Molecular characterization of non-structural gene of H9N2 subtype of avian influenza viruses isolated from broiler chickens in Iran

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza viruses [AIVs] have spread in Asia and Middle East countries and have become a serious threat to poultry industry in Iran. Characterization of genes of H9N2 subtype involving in pathogenicity and diagnosis are crucial in control of avian influenza outbreaks. The Nonstructural [NS] gene and its protein products [NS1 and NS2] are important as diagnostic marker, life cycle and pathogenicity of AIVs. The NS gene of five strains, isolated from 1998 to 2010, were completely sequenced and analyzed. All of the examined strains were composed of 890 nucleotides with 230 amino acids. In this regard, only two Iranian strains from GeneBank had 217 amino acids in NS 1 protein. All Iranian H9N2 strains subdivided into two distinct sublineages including I and II. Comparative analysis of NS genes of Iranian strains showed that since 2003, they might have originated from Pakistan H7N3 strains; whereas from 2008 they could be originated from Pakistan H9N2 strains. Although the low pathogenic H9N2 subtype has been permanently circulating from 1998 to the present in Iran, phylogenetic analysis of NS genes revealed that sublineage II has circulated more in poultry industry of Iran. These epidemio-logically variations could be related to vaccination pressure due to massive vaccination or NS gene reassortment in rural and backyard chickens

Adverse events of trivalent influenza vaccine among health care workers in Iran

To assess the frequency and type of adverse events after influenza vaccination in Iranian adults. Health care workers in 7 medical centers received the influenza vaccine from October 2006 to February 2007 and followed by phone regarding symptoms experienced after vaccination. Of 897 adults who participated in the study, local and systemic reactions were reported by 187 [20.8%] and 98 [22.1%] persons, respectively. The most common local reaction was pain [20.2%], while myalgia [15.8%] was the most common systemic reaction. One case of Guillain-barre syndrome was reported. Inactivated influenza vaccine administration did not result in potential adverse events in healthy adults

Haematological manifestations of brucellosis

Brucellosis is a major health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Very few data on the frequency and diversity of haematological abnormalities occurring in brucellosis have been reported. In the present study 85 patients with brucellosis in Imam Khomeini Hospital during 1997-2002 were investigated retrospectively to determine the haematological changes during the active course of this infection. Inclusion criteria included a compatible clinical picture with either a positive blood culture or bone marrow culture for brucella organism or a brucella antibody titre of 1/80 [Wright agglutination test], and 2MB [2-mercaptoethanol] of 1/40 or coomb's Wright with any titre. Anemia was detected in 43.5% patients, leukopenia in 13.6%, thrombocytopenia in 12.5% and pancytopenia in 2.4% of patients. Unusual complications were detected in two patients, one with mouth bleedings, the other with purpuric skin lesions of the lower extremities, both patients had endocarditis. As brucellosis is common in our region it may be considered in patients whose blood picture reveals haemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or pancytopenia, particularly when the disease is epidemiologically suspected

[Post-exposure prophylaxis of blood-borne pathogens]

Considering the rising prevalence of HIV infection, hepatitis Band hepatitis C epidemics in our country and other developing countries, and given that these blood-borne pathogens could be acquired through occupational exposure as a major professional hazard among healthcare workers, such as physicians, nurses, dentists, laboratory workers, and cleaning service employees by needle stick injury or splashing of infected fluid to mucosal surfaces, doctors, nurses and other health-care providers are worried about HIV, HBV and HCV exposure and, after such accidents, they ask "is this disease transmitted to me?". So, all of healthcare workers should be educated for post-exposure prophylaxis of blood-borne pathogens. This review is based on the last recommendations and current protocols for prompt reporting, evaluation, counseling, treatment, and follow-up of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens