Iradj Ashrafi Tamai’s research while affiliated with University of Tehran and other places

A 3‐year‐old Holstein cow was examined in an intensive system due to unilateral swelling in the mandible. A right mandibular mass was associated with painful mastication and Ptyalism. In palpation, the mass was raised, ulcerated, attached to the mandible bone and firm, approximately 17 × 12 × 10 cm³ in size. The lesion was sampled, and after routine bacteriology and histopathology procedures, the occurrence of lumpy jaw caused by Nocardia farcinica was confirmed. The bacterium was analysed using genome sequencing and new strain called Najm 114. Due to the risk of zoonosis of the isolated agent, the cow was euthanized. This is the first report of lumpy jaw caused by N. farcinica in a cow. This study showed that N. farcinica should be considered a possible etiological agent for lumpy jaw in cattle.

A 3‐year‐old castrated male Jack Russell Terrier with a history of cholestatic hepatitis was presented with a non‐painful and non‐pruritic, subcutaneous nodule following vaccine injection. The dog was otherwise healthy. The nodule was surgically removed. Upon gross inspection, a firm, glistening and loculated tissue was seen within the panniculus. Histopathologically, extensive pyogranulomatous panniculitis was diagnosed, composed of variably sized lipocyst surrounded by neutrophils and an outer zone of foamy epithelioid macrophages, neutrophils and occasional Langhans form giant cells. Although histopathologic findings were most compatible with mycobacteriosis, other infectious and sterile conditions were considered differential diagnoses. Gram, acid‐fast and periodic acid Schiff staining were negative. However, PCR analyses for mycobacterial rpoB gene and sequencing revealed infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium. Empirical treatment was avoided through the 3‐week course of histopathological and molecular investigations. Considering that there were no newly formed cutaneous masses, marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg, PO q24h) was administered for 2 weeks, and clarithromycin was avoided due to its potential cholestatic hepatitis adverse effects. Eight months following surgery, there are no new or relapsing cutaneous lesions or disease‐specific complications. This suggests that marbofloxacin monotherapy may be sufficient in immunocompetent dogs with early detection of localized cutaneous mycobacteriosis lacking lymph node or organ involvement.

Cysticercosis develops in lambs following a Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation, which is the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena. A 7‐day‐old lamb was examined for depression, anorexia, fever (40.5°C), congested mucus membranes, reluctance to move, and a hunched back. Upon necropsy, congestion was noted in the intestines and brain, and the heart had a loose consistency. Soft and pulpy kidneys were evident coupled with watery intestinal contents. Epsilon toxin (Clostridium perfringens type D toxin) was detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A transparent cystic structure was incidentally found attached to the pancreas, within which a scolex was well demonstrated upon histopathology. Chronic active peritonitis was diagnosed at the cyst attachment site. C. tenuicollis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and genome sequencing. This report describes prenatal transmission of C. tenuicollis in the present lamb, although this condition is quite rare.

