Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 02 1862 1862 Selva Aminizadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elham Shokri 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, Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Haleh Hanifian Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Salman Zafari Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahdi Edalati Department of Laboratory Sciences, Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Saeed Bahadori Vice-Challenger of Treatment, Imam Hasan Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Hossein Hosseinifard Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mehdi Nateghpour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2025 08 20 2026 01 28 Background: Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease, exhibits diverse clinical manifestations influenced by para­site species, host immunity, and treatment access. Emerging evidence suggests that individual biological factors, such as ABO blood group and liver enzyme status, may also affect disease severity. This study investigates the relationship between blood type, liver enzyme levels, and malaria severity in affected patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on malaria patients at the National Malaria Laboratory, Tehran Univer­sity of Medical Sciences, from May 2022 to October 2024. Blood samples were analyzed for ABO blood grouping and liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Malaria severity was classified according to WHO criteria. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, evaluated associations between blood group, liver enzyme levels and disease severity. Results: A total of 100 participants were included: 50 malaria-positive patients and 50 healthy controls, with a mean age of 38.10±16.40 years. Malaria patients showed significantly higher AST, ALT and ALP levels compared to controls (p= 0.001). No significant association was found between ABO blood group and liver enzyme levels in either group (p> 0.05). Liver enzyme levels correlated significantly with parasitemia (p< 0.001), with higher parasite loads linked to greater hepatic dysfunction. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of parasitemia levels on liver function in malaria patients, while the ABO blood group appeared unrelated to liver enzyme alterations. Liver enzyme profiles may serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing malaria severity and guiding clinical management. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1862 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1862/707

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 10 1884 1884 Mehdi Mohebali Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ehsan Rikhtehgar 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 Mehdi Badakhshan 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 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 2025 11 05 2026 02 09 Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease transmitted by vectors, ranking among the top 10 infectious diseases globally in terms of morbidity and mortality. The cutaneous form (CL) is the most common and is endemic in 19 of Iran's 31 provinces. In non-endemic regions, however, both physician familiarity and patient encounters with the disease are rare. Methods: This study reports a case of CL in a nine-year-old boy from Sardasht County, West Azerbaijan Province, a non-endemic area for ​​CL in Iran and with no history of travel to endemic areas. The patient presented with purulent wounds on his hands and feet that did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Diagnosis was confirmed by identify­ing the vacuolated amastigote forms of Leishmania parasites through Giemsa staining. For species identification, DNA was extracted from the slide scraping according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Bioneer, Korea). The species of the Leishmania parasite was determined using PCR-RFLP, Fast Digest BsuR1 enzyme, ITS1 and Kinetoplast genes. Results: The parasite was identified as Leishmania major. Treatment with Meglumine antimoniate and cryotherapy, in accordance with the Iranian CL surveillance guideline, led to full recovery after 2 months, with no relapse at 9 months post-treatment. Extensive local screening found no additional cases, indicating a likely sporadic infection. Conclusion: This case highlights the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing surveil­lance to prevent the emergence of leishmaniasis in non-endemic regions. More attention must be paid to this disease by the healthcare system and physicians, even in non-endemic areas. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1884 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1884/709

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 09 1807 1807 EN Parisa Mahdevar Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyed Hassan Moosakazemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hassan Vatandoost Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mahdi Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Kamal Azam Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahnaz Khanavi Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Tahereh Sadat Asgarian Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 12 21 2026 02 03 Background: Anopheles stephensi is an important vector for malaria, while Aedes aegypti transmits dengue, chikungu­nya, Zika, and yellow fever. With the increasing replacement of natural insecticides for conventional ones, it is essential to investigate mosquito resistance to these insecticides and assess the larvicidal potential of new alternatives and their comparison to standard larvicides like temephos. Methods: The alcoholic extracts of Mentha piperita and Capsicum annuum were prepared using the maceration meth­od. Mosquitoes were bred at the Bandar Abbas research station in 2024. Biometric tests were performed following the World Health Organization protocol, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and GraphPad Prism 10. Results: The lethal concentration 50% (LC₅₀) of M. piperita extract was 4.047 ppm against An. stephensi larvae and 9.9 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Similarly, the LC50 of C. annuum extract was 5.872 ppm for An. stephensi larvae and 11.752 ppm for Ae. aegypti larvae. The larvicidal values of temephos were found to be 0.003 ppm against An. stephensi larvae and 0.002 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Conclusion: Mentha piperita and C. annuum extracts possess measurable larvicidal activity against An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. However, their effectiveness remains substantially lower than that of temephos. These findings should be considered preliminary evidence rather than an indication of operational readiness. These extracts may represent a promising starting point for future research, but further studies on formulation, environmental persistence, non-target impacts, and field performance are required before use for management programs. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1807 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1807/708

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 15 1902 1902 Hamid Kassiri School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Morteza Zamanizadeh School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Shahyad Azari-Hamidian 3Research 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 2025 12 23 2026 02 09 Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), with their blood-sucking behavior, are known important vectors of certain pathogens. Since no research has been done on the habitat characteristics of mosquito larvae in Andimeshk County of Khuzistan Province, southwestern Iran, this study aimed to determine these features in the county during 2019–2020. Methods: The third- and fourth-instar larvae were collected from natural and artificial habitats by the dipping method, from nine localities. Physical characteristics of larval habitats, including habitat situation (permanent/temporary, run­ning/stagnant), sunlight situation, vegetation status, water turbidity, substrate type and habitat type (natural/artificial), were recorded. The collected specimens were kept in vials containing lactophenol and the microscope slides were prepared using Berlese’s fluid. The larvae were identified using valid identification keys. Results: In total, 1363 larvae, including four genera and 15 species, were identified. Eleven species were new to the county and one species, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, was new to the province. The most common species were Culex theileri (17.2%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (15.6 %), respectively, and the least species were Anopheles dthali (0.7%) and An.  multicolor (0.4%). The most abundant mosquito larvae were in spring (44.2 %) and June (22.6%). Most of the larvae were caught from natural (75.6%), temporary (51.5%), without vegetation (57.5%) and full sunny (64.7%) habitats. Approxi­mately, 85.2%, 56.5% and 78.1% of habitats had clear water, stagnant water with mud substrate, respectively. The affinity index of the species was calculated.  Conclusion: Regarding the medical importance of the abundant species, the investigation of adult ecology is suggested for future studies. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1902 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1902/710

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 21 1869 1869 EN Rezvan Rajabzadeh Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Seyed Hamid Hosseini Assistant Professor, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Aioub Sofizadeh Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran 2025 09 10 2026 02 17 Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a significant vector-borne disease in northeastern Iran, strong­ly affected by climatic conditions. Maraveh Tappeh County in Golestan Province is an endemic area with considerable annual case numbers. This study aimed to predict monthly ZCL trends and identify key bioclimatic factors influencing disease occurrence using ARIMA and SARIMA time series models. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study used monthly confirmed ZCL case data from 2003 to 2018, obtained from the Maraveh Tappeh County Health Center. Climatic variables, including temperature indices, relative humidity indices, total monthly precipitation and number of rainy days, were collected from the local meteorological office. Sta­tionarity was assessed using the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test and autocorrelation patterns were evaluated through ACF and PACF plots. ARIMA (AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) and SARIMA (Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) models were developed, with the optimal model selected based on AIC and BIC criteria. Cross-correlation analysis examined associations between climatic variables and ZCL incidence at lags of 0–5 months. Results: A total of 1,301 ZCL cases were reported over the 16 years, with marked monthly and seasonal variability. Incidence peaked in November and reached its lowest level in June. The ARIMA (2,0,2)–SARIMA (0,0,1)12 model demonstrated the best predictive performance. Significant positive correlations were observed between ZCL incidence and relative humidity, precipitation and number of rainy days at short lags (0–2 months), while inverse associations appeared at longer lags (5 months) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Relative humidity and precipitation are key drivers of ZCL dynamics in Maraveh Tappeh. Incorporating SARIMA models into surveillance systems may improve outbreak prediction and support timely prevention and control strategies. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1869 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1869/711

