Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 05 20 1912 1912 Morteza Zaim Independent senior consultant in Vector Ecology and Control, Geneva, Switzerland Seyedeh Zahra Parkhideh Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Ghasem Zamani Malaria Control and Elimination, Division of Communicable Diseases Control, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt 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 Fatemeh Nikpour Department of Environmental Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Vector Borne Diseases Control Department, Iran CDC, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Zoonoses Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 01 24 2026 05 17 Background: Anopheles stephensi is a subtropical anopheline species that is considered among the most efficient vec­tors of human malaria. Recently, this species has expanded its range to southern latitudes, reaching the Horn of Africa. The spread of An. stephensi is a major threat to global malaria control. This study aimed to synthesize all available data on the bionomics of An. stephensi in Iran. Methods: A literature search (1960–2025) was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and regional indexes. Keywords related to An. stephensi and malaria in Iran were used. Studies on distribution, taxonomy, behavior, habitats and infection were included. Results: The search yielded 56 eligible publications from over 230 screened. The species breeds widely in both rural and urban environments using natural and artificial containers. It is primarily endophilic and endophagic, with peak blood-feeding in the early night and both zoophilic and anthropophilic tendencies. Three biological forms were noted, but molecular evidence does not support them as a species complex. Conclusions: No evidence was found that An. stephensi is a species complex. Its ecological adaptability and behavioral plasticity are key to its role in malaria transmission. Breeding, resting, and blood-feeding behaviors are critical factors to consider in vector control programs. As Iran nears elimination, the importance of continuous surveillance, integrated vector management and cross-border collaboration is emphasized. This approach can also offer valuable lessons for regions that have recently been affected by this vector, provided that contextual adaptations are made to local ecologi­cal, social and health system conditions. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1912 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1912/721

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 06 05 1895 1895 Gobad Moradi Health Metrics and Evaluation Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran Bakhtiar Piroozi Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran Mohammad Zeinali Zoonoses Department, Centre of Disease Control (CDC), Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran Hossein Safari Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Arshad Veysi Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran Ebrahim Ghaderi Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland Farhad Morapour Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran Yousef Moradi Health Metrics and Evaluation Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran Shoboo Rahmati Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran 2025 12 05 2026 05 26 Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environ­mental, and social factors. This study aimed to review the evidence on social determinants of health SDH associated with leishmaniasis worldwide. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Re­views and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was carried out in national databases (IranMedex and Magi­ran), the Google Scholar search engine, as well as international databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Out of 5538 retrieved articles, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that poverty, inade­quate housing conditions, residence in rural or marginalized areas, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare services were among the influential SDH associated with a risk of leishmaniasis. Analysis within the WHO SDH framework revealed that social determinants, particularly those at the structural level (socioeconomic status) and intermediary level (housing conditions, health behaviors, and access to services), played a critical role in shaping the incidence and spatial distribution of leishmaniasis in the studied populations. Conclusion: The available evidence underscores that leishmaniasis is not solely an infectious disease but also a condi­tion deeply rooted in social and economic inequalities. Strengthening health equity policies, improving living condi­tions, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding access to healthcare services can substantially contribute to the global prevention and control of leishmaniasis. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1895 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1895/723

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 03 28 1914 1914 Laith Ismael Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques, Mosul Medical Technical Institute, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq Amani Jasim Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq Ashwak Kzar Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq 2026 01 26 2026 03 09 Background: Head lice infestations are a widespread health problem among school-aged children globally. Neverthe­less, the importance of lice as initiators of scalp microbiome changes and as causes of secondary bacterial superinfec­tions remains poorly understood. The paper aims to examine the PCR-based identification of head lice and to assess the epidemiological relationship between head lice infestation and scalp colonization by Staphylococcus species. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 primary school children (50 infested and 50 con­trols) aged between 5 and 12 years in the governorate of Nineveh (Iraq). The molecular identification of head lice was performed by amplifying the COX1 gene, and the comprehensive Staphylococcal profiling of scalp swabs was per­formed using culture and 16S rRNA gene amplification. Results: Molecular analysis using COX1 gene specific amplification showed the presence of P. humanus capitis in 93.9% of the collected samples. The microbiological tests showed profound staphylococcal dysbiosis: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 74% of infested children and absent in the control group (0%), indicating a highly significant association (χ²=58.73, p<0.001). Conversely, the commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis was found predominantly in healthy controls (66%) but significantly less frequently in infested children (26%). Conclusion: The pathogenic S. aureus prevails on the scalp of children with head lice with a striking shift, which illus­trates a clinically significant interaction of ectoparasitic infestation with staphylococcal dysbiosis. The results also sug­gest that pediculosis is a risk factor for S. aureus overgrowth and emphasize the need for combined treatment strategies that address lice and bacterial complications. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1914 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1914/715

