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Abstract Background and Objective: Airborne fungi have been proposed as the most common cause of some adverse health effects such as skin, eye and respiratory disorders therefore, we carried out an aerobiological study to determine fungal seasonal frequency in the air of Zahedan, Iran. Materials and Methods: The air samples (n=1080) of this descriptive cross sectional study were obtained, in different hours, from different urban places of zahedan in 2001, and studied via sabouraud dextrose agar(S.D.A). Results: 1917 colonies were found in the 1080 studied plates and indicated that the most Common fungi were aspergillus(41%), penicillium(33%) and rhizopus(6.8%), based on chi square, The fungal frequencies in the evening(39.3%), at noon(38.2%) and in the morning(22.5%) were not statistically different . Highly contaminated area was down town (Bazar) and then hospitals. There was significant correlation (p<0.001) between fungal frequency and the seasons- winter (15.9%) and summer (31.4%). Conclusion:
Based on the results, we suggest strongly improving environmental hygienic condition of the buildings and passages and rapid waste material disposal. It seems that the most effective strategy in decreasing fungal disorder is performing some educational programs. Keywords: Fungal agents, air, Zahedan.

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Abstract Background and Objective: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide. Contamination of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis may cause fetal death, preterm delivery and congenital toxoplasmosis. Due to importance of congenital Toxoplasmosis and the need of further study, this research was accomplished in Zahedan. Material and Methods: The serum samples (N= 221) were collected from pregnant women referring to reference laboratory of Zahedan in 2011. The IgG and IgM antibody levels against toxoplasmosis were investigated using ELISA method. Results: Out of all samples, 30.8% are IgG positive and 1.4% are both IgG and IgM positive. There is no significant difference between positive and negative groups using Chi-square tests. Conclusion: The main part of pregnant women in Zahedan (69.2%) is serologically negative against toxoplasmosis therefore, hygiene education to eliminate risk factors especially during pregnancy period seems to be imperative. Keywords: ELISA Antibody Pregnancy Toxoplasma Zahedan

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Abstract Background and Objective: Proficiency testing schemes as a part of quality system in clinical and research laboratory centers provides the opportunity to evaluate the quality of test results. In this paper, we try to introduce the proficiency testing schemes as a useful method for achieving standardization and homogenization of test results in clinical and research laboratory centers. Keywords: Proficiency Testing Schemes, Quality Improvement, Laboratory Centers

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Abstract Background and Objective: The Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175, via Sialic acid dependent glycophorin A, binds to red blood cells and thus plays a critical role in cell invasion. Some part of second allele in its gene encoding in FCR-3 (Section F) and CAMP (Section C) can be found. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175KD alleles in southeastern Iran. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using polymerase chain reaction Nest (Nested-PCR) with specific primers was used for the two parts of the EBA-175 gene to be proliferated. Ninety–four microscopic positive blood samples from individuals infected by Plasmodium falciparum were obtained from four different locations in southeastern Iran. Results: Of 94 positive samples, 88 were antigen EBA-175KD. Genotype CAMP (714 bp) and FCR-3 (to 795 bp), respectively, in 31 (32.97 %) and 49 (52.12 %) were found. Eight samples have both FCR-3 and CAMP. Conclusion: Both of EBA-175KD dimorphic genes were found. The frequency of FCR-3 allele was higher in the South East of Iran. Thus, this pattern can be considered in making Plasmodium falciparum vaccines for this area. Key words: Plasmodium Falciparum Erythrocyte Binding Antigen-175 South-East of Iran

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Abstract
      Background and Objectives: Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 (PfMSP-1) is a promising vaccine against malaria during its blood stages which play an important role in immunity to this disease. Polymorphic nature of this gene is a major obstacle in making an effective vaccine against malaria. In this study, the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates was investigated in Sistan-Baluchestan Province using allelic families of the MSP-1.
       Methods: From March/April 2011 to August/September 2012, 94 blood samples were collected from patients with falciparum malaria who were living in four districts of Sistan-Baluchestan Province. The extracted genomic DNA and genetic diversity of MSP-1 block 2 were evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction.
        Results: From a total of 94 patients, 89 patients (94.7%) had positive PCR results and the remaining five patients were excluded. Seven different alleles of MSP-1 were identified through size difference on agarose gel. Comprising 46.1% of the samples, MAD20 was identified as the predominant MSP-1 allelic family, while the RO33 family had the lowest frequency (with 7.9%). In 10% of samples infection with two alleles was observed.
         Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that genetic diversity of PfMSP-1 in Southeastern Iran is relatively low and most infections originate from a clone that is consistent with an area of low malaria transmission. This information is useful for the prevention and control of malaria in Iran.
          Keywords: Merozoite Surface Protein 1, Plasmodium Falciparum, Polymerase Chain Reaction