Serological study of Human Fasciolosis in Patients Referring to the School of Public Health,Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran during 2008–2014

Background:

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease of livestock and human caused by Fasciola species. Here in, the results of serological evaluation of fascioliasis in people referring to the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2008–2014 are presented.

Methods:

Demographic characterizations, symptoms and eosinophil rate were registered for every patient. Using somatic antigen of Fasciola, ELISA was performed and the results were analyzed. Data of questioners were analyzed as well.

Results:

Among 206 applicants, 24.8% were seropositive for fascioliasis, included 21% female and 28.3% male. Mean range of age of patients was between 13 to 67 yr. The highest rate of seropositivity was found among 20–30 yr old patients. Most of the patients had hypereosinophilia. All patients had history of eating raw vegetables, or drinking unsafe water. Patients were referring from different provinces of Iran, including Gilan, Mazandaran, Tehran, Ardabil, Khuzestan, Lorestan, North Khorasan, Kermanshah, Azerbaijan, Fars, Kordestan, Hamedan and Markazi.

Conclusion:

During recent years, variety of provinces in Iran, where patients with fascioliasis are referred, has been increased. Patients coming from Gilan and Mazandaran provinces were referred early after the onset of their symptoms. Most probably, physicians in Gilan and Mazandaran are more alert on fascioliasis than other provinces. Previous wrong diagnosis was more common among patients referring from other provinces than Gilan and Mazandaran provinces.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women and Bioassay of IgM Positive Cases in Zanjan,Northwest of Iran

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the Toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women in Zanjan, by ELISA method.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 500 pregnant women referred to the health centers of Zanjan City, North West Iran, IgM and IgG titers were primarily evaluated. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS 11.5 using Chi-Square test.

Results

Anti Toxoplasma IgM and IgG were positive in 1.4% and 37.2% respectively. Seropositive subjects were more frequently seen in those with >30 years old compared to younger women (<20 years old). No significant relationship was found between the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and level of education, residence area, history of abortion and gestational age.

Conclusion

The rate of IgM positive was low; however, a large number of the studied population were IgG positive, indicative of having a latent infection due to the past exposure to Toxoplasma parasite in this region.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Pregnant Women in Gorgan City,Golestan Province,Northern Iran-2012

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent parasites of human and warm- blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is important especially in two groups: pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. If women acquire the primary infection during the pregnancy, it would be life threatening or remains severe disorders for the fetus. This study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan City, Golestan Province, northern Iran.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan City, south eastern Caspian Sea. Anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined by commercially ELISA kits and the relation of infection with socio-demographic and risk factors such as age, education, occupation, cat ownership, soil contact and some other factors was studied.

Results

From 555 tested sera of pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan, 39.8% had IgG antibodies against T. gondii and 3.4% were positive for IgM antibodies. A significant correlation was seen between T. gondii infection with age and soil contact.

Conclusion

About 60% of pregnant women in Gorgan City are seronegative against T. gondii, so they should considered as at risk persons.     

Prevalence and Intensity of Paramphistomum Spp. In Cattle from South-Eastern Iran

Background:

Parasitological investigations on paramphistomosis were carried out over a 12-month period in the southeast of Iran to determine the prevalence and intensity of this disease.

Methods:

A total of 1000 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 450) and Brahman breed (n= 550) of all sex and age groups were inspected at random for the presence of paramphistomidae flukes in Zabol slaughterhouse from December 2012 to October 2013.

Results:

Paramphistomes were found in 369 of 1000 necropsied cows (36.9%; 95% CI: 30.1–41.9%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Brahman breed than in Sistani breed (51% vs 19.3%). No significant correlation between prevalence, intensity of infection, sex and age of cattle was noted. Despite the difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence, and the relation between the intensity of infection and season, these were not statistically significant. The mean intensity of infection in Brahman breed was higher (652.66 ± 281.5) than Sistani breed (123.32 ± 32.2). The identification of stained trematodes to the species revealed 40, 20, 20, 15 and 5% Gastrothylax crumenifer, Cotylophoron cotylophorom, Paramphistomum cervi, Carmyerius spatiosus, Explanatum explanatum, respectively.

