with human mal-absorption of micronutrient. The aim of the present study was to found out the changes in the serum zinc, copper, magnesium and vitamin B12 levels in schoolchildren infected with Giardia intestinalis and Enterobius vermicularis. Patients and This case-control study was carried out among 359 children from aged 6 - 12 years old at 8 suburban public schools. Three stool examinations were done using standard techniques for identification parasitic infection. Fifty E. vermicularis and 37 G. lamblia infected individuals were enrolled as study groups. Serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium were assessed by autoanalyzer and vitamin B12 levels were measured using gamma counter. ANOVA and paired t-test analyses were used to determine the association between infections and trace elements changes. The prevalence of G. intestinalis and E. vermicularis infections were 10.3% and 13.9%, respectively. The serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels showed a significant decrease in individuals infected with G. intestinalis and E. vermicularis (P < 0.05). Mean values of Giardia positive and negative groups for copper 143.65 ± 16.51 and 176.26 ± 17.6 μg/dL, zinc 62.26 ± 16.06 and 80.66 ± 23.58 μg/dL, and magnesium 1.82 ± 0.23 and 2.01 ± 0.16 mg/dL, respectively. Mean values of Enterobius positive and negative groups for copper 145.55 ± 26.84 and 176.26 ± 17.6 μg/dL, zinc 72.7 ± 17.92 and 80.66 ± 23.58 μg/dL and magnesium 1.93 ± 0.11 and 2.01 ± 0.16 mg/dL, respectively. The results showed that giardiasis and enterobiasis decreased serum levels of copper, zinc and magnesium. Further studies are needed to clarify the actual mechanism governing the zinc, copper, magnesium and vitamin B12 giardiasis/enterobiasis interaction.

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is the result of maternal infection if acquired during gestation, an infection that most often is clinically unapparent. This study was conducted to determine acute and chronic toxoplamosis in pregnant women and its complications in newborn. Patients and In this cohort study, 798 pregnant women were tested for Toxoplasma IgG/IgM by ELISA. PCR and IgM were performed on 4 newborns of acute and 5 chronic maternal infections; they were followed for 1 year. Data were analyzed by SPSS-11.5 and χ2 test. Five (0.63%) and 341 (42.7%) were positive for acute and chronic infections. A 400 bp band was seen in 3 newborns of acute maternal infections. The incidence of neonatal toxoplasmosis was 3.7 per 1000. Only one neonate of the acute maternal toxoplasmosis had jaundice. The rate of maternal and neonatal toxoplasmosis, were higher than the world. Jaundice was only sign in newborn with Toxoplasma gondii infection.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of serum IgG and IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the women with spontaneous abortion compared to women with normal delivery. This case-control study was performed on 81 women with spontaneous abortion (case) and 98 women with normal delivery (control) referred to the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of Tehran hospitals in 2013. All the serum samples were tested for CMV, HSV and rubella IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA kits. The data along with demographics and the gestational age of the mothers were recorded in the questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The positive IgG antibodies against CMV were 87.7% (n=71) and 90.8% (n=89) in the case and control groups, respectively. Moreover, the positive IgM antibodies were 25.9% (n=21) and 12.2 %(n=12) in the case and control groups, respectively (P= 0.02). IgG antibodies against rubella in the case and control groups were 75.3% (n=61) and 86.7% (n=85), respectively. Also, IgM antibodies were 1.2% (n=1) and 2% (n=2), respectively (P=0.03). IgG antibody against herpes was 79% (n=64) and 85.7% (n=84) in the case and control groups, respectively; IgM was positive (3.1%) in only 3 cases. Results of the present study reveal that the IgM antibody against CMV in case group was significantly higher than the control group, which shows the role of CMV in the occurrence of abortion.

Preparing Welcoming Ceremony and Orientation programs for freshmen acknowledge to work as an effective approach to decrease social, academic and emotional stressors. This study conducted to evaluate the role of Welcoming Ceremony to resolve freshmen's transitional-phase challenges. A special working group, including faculties and students, was formed to conduct Welcoming Ceremony and Orientation programs at Kashan School of Allied Health Professions. To evaluate the role of Welcoming ceremony a cross– sectional study was carried out through a distribution of a questionnaire among 92 newly admitted students (freshmen) in 1391. Majority of freshmen about 91 (97.8%) agreed that Welcoming Ceremony served as linkage between college student and university; 90 (97.8%) believed that Welcoming Ceremony assisted them to adjust with the university; 84 (90.3%) agreed that Welcoming Ceremony enhanced sense of belonging to university. In attention to the result of this study and in regarding to the importance of Welcoming Ceremony on all stages of university transitional phases, developing a specialized administrative unit in order to enhance awareness and capability of freshmen, advisors, senior students, and university staffs regarding to transitional challenges at Vice Chancellor for Students and Cultural is advisable.

