Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1667 1667 EN Saideh Yousefi Department of Public Health, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran, Student Research Committee, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran Madineh Abbasi Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Reza Sadeghi Department of Public Health, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran Mozafar Vahedi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Parniya Abolghaseminejad Department of Public Health, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran Amir Ahmad Akhavan Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 08 06 2025 07 20 Background: Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) caused by Leishmania tropica is endemic in most parts of Iran; however, its vector ecology has not been extensively studied. This study investigates the effects of lunar phases and climatic factors on the biodiversity and frequency of sand flies in various biotopes, with and without artificial light. Methods: Sand flies were collected using sticky paper traps in four lunar phases (new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter). Alpha and beta diversity indices were calculated using the relevant formulas. Poisson regression analysis was used to study the relationship between lunar phases and climatic factors with the sand fly frequency. Results: In places with artificial light, the highest richness was observed in the new moon and the first quarter (S= 7), and the highest species evenness and Shannon-Wiener indices were observed in the last quarter (E= 0.464, H= 0.832) phases. But in areas without artificial light, the maximum value of richness was in the first quarter and full moon (S= 9), and the highest value of evenness and Shannon–Wiener was in the first quarter (E= 0.748, H= 1.645). Non-parametric tests revealed that among climatic factors, only wind speed exhibited a significant correlation with sand fly frequency. Conclusion: The highest diversity in biotopes with and without artificial light was observed in the last quarter and first quarter, respectively, and also, wind speed influenced the frequency and diversity of sand flies in different habitats, so in sand fly surveillance, it is crucial to consider these important factors. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1667 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1667/677

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1727 1727 Abbas Aghaei-Afshar Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Leila Shirani-Bidabadi Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Hedieh Zadeh-Abbasi Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran Godwin Nutifafa Gidiglo Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, 4138 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue Davis, California A, 95616, USA Jafar Zolala Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran Mohammad Amin Gorouhi Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Ismaeil Alizadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mansour Mirtadzadini Plant Systematics, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar Kerman University, Kerman, Iran 2024 03 25 2025 02 26 Background: The extract of seed and leave of  Ricinus communis (castor plant) is rich in glycerides and fatty acids, including ricin, oleic acid, ‌palmitic acid, ‌linoleic acid and dihydroxy-stearic. This study aimed to evaluate the repellency effect of R. communis leaf extract (castor extract, CE) on Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies and compare its effectiveness with a commercial insect repellent, 10% DEET spray (positive control), under laboratory conditions. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic extract of castor leaves was prepared, and the repellency effect and mortality rates were evaluated at different doses. The study also assessed 10% DEET (positive control) and 50 μl of 70% ethanol (negative control). The modified Wirtz method was applied using the K and D apparatus. Results: The repellency effect of various doses of hydro-alcoholic castor extract (CE) on Ph. papatasi sand flies were evaluated. The ED50 (95% CL) was calculated as 4.17 mg/cm2, and ED90 (95% CL) as 7.9 mg/cm2 after 24 hours of exposure. At 1.6 mg/cm2, the repellency effect of hydro-alcoholic CE was greater than that of 10% DEET. However, DEET exhibited higher repellency than CE at concentrations below than 1.6 mg/cm2 (i.e. 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/cm2). Mortality among sand flies was observed only at high doses (1.6mg/cm2) of hydro-alcoholic CE, with the highest mor­tality rate recorded at 17.7%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 10% DEET and hydro-alcoholic castor extract exhibit strong repellency effects against Ph. papatasi sand flies, the primary vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. The findings highlight castor extract's potential as an effective sand fly repellent. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1727 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1727/678

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1769 1769 Seyedeh Zahra Parkhideh Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Forouzesh Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Maryam Akhgari Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Kamran Akbarzadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sara Rahimi Medicinal Plants Research Center, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran Sayena Rafizadeh Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Yavar Rassi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Arthropod-Borne Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2024 09 29 2025 01 06 Background: Drugs or poisons can affect the larvae's developmental period in cadavers, leading to variations in the post-mortem interval (PMI) calculation. One of the most misused psychostimulant drugs in Asia and North America, Methamphetamine (MA), is commonly involved in forensic entomotoxicological situations. This study investigated the impact of various MA concentrations on the developmental rate, morphology, and behavior of Lucilia sericata. Methods: Lucilia sericata was maintained at 28 °C and 50±10% humidity in the Calliphoridae breeding laboratory at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Chicken liver substrates with varying concentra­tions of MA (0, 45, 90, and 180 ng/mg) were used to produce L. sericata eggs. Ten samples were randomly selected from each treatment group for morphological analysis, including weight and size measurements, at each sampling stage (every 12 hours up to 300 hours). With a significance level of p< 0.05, the General Linear Model (GLM) Mixed Model ANOVA was used to compare the data. Results: The development time of L. sericata was shown to be changed by Methamphetamine concentrations, which decreased by 24 hours at 90 and 180 ng/mg. Compared to the control group, larvae and pupae lengths decreased by 1.22 and 0.7 mm, respectively, at 180 ng/mg. Additionally, the weight of the larvae and pupae in the concentration men­tioned above decreased by 7.52 and 7 mg, respectively, in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The PMI is estimated incorrectly if the presence of Methamphetamine in the corpse is disregarded. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1769 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1769/676

