Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 325 333 Rouhullah Dehghani Social Determinants Research Center of Health and Engineering Department of Environmental Health, Medical Science University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran Esmail Charkhloo Department of Environment Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran Nedasadat Seyyedi-Bidgoli Social Determinants Research Center of Health and Engineering Department of Environmental Health, Medical Science University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran Elahe Chimehi Social Determinants Research Center of Health and Engineering Department of Environmental Health, Medical Science University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran Maedeh Ghavami-Ghameshlo Social Determinants Research Center of Health and Engineering Department of Environmental Health, Medical Science University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran 2018 12 16 Background: Scorpions are one of the most important venomous animals in Iran. Their sting has more prevalence in the south and southwest areas. The aim of this study was to introduce their sting agent species in the country. Methods: Data were extracted by a mini review on scorpion stinging articles in Iran until early 2018 and then the sting agent species in each area were studied. Geographical and provincial distribution of each species also was provided. Results:  Twelve scorpion species are causative agents of sting. According to their deadly rate and clinical symptoms, some of them are considered the most dangerous venomous animals in Iran. Some death cases have been reported be­cause of the sting of 3 species of Hemiscorpius lepturus, H. acanthocercus and Androctonus crassicauda. Remaining species have not deadly sting but because of their frequency, they encounter the individuals and cause the stinging. Conclusion: The highest number of sting agents is in Khuzestan, however Gilan and Mazandaran have the lowest fre­quency. Because of the high prevalence of sting agent species in that province, the necessity of providing control and prevention programs is very important. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1034 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1034/426

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 334 340 Soudabeh Heidari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Mohebali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran . AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zabihollah Zarei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Nateghpour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afsaneh Motevalli-Haghi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 11 06 Background: Rodents perform a crucial role in dispersal of zoonosis causes globally. We aimed to investigation about infection levels of parasitic agents in rodents’ population in Meshkinshahr areas, northwest of Iran from Apr to Sep 2014. Methods: Two hundred four rodents were trapped and anaesthetized. A sample of blood was collected via cardi­opuncture from each one. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa. All stained smear were examined under light microscopy with high magnification by two expert microscopists. Every suspected uni­cellular observed were measured microscopically and compared with key references to diagnose. Results: Captured rodents were identified as three genera including Meriones persicus, Mus musculus, Cricetulus migraturius. Protozoa identified in this study were included of Spironucleus muris and Eperythrozoon coccoides, these parasites were observed in blood smear of 0.98% of rodents. S. muris and E. coccoides were seen in M. mus­culus and C. migraturius, respectively. Conclusion: The present study increases awareness about Eperythrozoonosis in rodents and its potential transmis­sion to domestic animals and even to human in rural districts in Iran. Moreover, the attack of Spironucleus on the mucus of colon and its systemic risk was confirmed. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1001 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1001/416

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 341 350 Olatunji Matthew Kolawole Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Glory Adelaiye Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Jeremiah Ikhevha Ogah Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria 2018 12 01 Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen that is the causative agent of West Nile fever and encephalitis. Diagnostic tools for WNV infection in Nigeria are not well established hence the current prevalence rate of WNV infection in Nigeria is unknown. We aimed to establish the serological prevalence of WNV infection in febrile patients in Ilorin, Nigeria in 2016, and to assess the risk factors associated with the acquisition of the virus. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving the screening of subjects presenting with febrile illnesses. While specific IgM ELISA was used to determine the seroprevalence, a closed-ended questionnaire was used to as­certain the risk factors associated with this viral infection. Results: Fifteen (7.5%) of the respondents were positive for WNV infection. Subjects living in areas in close prox­imity to trees and bushes (P= 0.011) and stagnant water (P= 0.001) were at a higher risk of having WNV infection. Other risk factors associated with WNV among the respondents include the none use of insecticide (P= 0.001), sitting out at night (P= 0.044), HIV positivity (P= 0.003) and having an organ transplant (P= 0.002). Conclusion: This study clearly shows a considerable WNV infection in Ilorin, with the presence of factors that can promulgate an outbreak, hence a need for further surveillance in the study area. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1016 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1016/419

