Detection of serum antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella after primary measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccination in children

In Iran, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine [MMR] is administered in a two-dose protocol where the first dose is scheduled at 12 months of age. This study aims to determine the efficacy of the MMR vaccine by testing IgM and IgG antibody levels 4 - 7 weeks after primary vaccination. A single group cohort study was performed on healthy children, 12 - 15 months of age, who were vaccinated at health centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, from January to April 2009. Children with negative vaccination and/or clinical history for measles, mumps or rubella were administered the first dose of the MMR live attenuated vaccine. IgG and IgM antibodies were checked by enzyme linked immunoassay [ELISA] in serum samples 4 - 7 weeks after vaccination. A child was considered seropositive if antibody levels were higher than the assay cut-off level set by the ELISA kit. Samples from 240 children were checked for antibodies against measles and rubella. Measles serum IgM level was positive in 71.7% of samples and IgG in 75.8%. The rubella serum IgM level was positive in 71.7% of children and IgG in 73.8%. From 190 blood samples that were checked for mumps antibodies, serum IgM was positive in 68.9% and IgG in 95.3%. No significant relationship was found between seropositivity and age or gender. IgG and IgM antibody levels were below the assay cut-off levels against measles and rubella in approximately one-fourth of the children following primary MMR vaccination. A second dose was necessary to raise the level of protection against measles and rubella

[Bacterial agents in patients with conjunctivitis in Labbafinejad hospital in 2006]

Conjunctivitis, one of the most prevalent eye complications, is usually self limited but may result in optical disorders. Classification is based on the cause including bacterial, viral, fungal, allergic or chemical. Considering antimicrobial resistance, determining the exact cause may lead to improved medical therapy. In this descriptive-analytic survey, 92 patients with conjunctivitis, who attended Shaheed Labbafi Nezhad medical center were enrolled. Samples were accurately collected by the physician working in the center and were transported in a sterile condition to the Laboratory of Pediatric Infectious Research Center of Mofid hospital. Determination of mycobacteria, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was accomplished using standard methods. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13. Samples were obtained from 49 men [61.4%] and 43 women [38.6%], [median age 36.2]. 85% of patients with bacterial conjunctivitis had mucoplurant discharge as a main symptom. 45[58.5%] cultures were positive. Aerobic organisms were isolated from 40 patients [57.1%] and anaerobic ones from 5 [7.1%], of which 4 were mixed with aerobes. No mycobacterium was found. The most common aerobic organism cultured was staphylococcus epidermidis [30%] and the other aerobic ones were: Staphylococcus aureus [12.9%], E coli [7.1%], Bacillus cereus [5.7%], Moraxella catarrhalis [4.3%], Diphteroid [4.3%], Acientobacter baumanii [2.9%], Citrobacter fraundii [2.9%], Staphylococcus oricularis [1.4%], Streptococcus viridans [1.4%], Bacillus subtilis [1.4%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [1.4%], and Proteus mirabilis [1.4%]. Anaerobic organisms cultured were Peptostreptococcus [4.3%] and Bacteroides fragilis [2.9%]. Since various organisms are responsible for bacterial conjunctivitis, therapeutic strategies should be based on the results of microbiological investigations