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1730 1730 Mahboubeh Fatemi Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Ghaffarifar Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Elham Gholami Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Mohebali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, 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 Mohammad Ali Oshaghi Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Yavar Rassi Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amir Ahmad Akavan Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 04 13 2024 06 18 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical infection and the most prevalent vector-borne dis-ease in Iran. There is no approved human vaccine and current treatments are restricted; some drugs are expensive and have notable side effects. Therefore, the need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine that can be produced at a low cost remains urgent. It has been shown that vaccinating animals with salivary gland homogenate or saliva com- ponents of sand flies protected against Leishmania infection. In this study, we aimed to prepare a mammalian expres- sion vector encoding Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein 15 (PpSP15) intended to be used as a DNA vaccine in our forthcoming studies. Methods: In this study, we designed and constructed pcDNA3. 1, a constitutive mammalian expression vector, to en- code the immunogenic protein PpSP15. The presence of the target gene was confirmed by enzymatic digestion and se- quencing. The mammalian COS-7 cells were transfected with the pcDNA3.1 vector and the expression of PpSP15 pro- tein was then examined in the cell line using Western Blotting analysis. Results: Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing revealed the correctly constructed pcDNA3.1-PpSP15. After the transfection of the COS-7 cell line with pcDNA3.1-PpSP15 using Linear Polyethylenimine, the PpSP15 protein expres- sion was confirmed by western blot analysis using anti-His antibody. Conclusion: A high expression level of PpSP15 protein in COS-7 cells was achieved after the transfection of COS-7 cells, using cationic Linear Polyethylenimine. In subsequent research, this recombinant plasmid is supposed to be uti- lized as a candidate DNA vaccine to find its immunity induction in susceptible animal models. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1730 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1730/675

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1737 1737 Assia Beneldjouzi Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Alger, Algérie, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de M’hamed Bouguerra, Boumerdes, Algérie Ismail Lafri Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida, Algérie, Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées a la Reproduction Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires. Université Blida 1, Blida, Algérie Amel Djerbouh Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida, Algérie Safia Nekhili Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Alger, Algérie Lydia Hamrioui Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Alger, Algérie Nacer Eddine Messahel Faculté des Sciences Biologiques et Sciences Agronomiques, Université de Tizi-Ouzou, Algérie Zoubir Harrat Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Alger, Algérie Naouel Eddaikra Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Alger, Algérie Idir Bitam umr Vitrome, Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, France, Ecole Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires (ESSAIA), Algiers, Algeria 2024 05 07 2025 02 01 Background: Emergent vector-borne diseases have gained significant attention in recent years due to their increasing prevalence and impact on public health. With its vast geographic and ecological diversity, Algeria has limited available data on the distribution and prevalence of neglected vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to inventory hematopha­gous ectoparasites, including ticks and fleas, collected from domestic and wild animals such as dogs, hedgehogs, cattle, and rodents across diverse biotopes in northwestern Algeria (Mascara, Oran, Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbes, Mostaganem, Tiaret, and Ain Temouchent) and southern Algeria (Laghouat). Methods: A total of 984 arthropods, comprising 609 ticks and 375 fleas, were collected from domestic and wild an­i­mals. Among these, 193 ticks and 105 fleas underwent molecular screening for Rickettsia spp. using gltA and ompA gene-specific primers. Results: The minimum infection rate (MIR) for Rickettsia spp. was estimated at 6.37%, assuming one positive individ­ual per pool. Quantitative PCR revealed the presence of Rickettsia massiliae in 1/68 (1.47%) of Rhipicephalus san­guineus ticks and Rickettsia felis in 7/48 (14.58%) of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. Additionally, a novel strain of Rickett­sia sp. was identified in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Conclusion: This study expands the understanding of tick- and flea-borne Rickettsia species in Algeria, highlighting the diverse range of ectoparasite-borne pathogens associated with domestic and wild animals. The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and molecular characterization to address the public health risks posed by these pathogens. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1737 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1737/674

