Background: Leishmaniasis remains a major public health concern due to treatment toxicity, prolonged regimens and emerging drug resistance. Green-synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles are promising candidates for alternative antileishmanial therapies. This study synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using hydroalcoholic Calotropis procera leaf extract and evaluated their in vitro activity against Leishmania tropica. Methods: CuO NPs were synthesized using C. procera extract as a biological reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by dynamic light scattering, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectros-copy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antileishmanial activity of C. procera extract (CPE), CuO NPs, meglumine antimoniate (MA) and their combinations was assessed against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in THP-1-derived macrophages and selectivity indices (SI) were calculated. Apoptosisrelated markers and oxidative stress parameters were also assessed. Results: CuO NPs had a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 185.26±19 nm and a zeta potential of −15.93±2.6 mV. The CuO NPs+MA combination showed the strongest activity against amastigotes (IC₅₀= 52.19 µg/mL) and promastigotes (IC₅₀= 281.63 µg/mL), with a CC₅₀ of 603.1 µg/mL and the highest SI (11.56). Treatment increased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8 and ROS levels while reducing Bcl-2, SOD and CAT. Conclusion: Green-synthesized CuO NPs, particularly in combination with MA, demonstrated promising antileishma-nial activity and selectivity against L. tropica. These findings support further evaluation in vivo.
Background:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with limited therapeutic options due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and prolonged treatment duration associated with pentavalent antimonials such as meglumine antimoniate (MAT). Lucilia sericata larvae produce hemolymph containing bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential as an alternative or adjunct therapy for CL. Methods:Hemolymph was extracted from sterile third-instar L. sericata larvae and characterized using SDS-PAGE and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography. The antileishmanial activity of whole hemolymph, its most active fraction, MAT, and their combinations was assessed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. Cytotoxicity, cytokine gene expression and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated. In vivo efficacy was examined in BALB/c mice infected with L. major and treated for 28 days with topical hemolymph cream, intramuscular MAT, or combination therapy. Lesion size and parasite burden were measured. Results:Whole hemolymph and the active fraction significantly inhibited parasite growth in vitro, while combination treatments showed strong synergistic effects. Treatments enhanced Th1-associated cytokines, suppressed Th2 cytokines, and increased reactive oxygen species production. In vivo, hemolymph cream reduced lesion size and parasite load, with the greatest improvement observed in the combination group. No significant cytotoxicity was detected. Conclusions:Lucilia sericata larval hemolymph exhibits potent antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity and represents a promising and safe topical therapy for CL. Combination with MAT enhances efficacy and may reduce systemic toxicity.
Background:Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors. This study aimed to review the evidence on social determinants of health SDH associated with leishmaniasis worldwide. Methods:This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was carried out in national databases (IranMedex and Magiran), the Google Scholar search engine, as well as international databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results:Out of 5538 retrieved articles, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that poverty, inadequate housing conditions, residence in rural or marginalized areas, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare services were among the influential SDH associated with a risk of leishmaniasis. Analysis within the WHO SDH framework revealed that social determinants, particularly those at the structural level (socioeconomic status) and intermediary level (housing conditions, health behaviors, and access to services), played a critical role in shaping the incidence and spatial distribution of leishmaniasis in the studied populations. Conclusion:The available evidence underscores that leishmaniasis is not solely an infectious disease but also a condition deeply rooted in social and economic inequalities. Strengthening health equity policies, improving living conditions, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding access to healthcare services can substantially contribute to the global prevention and control of leishmaniasis.
