Seroepidemiology of HBV infection in South-East of Iran; a population based study

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is a major risk factor of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma affecting billions of people globally. Since information on its prevalence in general population is mandatory for formulating effective policies, this population based serological survey was conducted in Sistan and Baluchistan, where no previous epidemiological data were available. Using random cluster sampling 3989 healthy subjects were selected from 9 districts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province in southeastern Iran. The subjects' age ranged from 6 to 65 years old. Serum samples were tested for HBcAb, HBsAg. Screening tests were carried out by the third generation of ELISA. Various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed. The prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb in Sistan and Baluchistan was 3.38% [95% CI 2.85; 3.98] and 23.58% [95% CI 22.29; 24.93] respectively. We found 8 cases of positive anti-HDV antibody. Predictors of HBsAg or HBcAb in multivariate analysis were age, marital status and addiction. The rate of HBV infection in Sistan and Baluchistan was higher than other parts of Iran. Approxi-mately 25% of general population in this province had previous exposure to HBV and 3% were HBsAg carriers. Intrafamilial and addiction were major routes of HBV transmission in this province

Fifteen years experience with pulmonary hydatidosis in Zahedan, Iran

Hydatid disease is a major world health problem and pulmonary hydatidosis is a widespread disease. It is presented with different clinical manifestations. In order to determine the most clinical manifestation, diagnostic methods and clinical outcome in our patients, we conducted this study. Forty-nine patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts who were admitted to our hospital in Zahedan [Southeast of Iran] between 1990 and 2005, evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' symptomatology, diagnostic studies, treatment options, and morbidity as well as mortality rate. The ages of the patients ranged from 16 to 68 years [mean 43 years]. Seventy-five percent of patients were from male gender. Hemoptysis was one of the most common clinical presentations in our patients. Radiological studies were the main diagnostic tool. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 92% of the patients by chest roentgenogram plus chest CT-Scan. Eighty seven percent of patients were treated by surgical route. Only one patient was expired during surgery. Upon the results emerged from this study, hemoptysis is one of the most prevalent clinical manifestation in patients with pulmonary hydatidosis and it can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis in endemic area

Study of the current parasitic contamination of the edible vegetables in Isfahan in order to identify preventive measures

Parasites infect man by way of water, soil, edible things and direct contact. Numerous factors such as the economical, social and cultural conditions as well as lack of personal health care are involved in the dissemination of the parasites. Eating of raw vegetables is common among Iranians and provides a rich source of vitamins and essential nutrients but may lead to human contamination if not washed properly. In this study 30 plant farms were selected in Isfahan in order to assess the rate of contamination of the plants. Afterwards 480 samples of the vegetables were collected and examined for cysts, eggs and larvae in Isfahan Research Center. Floatation method was used for detection of the parasite eggs. Finally the results were recorded and analyzed by means of SPSS [Version 11.5]. We found giardia cyst in 7, dicrosoelium egg in 8, hymenolepis egg in 14, ascaris egg in 16, trichostrongylus egg in 10, teania egg in 5 and trichosephalus egg in 6 cases. In fact, egg of ascaris was the most and teania was the least common parasites and fortunately we did not detect any dangerous agent like Entamoeba histolytica. In the recent years, in spite of improvement of health care, economical, social and agricultural conditions in Isfahan, parasitic infections are still prevalent. Using new methods for garbage collection, repair of ego system, preventing domestic and wild animals [like carnivorous animals] from entering into the plant farms and education of people of different social classes will be effective in reducing parasitic and infectious diseases

Seroprevalence, incidence and risk factors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in sistan-va-Baluchestan province, Iran

Since 1999, many cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever have been reported from different parts of Iran. This study intended to define CCHF seroprevalence, incidence rates, and the most important risks in Sistan- Baluchestan province, Iran. Using cluster sampling with probability proportional to size, 310 subjects were selected from various districts of Zahedan and Zabol in the northern part of the province. Blood samples were drawn from consenting subjects, once at the beginning of the study and then 6 months later. The study began on 22 April 2003 and continued till 17 February 2004. A total of 18 out of 285 subjects who consented to give blood samples were actually positive by IgM and IgG capture ELISA tests. The calculated seroprevalence was 6.32% [95% CI: 3.24% to 9.40%]. The calculated incidence was 0.48% [95% CI: 0.00% to 1.44%]. Fourteen out of the 18 subjects with definitely positive IgG or IgM were female. In multivariate analysis, age, education, and history of slaughtering livestock were significantly related to the risk of infection. Only one of the seropositive subjects had a history of tick bite. This study shows the importance of subclinical infections in the epidemiology of this disease in Iran. It also seems that the risk of infection for housewives is high. Regardless of the high female to male ratio of seropositive subjects, it appears that the epidemiologic characteristics of the infection in this region are not so different compared to other parts of the world