Iranian Journal of Parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Risk Factor of <i>Blastocystis hominis</i> and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> among Stunted Children in Bandung Regency, Indonesia.","authors":"Nisa Fauziah, Ika Puspa Sari, Lia Faridah, Irvan Afriandi, Ryadi Adrizain, Naufal Fakhri Nugraha, Agnes Kurniawan","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19048","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stunting, resulting from chronic malnutrition, increases susceptibility to infections due to immature immunity. <i>Blastocystis hominis</i> and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> may contribute to stunting. We aimed to determine the characteristics of intestinal protozoan infection among stunting children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among 280 stunted children in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Faecal specimens were collected, with portions preserved separately in 10% formaldehyde and RNA Later solution. Of these, 230 met the examination criteria. Risk factors and demographic data were obtained through interviews. DNA was extracted, and intestinal protozoan infection were detected using PCR targeting the 18S SSU rRNA gene for <i>B. hominis</i> and 16S-like RNA gene for <i>G. duodenalis</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of <i>G. duodenalis</i> and <i>B. hominis</i> was 5.6% (13/230) and 55.6% (128/230), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified age (<i>P-value</i> 0.004; OR 0.327) and no availability of a septic tank (<i>P-value</i> 0.021; OR 4.881) were the significant risk factors for <i>G. duodenalis</i> infection. For <i>B. hominis</i> infection, significant risk factors included age (<i>P-value</i> 0.033; OR 0.722) and gender (<i>P-value</i> 0.047; OR 1.742).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Stunting and intestinal protozoan infection present a dual burden. <i>G. duodenalis</i> and <i>B. hominis</i> infections were prevalent among stunted children. Significant risk factors included age and septic tank unavailability for <i>G. duodenalis</i>, while age and gender were associated with <i>B. hominis</i> infection. Improved sanitation and targeted interventions are essential to reduce infection risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"289-298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Effects of Imiquimod on Paths of TLRs and Inflammatory Cytokines Signaling in Infected Macrophages with <i>Leishmania major</i> in Vitro and in Vivo.","authors":"Parisa Ebrahimisadr, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Javad Jabari, John Horton, Zohreh Sharifi, Abdolhossein Dalimi, Mohammad Saaid Dayer","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19021","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Leishmania major</i> is an obligate and intracellular pathogen and the macrophages are the cell hosts for <i>L. major</i>. Imiquimod stimulates macrophages to secrete different cytokines via the expression of TLRs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was carried out in the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, in 2018. The effect of imiquimod was investigated on non-infected and infected macrophages with <i>L. major</i> on the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammatory cytokines. TLRs play an important role in enhancing the proceeding of phagocytosis and killing parasites. Moreover, the cytokines such as TNFα, IL6, and IL1, are often identified in inflammatory conditions as interfering targets in treatment. Healthy macrophages and macrophages infected with <i>Leishmania major</i> parasites were affected by different concentrations of imiquimod, after that the expression of TLR genes (TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9) and cytokines were evaluated by real time RT-PCR. For experiments in laboratory animals, infected BALB/c mice were exposed to imiquimod and then isolated peritoneal macrophages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The expression of TLR2 decreased in non-infected macrophages were affected by the imiquimod. The expression level of TLR7 in healthy macrophages, decreased and the difference with control group was significant. Imiquimod increases the expression of inflammatory cytokines and IL12 in mouse macrophages and also decrease the expression of IL10.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This suggests that imiquimod may improve the therapeutic effects in infected mice with <i>Leishmania major</i>. Imiquimod causes that TLR2 decreased expression but TLR7 and TLR9 increased expression. Imiquimod as TLR7 agonist, enhance the recovery of leishmaniasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"178-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307778/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Amoebic Dysentery in Northeastern Thailand: Contributing Factors in Border Provinces (2019-2023).","authors":"Surat Haruay, Kulchaya Loyha, Chananrat Doungboobpa, Panomwan Sawangkaew, Panita Khampoosa","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19046","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We investigated the contributing factors of amoebic dysentery across five provinces in Northeastern Thailand from 2019 to 2023. Comprehensive data were collected regarding agricultural practices, disaster impacts, and demographic characteristics for Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothorn, Amnat