The occurrence of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered livestock in Jahrom, south of Iran

Cystic echincoccosis (CE) is a major medical and veterinary concern in the world, especially in Iran. Domestic intermediate hosts are an important reservoir for the disease spread. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CE in slaughtered livestock in Jahrom, south of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 3074 animals (2325 (75.63%) goats, 423 (13.76%) sheep, and 326 (10.60%) cattle) were inspected macroscopically for CE. In this regard, a questionnaire about the age, sex, infected organ, number of cysts, and cyst fertility was accomplished for each animal. Moreover, PCR was applied by using the cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) fragments of parasite mitochondrial genomes on some positive samples. Prevalence of CE in sheep, cattle, and goats was 11.34% (48/423), 11.04% (36/326), and 2.79% (65/2325), respectively. In all livestock, CE was more common in females than males. Moreover, the highest infection rate was observed in the age group of more than 72 months. Considering the fertility of cysts, the ratio of the number of fertile cysts to total cysts in sheep and goats were 83.3% (40/48) and 80% (52/65), respectively. All hydatid cysts were infertile in cattle. With regard to the location of the cyst on internal organs, the most were observed in the lungs and liver. Regarding the intensity of infection, 1–5, 6–9 and ≥ 10 cysts were detected in 78.52% (117/149), 6.71% (10/149) and 10.73% (16/149) of infected livestock, respectively. In all livestock, hydatid cyst with a diameter of 1–5 cm was the most frequent with 71.81% (107/149). All 149 cyst samples were subjected to PCR. Among them, a total of 18 samples (six samples of each animal) were prepared for sequencing. G6 was the most dominant. According to the results of present study and the relatively high prevalence of CE in slaughtered livestock in Jahrom, health policy makers, health authorities, and experts should make effective approach in this regard, and implement careful inspections.

Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dental-unit water samples

Although the presence of free-living amoebae (FLAs) in various water sources has been reported, few studies have been surveyed on their abundance in medical-unit and dental-unit water samples. The current study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in the water samples of the dental unit in Iran. A total of 232 water samples were collected from 17 dental units. Then, filtration and cultivation were conducted on a non-nutrient agar (NNA) medium. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sequencing were performed by using the genus/species-specific primers plus a common primer set on positive samples. One hundred and sixty-six samples were positive for FLA by the microscopic method, whereas 114 samples were positive by the molecular method with a common primer set. Considering the PCR assay with genus/species-specific primers, 23.27% (54/232) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T4 genotype), 36.63% (85/232) as Vermamoeba vermiformis, and 1.72% (4/232) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria lovaniensis). These results highlight a need to improve filtration systems in dental units and periodic screenings for FLA in dental-unit water.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Strains from Goats in Jahrom District, Southern Iran

PURPOSE

Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted congenitally or acquired by consumption of food and water contaminated with cysts or oocysts. This study aimed at genotyping T. gondii strains from slaughtered goats in Jahrom.

METHODS

A total of 561 specimens (heart, diaphragm, and tongue) from 187 slaughtered goats were collected from Jahrom slaughterhouse. After DNA extraction, the T. gondii strains were genotyped by the nested PCR-RFLP based on GRA6 and 3', and 5' ends of the SAG2 gene.

RESULTS

T. gondii infection was present in 18.2% of cases. Among the examined organs, the diaphragm was more disposed to the infection (10.2%). Furthermore, infection rates of the heart and tongue were 8.6% and 3.7%, respectively. Concurrent infection in the heart and diaphragm, tongue and diaphragm, and heart and tongue were 3.2%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. In genotyping experiments, genotype I was the most frequent genotype of T. gondii (58.8%), followed by type II (23.5%), type III (11.8%), and a combination of type I and II (5.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed the presence of different genotypes of T. gondii in goats including three major and mixed genotypes. These results can be useful in toxoplasmosis control and prevention.

Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units

BACKGROUND

Free-living amoeba (FLA), including Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia and Vermamoeba, have been isolated from water, sand, soil, dust and air. Numerous studies considered that FLA are a significant cause of neurological and ocular complications in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units in Iran.