Background: The rapid spread of Aedes mosquitoes has raised global concerns about arboviral infections. Although West Azerbaijan Province holds significant ecological and geopolitical importance, it has received limited entomological research focused on the establishment and distribution of Aedes species. Methods: From March to November 2025, we conducted an extensive entomological survey at ten international points of entry across West Azerbaijan Province. Our monitoring program included ovitrap surveillance, inspections of larval habitats and collections of adult mosquitoes. For each breeding site, environmental characteristics such as vegetation type, water quality, sunlight exposure and habitat stability were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, applying binomial tests with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate species dominance and ecological associations. Results: We collected a total of 1,789 mosquito specimens, of which 184 (10.3%) belonged to the genus Aedes. The majority of these were Aedes caspius s.l. (n=175), while a smaller number were Aedes flavescens (n=9). Approximately 85% of the habitats that tested positive for Aedes were natural environments and 70% of these were vegetated, typically containing clear, stagnant water. No evidence was found for the presence of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. Conclusion: The dominance of Ae. caspius s.l. highlights its ecological adaptation to vegetated natural habitats. Although urban Aedes species were absent, the occurrence of Ae. caspius s.l. underscores the importance of continued ovitrap-based monitoring and site-specific habitat management. Sustainable and integrated surveillance programs in border areas are important for early detection of vector entry, given the potential for cross-border movements.
Background:Entomotoxicology provides an alternative matrix for detecting drugs in decomposed human remains when conventional specimens are unavailable. This study aimed to develop and validate a quantitative method for detecting methamphetamine (MA) in different developmental stages of the blowfly Lucilia sericata. Methods:Immature stages of L. sericata (larvae, pupae, empty puparia) were reared on chicken liver spiked with MA at concentrations of 45, 90 and 180 ng/mg. Samples underwent liquid-liquid extraction, derivatization via acetylation, and analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated according to international guidelines, evaluating limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy and repeatability. Results:The method showed strong linearity across the studied concentration range (R2= 0.9817-0.9934). The limit of detection and LOQ were 15 ng/mg and 45 ng/mg, respectively, with a relative standard deviation (RSD)≤ 20% at the LOQ level. Intra- and inter-day precision showed RSD values< 10%, and accuracy ranged from 98.55% to 100.73%. Methamphetamine was detected in all immature stages and empty puparia. The highest observed concentrations were detected in third-instar larvae and pupae, whereas no drug residues were detected in adult flies. Methamphetamine retention in empty puparia supports their potential forensic relevance for retrospective drug detection. Conclusion:This validated method demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy and repeatability for quantitative entomotoxicological analysis. The detection of methamphetamine across insect developmental stages suggests the suitability of this approach as a supplementary tool for forensic investigations involving decomposed remains.
Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause severe neurological disease in humans, making public awareness crucial for prevention. The study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of individuals living in Northern Cyprus regarding sources and transmission routes of this disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 389 people participated. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed by researchers. The survey included questions about participants' awareness, sources of information, knowledge of WNV transmission routes, and preventive measures. It was conducted face-to-face. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests assessed p-values and significance. Results: 80.1% of participants had never heard of zoonotic diseases. When asked about the transmission route of WNV, 59.7% correctly identified animal or insect bites as the mode of transmission. In terms of precautions, 60.7% reported taking measures such as window screens and bed nets to protect from mosquito bites, while 39.3% did not. As hypothesized, a significant association was shown between nationality and knowledge of zoonotic disease (p=0.026). In addition, gender was significantly associated with preventive measures (p=0.008), with females more likely to show protective behaviors compared to males. Conclusion: Results indicate a general lack of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the population of Northern Cyprus; however, a larger proportion reported taking personal precautions against mosquito bites. The Ministry of Health can organize training sessions and seminars to increase public awareness about WNV. Additionally, municipalities should take mosquito and larval control measures, particularly in summer.
Background: Culex pipiens is widespread in Iran and is an important vector of several diseases. Although phenotypic resistance to insecticides such as DDT and pyrethroids has been reported using WHO assays, sequence-level information on metabolic resistance genes, particularly cytochrome P450 genes, remains limited. This study examined variation in two P450 genes, CYP9M10 and CYP4H34, in deltamethrin-and DDT-resistant versus susceptible strains of Cx. pipiens, and assessed the potential impact of these differences on predicted protein structures. Methods: Target fragments of CYP9M10 and CYP4H34 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Sanger method. Edited nucleotide sequences were aligned with CLUSTAL OMEGA, and amino acid sequences were generated using ExPASy Translate. Comparisons were conducted at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. Representative sequences were submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic relationships among strains were inferred via maximum-likelihood (ML) analysis in MEGA6 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Predicted amino acid substitutions were examined for structural relevance. Results: Four nucleotide differences were detected at positions 1344, 1347, 1396 and within 1428-1442. Previously published permethrin-and pyrethroid-resistant reference sequences were identical across this region, whereas sequences from this study showed distinctions from those references and between resistant and susceptible strains. Some nucleotide substitutions led to amino acid changes, though their structural effects were only inferred computationally. Conclusion: This study provides new sequence-level insights into variation in Cx. pipiens P450 genes and highlights potential genetic differences that may contribute to resistance to DDT and deltamethrin, warranting further functional investigation.
