Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 344 353 EN María Guadalupe Montes-Cortés Parasitology and Parasitological Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain José Luis Fernández-García Genetics and Animal Breeding, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain Miguel Ángel Habela Martínez-Estéllez Parasitology and Parasitological Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain 2017 04 23 2017 04 23 Background: Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two haemoprotozoan parasites: Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. Negative economic impact on international trade has been associated to endemic sites. This is the reason why carrier detection requires reliable diagnostic methods. Various diagnostic modalities can be used alone or in combination including PCR. However, genetic variation of commonly used genes is still of debate. The aim of this research was to sequence the b-tubulin gene of a B. caballi strain from Spain and to compare it with known b-tubulin sequences. Methods: DNA was isolated from a cryopreserved strain from Spain and acute and chronic carrier horses. Firstly, degenerated primer pairs were designed based on GenBank sequences of different Babesia and Theileria species for sequencing. The primers were redesigned to amplify both parasites, simultaneously. Finally, a species-specific pri­mer pair for B. caballi was designed and a Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-PCR (PCR-RFLP) assay performed to know the difference of known B. caballi strains. Results: We provided new insights of the b-tubulin gene and a good molecular coverage of this gene, contributing with a number of useful primers to amplify T. equi and B. caballi. Moreover, PCR-RFLP assays based on the exon II of this gene confirmed the causative B. caballi strain in Spanish horses. Conclusion: We reported useful primer pairs for diagnostic and a new sequence of the b-tubulin gene of B. caballi, which will facilitate the development of future assays and the detection of infected horses, preventing thus the spread of this disease worldwide. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/654 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/654/347

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 427 432 EN Rouhullah Dehghani Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hamid Kassiri Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, School of Health, Ahvaz, Iran 2017 09 10 2017 09 10 Background: Scorpions are among the world’s venomous arthropods, they sting humans every year, suffering pain­ful symptoms or losing their lives because of the venom. Odontobuthus doriae Thorell 1876 (Arachnida: Scorpi­onida: Buthidae) is a scorpion of medical importance and therefore its geographical distribution in Isfahan Province has been studied. Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was designed between Mar and Jun in 2012 and 2013 in Province of Isfahan, central Iran. Overall, 164 O. doriae scorpions were collected from their natural habitat by identifying the dug burrows. This arthropod’s burrows were identified based on the presence of tumuli, particularly between May and Jun at the sloping foothills of pristine embankments. The sampling data was categorized and compared. Results: The relative frequency of collected O. doriae for the counties was Mobarakeh (13.5%), Shahinshahre (11.5%), Borkhar (9%), Shahreza (7.5%), Kashan (7.5%), Naeen (6%), Natanz (5.5%), Isfahan (4.8%), Najafabad (4.8%), Aran and Bidgol (4.8%), Dehaghan (4.8%), Flavarjan (3.7%), Khomeinishahr (3.7%), Tiran (3.7%), Gol­payegan (3.7%), Ardestan (3.7%) and Lenjan (2.5%). No O. doriae was collected from other counties of the prov­ince. Conclusion: The habitats of O. doriae are more often located in central, eastern and northern regions of the province compared to other regions. Counties of southern and western regions are among cold parts of the province. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/718 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/718/350

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 441 445 EN Seyed Mohammad Hoseini Department of Pathobiology, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran Bahram Ali Zaheri Department of Environmental Protection Semnan, Semnan, Iran Mohamad Ali Adibi Department of Environmental Protection Semnan, Semnan, Iran Hooman Ronaghi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Amir Hossein Moshrefi Young Researchers and Elite Club, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran 2017 09 12 2017 09 12 Background: The larval stages of Gasterophilus are obligate parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of equine account­able for pathologic ulcers in the Persian onager gastrointestinal. The aim of the current report was to study the histo­pathological change with G. pecorum larvae in the esophagus of a Persian onager. Methods: This study was performed in Iranian Zebra propagation and breeding site in Khartouran National Park, southeast of Shahrud City, Semnan Province, Iran in 2014. Following a necropsy with specific refer to esophagus of one adult female Persian onager were transmitted to the laboratory. After autopsy, parasites collected from the esophagus were transmitted into 70% alcohol. For histopathological investigation, tissue samples were collected from the esophagus. The tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and conformity routine processing, there were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin. Results: After clarity by lactophenol parasites were identified as G. pecorum. Microscopic recognition contained hyperemia, inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial destruction, esophageal gland hyperplasia. Conclusion: This is the first survey of G. pecorum and histopathological study in the Persian onager esophagus in the world. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/720 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/720/352

