First report of asthma prevalence in Afghanistan using international standardized methods

No data on the prevalence of asthma in Afghanistan have been published before. In a school-based survey in 2010-2011 the wheezing section of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ISAAC] questionnaire was completed by a random sample of 1500 children aged 6-7 years and 1500 adolescents aged 13-14 years old. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 12.5% in 6-7-year-olds and 17.3% in 13-14-year-olds [P = 0.002]. The prevalence of wheeze in the last 12 months was similar in children and adolescents [19.2% and 21.7% respectively]. The prevalence of ever wheezing, night attacks, speech-limiting wheeze and exercise-induced wheeze was 23.1%, 4.8%, 12.2% and 9.6% respectively in children and 30.5%, 4.4%, 13.0% and 13.6% respectively in adolescents. These rates are higher than those in neighbouring countries. This first epidemiological survey of asthma in Afghanistan shows that asthma and wheezing are common in Kabul students

[Comparison of the effects of three music on the immune cells of patients with allergic rhinitis]

The effects of music on blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and other physiological functions have been proven for several years. The effects of the music on human system have also been studied in several populations. But, this effect has not been studied in Iranians. So, we have decided to research on this matter. In this experimental interventional study, 28 patients with allergic rhinitis [12-36 years old, with the mean age of 25] were included after application of a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into four groups, three interventional groups [traditional Persian, western classic, and pop music] and one control group. Seven subjects were allocated to each group based on their favorite music. Each group underwent a period of intervention for one month and blood samples were obtained before the start and after the end of intervention. Samples were examined immediately by flow cytometry according to the standards and six cellular parameters of CD3+ T cells [CD4+ and CD8+] Natural killer cells [CD16+], B cells [CD19+], and activated T cells [HLA-DR+] were measured. We found significant difference between interventional groups and the control group. The differences are as follows: CD3+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.03, increase], atopic Persian classic versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.04, increase]. CD4+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.03, increase], atopic Persian classic versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.03, increase]. Non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue =0.01, decrease]. CD8+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.05, increase], non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue =0.02, decrease], western classic non-atopic allergic versus non-atopic control [Pvalue = 0.02, decrease]. CD16+ NK cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.014, increase], non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue = 0.02, decrease] CD 19+ B cells [Pvalue = 0.07, noticeable increase]. Evaluation of immune cells in atopic patients who listened to pop music showed significant increase in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells, and a noticeable decrease in B cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that pop music had positive effects on atopic subjects. But, apparently, the effects of this music on non-atopic subjects are opposite i.e. CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+ cells were significantly decreased in these patients. In contrast, humoral immunity was strengthened and B cells were significantly increased

Molecular evidence of mixed P. vivax and P. falciparum infections in northern Islamic Republic of Iran

This study compared basic microscopy with molecular detection of Plasmodium species. According to thick-film microscopy, 100% of 142 malaria cases in Pars-Abad, Ardebil province, were infected with a single species, P vivax. However, nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR] detected mixed species infections of both P. vivax and P. falciparum in 7.0%. In Maz and eran province, 2/20 blood films were diagnosed with only P. falciparum and 18/20 with only P. vivax. However, nested PCR detected 17/20, 2/20 and 1/20 with P. vivax only, P. falciparum only and mixed species respectively. The unexpected presence of P. falciparum urges prompt investigation and immediate treatment of malaria cases in this region

Common food allergens in Iranian children

The prevalence of food allergy is different in different parts of the world. Identification of the most common food allergens is a priority in any population to provide effective preventive and curative measures. The aim of this study was to determine the most common food allergens in Iranian children. One hundred and ninety children with skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, thought to be due to food allergy, were studied. The total serum IgE and eosinophil count tests were measured in all patients. Allergy to 25 food allergens was determined according to the patient's history, skin prick tests, RASTs [Radioallergosorbent Test] and open food challenge tests. Findings: The most common food allergens were cow's milk, tomato, egg white, egg yolk, beef and almond, respectively. The order of common food allergens in this study was different from other reports; this might be due to the different food habits and /or ethnic diversities

BCG dissemination in 40 patients and the review of leukocyte mycobacterium deffect in one patient

We have reviewed the medical records of 40 patients with disseminated [Bacille Calmette-Guerin] BCG from 1996 to 1999 in the Immunology Department of the Children Hospital, Medical Center, Tehran University. These patients are divided in to 3 groups: 1. patients who had disseminated [Bacille Calmette-Guerin] BCG after vaccination and their diagnosis was chronic granulomatous disease. 2. Patients who had disseminated [Bacille Calmette-Guerin] BCG and were diagnosed as having cell mediated immunodeficiency. 3. patients whose Nitroblue Tetrazulium and CMI were around normal, but they could not kill intracellular mycobacterium, because of confirmed deficiency of interferon-gamma receptor and IL[12] receptor. Interferon-gamma receptor or CD119 was checked in 6 patients. In one patient interferon-gamma receptor deficiency was confirmed by flowcytometric analysis. In other patients, this marker was around normal, but presumably they had IL[12] receptor deficiency, which we were unable to detect in our laboratory. In some patients this marker should be checked after preparation of more laboratory facilities