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2008-2835
2008-4625
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>2021
>January-March
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33680366
Basic Science and Clinical Studies on Non-COVID-19 Topics, of Coronavirus Victims
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Despite advancements of societies in terms of health, epidemics do happen; the latest is the outbreak of coronavirus. Re-assortment of viruses is a biological phenomenon that creates new subtypes of viruses, indicating that pandemics are unavoidable </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">The SARS-CoV-2 crisis has so far affected all countries of the world, which has been more pronounced in aspects related to health and economy.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">One area in which COVID-19 has had a significant impact is research </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> The fact that </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a pandemic of a virus has caused and continues to cause deaths worldwide and dire consequences for the economies of nations are of main reasons for the focus of research in this field.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">Currently,</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> people and the media are paying the most attention to the disease among other health-related issues, and governments are asking researchers to find solutions to the problem has negatively affected all of society. As a result, </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">research centers' budgets are prioritized with issues related to COVID-19, and the majority of researchers have focused on the disease </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2-4</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">In this situation, are basic science research and diseases other than COVID-19 given </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">necessitous</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> attention <sup>5-7</sup>?</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The large number of researchers focusing on the field and the rapidity of the publication of research, despite its many advantages, </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">has several significant disadvantages that affect both COVID-19 related and other research.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">Rapid and immature conclusions from some trials and their use in the clinic, despite the low quality of several studies and small size of study samples-compared to the COVID-19 spectrum-along with disruption of the peer review process even in reputable journals are of the significant drawbacks affecting COVID-19-related research </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">3,8</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">The negative impact of this pandemic on clinical trials on topics other than COVID-19 is worrying.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">Due to the transmission problem required to perform many trials, performing such studies is problematic in terms of implementation and practice, but the main problem goes back to before this stage.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">Governments want to resolve the coronavirus crisis, people and the media are following the issue of COVID-19, COVID-19 is a priority for research center budgets, and journals publish research on the field faster; as a result, individual interests such as advancement in academic status and financial profits in this field are better secured </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2-8</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">Delays in progress in basic science and clinical research other than COVID-19 due to budget cuts and reduced researcher focus will have long-term adverse effects </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">9</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Doing basic science and free studies-that is, studies for which there are no questions or requests-often leads to other questions and sometimes to answers to which we have never asked a question.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">The results of these studies are knowledge and understanding and are necessary for further studies.</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">These studies are the entrance to a bridge built from the laboratory to the clinic to the community </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">9</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. Science works this way, from free studies to patient treatment, and the result of a reduction in funding and a reduction in basic science and clinical studies other than COVID-19 will be nothing but a delay in the advancement of science in general.</span></span></p>
1
1
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=30441
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/30441.pdf
ShahinAkhondzadeh739
AhmadShamabadi51656
en
33680367
Silencing SALL-4 Gene by Transfecting Small Interfering RNA with Targeted Aminoglycoside-Carboxyalkyl Polyethylenimine Nano-Polyplexes Reduced Migration of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: The application of non-viral systems for delivering genes to cells is becoming a very interesting issue, especially in the treatment of neoplasms such as Breast Cancer (BC). Polymer-based non-viral systems are safe and feasible gene carriers to be used in targeted cancer therapy. SALL4 gene encodes a transcription factor and is overexpressed in some cancers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: In this study, carboxyalkylated-PEI25 (25 kDa) was used to deliver plasmids expressing SALL4-siRNA into MCF-7 cells. DLS and AFM were applied to determine the size of nanoparticles. The MTT method was used to assess cytotoxicity, and the efficiency of transfection was confirmed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, the effect of silencing SALL4 was investigated on the migration of MCF7 cells using the scratch test.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: The results showed that transferring the SALL4-siRNA using PEI25G10C50 reduced the expression of the corresponding transcription factor by 14 folds which attenuated the migration of MCF-7 cells by 58%. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: In conclusion, PEI25G10C50 can serve as an effective gene delivery system for treating BC by targeting SALL-4.</span></p>
Breast neoplasms, Gene transfer techniques, MCF7 cells, Transcription factors
2
8
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=30437
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/30437.pdf
SomayeNoruziStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran61656
MehranVatanchianDepartment of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran61657
AmirAzimianDepartment of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran61658
ArashNiroomandStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran61659
RezaSalarinia61660
FatemehOroojalian61661
en
33680368