Background:Anopheles stephensi is a subtropical anopheline species that is considered among the most efficient vectors of human malaria. Recently, this species has expanded its range to southern latitudes, reaching the Horn of Africa. The spread of An. stephensi is a major threat to global malaria control. This study aimed to synthesize all available data on the bionomics of An. stephensi in Iran. Methods:A literature search (1960-2025) was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and regional indexes. Keywords related to An. stephensi and malaria in Iran were used. Studies on distribution, taxonomy, behavior, habitats and infection were included. Results:The search yielded 56 eligible publications from over 230 screened. The species breeds widely in both rural and urban environments using natural and artificial containers. It is primarily endophilic and endophagic, with peak blood-feeding in the early night and both zoophilic and anthropophilic tendencies. Three biological forms were noted, but molecular evidence does not support them as a species complex. Conclusions:No evidence was found that An. stephensi is a species complex. Its ecological adaptability and behavioral plasticity are key to its role in malaria transmission. Breeding, resting, and blood-feeding behaviors are critical factors to consider in vector control programs. As Iran nears elimination, the importance of continuous surveillance, integrated vector management and cross-border collaboration is emphasized. This approach can also offer valuable lessons for regions that have recently been affected by this vector, provided that contextual adaptations are made to local ecological, social and health system conditions.
Background:Head lice infestations are a widespread health problem among school-aged children globally. Nevertheless, the importance of lice as initiators of scalp microbiome changes and as causes of secondary bacterial superinfections remains poorly understood. The paper aims to examine the PCR-based identification of head lice and to assess the epidemiological relationship between head lice infestation and scalp colonization by Staphylococcus species. Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 primary school children (50 infested and 50 controls) aged between 5 and 12 years in the governorate of Nineveh (Iraq). The molecular identification of head lice was performed by amplifying the COX1 gene, and the comprehensive Staphylococcal profiling of scalp swabs was performed using culture and 16S rRNA gene amplification. Results:Molecular analysis using COX1 gene specific amplification showed the presence of P. humanus capitis in 93.9% of the collected samples. The microbiological tests showed profound staphylococcal dysbiosis: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 74% of infested children and absent in the control group (0%), indicating a highly significant association (χ2=58.73, p<0.001). Conversely, the commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis was found predominantly in healthy controls (66%) but significantly less frequently in infested children (26%). Conclusion:The pathogenic S. aureus prevails on the scalp of children with head lice with a striking shift, which illustrates a clinically significant interaction of ectoparasitic infestation with staphylococcal dysbiosis. The results also suggest that pediculosis is a risk factor for S. aureus overgrowth and emphasize the need for combined treatment strategies that address lice and bacterial complications.
Background:Scorpion venom is a complex mixture containing toxic peptides, free amino acids, enzymes, nucleotides, lipids, amines, mucoproteins and other bioactive components. It has been reported to exhibit a range of medicinal properties, including anticancer, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, analgesic, antitumor and antiepileptic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of crude venom from Odontobuthus doriae on the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCf-7) breast cancer cell line. Methods:2×104 MCF-7 cancer cells were cultured in T25 flasks containing Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. After overnight incubation, the culture medium was replaced with different concentrations of crude venom (0.2, 0.48, 0.97, 1.95, 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/mL). The cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT reduction assay at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment, performed in triplicate. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm using an ELISA reader. Results:A concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed. A statistically significant difference in cytotoxicity was observed between the 24 hour and the 48/72-hour treatments, while no significant difference was noted between the 48 and 72 hour time points. The IC50 values were calculated to be 4.775 μg/mL (24 h), 31.87 μg/mL (48 h), and 3.543 μg/mL (72 h). Conclusion:The crude venom of O. doriae exhibits significant cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer agent.
