Seroprevalence of human hydatidosis using ELISA method in Qom Province, Central Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis [CE] in Qom Province, central Iran using ELISA test. Overall, 1564 serum samples [800 males and 764 females] were collected from selected subjects by randomized cluster sampling in 2011-2012. Sera were analyzed by ELISA test using AgB. Before sampling, a questionnaire was filled out for each case. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression for risk factors analysis. Seropositivity was 1.6% [25 cases]. Males [2.2%] showed significantly more positivity than females [0.9%] [P= 0.03]. There was no significant association between CE seropositivity and age group, occupation, and region. Age group of 30-60 years encompassed the highest rate of positivity. The seropositivity of CE was 2.1% and 1.2% for urban and rural cases respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that males were 2.5 times at higher risk for infection than females. Although seroprevalence of CE is relatively low in Qom Province, yet due to the importance of the disease, all preventive measures should be taken into consideration

Fatal case of Plasmodium vivax malaria in a splenectomized patient

Malaria is a major problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, with high morbidity and mortality. Splenectomy makes patients more susceptible to serious bacterial and parasitic infections. We report for the first time in Iran a fatal case of Plasmodium vivax malaria, confirmed by microscopic and molecular [Semi-nested multiplex PCR] tests in a patient who had undergone splenectomy due to hemolytic anemia

Sequence analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer [ITS2] region of rDNA for species identification of trichostrongylus nematodes isolated from domestic livestock in Iran

Infectivity of herbivores with Trichostrongylus nematodes is widespread in many countries, having a major economic impact on breeding, survivability, and productivity of domestic livestock. This study was carried out on Trichostrongylus species isolated from domestic livestock in order to develop an easy-to-perform method for species identification. Trichostrongylus isolates were collected from sheep, goat, cattle, and buffaloes in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. Primary species identification was carried out based on morphological characterization of male worms. PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed on genomic DNA and the products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence data was conducted employing Bayesian Inference approach. Consequently, a restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] profile was designed to differentiate Trichostrongylus species. A consensus sequence of 238 nucleotides was deposited in the GenBank for Iranian isolates of Trichostrongylus species including T. colubriformis, T. capricola, T. probolurus and T. vitrinus. The designated RFLP using restriction enzyme TasI could readily differentiate among species having different ITS2 sequence. The molecular analysis was in concordance with morphological findings. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship among the sequences obtained in this study and reference sequence of relevant species. ITS2-RFLP with TasI is recommended for molecular differentiation of common Trichostrongylus species

[ correlation between clinical signs and genotypes of giardia duodenalis isolated from patients with giardiasis in Kerman City]

Giardiasis is one of the human parasitic diseases caused by a flagellate protozoan named Giardia duodenalis [G.lamblia]. Giardia is one of the most common organisms causing diarrhea in human and also a common gastrointestinal parasite in vertebrates. A total of 352 stool samples were collected from patients infected with giardiasis referred to health centers in Kerman city. Samples were examined by formalin- ether concentration procedure. First, DNA extraction was performed on 30 stool samples containing adequate Giardia cysts and then PCR-RFLP was done on glultamate dehydrogenase [gdh] marker. Clinical signs of patients were recorded in a questionnaire and their relationships with molecular results were analyzed. The highest rate of infection was in the age group of 0-12 years with significant difference with other age groups [P<0.0001]. The most common clinical signs were abdominal pain [71.7%], diarrhea [69%], abdominal cramping [54.1%] and the least common signs were malaise [20.4%] and fever [16.1%]. Of all 30 isolates, 18 samples [60%] were found as genotype All, 5 ones [16.7%] belonged to Al assemblage and 7 samples [23.3%] were BIII assemblage. There was a significant difference between genotyping of Giardia and clinical signs of diarrhea, abdominal signs and nausea [P<0.05]. Higher prevalence of Giardiasis was found in the age group below 12 years, but clinical signs in different age groups and two sexes were identical. Assemblage A showed correlation with mild intermittent diarrhea and assemblage B had correlation with persistent diarrhea