Evaluation of Metastasis Suppressor Genes Expression and In Vitro Anti-Cancer Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and T47D
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: Metallic nanoparticles are useful materials to be applied in biomedical research. In this study, the possible apoptotic and anti-metastatic activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was assessed in breast cancer cells. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: First, in vitro cell viability was investigated by MTT assay in two human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D) and normal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells at 37°C overnight. Apoptosis induced by ZnONPs was evaluated by annexin V/PI staining, cell cycle analysis and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR was employed for the detection of two metastasis suppressor genes (KAI-1 and NM23) expression in cancerous cells. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: Data demonstrated that ZnONPs exert a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of T47D and MCF-7 cells, while no cytotoxic effect was observed on normal HEK293 cells. The mRNA expression levels of KAI-1 and non-metastatic protein (NM23) genes were up-regulated in ZnONP-exposed cancerous cells. ZnONPs were also found to enhance the apoptosis properties of cells by annexin V/PI staining, and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Furthermore, ZnONPs can increase sub-G1 population as compared to negative control. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: Our findings showed that ZnONPs induce apoptotic activity and can modulate metastasis by up-regulating of KAI-1 and NM23 gene expression in two breast cancer (MCF-7 and T47D) cells.</span></p>
Apoptosis, Breast neoplasms, Cell cycle, Zinc oxide
9
14
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40442
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40442.pdf
Seyed Ataollah SadatShandizDepartment of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran61662
FaryadSharifianDepartment of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran61663
SorayyaBehboodiDepartment of Biology, Tehran Shargh (East), Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran61664
FatemehGhodratpourDepartment of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran61665
FahimehBaghbani-Arani61666
en
33680369
Integrated Network and Gene Ontology Analysis Identifies Key Genes and Pathways for Coronary Artery Diseases
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: The prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in developing countries is on the rise, owing to rapidly changing lifestyle. Therefore, it is imperative that the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms be understood to develop specific treatment strategies. Comprehensive disease network and Gene Ontology (GO) studies aid in prioritizing potential candidate genes for CAD and also give insights into gene function by establishing gene and disease pathway relationships. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: In the present study, CAD-associated genes were collated from different data sources and protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING. Highly interconnected network clusters were inferred and GO analysis was performed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: Interrelation between genes and pathways were analyzed on ClueGO and 38 candidates were identified from 1475 CAD-associated genes, which were significantly enriched in CAD-related pathways such as metabolism and regulation of lipid molecules, platelet activation, macrophage derived foam cell differentiation, and blood coagulation and fibrin clot formation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Discussion: Integrated network and ontology analysis enables biomarker prioritization for common complex diseases such as CAD. Experimental validation and future studies on the prioritized genes may reveal valuable insights into CAD development mechanism and targeted treatment strategies.</span></p>
Coronary artery disease, Fibrin, Gene ontology, Pathway enrichment, Protein interaction maps
15
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https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40443
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40443.pdf
TejaswiniPrakashGenetics and Genomics Lab, Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, University of Mysore, Karnataka, India61667
NallurB Ramachandra61668
en
33680370
Role of Phosphorylation and Hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Its Interaction with βα Dimeric Tubulin Studied from a Bioinformatics Perspective
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: Tau is a disordered Microtubule Associated Protein (MAP) which prefers to bind and stabilize microtubules. Phosphorylation of tau in particular enhances tau-tubulin interaction which otherwise detaches from tubulin during hyperphosphorylation. The reason behind their destabilization, detachment and the role of β subunit (from microtubule) and the projection domain (Tau) in microtubule stability remains elusive till date. Thus, a complete 3D structural investigation of tau protein is much needed to address these queries as the existing crystal structures are in fragments and quite limited. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: In this study, the modelled human tau protein was subjected to phosphorylation and hyperphosphorylation which were later considered for docking with microtubules (βα subunits-inter dimer) and vinblastine.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: Phosphorylated tau protein interacts with both α- and β subunits. But stronger bonding was with α- compared to β subunits. Regarding β subunit, proline rich loop and projection domain actively participated in tau binding. Interestingly, hyperphosphorylation of tau increases MAP domain flexibility which ultimately results in tau detachment, the main reason behind tangle formation in Alzheimer’s disease. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: This study being the first of its kind emphasizes the role of projection domain and proline rich region of β-subunit in stabilizing the tau-tubulin interaction and also the effect of hyperphosphorylation in protein-protein and protein-drug binding.</span></p>
Phosphorylation, Tau proteins, Tubulin, Vinblastine
24
34
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40444
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40444.pdf
HrushikeshDixit Faculty of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D.Y.Patil Deemed to be University, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India61669
SelvaaKumar C11349
RuchiChaudharyFaculty of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D.Y.Patil Deemed to be University, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India61671
DivyaThakerFaculty of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D.Y.Patil Deemed to be University, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India61672
NikhilGadewal61673
DebjaniDasgupta61674
en
33680371
