Expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) and Astacin Genes of as well as HSP70 and HSP17.1 Genes of in Adult and Larval Stages of .

Background: Uncovering the roles and characteristics of pathogenesis-related molecules can help us develop novel management methods in parasitology. In this study, we studied the expression levels of heat shock protein70 (HSP70) () and astacin () as pathogenesis-related genes as well as the expression of HSP70 and HSP17.1 (, ) in the larvae and adult stages of .

Methods: A hyperinfection isolate of from Gilan Province, northern Iran was cultivated on nutrient agar. After a couple of days, parasites in different stages of life were collected, and total RNA was extracted. The expression levels of astacin and HSP genes were compared by real-time PCR.

Results: Statistically higher expression levels of , and genes in L3 larvae than in adults were observed. However, the expression level of was non-significantly lower in the larval stage than in adult worms.

Conclusion: Higher expression levels of , , and genes in the larval stages of suggest the potential role of these enzymes in parasite cutaneous invasion and pathogenesis. However, higher expression of in adult forms is probably involved in resistance and survival mechanisms. The similarity in gene expression between . and can provide helpful hints to better understand strongyloidiasis from various perspectives, including pathogenesis, proper diagnosis, and targeted treatment.