Redefining Ph.D. education in Iran: a systematic review of literature

Reviewing the scientific literature concerning the analysis of different aspects of PhD education systems can help improve the knowledge promotion system in Iran. Different PhD training models around the world and their advantages and disadvantages have been investigated. The study explored the published papers using a systematic approach. Promotion plans in other countries were also investigated. Main databanks between 1998 and 2008 were systematically reviewed using ten standard and sensitive keywords. In the next step, the contents of eligible papers were analyzed and classified. Thirty-two eligible papers were included in the final analysis. The main themes in these papers were about the student admission, supervision of PhD students and evaluation methods. In addition, these papers discussed how universities might improve the links between their PhD students and the community and industry. Moreover, we found information about the variety of training method between different countries, the trends in the number of PhD students and their age, sex and ethnic compositions. Major challenges for Ph.D education include: discipline, law and order in Ph.D programs, quality of supervision, completion time, drop-out rates, increasing number of students, preparation for employment, labor market qualifications and skills, cost of education, inter- university student exchange programs and foreign students admission. Based on our findings, we need to pay more attention to diversify PhD training schemes particularly research-based PhD and professional PhD and to provide PhD education systems appropriate to the present and future needs of our society

Spatial distribution and molecular identification of leishmania species from endemic foci of south-eastern Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis constitutes a major public health problem in many parts of the world including Iran. The primary objective of this study was to identify Leishmania species in endemic districts of Kerman Province, south-eastern Iran. This study was conducted by random sampling as cross- sectional descriptive between 2008 and 2010. Overall, 203 skin scraping smears were taken from the patients. Nested -PCR was performed to amplify variable minicircle fragments of Leishmania kDNA. Bam was the most infected district [71.1%], followed by Kerman [14.7%], Jiroft [5.4%], Baft [2.7%], Sirjan [1.6%], Shahr-e Babak [1.5%] and others [3.0%]. L. tropica was the most common species identified [194 cases, 95.6%], while L. major was found in only 9 cases [4.4%]. Of 203 identified patients, all species in Bam [l07 cases], Kerman [32 cases], Jiroft [l6 cases] and Shahr-e- Babak [l1 cases] were detected as L. tropica, whereas infected subjects in Baft and Sirjan showed L. tropica or L. major. Characterization of Leishmania species resulted in generation of 750 bp and 560 bp fragments, corresponding to those of L. tropica and L. major, respectively. L. tropica is the main species [95.6%] caused ACL in endemic areas of Kerman Province; however L. major is present in low level [4.4%]

Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica isolates by RAPD-PCR and ribosomal ITS1 sequencing

Understanding genetic structure and status of genetic variation of the Fasciola hepatica populations has important implications for epidemiology and effective control of fasciolosis. The aim of the present study was to genetically characterize F. hepatica isolates from different hosts, using sequence analysis of ribosomal ITS1 and RAPD-PCR. Fifty three adult F. hepaticas were isolated from naturally infected cattle, sheep, buffalo and goat from two regions in Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted from 70% ethanol preserved flukes. RAPD-PCR with a set of arbitrary primers [UBC90 and R151] was used to estimate genetic variation within the species. Ribosomal ITS1 region of the isolates was amplified, using primers specifically designed for this study. Ten samples [4 sheep, 2 cattle, 3 buffaloes and one goat isolate] were sequenced at ITS1 and analyzed, using DNASIS and ClustalW softwares. F. hepatica ITS1 region was amplified successfully for all samples and a band of 470 bp was shown in all cases. Different isolates did not show any significant genetic variations in rDNA-ITS1 as all the sequences showed to be 100% identical. RAPD results of 52 samples, in particular those with UBC90, showed different patterns within F. hepatica isolates of each host. RAPD data for this primer showed three different patterns for each of sheep and cattle isolates and two patterns in buffalo isolates. All the 14 cattle isolates come up with an identical pattern, using primer R151. The study showed the variability of F. hepatica isolates in Iran, using RAPD markers. No intraspecies variation was seen in the Iranian F. hepatica isolates at ITS1 rRNA gene, indicating highly conserved nature of this region

[Survey of nosocomial infection and accompanied factors in neonatal intensive care unit]