Conclusion:

The present results will contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of paramphistomumosis in southeastern Iran.     

Seroepidemiological Study of Human Hydatidosis in Meshkinshahr District,Ardabil Province,Iran

Background

The aim of this study was to conduct a sero-epidemiological survey in Meshkinshahr, Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran to detect the rate of hydatidosis in the city and nearby villages. Literature shows that no such study has been conducted so far.

Methods

Overall, 670 serum samples were collected from 194 males and 476 females from patients referred to different health centers of the region. All patients filled out a questionnaire and an informed consent. Sera were analyzed using indirect-ELISA test. Ten µg /ml antigens (Antigen B derived from hydatid cyst fluid), serum dilutions of 1:500 and conjugate anti-human coombs with 1:10000 dilutions were utilized to perform the test. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software ver. 11.5.

Results

The seroprevalence of human hydatidosis was 1.79% by ELISA test in the region. This rate for females was 1.68% and males 2.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference as regards all factors studied and the seropositivity. According to job, farmers and ranchmen had the highest rate of infection as 3.17%. The sero-prevalence of infection was 2.6%% in illiterate people which showed the highest rate. As regards residency, urban life showed no significant difference with rural life (1.1% vs. 2.58%). Age group of 69–90 yr old, with 4.62% as prevalence had the highest rate of positivity.

Conclusion

Obtained sero-prevalence of hydatidosis shows more or less a resemblance to other cities of Iran, although due to the specific condition of the city we expected more rate of sero-positivity.     

Seroprevalence of Human Fascioliasis in Meshkin-Shahr District,Ardabil Province,Northwestern Iran in 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to conduct a seroprevalence survey in Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province, north western Iran to detect the rate of human fascioliasis in the city and nearby villages. Literature shows that no such study has been conducted so far.

Methods

Overall, 458 serum samples were collected by randomized cluster sampling method from 153 males and 305 females referred to different health centers of the region after recalling by staff in those centers in 2012. All cases filled out a questionnaire and an informed consent. Sera were analyzed using indirect-ELISA test. Ten μg /ml antigens (Liver Fluke Homogenate), serum dilutions of 1:500 and conjugate anti-human coombs with 1:10000 dilutions were utilized to perform the test. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software ver. 18.

Results

Nine cases (1.96%) were positive for fascioliasis by ELISA test. The seroprevalence of fascioliasis among females was 1.63% and 2.6% in males. There was no significant difference as regards age groups, sex, job, residency, literacy and consuming row vegetable. According to job, unemployment subjects had the highest rate of infection as 5.9%. The seroprevalence of infection was 1.52% in illiterate people. As for residency, urban life showed no significant difference with rural life (2.4% vs 1.42). Age group of 40-49 yr old, with 3.3% seropositivity had the highest rate.

Conclusion

Obtained seroprevalence of fascioliasis shows immediate attention of health authorities to the diseases in the area. The adjacent of Ardabil Province to endemic areas of fasciolosis accentuates this attention.     

三峡库区移民幽门螺杆菌感染的流行病学研究

目的：了解三峡库区移民幽门螺杆菌感染的血清流行病学状况。方法：通过移民流行病学病对照方法,应用酶联免疫吸附试验,对三峡库区1600名移民与1600名非移民的幽门螺杆菌（Hp）感染状况进行研究。结果：移民区Hp感染率（67.50％）明显高于非移民区Hp感染率（53.19％）（X^2=13.40,P＜0.01）。婴儿期Hp感染率较高,儿童期开始下降,随年龄增加,又开始上升,与年龄呈显著正相关（r=0.62,P＜0.05）。移民区与非移民区的Hp感染率女性高于男性,经统计学处理,差异无显著性。文化程度越低,Hp感染率越高（P＜0.01）。一期水位淹没区移民Hp感染率明显高于二期与三期水位淹没区移民Hp感染率（P＜0.01）。结论：三峡库区移民区移民Hp感染高于非移民区居民Hp感染率,生活环境、文化教育程度等因素可能起着重要影响,库区儿童Hp感染使用率较高,对于库区移民儿童Hp感染的预防尤为重要。通过移民搬迁与移民政策的实施,改善经济水平与文化教育程度,能否降低移民Hp感染率,尚需进一步研究。     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dogs in Tehran,Iran

