Age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A in Sari, northern Islamic Republic of Iran

The declining incidence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] infection in the Islamic Republic of Iran may be reducing the population's natural immunity. This was the first systemized, population-based survey of the seroprevalence of HAV antibodies in urban and rural inhabitants of Sari, Mazandaran province. Serum from 1034 individuals aged 1-25 years in 2007 were tested for anti-HAV IgG antibody using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. The overall seroprevalence was 38.9%. The lowest prevalence [5.2%] was among the younger age group [1-5 years] from urban areas and the highest prevalence [82.0%] in the older age group [15-25 years] from rural areas. Seropositivity was significantly higher at higher age, among females and in rural areas. Sari is no longer classified as an area of high endemicity, and immunization against HAV may be needed in our population in the future

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in 2-25-year-olds in Sari district, Islamic Republic of Iran

The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection [HEV] in children and young adults was determined in a community-based survey in an area of northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Serum samples were taken from 1080 randomly selected apparently healthy 2-25-year-olds from urban and rural regions of Sari district. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 25 individuals [2.3%]. Seroprevalence increased significantly with age from 3/255 [1.2%] in children < 10 years to 8/110 [7.3%] in those aged 20-25 years. No differences in HEV status were noted between the sexes. Earlier age at exposure to infection and a higher infection rate were found in people residing in rural areas than in urban areas

[Comparison of urine and milk iodine concentration among congenitally hypothyroid neonates and their mothers and a control group]

Although Iran is known as an iodine sufficient area, congenital hypothyroidism [CH] is prevalent. Because iodine excess can contribute to hypothyroidism we evaluated the role of iodine excess and ID in the etiology of CH. In a cross sectional study UICs [Urine Iodine Concentration] in newborns with CH as well as UIC and MIC [Milk Iodine Concentration] of their mothers were compared with a control group. After acid digestion of urine samples milk samples, iodine concentrations were determined by the Sandell-Kolthoff method. Chi-square and Wilcoxon, and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The median of MIC of CH [n=68] and healthy subjects [n=179] was different [210 vs. 170 micro g/L respectively, P<0.05]. However the median of UIC in neonates and those of mother's of CH and healthy subjects were not different statistically [305 vs. 300 micro g/L and 150 vs. 130 micro g/L respectively, P>0.05]; 71.2% and 46.7% of mothers of hypothyroid and healthy subjects had MICs above 180 micro g/I [iodine excess] respectively [p=0.002]. Based on the higher levels of MIC in mothers of CH neonates, iodine excess could be a possible risk factor for CH. Since however comparison of UIC between the control and neonate groups showed no differences, further investigations are needed to facilitate deeper insight into and clarification of the etiology of CH

[Diphtheria and tetanus immunity in placenta and two months infant]

Abstract Introduction: Maternal immunization provides potential means for protecting infants against some infections with universal application

Objective: This study was designed to determine the levels of immunity against Diphtheria and Tetanus in mothers and their two mounths old infants who reffered for vaccination, and evaluate the relation of mothers vaccination on their infants immunity and determine the ratio of mothers who didn't observe the vaccination during pregnancy

Materials and Methods: Sera were collected from 110 mother-infant pairs before DTwP vaccination and from 69 infants after receipt of three doses of DTP vaccine. Anti diphtheria, anti tetanus toxins IgG levels were measured by ELIZA. History of DT vaccination of mothers at pregnancy was recorded. The mean concentration of antibodies against diphtheria and tetanus in mother and their infants before vaccination and in infants after receipt of 3doses of DTwP vaccine were measured and compared by paired t-test

Results: Of 110 mothers, 22 [20%] did not receive dT vaccine. Of these 22 unvaccinated mothers, one [4.5%] and six [27.2%] were serologically susceptible to tetanus and diphtheria respectively. The mean concentrations of antibodies titers of unvaccinated mothers were significantly lower than vaccinated mothers. All infants acquired immunity against both infections after receipt of three doses of DTP vaccine. Infants' immune response to DTP was not affected by maternal immunization

Conclusion: Diphtheria - tetanus toxoids components of DTP vaccine were highly immunologenic, According to lack of vaccination in pregnancy, more effort must be made to increase the coverage rate of this highly immunogenic vaccine to sustain protection against diphtheria and tetanus

effect of saliva contamination on shear bond strengths of two kinds of one-bottle adhesives during bonding procedures