Charoen, and Mukdahan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Overall, 1,112 cases of amoebic dysentery were analyzed, revealing a higher prevalence among males in younger age groups, while females dominated in older cohorts. Sisaket reported the highest number of cases, followed by Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothorn, and Mukdahan. Notably, Sisaket demonstrated the highest incidence rate of 10.28 cases per 100,000 population, compared with Ubon Ratchathani's 5.27 cases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study highlights the interplay between environmental factors, agricultural practices, and sociodemographic characteristics, emphasizing how high disaster impact and reliance on natural agriculture may facilitate amoebic dysentery transmission. The findings underscore the importance of tailored public health interventions to mitigate the disease burden, particularly in vulnerable populations. Future research should focus on pinpointing specific factors driving the observed variations in disease prevalence across the region.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study serves as an essential resource for policymakers and public health officials aiming to enhance amoebic dysentery management strategies in Northeastern Thailand.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"268-279"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Managing Acute Kidney Injury in Severe <i>Falciparum</i> Malaria: Insights from a Challenging Case.","authors":"Dominikus Evano Putra, Indra Kasman, Angela Merici Bunga Boro, Asep Purnama, Eddy Zulfikar","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19051","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in certain regions of Indonesia, where it remains endemic. <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> is responsible for the most severe form of the disease, often leading to life-threatening complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we report the case of a 22-year-old male from Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, with a seven-day history of intermittent fever following recent travel to malaria-endemic areas. On physical examination, he appeared somnolent and exhibited icteric sclera, hepatomegaly, and dark yellow urine. Laboratory findings were notable for impaired kidney function (serum creatinine 3.52 mg/dL (311 μmol/L)), elevated transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia, and a <i>P. falciparum</i> parasitemia level of 9.7%. Imaging studies revealed pulmonary edema, enlarged kidneys, ascites, pleural effusion, and hepatomegaly. The patient was diagnosed with severe falciparum malaria, complicated by AKI, pulmonary edema, and jaundice. He was then treated with intravenous artesunate for six days, followed by a three-day course of oral dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine and a single dose of primaquine. Additionally, he underwent two sessions of timely hemodialysis. His clinical condition and kidney function gradually improved thereafter, and he was discharged without sequelae. This case highlights that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to full recovery from AKI caused by severe <i>P. falciparum</i> malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"316-321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Hidden Culprit: The Role of Blastocystis hominis in Exacerbating Iron Deficiency among Expectant Mothers.","authors":"Haewon Byeon","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19053","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19053","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"325-326"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307785/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differentiation of Cerebral Cystic Echinococcosis (CCE) from Coenurosis Using Morphometric and Molecular Methods.","authors":"Fattaneh Mikaeili, Sharif Maraghi, Eshrat Beigom Kia, Fatemeh Sadat Sadjjadi, Mehdi Karamian, Seyed Shahram Shekarforoush, Majid Fasihi Harandi, Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19023","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebral cystic echinococcosis (CCE) and coenurosis are zoonotic diseases caused by the larval stages of <i>Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.)</i> and <i>Taenia</i> spp., respectively. Due to the similarity between the symptoms and clinical samples of CCE and cerebral coenurosis, especially in cases with no protoscoleces, the diagnostic methods for the differentiation of CCE from cerebral coenurosis are crucial, especially in countries where both diseases are endemic. To compare CCE and coenurosis, morphometric indices of protoscoleces and molecular methods were used in the present study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this regard, four isolates of human cerebral echinococcal cysts, three isolates of <i>Coenurus cerebralis</i> from sheep, and one non-cerebral <i>Coenurus</i> from sheep muscles were evaluated. The isolated specimens have been collected from Shiraz, Ahvaz, Tehran and Kerman from before 2000 to 2022. The molecular characterization was carried out using the partial NADH dehydrogenase1 (nad1) gene. