The effects of Fasciola hepatica recombinant proteins (peroxiredoxin and cathepsin L1) on Crohn's disease experimental model

The immunomodulatory potential of the excretory-secretory (E/S) proteins of the helminths has been shown in previous investigations. This study evaluated the effects of the recombinants and excretory-secretory proteins of the Fasciola hepatica on induced colitis in Balb/c mice. The F. hepatica Recombinant proteins, Cathepsin L1 and Peroxiredoxin, and E/S proteins were intraperitoneally injected into the three mice groups as the case groups, while the control groups received PBS. Colitis was induced in mice by intraluminal administration of the 2, 4, 6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). After 8 h, the case groups received the second dosage of the treatments, and it was repeated 24 h later. The immunological, pathological, and macroscopic changes were evaluated 3 days after colitis induction. The macroscopic evaluation revealed significantly lower inflammatory scores in the mice treated with recombinant Peroxiredoxin (rPRX) and recombinant Cathepsin L1 (rCL1). Despite the macroscopic observation, the pathological finding was insignificant between the groups. IFN-γ secretion was significantly lower in splenocytes of the groups that received rPRX, rCL1, and E/S than the controls. IL-10 showed significantly higher levels in groups treated with rPRX and rCL1 than controls, whereas the level of IL-4 was not statistically significant. Excretory-secretory proteins of the F. hepatica showed immunomodulatory potency and the main effects observed in this study were through the reduction of inflammatory cytokine and inflammation manifestation as well as induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Presence of CRISPR CAS-Like Sequences as a Proposed Mechanism for Horizontal Genetic Exchanges between Trichomonas vaginalis and Its Associated Virus: A Comparative Genomic Analysis with the First Report of a Putative CRISPR CAS Structures in Eukaryotic Cells

Introduction

Trichomonas vaginalis genome is among the largest genome size and coding capacities. Combinations of gene duplications, transposon, repeated sequences, and lateral gene transfers (LGTs) have contributed to the unexpected large genomic size and diversity. This study is aimed at investigating genomic exchange and seeking for presence of the CRISPR CAS system as one of the possible mechanisms for some level of genetic exchange. Material and Methods. In this comparative analysis, 398 publicly available Trichomonas vaginalis complete genomes were investigated for the presence of CRISPR CAS. Spacer sequences were also analyzed for their origin using BLAST.

Results

We identified a CRISPR CAS (Cas3). CRISPR spacers are highly similar to transposable genetic elements such as viruses of protozoan parasites, especially megavirals, some transposons, and, interestingly, papillomavirus and HIV-1 in a few cases. Discussion. There is a striking similarity between the prokaryotes/Archaean CRISPR and what we find as eukaryotic CRISPR. About 5-10% of the 398 T. vaginalis possess a CRISPR structure.

Conclusion

According to sequences and their organization, we assume that these repeated sequences and spacer, along with their mentioned features, could be the eukaryotic homolog of prokaryotes and Archaean CRISPR systems and may involve in a process similar to the CRISPR function.

Real-time impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cutaneous leishmaniasis case finding and strategic planning, preventive interventions, control and epidemiology in a region with a high burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis and COVID-19: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on registry data in Ilam-Iran

Background and Aims

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a severe parasitic disease affecting people, mostly in underdeveloped nations. As a zoonotic infection yearly incidence of CL depends on several parameters such as demographic, epidemiological, and environmental factors as well as prevention and control measures. The sudden outbreak of pandemics such as SARS-Corona-Virus-2 pandemic, can probably affect the incidence or reporting of other diseases, especially infectious diseases, in various ways such as pressure on health systems, providing sanitary services and its components, lockdowns and changes in people's living habits.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 impact on the incidence and other epidemiological aspects as well as control measures of CL in Ilam Province-Iran.

Methods

Required data was extracted from the CL registration system in Ilam from 2014 to 2021 to demonstrate the trend of CL incidence before and after COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Based on our results, a declining pattern of CL incidence was observed, accompanied by the advent and intensification of the viral pandemic in Iran and Ilam province. Although, this decreasing pattern was not integral in all areas, and even increase in CL detection was emphasized in some regions.

Conclusion

It may be inferred that the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt treatment programs of CL cases, rodent nest destruction, and fighting vector insects.