Background

Toxoplasma gondii infects a wide range of animals; felines are definitive hosts and other animals including the dogs are intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, capital of Iran and to investigate possible associated risk factors.

Methods

Three hundreds ninety six serum samples were collected during 2007–8 from the dogs. Collected samples were tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in dilutions of 1:16 and more. All procedures were carried out in Shahrekord University, Iran. All the data were analyzed using SPSS software, qui square test with confidence interval of 0.95.

Results

From evaluated samples, 89 (22.47%) were positive in titers of at least 1:16. further evaluations in other dilutions showed positive results in dilutions of maximum 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128 and 1:256 in 38, 29, 15, 2 and 5 dogs respectively. Investigation of the role of risk factors showed no sex predisposition while infection rate was significantly higher in dogs older than one year old. Living places were of significant importance; infection rate was significantly higher in stray or guard dogs in compare with household dogs (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran shows high environmental contamination. It is recommended that the dogs with suspected clinical signs be tested for T. gondii infection.     

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis Infection in Household Cats of Ahvaz District,South-West of Iran

Background

The occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in cats is of potential significance from both clinical and public health perspectives. The object of this study was antigenic detection of G. duodenalis in household cats of Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran.

Methods

The prevalence of G. duodenalis was determined in fecal samples by two techniques: centrifugation-flotation and a commercial Giardia Antigen Test Kit (immunochromatography assay) in 150 household cats of different ages among referred cases to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University from January 2008 to February 2010.

Results

Five out of 150 fecal samples (3.33%) were positive for antigen of G. duodenalis by immunochromatography assay. The prevalence was significantly higher in young cats less than 6 months (15.79%) compared with adult cats 6 months – 3 years (1.37%) (P=0.027) and above 3 years (1.72%) (P=0.044). The infection had more prevalence in diarrheic cats (17.39%) compared with non-diarrheic cats (0.79%) and the difference was significant (P=0.02) as well. The prevalence was higher in male cats (3.41%) than females (3.23%) and in the season of autumn (6.06%), but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender and season (P>0.05). Microscopy examination on fecal samples showed that 2% of the studied cats were positive.

Conclusion

The parasite antigen was present as a zoonotic infection in Ahvaz district, South-west of Iran. More sensitive techniques, such as immunochromatography assay, might yield more reliable results, in the detection of low levels of Giardia in fecal samples of cats.     

Canine Heartworm in Southeastern of Iran with Review of disease distribution

Background

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran.

Methods

From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology.

Results

Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P = 0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%) was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%).

Conclusion

It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now.     

Fascioliasis in Spain: A review of the literature and personal observations

The fascioliasis induced by Fasciola hepatica is a syndrome which has still not been fully clarified in this country, though the different peninsular regions are suitable for completion of the life cycle of the worm; infested animals may found throughout these regions and in almost all of them human fascioliasis has been diagnosed, with the greatest incidence in the Basque Country, Navarra and La-Rioja. This greater appearance is probably related to the dietary habits in those areas, since the consumption of water cress is undoubtedly the principal source of contamination and is entirely responsible for the rest of the epidemiology of the diseases in humans.In the cases studied, the clinical symptoms did not differ from those habitually found in this syndrome.Serological methods have resolved the diagnosis in the acute phase of the disease and furthermore are of great use for monitoring post-treatment evolution.The cases studied by this Department were diagnosed with immunodiffusion, haemagglutination and immunoelectrophoresis techniques and the evolution of the patients was also followed by immunodiffusion and haemagglutination.Corresponding author.     

