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Papers by forough kazemi

Current Molecular Medicine

Introduction:: Breast cancer is considered the most frequent type of cancer in women with high mo... more Introduction:: Breast cancer is considered the most frequent type of cancer in women with high mortality worldwide, and most importantly, it is the second most common cancer. However, some breast cancer-related risk factors remain unknown. So, the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of Toxocara canis on the biomarkers correlated with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice infected with Toxocara canis for the first time. Methods:: Mice were categorized into four groups: A) control, B) treated with 4T1+ Toxocara canis, C) treated with Toxocara canis, and D) treated with 4T1. The expression of Ki-67 and P53 was then evaluated by using the immunohistochemical technique. In addition, the levels of transforming growth factor-β, Interferon gamma-γ, Interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor as well as anti- Toxocara canis IgG were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. obje...

Central nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry, Jan 31, 2023

International Journal of Fertility & Sterility, 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is found as an intracellular protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa phylum that ... more Toxoplasma gondii is found as an intracellular protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa phylum that can be transmitted to the fetus and causes miscarriage, infection, and asymptomatic neonatal disease. In the present study, we characterized the seroprevalence rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a population of Iranian women with a recent a spontaneous abortion. We examined our national and international databases including Irandoc, Magiran, SID, Medlib, Scopus, PubMed, and the Science Direct. The search strategy was carried out by using keywords and MeSH terms. The statistical analysis was performed by STATA 14.2. By using the random effects model and the fixed effects model the statistical analysis was performed while the heterogeneity was ≥75 and ≤50%, respectively. We used the chi-squared test and I 2 index to calculate heterogeneity among studies, and for evaluating publication bias, Funnel plots and Egger tests were used. The seroprevalence positive rate of IgG among women who had experienced abortion was observed 32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20-45%] based on the random-effects model. The seroprevalence positive rate of IgM based on the fixed-effect model and positive IgG rate based on the random-effect model was evaluated 4% (95% CI: 3-6%) and 32% (9% CI: 3-42%) among women immediately after an abortion, respectively. According to the finding of our study, toxoplasmosis can be one of the most significant causes of abortion.

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets, 2021

Introduction: The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important ... more Introduction: The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Human toxocariasis, particularly in children, is acquired by playing in public parks. Hence, the aim of the current study was to detect Toxocara spp. in the soils of public parks of the city of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, using the PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 260 soil samples were randomly collected from the different public parks of the city of Ahvaz. After performing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) flotation technique, the DNA samples were extracted from the isolated Toxocara spp. eggs. Lastly, the extracted DNA was used for PCR and LAMP-based molecular detection. Results: Out of 260 specimens, 57 (21.9%) samples were found positive for Toxocara spp., using the PCR method, out of that 38 (14.6%) samples were positive for T. canis and 19 (7.3%) sa...

Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hemodialysis patients are at higher ri... more Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hemodialysis patients are at higher risk for the toxoplasmosis than healthy people and a rapid and definitive diagnosis is important in these individuals. Thus, the aim of the research was to investigate the toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis and healthy individuals in Shush County, southwest of Iran in 2016. Methods: In the research of cross-sectional, 82 hemodialysis patients (the test group) and 82 healthy individuals (the control group) were randomly selected. IgG and IgM of T. gondii were measured by the ELISA method. Results:Of 82 control group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively that of 82, 25 (30.48%) were positive for IgG (15 (60%) and 10 (40%) for males and females, respectively). In the test group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively. Of 82, 42 (51.21%) was positive for IgG (21 (50%) for both males and females). IgM of T. gondii was negative in both test and contro...

Introduction: One of the most important infectious diseases, especially in subtropical and tropic... more Introduction: One of the most important infectious diseases, especially in subtropical and tropical regions in developing countries is Malaria.Due to the importance of the infectious disease in these areas, the aim of current study is to evaluate epidemiology of malaria through microscopic evaluation in Ramhormoz County, southwest of Iran, during 2001-2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood specimens were collected from all suspicious malaria individuals referred to the Ramhormoz Healthcare Network. For the preparation of peripheral blood smears, one drop of sample was carefully placed on a microscopic slide and the slide was also stained by the Giemsa staining. In order to the detection of the parasite, the peripheral blood smears were evaluated via optical microscope. Results: In this study, of 2769, 40 (1.44%) individuals were infected to Plasmodium vivax. The highest frequent of malaria was observed in 2001, 2002 with 13 (8.49%) and 11 (6.79%) cases, respectively...

Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2019

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are frequently considered one of the public he... more Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are frequently considered one of the public health problems worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IPIs among patients. Methods: In this Retrospective cross-sectional study, 50000 stool samples (24551 males) were collected among males and females referred to Naft Hospital of Ahvaz, southern Iran during 2007–2017. At first, the collected specimens were macroscopically observed for the presence of trophozoites, eggs, cysts using the procedure of direct as well as the method of formalin-ether concentration. Results: Of 50000 samples, 2878 (5.75%) cases were positive for IPIs that 1426 and 1452 cases were observed in the males and females, respectively. Giardia lamblia with 887 (1.774%) cases, Blastocystis hominis with 784 (1.568%) cases, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar with 685 (1.37%) cases, E. coli with 357 (0.714%) cases, Trichomonas hominis with 43 (0.086%) cases, Chilomastix mesnili with 40 (0.08%) cases, Hymeno...

Acta Parasitologica, 2021

Background and Objectives The current study was done to evaluate the relationship between T. gond... more Background and Objectives The current study was done to evaluate the relationship between T. gondii and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in treatment-resistant patients with OCD in comparison with treatment-sensitive patients with OCD. Methods A total of 180 subjects were selected, including 90 patients with OCD and 90 control participants. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against T. gondii were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was carried out using the ELISA IgG avidity. In addition, the presence of this parasite in blood was detected using the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results Regarding T. gondii IgG antibodies 42 (46.7%) and 17 (18.9%) cases were detected in the patients and controls, respectively ( P = 0.000). Also, 16 (17.8%) and 5 (5.6%) cases were positive for B1 gene in patients and controls, respectively ( P = 0.018). The antibodies were found to be related to risk of OCD [OR (95% CI) = 3.71 (1.88–7.30); P < 0.001]. Moreover, out of 90 patients, 35 and 55 cases were resistant and sensitive to treatment, respectively, so that 24 (68.6%) out of 35 and 18 (32.7%) out of 55 were positive for the antibodies ( P = 0.01) as well as 11 (31.4%) out of 35 and 5 (9.1%) out of 55 were positive for B1 gene ( P = 0.010). The antibodies were also associated with risk of resistance to treatment in patients with OCD [OR (95% CI) = 3.81 (1.42–10.17); P = 0.008]. Conclusion Our findings showed that toxoplasmosis was more frequent in patients with OCD than the control group. In addition, prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in treatment-resistant patients with OCD was significantly more than that in treatment-sensitive patients with OCD.

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets, 2021

Introduction: Parasitic myositis is caused by some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii) T. gondi... more Introduction: Parasitic myositis is caused by some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii) T. gondii (and Toxocara canis (T. canis). So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence T. gondii and T. canis in patients with myositis and healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 108 samples were randomly selected as the control (54 healthy individuals) and test (54 myositis patients) groups. IgG and IgM antibodies (Ab) against T. gondii and IgG Ab against T. canis were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection of chronic and acute toxoplasmosis was performed by the ELISA IgG avidity. The presence of T. gondii in the blood was evaluated using the nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR). Results: Of 108, 33 (30.6%) cases were positive for IgG against T. gondii that 19 (35.2%) and 14 (25.9%) were observed in myositis patients and healthy individuals, respectively (P=0.296). Of 19 positive cases, 12 (63.2%) and 7 (36.8%) cases were detected as chron...