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In fertile cysts, the total size of the large and small hooks of <i>Coenurus</i> was larger than cerebral echinococcal cyst. These parameters demonstrated significant morphological differences between the <i>C. cerebralis</i> and the cerebral echinococcal cyst. Molecular methods identified the cerebral echinococcal cysts as <i>E. canadensis</i> (G6) genotype. One <i>C. cerebralis</i> and the non-cerebral <i>Coenurus</i> were identified as <i>Taenia multiceps</i> and <i>T. multiceps gaigeri</i>, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Morphometric indices are significantly different between protoscoleces of <i>C. cerebralis</i> and cerebral echinococcal cysts. Hence, they could be used for differential diagnosis of the fertile cysts of these cestodes. However, in cases with no protoscoleces, molecular methods are essential for the differentiation of CCE from cerebral coenurosis, especially in regions where both diseases are prevalent and endemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"193-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307782/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vitro Antimalarial Activity of Chloroquine-Crocus Sativus Conjugated to Chitosan Nanocomposits against 3D7 and K1 Strains of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>.","authors":"Aram Khezri, Mahdi Nateghpour, Afsaneh Motevali Haghi, Taher Elmi, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Mehdi Shafii Ardestani, Haleh Hanifian","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19027","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of nanocarriers in combination with other treatments shows significant promise in addressing drug-resistant diseases, particularly malaria. Given the high prevalence of drug-resistant malaria, research into innovative therapies is crucial. This study focuses on a nanoform of chitosan, a biodegradable polymer, combined with <i>Crocus sativus</i> (saffron) and chloroquine to enhance their antimalarial effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Saffron extract and chloroquine were separately conjugated with chitosan, followed by confirmation tests to determine conjugation efficiency. Both chloroquine-resistant and sensitive strains of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> were cultured to calculate the IC50 values of various treatments in vitro. This study was conducted at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Confirmation tests (FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, TEM) verified proper drug conjugation to nanocomposites, with observed nanosize, the percentage of conjugation was 64.4% for chloroquine and 42.9% for saffron. Toxicity and hemolysis tests confirmed safe doses. The IC50s values for Chloroquine, Nanoparticle-Chloroquine, Saffron, and Nanoparticle-Saffron were 0.3, 0.8, 42.5, and 6.24 μg/ml, respectively, for the sensitive strain, and 5, 1, 12.5, and 3.12 μg/ml, respectively, for the resistant strain. Combination therapy with the fixed ratio method showed synergistic effects. Statistical analysis revealed synthesized nanocomposites' superior inhibition of <i>P. falciparum</i> growth compared to non-nano. Significant differences were observed in some cases (<i>P</i>< 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Utilizing nanocarriers and combination therapy is an appropriate strategy for addressing drug resistance. Saffron's anti-malarial effects on <i>P. falciparum</i> were notably increased when linked to chitosan nanocomposites. Furthermore, employing a fixed ratio technique enhanced the therapeutic effectiveness of saffron when combined with chloroquine and chloroquine-nanocomposites across all concentrations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"213-226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307787/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interleukin Activity in Miscarried Women with Toxoplasmosis and Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (Anti-TPO).","authors":"Salah Alnisani, Ahmed Rebai","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19050","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We aimed to investigate the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) in women with spontaneous abortion, both with and without toxoplasmosis. This was achieved by evaluating and comparing the serum levels of interleukins IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TNF-α in women who experienced abortion due to toxoplasmosis, categorized by positive and negative anti-TPO status, with those who were toxoplasmosis-negative and also negative for anti-TPO.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated the serological presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to <i>Toxoplasma</i> using an ELISA method, in Samarra City, Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq in 2021-2022. A sample of 153 women with spontaneous abortion were enrolled. We also measured the serum levels of interleukins IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and anti-TPO using the same technique.