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1762 1762 Aioub Sofizadeh Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Kourosh Arzamani Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran Yousef Bahlekeh Geographic Information System Unit, Department of the Environment of Golestan Province, Golestan Province, Iran Maryam Soudmand Vice-Chancellor for Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran Shahyad Azari-Hamidian Research Center of Health and Environment, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, Department of Medical Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran 2024 09 08 2025 02 08 Background: Golestan National Park is the first, oldest and most vast national park in Iran. It was registered as a bio­sphere reserve by UNESCO in 1977. The park is located in Golestan, North Khorasan and Semnan Provinces. There is no information about the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in this park. Methods: The larvae of mosquitoes were captured from various habitats using the standard 350 ml capacity dippers and also by pipettes, for small larval breeding sites, and buckets, for wells, during spring–autumn 2019. Larvae were pre­served in lactophenol and mounted on microscope slides in Berlese medium and identified by morphological characters. The altitude and coordinates of the sampling localities, larval habitat characteristics and physicochemical features of habitat waters were recorded. Association and affinity indices were calculated. Results: In total, 1349 larvae including 13 species across four genera were collected: Anopheles claviger, An. maculi­pennis s.l., An. moghulensis, An. superpictus s.l., Culex hortensis, Cx. perexiguus, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. torrenti­um, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Culiseta longiareolata, Cs. subochrea and Uranotaenia unguiculata. Anopheles moghulensis and Cx. torrentium were new to the region. Culiseta longiareolata (62.6%) displayed the most abundance. Anopheles maculipennis s.l., An. moghulensis and Cs. subochrea were the least specimens (0.1%). Larval habitat characteristics, physicochemical features of habitat waters, association occasions, and percentages were presented. The nitrate of water samples displayed a significant difference among the species (P= 0.003). Conclusion: The study of bionomics of adult mosquitoes and detection of the vectors of different pathogens using sero­logical or molecular-specific tests are recommended. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1762 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1762/673

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1750 1750 Tahereh Asgarian Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Ahmadali Enayati Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Morteza Zaim Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Zahra Saeidi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Ali Oshaghi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2024 08 04 2024 12 03 Background: The growing concerns regarding the recent invasion of Aedes aegypti in Iran and the potential outbreak of dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika viruses in the country highlight the importance of assessing the susceptibility of this vector to different insecticides. Methods: The study assessed the resistance status of Ae. aegypti resistance to insecticides such as deltamethrin, perme­thrin, malathion, and temephos in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, Iran. The research followed WHO standard testing procedures for adult mosquitoes. Adult susceptibility tests were conducted using 1X the discriminating concen­trations to determine the frequency and status of insecticide resistance. Additionally, 5X and 10X the discriminating concentration were used to evaluate the intensity of resistance. Larval susceptibility to temephos was tested using con­centrations of 156.25, 31.25, 6.25, 1.25, and 0.25 mg/l of temephos. Results: Adults were resistant to all three tested insecticides at WHO-recommended diagnostic concentrations (DCs). In terms of resistance intensity, Ae. aegypti exhibited low-intensity resistance to malathion and deltamethrin, while re­sistance to permethrin was high-intensity. Dose-response analysis regarding the susceptibility of larvae to temephos showed LC50, LC90, and LC99 values of 0.013, 0.065, and 0.238 mg/l, respectively. These values indicate resistance when compared to the WHO diagnostic dose for temephos resistance of 0.012 mg/l. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for an urgent strategy to manage resistance to insecticides and strengthen the integrated management program of Ae. aegypti. This fact emphasizes the importance of reducing larval sources and promoting research on alternative methods and products. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1750 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1750/672

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 18 4 2024 12 31 1744 1744 Mohammad Qolami-Dastjerdan Department of Parasitology and Mycology, the First of Shastkola Road, Golestan University of Science, Gorgan, Iran Farideh Kouchak Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Farideh Tohidi Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran 2024 06 23 2025 02 11 Background: As medical students are the future doctors and healthcare providers of the country, it is essential to evalu­ate their awareness, attitude, and practice about leishmaniasis. Therefore, we have decided to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students in the clinical phase about cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 318 clinical students, including those in physiopathology, Extern-1, Extern-2, and internship phases at Golestan University of Medical Sciences. A questionnaire was designed, containing 28 questions divided into four sections: demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and Chi-square tests. Results: 318 individuals participated in the study, of which 193 (60.6%) individuals were female, and 125 (39.4%) indi­viduals were male. 70 physiopathology students (100%), 72 Extern-1 students (93.5%), 73 Extern-2 students (92.4%), and 88 internship students (100%) had a good level of awareness. Among physiopathology students, 42 individuals (60%), 58 Extern-1 students, (75.3%), 71 Extern-2 students, (85.5%), and 88 (100%) internship individuals had a good attitude. The results of this research showed that 19 (27.1%) physiopathology students, 49 (63.6%) Extern-1 students, 27 (32.5%) Extern-2 students, and 42 (47.7%) interns had a good level of practice.  Conclusion: As future healthcare providers, medical students must possess a high level of knowledge, a positive atti­tude, and strong practice skills in managing conditions such as CL. Given the prevalence of this disease in the country, organ­izing targeted educational programs for medical students can significantly enhance their knowledge and abilities. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1744 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1744/671