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] is considered a major problem regarding nosocomial infection control. Considering the importance of this subject and this point which this study has never performed in this province is necessity of performance of this research. To determine Nosocomial infections and accompanied factors in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] at 17-Shahrivar hospital of Rasht, 2008-9. This study was a descriptive research and data were collected prospectively through a questionnaire and a checklist. Questionnaire was included demographic characteristic and treatmental factors. Structural and personnal factors were assisted by the checklist. In this study, samples were the same as study population and all neonates who had the characteristics of the research samples were included. Inclusion criterions consist of all of neonates that aged up to 30 days, suffering from prematurity, low weighting, hyaline membrane disease [HMD], respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], congenital anomalies and also neonates who required surgical treatment that manifested clinical infection signs after 48 hours of admission. All neonates that had clinical infection signs on admission time and suffering sepsis, meningities, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and other infections or the ones who were in incubation period were excluded from research. Nosocomial infection was diagnosed by focal point physician based on the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system [NNIS]. Data was analysed by using SPSS and by means of frequency distribution tables and graphs. During the study period, 270 neonates were hospitalized, among them 44 cases [16.29%] had nosocomial infection. Most of them [70.5%] were male, weight of them was under 2Kg and age of them was between 1-3days. Also most of them [73%] were preterm and were born by cesarean section method. Assessment of the research based on treatmental factors showed that majority of patients were premature and had respiratory distress. The most common isolated pathogens were entrobacter [57%], klebsiella [9%] and E-coli [2%]. Assessment of Structural factors showed that there are physical space problems in spite of adequate equipments and instruments. Regarding personality situations, it is clear that educational programs have been provided for prevention of infection. It is recommended to pay more attention in personal hygienic, especially hand washing and using stril gloves and sterilization rules regarding in IV cathetering. Also it is advised to control and prevent infections with suitable distribution of staffing, providing standard rules in physical structures and promoting knowledge in physicians and NICU personels

[Paraclinical disorders and prevalence of viral infections in injection drug users]

It is reported that 24-40% of hospital admissions in the world are related to addiction and its complications. Considering hepatitis, AIDS, cirrhosis and various malignancies following these complications, addiction is one of the most important problems in treatment centers worldwide. To determine Para clinical disorders and prevalence of viral infections in injection drug users This was a cross-sectional study in which Para clinical derangements including lab results, chest radiography, and abdominal and pelvic sonography of all patients admitted to infectious diseases ward at Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan were evaluated during 2005. Also, the presence of HIV, HCV, and HBV infections in these patients during two consecutive years of 2004 and 2005 was taken into consideration. The total number of patients during 2 years was 92 among those 53 hospitalized during 2005 and 39 in 2004. The mean age was 31.7 years with an age range between 20 and 53. The mean length of injection was 3.9 years with a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 21 years. Among patients hospitalized in 2005, 47% were abnormal for chest radiographs and 17% found to have splenomegaly based on sonography. Among these patients, leucocytosis [85.5%], anemia 86%], higher levels of ESR [74%], derangement in liver tests [60%] and coagulation disorders [55%] were also observed. Viral infections in patients admitted during 2004 were HCV [71%], HBV [12.8%], and HIV [7.6%] while 25.6% were negative for viral infection. In patients hospitalized through 2005, the viral infections were due to HCV [74.3%], HBV [14.3%], and HIV [17%] whereas 17% of patients found to be without viral infection. Based on data found in our study, the high prevalence of viral infection and Para clinical disorders in these patients highlights the importance and the urgency of such laboratory measurements at the very beginning following hospitalization

[Comparison of neonatal bacterial septicemia in 2007 and 1998-2000 years]

Septicemia is an important and common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Several factors such as genetic, social, hygienic and nutritional factors are effective on the frequency of bacterial pathogens in neonatal septicemia, several studies have performed to determine common pathogens in the different parts of the world. Comparison of neonatal bacterial septicemia in 2007 and 1998-2000 in the 17 Shahrivar hospital of Rasht. In this descriptive and comparative study, 298 files of the newborns who were admitted had hospitalized with the probable diagnosis of septicemia in 2007 were collected; we defined the cases with positive blood culture, the pathogens and antibiotic resistance to different antibiotics. We compared these results with the results of study which was performed between 1998-2000. Among 298 hospitalized newborns, 31 cases had positive blood culture [10.4%]. The most common pathogens were Entrobacter [77.4%], Klebsiella [6.5%] respectively. In the study of 1998, the most common pathogens were Ecoli 111 cases [59.7%], Entrobacter 47 cases [25.3%] klebsiella 1.7 cases [9.2%]. There wasn't any significant relationship between mortality and sex, age, maturity and kind of delivery, but there was significant relationship between the pathogen and mortality, delivery, maturity, birth weight. There wasn't any significant relationship between sex and pathogen. According to the results of 2007 the most common pathogen was Entrobacter and treatment with effective antibiotics like Gentamycine [cost effective and easily available] and hygienic care in the neonatal care recommended to the eliminate the infectious factors especially Entrobacter

Comparison of five simple methods for DNA extraction from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces for PCR-amplification of ribosomal DNA