Global distribution of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in domestic and wild canids: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21 May 2021 were screened, relevant articles were selected and the random-effect model was used to draw forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Totally, 44 articles were included, mostly examined dogs (37 records), followed by wolf (8 records), jackal (7 records), fox (3 records), pump fox (3 records) and coyote (1 record). Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3) and G6/7 cluster of Echinococcus canadensis were the most common genotypes among canids. Most studies were conducted in Asia and Europe with 17 and 15 datasets, respectively. Exclusively, Iran possessed the highest number of studies (10 records). Meta-analysis showed that the pooled molecular prevalence of echinococcosis was 33.82% (95% CI 24.50–43.83%). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of canine echinococcosis was calculated for South America (66.03%; 95% CI 25.67–95.85%) and Europe (19.01%; 95% CI 9.95–30.16%). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the global prevalence of echinococcosis in canines and publication year, continent, country, sample type, host and molecular test. These findings will elevate our knowledge on the poorly known canine echinococcosis worldwide.

COVID-19 vaccination, Peltzman Effect and possible increase in high-risk behaviors: a growing concern on risk compensation and reduced compliance to Public Health protective Measures after vaccines rollout

World is still struggling with widespread dissemination and many unanswered questions about Coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19). Global efforts introduced several candidate vaccines against causing COVID-19, mostly requires require 2 doses of injections and some with about 90-95% efficacy. All strategies against the spread of infection are placed on breaking the chain of virus transmission though protective public health measures and mass vaccination, as yet. The current situation emphasis on the global need for carefully designed policies to maximize vaccine access and uptake. The risk compensation theory states that a drop in perceived risk caused by access to prevention measures may lead to an increase in risky behaviors. The current pandemic has faced people to the sense of risk compensation and behavior change in response to a perceived risk level. Risk compensation phenomenon may significantly defeat the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, especially if the vaccine is not very effective in real life or in high-risk populations. Acknowledging and be conscious of Peltzman risk compensation has crucial importance in counteracting and neutralizing the false complacency of community also lend more weight to public health efforts. The public health messages and practices should be clearly expressed, straightforward, reliable and applicable. It is important that as efforts made to encourage mass vaccination of population other NPIs needs to be re-established and implemented to ensuring strike the balance of learning to live with COVID-19 in parallel with daily activities and job tasks.

Molecular characterization of Trichomonas infections in women of Ilam City, southwestern Iran

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the flagellated protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Little information is available on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. vaginalis in Ilam City, southwestern Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out between July 2017 and December 2018 on the suspected women patients referred to eight gynecology clinics of Ilam City for probable Trichomonas infection. They were undergone a set of clinical, parasitological, and molecular examinations. During clinical consultation, posterior vaginal fornix secretions and urine samples were gathered from the participants. For the reasons such as physical conditions and cultural and religious constraints, most of participating women, especially young girls due to their virginity, preferred to give urine samples instead of vaginal discharge. The presence of Trichomonas was diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecular detection using conventional PCR targeting ITS1-rDNA. A total of 1765 suspected individuals were examined clinically via vaginal secretions (495 specimens) and urine samples (1270 specimens). Of them, 21 (1.18%) cases, including 13 vaginal secretions and 8 urine samples, were positive for Trichomonas infection by microscopy. Slightly more than half of the patients (11/21, 52.4%) complained of vulvar itching, burning, and frequent urination. Cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and vaginal discharge were recorded in 28.6%, 23.8%, and 19% of the patients respectively. All patients with positive microscopic identification were confirmed by amplification of 450-bp fragment of ITS1-rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high rate of genetic homogeneity in which all our isolates together with homologous sequences from China, Philippines, Austria, and USA were clustered within the same clade. A statistically significant relationship was recorded between the patients positive for trichomoniasis and the presence of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, immune system deficiency).

In vitro antileishmanial activity of hydroalcoholic Thymbra spicata extract on Leishmania major promastigotes

Cutaneous leishmaniosis is a major worldwide public health problem with annual incidence of 1.5 million cases across 98 countries. Treatment still relies on the use of chemical drugs with increasing resistance and side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-leishmanial effect of the hydroalcoholic Thymbra spicata extract on Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes. In this study, 1×105 L. major promastigotes were cultured in 96-well plates and treated with different concentrations of hydroalcoholic T. spicata extract (12.5 to 400 μg/ml) then incubated at 25°C for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Lethal percentage of promastigotes in each well was determined. RPMI 1640 medium containing L. major promastigotes with glucantime or without any treatment were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of T. spicata extract and glucantime was calculated by GraphPad Prism software. The results indicated a significant decrease in the number of promastigotes treated with T. spicata extract and glucantime in comparison with negative control (P<0.0001). LC50 values for T. spicata extract were 18.49, 8.58, and 1.64 μg/ml after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. In addition, anti-leishmanial effect of T. spicata extract and glucantime were dependent on concentration (P<0.0001). Our study revealed T. spicata extract as an herbal product against L. major promastigotes. However, more investigations are needed to find its antileishmanial activity in vivo and clinical trial studies.