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2017

Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 2018

Background: Microsporidiosis is considered as an opportunistic infection in immunodeficient patie... more Background: Microsporidiosis is considered as an opportunistic infection in immunodeficient patients. Objectives: Due to the increasing prevalence of parasitic infections and immunodeficiency diseases as well as the transmission risk of microsporidia from animals to human, the aim of this study was to evaluate molecular diagnosis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. by the multiplex/nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and staining methods in wild rats of Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. Methods: Initially, 160 stool samples were collected from wild rats in different parts of Ahvaz city. The samples were stained by the modified trichrome staining and explored microscopically. The DNA was extracted using the DNA stool kit and examined by multiplex/nested PCR. For differentiating the species of Encephalitozoon, the multiplex/nested PCR products were explored by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method using the restriction enzyme of Mnl1. Results: Of 160, 26 cases were suspected positive for microsporidia spore by the staining. Also, of 160, 18 cases were positive by the multiplex/nested PCR method, that 14 and 4 samples were detected as E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis, respectively. Of 14 E. bieneusi samples, 12 and 2 cases were detected as genotype D and M, respectively. Conclusions: The findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of microsporidia infection in wild rats of the city and these animals can be a source of microsporidiosis. Due to the zoonotic potential of the microorganisms, high-risk individuals should be receiving the information about the risk of direct and indirect contact with the infected animals.

International Journal of Infection, 2018

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. T.... more Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can cause serious pathological effects in the fetus of infected women. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among pregnant women of Shush county, southwest of Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 276 pregnant women. IgG and IgM antibodies of T. gondii were measured by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. SPSS version 21 statistical software was used for data analysis and Chi-square test for significant differences. Results: Of 276 women, 85 (30.8%) and 2 (0.7%) were positive for IgG and IgM, respectively. Of 146 urban women, 43 (29.5%) were positive for IgG and of 130 rural women, 42 (32.3%) were positive for IgG. There was no significant difference between rural and urban women for IgG antibody (P > 0.05). Also, 2 (1.4%) out of 146 urban women were positive for IgM. All of the 130 rural women were negative for IgM. No significant difference was found between rural and urban women for IgM antibody (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicated there is a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii in the study pregnant women. Therefore, evaluation of T. gondii before marriage and pregnancy is important for women and the health authorities of Shush County must pay more attention to control and prevention of the transmission of the parasite to individuals.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2017

To evaluate Entamoeba spp. diagnosis in patients with inflammatory diarrhea by staining, copro-an... more To evaluate Entamoeba spp. diagnosis in patients with inflammatory diarrhea by staining, copro-antigen ELISA and multiplex PCR methods. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 200 stool samples were randomly collected during 2015-2016. The stool samples were evaluated microscopically for the presence of the parasite using direct and formalin-ether concentration and trichrome staining methods. Then, the stool samples were examined by copro-antigen ELISA (Biomerica Company) and multiplex PCR methods. Results: Of 200 samples, 17, 29 and 23 cases were positive for Entamoeba species by the staining, copro-antigen ELISA and multiplex PCR methods, respectively. Of 23 positive samples in multiplex PCR test, 13 and 10 samples were positive for Entamoeba dispar (E. dispar) and Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), respectively. Conclusions: Our finding indicated a relatively high prevalence of Entamoeba species in patients with inflammatory diarrhea in Ahvaz city. Due to the complications of E. histolytica/ dispar infection, the health authorities of the city must pay more attention to control and prevent the transmission of E. histolytica/dispar to individuals.

Infection, Disease & Health, 2017

Objective: Contamination of soil and water with infected oocysts have an important role in both a... more Objective: Contamination of soil and water with infected oocysts have an important role in both animals and humans toxoplasmosis. Cats shed oocytes by their feces that can survive in environment such as moist soil, warm and humid weather for months and even years. The present study designated to molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Methods: Initially, 486 stool samples were randomly collected from cats. After sucrose flotation method, the DNA was extracted and PCR was carried out using the amplification of the B1 gene and repeat element sequence (RE). For strain typing purpose, the genetic marker of SAG2 was used in nested-PCR. To perform RFLP procedure, the products of nested-PCR were digested using Sau3aI and HhaI enzymes. Results: A total 486 stool samples were examined to the amplification of the 194 bp fragment of B1 gene that 35 samples (7.2%) were positive. All positive samples were confirmed by using another PCR that was amplified the 130 bp repeat element sequence (RE). The identified genotypes were type III (32 cases), mix of type I and III (2 cases) and one of the samples was type I. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats. It is essential that the high-risk people receive the information about the risk of direct and indirect contact with the animals.

