Human parvovirus B19 and parvovirus 4 among Iranian patients with hemophilia

BACKGROUND: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is one of the smallest DNA viruses and shows great resistance to most disinfectants. Therefore, it is one of the common contaminant pathogens present in blood and plasma products. Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a newly identified parvovirus, which is also prevalent in parenteral transmission. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of B19V and PARV4 DNA among patients with hemophilia in Birjand County in eastern Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising nearly all people with hemophilia in this region. Whole blood samples were taken after patient registration and sent for plasma isolation. After nucleic acid extraction, B19V was detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction, PARV4 DNA was then detected using sensitive semi-nested PCR. RESULTS: In total, there were 86 patients with hemophilia, with mean age 28.5±1.5 years. Of these, 90.7% were men and 9.3% women; 84.9% had hemophilia A and 7.0% had hemophilia B. We found 11 patients (12.8%) were positive for B19V DNA and 8 were positive (9.3%) for PARV4 DNA. The prevalence of B19V was higher in middle-aged groups rather than younger people, whereas PARV4 infection was more common in younger patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of B19V and PARV4 infection in this high-risk group of patients with hemophilia. Due to the clinical significance of the B19 virus, imposing more precautionary measures for serum and blood products is recommended.

[Microscopic isolation and characterization of free living amoebae [FLA] from surface water sources.in Birjand, the capital city of the South Khorasan]

Background and Aim: Free living amoebae [FLA] are amphizoic protozoa that are widely found in various environmental sources. They are known to cause serious infections in human and animal nervous systems. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp in surface water sources in Birjand city employing microscopic culture analysis based on morphology features of the amoebae

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 samples of surface water sources in Birjand city including parks pools, public squares, waterfronts, and water stations were collected and transferred to the laboratory and were passed through nitrocellulose filter paper. The remained elements in the filters were cultured on non-nutrient agar [NNA] with 100microl Escherichia coli suspension. After a few weeks of using morphological features, the amoeba grown were identified

Results: Out of the total of 50 samples cultured on non-nutrient agar [NNA], 19 [38%] samples were morphologically polluted with Acanthamoeba spp,. In 2 samples [4%] a colony of Vahlkampfiidae were observed

Conclusion: The results indicated that a significant percentage of surface water sources in Birjand city was contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. It is necessary for physicians, therefore, to take into account the diseases caused by these infectious agents. Besides, local regional health professionals should take into consideration the potential role of surface stagnant water sources in transferring these infectious agents. Placing warning signs in areas contaminated with these infectious agents seems a useful measure

[Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of five different brands of synthetic Rosa damascene water and its aqueous extract in comparison with its oil]

Background and Aim: In traditional medical sources numerous antibacterial effects of Rosa damascene extract are mentioned. Thus, the present study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial effect of five different synthetic brands of rose water and aqueous extract of the flower in comparison with rose oil

Materials and Methods: Five different brands of synthetic rose water each having concentrations of 1 ,10, 25,50,75,and 100, water extract of Rosa damascene with concentrations of 0.2mg/ml,2mg/ml, 5mg/ml,10mg/ml,15mg/ml, and 20mg/ml and rose oil whose concentrations were 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml, and 10mg/ml were tested regarding to their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Esherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans by broth micro-dilution assay. All bacterial turbidities were examined visually. Each test was repeated three times

Results: In this study, the use of any concentration of rose water failed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms completely. However, it was found that there is a significant difference between increasing of rose water concentration and decreasing the microorganism growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] values of water extract of Rosa damascene were 8 mg/ml in Staphylococcus aureus, 6 mg/ml in Enterococcus faecalis and Esherichia coli, and 4 mg/ml in Candida albicans. The MIC values of rose oil were 10 mg/ml in Staphylococcus aureus and Esherichia coli, 5mg/ml in Enterococcus faecalis, 1 mg/ml in Candida albicans. No inhibitory effect of Rose extract and Rose oil on Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found

Conclusion: The current study showed rose water, water extract of rosa damascene, and rose oil have antimicrobial effects. However, clinical use of this finding requires more extensive studies

[Evaluation of prevalence of false negative results of CRP standard agglutination test using three different kit in Iran]

CRP is the main acute phase protein in humans and plays a key role in host defense against infections. This protein is increased in many infections, inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases, neoplastic diseases, pregnancy and elderly. This study was done on 400 serum samples that CRP was checked with 3 different kits with slide agglutination method and with photometric method for each sample. Results were compared with quantitative results in photometric method. Statistical results in evaluating 400 serum samples with Anisan, Kimia pajohan and Shim enzyme kits were like below: false negative results were detected in 21, 20 and 33 samples respectively. Sensitivities were 87.6%, 86.2% and 80.5% respectively. Specificities were 84%, 74.1% and 80% respectively. Positive predictive values were 80%, 65.4% and 74.7% respectively. Negative predictive values were 90.2%, 90.5% and 84.9% respectively. Although Anisan kits have higher sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values among these three Iranian kits with slide agglutination method, it is advised to use quantitative methods like Immunoturbidlmetry or photometry because of high frequency of false results in agglutination method