Prevalence of IgG antibodies against West Nile virus in blood donors during the 2003 outbreak in Tunisia

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-West Nile virus (WNV) IgG among two populations of Tunisian blood donors living in areas where human outbreaks of WNV have occurred. Cohorts A (Monastir) and B (Mahdia) included 742 and 102 blood donors respectively. Sera were tested by IgG ELISA test and results were confirmed by PRNT test. WNV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 32 (4.3%) and in 14 (13.7%) sera in cohorts A and B respectively. The prevalence of anti-WNV IgG was significantly higher in cohort B than in cohort A (P < 0.001) and was significantly lower in females than in males (P < 0.001).     

A Preliminary Parasitological Survey of Hepatozoon Spp. Infection in Dogs in Mashhad,Iran

Background

We attempted to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in Mashhad, northeast of Iran, via blood smear parasitology.

Methods

The prevalence was investigated by examination of blood smear parasitology, using blood samples collected from 254 dogs (51 strays and 203 privately owned-dogs).

Results

Two stray dogs (2/51; 3.92%) and two privately-owned dogs (2/203; 0.98%) were infected with Hepatozoon spp. Therefore, as per blood smear parasitology, the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 1.57% (4/254). Sixteen out of 254 dogs (6.29%) were infested with ticks; all of which were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. One of the dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. exhibited ticks at the time of examination. Concurrent infection with Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum was not detected in the four Hepatozoon spp. infected dogs.

Conclusion

This is the first epidemiological study on the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in dogs in Iran.     

Seroprevalence of Human Hydatidosis Using ELISA Method in Qom Province,Central Iran

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Qom Province, central Iran using ELISA test.

Methods

Overall, 1564 serum samples (800 males and 764 females) were collected from selected subjects by randomized cluster sampling in 2011-2012. Sera were analyzed by ELISA test using AgB. Before sampling, a questionnaire was filled out for each case. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression for risk factors analysis.

Results

Seropositivity was 1.6% (25 cases). Males (2.2%) showed significantly more positivity than females (0.9%) (P= 0.03). There was no significant association between CE seropositivity and age group, occupation, and region. Age group of 30-60 years encompassed the highest rate of positivity. The seropositivity of CE was 2.1% and 1.2% for urban and rural cases respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that males were 2.5 times at higher risk for infection than females.

Conclusion

Although seroprevalence of CE is relatively low in Qom Province, yet due to the importance of the disease, all preventive measures should be taken into consideration.     

Molecular Identification of Giardia duodenalis Isolates from Fars Province,Iran

Background

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common human intestinal protozoan parasites worldwide and is endemic throughout the world with a vast range of mammalian hosts. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of G. duodenalis isolates and determine the most common of its assemblages in the patients referring to health centers and hospitals in Fars province, Iran that will be subjected to further molecular investigation.

Methods

We collected 1000 human fecal samples from health centers and hospitals in Shiraz, Iran in a one year period from September 2009 to August 2010. Microscopic examination for the presence of G. duodenalis cysts and trophozoites was performed by direct wet mount before and after the concentration techniques. Extraction of DNA was performed by Phenol-Chloroform-Isoamylalcohol (PCI). G. duodenalis-positive specimens were analyzed by PCR. A fragment of the SSU-rDNA (292 bp) gene was amplified by PCR using the forward primer RH11 and the reverse primer RH4. Genotyping was performed using sequence analysis of G. duodenalis glutamate dehydrogenase gene using primers GDHeF, GDHiF, and GDHiR.

