What is the Role of the Anti-Parasitic Drugs in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019?

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a rapidly emerging viral infection causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first report of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, originated in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 . Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved drugs for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. A great deal of effort is ongoing to find effective therapeutics and preventive measures against this transmissible virus with high mortality. As result, available data are limited, and there are minimal randomized controlled trial (RCT) data on the efficacy of antiviral or immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of COVID-19 . Most of the treatment protocols are based on observational studies and anecdotic reports

Which Test to Perform for Cystic hydatic Diagnosis and When?

Echinococcosis is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization. The two major species of medical importance are Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis (1).There are many studies about diagnostic method of hydatidosis, but there is still the question that which test to perform and when

Prevalence of HIV Infection among Hemodialysis Patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) belongs to human retrovirus family and transmitted by blood transfusion and blood products. 36.9 million People were living with HIV infection worldwide in 2014 approximately1, during which 2 million (1.9–2.2 million) new infections with HIV had occurred. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated by hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible for infection by human immunodeficiency virus infection. Renal failure can be an associated condition or could be a direct consequence of HIV infection2,3. Advanced HIV disease which is indicates by a low CD4 cell count is development of renal diseases subsequently4, however many other causes now may cause renal failure in patients with HIV, including drug-induced toxicity, hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis, and diabetes5. HIV infection and hemodialysis have same consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, immunosuppression, anemia, weight loss, and osteodystrophy6,7.Compared with rate of infection with other viral infection such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), the risk of HIV infection among hemodialysis patients is lower as the contact with contaminated sources.Although intensive HIV research has been done for 20 years, we have a little knowledge about mortality risk factor in ESRD on HIV-infected patients. Hemodialysis patients who have HIV-infected are assumed to a high risk for death4.The finding the current study demonstrated the prevalence of HIV in hemodialysis patients which was conducted in 5 hemodialysis centers in Tehran province, Iran, in the 2016. All the enrolled participants were informed about study and written informed consent was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 16 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Among 360 patients, 213 (59.17%) of patients were men and 147 (40. 83%) were females; the mean age of patients was 53.43. HIV Ab was negative in all cases. This result has been confirmed in other studies as well8. The highest frequency for duration of dialysis is 1-5 years.Nowadays viral transmission via hemodialysis routes is controlled and limited since more effective screening of blood donor. Screening and early diagnosis of kidney disease will improve outcomes in patients with HIV infection.Considering all of these evidences, further studies are recommended strongly to evaluate the real prevalence of HIV in these patients

Nanomedicine: The Novel Weapon against Parasitic Infections

Due to the side effects of drugs and resistance to the used chemicals in the treatment of tropical diseases such as malaria, leishmaniosis, trypanosomiasis and Schistosomiasis, which millions of people around the world are infected, nowadays nanomedicine usage with the production of nanofibers and nanoparticles (nanopowders, nanocrystal or nanocluster). The particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometers is considered as a special treatment in parasitic diseases1,2. Due to the intracellular nature of some parasites, their treatment is a major challenge for researchers to develop new drugs. Findings show that Chitosan nanoparticles and metals such as silver, gold, and metal oxides have a lethal or inhibitory effect on various parasites, including giardiasis, leishmaniosis, malaria, or toxoplasma and insect larvae1.  The effects of drug release from chitosan nanofibers have also been performed in various external and internal evaluations on lesions caused by Leishmania major and the therapeutic effect of gold and silver nanoparticles on malaria and their concomitant use with bioresonance waves on leishmaniasis2,4. The main purpose of using nanoparticles is to use it as a drug delivery system and to release the drug agent in order to affect the specific site. Recently, the use of particle systems such as nanomedicine as a physical tool to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of various types of drug molecules in vivo is being developed1,4. The endocytic pathway transfers nanoparticles to the site of pathogens. The breakdown of these substances by lysosomal enzymes releases drugs into the phagocytic or lysosomal vesicle, or this process is released into the cytoplasm by a diffusion phenomenon. Specific transmission depends on the physical and chemical nature of the molecules1. In recent years, the use of nanoparticles for the treatment of parasitic diseases has considered, although limited research has conducted in this regard (Table 1). Finally, it can be concluded that according to recent findings on the inhibitory and long-term effects of nanofibers and nanoparticles on different parasites with less side effects than conventional drugs, more effective and less side effects drugs can be developed. Useful vaccines have also been developed to control parasitic diseases