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 03 28 1917 1917 Armin Ghaffari Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Ehsan Rikhtegar Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Taleghani Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran, Urmia Deputy for Health Affairs, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Mustapha Yusuf Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Samira Firooziyan Pathogens and Vectors Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran 2026 01 31 2026 02 27 Background: The rapid spread of Aedes mosquitoes has raised global concerns about arboviral infections. Although West Azerbaijan Province holds significant ecological and geopolitical importance, it has received limited entomologi­cal research focused on the establishment and distribution of Aedes species. Methods: From March to November 2025, we conducted an extensive entomological survey at ten international points of entry across West Azerbaijan Province. Our monitoring program included ovitrap surveillance, inspections of larval hab­itats and collections of adult mosquitoes. For each breeding site, environmental characteristics such as vegetation type, water quality, sunlight exposure and habitat stability were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver­sion 27, applying binomial tests with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate species dominance and ecological associations. Results: We collected a total of 1,789 mosquito specimens, of which 184 (10.3%) belonged to the genus Aedes. The majority of these were Aedes caspius s.l. (n=175), while a smaller number were Aedes flavescens (n=9). Approximately 85% of the habitats that tested positive for Aedes were natural environments and 70% of these were vegetated, typically containing clear, stagnant water. No evidence was found for the presence of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. Conclusion: The dominance of Ae. caspius s.l. highlights its ecological adaptation to vegetated natural habitats. Alt­hough urban Aedes species were absent, the occurrence of Ae. caspius s.l. underscores the importance of continued ovitrap-based monitoring and site-specific habitat management. Sustainable and integrated surveillance programs in border areas are important for early detection of vector entry, given the potential for cross-border movements. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1917 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1917/716

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 04 12 1911 1911 Razieh Moghimian Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mehdi Mohebali Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamid Reza Basseri Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Behnaz Akhoundi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ehsan Salarkia Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Abbas Aghaei Afshar Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Kamran Akbarzadeh Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 01 24 2026 04 09 Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with limited therapeutic options due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and prolonged treatment duration associated with pentavalent antimonials such as meglu­mine antimoniate (MAT). Lucilia sericata larvae produce hemolymph containing bioactive compounds with antimicro­bial and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential as an alternative or adjunct therapy for CL. Methods: Hemolymph was extracted from sterile third-instar L. sericata larvae and characterized using SDS-PAGE and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography. The antileishmanial activity of whole hemolymph, its most active fraction, MAT, and their combinations was assessed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. Cytotoxicity, cyto­kine gene expression and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated. In vivo efficacy was examined in BALB/c mice infected with L. major and treated for 28 days with topical hemolymph cream, intramuscular MAT, or combina­tion therapy. Lesion size and parasite burden were measured. Results: Whole hemolymph and the active fraction significantly inhibited parasite growth in vitro, while combination treatments showed strong synergistic effects. Treatments enhanced Th1-associated cytokines, suppressed Th2 cytokines, and increased reactive oxygen species production. In vivo, hemolymph cream reduced lesion size and parasite load, with the greatest improvement observed in the combination group. No significant cytotoxicity was detected. Conclusions: Lucilia sericata larval hemolymph exhibits potent antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity and rep­resents a promising and safe topical therapy for CL. Combination with MAT enhances efficacy and may reduce sys­temic toxicity. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1911 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1911/717 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1911/718