Cystic hydatid disease is an important zoonosis, affecting humans and animals and is a significant public health and economic problem throughout the world and Iran. Since extraction of DNA from the parasite is a primary and crucial step which has a principal effect on PCR results, in the current study five simple methods for DNA extraction from protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus were applied and compared with each other. After collecting hydatid cysts from an abattoir, DNA samples were extracted from two cyst isolates from sheep, two from goats and two from camels using five different methods involving the use of glass beads, mechanical grinder, freeze-thaw, boiling and crushing. For all DNA samples extracted, one PCR assay based on amplifying rDNA-ITS1 region was performed and amplicons resolved on 1.5% agarose gels. The methods were compared regarding to DNA and PCR bands, time and cost effectiveness and laborious amount. The target DNA was successfully amplified from all samples using all methods produced an expected band size. All methods showed some advantages and disadvantages in PCR gels. The boiling method, which was the most time and cost effectiveness method, achieved the thickest bands in the PCR following grinder, crushing, freeze-thaw and glass beads. Boiling and crushing methods were the most suitable methods regarding their amplicon quality, easiness, quickness and cost effectiveness

Epidemiology of cryptosporidium infection of cattle in kerman/Iran and molecular genotyping of some isolates

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses of human and animals. This infection is common in mammals and caused by the coccidian parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. The Present study was designed to determine the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in Kerman by using conventional morphological as well as molecular methods for molecular characterization. Fecal samples of cattle were collected fresh and directly from the rectum. Cryptosporidium oocysts were isolated by using formalin-ether sedimentation method followed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. DNA of a number of isolates was extracted using QIAamp DNA stool mini kit [Qiagen]. A nested PCR-RFLP protocol amplifying - 850 bp fragment of SSU-rRNA gene used to differentiate species and genotypes of the isolates, using Sspl and Vspl as two restriction endonucleases. For each slide at least 20 oocysts were measured. Seventy eight of 412 cattle [18.9%] were found to be infected. Cryptosporidium infection was associated with diarrhea [P = 0.026] in a way that 31.8% of diarrheic cattle [14.44] and 17.4% of non diarrheic cattle [64.368] were infected. The rate of infection in suckling calves <2 months age was significantly higher than others [45.134 vs. 33.6%, P = 0.000]. In this study 4 isolates of C. andersoni and 8 isolates of C. parvum were found for the first time in Iran by using molecular techniques. Cryptosporidium infection is common in cattle of Kerman. Moreover, in spite of the presence of C.parvum as the dominant species in Iran, the presence of C. andersoni in Iran is reported for the first time by molecular techniques. Economic and public health problems resulted from infection by C.andersoni require more investigations in other parts of Kerman province and Iran

[Antibiotic resistance of nosocomial staphylococcus infections with E test method]

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important etiologic agents causing severe infection in human. Extravagant use of vancomycin as first line treatment of infections caused by this organism, has led to production of vancomycin resistant staphylococci and enterococci, as an important health problem. The recommendations of international societies to control nosocomial infections, regarding making policies for vancomycin usage in health and treatment centers in order to prevent development and spread of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus and staphylococcus aureus. The goal of this study is determining sensitivity of S. aureus isolated from clinical specimens hospitalized patients using E-Test in order to find suitable primary therapeutic method. This study is Analytic descriptive, and 14 different antibiotics were evaluated using E-Test method at Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan. Quality control was implemented using staphylococcus ATCC 29213. Data were analyzed by SPSS -13 software and WHOnet-5 after editing and entering into computer. This study was done on 72 patients, 25 of whom were women and the rest were men. There was no meaningful relation between patients sex and the place of isolation of organisms, but regarding ward of hospitalization and resistance rate, highest resistance was observed in ICU and surgical wards [P<0.05]. Highest sensitivity is to vancomycin [93.5%] and then to Rifampin [87%] and amikacin [71.4%]. Highest resistance is against doxycycline and oxacillin [75%] and then cotrimoxazole and ofloxacin with 69% resistance stand at next level. Because of inadvertent use of antibiotics, specially in hospitals ICU and surgical wards, the resistance of potentially dangerous and lethal bacteria like staphylococcus aureus is high and presently only a few drugs like vancomycin exist that can cover this Bacterium

