Arezoo Bozorgomid

Neospora caninum (protozoa: Apicomplexa) is a major cause of economic losses in bovine production systems due to reproductive failure and abortion in cows. Although there is evidence of camelids being exposed to N. caninum , the importance of these animals in the parasite's life cycle is unclear. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted for the first time to assess the seroprevalence of N. caninum in camels to improve understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and identify factors influencing its prevalence. Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar without time limitations up to 1 August, 2025. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I ² ‐statistic. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup and meta‐regression analyses. A funnel plot, along with Begg's and Egger's tests, was used to detect publication bias. A total of 32 articles, including data on 12,749 camels, published between 1998 and 2025, met the final eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in camelids was 10% (95% CI: 7%–12%) with significant heterogeneity ( I ² = 93.75%, p < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence was detected in Old World camelids at 14% (95% CI: 10%–19%), indicating greater susceptibility to N. caninum exposure. Higher prevalence rates were observed in Europe (14%, 95% CI: 7%–26%) and Asia (12%, 95% CI: 8%–18%) than in Australia (2%, 95% CI: 0%–8%). No significant differences in N. caninum seroprevalence were found between age groups, genders, host species, or diagnostic methods. The funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests indicated no substantial publication bias (Egger's test: p = 0.07). Despite the relatively low seroprevalence of N. caninum in camelids, the present results indicate a wide distribution of this parasite worldwide. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of camels in the life cycle of N. caninum .

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis ( T. vaginalis ) is a human protozoan parasite and the leading cause of nonviral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Diagnosis of T. vaginalis is typically performed using vaginal discharge or urine samples, which are examined via wet prep, culture methods, or molecular tests. Compared to traditional culture‐based methods, molecular diagnostic techniques have shown higher sensitivity, as they allow more precise identification of T. vaginalis ‐infected individuals. The present review evaluated the molecular diagnosis of T. vaginalis in male and female populations. Methods: A search was performed across international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Wiley, ClinicalKey, IEEE, EMBASE, Springer, Cambridge, Oxford Journal, Sage, Emerald, and Cochrane. The search included English‐language publications available from inception to August 2025. Results: In total, 119 studies were eligible for this systematic review. The highest number of studies originated from the United States ( n = 33), Iran ( n = 16), and South Korea ( n = 8). PCR was the most frequently employed molecular technique, reported in 58 studies, followed by real‐time PCR ( n = 12). 18 studies reported 100% sensitivity and 20 studies reported 100% specificity. Of the included studies, 91 focused only on women, 7 on men, 19 on both genders, and 2 did not specify the participants’ gender. Study design was poorly reported in the majority of studies ( n = 83), but among those with clear designs, cross‐sectional studies predominated ( n = 20). Vaginal swabs were the most frequently used sample type. Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of molecular methods for diagnosing T. vaginalis vary. However, given their overall superior performance, these techniques should be prioritized for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of T. vaginalis infections.

Background: Blastocystis is a genetically diverse intestinal protozoan found in a wide range of human and animal hosts. The present study was conducted to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis in both humans and animals in Kermanshah province, Iran. Methods: A total of 820 stool samples from humans, cattle, sheep, and pigeons were examined using the formalin‐ethyl acetate concentration method. All isolates were cultured in clotted fetal bovine serum medium. DNA extraction, PCR amplification and sequencing were performed targeting an identical fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Phylogenetic tree and haplotype network were conducted by MEGA6 and PopART software. Data analysis was performed by Chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests, while a p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Totally, Blastocyctis was found in 9.1% and 4.5% of human samples using microscopy and growing in culture medium, respectively. A significant association was observed between Blastocystis infection and both age and gastrointestinal symptoms. Two subtypes of ST2 and ST5 were identified in humans and livestock (cattle and sheep), respectively. The results of haplotype analysis showed clear classification of two groups and six haplotype (Group I and II) in the isolates. Conclusion: This study highlights the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis species in the studied region. The subtype distribution may inform preventive strategies and help elucidate transmission routes. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the pathogenic potential of this parasite.