Parasitic infestations are one of the most concerning problems limiting ornamental fish farming. In addition to the direct economic losses due to the major mortalities, parasites may significantly negatively impact the body shape, coloration, growth rate, and health condition of the fish. The results of the study highlight the importance of comprehensive parasitological analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections in ornamental fish farms. The presence of multiple parasites in the affected fish emphasizes the need for effective biosecurity measures, such as extending the quarantine period for newly imported fish, closely monitoring fish populations, and implementing isolation units to prevent the spread of infections. By implementing these preventative measures, ornamental fish farmers can reduce the risk of parasitic infections and ensure the health and well-being of their fish populations. This, in turn, can lead to increased profitability and sustainability for their business. Overall, the current study aimed to conduct a clinical, histopathological, and phylogenetic analysis of the epibiont ciliated protozoan Epistylis wuhanensis and the copepod crustacean Lernaea cyprinacea in a freshwater ornamental fish farm in Iran. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of parasitic infections in ornamental fish farms and underscores the need for continued research and the development of effective preventative measures to address this issue. A total of 60 symptomatic freshwater ornamental fish, including 30 guppy ( Poecilia reticulata ) and 30 sailfin molly ( Poecilia latipinna ), were packed in polyethylene bags filled with oxygenated pond water and transported to the Ornamental Fish Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, for parasitological analysis. Following the clinical examination, histopathological analysis was performed on 10% NBF (neutral buffered formalin)-fixed samples from affected tissues, including the skin, skeletal muscle, and liver, to identify any pathological changes associated with the parasitic infections. Furthermore, the DNA was extracted from the 99% ethanol-fixed samples using a commercial DNA extraction tissue kit (SinaPure DNA, Iran), and PCR was performed using Peri18S-F1 (5′-ACC TGG TTG ATC CTG CCA GT-3′) and Peri18S-R1 (5′-TGC AGG TTC ACC TAC GGA AA-3′) (first reaction), and Peri18S-F2 (5′-CCG CGG TAA TTC CAG CTC-3′) and Peri18S-R2 (5′-GAT CCC CTA ACT TTC GTT CTT GA-3′) (second round) primers for the identified parasites. Finally, the PCR products were sequenced using Sanger dideoxy sequencing methods, and the resulting sequences were compared to sequences in the BLAST search program to provide a comprehensive picture of the current parasite-based disorder. The crustacean L. cyprinacea and the epibiont sessilid E. wuhanensis were identified in the examined ornamental guppy (6/30) and sailfin molly (6/30), with an overall parasitic prevalence of 20.00% (12/60). Ciliates were found in all tissue lesions but not in fish without lesions. A great number of the ciliated protozoan E. wuhanensis were found attached to the integumentary area of L. cyprinacea . Microscopically, oval to round granulomatous lesions were observed in cutaneous and skeletal muscles. Lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis and myositis were also observed. The crustacean L. cyprinacea serves as a mechanical vector for E. wuhanensis infection and spreads the disease in ornamental fish farming operations. For the first time in Iran, we successfully presented diagnostic morphological and molecular data on sessilids isolated from L. cyprinacea . Based on the findings of the current study, such parasitic infections may cause significant economic losses following invasion of the integument area of fish, eventually leading to death, if treatment is neglected or inadequate. Furthermore, the findings of the analysis were used to develop effective diagnostic approaches for the affected fish, as well as recommendations for improved health conditions to prevent future outbreaks of parasitic infections. However, further research is needed to determine the precise mechanisms of crustacean attachment and host-crustacean-peritrich protozoan interactions. Furthermore, the direct and indirect effects of various environmental factors on the emergence and spread of the current disease should be considered.

Resistance to synthetic antifungals has become one of the leading public health challenges around the world. Accordingly, novel antifungal products like naturally occurring molecules can be one of the potential ways to reach efficient curative approaches to control candidiasis. This work evaluated the effect of menthol on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), biofilm formation, growth and ergosterol content of Candida glabrata (C. glabrata), a yeast with a high resistance against antifungal agents. Disc diffusion method (susceptibility to synthetic antifungals), broth micro-dilution method (Susceptibility to menthol), MTT reduction assay (biofilm formation), HPLC technique (ergosterol content) and adherence to n-hexadecane (CSH) were employed to determine the influence of menthol against C. glabrata isolates. The MIC range of menthol versus C. glabrata was 1250-5000 µg/mL (mean ± SD: 3375 ± 1375 µg/mL). The mean rate of C. glabrata biofilm formation was decreased up to 97.67, 81.15, 71.21, 63.72, 47.53, 26.31 and 0.051% at 625, 1250, 2500, 5000, 10 000, 20 000 and 40 000 µg/mL concentrations, respectively. The percentages of CSH were significantly in groups treated with MIC/2 (17.51 ± 5.52%) and MIC/4 (26 ± 5.87%) concentrations of menthol. Also, the percentage changes in membrane ergosterol were 15.97, 45.34 and 73.40% at 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL concentrations of menthol, respectively, in comparison with untreated control. The results showed the menthol impact versus sessile and planktonic C. glabrata cells, and the interference with ergosterol content, CSH, and biofilm formation, which made it a potent natural antifungal.