Evaluation of Drug Resistant Genotypes to Fansidar and Chloroquine by Studying Mutation in and Genes in Isolates from Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Background: Malaria is one of the major health problems in endemic countries like Afghanistan. Evidence has been reported about reducing the effects of chloroquine against in many endemic countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance mutations in and genes of samples detected in blood samples of malaria patients in Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Prevalence and determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among general population in Afghanistan.

Objective: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a common cause of antibiotic resistance, a major public health problem. This research aimed to identify the prevalence of SMA and explore reasons for practicing SMA among people living in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2017 in 12 community pharmacies operating across Kabul, Afghanistan.

Application of High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Technique towards the Detection of Asymptomatic Malaria in a Malaria Endemic Area of Southeastern Iran under Elimination Program.

Background: Asymptomatic malaria, which usually exists in low parasitemia, acts as the Plasmodium species reservoirs contributing towards malaria transmission. This situation hinders malaria elimination programs in endemic areas, thus necessitating an active case detection with a high sensitive method and treatment of cases. This is why we used a High Resolution Melting (HRM) assay to monitor the trend of asymptomatic malaria in a malaria endemic area of Iran which is under elimination program.

The Immune Response and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Therapies.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly pathogenic with relatively high mortality and morbidity. In addition to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and microembolic disorder, a high proportion of patients with SARS-CoV-2 develop lymphopenia and cytokine storm disorder. This review explores the underlying mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, especially the immune mechanisms, which could be potentially used as therapeutic targets for the management of COVID-19.

HLA, Immune Response, and Susceptibility to COVID-19.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that appeared in December 2019 has precipitated the global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in many parts of Africa fewer than expected cases of COVID-19, with lower rates of mortality, have been reported. Individual human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles can affect both the susceptibility and the severity of viral infections.

An unlabelled probe-based real time PCR and modified semi-nested PCR as molecular tools for analysis of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium vivax isolates from Afghanistan.

Background: Plasmodium vivax resistance to chloroquine (CQ) has been reported from many endemic regions in the world. Plasmodium vivax is responsible for 95% of malaria cases in Afghanistan and CQ is the first-line treatment given for vivax malaria. The pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o (K10 insertion) genes are possible markers for CQ-resistance in P.

The Comparison of Real-time-PCR-HRM and Microscopy Methods for Detection of Mixed Plasmodium spp. Infections in Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Background: Laghman province, in the east of Afghanistan, is one of the most malaria endemic regions with prominence of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. So far, no study has been conducted to investigate the extent of mixed infections in this area.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mixed infections of malaria in Laghman province by using a new and highly sensitive molecular method (real-time polymerase chain reaction high resolution melting analysis) and compare its results with microscopically confirmed cases of malaria.

Effectiveness of plant-based repellents against different Anopheles species: a systematic review.

Plant-based repellents have been applied for generations in traditional practice as a personal protection approach against different species of Anopheles. Knowledge of traditional repellent plants is a significant resource for the development of new natural products as an alternative to chemical repellents. Many studies have reported evidence of repellant activities of plant extracts or essential oils against malaria vectors worldwide.

Gallbladder Perforation Due to in a Pregnant Woman and 6 Year Old Girl from Afghanistan: Case Report.

Ascariasis is an important and prevalent geo-helminth infection, especially in underdeveloped countries such as Afghanistan, where public health problems and devastation of hygienic infrastructures usually lead to the higher incidence of the infection. Here, we report two cases of intestinal obstruction that accompanied with biliary ascariasis due to in pregnant women and a 6-year-old girl from Afghanistan. Biliary ascariasis can be associated with cystic duct obstruction, gallbladder dilation, acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, and biliary colic.

Particularly neglected in countries with other challenges: High Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women in Kabul, Afghanistan, while a low proportion know about the parasite.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease of global importance. It is widespread and endemic practically all over the world, with infection prevalence varying by geographic location. The parasite and the disease are neglected, which is illustrated by the lack of baseline information on the prevalence from many regions.

High-Resolution Melting Analysis as an Appropriate Method to Differentiate between and .

Background: Fasciolosis is a shared disease between humans and livestock caused by hepatic trematodes; and . Differentiate between the two species of this genus is essential. High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis represents a new approach to this issue.

Induction of Immune Responses by DNA Vaccines Formulated with Dendrimer and Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) Nano-Adjuvants in BALB/c Mice Infected with .

Background: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease induced by a protozoan from the genus . No effective vaccine has yet been developed against the disease.

Aim: In this work, two nano-vaccines, TSA recombinant plasmid and dendrimer and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles (as adjuvants), were designed and tested for their immunogenicity in BALB/c mice.