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 354 362 EN Helen Hoosh-Deghati Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Navid Dinparast-Djadid Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Vahideh Moin-Vaziri Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hoda Atta Malaria Control, Word Health Organization/Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt Abbas Ali Raz Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Seyyed Javad Seyyed-Tabaei Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Naseh Maleki-Ravasan Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Hamzeh Alipour Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Sedigheh Zakeri Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Eznollah Azar-Gashb Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 05 27 2017 05 27 Background: Malarious areas in Iran are close to Afghanistan and Pakistan that urge the researchers to extend their knowledge on malaria epidemiology to the neighboring countries as well. Vectorial capacity differs at species or even at population level, the first essential step is accurate identification of vectors. This study aimed to identify Anopheles species composition in selected malarious areas of Afghanistan and Iran, providing further applied data for other research in two countries. Methods: Adults Anopheles spp. were collected from four provinces in Afghanistan (Badakhshan, Herat, Kunduz, Nangarhar) by pyrethrum spray catch, hand collection methods through WHO/EMRO coordination and from Chaba­har County in Iran by pyrethrum spray catch method. Identification was performed using reliable identification key. Results: Totally, 800 female Anopheles mosquitos, 400 from each country were identified at species level. Anophe­les composition in Afghanistan was An. superpictus, An. stephensi and An. hyrcanus. Most prevalent species in Ba­dakhshan and Kunduz were An. superpictus, whereas An. stephensi and An. hyrcanus were respectively found in Nangarhar and Heart. Anopheles species in Chabahar County of Iran were An. stephensi, An. fluviatilis, An. culicifa­cies and An. sergentii. The most prevalent species was An. stephensi. Conclusion: Current study provides a basis for future research such as detection of Plasmodium infection in col­lected samples which is on process by the authors, also for effective implementation of evidence-based malaria vec­tor intervention strategies. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/669 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/669/348

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 433 440 EN Hazrat Bilal Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan Waseem Akram Department of Agri Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Soaib Ali Hassan Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan Sadur Din Water, Agriculture and Technology Transfer Program, Kabul, Afghanistan 2017 02 25 2017 02 25 Background: Dengue fever is a serious public health issue in Pakistan for many years. Globally plants have been reported to contain compounds with insecticidal properties. These properties have been demonstrated more recently on the larval stages of mosquitoes. Therefore, Citrus cultivar seeds were evaluated for larvicidal potential against the primary dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: Extraction of oil was done by a steam distillation method and oils were evaluated according to WHO guidelines for larvicides 2005 for evaluation of insecticidal properties of citrus seed extracts against mosquito larvae. Result: Among the Citrus cultivar seed oil, rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri) had the lowest LC50 value (200.79ppm), while musambi (C. sinensis var musambi) had the highest LC50 value (457.30ppm) after 24 h of exposure. Conclusion: Citrus cultivars have some larvicidal potential but C. jambhiri had the greatest potential against A. ae­gypti larvae. Further small-scale field trials using the extracts of C. jambhiri will be conducted to determine opera­tional feasibility. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/621 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/621/345

