Showing 15 results for Leishmania
F Tohidi, M Qorbani,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (10-2008)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objectives: one of the endemic foci for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran is Mashhad in which limited outbreak have recently been reported. The commonly used method for diagnosis is the clinical features confirmed by direct microspic examination and culture or biopsy. We compared these two tests to determine the level of their sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value. Material and Methods: we performed this comparative-analytic study on 73 patients suspected of having ulcers Leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran. Giemsa was staining the smears and the samples cultivated on Di-phasic N.N.N. culture media . Analysis was performed by SPSS version 11.5 and Chi square test. A P- value less than 0.05 were considered as a significant. Results: In 43 cases (58.9%), both the smear and culture are Positive. In 13 cases (17.8%), the smear is negative but the culture Positive. In 17 cases (23.2%), both smear and culture are negative. The two methods are positively correlated (82%). Sensitivity, Specifity, Positive predictive Value and negative predictive value are 76.7%, 100%, 100% and 56.7%., respectively. Conclusion: when the smear is positive, there is no need for culture. However, the opposite is not true. Key words: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Laboratory Diagnostic, Direct Microspic Examination, Culture.
M Fakhar, E Ahmad Pour,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a systemic infection disease that can be diagnosed by some invasive procedures such as splenic, liver biopsy or bone marrow aspiration, whichare determined as the gold standards for diagnosing of this disease. At present, a variety of noninvasive tests having different specificities and sensitivities are available for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Direct agglutination test (DAT) can be an appropriate and applicable method provided that proper antigens are prepared. The rapid rK39 strip test (for detection of antigen) can be used for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is suitable for acute forms of disease in the field. Other tests, such as rapid KATEX strip test (for detection of antigen) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which are recently recommended for diagnosis and prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis, are the simple, inexpensive and easily available under field conditions.This review article focuses on different, novel and current procedures for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.
Key words: Laboratory diagnosis,visceralleishmaniasis, Kala-azar,rk39, Katex, PCR
Namroodi, S, Saberi, M,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dogs have been introduced as a major reservoir of Leishmania infantum. Concerning the increased sporadic reports of humeral visceral leishmaniasis in Golestan province, we aimed to study seroepidemiology of leishmania infantum in Rural Dogs.
Material and Methods: this study was conducted in 2012 - 2014 on 150 Serum samples of rural dogs, from 10 districts of Golestan province. The samples were analyzed by ELIZA kit.
Results: the frequency of leishmania infantum was 15.3% and it was higher in the dogs aged more than four. There were no differences in Leishmania infantum infection between sexes and seasons.
Conclusion: our findings indicate the presence of Leishmania infantum in Golestan Province. Given the presence of positive titer of Leishmania infantum in dogs without clinical signs, we emphasize the main role of rural dogs in transmitting Leishmania infuntum to villagers in the studied area.
Keywords: Leishmania Infantum, ELIZA, Rural Dogs, Golestan Province
Gholipoory, M, Rezai, Hr, Namroodi, S, Arabkhazaeli, F,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the Leishmaniasis is endemic in Turkmen Sahra, we aimed to study the contamination of rodents with this disease.
Material and Methods: Seventy-three rodents were collected from three regions (Gonbad, Gomishan and Bandar Turkmen) using live traps. In laboratory, morphometric characteristics were measured and for diagnosis of Leishmaniasis CL, the scratches obtained from their ears were examined by microscopic methods using Giemsa.
Results: The most frequent rodents were Meriones libycu (10.95%), Rattus norvegicus (21.91%), and Mus musculus (67.12%). Eleven (15.06%) of them were infected by cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL).
Conclusion: Because of infection rate, there is a high transmission risk of CL in the studied region.
Keywords: Rodentia; Leishmaniasis; Turkmen Sahra; Meriones; Mus Musculus; Rattus Norvegicus
Mansour Dabirzadeh , Abbas Pashaie Neghadeh , Tahere Davoodi , Mohammad Hashemi ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (3-2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease and a health problem in different parts of Iran, especially two cities of Mashhad and Chabahar. Due to morphological similarities of most Leishmania species and difference in reservoirs of L. major and L. tropica, it is necessary to determine the parasite specie to combat the disease. Thus, this study used gene sequencing and genotyping of 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to differentiate the two species of Leishmania.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, microscope slides and cultures were prepared from 43 patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Chabahar and Mashhad. PCR was performed after genomic DNA extraction and then PCR products were sequenced and analyzed.