Vaginal candidiasis is induced by abnormal growth of yeast on the mucous membranes of the female genital tract. Approximately 75% of women experience a yeast infection once in their lifetime. This study explored the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features of vaginal candidiasis in diabetic women referred to health and treatment centers in Kermanshah in 2023. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 215 diabetic women. A questionnaire was prepared for each participant. The samples were examined microscopically and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). To identify different species of Candida (C.), various complementary tests were performed, such as the germ tube and differential sugar absorption test (API). A sensitivity test was applied to positive samples by the broth macrodilution method. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test in SPSS. Out of the 215 vaginal swabs investigated, 66 specimens were Candida-species positive (30.7%). 11.6% of participants were diagnosed with candidal vulvovaginitis by direct microscopic examination and 20.9% by culturing on SDA. The Candida species isolated were: C. albi ca n s with 36 cases (54.5%), C. glabrata with 14 cases (21.2%), C. tropicalis with 9 cases (13.6%) and C. parapsilosis with 7 cases (10.6%). All species isolated showed the same sensitivity to the antifungal drugs used. The culture method was more sensitive than the direct microscopic examination. C. albicans was the most prevalent species isolated from patients. Non-albicans species were not prevalent.

Background and Aims: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a significant public health challenge in developing countries, including Iran. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to enhance our understanding of CE prevalence by providing an updated assessment of the general prevalence of human CE in Iran through a comprehensive review of the literature.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases were searched for relevant literature published between January 1990 and December 2023. All peer‐reviewed original papers evaluating the seroprevalence of human CE were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q and I² tests. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate potential publication bias.Results: Sixty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall seroprevalence of human CE in Iran's general population was 4% (95% CI 3%−6%). Significant differences in seropositivity to human CE were observed among age groups, urban versus rural residence, diagnostic methods, and in relation to the presence of dogs at home or on farm. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies (I² = 99.47%; p < 0.001). The funnel plot and Egger's test revealed considerable publication bias (Egger's test; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that CE remains prevalent in Iran, necessitating intensified health interventions and the development of targeted strategies for prevention and control. Recommendations include deworming dogs with praziquantel and vaccination of sheep with recombinant EG95 protein, removing raw offal or carcasses from the diet of dogs, hand washing, fencing of slaughterhouses with offal disposal systems, community participation for the control program and screening strategies for the diagnosis of asymptomatic cases and their timely treatment.

Background: Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) is a protozoan parasite regarded as a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle. Swine are susceptible to N. caninum infection; however, the role of these animals in the circulation, maintenance, and transmission of N. caninum remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the global seroprevalence of N. caninum in domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa).Methods: Online databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant studies up to 30 April 2024. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the overall and subgroup‐pooled prevalence of N. caninum across studies. The Cochrane test (Q) and the I² index were employed to heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's regression test were used to evaluate publication bias, year of publication, and sample size.Results: A total of 11,124 animals from 26 eligible studies were included. The pooled seroprevalence of N. caninum in swine was 17% (95% CI: 7%–26%) with a prevalence of 17% in domestic pigs and 16% in wild boars. In the subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence was observed among female animals, with a pooled seroprevalence of 17% (95% CI: 7%–26%). The pooled seroprevalence of N. caninum was nearly equal in adult and sub‐adult swine (18% and 14%, respectively). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in swine, based on sample size and year of publication, showed no statistically significant correlations.Conclusion: The present study showed that domestic swine are suitable intermediate hosts of N. caninum based on serological findings. However, further studies are needed to describe the epidemiology of the N. caninum and to isolate the parasite from swine to confirm this hypothesis.