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical Samples Other than Burn Samples in Iran
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the prevalence of class 1 integrons, antibiotic resistance pattern in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using keywords based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The cross-sectional studies published from 1st January 2000 until 1st January 2019 were included which addressed the prevalence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic-resistance in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The random-effects model, Cochran’s Q and I2 tests were applied for statistical analyses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: Eight articles met the eligibility standards for including in the present meta-analysis. The combined prevalence of class 1 integrons in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples was reported by 40% (95% CI:26.1-55.8%). The pooled prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolates was 70.1%. The highest prevalence of combined antibiotic resistance was related to carbenicillin with a resistance rate of 79.9%. In general, 6 (75%) out of the 8 included studies showed the correlation between the presence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic resistance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: Regarding the correlation between the presence of integrons and the high antibiotic resistance reported by studies included in the present review, there is the need for preventive measures to prevent the spread of resistance by integrons and transferring to other micro-organisms.</span></p>
Burns, Drug resistance, Integrons, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
35
41
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40445
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40445.pdf
Ebrahim KarimiEmergency Department, Be'sat Hospital, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61675
FatemehGhalibafanStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran61676
AkramEsfandaniArak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran61677
NiushaManoochehri ArashFaculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61678
SassanMohammadiFaculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61679
AzadKhalediInfectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran61680
HakimehAkbari61681
MariaKhurshid61682
en
33680372
β-sitosterol Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are commonly used metallic nanoparticles in health care systems. Colon cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. In this study, AgNP was synthesized using β-sitosterol and its cytotoxic potential was evaluated in human colon cancer (HT-29) cells. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: Characterization of AgNP was analyzed by TEM and spectrophotometry analysis. HT-29 cells were treated with different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ng/ml) of AgNPs and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The apoptosis was analyzed by the flow cytometry. The expression of p53 protein was analyzed by western blotting. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: β-sitosterol mediated AgNP are spherical in shape and induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. AgNP caused apoptosis related morphological changes as evidenced by annexin positive staining. AgNP treatments also induced the p53 expression in HT-29 cells. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: Our present result suggests that β-sitosterol mediated AgNP induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells and this finding may pave the way for further experimental analysis <em>in vivo</em>.</span></p>
Apoptosis, Colon neoplasms, HT29 cells, Silver nanoparticles, β-sitosterol
42
46
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40446
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40446.pdf
PalaniappanChithambara ShathvihaDepartment of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India61683
DevarajEzhilarasan61684
ShanmugamRajeshkumarDepartment of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai,, Tamil Nadu, India61685
JayaramanSelvarajDepartment of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College (SDC), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India61686
en
33680373
Comparison of Antifungal Properties of Gold, Silver, and Selenium Nanoparticles Against Amphotericin B-Resistant Candida glabrata Clinical Isolates
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Background: The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Nanoparticles (NPs) against amphotericin B-resistant <em>Candida glabrata</em> (<em>C. glabrata</em>) strains. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Methods: Twelve resistant (<em>C. glabrata</em>) strains were isolated from archived clinical isolates. Antifungal activity was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines, document M27-A3/S4. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of strains exposed to each nanoparticle. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Results: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles of all strains was in the concentration range of 0.125 to 0.5 <em>µg/Ml</em>. The synthesized Ag-NPs showed superior antifungal activity against (<em>C. glabrata</em>) compared to Se-NPs and Au-NPs. The scanning electron microscope images revealed the difference in the fungal morphology between the untreated and treated fungi with nanoparticles. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Conclusion: The Ag-NPs, followed by Se-NPs synthesized, revealed significant antifungal activity against resistance regardless of their antifungal-resistant mechanisms.</span></p>
Antifungal agents, Candida glabrata, Nanoparticles, Silver
47
50
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40447
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40447.pdf
EnsiehLotfaliDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61687
HosseinToreyhiStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61688
KamyabMakhdoomi SharabianiStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61689
AzamFattahi61690
AmiraliSoheiliStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61691
RezaGhasemiStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61692
MahyarKeymaramDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61693
YasamanRezaeeStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61694
SaynaIranpanahStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran61695
en
33680374
An Evaluation of Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium Using Molecular Methods
