Hepatitis B virus genotypes in Eastern Azerbaijan, Northwest Iran

The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the genotype of hepatitis B virus [HBV] among hepatitis patients in Eastern Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran. A total of 100 HBV-infected patients were enrolled in this study. Among these, 40 samples were positive for both HBsAg and HBeAg, whereas 60 samples were HBsAg positive and HBe Agnegative. Patients' sera were subjected to DNA extraction and the genotype determined by PCR using type-specific primers. The results of genotyping revealed that genotype D was the only identified genotype in both acute and chronic patients in the study region. Analysis of sequencing results showed 98% - 99% homology with the previously reported HBV genotype D sequences. Genotype D was recognized as the predominant HBV genotype in the studied area. There was no significant relationship between genotype D of HBV and different types of infections

Clinical manifestations of patients with novel H1N1 infecction hospitalized in infectious disease ward, Sina hospital, Tabriz, Iran

Novel H1N1 influenza virus is a unique type of an influenza virus which is built due to abrupt structural alterations. This virus created a pandemic disease. The manifestations and severity may be affected by environmental, cultural and economical condition. From October 2009 until December 2009, we had recruited 40 patients with H1N1 infection documented with RT-PCR. Their demographic features and presenting signs and symptoms as well as their associated laboratory data were recorded. During the study period, 40 patients were studied with a mean age of 36.8 +/- 13.0 years of whom 21 were admitted to ICU. Totally, 37.5% of patients had risk factors. Pneumonia was the most frequent lung involvement. The most prominent radiographic findings were bilateral ground glass opacity and ARDS [25%]. Cough and fever was the most prevalent presenting clinical symptoms. Unfortunately, 8 patients died. Independent risk factor of death was ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Our findings were more or less the same as other centers, however, most of the studied subjects did not have an underlying risk factor. Except for pneumonia and ARDS, bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism were detected in patients all of whom discharged after complete recovery

Mushroom poisoning in northwest of Iran

Mycetismus or mushroom poisoning is an important health concern and a potentially fatal state that usually occurs after incidental ingestion of mushroom's sexual organs or fruiting bodies of fungus among the mycologists and the one who desire a natural or organic diet. The vast majority of mortality due to mushroom poisonings is attributed to fungus belonging to genus Amanita. This report describes 34 cases with A. phalloides mushroom poisoning regarding the epidemiological presentation, clinical manifestation and laboratory findings. These patients were admitted in three hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 1989-1994. The age of victims ranged from 4-75 years. Diagnosis of A. phalloides mushroom poisoning was confirmed by mycologist in 12 cases, toxicological studies in 5 cases and combined mycological and toxicological approaches in 3 cases. It was only suspected in 14 cases as the patients had died before being admitted or immediately after hospitalization. Ingestion of doubtful mushrooms was found either in their histories or mushrooms poisoning was documented in their relatives. Most of the victims [68%] were affected in spring, while no case was reported in summer. Mushroom poisoning should be considered in differential diagnosis of any case of acute gastroenteritis, especially during spring and fall when moderate temperature and moist conditions facilitate mushroom's growth