[Emerging and pandemic of influenza A[H1N1]]

Influenza is one of the known viral infectious diseases, which has killed millions of peoples during pandemics, epidemics and sporadic forms. One of the most remarkable features of influenza virus is the frequency of changes in antigenicity. Alteration of the antigen structure of the virus leads to infection with variants to which little or no resistance is present in the population at risk. Pandemics of influenza type A, result from the emergence of a new virus which the population contains no or limited immunity to it. The interval between pandemics is 10-30 years. But Influenza virus has been causing epidemics of febrile respiratory disease every 1 to 3 years. Pandemic [H1N1] 2009 is a new virus that has not circulated among human population before. This virus is different from previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses. Influenza type A[H1N1] virus is transmitted by inhaling infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing or by touching contaminated hands or surfaces as the same as the normal seasonal flu. The symptoms and signs of A[H1N1] influenza are as similar as seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, runny nose and sore throat. Some people have also reported, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People with existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer are at higher risk of serious complications. Asthma and other respiratory disease are other underlying conditions associated with severe disease. Pregnant women are at higher risk for more severe disease and obesity may be another risk factor for severe disease. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay at home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and avoid crowded areas if possible. The pandemic virus is currently susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors; Oseltamivir and Zanamivir but resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. Ministry of health and medical education, Center for Infectious Diseases Management in Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for control and management of novel influenza A[H1N1]

[Prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection among Iranian prisoners during 2001-2005]

To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] infection, as a blood borne viral infection, among prisoners and its associated factors in Iran. In this cross sectional study, 5317 inmates, who had stayed in prison for at least 3 months, were tested in 7 provinces from 2001 to 2005. The degree of contamination with HBV and its association with age and drug abuse were evaluated. The frequency of contamination with HBV ranged from 1% to 15% in different prisons. Overall frequency was 6.7% [95% CI: 6.1%-7.4%]. The crude and adjusted association between HBV infection and age was studied. While adjusted for prisons. The result showed no significant association between age and HBV infection [P = 0.88] based on Mantel Heanszel test. However, there was a significant association between HBV infection and drug abuse in two out of seven prisons [where the data was available]. The frequency of contamination with HBV infection is relatively high [more than twice] in prisons comparing to the general population [6.7% VS 2.8%]. Planning regular screening, preventive practices such as vaccination against HBV in prisoners as well as easy access to therapeutic facilities are highly recommended

Peak bone mass measurement in iranian healthy population

Osteoporosis is a disabling disease characterized by compromised bone strength, which predisposes a patient to increased risk of fracture. The aim of this study was evaluation the pattern of bone mass in Iranian healthy population. The study was performed between December 2000 and May 2001 on one thousand three healthy Iranian subjects who currently live in Tehran. They were selected randomly by cluster random sampling among men and women of 10-76 yr from 50 clusters. The volunteer people were referred to the Bone Mineral Density BMD unit of EMRC. The participants were recalled for three times and the response rate was 83%. BMD was measured by DXA using Lunar DPX-MD device. Females achieved maximum lumbar BMD up to 25-35. Femur BMD maximized in 30 to 35 and after 45 the intensity of bone loss increased. Female peak bone mass in lumbar region was 1.19 +/- 0.12 g/cm2and in femur was 1.02 +/- 0.12 g/cm2. Male peak bone mass in lumbar region occurred between ages 25-40 yr, Male's femur BMD maximized in 20-30. In male peak lumbar bone mass was 1.22 +/- 0.16 g/cm2 and femur was 1.08 +/- 0.15 g/cm2. Osteopenia was recognized in 50% and 48.8% of women above 50 in spine and total femur, respectively, however these percentages were 37.1% and 34.8% among male subjects. Iranian BMD values sufficiently different from other countries to warrant a separate reference sample with which to compare individuals for the purpose of diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia according to the WHO criteria