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 351 360 Tanawat Chaiphongpachara College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand Nattapon Juijayen Bachelor of Public Health, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand Kitthisak Khlaeo Chansukh Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand 2018 12 05 Background: Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a mosquito-borne disease and remains a major public health problem, especially in tropical and temperate countries. Studying wing morphometric of Aedes aegypti as a mosquito vector of DHF can help to better understand biological process of the mosquito adaptation to the environment. We aimed to study the geometric morphometric of Ae. aegypti from multiple geographical areas. Methods: Samples were collected from Samut Songkhram Province in Thailand, including coastal, residential and cultivated areas, by Ovitrap once per month during Oct to Nov 2016. Results: According to size variation analysis of Ae. aegypti, the female mosquito in a cultivated area was significant­ly different from those in the coastal and residential areas (P< 0.05). Whereas male Ae. aegypti in a cultivated area were significantly different from those in a residential area (P< 0.05). The shape variation of both female and male Ae. aegypti from all areas was statistically different (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Normally, living organisms, including mosquitoes, are adapted to their environment. The studied geo­graphical locations affect Ae. aegypti morphology. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1018 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1018/421

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 361 369 Mahmoud Osanloo Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran Universi-ty of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fariba Esmaeili Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amir Amani Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran 2018 12 05 Background: In this study, larvicidal activity of clove essential oil (EO), as a green and relatively potent larvicide, was compared with its main constituent, Eugenol, against Anopheles stephensi. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the amount of eugenol, major constituent of clove EO. In addition, larvicidal activity of clove EO and eugenol was evaluated against An. stephensi. Results: The amount of eugenol in clove EO was determined as 67% using HPLC analysis. LC50 and LC90 of clove EO (57.49 and 93.14ppm, respectively) were significantly lower than those of eugenol (86.96 and 128.18 ppm, re­spectively). Conclusion: EO showed more effective than its major component. Considering the lower cost of the essential oil and lower risk in occurrence of resistance in larvae, use of clove EO is preferred as larvicide in comparison with eugenol, against An. stephensi. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1019 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1019/423

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 370 377 Onur Guntay Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Turkey Mehmet Salih Yikilmaz Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Turkey Huseyin Ozaydin Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Turkey Savas Izzetoglu Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Turkey Asli Suner Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Turkey 2018 12 10 Background: Mosquitoes, being a nuisance species, are considered as one of the most important species in public health control programs due to their role as a vector in mosquito-borne diseases observed in humans and animals. We evaluated the susceptibility status of Culex pipiens collected from northern Izmir, Turkey in 2011-16. Methods: Mosquito larvae, collected from three different locations in northern İzmir, were reared in the laboratory. Adult susceptibility bioassays were performed using the WHO insecticide-impregnated papers including deltamethrin 0.05%, permethrin 0.75%, α-cypermethrin 0.05% and cyfluthrin 0.15%. In addition, adult bioassays were performed after the pre-exposure to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to determine the contribution of P450 detoxification enzymes to the phenotypic resistance. Results: In all of the three populations, high levels of resistance were observed (mortalities<63%) to all of the four pyrethroids. Different pyrethroids but with the same mode of action can exhibit significantly different phenotypic re­sistance in a single population. PBO bioassays also showed that P450 detoxification enzymes can have diverse effects on different pyrethroids. Conclusion: Using just one chemical in a class of insecticide can be misleading for resistance studies. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1026 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1026/424