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 363 370 EN Fahimeh Talebzadeh Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoud Ghadipasha Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Jaber Gharedaghi Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Naser Yeksan Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Kamran Akbarzadeh Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Ali Oshaghi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 09 10 2017 09 10 Background: Entomological data can provide valuable information for crime scene investigations especially in post- mortem interval (PMI) estimation. This study performed to determine insect fauna of human corpses in Tehran dis­trict. Methods: Insect specimens were collected from 12 human cadavers during spring and summer 2014 and were identi­fied using morphological characteristics. Results: Four fly species including two blowflies Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia sericata (Calliphoridae), one flesh fly Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Sarcophagidae), and one phorid fly Megaselia scalaris (Phoridae) and a beetle Der­mestes maculatus (Dermestidae) was observed on the human cadavers. Chrysomya albiceps was the most dominant species on the corpses temporally and spatially. Conclusion: Chrysomya albiceps was the most dominant insect species on human cadavers in the area study spatio­temporally. The data make C. albiceps as a valuable entomological indicator for PMI estimation in Tehran and other parts of the country. However, further biological and ecological data such as its behavior, life tables, and consistent developmental time should be investigated when establishing a PMI in the region. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/717 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/717/349

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 3 2017 10 08 371 382 EN Mulood Mohammadi-Bavani Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Javad Rafinejad Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Ali Oshaghi or> Mohammad Reza Abai Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Raeisi National Program Manager for Malaria Control, Center for Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Rafi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 14 2015 10 14 Background: The irritant effect of some insecticides can cause a proportion of mosquitoes to leave the sprayed rooms before acquiring a lethal dose, so the repeated contact al sub-lethal dose may lead to extent the resistance. Methods: Larvae and pupae of Culex pipiens complex were collected in mass from open canals of waste water in capital city Tehran and reared to obtain the first generation at laboratory. Sugar-fed 2–3 days female mosquitoes were used for the experiments and compared with laboratory strain. The irritability tests of insecticides impregnated pa­pers were measured in plastic conical exposure chambers placed which implemented at controlled conditions ac­cording  to  the  method  described  by WHO .Number of take-offs were counted during 15  minutes of exposure  time. Results: DDT had the most irritancy effect against field population of Cx. pipiens. DDT, permethrin and deltamethrin was moderately irritable against laboratory strain, whereas, addition to three previous insecticides, malathion, cyfluthrin and propoxur should be also considered as moderately irritable insecticides for field population of. Irritability level of etofenprox, fenithrothion, bendiocarb, and lambdacyhalothrin did not differ from control group. Conclusion: The irritability response of mosquitoes may have a negative impact on control measures. Periodical execution of irritability tests with insecticides that routinely used in vector control program is highly recommended. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/148 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/148/133

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 10 2 2016 05 05 192 200 EN Xian Guo Guo Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Wen Ge Dong Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Xing Yuan Men Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China Ti Jun Qian Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Dian Wu Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Tian Guang Ren Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Feng Qin Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Wen Yu Song Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Zhi Hua Yang Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan, China Quinn E Fletcher Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada 2015 10 14 2015 10 14 Background: The species of ectoparasites that live on a specific host in a geographical region form an ectoparasite community. Species abundance distributions describe the number of individuals observed for each different species that is encountered within a community. Based on properties of the species abundance distribution, the expected total number of species present in the community can be estimated. Methods: Preston’s lognormal distribution model was used to fit the expected species abundance distribution curve. Using the expected species abundance distribution curve, we estimated the total number of expected parasite species present and the amount of species that were likely missed by our sampling in the field. Results: In total, 8040 ectoparasites (fleas, sucking lice, gamasid mites and chigger mites) were collected from 431 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from a localized area in southwest China. These ectoparasites were identified to be 47 species from 26 genera in 10 families. The majority of ectoparasite species were chigger mites (family Trombicu­lidae) while the majority of individuals were sucking lice in the family Polyplacidae. The expected species abun­dance distribution curve demonstrated the classic pattern that the majority of ectoparasite species were rare and that there were a few common species. The total expected number of ectoparasite species on R. norvegicus was estimated to be 85 species, and 38 species were likely missed by our sampling in the field. Conclusions: Norway rats harbor a large suite of ectoparasites. Future field investigations should sample large num­bers of host individuals to assess ectoparasite populations. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/149 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/149/134