Bacterial Infection of Pacemaker in Patients with Endocarditis

Background: The advancement of technology in recent decades has been lead to use the electrophysiology cardiac devices. Although these devices are used increasingly, but the frequency of subclinical infection is unknown. We investigate bacterial infections due to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs) in patients with endocarditis.Materials and Methods: Population of the study was considered among all adult patients in whom the cardiac electrophysiology device was removed. Associated infection endocarditis defined by the Duke criteria. 35 pacemakers (PM) were aseptically removed from these patients during January 2012 to November 2014. Intraoperative swabs from the different part of devices were collected, cultured in BHI (Brain Heart Infusion Broth) and then bacterial classical cultures were done under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Biochemical and differential media were used to detect the bacteria species. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16 software.Results: 13 cases of 35 patients with endocarditis diagnosed by modified Duke Criteria and removed pacemaker had positive culture. Of the 13 cases with infection 43% were identified as gram positive and 57% had gram negative bacteria.Conclusion: Based on our study and similar studies, bacteria can colonize in electrophysiology devices which can lead to bacterial infections.

Molecular and Cellular Basis of Misfolded Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegeneration is characterized by a progressive loss of nerve structure and function which lead to cognitive impairment such as dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are partially caused by neuronal cell death and glial homeostasis. NDs such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) can develop with aging. As well, in Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), genetic mutations can affect CNS cell function. NDs occur through important processes including, protein misfolding and aggregation of misfolded proteins. These processes cause neurofibrillary tangles and plaques that result in neuronal cytotoxicity. Here, our intention is to shed light on some of the key roles of protein misfolding and aggregation in NDs. This review focuses specifically on understanding the molecular and cell-based mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation involved in the development of NDs

Schizophrenia: The Dark Side of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that has been associated with several mental disorders. It usually causes an inapparent primary infection. Found worldwide, T. gondii is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals.1-3Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder characterized with long-term and devastating neuropsychological problems, usually presenting in adolescents or young adults. The disease affects almost 1.1% of the global population including all races and ethnic groups with an equal prevalence in both sexes.1 T. gondii seroprevalence is strongly associated with 12-month generalized anxiety disorder but not with other anxiety, depressive, or alcohol-related disorders. Because of the intracellular nature of some parasites, their treatment and development of new drugs is a major challenge for scientists.4 Recently, the use of nanoparticles and nano-scaffolds has suggested for the treatment of parasitic diseases, although limited research has been done in this regard.5-

Imported Malaria in an Iraqi Immigrant to Iran: Relevance for the Maintenance of Elimination Status

Background: Effective malaria control strategies require an accurate understanding of the epidemiology of locally transmitted Plasmodium species. Emerging evidence indicates that migrants from malaria endemic regions are at risk of delayed presentation of Plasmodium spp. and malaria infection.Cases Report: We reported a case of P. vivax malaria occurring after arrival in Iran. Patient was originally from Iraq. A 48-year-old male patient who was hospitalized with fever attacks, chills, and headache after arriving from Iraq to Tehran.Conclusion: In this patient, new prevention and screening strategies should be studied and blood safety policies adapted. Thus, ultimate elimination of malaria in Iran will require national malaria control program to adopt policy and practice aimed at all human species of malaria since neighbor country are still face to problem to control of malaria

Candidiasis in COVID-19 Patients

Based on previous studies, some comorbidities influence the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 disease. Among these factors, opportunistic fungal infections could have a major impact on the mortality of COVID-19 patients

Drug Resistance of Acinetobacter in Selected Hospitals

Background: Nowadays, nosocomial infection with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter is an important problem in the world, which is facing wide spectrum antibiotics and hence has become resistant.Materials and Methods: In this study, positive cultures of Acinetobacter from one hundred clinical samples in seven hospitals from Tehran during 2012-2013 were collected for checking antibiotic susceptibility. Samples test with Ceftazidim, Cefepime, Amikacine and Imipenem by E-test and for Tazocin, Colistin and Tigecycline was performed with disk diffusion method.Results: For Colistin 10 samples, and for Tazocin, 40 samples were performed by E-test method. Then boumannii species of bacteria and non-baumannii Acinetobacter were separated by PCR and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on them. 89% of Acinetobacter samples were boumannii species, which was isolated from respiratory secretions at ICU.Conclusion: Boumannii and non-boumannii species of bacteria with a high percentage were resistant to Ceftazidim, Amikacine, Cefepime, Tazocin and Imipenem. All baumannii and non-boumannii Acinetobacter were sensitive to Colistin, were only 75% sensitive to Tigecycline, which is a new glycylcycline. Colistin and Tazocin results in samples limited to the E-test method were similar with disk diffusion