Molecular diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in a population of an endemic area through nested-PCR

Aim: This study is aimed to diagnose and analyze strongyloidiasis in a population of an endemic area of Iran using nested-PCR, coupled with parasitological methods

Background: Screening of strongyloidiasis infected people using reliable diagnostic techniques are essential to decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with this infection. Molecular methods have been proved to be highly sensitive and specific for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in stool samples

Methods: A total of 155 fresh single stool samples were randomly collected from residents of north and northwest of Khouzestan Province, Iran. All samples were examined by parasitological methods including formalin-ether concentration and nutrient agar plate culture, and molecular method of nested-PCR. Infections with S. stercoralis were analyzed according to demographic criteria

Results: Based on the results of nested-PCR method 15 cases [9.7%] were strongyloidiasis positive. Nested-PCR was more sensitive than parasitological techniques on single stool sampling. Elderly was the most important population index for higher infectivity with S. stercoralis

Conclusion: In endemic areas of S. stercoralis, old age should be considered as one of the most important risk factors of infection, especially among the immunosuppressed individuals

Dietary pattern of adolescent girls in relation to socio-economic factors; a comparison between North and South Tehran

Comparing dietary pattern and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South of Tehran, the capital of Iran. This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North district of Tehran [n=105; high socio-economic level] and the South district [n=105; low socio-economic level] were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers´ and fathers´ educational levels and parents´ occupation were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Three questionnaires of food frequency, one-day 24-hour food recall and one-day 24-hour food record were used for assessing dietary pattern. The results showed that the frequency consumption of certain fatty foods, including dairy products and meat group, and fats in district 1 are higher than in district 19 adolescent girls; based on many differences such as life style and food accessibility. This indicated that there is a significant difference in the quality pattern of fat intake between the two districts. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic districts

[Prevalence of food insecurity and its correlates]

Objective [s]: Food insecurity implies a limited ability to secure adequate and safe food or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. This study aimed to identify the food insecurity prevalence and effected causes in urban families in Dezful

Methods: A total of 400 household were randomly selected by two stage sampling from different areas in Dezful. mothers provided detailed demographic and food insecurity information via a face- to- face interview. Information on food insrcurity was collected using the instrument originally developed by USDA

Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was %37/6. Results showed that, paternal age, education and occupation, race and family size, household with children<18yrs and BMI of mother significantly effective on food insecurity status

Conclusion: Prevalence of food insecurity was high in Dezful urban families and preventive actions must be taken