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 19 4 2026 02 25 1840 1840 Daniela Tres Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Brazil Carla Fabrini Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Brazil onth>02 04 1663 1663 EN Masoumeh Pirmohammadi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza Talaei-Hassanloui Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Yavar Rassi 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 Mahboubeh Fatemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Marzieh Ghassemi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Hossein Arandian Esfahan Health Research Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza Jafari Esfahan Health Research Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyedeh Reyhaneh Golzan Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran Amir Ahmad Akhavan Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 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 of Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 07 27 2023 08 22 Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major public health problem in Iran with the main vector of Phlebotomus papatasi. The use of entomopathogenic fungi for biological control of the vector is a potential substitute for the current methods which are being used. The purpose of the current study was to assess the virulence of two local isolates of Beauveria bassiana (OZ2 and TV) against Ph. papatasi. Methods: To perform the bioassay test, fungal suspensions were applied for every stage of the sand fly life cycle. The mortality rate, longevity, and number of eggs laid were determined. Also, the probability of fungal survival on the sur­face of rodent’s body was assessed.  Results: The longevity of infected adult sand flies with both isolates of B. bassiana was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in comparison to the negative control. The estimated Lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values for adult female and male sand flies treated with OZ2 isolate were 1.4×106 and 2.2×107 conidia/ml, respectively, while they were 6.8×106 and 2.3×108 conidia/ml for TV iso­late, respectively. Both isolates of B. bassiana exhibited nonsignificant mortality rates in sand fly larvae and pupae and fecundity rate (P> 0.05). According to our findings for both isolates, the fungus continued to spread throughout the sur­face of the rodent's body for 144 hours after spraying. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that both isolates of B. bassiana have considerable biological control ca­pacity against adult sand flies. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1663 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1663/634

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 3 2024 02 07 1624 1624 Abdollah Badzohre 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, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Ali 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, Tehran, Iran Seyed Hassan Nikookar 3Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, School of Public Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Fahimeh Talebzadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nazanin Naseri-Karimi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 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 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 of Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 03 05 2023 05 20 Background: Anopheles stephensi is the main vector of malaria in Iran. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility of An. stephensi from the south of Iran to bendiocarb and to investigate biochemical and molecular resistance mechanisms in this species. Methods: Wild An. stephensi were collected from Hormozgan Province and reared to the adult stage. The susceptibility test was conducted according to the WHO protocols using bendiocarb impregnated papers supplied by WHO. Also, field An. Stephensi specimens were collected from south of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchistan Provinces. To determine the G119S mutation in the acetylcholinesterase (Ace1) gene, PCR-RFLP using AluI restriction enzyme and PCR direct-sequencing were performed for the three field populations and compared with the available GenBank data. Also, biochemical assays were performed to measure alpha and beta esterases, insensitive acetylcholinesterase, and oxidases in the strains. Results: The bioassay tests showed that the An. stephensi field strain was resistant to bendiocarb (mortality rate 89%). Ace1 gene analysis revealed no G119S in the three field populations. Blast search of sequences revealed 98–99% identity with the Ace1 gene from Pakistan and India respectively. Also, the results of biochemical tests revealed the high activity of non-sensitive acetylcholinesterase, alpha and beta-esterase in the resistant strain compared to the susceptible strain. No G119S was detected in this study additionally the enhanced enzyme activity of esterases and acetylcholinesterase suggesting that resistance was metabolic. Conclusion: The use of alternative malaria control methods and the implementation of resistance management strategies are suggested in the study area. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1624 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1624/635

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 3 2024 02 07 1634 1634 EN Çağrı Buyurgan Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey Ataman Köse Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey Seyran Bozkurt Babuş Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey Akif Yarkaç Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey Halil Usluer Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey Gülhan Orekici Temel Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey 2023 04 05 2023 12 24