Evaluation of tuberculin skin test and booster effect in hemodialysis patients

Tuberculosis is an endemic disease in Iran which may occur mor frequently among hemodialysis patients. We have evaluated tuberculin skin test [TST] in hemodialysis patients in a university hospital in 2003 - 2004. Materials and methods: Sixty-seven hemodialyis patients were enrolled for tuberculin skin tests. Indurations were measured 48 - 72 hours after the injection and then on the 7th day. Those with indurations less than 5mm in TST1 were introduced for TST2. Of 67 patients, 18 [26.9%] had indurations of less than 5mm in TST1 and were introduce for TST2 among whom 7 [39%] had an induration measured less than 5mm. Of 18 cases, 11 [61%] were revealed to have booster effect that represent a ratio of 16% of all studied hemodialysis patients in our study. It seems that the second TST is a better indicator of infectivity in hemodialysis patients, especially for patients who require repeated or annual estimation for M. tuberculosis infection. Keywords: hemodialysis, Booster effect, Tuberculosis, Tuberculin skin test

Production of haemophilus growth factor disks in Iran

Haemophilus influenza may cause severe infections in children and adults. The isolation and identification of Haemophilus spp. are not appropriately achieved in Iran, while numerous infections are ascribed to the different members of this genus. Lack of growth factors disks is our main shortage in this regard. We obtained haemin [X-factor] from human blood, and nicotinamidadenine dinucleotide [V factor] from yeast cells. The products were absorbed to the filter paper disks and a comparative analytical study was performed using prepared disks in comparison to commercial disks from Oxoid Company. Results revealed that the prepared disks were as useful, sensitive and potent as the Oxoid disks in isolation and identification of H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae. We have prepared growth factor disks according to the original formulations. They could be commercially produced and uses in microbiological laboratories