Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km2 and then in Saqez (54.36%) with a potential area of 2 422.4 km2. Conclusions: A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax. Therefore, it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province.

Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km

Serum procalcitonin level as a biomarker for the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome: a prospective case-control study

Background and Aim: Considering the importance of sepsis and its complications in the mortality of the patients admitted to different parts of hospital and the importance of early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatment in the patients' survival, we investigated the value of procalcitonin serum level for the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious SIRS in the patients referring to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj

Material andmethods: In this descriptive analytical [case-control] study, we measured procalcitonin level in SIRS positive patients who had been referring to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj.After obtaing the results of the lab.tests the patients were divided into two groups of infectious SIRS [case group] and non-infectious [control group] based on the final diagnosis made by our infectious diseases specialist. Patients withhistory of antibiotic intake within the last 48 hours, mechanical trauma, heat stroke, recent surgery, cancer and severe burn were excluded from the study. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by independent T-test to compare the quantitative data between the two groups. We also used Pearson correlation test to investigate the relationship between procalcitonin serum level and variables related to vital signs and blood markers. P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: Mean procalcitonin serum level in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the patients with higher respiratory rate and higher WBC counts had significant increase in procalcitonin serum level. Results of this study showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of procalcitonin test at the threshold of 0.52 ng / ml were 70 percent, 94 percent and 81.7 percent, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values were 75.7 percent and 91.3 percent, respectively

Conclusion: According to the results, procalcitonin level had a significant sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious SIRS and can be considered as a diagnostic test along with other clinical and paraclinical criteria in the early stages of these disorders. This can be helpful in making early diagnosis and timely administration of medications

Comparison of the tuberculin skin test and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test in detecting latent tuberculosis in health care workers in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT) are used to identify latent tuberculosis infections (LTBIs). The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between these two tests among health care workers in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 177 tuberculosis (TB) laboratory staff and 67 non-TB staff. TST indurations of 10 mm or more were considered positive. The Student's t-test and the chi-square test were used to compare the mean score and proportion of variables between the TB laboratory staff and the non-TB laboratory staff. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate the agreement between these tests, and logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors associated with positive results for each test. RESULTS: The prevalence of LTBIs according to both the QFT and the TST was 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12% to 21%) and 16% (95% CI, 11% to 21%), respectively. The agreement between the QFT and the TST was 77.46%, with a kappa of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of LTBI based on the QFT and the TST was not significantly different, the kappa statistic was low between these two tests for the detection of LTBIs.

Survey on association between mycoplasma hominis endocervical infection and spontaneous abortion using polymerase chain reaction

Background: Mycoplasma infections are suggested as etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Mycoplasma hominis [M. hominis] infection and spontaneous abortion among pregnant women

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study that was conducted from August 2012 to January 2013, totally, 109 women were included with spontaneous abortion with gestational ages of 10-20 weeks [Cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestational ages between 20-37 weeks [Controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. Using specific primers and extracted DNA from endocervical swabs, a PCR test was conducted for detection of M. hominis infection in women. For comparison of qualitative and quantitative variables, independent Fisher tests were used and p<0.05 was considered significant

Results: The total frequency of M. hominis infection was 6 [2.75%] in women. The frequency of M. hominis infection was 2 [1.83%] in the case group [spontaneous abortion] and 4 [3.66%] in the control group, respectively. In both case and control groups, no association was seen between M.hominis infection and spontaneous abortion [OR=0. 49, CI 95%: 0.08-2.73, p=0. 683]

Conclusion: M. hominis was positive in the genital tract of some pregnant women, but it was not associated with spontaneous abortion. However, to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in women, foetus and neonate, routine screening and treatment for the genital Mycoplasma is recommended

relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection and spontaneous abortion

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiology of most of sexually transmitted diseases. Colonization of C. trachomatis in the genital tract during early gestation has been associated with preterm birth, and preterm premature rupture of the membranes. The role of C. trachomatis on spontaneous abortion has not yet been proved completely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of C. trachomatis infection among pregnant women and its association with spontaneous abortion

Methods: This case-control study was conducted from August 2012 until January 2013. Totally, 218 women were included; 109 women with spontaneous abortion with gestation age between 10-20 weeks [cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestation age between 20-30 weeks [controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. DNA was extracted from endocervical swabs and a PCR test was conducted for detection of C. trachomatis infection in women using specific primers. Independent T-test and Chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively, and p<0.05 was considered significant