Results: Of the 43 patients studied, 32 direct smear and culture (74.4%) were positive and 11 (25.6%) showed negative results, and were therefore excluded from the study. Using HSP70-specific primers, 1962 bp and 1152bp bands were observed for HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad, respectively. Based on the results, there were 18 nucleotide differences between HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad.
Conclusion: Due to the morphological similarities between Leishmania species and inability to differentiate species through parasitological methods, the HSP70 gene can be used for identification of the species, and prevention and treatment of the disease.
Hosein Soleimanpoor , Mansour Dabirzadeh, Bahman Fooladi ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (3-2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Chabahar is in Southern Iran located near the Iran-Pakistan border. Since leishmaniasis is an emerging disease in this region, this study aimed to diagnose the disease and identify different species of Leishmania parasite in the patients referred to the central laboratory.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011-2012 on patients referred to the central laboratory in the city of Chabahar. The sampling of lesions, slide preparation, culture and PCR specific for kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), extracted from the media and slides, were performed. The data collected by a questionnaire were analyzed by the SPSS software.
Results: The resulted bands from the 48 tested cutaneous leishmaniasis isolates were compared with the standard strains of Leishmania tropica, L. infantum and L. major. All 48 investigated bands were in the 620bp region, which is related to L. major.
Conclusion: Since PCR has high sensitivity and specificity, it is recommended to use kDNA (present in a unique organelle called kinetoplast) for the routine diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Asghar Farghi Yamchi , Mansour Dabirzadeh , Abdolhossein Miri,
Volume 10, Issue 5 (9-2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Leishmania major is a flagellate protozoan parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis. Although pentavalent antimony compounds are the first-line drugs for leishmaniasis, their application is often accompanied by numerous limitations and side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to seek drugs of herbal origin that have fast-acting benefits and few side effects without resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of methanolic extract of Arctiul lappa root on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major.
Methods: This experimental study evaluated the effects of 10, 100, 500, and 1000 µg/ml of A. lappa root methanol extract on L. major promastigotes using direct cell counting and MTT assay. The mean number of amastigotes in infected macrophages was calculated after 24 and 48 hours.
Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of A. lappa root methanolic extract was 131.25 µg/ml after 24 hours. The mean number of amastigotes in macrophages after 24 hours in the control group and in the A. lappa group with concentrations of 500 and 1000 µg/ml were 3.52, 2.02, and 1.27, respectively.
Conclusion: The results show that the methanolic extract of A. lappa root has anti-leishmanial effects on the promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major in vitro.
Keywords: Leishmania Major, Amastigotes, Promastigotes, Arctium.
Mohaddeseh Abouhosseini Tabari , Mohammad Reza Youssefi, Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash , Mohammad Amin Ebrahimi, Niki Nabavi Mousavi , Elham Moghaddas,
Volume 11, Issue 5 (9-2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Due to adverse effects of pentavalent antimonial treatment of visceral leishmaniasis using herbal medicines has received a lot of attention. In this study, we evaluated inhibitory activity of Pelargonium roseum essential oil on growth of Leishmania infantum promastigotes, and compared it with that of Glucantime.
Methods: Inhibitory effects of different concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µL/ml) of P. roseum essential oil on the growth of L. infantum promastigotes were studied by MTT assay after 24 and 48 hours. All the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The effect of the essential oil was later compared with that of standard dose of Glucantime.
Results: After 24 hours, different concentrations of the essential oil had no significant inhibitory effect on promastigotes of L. infantum. After 48 hours, all concentrations except for 1µL/ml showed significant anti-leishmanial activity. In addition, the lowest concentration that had significant inhibitory effect on L. infantum promastigote was 5 µL/ml.
Conclusion: The essential oil of P. roseum has favorable inhibitory activity on the growth of L. infantum promastigotes after 48 hours. This indicates the therapeutic potential of this plant for treatment of leishmaniasis.
Keywords: Leishmania infantum, Pelargonium, Promastigote, Meglumine antimoniate.
Hamed Noormohammadi , Yahya Maroufi , Mansour Dabirzadeh , Abdolhossein Miri ,
Volume 11, Issue 6 (11-2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a public health problem caused by the protozoan Leishmania. Pentavalent antimonials are currently used for treatment of leishmaniasis, but they have serious side effects. Nerium oleander L. has been used in traditional medicine due to its various health-protective properties. This study aimed to investigate anti-leishmanial activity of N. oleander L. leaves extract against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro.