METHODS

A total of 328 dialysis fluid samples were collected from 16 dialysis machines, including 164 samples before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) and 164 samples after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning). Filtration and cultivation were performed on non-nutrient agar medium. Also, PCR and sequencing were applied by using the genus-specific primers along with a common primer set on positive samples.

RESULTS

Both morphology and molecular investigations showed that 22.5% (74/328) of dialysis fluid samples were positive for FLA. There was a positive relationship between the high frequency of FLA after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning) compared with before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) (OR=2.86; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.45). Considering the PCR assay, 16.46% (54/328) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T3 and T4 genotypes), 5.18% (17/328) as Vermamoeba vermiformis and 0.91% (3/328) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria pagei and Allovahlkampfia).

CONCLUSION

The present results support a need to improve filtration and purification methods for dialysis fluid of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units. They also highlight the relevance of periodic screenings for FLA-related diseases in hemodialysis patients.

PCR-based detection of Toxoplasma gondii from cattle in southern Iran

OBJECTIVE

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is widely prevalent in most warm-blooded vertebrates. Humans mainly become infected by eating raw or undercooked meat. This study was designed to investigate the infection of cattle with T. gondii in Jahrom, southern Iran.

METHODS

Tissue samples consisting of heart, diaphragm, and tongue were collected from 125 slaughtered cattle. DNA samples were extracted from the homogenized tissues. T. gondii was detected and genotyped using nested-polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based on GRA6 and SAG2 (3', 5' terminal regions) genes, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of T. gondii DNA was 56% in cattle. The most infected tissue was the diaphragm (54.4%) followed by the heart (48.8%) and tongue (43.2%). Type II was the most prevalent genotype (70%) among T. gondii isolates.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the high prevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle meat indicates the important role of cattle in the transmission of infection to humans. Therefore, incorporating the correct method of consuming meat in health education programs is crucial to prevent human infection.

The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated risk Factors among Students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences

Background: Parasitic infections, especially intestinal agents could affect social and personal hygiene and health; and to avoid the spread of pollution, monitoring the infectious sources is critical. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences between 2013-1014. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out between September 2013and February 2014. A total number of 1293 stool samples were taken from 431 students and were examined by direct wet mounting and formalin-ether methods. A questionnaire for common risk factors was completed for each individual. Results: Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was estimated to be 125 (29%) that infected by pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites. Various species of protozoan infections were detected: Entamoeba coli was the most common parasite (9.04%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (8.12%), and Giardia lamblia (4.64%). About 3.2% students were infected with multiple parasites. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections with the type of accommodation (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9), parents’ educational level (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9) and gender (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9). No age association was detected, and a slightly positive prevalence with increasing age was observed (p=0.66). Conclusions: These data showed intestinal parasites were slightly more prevalent than expected, that might be due to interior sources of infection in college, such as carrier students. Hence, performing periodic monitoring among students is a necessity to promote the hygiene of the students.

A reducing trend of fasciolosis in slaughtered animals based on abattoir data in South of Iran

AIM

Fascioliasis is a zoonosis infection caused by the liver trematodes (Fasciola spp.) which have been considered to be an important disease in livestock. After several large outbreaks, fascioliasis remains one of the serious health concerns of Iran. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and possible trends of fascioliasis in slaughtered animals in South of Iran based on abattoir data during a period of 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The daily records for cattle, sheep, and goats slaughtered in the abattoir were extracted from the archived documents of the recent 5 years (2011-2015) and used as the source of data. The collected data were statistically analyzed for finding any probable correlation between the various factors associated with fasciolosis.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 3.44% of all slaughtered animals during 2011-2015 were infected with Fasciola spp. The mean prevalence of fasciolosis for cattle, sheep, and goat was 11.15%, 5.22%, and 2.15%, respectively. In addition, the highest infection rate was in winter (4.02%), and the lowest were entered in summer (2.86%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed a reducing trend during the 5 years. Improving the animal husbandry and increasing the awareness through fasciolosis may be a logical explanation for this trend. Since there have been suggested numerous factors associated with the epidemiology of fasciolosis, further studies seem essential for better clarifying the various aspects of fasciolosis in areas.