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 12 4 2018 10 12 378 386 Aytekin Cikman Department of Medical Microbiology, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey Merve Aydin Department of Medical Microbiology, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey AND Department of Medical Microbiology, KTO Karatay University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey Baris Gulhan Department of Medical Microbiology, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey Faruk Karakecili Department of Infectious Diseases, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey Levent Demirtas Department of Internal Medicine, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey Ozan Arif Kesik Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey 2018 12 12 Background: We aimed to determine the geographical features and seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Erzincan, Turkey, which has a high tick population due to its geographical position and climatic conditions. Methods: From January to December 2014, 368 people living in Erzincan, northeastern Turkey were enrolled. B. burgdorferi IgG antibodies were investigated in the collected serum samples using the ELISA method in 2015. Positive and borderline results were confirmed using the Western Blot (WB) method.  Results: Borrelia burgdorferi IgG positivity was found to be 4.1% by ELISA and 2.17% by WB. Of the seropositive people according to WB, 25% resided in areas within 2000m of rivers, 50% in areas with a slope of 0–5°, and 62.5% in areas with an altitude of lower than 1500 meters. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis was high in Erzincan, particularly among people engaged in animal husbandry in rural areas. In addition, the seroprevalence of Borrelia varied according to geographical features, increasing in areas with a lower slope and altitude. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/articlogy and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Khamesipour Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amir Ahmad Akhavan Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2016 07 02 2016 07 02 Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a neglected tropical disease prevailed in many rural areas of 17 out of 31 provinces in Iran. The main vector of the disease is Phlebotomus papatasi and the causative agent is Leishmania major in ZCL foci of Iran. In the current study we investigated the validity of accessory glands secre­tions as an indicator to recognize parous from nulliparous Ph. papatasi females under laboratory conditions. Methods: Over 235 laboratory-reared females of Ph. papatasi were dissected in 6 groups including: newly emerged, one hour, one day, two days, and three days after blood feeding and also after oviposition under stereo microscope for their parity in 2014–2015. Results: Transparent glands were compatible with nulliparous only in newly emerged sand flies. In sand flies dis­sected after oviposition, accessory glands were rather large as a result of oviposition though they were transparent. Conclusion: The accessory glands secretions could not be as an indicator for distinguishing parous from nulliparous of Ph. papatasi females. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/495 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/495/326

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 1 2017 04 18 27 35 EN Kavita Yadav Medical Entomology, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India Sunil Dhiman Medical Entomology, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India Bipul Rabha Medical Entomology, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India Diganta Goswami Medical Entomology, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India PK Saikia Zoology Department, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India Vijay Veer Medical Entomology, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam, India 2016 02 24 2016 02 24 Background: Orang Primary Health Centre (OPHC) and Balipara Primary Health Centre (BPHC) of Assam (India) report mosquito borne diseases annually. Current study was performed to ascertain the prevalence of known malaria and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vectors and their possible role in disease transmission. Methods: Malaria epidemiological data for 2006–2010 and JE data for 2008–2013 of Assam, India were obtained from the health authority. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps and identified morpho-taxonomically. Results: Plasmodium falciparum cases (81.5%, 95% CI= 72.0–91.1) were statistically higher in OPHC (P< 0.0001, t= 8.0) during the recent years. There was 4.4 folds rise in the confirmed acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and 3.2 folds increase in the confirmed JE cases during 2013 as compared to 2008. Altogether 9,218 mosquito specimens (PTND= 153.6), comprising of 44.1% anophelines (PTND= 67.7), 42.3% culicines (PTND= 65.0) and 9.5% manso­nia (PTND= 14.6) were recorded. In BPHC, An. vagus was recorded in high density (P< 0.0001), whereas Cx. quin­quefasciatus was the predominant JE vector (P= 0.04). In OPHC, among the known malaria vectors, the density of An. annularis was significantly high (P< 0.0001). However Culex bitaeniorhynchus was the predominant known JE vector (P< 0.0001) followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus. Conclusion: Even in the absence of known efficient vectors, many Anopheles species are still involved in malaria transmission. There was disappearance of An. minimus and An. dirus and establishment of An. annularis, An. vagus and An. philippinensis/nivipes mosquitoes in study area. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/391 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/391/308

