[Molecular analysis of alpha globin gene deletions among patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia in Kermanshah-Iran]

The majority of alpha-thalassemi mutations are deletions of one or both alpha- globin genes. Since the Iranian populaion is a mixture of different ethnic groups, frequency and distribution of globin mutations in various regions of the country need to be clarified. The aim of this study was to determine the common alpha globin gene deletions among individuals with hypochromic microcytic anemia in Kermanshah province. Following the initial evaluation, 92 patients [47 women and 45 men] were found as microcytic hypochromic [MCV < 80 fl and MCH< 27 pg] anemia and selected for this study. All samples were analyzed for detection of four alpha-gene deletions [-alpha3.7,-alpha4.2,- [alpha] 20.5 and --MED] by GAP-PCR technique. After amplification, 10microl of PCR product was electrophoresed through 1.2% agarose gel and bands were visualized by staining gel in ethidium bromide solution and photographed under a UV transilluminater. 45 patients had -alpha 3.7 single gene deletion. In patients with -alpha3.7 deletion, in both homozygous and heterozygous states, MCH was lower than normal ranges. However, the percent of HbA2 was in normal range. In this study, other common deletional mutations, including - [alpha]20.5, -alpha4.2 and --MED were not found. The results of persent study showed that the frequency of -alpha3.7 single gene deletion among patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia in Kermanshah province was 48.9%

[Characterization of Leishmania isolated from Kala- azar infected patients in Kermanshah using PCR]

Visceral leishmaniasis [VL] or Kala-azar is an important parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania including L. donovani and L. infantum. Some evidences show that VL is present in some areas of Kermanshah province and this study aimed to characterize the causative agent of VL in this region. Bone marrow sample was obtained from 9 VL patients from Pediatric Hospital in Kermanshah. DNA was extracted from the microscopic slides and was checked by specific PCR to find out the species of the parasite. To do that, a segment of mini circle kinetoplast DNA was amplified, using LINR4 and LIN17 primers. All samples produced a 720 bp band in PCR reaction. Products of PCR were evaluated by electrophoresis using 1.5% gel agarose. Anti Leishmania antibody was detected in all patients except one case by IFAT. Examination of bone marrow smears demonstrated numerous amastigotes of Leishmania [Leishman bodies] in the samples. The isolates were compared with reference strains and revealed that all isolates were L. infantum. Our findings showed that L. infantum is the most common VL in Kermanshah and one-step PCR reaction may be suitable method to detect species' characterization. Further study is necessary to explore other aspects of VL including seroprevalence and parasite reservoirs in this region

[Third attacks of chicken pox in a leukemic child]

Chicken pox is caused by Varicella zoster. Infected persons usually acquire permanent immunity and a reinfection is unusual. We report on a leukemic girl aged 12 years and 4 months, who had two chicken pox infections during 2 months. Leukemia was diagnosed 20 months ago. In her past history she had a first chicken pox infection 2 years before leukemia was diagnosed. Recurrence of chicken pox is possible especially in immune comprised individuals. Our leukemic patrent had 3 attacks of chicken pox