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 10 2 2016 05 05 201 210 EN Masoumeh Pirmohammadi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Mansoureh Shayeghi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Hassan Vatandoost Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran AND Instituet for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza Abaei Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Ali Mohammadi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Akbar Bagheri Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Mehdi Khoobdel Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hasan Bakhshi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Maryam Pirmohammadi Kashan University, Kashan, Iran Maryam Tavassoli Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran 2015 10 14 2015 10 14 Background: One of the best ways to control the malaria disease and to be protected human against Anopheles mos­quito biting is the use of repellents. Throughout repellents, herbal ones may be an appropriate and safe source for protection. Methods: Chemical constituents of Achillea vermiculata and Satoreja hortensis were determined by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Efficacy and the protection time of these plants were assessed on Anopheles stephensi under the laboratory condition. Results: The mean assessed protection time and efficacy for A. vermiculata was 2.16 and 3.16 hours respectively and the obtained ED50 and ED90 for this plant was 5.67 and 63 µl/cm2 respectively. The figured for S. hortensis was 4.16 and 5 hours respectively.  ED50 and ED90 for this plant were 5.63 and 45.75µl/cm2 respectively. Conclusion: Results of investigation showed that S. hortensis plant has an acceptable protection time, therefore, this plant could be considered as a good herbal repellent against anopheles mosquitoes. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/150 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/150/135

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 10 2 2016 05 05 211 221 EN Chongxing Zhang Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China AND Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Taishan Medical University, Taian, Shandong 271000, China Guihong Shi Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China Yuqiang Zhao Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China Dongmei Yan Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China Huaiju Li Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China Hongmei Liu Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China Itsanun Wiwatanaratanabutr Department of Plant Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand Maoqing Gong Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, People’s Republic of China 2015 10 14 2015 10 14 Background: The aim of the current study was to develop a marking technique as an internal marker to mark post blood meal mosquitoes by using stable phosphate isotope 32P and determine the optimal concentration of it. Methods: An isotonic physiological saline solution, containing different concentration of radioactive isotope 32P-labeled disodium phosphate (Na2H32PO4) was injected into rabbits via the jugular vein in the laboratory. Emerged Cx. pipiens were marked after feeding on rabbit. At the same time, the labeled conditions of emerged Cx. pipiens were also measured by placing feces of No. 6 rabbit into containers with mosquito larvae and pupae inside. Results: According to the label condition of Cx. pipiens after taking blood and the effect of different dosage Na2H32PO4 on rabbit health, the optimal concentration of radioactive isotope was determined, that is, 0.1211 mCi/kg. By placing feces of No. 6 rabbit into containers with mosquito larvae and pupae inside, the emerged mosquitoes were also labeled. Therefore, feeding mosquitoes on the animal injected with radioactive Na2H32PO4 was more prac­tical for detecting and tracing mosquitoes. Conclusion: The method was less time-consuming, more sensitive and safer. This marking method will facilitate post-bloodmeal studies of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/151 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/151/136

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 10 2 2016 05 05 222 237 EN Afshin Ostovar Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Akbar Haghdoost Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Future Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Abbas Rahimiforoushani Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Raeisi Malaria Control Office of MOH and ME, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza Majdzadeh Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 14 2015 10 14 Background: The Malaria Early Warning System is defined as the use of prognostic variables for predicting the occurrence of malaria epidemics several months in advance. The principal objective of this study was to provide a malaria prediction model by using meteorological variables and historical malaria morbidity data for malaria-en­demic areas in south eastern Iran. Methods: A total of 2002 locally transmitted microscopically confirmed malaria cases, which occurred in the Minab district of Hormozgan Province in Iran over a period of 6 years from March 2003 to March 2009, were analysed. Meteorological variables (the rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity in this district) were also assessed. Monthly and weekly autocorrelation functions, partial autocorrelation functions, and cross-correlation graphs were examined to explore the relationship between the historical morbidity data and meteorological variables and the number of cases of malaria. Having used univariate auto-regressive integrated moving average or transfer function models, significant predictors among the meteorological variables were selected to predict the number of monthly and weekly malaria cases. Ljung-Box st