Results: The total prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38[17.43%] in endocervical swabs of women. However, the number of cases with C. trachomatis infections was 25 out of 109[22.9%] in the case group and 13 out of 109[11.9%] in control group, respectively. Association between chlamydia infection and spontaneous abortion was statistically significant [OR=2.198, CI 95%: 1.058-4.56]

Conclusion: Our study showed that C. trachomatis infection was associated with spontaneous abortion. Thus, screening and treatment of pregnant women may prevent this adverse pregnancy outcome

[Efficacy of memantine as an adjuvant therapy in bipolar disorder; a double blind, randomized, clinical trial]

Background and Aim: Despite the use of different drugs in the treatment of bipolar disorder, about 50 percent of the patients are not completely cured. To strengthen the treatment effect, various medications including new antiepileptic drugs and serotonin-dopamine antagonists have been studied. Considering the potential role of NMDA receptor antagonists on the mood changes, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of memantine on acute mania as an adjunctive therapy to lithium and risperidone

Material and Method: Our study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial which included 40 patients with bipolar disorder in the acute phase of mania. Patients in both groups were treated with the same drug regimen [including risperidone and lithium]. In the intervention group, an oral dose of memantine, 5 mg/day was started and increased to 20 mg / day after 96 hours. Patients in the control group received placebo. Severity of the symptoms before starting treatment and at the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks after treatment was measured based on the Young Mania Rating Scale. We estimated clinical side effects of memantine by using a clinical check list

Results: At the end of the study, severity of manic symptoms decreased in both groups, but speed and rate of reduction of the symptoms of mania were not significantly different in the memantine group compared with the placebo group [p=0.784]. The most common side effects in both groups included; restlessness [p=1.000], tremor [p=0.501], and dizziness [p=0.605], which were not significantly different in both groups

Conclusion: Considering the limitations such as small sample size and short period of the study, addition of memantine 20 mg /day to the treatment regimen of the patients with bipolar disorder in the manic phase, for six weeks, had no effect on the rate and extent of symptoms of mania

Soluble CD93 as a Novel Biomarker in Asthma Exacerbation

Asthma research is shifting from studying symptoms and lung functions to the narrow-focus cellular profiles protein analysis, biomarkers, and genetic markers. The transmembrane glycoprotein CD93 is involved in endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, leukocytes extravasation, apoptosis, innate immunity and inflammation. Relationships between the serum level of soluble CD93 (sCD93) and acute myocardial infarction/premature MI/inflammatory arthritis/skin sclerosis have recently been reported. We hypothesized that sCD93 would be elevated during the acute phase of asthma. We measured the serum level of sCD93 in 57 patients with asthma exacerbation and 57 age-and gender-matched healthy controls. Additionally, sCD93 was reassessed at the time of discharge from the hospital. Clinical characteristics and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of the patients were assessed. The primary outcome was the comparison of serum level of sCD93 between asthmatics and healthy subjects. The sCD93 values ranged from 128 to 789 ng/mL in asthmatics (345.83±115.81) and from 31 to 289 ng/mL in control subjects (169.46±62.43). The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). The association between sCD93 and asthma remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. The differences between asthmatics and controls remained significant on the last day of hospital stay. The association between sCD93 and PEF was not significant. In conclusion, the serum level of soluble CD93 is increased in patients with asthma exacerbation. It also showed that serum levels of sCD93 decreased with treatment of asthma attack. The clinical usefulness of determination of sCD93 as a biomarker of asthma requires further studies.

[Problems of health care systems and disease reporting for communicable diseases and surveillance in hospitals and the potential solutions: a qualitative study]

Background and Aim: Report of communicable diseases is an essential component in control and early detection of epidemics. Hospitals which admit patients for treatment can be the start point of an epidemic. Considering different problems in the hospital reporting system in Iran, this study was conducted to determine these potential problems and develop potential solutions in the reporting systems of communicable diseases

Material and Methods: In this phenomenological qualitative study, 54 people were assessed using structured interviews and focused group discussions. The participants were managers, nurses, professional experts of hospitals and health networks in Kurdistan and East Azarbaijan, and country disease control center. The results were reported using content analysis

Results: The results showed that there were lack of feedback and incentives, lack of instructions and duty assignment programs and lack of a clear reporting system in the hospitals. In addition, we found differences in reporting methods, unfamiliarity of managers with reporting levels, inconsistencies between the health and treatment departments