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 04 19 1905 1905 Nazanin Naseri-Karimi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Seyyed Javad Seyyed-Zadeh Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Orumieh University of Medical Sciences, Orumieh, Iran Faramarz Bozorg-Omid Navarra Center for International Development (NCID), Institute of Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain Hassan Vatandoost Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mulood Mohammadi Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Orumieh University of Medical Sciences, Orumieh, Iran Haleh Hanifian Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Alireza Chavshin Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia 2026 01 02 2026 04 13 Background: Culex pipiens is widespread in Iran and is an important vector of several diseases. Although phenotypic resistance to insecticides such as DDT and pyrethroids has been reported using WHO assays, sequence‑level infor­mation on metabolic resistance genes, particularly cytochrome P450 genes, remains limited. This study examined varia­tion in two P450 genes, CYP9M10 and CYP4H34, in deltamethrin‑ and DDT‑resistant versus susceptible strains of Cx. pipiens, and assessed the potential impact of these differences on predicted protein structures. Methods: Target fragments of CYP9M10 and CYP4H34 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Sanger meth­od. Edited nucleotide sequences were aligned with CLUSTAL OMEGA, and amino acid sequences were generated us­ing ExPASy Translate. Comparisons were conducted at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. Representative sequenc­es were submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic relationships among strains were inferred via maximum-likelihood (ML) anal­ysis in MEGA6 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Predicted amino acid substitutions were examined for structural relevance. Results: Four nucleotide differences were detected at positions 1344, 1347, 1396 and within 1428–1442. Previously published permethrin‑ and pyrethroid‑resistant reference sequences were identical across this region, whereas sequences from this study showed distinctions from those references and between resistant and susceptible strains. Some nucleo­tide substitutions led to amino acid changes, though their structural effects were only inferred computationally. Conclusion: This study provides new sequence-level insights into variation in Cx. pipiens P450 genes and highlights po­tential genetic differences that may contribute to resistance to DDT and deltamethrin, warranting further functional in­ves­tigation. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1905 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1905/719

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 04 26 1886 1886 Ghazal Tashakori Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nasser Mohammadpour-Dounighi Department of Human Vaccine and Serum, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Amir Ahmad Akhavan Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamid Reza Basseri Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khosro Abdi Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Farzaneh Tofighi-Zavareh Laboratory expert in the Central Research Laboratory and Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sahar Khorasani Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahboobe Fatemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Akbar Biglarian Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Javad Rafinejad Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2025 11 16 2026 04 19 Background: Scorpion venom is a complex mixture containing toxic peptides, free amino acids, enzymes, nucleotides, lipids, amines, mucoproteins and other bioactive components. It has been reported to exhibit a range of medicinal prop­erties, including anticancer, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, analgesic, antitumor and antiepileptic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of crude venom from Odontobuthus doriae on the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCf-7) breast cancer cell line. Methods: 2×104 MCF-7 cancer cells were cultured in T25 flasks containing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. After overnight incuba­tion, the culture medium was replaced with different concentrations of crude venom (0.2, 0.48, 0.97, 1.95, 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/mL). The cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT reduction assay at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment, performed in triplicate. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm using an ELISA reader. Results: A concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed. A statistically significant difference in cy­totoxicity was observed between the 24 hour and the 48/72-hour treatments, while no significant difference was noted between the 48 and 72 hour time points. The IC₅₀ values were calculated to be 4.775 µg/mL (24 h), 31.87 µg/mL (48 h), and 3.543 µg/mL (72 h). Conclusion: The crude venom of O. doriae exhibits significant cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer agent. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1886 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1886/720

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 0 0 2026 05 30 1936 1936 Ismaeil Alizadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 03 28 2026 05 26 The highly anticipated “Fédération Interna­tionale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026” is set to kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19, 2026. This prestigious tournament will be jointly hosted by three coun­tries: the United States, Mexico and Can­ada. As millions of fans from around the globe flock to the host nations to experience the ex­citement of the matches in person, it is im­portant to consider the heightened risk of in­fectious diseases during such large-scale events (1). One notable concern is the trans­mission of Aedes-borne pathogens, including dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Past events, such as the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, have illustrated the potential risks, as the Zika vi­rus, carried by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopic­tus mosqui­toes posed significant challenges despite their relatively low incidence at the time (2). Given the widespread nature of den­gue fever, which is now endemic in over 100 countries and leads to an estimated 390 mil­lion new infections an­nually (3), the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires particular scrutiny in this regard. This letter aims to highlight the potential risks of dengue fever's global spread during such major in­ter­national events and underscores the im­portance of comprehensive public health measures. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1936 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1936/722