Human cystic echinococcosis in west Azerbaijan, northwest Iran: a retrospective hospital based survey from 2000 to 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in west Azerbaijan, Iran during a 10 year period [2000-2009]. We surveyed medical records of infected patients with hydatid cyst who had been operated in four hospitals in Urmia City, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Several parameters were analyzed including age, sex, place of residency, hospitalization time, and the location of cysts. Of 294 cases, 53.3% were female and 46.7% were male with the mean age of 39.4 years [5- 93]. The average number of operated cysts per year was 29.4 [0.98/100,000 of population]. The most affected age group was 20-30 year olds [18.7% of the cases]. Cysts were localized in liver and lung in 57.5% and 21.8% of cases respectively and the average hospitalization time was 9 days. Single organ involvement was seen in the majority of patients and 28 [9.5%] cases had multiple involvement. The distribution of residence in patients showed 108 [36.9%] of them to have urban origin and 185 [63.1%] were rural residents. The lowest number [n=17] and the highest number of operation [n= 48] recorded in 2000 and 2007, respectively. The prevalence of hydatidosis is high in this city and further studies are needed for evaluation of economic burden and risk factors for CE in this region.

Pediculosis capitis among primary school children and related risk factors in Urmia, the main city of west Azarbaijan, Iran

Pediculosis capitis is cosmopolitan health problem. In addition to its physical problems, its psychological effects especially on pupils are more important. This study was conducted to determine the Pediculosis capitis among primary school pupils and also find out the role of probable related risk factors in Urmia city, Iran 2010. 35 primary schools of Urmia City according to the defined clusters randomly have been selected during 2010. 2040 pupils [866 boys and 1174 girls] were included and examined individually and privately by experts. Presence of adult or immature lice or having nits less than 1 cm from the hair basis were defined as positive. Data about demographic features and factors which their effect should be determined were recorded in standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software with proper statistical test. Infestation was determined around 4%. Girls show significantly greater infestation. The availability of suitable warm water for bathing and hair length [separately in girls and boys] are significantly related to infestation load as well as infestation among different age groups. There was no significant relation between parent's education and job and infestation as well as bathing repetition per week and the kind of energy source which they have. Also there is no significant correlation between educational grades and head lice infestation. The head louse pediculosis is a health problem and remains a health threatening for school children. Effective risk factors should be determined carefully and regionally. Proper training plays a great role in order to prevent and control the problem

Effects of anti-mosquito salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antibodies of anapheles stephensi on fecundity and longevity

With the aim of controlling malaria by reducing vector population, the effects of antibodies produced against salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antigens of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes on fecundity and longevity of the same species were tested. Three deglycosylated preparations of midgut and two preparations of salivary glands were produced, conjugated with aluminum hydroxide gel, and subcutaneously injected to shoulders of TO [Turner Out-bred] mice. After 4 immunizations and assurance of enough antibody production against utilized antigenic suspensions, effects of blood feeding on immunized and control mice were assayed. Insoluble preparation of midgut showed the strongest effect with 23.5% reduction in egg laying, and increasing death rate of vectors in third day after feeding. No significant reduction in fecundity or survivorship was seen with other preparations. Anopheles midgut insoluble antigens are potential candidates for designing vaccines against malaria vectors and further investigations need to be done to find effective antigens and the best way of their use