Immigrant fathers, mothers and babies who are living with HIV/AIDS

In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, in a time period of 5 months in 2005, in Zahedan [Southeast of Iran], we evaluated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the families of the men with HIV/AIDS who had a history of immigration to other countries to work. Blood samples of the mothers and the babies were evaluated by ELISA method and in those who had a positive test, results were confirmed with a more specific assay [western blot]. Among 274 patients with HIV infection/AIDS[224 male and 50 female] in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in Southeast of Iran, 65 cases [41 male, 24 female] were from Saravan [a city in Sistan and Baluchestan]. Out of 41 men with HIV/AIDS in Saravan, 21 cases had a history of immigration, to neighbouring countries to work. Forty five percent of mothers [11 cases] who had infected immigrant husbands, showed a positive test and they were infected with HIV. Also, HIV test was positive in 3 children of families whom their fathers were infected immigrants. Present study showed that 45% of the mothers and 2.5% of the babies in families who the fathers were infected and had a history of immigration, had a positive test and they had been infected with HIV infection. Fifty percent of men with HIV/AIDS had history of immigration. Upon this results, immigration and family deprivation is a potent risk factor for occurrence of infection

Which equipments are more infected with hepatitis B virus infection? Dental equipments or endescopes?

Hepatitis B Virus infection [HBV] is a significant hazard in the dental environment and endoscopy room because the virus may be transmitted through contaminated instruments. This study was conducted in order to detect the HbsAg in the endoscopy and dental equipments and then to compare the results. In this cross-sectional study, in a time period of 30 days, 100 and 50 specimens were obtained randomly from multiple apparently sterile dental equipments and endescopes, respectively. Obtained samples evaluated for HBsAg by ELISA method [Sorin biomedical Kit]. Results of the present study shows that 2% of instruments used for dental treatment was infected with hepatitis B virus. Among 50 specimens of endescope instruments, only one sample was positive for HBsAg. Upon our results, there might exist the possibility of HBV transmission through dental equipments and endoscope instruments. We advise the use of standard sterilization for prevention of transmission of hepatitis B virus infection