Conclusion: The absence of a clear process for reporting infectious diseases in the Iranian hospitals require development of guidelines for reporting these communicable diseases. This process calls for collaboration of the health care department at all administrative levels

[Frequency and etiologies of acute and thunderclap headaches in Tohid Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran]

Background and Aim: Headache is one of the most common reasons causing the patients to refer to pain clinics. Most people have experienced severe headache at least once in their lifetime. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of thunderclap headache and associated symptoms in Sanandaj

Material and Methods: This descriptive study evaluated all patients admitted to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj with acute or sudden headaches from October 2012 to September 2013. Data were collected from the patients' records. Using SPSS version 18, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, T-test, Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, and Logistic regression

Results: Based on the sites of the headache, 43 [36.1%] and 24 [20.2%], patients had frontal headache and generalized headache, respectively. 58 patients [48.7%] had a space-occupying lesion in the brain. 47 [39.5] patients had thunderclap headache. Among the patients with severe headache, 30 [25.2%] patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was more common in the group with thunderclap headache. Results of logistic regression showed that risk of having brain injury in the patients suffering from headache of less than one week duration increases up to 11.657 times [P=0.027].This risk increases in the patients with headache aggravated by coughing or sneezing and headache with no previous history to 42 times [P=0.006] and 5.6 times respectively [P=0.052]

Conclusion: Headaches aggravated by coughing, sneezing, and with no previous history were associated with higher incidence of space-occupying lesions [brain tumor, S.A.H,…]. Also subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH] and meningitis were two major causes of thunderclap headache. Other studies showed that migraine is the most common cause of thunderclap headache, but in emergency wards, intracranial hemorrhages including SAH and ICH were more common causes of this type of headaches. Therefore, more investigations are required for the patients with thunderclap headache

Acute and chronic respiratory effects of chromium mists

Background: Despite wide application of chromium in electroplating industry, the pulmonary effects of chronic exposure to this chemical have not been extensively studied and are subject of debate and controversy. This study was, therefore, undertaken to further address this issue

Methods: The study population consisted of a group of 15 workers with a history of past and present occupational exposure to chromium mists and 15 unexposed healthy subjects [referent]. Subjects were interviewed, respiratory symptom questionnaires were filled out for them, and their parameters of pulmonary function [PFT] were measured during the shift and a few days after exposure ceased

Results: Both groups were similar as to the number of smokers, their length of smoking, and demographic factors such as age, weight and height. Although the unexposed group, on average, were slightly older than their exposed counterparts, statistical analysis of the data revealed that symptoms such as productive cough, phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath were significantly [P<0.05] more prevalent among the exposed workers. Furthermore, the parameters of pulmonary function [PFT] of the exposed workers, while at work, were significantly lower than those of referent individuals. Interestingly, PFT of the exposed subjects generally showed some improvement a few days after their exposure ceased. However, despite this relative recovery, the differences of PFT values between the exposed and referent groups, from statistical point of view, remained significant

Conclusion: Our data support the proposition that exposure to chromium mists induces abnormal respiratory symptoms as well as both acute, partially reversible and chronic irreversible lung functional impairments

Risk Factor of preterm labor in the west of Iran: a case-control study

Prematurity is the most common cause of neonatal death. Risk factors of premature birth can be related with ethnicity and genetic. There is no comprehensive high sample size study in Kurdish ethnicity to determine risk factors related to prematurity. This study evaluated risk factors of preterm labor in Kurdish ethnicity. This case-control study was conducted in 200 preterm infants [case group] and 400 term infants [control group], in Besat Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran, in the year 2012. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and analysis was performed by Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and logistic regression tests. In univariate analysis, mother's own prematurity, history of previous preterm labor, prematurity in the first-degree family members, history of dead children, premature rupture of membranes, multiple pregnancies, overt diabetes, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia, infertility and cervical incompetence had significant relation-ship with preterm labor. However, multivariate analysis results showed that abnormal amniotic fluid, premature rupture of membranes, double and multiple pregnancies, chronic hypertension, family history of premature birth, mothers age over 35 years, and cervical incompetence [P<0.05] had significant relationship with the premature birth. Screening of newborns at risk of preterm labor could be achieved by these risk factors: family history of prematurity, mother's own history of prematurity and previous preterm labor, history of previous neonatal death, decreased amniotic fluid, multiple pregnancies, overt diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, infertility and cervical incompetence, however some of these factors are not the direct cause of prematurity. Our study suggests genetics role in preterm labor

