ABSTRACT
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
ABSTRACT
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
ABSTRACT
Fumonisins and aflatoxins are mycotoxins that are produced by Fusarium and Aspergillus genus respectively. Due to the toxicity of aflatoxin and fumonisin and its effects on human and animals' health, the purpose of this study was analysis of total fumonisin and total aflatoxin contamination in biscuit and cookie samples in Babol City, Northern Iran. Thirty biscuit [n=15] and cookie [n=15] samples were randomly collected at supermarkets in Babol City in winter 2011. Competitive ELISA was conducted for total fumonisin and total aflatoxin separately. Out of 30 biscuit and cookie samples, 28 [93.4%] samples were contaminated with <2ppm of total fumonisin and 2 [6.6%] showed infection with 2-4ppm of this toxin. The highest contamination rate of total fumonisin was 2.3 ppm in biscuit samples. In addition, none of the samples was infected by > 4ppm of total fumonisin. From 30 samples, 26 [86.7%] were contaminated with <4ppb of total aflatoxin and 4 [13.3%] were positive in total aflatoxin with ?4ppb and highest contamination rate was found 7.9 ppb in biscuit samples. Contamination rate of samples by total aflatoxin was higher than total fumonisin. Since biscuits and cookies are extensively used among all ages of humans, consumption of contaminated food causes different diseases in human. Therefore, determination, management, and prevention of mycotoxins according to the climatic conditions should be considered