Background:Malaria remains a major global health challenge, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa. The growing threat of resistance to insecticides in Anopheles vector populations poses a major challenge to the efficacy of core interventions such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the contribution of omics approaches, particularly genomics, transcriptomics, and multi-omics, to understanding the resistance mechanisms in malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa and their impact on current and future vector control strategies. Methods:A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for eligible studies published between January 2016 and April 2025. Studies using at least one omics approach to investigate resistance in Anopheles species were included. We extracted and analyzed data on study location, vector species, omics methods, insecticide classes, resistance mechanisms, and key findings according to PRISMA guidelines. Results:Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Genomic and transcriptomic approaches revealed key resistance mechanisms, notably involving metabolic resistance, target-site mutations, and cuticular changes. Multi-omics studies uncovered novel resistance markers such as CYP450 reductase (CPR), UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), and salivary gland proteins. Multi-country collaborations were common, reflecting the cross-border nature of insecticide resistance, while species-specific responses highlighted localized adaptation. Conclusion:Omics studies have significantly enhanced the understanding of resistance to insecticides among malaria vectors, offering valuable insights for molecular diagnostics and region-specific vector control. Integrating these approaches into routine surveillance is crucial to inform sustainable malaria control and elimination strategies.
Background:Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease, exhibits diverse clinical manifestations influenced by parasite species, host immunity, and treatment access. Emerging evidence suggests that individual biological factors, such as ABO blood group and liver enzyme status, may also affect disease severity. This study investigates the relationship between blood type, liver enzyme levels, and malaria severity in affected patients. Methods:A case-control study was conducted on malaria patients at the National Malaria Laboratory, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from May 2022 to October 2024. Blood samples were analyzed for ABO blood grouping and liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Malaria severity was classified according to WHO criteria. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, evaluated associations between blood group, liver enzyme levels and disease severity. Results:A total of 100 participants were included: 50 malaria-positive patients and 50 healthy controls, with a mean age of 38.10±16.40 years. Malaria patients showed significantly higher AST, ALT and ALP levels compared to controls (p= 0.001). No significant association was found between ABO blood group and liver enzyme levels in either group (p> 0.05). Liver enzyme levels correlated significantly with parasitemia (p< 0.001), with higher parasite loads linked to greater hepatic dysfunction. Conclusion:This study highlights the significant impact of parasitemia levels on liver function in malaria patients, while the ABO blood group appeared unrelated to liver enzyme alterations. Liver enzyme profiles may serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing malaria severity and guiding clinical management.
Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a significant vector-borne disease in northeastern Iran, strongly affected by climatic conditions. Maraveh Tappeh County in Golestan Province is an endemic area with considerable annual case numbers. This study aimed to predict monthly ZCL trends and identify key bioclimatic factors influencing disease occurrence using ARIMA and SARIMA time series models. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study used monthly confirmed ZCL case data from 2003 to 2018, obtained from the Maraveh Tappeh County Health Center. Climatic variables, including temperature indices, relative humidity indices, total monthly precipitation and number of rainy days, were collected from the local meteorological office. Stationarity was assessed using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and autocorrelation patterns were evaluated through ACF and PACF plots. ARIMA (AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) and SARIMA (Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) models were developed, with the optimal model selected based on AIC and BIC criteria. Cross-correlation analysis examined associations between climatic variables and ZCL incidence at lags of 0-5 months. Results: A total of 1,301 ZCL cases were reported over the 16 years, with marked monthly and seasonal variability. Incidence peaked in November and reached its lowest level in June. The ARIMA (2,0,2)-SARIMA (0,0,1)12 model demonstrated the best predictive performance. Significant positive correlations were observed between ZCL incidence and relative humidity, precipitation and number of rainy days at short lags (0-2 months), while inverse associations appeared at longer lags (5 months) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Relative humidity and precipitation are key drivers of ZCL dynamics in Maraveh Tappeh. Incorporating SARIMA models into surveillance systems may improve outbreak prediction and support timely prevention and control strategies.