Efficacy of Capparis spinosa Linn Leaf and Fruit Extracts on Giardia Lambia Cysts In vitro

Aims: Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is one of the most common intestinal parasites worldwide. There are some side effects and the reports of parasite resistance to metronidazole as the first line treatment of giardiasis. Therefore, it is essential to discover an effect and safe drug to treat giardiasis. Methodology: In this study, the anti-parasitic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Capparis spinosa Linn (C. spinosa) leaves and fruits with different concentrations (4 to 0.125 mg/ml) was assessed against human isolates of the G. lamblia cysts and incubated at 37℃. After staining Giardia cysts with 0.1% eosin, the lethal percentage and 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of fruit and leave C. spinosa L extracts and metronidazole on G. lamblia cysts were calculated after 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours. Results: Anti-giardia activity of fruit and leaf extracts of C. spinosa was different between concentrations and time points (p<0.005). The lethal effect of both C. spinosa L extracts and metronidazole increased significantly in a concentration - and time–dependent response (P<0.0001). The highest lethal percentage of G. lamblia cysts was observed a concentration of 4 mg / ml of fruit (100%) and leaf (44%) extracts of C. spinosa L after 48 hours, respectively. LC50 values were 0.38 ± 0.02mg/ml for fruit extract, 2.32 ± 0.1 mg/ml for leaf extract and 0.53 ± 0.03 µg/ml for metronidazole after 48hours. Conclusion: C. spinosa can be effective in eliminating Giardia cyst of contaminated environments and water.

Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. from dust phenomenon in Ilam Province, West Iran

In recent years, increasing dust phenomenon in the west of Iran has led to social, economic, and health concerns. This study aimed to represent the existence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. in dust phenomenon in Ilam Province, Iran. In this study, 55 dust samples were collected and by targeting the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene, the genotypes were determined. Utilizing the tolerance ability test, the pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was also recognized. Eighteen samples of Acanthamoeba (32.7%) were detected in the sampling areas. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates related to T4 (77.7%) and T2 (22.3%) genotypes were reported. It was revealed by thermo- and osmotolerance tests in which six strains are extremely pathogenic. To our knowledge, the pathogenic Acanthamoeba was potentially isolated initially from dust phenomenon in Ilam Province. Thus, these strains are probably highly virulent, and dusts are possible sources of Acanthamoeba infection in humans.

Epidemiological survey of tularemia in Ilam Province, west of Iran

Background

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia in humans and a large number of animal species. Considering recent evidence of the circulation of this bacterium in different parts of Iran, especially in the western provinces, the aim of current study was to determine the tularemia seroprevalence in the human population living in Ilam Province.

Methods

In 2015, 360 serum samples were collected from five groups of people: ranchers (n = 112), farmers (n = 79), butchers and slaughterhouse workers (n = 61), Nature Conservation Officers (n = 34), and referents of medical diagnostic laboratories (n = 74). These samples were tested for the presence of anti- F. tularensis IgG antibodies using the ELISA method.

Results

According to the ELISA manufacturer cutoffs, we found that 10 (2.78%) and 9 (2.5%) sera, respectively, were positive or borderline for F. tularensis IgG antibodies. The highest tularemia seroprevalence was observed among farmers (7.59%).

Conclusions

Our results strongly support the circulation of tularemia in Ilam Province. Because no human tularemia case has been reported so far in this province, we recommend specific education programs to increase knowledge of local health care professionals about this important zoonotic disease.

Seroprevalence of Q fever among high-risk occupations in the Ilam province, the west of Iran

Background

Q fever is a zoonotic disease of great public health importance in Iran. This disease is presented with high phase I antibody development in chronic and high phase II antibody in the acute form of illness. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of Q fever among high-risk occupations in the Ilam province in Western Iran.

