[Evaluation of prevalence of false negative results of CRP standard agglutination test using three different kit in Iran]

CRP is the main acute phase protein in humans and plays a key role in host defense against infections. This protein is increased in many infections, inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases, neoplastic diseases, pregnancy and elderly. This study was done on 400 serum samples that CRP was checked with 3 different kits with slide agglutination method and with photometric method for each sample. Results were compared with quantitative results in photometric method. Statistical results in evaluating 400 serum samples with Anisan, Kimia pajohan and Shim enzyme kits were like below: false negative results were detected in 21, 20 and 33 samples respectively. Sensitivities were 87.6%, 86.2% and 80.5% respectively. Specificities were 84%, 74.1% and 80% respectively. Positive predictive values were 80%, 65.4% and 74.7% respectively. Negative predictive values were 90.2%, 90.5% and 84.9% respectively. Although Anisan kits have higher sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values among these three Iranian kits with slide agglutination method, it is advised to use quantitative methods like Immunoturbidlmetry or photometry because of high frequency of false results in agglutination method

survey on 80 cases of botulism and its clinical presentations as a public health concern

Botulism is a toxin-induced paralytic illness characterized by cranial nerve palsies and descending flaccid paralysis. Borulinum toxin is regarded as the most lethal ever-known substance. The diagnosis in sporadic cases and even in small outbreaks is the main physicians' challenge. The aim of this study was to assess clinical presentations of 80 cases of botulism referred to Loghman Hakim hospital in Tehran. A total of 80 botulism cases referred during a 10-year period [1996-2006] were included. The diagnosis of botulism was verified on epidemiological data and a clinical score of severity. Patients were assigned in 3 groups: mild, intermediate and severe. The study population included 40 males and 40 females with a mean age of 30.7 +/- 15.2 years [a range, 1-66 years]. The suspected causative foods were cheese in 25 [31%], and sea-food in 20 [25%]. The mean incubation period was 1.1 +/- 1.8 days [a range, 4 hours-10 days]. Nausea and vomiting was noted as the first symptom in 17 cases. Diagnosis was confirmed in 47 patients [58.8%]. The most common toxin subgroups were A [in 22 cases] and E [in 15 cases]. All the patients were treated with antitoxin and recovered without sequel, however, 6 patients were admitted to intensive care unit [ICU] and required ventilatory support. Only one patient [1.3%] died. The mainstays of therapy are meticulous intensive care [including mechanical ventilation, when necessary] and promptly treatment with antitoxin. Antitoxin should be given early in the course of illness, ideally <24 hours after onset of symptoms