Current Molecular Medicine

Introduction:: Breast cancer is considered the most frequent type of cancer in women with high mo... more Introduction:: Breast cancer is considered the most frequent type of cancer in women with high mortality worldwide, and most importantly, it is the second most common cancer. However, some breast cancer-related risk factors remain unknown. So, the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of Toxocara canis on the biomarkers correlated with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice infected with Toxocara canis for the first time. Methods:: Mice were categorized into four groups: A) control, B) treated with 4T1+ Toxocara canis, C) treated with Toxocara canis, and D) treated with 4T1. The expression of Ki-67 and P53 was then evaluated by using the immunohistochemical technique. In addition, the levels of transforming growth factor-β, Interferon gamma-γ, Interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor as well as anti- Toxocara canis IgG were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. obje...

Central nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry, Jan 31, 2023

International Journal of Fertility & Sterility, 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is found as an intracellular protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa phylum that ... more Toxoplasma gondii is found as an intracellular protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa phylum that can be transmitted to the fetus and causes miscarriage, infection, and asymptomatic neonatal disease. In the present study, we characterized the seroprevalence rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a population of Iranian women with a recent a spontaneous abortion. We examined our national and international databases including Irandoc, Magiran, SID, Medlib, Scopus, PubMed, and the Science Direct. The search strategy was carried out by using keywords and MeSH terms. The statistical analysis was performed by STATA 14.2. By using the random effects model and the fixed effects model the statistical analysis was performed while the heterogeneity was ≥75 and ≤50%, respectively. We used the chi-squared test and I 2 index to calculate heterogeneity among studies, and for evaluating publication bias, Funnel plots and Egger tests were used. The seroprevalence positive rate of IgG among women who had experienced abortion was observed 32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20-45%] based on the random-effects model. The seroprevalence positive rate of IgM based on the fixed-effect model and positive IgG rate based on the random-effect model was evaluated 4% (95% CI: 3-6%) and 32% (9% CI: 3-42%) among women immediately after an abortion, respectively. According to the finding of our study, toxoplasmosis can be one of the most significant causes of abortion.

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets, 2021

Introduction: The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important ... more Introduction: The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Human toxocariasis, particularly in children, is acquired by playing in public parks. Hence, the aim of the current study was to detect Toxocara spp. in the soils of public parks of the city of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, using the PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 260 soil samples were randomly collected from the different public parks of the city of Ahvaz. After performing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) flotation technique, the DNA samples were extracted from the isolated Toxocara spp. eggs. Lastly, the extracted DNA was used for PCR and LAMP-based molecular detection. Results: Out of 260 specimens, 57 (21.9%) samples were found positive for Toxocara spp., using the PCR method, out of that 38 (14.6%) samples were positive for T. canis and 19 (7.3%) sa...

Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hemodialysis patients are at higher ri... more Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hemodialysis patients are at higher risk for the toxoplasmosis than healthy people and a rapid and definitive diagnosis is important in these individuals. Thus, the aim of the research was to investigate the toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis and healthy individuals in Shush County, southwest of Iran in 2016. Methods: In the research of cross-sectional, 82 hemodialysis patients (the test group) and 82 healthy individuals (the control group) were randomly selected. IgG and IgM of T. gondii were measured by the ELISA method. Results:Of 82 control group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively that of 82, 25 (30.48%) were positive for IgG (15 (60%) and 10 (40%) for males and females, respectively). In the test group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively. Of 82, 42 (51.21%) was positive for IgG (21 (50%) for both males and females). IgM of T. gondii was negative in both test and contro...

Introduction: One of the most important infectious diseases, especially in subtropical and tropic... more Introduction: One of the most important infectious diseases, especially in subtropical and tropical regions in developing countries is Malaria.Due to the importance of the infectious disease in these areas, the aim of current study is to evaluate epidemiology of malaria through microscopic evaluation in Ramhormoz County, southwest of Iran, during 2001-2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood specimens were collected from all suspicious malaria individuals referred to the Ramhormoz Healthcare Network. For the preparation of peripheral blood smears, one drop of sample was carefully placed on a microscopic slide and the slide was also stained by the Giemsa staining. In order to the detection of the parasite, the peripheral blood smears were evaluated via optical microscope. Results: In this study, of 2769, 40 (1.44%) individuals were infected to Plasmodium vivax. The highest frequent of malaria was observed in 2001, 2002 with 13 (8.49%) and 11 (6.79%) cases, respectively...

Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2019

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are frequently considered one of the public he... more Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are frequently considered one of the public health problems worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IPIs among patients. Methods: In this Retrospective cross-sectional study, 50000 stool samples (24551 males) were collected among males and females referred to Naft Hospital of Ahvaz, southern Iran during 2007–2017. At first, the collected specimens were macroscopically observed for the presence of trophozoites, eggs, cysts using the procedure of direct as well as the method of formalin-ether concentration. Results: Of 50000 samples, 2878 (5.75%) cases were positive for IPIs that 1426 and 1452 cases were observed in the males and females, respectively. Giardia lamblia with 887 (1.774%) cases, Blastocystis hominis with 784 (1.568%) cases, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar with 685 (1.37%) cases, E. coli with 357 (0.714%) cases, Trichomonas hominis with 43 (0.086%) cases, Chilomastix mesnili with 40 (0.08%) cases, Hymeno...

Acta Parasitologica, 2021

Background and Objectives The current study was done to evaluate the relationship between T. gond... more Background and Objectives The current study was done to evaluate the relationship between T. gondii and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in treatment-resistant patients with OCD in comparison with treatment-sensitive patients with OCD. Methods A total of 180 subjects were selected, including 90 patients with OCD and 90 control participants. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against T. gondii were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was carried out using the ELISA IgG avidity. In addition, the presence of this parasite in blood was detected using the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results Regarding T. gondii IgG antibodies 42 (46.7%) and 17 (18.9%) cases were detected in the patients and controls, respectively ( P = 0.000). Also, 16 (17.8%) and 5 (5.6%) cases were positive for B1 gene in patients and controls, respectively ( P = 0.018). The antibodies were found to be related to risk of OCD [OR (95% CI) = 3.71 (1.88–7.30); P < 0.001]. Moreover, out of 90 patients, 35 and 55 cases were resistant and sensitive to treatment, respectively, so that 24 (68.6%) out of 35 and 18 (32.7%) out of 55 were positive for the antibodies ( P = 0.01) as well as 11 (31.4%) out of 35 and 5 (9.1%) out of 55 were positive for B1 gene ( P = 0.010). The antibodies were also associated with risk of resistance to treatment in patients with OCD [OR (95% CI) = 3.81 (1.42–10.17); P = 0.008]. Conclusion Our findings showed that toxoplasmosis was more frequent in patients with OCD than the control group. In addition, prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in treatment-resistant patients with OCD was significantly more than that in treatment-sensitive patients with OCD.

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets, 2021

Introduction: Parasitic myositis is caused by some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii) T. gondi... more Introduction: Parasitic myositis is caused by some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii) T. gondii (and Toxocara canis (T. canis). So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence T. gondii and T. canis in patients with myositis and healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 108 samples were randomly selected as the control (54 healthy individuals) and test (54 myositis patients) groups. IgG and IgM antibodies (Ab) against T. gondii and IgG Ab against T. canis were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection of chronic and acute toxoplasmosis was performed by the ELISA IgG avidity. The presence of T. gondii in the blood was evaluated using the nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR). Results: Of 108, 33 (30.6%) cases were positive for IgG against T. gondii that 19 (35.2%) and 14 (25.9%) were observed in myositis patients and healthy individuals, respectively (P=0.296). Of 19 positive cases, 12 (63.2%) and 7 (36.8%) cases were detected as chron...