Results

The prevalence of Giardia infection was 10.7% (107/1000) examined based on microscopic examination. PCR identified 80% (40/50) of the samples as positive for G. duodenalis based on SSU-rDNA amplification on sucrose gradient samples. Besides, genotyping results indicated 32 isolates (80%) as assemblage AII and 8 isolates (20%) as assemblage BIII and BIV based on the DNA sequence analysis of the glutamate dehydrogenase locus of G. duodenalis.

Conclusion

The findings of this study emphasize that Iran (Fars Province) is a favorable area for giardiasis with an anthroponotic infection route.     

Control of human fascioliasis by selective chemotherapy: design, cost and effect of the first public health, school-based intervention implemented in endemic areas of the Nile Delta, Egypt

Human fascioliasis is becoming a serious public health problem with a number of endemic areas identified in different countries. The viability of humans as definitive hosts has been experimentally demonstrated, and there is now a need to control the human infection along with the veterinary infection. In 1998, following reports on high prevalence among children in the Nile Delta, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population launched the first public health, school-based intervention to control human fascioliasis. An innovative selective treatment approach, with chemotherapy targeted to specific high risk age groups and villages, was adopted. First, high prevalence districts were identified by a regional baseline survey, then screening and selective treatment of all schoolchildren took place in high prevalence villages within those districts. From 1998 to 2002 the programme screened almost 36000 schoolchildren, in six districts, treating 1280 cases of human fascioliasis. Prevalence in the endemic area was reduced from 5.6 to 1.2%. The control intervention is described in detail, including data on cost. The targeted, selective chemotherapy approach was appropriate in addressing low prevalence infection, effective in reducing prevalence rates and transmission of the disease, and in the present situation, more cost-effective than mass distribution.     

An Epidemiological Survey of Setaria in the Abdominal Cavities of Iranian Sistani and Brahman Cattle in the Southeastern of Iran

Background

In this experiment, abdominal cavity of 518 Iranian Sistani cattle and 498 Brahman cattle were inspected for the presence of Setaria spp. from April 2012 - May 2013.

Methods

The species were determined by microscopic examination of the morphological characteristics of the anterior and posterior parts of the parasites and authentic guidelines.

Results

The overall prevalence of Setaria spp. was 28.6% and 36.5%, respectively and this difference was significant (P<0.05). Out of 148 Sistani cattle which were infected with Setaria, 51(34.4%) were infected with S. digitata, 31 (20.9%) were infected with S. labiatopapillosa, 65 (43.9%) showed mixed infection of S. digitata and S. labiatopapillosa and one case (0.6%) was infected with mixed infection of S. labiatopapillosa, S. digitata and S. marshalli. These values were 87 (47.8%), 27 (14.8%), 67 (36.8%) and 1 (0.5%) for 182 infected Brahaman cows, respectively. The proportion of infected cattle in spring and summer was greater than cooler season (autumn and winter) significantly (P<0.001). The prevalence of infection with Setaria in 2-3 years old Sistatni cattle (42.2 %) was greater than other age categories (P<0.05). Furthermore, the infection rate between males (25.5%) and females (37.3%) Iranian Sistani cattle showed significant difference (P =0.009).

Conclusion

It is important to point out the presence of cerebrospinal setariosis, namely in sheep, goats and horses in the investigated area.     

Reemergence of canine Echinococcus granulosus infection, Wales

As a consequence of large-scale outdoor slaughter of sheep during the 2001 foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the United Kingdom and the possibility of increased risk for transmission of Echinococcus granulosus between sheep and dogs, a large survey of canine echinococcosis was undertaken in mid-Wales in 2002. An Echinococcus coproantigen-positive rate of 8.1% (94/1,164) was recorded on 22% of farms surveyed, which compares to a rate of 3.4% obtained in the same region in 1993. Positivity rates between FMD-affected properties and unaffected ones did not differ significantly. Significant risk factors for positive results in farm dogs were allowing dogs to roam free and the infrequent dosing (>4-month intervals) of dogs with praziquantel. When these data are compared to those of a previous pilot hydatid control program in the area (1983-1989), an increase in transmission to humans appears probable.