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 1 2017 04 18 36 41 EN Zabihollah Zarei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Mohebali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Centers for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zahra Heidari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran Eshrat Beigom Kia Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran Amrollah Azarm Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Tarbiat Modarres, Tehran, Iran Hasan Bakhshi Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Jaber Davoodi Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Islamic Azad University Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran Hamid Hassanpour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran Manizhe Roohnavaz Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahya Khodabakhsh Department of Veterinary Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran Zakkyeh Telmadarraiy Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran 2016 02 24 2016 02 24 Background: Rodents play an important role as reservoir of some pathogens, and the host of some ectoparasites as well. These ectoparasites can transmit rodents’ pathogens to human or animals. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and infestation load of ectoparasites on rodents in Meshkin-Shahr District, northwestern Iran. Method: Rodents were captured using baited live traps in spring 2014 from Meshkin-Shahr District and were trans­ferred to the laboratory for identification to the species level. Their ectoparasites were collected, mounted and identi­fied. Results: Three rodent species including Meriones persicus (74%), Mus musculus (16.9%) and Cricetulus migrato­rius (9%) were identified. Among all rodents, 185 specimens (90.69%) were infested with a total of 521 ectopara­sites. Overall, 10 arthropods species were collected, including fleas (97.6%), one mite (1.6%) and one louse species (0.6%) as follows: Xenopsylla nubica, X. astia, X. buxtoni, X. cheopis, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, N. iranus, Cten­ocephalides felis, Ctenophthalmus rettigismiti, Ornithonyssus sp and one species of genus Polyplax. The most prev­alent ectoparasites species was X. nubica (89%). Conclusion: Nearly all rodent species were infested with Xenopsylla species. Monitoring of ectoparasites on infested rodents is very important for awareness and early warning towards control of arthropod-borne diseases. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/392 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/392/309

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 1 2017 04 18 42 49 EN Elham Valikhanfard-Zanjani Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran Abbas Zare-Mirakabadi Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran Ehsan Zayerzadeh Department of Biology, Faculty of Food Industry and Agriculture, Standard Research Institute, Karaj, Iran 2016 04 18 2016 04 18 Background: Nowadays use of specific antivenin for latrodectism is considered as the most effective treatment in the world. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of specific antivenom against histopathological complications caused by Latrodectus dahli venom on liver, heart and kidneys tissues within 72 h. Methods: Two groups were selected, each one contained 6 male New Zealand rabbits weighing 2±0.5 kg. The ani­mals were anesthetized with 0.5 ml ketamine and 0.5 ml xylazine by intramuscular route. The L. dahli venom (0.5 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to both the groups. The second group of rabbits 24 h after the venom injection received specific antivenom by intravenous route. Seventy-two hours after the venom and antivenom injections, the rabbits were dissected to obtain heart, liver and kidney tissues. The tissues were stained by hematoxylin and eosin stains and histopathological studies were examined by optical microscope. Results: In group one, the venom induced myocytolysis, myocarditis, coagulation necrosis in the heart tissue and the liver tissue showed central vein congestion, congested vessels, dilated sinusoids and inflammation. However, no significant histopathological complications were observed in kidney tissues. In the second group, antivenom injec­tion greatly prevented escalation of the complications on foresaid tissues. Conclusion: Latrodectus dahli venom induces histopathological complications on vital organs. Specific antivenom injection, 24 h after the venom injection, could protect the tissues from incidence and intensification of histopatho­logical complications. Future studies in human beings should be conducted to assess the protection against the spe­cific-Latrodectus antivenin. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/427 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/427/311

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 11 1 2017 04 18 50 59 EN Shabab Nasir Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Farhat Jabeen Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Sadia Abbas Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Iram Nasir Department of Statistics, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakisatn Mustapha Debboun Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, Houston, TX, USA 2016 04 20 2016 04 20 Background: The population of mosquitoes is mainly influenced by the biotic and abiotic factors. Although Aedes aegypti was reported until 1960’s in the Punjab, Pakistan, the population has increased dramatically since 2009 and caused severe epidemics in 2011 due to heavy floods and rains. Thus, this study was carried out to know the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the population of Aedes aegypti. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected from fresh, sewage, and rain water ponds, fish ponds, rice fields, tyres, tree holes, and manmade storage containers present in and around residential homes twice during every winter (October–February), summer (March–June) and monsoon season (July–September) from marked rural areas. Results: More mosquitoes were collected in 2010 and 2011 due to floods than other years with heavy rains. High population (52.4%) was recorded during the rainy season due to high temperature (28–36 °C) and high relative hu­midity (up to 75%), while low population was recorded during the winter due to low temperature (< 5 °C) and low relative humidity (< 22%). Specimens were recorded indoors when outside temperature was below freezing point. Ae. aegypti was largely collected from tyres and urban areas mostly during the rainy season from small water con­tainers. Years, months, seasons, temperature and relative humidity were statistically significant concerning the pop­ulation dynamics of mosquitoes. Conclusion: Abiotic factors (temperature & relative humidity) along with habitat have significant impact on popula­tion dynamics of mosquitoes. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/428 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/428/312