Background: Intestinal parasites are among the most common heath problems in most of the countries. Since it could be asymptomatic and also with respect to the role of environmental factors in this regard, the present study was conducted in Iran in the form of a national survey "health and disease" to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites.Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study. 1097 urban clusters (8776 families) and 590 rural clusters (4720 families) were selected through a random sampling. Stool exam was performed for subjects aged 2 years or above and the following intestinal parasites were examined: ascaris, giardia, entamoeba hystolitica, ancylostoma, taenia, tricocephal, etc. Then, the role of sex, age and site of infection was determined.Results: Of 53995 samples, 45128 samples were studies among which 45.8% were for males and 61% belonged to urban residents. Totally, 19.3% of the samples were infected where the infection rate was 19.7% in males and 19.1% in females. Giardia (10.9%) and ascaris (1.5%) were the most common protozoa and helminthes, respectively. Infection was revealed in 25.5% of subjects aged <25 years and 11.6% of subjects aged >70 years (p<0.000). Urban residents have lesser infectious disease Assistant professor, compared to rural residents (16.4% vs. 24.3%, p<0.000).Conclusion: Intestinal infection is quite common in Iran. With respect to its known side effects, the true etiology should be specified and preventive and therapeutic approaches should be considered.

Twenty four ecto- and endo- parasite species were found in different organs of eight native and exotic fish species in Zarivar Lake situated in the far west of Iran. Overall, 1000 fish specimens belonging to the Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae families the Cyprinidae, Poeciliidae and Mastacembelidae families were examined during 2001 and 2002. Of them, five Protozoans, including Trichodina pediculus, Trichodina sp and Myxobolus molnari, a pansporogenic stage of the Myxosporean plasmodia and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis were recorded. Of the Metazoan parasites, 12 monogenean species, mostly belonging to the Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae families and the Ancyrocephalinae subfamily, were found and identified at species and genus level. The number of helminthes reached 15 by adding one Digenea metacercaria (Diplostomum spathaceum) and 2 coelozoic Cestoda species. Crustacean species found on both of native and exotic fishes, belonging to Copepoda and Branchiora orders comprised of Argulus foliaceus and Lernaea cyprinacea, in addition an unknown Argulus was also found on skin and gills of spiny eel which identified to genus level. The only nematode found in the intestine of common carp was identified as Pseudocapillaria tomentosa. Besides the first record of parasites of spiny eel, the seasonal prevalence of ligulosis is presented. Additionally, zoogeographical analysis and species composition of parasitic fauna of Zarivar Lake are discussed.

Galliformes have a global distribution and are bred by humans as domestic animals or game birds. The world's poultry population is increasing due to high consumer demand for poultry products. Due to the increasing growth of Galliformes breeding, this study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of some species of Galliformes.Galliformes have a global distribution and are bred by humans as domestic animals or game birds. The world's poultry population is increasing due to high consumer demand for poultry products. Due to the increasing growth of Galliformes breeding, this study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of some species of Galliformes. In this study, 100 distinct fecal samples were collected from seven different Galliformes species, including rural chickens, peacocks, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, quails, and guinea fowls. Sampling of each bird was done separately. These birds were kept in cages. To identify gastrointestinal parasites, the samples were evaluated using the Clayton-Lane method, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, and Trichrome staining methods. Out of 100 birds sampled, 53% of birds were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. 30% of birds were infected with Eimeria spp., 18% of birds were infected with nematodes, and 5% of birds were infected with Giardia spp.. The highest rate of parasitic infestation in Galliformes was related to protozoan infections and the highest rate of protozoan infection was related to Eimeria (30%). Complex infestation was not detected. Considering that most parasitic infections have been detected in apparently healthy birds, it is recommended to observe hygiene and to regularly disinfect cages and reduce the density of birds in the nests. Due to the zoonotic potential of Giardia and due to the contamination of some birds with this parasite, this issue should be considered by public health officials, bird sellers' markets, owners, and breeders of these birds.

Background: For a long time, intestinal parasite infections are among the major problems of public health in Iran. Our aim was epidemiological studies on the frequency of intestinal parasites in patients referred to three hospitals in Tehran during 2007-2008.Methods: During 2007-2008, by simple random selection, 1000 stool samples were collected from Milad, Hazrat-e-Rasoul and Shahid Fahmideh hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We examined the samples using direct smear, formol-ethyl acetate concentration, Agar-plate culture and Ziehl- Neelsen staining technique.Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites were: Blastocystis hominis 12.8%, Giardia lamblia 2.5%, Entamoeba coli 4.8%, Iodamoeba butschlli 0.9%, unknown 4 nuclei cysts 0.4%, Endolimax nana 3.2%, Chilomastix mesnili 0.4%, Strongyloides stercoralis %0.1, Hymenolepis nana 0.2% and Taenia saginata 0.2%. Coccidian parasites were not found. Results show that infection with intestinal parasites does not statistically significant according to sex and age.Conclusion: The intestinal parasites, especially helminthic infections have been decreased during recent years.