Background: Anopheles stephensi is an important vector for malaria, while Aedes aegypti transmits dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. With the increasing replacement of natural insecticides for conventional ones, it is essential to investigate mosquito resistance to these insecticides and assess the larvicidal potential of new alternatives and their comparison to standard larvicides like temephos. Methods: The alcoholic extracts of Mentha piperita and Capsicum annuum were prepared using the maceration method. Mosquitoes were bred at the Bandar Abbas research station in 2024. Biometric tests were performed following the World Health Organization protocol, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and GraphPad Prism 10. Results: The lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of M. piperita extract was 4.047 ppm against An. stephensi larvae and 9.9 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Similarly, the LC50 of C. annuum extract was 5.872 ppm for An. stephensi larvae and 11.752 ppm for Ae. aegypti larvae. The larvicidal values of temephos were found to be 0.003 ppm against An. stephensi larvae and 0.002 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Conclusion: Mentha piperita and C. annuum extracts possess measurable larvicidal activity against An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. However, their effectiveness remains substantially lower than that of temephos. These findings should be considered preliminary evidence rather than an indication of operational readiness. These extracts may represent a promising starting point for future research, but further studies on formulation, environmental persistence, non-target impacts, and field performance are required before use for management programs.
Background:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease whose lesions may cause severe scarring and psychosocial impact. Current treatments often face poor patient adherence due to side effects and dosing. Electrospinning enables the incorporation of low-cost, bioactive compounds. Ozonated sunflower oil has shown potential to accelerate wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate electrospun fibers containing ozonated sunflower oil combined with standard anti-Leishmania therapy in lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis in an animal model. Methods:BALB/c mice (n=5/group) were infected with L. amazonensis (MHOM/BR/1977/LTB0016). Treatments included: meglumine antimoniate alone (MA), MA plus electrospun fiber with ozonated sunflower oil (MOO), MA plus fiber with non-ozonated sunflower oil (MNO) and an untreated control (CTRL). After 30 days, lesion size, parasite load, histology and systemic/local immune parameters were evaluated. Results:All the groups exhibited lesion growth (MA 12±0.8%, MOO 24±0.4%, MNO 30±0.8 and CTRL 34±0.9%), but the MA group exhibited less growth. However, in the culture of the paws after the treatment, only in the MOO group, promastigotes did not grow, while the other groups reached titers of 1/6 (MA), 1/192 (MNO) and 1/384 (CTRL). Macroscopically, the MA and MOO groups showed complete healing of the lesion. Histologically, the MA group had a thicker epidermis (p<0.05) and the MA and MOO groups presented the lowest amount of cellular infiltration. Conclusion:Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in a mouse model with an electrospun fiber containing ozonated oil improved drug treatment, ameliorating lesions and could be explored as an alternative treatment for this parasitic disease.
Background: More than half of the global population resides in urban areas. Urban waste, landfills and leachate provide abundant food and habitat for houseflies. Various control methods are employed for pest management. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated pest management approach for controlling houseflies at a largescale waste-processing and disposal facility. Methods: This study was conducted from May to October 2022 at Iran's largest waste processing and disposal facility. Sticky traps were used to monitor infestation levels before and after each intervention. Chemical interventions included a cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos combination in processing halls; a cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-diflubenzuron mixture in the compost area; and Ajita poison bait in office buildings. Physical controls included installing nets and air curtains, using large adhesive banners, and environmental sanitation measures like washing halls and managing compost. Results: The dominant fly species was Musca domestica. For monitoring, sticky traps were the most efficient (49% of captured flies), while pheromone traps were the least efficient (4%). The highest infestation intensity occurred before interventions in April-May, averaging 191 flies per 10 traps. The lowest intensity was observed in September-October, with an average of 6 flies per 10 traps. Significant reductions were observed in fly numbers when comparing the peak infestation period (April-May) with subsequent months, indicating the effectiveness of the interventions. Conclusion: An integrated pest management approach can significantly reduce the severity of housefly infestations in municipal waste facilities. This strategy is crucial for preventing the development of insecticide resistance and minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Background:Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease transmitted by vectors, ranking among the top 10 infectious diseases globally in terms of morbidity and mortality. The cutaneous form (CL) is the most common and is endemic in 19 of Iran's 31 provinces. In non-endemic regions, however, both physician familiarity and patient encounters with the disease are rare. Methods:This study reports a case of CL in a nine-year-old boy from Sardasht County, West Azerbaijan Province, a non-endemic area for CL in Iran and with no history of travel to endemic areas. The patient presented with purulent wounds on his hands and feet that did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying the vacuolated amastigote forms of Leishmania parasites through Giemsa staining. For species identification, DNA was extracted from the slide scraping according to the manufacturer's instructions (Bioneer, Korea). The species of the Leishmania parasite was determined using PCR-RFLP, Fast Digest BsuR1 enzyme, ITS1 and Kinetoplast genes. Results:The parasite was identified as Leishmania major. Treatment with Meglumine antimoniate and cryotherapy, in accordance with the Iranian CL surveillance guideline, led to full recovery after 2 months, with no relapse at 9 months post-treatment. Extensive local screening found no additional cases, indicating a likely sporadic infection. Conclusion:This case highlights the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing surveil-lance to prevent the emergence of leishmaniasis in non-endemic regions. More attention must be paid to this disease by the healthcare system and physicians, even in non-endemic areas.