Pattern of reported tuberculosis cases in Iran 2009-2010

Cooperation of all health sectors and early diagnosis of the disease are the key factors for controlling tuberculosis. This study assesses the patterns of reported tuberculosis cases in Iran. This was a cross sectional study. Tuberculosis cases were defined according to World Health Organization and Iran's national TB guidelines. Final data were prepared for analysis using SPSS16 software. Public hospitals, public and private outpatient clinics reported 4111 [39.1%], 3007 [28.6%] and 2839 [27%] cases of TB, respectively. The highest number of reported TB cases was from the public healthcare system. One third of TB cases were reported by private outpatient clinics. It is essential to make a plan such as public-private mix model in Iran. Because of high coverage of private physicians in our country and even in rural areas, it is quite necessary to involve private system in tuberculosis program

[Quality of life in 15-64 years old people in Kurdistan province, western part of Iran]

Quality of life is one of the important factors in evaluating health problems in different societies. In this descriptive-analytic study 700 individuals aged 15 to 64, were selected through the random sampling method in Kurdistan, western part of Iran, in 2007 and their quality of life was evaluated by Euro His questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using independent t, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multi-variable regression tests. In this study, quality of life in men was significantly better than women [P=0.001], and in rural regions was better than urban regions [P=0.01]. People with more exercise activities had better quality of life [P=0.002], while the smokers [P<0.05] and also the elder people had worse quality of life [P<0.001, r= -0.197]; the heavier [P=0.01, r=0.095] and the taller ones had better quality of life [P<0.001, r=0.193]. Uneducated people had lower quality of life [P<0.001, F=13.246], while more income was leading to higher quality of life [P<0.001, F=13.814]. Between adults of Kurdistan, western part of Iran, quality of life was worse significantly in women, elder people, people with lack of exercise and with smoking habit

Evaluation of menopausal women's attitudes towards menopause in Shiraz

To evaluate the attitudes of menopausal women towards the menopause and its relation with demographic characteristics. This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 378 menopausal women attending primary health care centers in Shiraz. Five health centers in different parts of the city were chosen and the participants were selected from these women attending the above-mentioned health care centers randomly. Then, they were interviewed and a questionnaire was filled in. The mean age of the participants was 54.9 [ +/- 5.5] years. Nine women [2.4%] were single and 306 [81%] were married. One hundred sixty [42.3%] were illiterate and nine [2.4%] had a college degree. Seventy [18.5%] of them were smoker. One hundred twenty five [33.1%] suffered from hypertension, 64 [16.9%] had diabetes, 206 [54.5%] musculoskeletal problems, 43 [11.4%] pulmonary diseases, and 75 [19.8%] heart diseases. The mean and standard deviation of the total score of attitude was 102.7 +/- 11.8 [Rang:71-135]. Statistically significant relation was observed between physical menopausal symptoms and total score of attitude in multiple regression analysis. According to the results of the study, there are some differences in various countries and cultures and these differences lead to different attitudes among in women. Physical symptoms are very important in attitudes towards menopause in women and such bothering symptoms can lead to negative attitude. Therefore, it is very important to make some plans for evaluating menopausal symptoms and controlling them

Effect of zinc sulphate on peptic ulcer disease

In-vitro study, the effect of zinc sulfate on healing ulcers is being shown but it is a limited study which has been done to demonstrate the effect of zinc sulfate on peptic ulcer in human. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc sulfate on healing peptic ulcer disease. This was a double blind randomized clinical trial in which patients who were referred to endoscopy clinic in Sanandaj Besat hospital were included. Patients were allocated to intervention group [n=46] and control group [n=58] at random. All patients received standard treatment for ulcer containing Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Omeprazole and Bismuth. For intervention group one zinc sulfate capsule [220 mg] was added to treatment regimen [one capsule on alternate day]. After four weeks, endoscopy was repeated again. The data was analyzed by SPSS software and x[2] Fisher exact and T test were used for analysis. There was no difference between intervention and control group in the same factors like smoking, alcohol, NSAID drugs consumption and the size of ulcer. Mean size of ulcers in intervention and control group before treatment were 24.6 [ +/- 17.7]mm and 22.5 [ +/- 21.2]mm respectively. The mean percentage size reductions of ulcer in intervention and control group after treatment were 92 [ +/- 14] percent and 89.4 [ +/- 16.4] percent which did not illustrate significant difference in two groups. This study confirms that zinc sulfate with the dosage of 220 mg on alternate days doesn't have significant effect on peptic ulcer healing. More studies with higher doses needs to be undertaken to determine effective dose of zinc