Toxoplasma gondii Type I, predominant genotype isolated from sheep in South of Iran

Aim:

This study was performed to determine the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep using nested-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Southern Iran.

Materials and Methods:

The tissue samples of diaphragm and heart from 125 sheep were collected from the main slaughterhouses of Jahrom district in South of Fars province, Iran, between Aprils and June 2013. The DNA were extracted and analyzed by nested-PCR using specific primers for SAG2 and GRA6 loci. RFLP was used to classify strains into one of the three major lineages of T. gondii.

Results:

T. gondii Type I was predominant in this area. The data obtained from both loci demonstrated that the frequency of each genotype was 72% Type I, 2.4% Type III, 7.2% mixed Type I and II, 16.8% mixed Type I and III, 0.8% mixed Type II and III, and 0.8% mixed Type I, II and III.

Conclusions:

Although the previously published data indicated that Type II is the predominant T. gondii genotype in sheep in the other parts of the world, this study showed that genotype I is the dominant genotype of T. gondii in the southern Iran; however, other genotypes were detected. High diversity of T. gondii genotypes including mix genotypes in lambs is of importance for the public health. These studies depict a new mapping of T. gondii genotypes pattern which could be very helpful in toxoplasmosis control and prevention.

Toxoplasma infection in sheep from south of Iran monitored by serological and molecular methods; risk assessment to meat consumers

AIM

Toxoplasma gondii has a clinical and veterinary importance as it is known to cause congenital disease and abortion both in humans and livestock. Since the contaminated lamb is one of the sources of human infection, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in south of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sera and tissue samples (diaphragm and heart) were collected from 370 sheep from slaughterhouse of Jahrom. The samples were taken from both sexes and from 6 to 60 months age. Specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to T. gondii were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and B1 gene nested-polymerase chain reaction detection was done to survey the tissue samples.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among sheep was found to be 35.94% and 34.32% based on serological and molecular method, respectively. According to serologic and molecular findings, the females were more positive than males for Toxoplasma; maximum frequency of positive samples was observed in 24-36 months and the positive samples had been collected more in spring than in summer, but no statistical correlation was observed between prevalence rate and the age and sex of animals or season of sampling.

CONCLUSION

T. gondii is widely distributed in sheep in Jahrom with a rate comparable with other parts of Iran and the world. It suggested a widespread exposure of sheep in this region to T. gondii. Thus, consumption of undercooked or raw meat presents the transmission risk of the parasite and this might be considered as an important public health problem, mainly for high-risk groups such as the pregnant and the immunodeficient.

Isolation and identification of pathogenic free-living amoeba from surface and tap water of Shiraz City using morphological and molecular methods

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are the most abundant and widely distributed protozoa in the environment. An investigation was conducted to determine the presence of free-living amoebae (FLA), Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba in waterfronts of parks and squares and tap water of Shiraz City, Iran. FLA are considered pathogenic for human. These ubiquitous organisms have been isolated from different environments such as water, soil, and air. Eighty-two water samples were collected from different places of Shiraz City during the summer of 2013. All samples were processed in Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran. Samples were screened for FLA and identified by morphological characters in the cultures, PCR amplification targeting specific genes for each genus and sequencing determined frequent species and genotypes base on NCBI database. Overall, 48 samples were positive for Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba in non-nutrient agar culture based on morphological characteristics. The PCR examination was done successfully. Sequencing results were revealed T4 (62.96 %) genotypes as the most common genotype of Acanthamoeba in the Shiraz water sources. In addition, T5 (33.33 %) and T15 (3.71 %) were isolated from water supplies. Vermamoeba vermiformis was known the dominant species from this genus. The high frequency of Acanthamoeba spp. and Vermamoeba in different environmental water sources of Shiraz is an alert for the public health related to water sources. The result highlights a need for taking more attention to water supplies in order to prevent illnesses related to free-living amoebae.