Methods: L. major promastigotes were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplied with 10% fetal bovine serum. Different concentrations were prepared from the extract and added to L. major promastigotes seeded in 96-well plates. Viability percentage was evaluated by direct counting and MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours. To investigate the cytotoxic effect of N. oleander L. on L. major amastigotes, the plant extract was added to amastigotes cultured in intraperitoneal macrophages. The mean number of amastigotes was calculated by direct counting after 24 and 48 hours.
Results: All concentrations of the extract significantly reduced the viability of promastigotes when compared with the controls. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration was estimated to be 22.21 µg/ml after 24 hours. Percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 20 μg/ml of the extract was 53.61% and 53.27% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. In addition, percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 80 μg/ml of the N. oleander L. extract was 53.77% and 55.48% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively.
Conclusion: The N. oleander L. extract exerts anti-leishmanial activity on L. major promastigotes in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
Keywords: Leishmania major, Nerium.
Asghar Farghi Yamchi , Mansour Dabirzadeh, Yahya Maroufi,
Volume 12, Issue 5 (9-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Leishmania major is a flagellated parasitic protozoan that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pentavalent antimony compounds are considered the first-line drugs in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the use of these drugs is associated with numerous limitations and side effects. Therefore, there is a need for herbal and natural alternatives for these compounds with fewer side effects. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro activity of methanol extract of
Quercus infectoria (oak galls) against promastigotes and amastigotes of
L. major.
Methods: In this experimental study, the effect of 10, 100, 500 and 1000 µg/ml of methanolic extract of oak galls and 100, 500, 1000 and 10000 µg/ml of Glucantime was evaluated against
L. major promastigotes using direct cell counting and MTT assay. Moreover, the effect of different concentrations of the extract and Glucantime was investigated on the mean number of amastigotes in macrophages after 24 and 48 hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and one- way analysis of variance.
Results: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the oak gall extract and Glucantime was 75 µg/ml and 221 µg/ml after 24 hours, respectively. After 24 hours, the mean number of amastigotes per macrophage was lowest at concentrations of 1000 µg/ml of the extract (0.9) and 10000 µg/ml of Glucantime (0.85).
Conclusion: Considering the inhibition of intracellular and extracellular growth of
L. major, the oak gall extract might be used as an efficient and safe agent for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
KEYWORDS: Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, Quercus.
Mojtaba Raeisi, Kamal Mirkarimi, Behrooz Jannat, Bahman Rahimi Esboei, Abdol Sattar Pagheh, Zahra Mehrbakhsh, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Oghlniaz Jorjani, Masoud Foroutan,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania. In this study, we aimed at investigating the in vitro anti-leishmanial effect of essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha pulegium, Foeniculum vulgare, Lippia citriodora and Pelargonium graveolens.
Methods: The essential oils were prepared from freshly dried and powdered plants with steam-distilled water. Iranian strain of Leishmania promastigotes was cultured in RPMI medium and the inhibitory effects of different concentrations (25, 32, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/ml) of the essential oils were investigated at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The number of live parasites before and after treatment with the essential oils was counted by trypan blue 10% staining and using neobar lam.
Results: The essential oils significantly decreased the number of promastigotes in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). However, the inhibitory effects of F. vulgare and R. officinalis essential oils were more profound compared to other essential oils. Moreover, concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/ml of these two essential oils exerted equal and more anti-leishmanial potency compared to glucantime, the first-line drug used for treatment of leishmaniasis.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended to evaluate the in vivo anti-leishmanial effects of the tested essential oils, particularly F. vulgare and R. officinalis.
Afieh Samimi, Oghol Niaz Jorjani, Zohreh Sharifi, Faramarz Koohsar, Khodaberdi Kalavi, Fatemeh Mesgarian, Beniamin Talebi ,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in most areas of Iran, and the diagnosis of its species is essential for controlling the disease. Leishmania major is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Molecular methods are generally more sensitive than microscopic methods. The present study aimed to use a polymerase chain reaction-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) technique for detecting live L. major from wounds of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methods: In the present study, a standard strain of L. major promastigotes was used as the positive control for purification of DNA. The Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle and RPMI-1640 media were used for reproduction of parasites. DNA was isolated from specimens taken from 35 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis whose disease was confirmed by direct smear method. The PCR-ELISA technique was later applied by using the standard strain, patient specimens, and primers specific for the 18s rRNA.