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 103 were <i>Toxoplasma</i>-positive. Of these, 14 had positive anti-TPO results (13.5%), compared to only 3 positive cases among the 50 matched controls who were <i>Toxoplasma</i>-negative (6.0%). The difference between <i>Toxoplasma</i>-positive and <i>Toxoplasma</i>-negative women regarding anti-TPO status was statistically significant for interleukins IL-4 (<i>P</i>=0.010), IL-6 (<i>P</i>=0.017), and IL-10 (<i>P</i>=0.003), but not for IL-17 or TNF-α. Additionally, the statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in the average concentrations of interleukins IL-4 (<i>P</i>=0.013) and IL-10 (<i>P</i><0.001) between the <i>Toxoplasma</i>-positive/anti-TPO-positive group and the <i>Toxoplasma</i>-negative/anti-TPO-negative group of aborted women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated concentrations of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-6 have been associated with women undergoing recurrent miscarriages and negative anti-TPO results. The complex interaction between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is essential for immunological balance and pregnancy outcomes in a condition of toxoplasmosis. An increase in IL-4 and IL-10 levels in anti-TPO-positive individuals may lead to an imbalance in immune response, facilitating the development of autoimmune thyroid disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"307-315"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-Infection of <i>Lophomonas blattarum</i> and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> in Patients with Respiratory Disorders in Northeastern Iran.","authors":"Fariba Berenji, Hossein Zarrinfar, Ali Gholizadeh, Fatemeh Sargazi, Jamshid Jamali, Mahmoud Parian Noghabi, Ghodratollah Salehi Sangani, Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19049","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Respiratory infections caused by <i>Lophomonas blattarum</i> and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> are significant threats, especially to immunocompromised patients. Both pathogens are associated with severe pneumonia and are often underdiagnosed due to the challenges in identifying them accurately, particularly in co-infections. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of co-infections with <i>L. blattarum</i> and <i>P. jirovecii</i> in patients with respiratory symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved 111 patients admitted to the Pulmonary Ward of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2023. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from all patients and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. PCR amplification targeting <i>L. blattarum</i> and <i>P. jirovecii</i> was performed, with subsequent sequencing for molecular identification. The presence of <i>Pneumocystis</i> was identified using a 346-bp PCR band.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 111 patients, <i>Lophomonas</i> was detected in 48 patients (43.2%), and <i>Pneumocystis</i> in 47 patients (42.3%). Co-infections were identified in 26 patients (23.6%). Both infections were more common in males, though the difference between genders was not statistically significant. The highest prevalence was observed in patients over 60 years, with 18% and 19.8% infection rates for <i>Lophomonas</i> and <i>Pneumocystis</i>, respectively. Co-infection rates were significantly higher in older patients and in males (<i>P</i>= 0.028).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of co-infections with <i>L. blattarum</i> and <i>P. jirovecii</i> in patients with respiratory conditions, particularly in the elderly. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies, including molecular and microscopic approaches, to accurately diagnose and manage these co-infections in high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"299-306"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Epidemiology of Clinical Forms of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Treatment Practice: Evidence from Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Bizuayehu Gashaw, Endalew Yizengaw, Endalkachew Nibret","doi":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19026","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis's (CL) clinical polymorphism by examining the relationship between clinical forms, duration of illness, and their spatiotemporal distribution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study at University of Gondar Hospital analyzed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients treated from 2022 to 2024. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected, with parasite detection via microscopic and clinical examination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 454 CL cases from 49 districts were diagnosed, predominantly affecting males aged ≤30, with a mean age of 25.31 yr (SD ±18.3). Significant differences were noted in age and sex (<i>P</i><0.05). Approximately 70% had lesions ≥4 cm. Most CL cases had 2+ parasite loads. Sodium stibogluconate (SSG) remained the primary treatment choice for patients. The spatial distribution of CL cases covered a larger geographical area, although the cases (>20) were concentrated in Central Gondar. The mucosal CL shared a similar geographical pattern with the recurrent CL type. Notably, 48% had chronic presentations and lived with the disease for ≥12 months. In diffuse CL (DCL) a longer delay was seen and its clinical presentation was associated with longitudinal time series. Acute patients exhibited a higher parasitic load than chronic ones (38% vs. 24%), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CL significantly affected school-aged children. The symmetrical distribution of cases in districts studied could increase the attention of clinicians and enhance management strategies. Extended disease durations necessitated specialized treatments for clinical transitions.</p>","PeriodicalId":14669,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"20 2","pages":"203-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}