The Omicron variant of concern has a high level of mutations in different genes that has raised awareness about the performance of immunological products such as vaccines and antigen detection kits. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated whether Omicron had a significant influence on rapid antigen test (RAT) performance in comparison to PCR. We registered this systematic review and meta-analysis in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42022355510. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases systematically to 1 August 2022. After article screening, we assessed the quality of the included studies based on the JBI checklist. Following data extraction, we performed a metaanalysis using R software. We included 18 qualified articles presenting sufficient data about RATs performance in comparison to RT-PCR in Omicron infections. The pooled specificity and sensitivity of RATs were 1.000 (0.997-1.000) and 0.671 (0.595-0.721), respectively. The FDA-approved kits showed a better performance than WHO-approved ones with a sensitivity of 0.728 (0.620-0.815). The use of RATs with nasal swabs showed a higher sensitivity compared with nasopharyngeal swabs. The sensitivity for samples with a CT-value >25 was 0.108 (0.048-0.227). Rapid antigen tests show impaired performance for COVID-19 diagnosis when theOmicron variant is circulating, particularly in samples with low viral loads.

One of the most important food sources of humans are poultry products. Poultries are irritated and losing blood by blood-sucking ectoparasites, which affect the quality and quantity of meat and egg production. Methods: This study was conducted on 120 free-ranging backyard chickens from December 2017 to November 2018 to determine ectoparasites' prevalence in Sabzevar city, northeastern Iran. Different parts of the birds' bodies were examined, and ectoparasites were collected. The specimens were identified based on morphological features using diagnostic keys. Results: Of the 120 (30 males and 90 females) free-ranging backyard chickens examined, 75 (62.5%) showed infestation with three lice and one mite species. The prevalence of infestation was higher in females (66.67%) than males (50%); however, the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The louse Menopon gallinae was the most prevalent species (57.33%), followed by Menacanthus stramineus (37.33%), Lipeurus caponis (13.33%), and Dermanyssus gallinae (4%). Conclusion: This is the first survey on determining the prevalence and multiplicity of ectoparasites among free-ranging backyard chickens in Sabzevar city, Iran. The high prevalence rate of ectoparasites among chickens shows that parasitic infection is prevalent in this area. 43. Paliy A, Mashkey AM, Sumakova NV. Distribution of poultry ectoparasites in industrial farms, farms, and private plots with different rearing technologies. Biosyst Divers. 2018; 26 (2): 153-9.

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan zoonotic disease that is seen in Cutaneous, subcutaneous and visceral forms. The disease is transmissible via sand flies between humans and many animals, including rodents and dogs. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sabzevar over four years. Information on all patients from the Sabzevar Health Center who had been treated with a diagnosis of Cutaneous leishmaniasis was investigated during the years 2013 to 2016. There were 738 patients with Cutaneous leishmaniasis between 2013 and 2016. There were 54 in 2013, of which 21 (38%) were men and 33 (61%) were women. In 2014, there were 111, 80 (72%) of whom were men and 31 (27%) of whom were women. In 2015, there were 75, 58 (61%) of whom were men and 17 (18%) of whom were women. In 2016, the number of patients increased to 543, 447 (82%) of whom were men and 96 (17%) of whom were women. Five hundred and eightyeight (9%) of these patients were from rural areas and 195 (24%) were from urban areas. Most of the lesions (60%) were found on the hands and the lowest number (3.57%) were on the trunk. The highest numbers of infections were observed in summer and the lowest numbers were observed in winter. According to the results, the incidence of the disease increased compared to previous years, so reducing the adverse effects are necessary.