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Dear Editor-in-Chief, </span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The members of genus <em>Cryptosporidium</em> are intracellular parasites that infect mammals, poultry, reptiles and amphibians. From the total of 30 valid species mentioned currently, 14 have been determined to infect the human being. Two species,<span style="background-color:#dddddd"><em> </em></span><em><span style="background-color:white">Cryptosporidium hominis</span></em> (<em>C. hominis)</em> (Anthroponotic species) and<em> <em><span style="background-color:white">Cryptosporidium parvum</span></em> (C. parvum)</em> bovine genotype (Zoonotic species), are considered of major public health importance </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Commonly, the ubiquitous oocysts of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> are transmitted <em>via</em> direct contact with infected hosts or indirectly <em>via</em> contaminated food and water </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. The low infectious dose and its resistance against common water disinfectants make it a challenge for the drinking water plants </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">3</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. Common laboratory techniques which are being used for diagnosis of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> cannot discriminate it at species and genotype level. However, the genetic tools allow species determination of the parasite as well as tracing its transmission routes </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">In this study, a total of 55 drinking water samples were collected from 11 different areas of Tabriz, the largest city in North West of Iran.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> Each sample contained 30 <em>L</em> of water. To collect the suspended particles, samples were filtered through a membrane filter with 1.2 <em>μm</em> pore size (Sartorius, Germany). The pellets trapped on the filter were collected </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">4</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. All water pellets were subjected to DNA extraction by a method described previously </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">5</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. Then, the amplification of small ribosomal subunit RNA (SSU-rRNA; 18S rRNA) gene was done using a two step nested PCR method </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">6</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. A sample of <em>C. parvum </em>DNA that was extracted by the extraction method was included in each round of PCR as a positive control. The multi copy nature of 18S rRNA gene and nested format of the PCR make it a very sensitive method for detection of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> oocysts in water samples <sup>7</sup>. However, the expected amplicon (826-864-<em>bp</em>) was not detected in any of the water samples.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Various</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> reports from many areas of the world provide strong evidence that contaminated water is an important risk factor for cryptosporidiosis <sup>8</sup>. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Several factors, including</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> water source, location of sampling, number and volumes of samples, type of ecosystem, climate and detecting procedures are effective for detection of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> oocysts in the water samples <sup>9</sup>. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The drinking water supplied from surface water sources is more susceptible to contamination. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Thus, underground</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> water is a more protected source</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> <sup>10</sup>. In our study area, the main </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">part of the drinking water supplies comes from rivers.</span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The role of rainfall as a determining risk factor for the waterborne transmission of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> can be </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">significant</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. The rela</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">tionship between increased rainfall and an increase in the concentration of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> oocysts in nearby river waters has been reported <sup>10</sup>. The North West part of Iran is an area with lower than average rainfall, </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">which could be the most important reason for the lack of parasites in the water.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">There are not many reports about the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> in water samples in Iran. Meanwhile, the prevalence of</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> <em>Cryptosporidium</em> on the surface and recreational water was 36 and 20%, respectively </span><sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">4,9</span></sup><span style="font-size:10.0pt">. The two researches conducted in </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Ardabil and </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari provinces as well as our study are limited studies with small sample size. Thus, more comprehensive studies with large samples from different sources and in different seasons are required to assess the real risk of waterborne cryptosporidiosis in Iran. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Previous studies in Tabriz showed that 1.76% of diarrheic children and 3.8% of cattle have been infected with <em>C. parvum</em> <sup>2,6</sup> (Table 1). The presence of <em>C. parvumm</em> in children, as a sensitive group and in cattle, as a major source for zoonotic disease may be associated with zoonotic transmission of the parasite in the study area. Lack of parasite in drinking water may indicate that this cannot be an important route for transmission; instead, it can be a reason for the low prevalence of the infection in children. Lack of <em>C. hominis</em> (</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Anthroponotic species</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">) in children and the prevalence of <em>C. parvum</em>, potentially zoonotic species, in cattle and its presence in </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">diarrheic rural children</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> would raise the possibility that zoonotic transmission originally occurs through direct contact with farm animals</span> <span style="font-size:10.0pt">in this region.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Therefore, cattle and other domestic animals should be considered as important sources of infection in the North-western part of Iran.</span></span></p>
51
52
https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=40448
https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/40448.pdf
BehrozMahdavi PoorDepartment of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran61696
JalilRashedi61697
MohammadAsgharzadehBiotechnology Research Center Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran61698
EsmaeelFallahFaculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran61699