Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in the families of the patients with hepatitis C infection in Shahre-Kord, Iran

Chronic hepatitis C is a major health concern around the world. Although transmission of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection through parenteral exposure is well documented, sexual transmission of HCV is still debated. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection within the families of the patients infected with HCV in a central city of Iran, Shahre-kord. We examined eighty patients with chronic HCV-associated liver disease and their 230 first degree families in a cross-sectional descriptive serological study. Their serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibody, using ELISA and Immunobloting. A questionnaire including risk factors for HCV infection specially drugs addiction, sexual behaviors, and duration of partnership was filled in by the cases. About 2.17% of the household contacts were seropositive. Of them, 8.7% spouses and 20% sisters had anti-HCV antibody. The risk of HCV transmission between monogamous sex partners is higher than that of in other family members, depending on the duration of exposure especially sexual exposure. Infection rate in other family members of HCV-infected persons and community members is the same

[ frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006]

Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial pathogens in human. The organism is associated with development of acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases, and gastric cancer. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children ranges from 10% to more than 80%. High prevalence occurs in developing countries. This aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006. In this descriptive and analytical study, a total of 215 stool samples from children selected none randomly at age of 6 years. Infection was determined based on antigen immunoassay in stool using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. [Diaper kit, Italy]. Data were analyzed using X2 and Regression Logistic tests. According the results, 50 of 215 [23.3%] children, were positive for the H.pylori. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and sex, smoking of parent, abdominal pain growth of children, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer in parents and history of breast milk [P>0.05]. But there was a significant relationship between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and history of stomach cancer in their family and level of education in their parents [P<0.05]. Less than a quarter of the children studied tested positive for H.pylori. Thus, the promotion of health services should be considered