Journal of School of Public Health and

  Background and Aim: specific and scientific study in the field of malaria in Iran commenced simultaneouoly with establishing the Instituted of Malariology in Tehran University. Subsequently the Institute was changed to school of Public Health and Institute of Public Health. Research which this new situation resulted in increasing studies and researches in the field of malaria based on three main items as entomology and vector control, parasitology and epidemiology. Historical study of malaria prepares a worthy opportunity to remind the pioneers and those who dedicated their life for combating malaria. In this study the situation of published papers, prepared theses by Iranian researchers and specific training and fresher training courses in the filed of malaria parasitology during the last fifty years were considered.

  Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective study based on the collecting all available data from internal and external electronic sources, papers, books, reports, theses. Moreover, some interviews were made with relevant knowledgeable individuals, in the field of malaria parasitology in Iran.

  Results: In this study 143 papers in the field of malaria parasitology were collected in Persian and English languages. Thirty five MSPH, MPH, PhD these and forty four specific courses were recorded as well.

  Conclusion: The collected data indicating the correct comprehension of Iranian researchers from importance of malaria infection and its parasitology in Iran. The facts also show that specific training and retraining of malaria microscopy played considerable role in the control of malaria in Iran.

Background and Aim: Considering the ongoing national malaria elimination program in Iran, establishing a bank of human Plasmodium genes and proteins can be very useful for research purposes. This study was conducted to collect some of the native isolates of human Plasmodia from endemic areas in the country.

Materials and Methods: A 2ml vein-punctured blood sample was prepared from each confirmed malaria case. The samples were dispensed in EDTA pre-dosed tubes and cryopreserved for further tests. Moreover, relevant Geimsa-stained thick and thin blood smears were kept in a safe place. Tests for genetic indicators of MSP-1 was performed for each of the P. vivax samples with the RFLP-PCR techniques. In addition, an in vivo drug sensitivity test was performed for each P. falciparum case. Collecting and cryopreserving samples will continue.

Results: A total of 131 samples, including 109, 19 and 3 P. vivax, P. falciparum and mixed samples, respectively, were preserved with relevant data such as species, parasitaemia and nationality of the donor. MSP-1 gene classification resulted in three different haplotypes including Hap.1, Hap.2 and Hap.3 with frequencies of 20.6%, 41.2% and 38.2%, respectively. The In vivo drug sensitivity tests on P. facilparum isolates showed that all of the isolates were sensitive to the current drug of choice, namely, a combination of artesunate and fansidar.

Conclusion: This study resulted in the preservation of considerable amounts of P. vivax and P. falciparum samples for further relevant studies and research purposes.