Molecular identification and characterization of waterborne protozoa among stranded Dugong dugon.

The Persian Gulf hosts the second-largest population of Dugongs. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as Vulnerable to Extinction species. Incidental fishing, vessel strikes, environmental pollution, habitat degradation, and infectious diseases currently threaten these sirenians.

Occurrence and assemblage distribution of Giardia Duodenalis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in southeastern Iran (2019-2022).

Background: The ubiquitous protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis is a major contributor to the global burden of diarrhoea, particularly in young children living in poor-resource regions. Although rarely mortal, giardiasis is associated with growth retardation and cognitive impairment in early childhood. Here we investigate the epidemiology of human giardiasis in Iranshahr (south-eastern Iran), a region where this information was previously lacking.

Evaluation of anti-Toxoplasma effects of solid lipid nanoparticles carrying Cinnamon zeylanicum and Moringa oleifera oil extracts.

Background: The fabrication of anti-Toxoplasma drugs with less side effects and desirable efficacy is one of the important research goals facing with toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to determine the anti-Toxoplasma effects of Cinnamon zeylanicum (CZ), Moringa oleifera (MO) oil encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs).

Methods: Vero cells were cultured with serial concentrations (1 mg/mL to 100 µg/mL) of CZ-SLNs and MO-SLNs in DMEM culture medium.

The presence of yeasts and bacteria in free-living amoebae isolated from COVID-19 patients: concern for secondary infections.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2, yeasts, and bacteria in isolated free-living amoeba (FLA) from COVID-19 patients. Nasopharyngeal swabs ( = 60) were obtained from COVID-19 patients. After cultivation, morphological characterization, and RNA/DNA extraction, the presence of selected microorganisms was investigated.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Vahlkampfiidae and from Fresh Vegetables: A Neglected Source of Infections.

Background: spp., spp., and are potential pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) causing diseases such as keratitis, meningoencephalitis, and lung infections.

Anti- activity of rose hip oil-solid lipid nanoparticles.

is a highly prevalent pathogen, reported from almost all geographical regions of the world. Current anti- drugs are not effective enough in immunocompromised patients, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the prescription of these drugs has been limited.

Design and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of .

is one of the most prevalent microsporidia species, responsible for more than 90% of human and animal microsporidiosis. Microsporidia species, particularly are frequently reported from waterborne and foodborne outbreaks. Therefore, early detection is crucial in clinics and outbreak investigations.

Identification of and non-MRSA in free-living amoebae isolated from the hospital wards; an alarm for distribution of nosocomial infections via FLA.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are isolated from the hospital environments and known as Trojan horses for medical essential microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the presence of FLA and two critical agents of nosocomial infections, in the hospital wards. Sixty samples were collected from four communities and cultured onto non-nutrient agar (NNA).

Iranian Hydatid Disease Registry: Establishment and Implementation of a Neglected Tropical Disease Registry.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatid disease is a global public health concern which imposes considerable economic costs on the communities in endemic regions. CE surveillance data are not adequately reliable. The present study reports the development and outcomes of a CE registry in Iran.

Assemblage characterization of Giardia duodenalis in South Khorasan province, eastern Iran, using HRM real-time PCR method.

Background: Giardia duodenalis is a common parasitic protozoan causing gastrointestinal illness in humans worldwide. The genetic diversity of G. duodenalis is reflected through the identification of different assemblages.

Development of solid lipid nanoparticles-loaded drugs in parasitic diseases.

Parasites cause illnesses with broad spectrum of symptoms from mild to severe, and are responsible for a significant number of outbreaks in the world. Current anti-parasitic drugs are toxic and have significant side effects. Nano-carriers are believed to obviate the limitations of conventional drugs via decreasing side effects and increasing target delivery and drug permeability with a controlled prolonged release of a drug.

The effects of Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) on the virulence factors of L. major and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: an in vitro study on human monocyte cell line (THP-1).

Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease with diverse outcomes. Clinical diversity is influenced by various factors such as Leishmania species and host genetic background. The role of Leishmania RNA virus (LRV), as an endosymbiont, is suggested to not only affect the pathogenesis of Leishmania, but also impact host immune responses.

Profiling of the fecal microbiota and circulating microRNA-16 in IBS subjects with Blastocystis infection : a case-control study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorder. Although the main reason for IBS is not clear, the interaction between intestinal microorganisms and the gut barrier seems to play an important role in pathogenesis of IBS. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Blastocystis on the gut microbiota profile and the circulation levels of microRNA (mir)-16 of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects.

Long non-coding RNAs ANRIL, THRIL, and NEAT1 as potential circulating biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity.

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global emergency, as its rapid spread and high mortality rate, which poses a significant threat to public health. Innate immunity plays a crucial role in the primary defense against infections, and recent studies have highlighted the pivotal regulatory function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in innate immune responses. This study aims to assess the circulating levels of lncRNAs namely ANRIL, THRIL, NEAT1, and MALAT1 in the blood of moderate and severe SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, in comparison to healthy individuals.

Microscopic and Molecular Investigation of Intestinal Microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS and Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and comparing the results to healthy individuals in Mazandaran province, north of Iran.

Methods: Stool samples were collected from 50 HIV + /AIDS patients, 50 cancer patients, and 50 healthy samples referred to medical centers in north of Iran.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Domestic Mammalian Hosts in Southeastern Iran.

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are a major cause of disease and production loss in livestock. Some have zoonotic potential, so production animals can be a source of human infections. We describe the prevalence of GIP in domestic mammals in Southeastern Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii profilin induces NLRP3 activation and IL-1β production/secretion in THP-1 cells.

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent protozoan that infects a broad spectrum of warm-blooded animals. Profilin is a critical protein that plays a role in the movement and invasion of T. gondii.

Molecular epidemiology and subtyping of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in celiac patients; a case control study.

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist, reported from symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Blastocystis sp.

Evaluation of the mTORC activity in the presence of Toxoplasma gondii and azathioprine in human monocyte cell line.

Background: Autophagy is an important part of pathogenesis of IBD. Thiopurines such as azathioprine (AZA) are approved drugs for clinical practices in IBD patients. Besides, as an escape strategy, Toxoplasma gondii can use the mTORC1 complex to inactivate autophagy.