Methods and findings

In this cross-sectional study, 367 sera samples were collected from five groups comprised of animal husbandry workers, farmers, butchers, slaughterhouse workers, and park rangers. The collected sera were tested for IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii using ELISA. The seroprevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii in phase I and II was 24.38% and 26.37%, respectively (i.e., 32.42% overall). Low educational level, living in rural areas, keeping sheep/goats, ages older than 50 years, and a history of arthropod bites positively correlated with increased risk of Q fever infection. Animal husbandry workers (45.13%) were at higher risk of contracting Q fever compared with other occupations in the study (17.11%).

Conclusions

High seroprevalence of C. burnetii among high-risk occupations is a serious challenge in the Ilam province. In addition, the high seroprevalence of endemic Q fever in rural and nomadic areas and a higher concentration of occupations who are directly engaged with livestock demonstrate the critical need for preventive medicine education and training in regards to mitigating risk for disease contraction in susceptible groups.

Determination of genetic diversity of Leishmania species using mini-circle kDNA, in Iran-Iraq countries border

Background and Objective:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important diseases worldwide, with a different range of prevalence in endemic areas. Anthroponotic and zoonotic CL are two epidemiological forms of CL, in Iran. Although Ilam Province in the west of Iran is one of the main endemic areas of the disease, there is no inclusive study to determine the genetic variations of parasite in these areas. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of Leishmania species in Ilam Province, using mini-circle kDNA gene.

Materials and Methods:

Direct smears were taken from skin lesions of 200 suspected cases of CL. Smears were stained, screened under light microscope. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, using specific kinetoplast DNA primers. Data were analyzed, using the molecular bio-software.

Results:

All the samples were positive by direct examination. PCR results showed all cases were positive for Leishmania major. Although all isolated cases belong to a different county of Ilam province, all were positive for L. major with intra-species genetic diversity, divided into four clades in the dendrogram.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

This variation can affect drug resistance and controlling strategies of parasite. It is possible that different species of sand flies and rodents are the vector and reservoir of parasite, respectively; however, further studies are needed to validate this.

Assessment of hospitalization and mortality from exposure to PM10 using AirQ modeling in Ilam, Iran

The aims of this study were to assess the health impact of PM₁₀ on inhabitants and to investigate the trend of PM₁₀ concentrations in Ilam, Iran, from 2012 to 2015. For these aims, daily average concentration of PM₁₀ was obtained from continuous monitoring stations in the study area. Mortality and morbidity due to PM₁₀ were assessed by AirQ software developed by World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the results, the annual mean concentrations of PM₁₀ in all of years were more than WHO guideline and PM₁₀ concentration had a decreasing trend in this study period. Total mortality attributed to PM₁₀ was found to be 49 cases in 2012, 25 in 2013, and 33 in 2014. Hospital admission due to respiratory diseases was the most impact due to PM_10. Increase in relative risk (RR) with every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM₁₀ from 2012 to 2015 years for total mortality, respiratory disease hospitalization, and hospital admissions were 0.6, 0.8, and 0.9%, respectively. The results of this study indicated that air pollution is one of the major problems in this urban area and AirQ model as simple tool can help to design preventive and controlling programs in order to reduce human health effects of pollutants.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis prevalence and morbidity based on environmental factors in Ilam, Iran: Spatial analysis and land use regression models

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the environmental factors on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) prevalence and morbidity in Ilam province, western Iran, as a known endemic area for this disease. Accurate locations of 3237 CL patients diagnosed from 2013 to 2015, their demographic information, and data of 17 potentially predictive environmental variables (PPEVs) were prepared to be used in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Land-Use Regression (LUR) analysis. The prevalence, risk, and predictive risk maps were provided using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model in GIS software. Regression analysis was used to determine how environmental variables affect on CL prevalence. All maps and regression models were developed based on the annual and three-year average of the CL prevalence. The results showed that there was statistically significant relationship (P value≤0.05) between CL prevalence and 11 (64%) PPEVs which were elevation, population, rainfall, temperature, urban land use, poorland, dry farming, inceptisol and aridisol soils, and forest and irrigated lands. The highest probability of the CL prevalence was predicted in the west of the study area and frontier with Iraq. An inverse relationship was found between CL prevalence and environmental factors, including elevation, covering soil, rainfall, agricultural irrigation, and elevation while this relation was positive for temperature, urban land use, and population density. Environmental factors were found to be an important predictive variables for CL prevalence and should be considered in management strategies for CL control.