Results: Out of 35 patients, 17 (48.6%) were male and 18 (51.4%) were female. In addition, 8.6% of the patients lived in the Gonbad-e Kavus County, while all patients had been infected in villages around Gonbad-e Kavus. Of 35 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis according to the direct smear method, 31 patients (86.31%) had leishmaniasis based on the PCR method and the PCR-ELISA methods.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the PCR-ELISA method is more sensitive and accurate for detecting L. major.
Khodaberdi Kalavi, Mohammad Ali Faghihi, Ogholniaz Jorjani , Zolikha Tatari,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (9-2022)
Abstract
Dear Editor,
There are several reports about the modulatory effects of intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania spp., to help survival and replication inside host cells. They alter host cells' defense and offence mechanisms, and in case of leishmaniasis, the pathogen creates a hostile environment inside macrophages. We performed an RNA sequencing analysis of transcriptome changes in Leishmania major-infected human macrophages at four hour post infection. In this study, we investigated gene expression pattern of the infected macrophages against microbead (4.16 µm) polystyrene particles phagocytized and non-polarized macrophages as controls. Monocytes with high purity were isolated from healthy donors by magnetic-activated cell sorting and then differentiated into macrophages after 6-9 days of incubation at 37 ˚C.
In this study, we focused on some key interaction events between host cell and the pathogen; so some feature steps resulting from dictation strategies of the pathogen are presented below.
Faramarz Koohsar, Hamed Kalani, Fatemeh Livani, Oghol Niaz Jorjani, Ganesh Yadagiri, Alireza Ahmadi, Roghiyeh Faridnia,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan. Despite the significant frequency of cutaneous leishmaniasis, there is still no appropriate prevention, control and treatment. In recent years, a few studies have been performed on the effects of garlic extract for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Current drugs, such as glucantime, have several side effects and lead to direct cellular damage. If an herbal-based drug reduces Leishmania by augmenting the immune system, it has the potential to possess a wider margin of safety. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in vitro systematic review of the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and its compounds on Leishmania major.
Methods: Five English databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched until the end of December 2022. The syntax and specific tags have been used for each database. The studies with poor methodology, inadequate information, inappropriate analysis, and confusing presentation were excluded from the current study. The quality of articles was assessed by eleven questions developed by the authors and the data were extracted from the selected articles and discussed.
Results: In this study, 198 articles were selected in the search step, of which five eligible articles were included for examination. The most commonly used solvent for the preparation of garlic extract was distilled water (60%), followed by methanol (40%). In these studies, the bulb of garlic is mostly used (80%). Cell type of J774 was used in only one study (20%), and murine peritoneal macrophages were used in the other studies (80%). The effect of garlic on Leishmania major was strong (80%). Studies have shown that garlic extract or its active compounds can increase cellular immune responses, which play an important role in inhibiting the Leishmania parasite. This is associated with the activation of macrophages and increased IFN-γ levels and NO production.
Conclusion: According to the studies, the effect of different combinations of garlic on the Leishmania parasite has been shown. However, the exact mechanism of the anti-Leishmanial effect of garlic has not been determined. Thus, this issue needs further investigation.
Dr. Fatemeh Livani, Dr. Faramarz Koohsar, Dr. Farideh Tohidi, Dr. Mitra Sharbatkhori, Dr. Roghiyeh Faridnia, Dr. Ayeneh Hajieh Pangh, Dr. Mehdi Khoshrou, Dr. Hamed Kalani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent infectious zoonotic disease between human and animals. Golestan province is one of the important centers of CL in Iran. Current method for detecting Leishmania parasite in patients is Giemsa-stained direct smear from skin ulcers; however, PCR is a strongly recommended method for epidemiological studies. The aim of this study is to investigate Leishmania species in negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL referred to Aq Qala health center using multiplex nested PCR method.
Methods: This study was performed on 72 negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL referred to Aq Qala health center, Golestan province, northeastern Iran, during August 2019 to April 2020 using multiplex nested PCR method to detect Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica species.
Results: Out of 72 samples, 4 (5.55%) samples were positive by multiplex nested PCR. Moreover, all positive samples are related to Leishmania major species.
Conclusion: Detecting of Leishmania species is strongly recommended in negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL using multiplex nested PCR method.