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2017

Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 2018

Background: Microsporidiosis is considered as an opportunistic infection in immunodeficient patie... more Background: Microsporidiosis is considered as an opportunistic infection in immunodeficient patients. Objectives: Due to the increasing prevalence of parasitic infections and immunodeficiency diseases as well as the transmission risk of microsporidia from animals to human, the aim of this study was to evaluate molecular diagnosis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. by the multiplex/nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and staining methods in wild rats of Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. Methods: Initially, 160 stool samples were collected from wild rats in different parts of Ahvaz city. The samples were stained by the modified trichrome staining and explored microscopically. The DNA was extracted using the DNA stool kit and examined by multiplex/nested PCR. For differentiating the species of Encephalitozoon, the multiplex/nested PCR products were explored by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method using the restriction enzyme of Mnl1. Results: Of 160, 26 cases were suspected positive for microsporidia spore by the staining. Also, of 160, 18 cases were positive by the multiplex/nested PCR method, that 14 and 4 samples were detected as E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis, respectively. Of 14 E. bieneusi samples, 12 and 2 cases were detected as genotype D and M, respectively. Conclusions: The findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of microsporidia infection in wild rats of the city and these animals can be a source of microsporidiosis. Due to the zoonotic potential of the microorganisms, high-risk individuals should be receiving the information about the risk of direct and indirect contact with the infected animals.

International Journal of Infection, 2018

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. T.... more Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can cause serious pathological effects in the fetus of infected women. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among pregnant women of Shush county, southwest of Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 276 pregnant women. IgG and IgM antibodies of T. gondii were measured by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. SPSS version 21 statistical software was used for data analysis and Chi-square test for significant differences. Results: Of 276 women, 85 (30.8%) and 2 (0.7%) were positive for IgG and IgM, respectively. Of 146 urban women, 43 (29.5%) were positive for IgG and of 130 rural women, 42 (32.3%) were positive for IgG. There was no significant difference between rural and urban women for IgG antibody (P > 0.05). Also, 2 (1.4%) out of 146 urban women were positive for IgM. All of the 130 rural women were negative for IgM. No significant difference was found between rural and urban women for IgM antibody (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicated there is a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii in the study pregnant women. Therefore, evaluation of T. gondii before marriage and pregnancy is important for women and the health authorities of Shush County must pay more attention to control and prevention of the transmission of the parasite to individuals.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2017

To evaluate Entamoeba spp. diagnosis in patients with inflammatory diarrhea by staining, copro-an... more To evaluate Entamoeba spp. diagnosis in patients with inflammatory diarrhea by staining, copro-antigen ELISA and multiplex PCR methods. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 200 stool samples were randomly collected during 2015-2016. The stool samples were evaluated microscopically for the presence of the parasite using direct and formalin-ether concentration and trichrome staining methods. Then, the stool samples were examined by copro-antigen ELISA (Biomerica Company) and multiplex PCR methods. Results: Of 200 samples, 17, 29 and 23 cases were positive for Entamoeba species by the staining, copro-antigen ELISA and multiplex PCR methods, respectively. Of 23 positive samples in multiplex PCR test, 13 and 10 samples were positive for Entamoeba dispar (E. dispar) and Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), respectively. Conclusions: Our finding indicated a relatively high prevalence of Entamoeba species in patients with inflammatory diarrhea in Ahvaz city. Due to the complications of E. histolytica/ dispar infection, the health authorities of the city must pay more attention to control and prevent the transmission of E. histolytica/dispar to individuals.

Infection, Disease & Health, 2017

Objective: Contamination of soil and water with infected oocysts have an important role in both a... more Objective: Contamination of soil and water with infected oocysts have an important role in both animals and humans toxoplasmosis. Cats shed oocytes by their feces that can survive in environment such as moist soil, warm and humid weather for months and even years. The present study designated to molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Methods: Initially, 486 stool samples were randomly collected from cats. After sucrose flotation method, the DNA was extracted and PCR was carried out using the amplification of the B1 gene and repeat element sequence (RE). For strain typing purpose, the genetic marker of SAG2 was used in nested-PCR. To perform RFLP procedure, the products of nested-PCR were digested using Sau3aI and HhaI enzymes. Results: A total 486 stool samples were examined to the amplification of the 194 bp fragment of B1 gene that 35 samples (7.2%) were positive. All positive samples were confirmed by using another PCR that was amplified the 130 bp repeat element sequence (RE). The identified genotypes were type III (32 cases), mix of type I and III (2 cases) and one of the samples was type I. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats. It is essential that the high-risk people receive the information about the risk of direct and indirect contact with the animals.