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Abstract Background and Objectives: one of the endemic foci for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran is Mashhad in which limited outbreak have recently been reported. The commonly used method for diagnosis is the clinical features confirmed by direct microspic examination and culture or biopsy. We compared these two tests to determine the level of their sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value. Material and Methods: we performed this comparative-analytic study on 73 patients suspected of having ulcers Leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran. Giemsa was staining the smears and the samples cultivated on Di-phasic N.N.N. culture media . Analysis was performed by SPSS version 11.5 and Chi square test. A P- value less than 0.05 were considered as a significant. Results: In 43 cases (58.9%), both the smear and culture are Positive. In 13 cases (17.8%), the smear is negative but the culture Positive. In 17 cases (23.2%), both smear and culture are negative. The two methods are positively correlated (82%). Sensitivity, Specifity, Positive predictive Value and negative predictive value are 76.7%, 100%, 100% and 56.7%., respectively. Conclusion: when the smear is positive, there is no need for culture. However, the opposite is not true. Key words: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Laboratory Diagnostic, Direct Microspic Examination, Culture.

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Abstract Background&Objectives: High prevalence of parasitic infections can be the result of the subclinical infections. Some regular and ongoing epidemiological studies are needed to combat and control these infections. This study was conducted on elementary school students to achieve an overview of the spread of parasitic infections in Gorgan. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using random cluster sampling, 800 of 7-12 year-old students were selected from 18 primary schools in Gorgan. The stool samples taken on three consecutive days were examined by two methods including direct smear and formalin-ether concentration. Results: Overall, 230 (28.8%) are infected by intestinal parasites. The protozoa are Blastocystis hominis (122 15/2%), Entamoeba coli (93 11/6%), Giardia intestinalis (79 9.9%), and Entamoeba histolytic (8 1%). The Helminthes are Hymenolepis nana (12 1.5%), Entrobius vermicularis (10 1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4 (0.5%) and hook worms (3 0.4). Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of intestinal parasites is quite high among primary school students especially in families with low education level, income and sanitary level. Hence, it is a necessity to promote the hygienic knowledge of the students . Key words: Prevalence, Intestinal parasites, Primary schools students, Gorgan

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Background: Soil contamination with parasites poses a significant and concerning risk for the transmission of parasitic infections to humans and animals. Considering the crucial role of soil as a potential source of parasite transmission, this study aimed to investigate the presence of helminth and protozoan parasites in the soil of public parks in Gorgan City.
Methods: In this study, a total of 80 soil samples were collected from 16 public parks in Gorgan City in 2022. The soil samples were collected from various areas within the parks, including flower-making, children's play areas, walking paths, sitting areas, and garbage dumps. To isolate the parasites from the soil samples, a saturated solution of sodium nitrate was utilized. The samples were carefully examined under a microscope, and all isolates were stained and subjected to further investigation using special acid-fast stain.
Results: Toxocara eggs were the most commonly detected parasite, present in 40% of the samples (n=32). Coccidia oocysts were found in 12.5% of the samples (n=10), which could potentially be Sarcocystis or Toxoplasma oocysts. Mites were also detected in 12.5% of the samples (n=10). Additionally, Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified using Ziehl-Neelsen's modified staining method, and they were found in 10% of the samples (n=8).
Conclusion: Health education plays a vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures. Collecting reservoirs of parasites (Such as dogs and cats) and planning for the proper disposal of human waste also play an important role in prevention of this disease.

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Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent infectious zoonotic disease between human and animals. Golestan province is one of the important centers of CL in Iran. Current method for detecting Leishmania parasite in patients is Giemsa-stained direct smear from skin ulcers; however, PCR is a strongly recommended method for epidemiological studies. The aim of this study is to investigate Leishmania species in negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL referred to Aq Qala health center using multiplex nested PCR method. 
Methods: This study was performed on 72 negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL referred to Aq Qala health center, Golestan province, northeastern Iran, during August 2019 to April 2020 using multiplex nested PCR method to detect Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica species.
Results: Out of 72 samples, 4 (5.55%) samples were positive by multiplex nested PCR. Moreover, all positive samples are related to Leishmania major species.
Conclusion: Detecting of Leishmania species is strongly recommended in negative ulcer smears from patients suspected of having CL using multiplex nested PCR method.