Seroprevalence of brucellosis and risk factors related to high risk occupational groups in kazeroon, south of Iran

Brucellosis is a major zoonosis worldwide. Many people for their professions are at higher risk of contracting the disease. To determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors in a group of high risk professions. In a cross-sectional study, all personnel or students of veterinary schools, slaughters and butchers working in the city were invited to participate [n=141]. A comparison group [n=44] randomly selected from patients who were selected at random from people attended our healthcare center for reasons other than the infectious diseases. 4 veterinarians, 15 veterinary assistants, 42 veterinarian students, 52 butchers, 17 slaughters, 8 slaughterhouse workers and 3 chefs made the first group and 14 storekeepers, 5 students of engineering, 11 clerks, 13 freelance workers, and 1 high school student made the comparison group. While the rate of consumption of most of the studied dairy products was almost similar in both groups, comparison group patients consumed more often milk [p<0.001] and cream [p<0.001] than the high risk group. 11 [7.8%; 95% CI: 3.4%-12.2%] cases from high risk group and none of the comparison group were found seropositive for Brucella. Profession is the main factor in seropositivity. Consumption of dairy products and raw milk is not associated with a higher risk of seropositivity

Differentiation of Fanconi and aplastic anemia using chromosomal breakage test in Southern Iran

Fanconi anemia [FA] is a chromosomal breakage disorder characterized by familial aplastic anemia [AA], various congenital anomalies, and a characteristic chromosomal response to clastogenic stress. In this study, chromosome breakage test was performed for 38 patients suspected of having FA and age-matched controls. According to the results, ten patients were considered as FA cases and 15 patients with no chromosomal breaks were considered as AA. Differentiation of FA from AA is very important because the primary treatment is different. This test should be done in every primary presentation of AA