In vitro evaluation the effect of 1, 3, 4, thiadiazole new derivatives against

The main therapeutic compounds available against Leishmaniasis disease is pentavalent antimonyfcg compounds i.e. Glucantime and Pentostam. New antileishmanial compound is needed due to the emerge of drug-resistant leishmania agents in recent years. In the present study the antileishmanial activity of new 1, 3, 4 thiadiazole derivatives were evaluated. Promastigote stages of the parasites were cultured in RPM1-1640 containing 10% FBS, 100 lU/ml penicillin and 100 micro g/ml streptomycin. Mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages [MPEM] isolated from the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice were used and the macrophages were counted and the cell suspension was adjusted to 5X10[5] cell/ml. Macrophage monolayers in 8-well chamber slides were infected with stationary phase promastigote, at a 5:1 parasite/cell proportion and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO[2]. Serial dilution of thiadiazole compounds and tartar emetic as the control was added to the slide chambers and parasite survival index [PSI] was measured after 5 days. The Thiazolyl blue reduction [MTT test] was used to determine the antileishmanial effect of the compounds on extra celluto forms of the parasite and after 72 h. The CD's were read by 96-well scanner and IC[50] were calculated. Two thiadiazole compounds showed 6-67% antileishmanial activity in 4.6 micro g/ml concentration against intracellular forms of the parasites and also in MTT assay IC[50] of 3.6 -7.6 micro g/ml was determined. Due to high antileishmanial activity of some compounds, further studies on structure and activity of these compounds and new highly active derivatives is expected

[Common bacteria, infection area and appropriate treatment in hospitalized addicts]

The use of narcotics leads to immunodeficiency and infection these patients. Hence, recognition of common germs and appropriate antibiotics is of special importance. This cross-sectional study was performed among all patients hospitalized within 2002-2005, in the ward of infectious diseases, in Alzahra hospital. First, the patients were divided into 4 groups of skin, limb, heart and lung involvement, then microbial culture was obtained and type of bacterium and effective drug. Overall, 493 patients with a mean age of 27.75 years, and a minimum of 15 years. The number of deaths was 59 [11.96], of which, more than half have been affected by infective endocarditis. The most common complication [58.6%] was related to injection site complications. The lung was second [19%] followed by cardiac involvement equivalent to 13.8%. 60% of existing scopes were on tricuspid valve. The most common bacterium, staphylococcus aureus was obtained at a rate of 82.8% from these patients, which responded mostly to cefazolin and gentamicin. The need for vancomycin was present in 2% of patients, which were all hospitalized in the last year of the study [2005], and cefepime was used in only one case. Considering that the most common bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus, with a remarkable majority of patients has given appropriate response to simple and inexpensive drugs cefazolin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone and cloxacillin which are first line of treatment against this bacterium, therefore vancomilyn should be kept for special cases

new primer pair in ITS1 region for molecular studies on echinococcus granulosus

Echinocuccus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis has long been recognized as having a high degree of genetic divergence. The strains characterization seems to be essential for the establishment of a preventive and control strategy in every endemic area. Using DNA based methods for strain /genotype characterizations of E. granulosus have some difficulties, especially access to an efficient and pure concentration of DNA and proper primers. Using grinder method, a pure and high concentration DNA was extracted from 10 human hydatid cysts collected from Isfahan [central Iran] hospitals, and processed for PCR reaction. Using DNASIS, the primers were designed in internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1] region, following analysis of 30 E. granulosus nucleotide sequences, extracted from gene bank. This new and specific E. granulosus primer which amplified DNA thoroughly can be applied for molecular studies on echinococcosis

Antibiotic resistance of community-acquired staphylococcus aureus

Extravagant use of vancomycin as first line treatment of infections caused by this organism, has led to production of vancomycin resistant staphylococci and enterococci, as an important health problem. The goal of this study was determining sensitivity of S.aureus isolated from clinical specimens outside hospital using E-Test in order to find suitable primary therapeutic method and to reduce vancomycin use. This cross-sectional study was performed in 2006 among 60 samples of community- acquired S.aureus Minimal Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] for various antibiotics against organisms was determined by E-test method. Qualitative control was performed by staphylococcus ATCC29213 and statistical analysis was done by SPSS ver 13 and WHONET- 5 softwares. Overall, 60 patients [including 10 women and 50 men] were included in the study. The specimen studied were 47% from blood, 30% from skin ulcer, 11.7% from evacuated abscess and 8.3% from synovial fluid. Sensitivity percentage of organisms based on break point used in CLSI M7A6 [Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute] for various antibiotics was 88.6% for Co-Amoxiclav, 81.8% for Amikacin, 79.3% for Gentamicin, 82.1% for Cephalothin, 75% for Ciprofloxacin, 75% for Clindamycin, 76.7% for Oxacillin, 90.5% for Rifampin and 77.8% for Vancomycin. Highest resistance was noted against Oxacillin [p<0.01], Clinidomycin [p<0.01] and aminoglycosides [p<0.05] and definite resistance against Vancomycin was present in only one sample. Staphylococcus aureus is among the most prevalent agents of hospital infection which shows increasing resistance and still has acceptable sensitivity to Cephalothin, Oxacillin and other first- line treatment drugs in community-acquired infections and empirical use of Vancomycin is not necessary in these patients