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Background Human toxocariasis is caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in nomads of Boyer-Ahmad County in the southwest of Iran. Methods A total of 968 blood samples were collected from nomads. A structured questionnaire, containing sociodemographic data, was completed for each participant. Sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies, using the T. canis excretory-secretory antigens prepared from the second stage larvae, in an ELISA system. Results Among the 968 participants, 220 (22.7%) were males and 748 (77.3%) were females; the mean age was 40.71 y. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (1.4%) of the 968 nomads. The association between Toxocara infection and gender, age, contact with dogs, residential area and level of education were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions The findings of the study revealed a low prevalence rate of toxocariasis in nomadic communities in southwest Iran. Geographic location and climatic conditions as well as the lifestyle and sociodemographic features of the participants may contribute to the low prevalence rate of Toxocara infection.

Background Despite emphasizing the importance and benefits of men's active engagement in reproductive health programs, their engagement in reproductive health care is low. Researchers have identified different barriers to men's avoidance of participation in various aspects of reproductive health in different parts of the world. This study provided an in-depth review of the hindrances to men’s non-participation in reproductive health. Methods This meta-synthesis was conducted using keyword searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest until January 2023. Qualitative English-language studies that investigated barriers to men's participation in reproductive health were included in the study. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the articles' quality. Data synthesis and thematic analysis were done using the standard method. Result This synthesis led to the emergence of four main themes such as failure to access all inclusive and integrated quality services, economic issues, couples' personal preferences and attitudes, and sociocultural considerations to seek reproductive healthcare services. Conclusion Healthcare system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men’s attitudes, knowledge, and preferences, influence men's participation in reproductive healthcare. Reproductive health initiatives should focus on eliminating challenges to men's supportive activities to increase practical men's involvement in reproductive healthcare.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) has the potential to cause a serious disease in immunocompromised patients and can be fatal in this population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess comprehensively the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among immunocompromised patients including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and transplant recipients in Iran. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases (international) and Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex, and IranDoc databases (national) were systematically searched for all reports that possibly contained data for T. gondii prevalence in different immunocompromised populations in Iran between 2013 and 2022. Results: Overall, IgG seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in Iranian immunocompromised patients was 45.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 37.4–52.9). IgG seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in 12 studies that included 2279 cancer patients, 19 studies that included 2565 HIV/AIDS patients and in 3 studies that included 200 transplant recipients was 43.6% (95% CI, 30.2–57.0), 45.9% (95% CI, 34.8–57.1) and 45.8% (95% CI, 32.5–59.0), respectively. Moreover, IgM seroprevalence rate in the 26 studies was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.4–3.7). Conclusion: Our findings represent a high seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma IgG among immunocompromised patients. Health improvement and education toward prevention of toxoplasmosis is of great importance for these susceptible populations.

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Background: Although the appendix is the most commonly resected and examined intra-abdominal organ, the pathogenesis and etiology of acute nonspecific appendicitis remain enigmatic. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic infection in surgically removed appendices and to evaluate the probable associations between the presence of parasites and the occurrence of appendicitis through parasitological and histopathological examinations of the appendectomy specimens. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out from April 2016 to March 2021 among all patients referred to hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars Province, Iran, for appendectomy. Patient information, including age, sex, year of appendectomy, and type of appendicitis, was collected from the available data in the hospital information system database. In positive cases, all pathology reports were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of the parasite and its type, and analytical and descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS software version 22. Results: A total of 7628 appendectomy materials were evaluated in the present study. Of the total participants, 4528 (59.4%, 95% CI: 58.2–60.5) were males, and 3100 (40.6%, 95% CI: 39.5–41.8) were females. The mean age of participants was 23.87±14.28 years. Overall, Enterobius vermicularis was observed in 20 appendectomy specimens. Fourteen of these patients (70%) were less than 20 years old. Conclusion: This study indicated that E. vermicularis is one of the common infectious agents that could be found in the appendix and may increase the risk of appendicitis. Therefore, in terms of appendicitis, clinicians, and pathologists must be aware of the possible presence of parasitic agents, especially E. vermicularis, to treat and manage the patients sufficiently.

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