Intestinal parasites are one of the major medical and health problems in the developing countries that cause malnutrition, diarrhea, weight loss and anemia in humans, especially in children. This study was done to the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the Afghan children of the primary and junior high schools of city to evaluate some of the related risk factors. this descriptive study was carried out on 430 Afghan students in 2009- 2010.The students were collected by random multi-sectional sampling. Their feces were examined with direct and formalin-ether concentration. Scotch tape test was also performed for 244 students. Prevalence of the parasites and their relationship to some factors such as sex and age group were determined. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test. out of the 430 students, 49.7% were male and the rest were female. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.5%. The frequency of pathogenic intestinal parasite was 15.4%. The rate of intestinal parasite infections were: Entamoeba coli 16.5%, Giardia lamblia 8.8%,Blastocystis hominis 7%, Endolimax nana 3.4%, Iodamoeba buchlelli 3.4%, Chilomastix mesnili 1.62%, Entamoeba histolytica/E.dispar 1.2%,Hymenolepis nana 1.8%, and Ascaris lumbricoides0.2%.Entrobius vermicularis was found in 13.5% of the students using scotch tape test.There was a significant statistical association between duration of living in Afghanistan and intestinal parasitic infections.(p≤0.03) According to the results of this study, the prevalence of parasitic infections in the Afghan children was rather high. Examination and treatment of the students, education of the children and their parents and teachers in the field of personal hygine and environmental sanitation are necessary for prevention of parasite transmission.

Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar and Enterobius vermicularis are the major health problems in the developing countries especially in Iran. The prevalence of infection is variable among different social groups in the world. Since elderly and mentally retarded are high risk group, the present survey was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites especially these parasites in elderly and mentally retarded residence in Golabchi Center, Kashan, Iran. In this Cross-sectional study a total of 243 stool samples and 279 Scotch tapes from elderly and mentally retarded people were collected. Intestinal parasitic infections especially E.histolytica/E.dispar was determined by Stool examination. Scotch tape was used for diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis. The demographic data were recorded by questionnaire and were analyzed by SPSS and X2. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasite was 78.7% (191 out of 243 subjects). The prevalence of E.histolytica/E.dispar and E.vermicularis in elderly were 16.8%, 25.5% and in mentally retarded 15%, 49.1% respectively. Prevalence of pathogenic parasites was: Taenia spp. 1.6%, Hymenolepis nana 0.8%, one case of Strongyloides stercoralis, Blastocystis hominis 33.3%, Giardia lamblia 4.5%, Dientamoeba fragilis 1.6%. The rate of infection in mentally retarded was higher than elderly (P < 0.001). The prevalence of E.vermicularis in the male was 2.5 times more than female (P < 0.001). There was significant relation between annual itching and nail chewing and Enterobiasis (P < 0.05). This study showed that infection with intestinal parasites especially E.histolytica/E.dispar and E.vermicularis was higher than expected in elderly and mentally retarded. Due to importance of these parasites and some risk factors such as population density and an immunosuppressive background in elderly, health education and mass medication for control of disease is emphasized.

The rate of person to person transmission of intestinal parasites is high in elderly and mentally retarded patients and lack of treatment may cause disease spread.This sudy was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of intestinal parasitic infections in elderly and mentallyretardedpatients of Golabchi center of Kashan.

This descriptive study was carried out on 133 elderly and mentallyretardedpatients of Golabchi center of Kashan in 2007.Infected participants were treated according to the stool examination and scotch tape results. These tests were performedagain after one month and response to treatment wasdetermined.A questionnaire was completed during interview with patients to obtain the data of sex and age,clinical symptoms and side effects of drugs. Descriptive data analysis was performed to evaluate the results.

In general, 64.7% of patients were male and the rate of response to treatment was 93.2%. The response rate was highest (79.5%) and lowest (26.7%) in patients with <30 and >70 years of age respectively. Besides, theresponse rate was 93.6%,89.2%, 90% and 100% in oxyur, entamoeba histolytica, giardia lamblia anddientamoeba fragilis respectively.

With regardsto the high rate of response to treatment,resistance to routin anti parasitic drugs seems unlikely.The lack of response to tratment can be either dut to high severity of the infection or due to incorrect using of drugs.

Swimming in indoor public pools may lead to transmission of contagious diseases such as ear problems, foot tinea, conjunctivitis and amoebic meningoencephalitis in swimmers. The aim of this study was to determine the types of fungal and parasitic contamination and physicochemical parameters of indoor public swimming pools in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 200 water samples were collected from surface and depth of four swimming pools of Kashan during 2008-9. Physicochemical parameters such as, temperature, pH, residual chlorine and turbidity of the pools were studied. Samples were tested for the presence of parasitic and fungal contamination by specific mediums. The residual chlorine in 71% of samples was standard. The average pH level was 7.7 and 88% of samples were standard. No parasite and free living amoebae were observed. The prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was 42% in surface and 12 % in depth, which was not significant in different swimming pools (P=0.95). Twelve species of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi were isolated; the highest and the lowest number of species were aspergillus (50%) and fusarium (3.7%), respectively. The residual chlorine in fungal contamination between swimming pools was less than standard (P=0.014). Although no parasites and free living amoebae were observed in Kashan’s swimming pools, the prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was relatively high. Such condition may be attributed to low concentration of residual chlorine, inadequate water treatment and water high temperature.