Background and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important infectious disease that imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems. Determining the prevalence of HCV genotypes in a area is essential for the successful implementation of HCV elimination programs and allocation of financial resources to direct‐acting antiviral direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) treatments against prevalent HCV genotypes. Accordingly, we conducted a registry‐based cross‐sectional cohort study to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes and factors associated with cirrhosis, fatty liver, and viral load in Kermanshah Province, Western Iran.Methods: Patients presenting to the Hepatitis Clinic of the Research Center for Infectious Diseases affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences between 1999 and 2023 were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were collected to assess HCV genotypes and viral load. Additionally, demographic data and the status of cirrhosis and fatty liver were extracted from the registry system records throughout the study period.Results: Records of 828 patients with an average age of 40.38 ± 11.72 years (range: 11–80 years) were included in the study that 721 individuals were male, and 107 were female. The prevalence of fatty liver and cirrhosis was 30.3% and 12.9%, respectively. Four genotypes (1, 2, 3, and 4) and four subtypes (1a, 1b, 3a, and 3b) were identified, with subtype 3a (55.7%) being the most prevalent, followed by subtype 1a (34.3%). None of the variables including age, gender, viral load level, and genotypes 1 and 3 were associated with fatty liver or cirrhosis. However, age, gender, and genotype were correlated with the viral load (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: The most common HCV subtypes in Kermanshah were 3a and 1a. Genotypes 2 and 4 were identified in one case each. Further studies on identifying HCV subtypes in different regions of the country are recommended to manage HCV infection and predict the prognosis.

Introduction: Brucellosis is a common global zoonotic disease with a wide range of complex and nonspecific clinical manifestations that may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complaint in brucellosis. Objective: This present study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and treatment of brucellosis patients with arthritis and sacroiliitis. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was performed on patients presenting to a teaching hospital in Kermanshah, Iran with a diagnosis of brucellosis from 2011 to 2019. The demographic and clinical characteristics, complications, laboratory findings, and treatment were recorded during the study period. Then, the difference in the collected data was investigated between brucellosis patients with and without arthritis or sacroiliitis. Results: Of 425 patients studied, 130 (30.58%) had osteoarticular involvement. Among them, 41 (9.64%) and 58 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with arthritis and sacroiliitis, respectively. There were no significant demographic differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis ( p > 0.05). The patients with Brucella arthritis had a significantly higher frequency of arthralgia and radiculopathy ( p ⩽ 0.05). Sacroiliitis was significantly more common in patients with arthralgia, neck pain, and low back pain, positive flexion-abduction-external rotation (FABER) test, radiculopathy, and vertebral tenderness compared to patients without sacroiliitis ( p ⩽ 0.05), while fever and headache were significantly more common in patients without sacroiliitis ( p ⩽ 0.05). The median Wright and 2-Mercapto Ethanol titers were higher in brucellosis patients with arthritis or sacroiliitis versus patients without arthritis or sacroiliitis, but the difference was not significant ( p > 0.05). Synovial fluid had been analyzed in 20 cases. The mean white blood cell count, glucose, and protein level were 3461 ± 2.70 cells/mm ³ , 58.54 ± 31.43 mg/dL, and 8.6 ± 11.85 g/dL, respectively. In 80% of the subjects, neutrophil cells were predominant. There were no significant laboratory differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis, except for a higher median platelet count in patients with arthritis and higher median levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with sacroiliitis. Most cases of arthritis and sacroiliitis were diagnosed with ultrasound (31.8%) and FABER test (79.3%), respectively. Conclusion: Arthritis and sacroiliitis were the two most important and common manifestations of brucellar osteoarthritis with a frequency of 9.64% and 13.6%, respectively. Any complaints of low back pain and radiculopathy as well as the presence of spondylitis in patients should raise suspicion of sacroiliitis. High levels of AST and ALP and a high platelet count may be associated with brucellar sacroiliitis and arthritis, respectively. The use of imaging methods such as MRI and bone scan seems necessary for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.

I read with great interest the article by Islam et al. entitled “Helminth parasites among rodents in the Middle East countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis” published in Animals in December 2020