prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among Iranian infertile couples referring to Royan institute infertility clinic: a cross-sectional study

Background: The role of the screening protocol for viral hepatitis and human immuunodeficiency virus [HIV] infections among infertile couples were seldom investigated

Objective: The present study was performed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV] and HIV infections among infertile couples referring to infertility clinic of Royan Institute

Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 21673 infertile couples referring to infertility clinic of Royan Institute between 2009 and 2014. Serological findings for viral hepatitis B, C and HIV infection were gathered herewith demographic data of the study participants through the study checklist. Ultimately, 302 couples who had at least one positive result in their serological tests were included in the statistical analysis

Results: The HBV and HCV infections prevalence among study participants were 0.57% and 0.148% respectively; only two cases had HIV infection. HBV and HCV infections prevalence had significant association with the gender of participants, but there was no significant relationship between these infections and infertility types

Conclusion: Viral hepatitis infections screening among infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques needs more attention

[Prevalence of reactivation of latent tuberculosis in the PPD positive patients who have undertaken assisted reproductive technique in Royan Institute]

Background: Tuberculosis is second cause of death after HIV infection related to infectious diseases in the world. According to WHO reports, there are many risk factors for reactivation of tuberculosis infection. The aim of this study was to know if assisted reproductive techniques [ART] reactivate latent tuberculosis infection

Materials and methods: In this retrospective cross sectional descriptive study that was made to evaluate the effect of ART on reactivation of latent tuberculosis. All patients with positive PPD test, TB in the past or patients who had sequels of TB from 2001 to 2012 were included in this study. Based on questionnaire, including demographics, kind of infertility treatment and active tuberculosis, one expert physician was asking some questions about sign and symptoms of tuberculosis. If Patients had signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, they were visited by infectious disease specialist. Patients with tuberculosis were signed as reactivation of latent tuberculosis

Results: Of 770 patients, 433 [56.2%] cases were only PPD positive, and 30.3% had PPD positive and signs of TB in the past. 81 [10.5%] patients did IUI, 126 [16.4%] ICSI, 43 [5.6%] IVF, 11 [1.4%] IVF/ICSI, and 7 [0/9%] ZIFT and 3 had donor of oocyts. There were 90 [11.7%] pregnancy, 24 [3.1%] deliveries, 30 [3.9%] abortions and 13 [1.7%] ectopic pregnancies, but there was only one case of reactivated TB in this study

Conclusion: This study shows that patients with positive PPD do not need TB prophylaxis. For better result, we need a prospective study

Frequency of Lyme arthritis in patients with unknown subacute arthritis

Arthritis is a most common manifestation of lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The birds may be carriers of disease-carrying ticks from Asia to Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of lyme arthritis in patients with unknown subacute arthritis. This cross-sectional study was evaluated 180 patients with unknown subacute arthritis. Patients were asked about age, sex, foreign travel history, jungle travel history, animal contact, tick bites. Then, IgG, IgM Ab ELISA test were done. In patient with positive IgG or IgM ELISA test, Western Blot test was done. SPSS was used to analyze data. 20 [11.9%] patients had positive ELISA serologic test, in which 12[60%] had IgM Ab, 5 [25%] IgG Ab and 3 [15%] both IgM Ab and IgG Ab. Western Blot was positive in 2[1.1%] and equivocal in 5[2.8%] patients. The results of this study showed that lyme disease should be considered in each patient with unknown subacute arthritis in Iran

[Production and physicochemical evaluation of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A outer vesicle as a vaccine candidate]

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A Polysaccharides vaccines have been available for many years, but these vaccines have many disadvantages due to their induction of T-Cell independent responses. To overcome these problems, many researches have been focused on other parts of bacterial cell component such as OMV [Outer membrane vesicle]. In this study, OMV containing PorA were extracted and evaluated by biological and immunological methods. OMV were extracted by siadat, et al method. Physicochemical properties of extracted OMV were analyzed by electron microscopy and SDS-page. The toxicity of LPS content in OMV was assayed by LAL test. The Presence of PorA was confirmed by western blot. Antibodies synthesis after immunization by OMV was evaluated using ELISA method. The content of extracted protein was 0.1 mg/ml. Size of OMV was between 50 and 150 nanometer. SDS-PAGE showed that PorA was located in 35-40 kDa. LAL test showed that the endotoxin activity was ranged in 126EU/ml which is safe for using. The ELISA test showed that the total IgG titer was elevated after first injection. The results showed that the conformation of extracted OMV was stable, and there were no progeny determinants in OMV. Also, OMV elicited high level of specific antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. These results indicate that the OMV can be used as a meningococcal vaccine after further investigations