OBJECTIVETo identify the biological forms, sporozoite rate and molecular characterization of the Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) in Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces, the most important malarious areas in Iran.

METHODSWild live An. stephensi samples were collected from different malarious areas in southern Iran. The biological forms were identified based on number of egg-ridges. Molecular characterization of biological forms was verified by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II (mtDNA-COI/COII). The Plasmodium infection was examined in the wild female specimens by species-specific nested-PCR method.

RESULTSResults showed that all three biological forms including mysorensis, intermediate and type are present in the study areas. Molecular investigations revealed no genetic variation between mtDNA COI/COII sequences of the biological forms and no Plasmodium parasites was detected in the collected mosquito samples.

CONCLUSIONSPresence of three biological forms with identical sequences showed that the known biological forms belong to a single taxon and the various vectorial capacities reported for these forms are more likely corresponded to other epidemiological factors than to the morphotype of the populations. Lack of malaria parasite infection in An. stephensi, the most important vector of malaria, may be partly due to the success and achievement of ongoing active malaria control program in the region.

Animals ; Anopheles ; genetics ; parasitology ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; DNA, Protozoan ; genetics ; Eggs ; classification ; parasitology ; Female ; Iran ; Male ; Parasite Load ; Plasmodium ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sporozoites

Objective: To reveal the provincial clustering of malaria in Iran between 2005 and 2014 based on the epidemiologic factors and the climatic indicators affecting the disease. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study using malaria and meteorological data from the Malaria Elimination Programme of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and National Meteorological Organization. After standardization, the aggregate data was used to produce 10-year means for each province. The data analysis included grouping the provinces with respect to factors using hierarchical clustering method and Kruskal-Wallis test to examine the difference between clusters using SPSS ver.23. Results: The hierarchical clustering stratified the provinces' in 5 clusters. Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a significant difference in the incidence rate per 100 000 population (P=0.001), male gender (P=0.001), Iranian nationality (P=0.001), Afghan nationality (P=0.003), Pakistani nationality (P=0.001), urban residence (P=0.006), rural residence (P=0.004), autochthonous cases (P=0.007), average minimum temperature (P=0.001), average maximum temperature (P=0.007), average relative humidity (P=0.011), average pressure level (P=0.038), prevailing wind direction (P=0.023), average wind speed (P=0.031) and average precipitation sum (P=0.002) among the clusters. Conclusions: The results of this study and stratification of the provinces could help health policy makers to better manage malaria by allocating resources accordingly.

Objective: To determine some bio-ecological aspects of malaria vectors in Jask County, where is targeted for malaria elimination in the national program. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected monthly during 2013-2014 using different collection methods. Subsequently, ELISA test was used to detect the human blood index of mosquitoes. The susceptibility status of Anopheles stephensi was evaluated against the diagnostic dosages of seven WHO recommended insecticides. Results: A total of 3. 650 female and 4. 736 Anopheles larvae were collected including Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles culicifacies s.l., Anopheles dthali, Anopheles fluviatilis s.l., Anopheles moghulensis and Anopheles turkhodi species. Anopheles stephensi was the dominant collected species on human baits and indoors with high rate of unfed and gravid specimens in internal and external window traps. Human blood index was calculated as 14.3% for this species. It was also found to be resistant to DDT and Dieldrin. Conclusions: The collected species had a wide range of habitats, and resting behaviors. With regarding to the presence of most important malaria vectors in Jask, control of the disease may be so complicated; as based on the weather condition it can be transmitted during the whole year, expect for cold months. With this strong potential of transmission, existing population movements in the area may lead to imported cases of malaria and local outbreak(s). So, more specific studies on malaria vectors in high risk areas of Jask County are recommended.

Objectives To aim to determine the status and epidemiological aspects of malaria in Iran in favour of gaining a better understanding of the national control of malaria. Methods This epidemiological study examined the status of malaria from 2011 to 2014 in Iran. Data were collected from the Ministry of Health's protocol for controlling and eliminating malaria, which is currently in use. This malaria information reporting system is automated in all Iranian provinces and cities, and all information is submitted online to the center for communicable disease control in the Ministry of Health. Information about malaria is available for researchers to evaluate. Results The incidence rates decreased from 2011 to 2014. There were 4.76, 2.12, 1.80, and 1.59 per 100 000 people, respectively from 2011 to 2014. During the four-year period (2011–2014), the highest numbers of cases occurred in those aged 16–25 years, by age, and in men, by sex. Most of the cases were workers and located in rural areas. An average 52.58% of cases were Iranian. The highest incidence rates from 2011 to 2014 were located in Sistan and Baluchestan province. There were 89.94, 43.9, 38.3, and 30.66 per 100 000 people. The highest numbers of malaria cases were recorded in the cities Sarbaz, Nickshahr, and Chabahar in Sistan and Baluchestan province and Bandar Abbas, Bandar Jask, and Bandar Lengeh in Hormozgan province. During the four-year period, 57.05% of cases were caused by imported factors. The majority of cases were related to the trophozoite lifecycle of parasites. Regarding surveillance, there was inactive care in the majority of cases. Vivax malaria was the most prevalent. Conclusions Despite the recently declining trend in reported cases, the expansion of local transmission, especially in areas with cross-border travel, is very worrying. Improved malaria control interventions can be effective for elimination of malaria in Iran; these can include programs to control border travel and focused interventions for high incidence areas and high-risk groups such as rural residents, men, workers, and people <35 years old.

Objective To determine the wash resistance of Olyset