Background:The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattaria: Ectobiidae), is a worldwide urban pest. Due to limitations of conventional insecticides, alternative controls are needed. Entomopathogenic fungi-based biopesticides offer a promising solution. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of the indigenous Beauveria bassiana Rasht strain (Mcb18) against the German cockroach. Methods:A laboratory colony of B. germanica was maintained under controlled conditions. The toxicity of four spore concentrations (1.5×102, 1.5×104, 1.5×106, 1.5×108 conidia/ml) of B. bassiana was evaluated against adult cockroaches using the direct immersion bioassay. Daily mortality was recorded for 21 days using three replicates of 20 cockroaches each (n=60 per concentration). The lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values were estimated using probit analysis. Results:Beauveria bassiana caused dose-dependent mortality. The highest cumulative mortality (100%) was observed at 1.5×108 conidia/ml, while the lowest (15.79%) occurred at 1.5×102 conidia/ml. The LC50 and LC90 were estimated as 4.23×103 conidia/ml and 1.59×106 conidia/ml, respectively. The LT50 decreased with increasing concentration, reaching 8.475 days at 1.5×108 conidia/ml. Conidiation on cadavers increased with concentration but remained lower than mortality, indicating that death often occurred before external sporulation. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in mortality rates (F=74.942, df=(3, 8), p<0.001). Post-hoc Tukey's HSD test showed that the two highest concentrations (1.5×106 and 1.5×108 conidia/ml) were not significantly different from each other (p>0.05), although both caused significantly higher mortality than lower concentrations (p<0.001). Conclusion:Experimental findings confirmed B. bassiana as an effective entomopathogen against B. germanica, causing significant mortality through cuticular penetration and internal proliferation.
Background:Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), with their blood-sucking behavior, are known important vectors of certain pathogens. Since no research has been done on the habitat characteristics of mosquito larvae in Andimeshk County of Khuzistan Province, southwestern Iran, this study aimed to determine these features in the county during 2019-2020. Methods:The third- and fourth-instar larvae were collected from natural and artificial habitats by the dipping method, from nine localities. Physical characteristics of larval habitats, including habitat situation (permanent/temporary, running/stagnant), sunlight situation, vegetation status, water turbidity, substrate type and habitat type (natural/artificial), were recorded. The collected specimens were kept in vials containing lactophenol and the microscope slides were prepared using Berlese's fluid. The larvae were identified using valid identification keys. Results:In total, 1363 larvae, including four genera and 15 species, were identified. Eleven species were new to the county and one species, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, was new to the province. The most common species were Culex theileri (17.2%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (15.6 %), respectively, and the least species were Anopheles dthali (0.7%) and An. multicolor (0.4%). The most abundant mosquito larvae were in spring (44.2 %) and June (22.6%). Most of the larvae were caught from natural (75.6%), temporary (51.5%), without vegetation (57.5%) and full sunny (64.7%) habitats. Approximately, 85.2%, 56.5% and 78.1% of habitats had clear water, stagnant water with mud substrate, respectively. The affinity index of the species was calculated. Conclusion:Regarding the medical importance of the abundant species, the investigation of adult ecology is suggested for future studies.