Complications of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the common causes of vaginal discharge in women. It has been suggested that risks of preterm labour, abortion and premature rupture of membrane [PROM] are higher in pregnancies that are affected by bacterial vaginosis. This study was designed to determine the incidence of bacterial vaginosis and its relationship with abortion, preterm labor, intra uterine fetal death [IUFD] and premature rupture of membranes. This was a historical cohort study done in 2006. The exposure group involved 136 women who had bacterial vaginosis diagnosed before 20th week of gestation and 397 pregnant women without bacterial vaginosis as non exposure group. The relationship between preterm labor, abortion, intra uterine fetal death and premature rapture of membranes with bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy was determined. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 11 software. Chi-square test was applied for statistical comparisons and Fisher exact test and Yates correction were implemented whenever appropriate. Significance was assumed as P < 0.05. The incidence for abortion, intra uterine fetal death, preterm labor and premature rupture of membrane were 1.3%, 0.9%, 3.6%, 1.3% respectively. There was no statistical relationship between bacterial vaginosis and abortion but the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and intra uterine fetal death, preterm labor and premature rupture of membrane was significant [p<0/001]. Findings of the study indicate that rates of intra uterine fetal death, preterm labor and premature rupture of membrane were higher in women who had bacterial vaginosis compared with those who did not

Neurobrucellosis: report of a case with CVA manifestation

Although neurological symptoms in brucellosis are frequent, central nervous system [CNS] involvement is uncommon. A 42-year-old man was admitted with an episode of faint without loss of consciousness, right hemi paresis, diplopia and headache lasting for four days. The neurological examination revealed left hemi paresis. Limitation of gazing in left eye in lateral view was seen [partial paresis of 6[th] cranial nerve]. The results of laboratory examinations show positive Wright and Coombs Wright in blood and C.S.F. In the brain CT scan hydrocephaly and in magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] some brain atrophy, few high signal foci in the deep with mater had been detected. Treatment included concurrent administration of three drugs: doxycycline, rifampicin and co-trimoxazole. This patient fully recovered. We suggest that Neurobrucellosis [NB] should always be sought in young patients with ischemic stroke, especially if they do not have any additional risk factors for stroke and live in an endemic area for brucellosis, even if they do not have other systemic signs of brucellosis

[ effect of zinc supplementation in acute diarrhea among 4-24 months old children]

Zinc is one of the micronutrient with many roles in health, especially among the growing children. It has been thought that Zinc deficiency cause diarrhea, and Zinc supplementation can prevent it in children. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Zinc sulphat on 4-24 month old children dirrahea. This clinical trial study was done double blind, the sample were study 4-24 month old afflicted with acute diarrhea in pediatric ward of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran during 2006. The sample size was 40 and mached by Blocks Randomization. The children in case group [intervention] received Zinc sulfate [9mg/kg/day] during ten days. In the Control groups they there given distilled water instead. The data was analyzed, using t-test and manwitney test. During ten days of monitoring there was not significant differences between two groups. Duration of diarrhea in case and control groups was 5.72 +/- 3.15 and 5.32 +/- 2.58 days respectivley this diffence was not significant. This study showed that Zinc sulfate has no benefit on acute diarrhea in childhood

relationship betwen skin manifestations and CD4 counts among HIV positive patients

Skin manifestations are common clinical features among HIV positive patients. The aim of this study was to document skin manifestations and their relationships with CD4 cell counts among HIV positive patients in Sanandaj. This was a descriptive study. The patients were examined for skin disorders by a dermatologist and CD4 counts were obtained from the patient's medical records. Independent samples T test were used for data analysis. In this study 66 [94.3%] patients had at least one skin problem. Fungal infections were the most common cause. The eight most common types of mucocutaneous problems were gingivitis, pallor, itching, photosensitivity, seborrheic dermatitis, candidiasis, folliculitis and tinea versicolor. The most common manifestation was gingivitis. Mean CD4 cell counts were lower in individuals with viral and bacterial skin diseases [P<0.05]. The results of this study indicated that skin problems were common among HIV positive patients. Patients with advanced stages of skin disorders had relatively lower CD4 counts. Therefore examination of skin is recommended for all HIV positive patients for early detection of skin disorders, as early diagnosis and management of dermatologic problems will improve the quality of life in HIV positive patients