Saliva contamination of dentin surface during restoring teeth is one of common problems in restorative dentistry that may affect the shear bond strength of adhesive. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of saliva contamination on shear bond strengths of two kinds of common one-bottle adhesives in Iran - [Excite] and [Single Bond] during different bonding procedures. Ninety extracted sound human premolar teeth [closed apex] with prepared flat dentinal surfaces were randomly divided into three groups of thirty as control group [without saliva contamination], Group with saliva contamination after etching and Group with saliva contamination after cured resin; and each group was randomly divided into two groups of fifteen for each adhesive. Composite via plastic mold was mounted on specimens and specimens were thermocycled. Finally shear bond strengths were measured. One way ANOVA test was used to compare shear bond strengths of different groups and Tukey test was used for 2 by 2 comparisons of bond strengths between groups. No statistically significant difference was found between different groups [P=0.673], and between two kinds of [Excite] and [Single Bond] adhesives, [p>/0.05]. Saliva contamination of dentin after etching and after cured resin had no adverse effect on shear bond strengths of [Excite] and [Single Bond] adhesives, and no significant difference was found between shear bond strengths of [Excite] and [Single Bond] adhesives too

Measles seroepidemiology among adolescents and young adults: response to revaccination

We evaluated the seroprevalence of measles antibody and response to measles re-immunization in 590 previously vaccinated adolescents and young adults; 263 were seronegative. To differentiate between primary and secondary vaccine failure, anti- measles IgM and IgG titres were assessed again 2- 4 weeks after revaccination in 144 [105 seronegative, 39 seropositive] individuals: 75 seronegative participants responded to revaccination anamnestically [P < 0.001] and developed immunity 11 also showed IgM response [probably primary vaccine failure immunity]; 38 seropositive participants, remained seroprotected without significant increase in antibody titre [P = 0.577]. Primary vaccine failure was 4.7%; secondary vaccine failure was 27.1%. After revaccination, 87.3% were seroprotected

Measles seroepidemiology among adolescents and young adults: Response to revaccination [SARI; 2003]

Despite a high coverage with measles vaccine, outbreaks of measles occur with an increasing proportion in older children and adults who have been vaccinated. The aim of this study was to determine the anti- measles seroepidemiology in adolescents and young adults, and the responses of subjects to revaccination. Five hundred and ninty adolescents and young adults 15 to 25 years old previously received one or two doses of measles vaccine [15-19 years old subjects; 2 doses at 9 and 15 months of age and 20-25 years old subjects; one dose after 12 months of age] with no history of physician diagnosed measles were redcruited to determine the seroprevalence of IgG measles antibody. Two to six weeks after revaccination, anti measles IgM and IgG antibodies titers were assessed by ELISA methods, to differentiate between the primary and secondary vaccine failure. The results were compared and analyzed. From 590 subjects, 263 were serologically negative or susceptible. Of 105 susceptible revaccinated subjects 75 showed anamnestic IgG and 11 of them also showed IgM responses [probably primary vaccine failure]. No significant responses were observed in 39 seroprotected subjects to revaccination except one subject. The results showed that 44.6% of vaccinated adolescents and young adults were serologically susceptible to measles. The rates of primary and secondary vaccine failure, herd immunity with 95% coverage were 4.7%, 27.1% and 83%, respectively. The study showed that vaccination- induced anti-measles antibody decline overtime especially in the absence of natural boosting. Catch-up vaccination or third dose of measles vaccination is recommended

[Comparison of serological methods for diagnosis of brucellosis]

Introduction: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in Iran. Clinical signs are not specific and laboratory methods are necessary for definite diagnosis. Isolation of microorganism from clinical samples is the most definitive methods, but its succession depends on many factors that can not be used in all cases. Standard agglutination test [SAT] and recently Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay [ELISA] are the most important serological tests for diagnosis of brucellosis

Objective: In this study we compared these two diaghostic methods in patients suspected of brucellosis in Sari in 1381

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, all patients suspected of brucellosis who referred to health centers of Sari city from 1381/2/1 to 1381/8/1 were chosen regardless of age, sex and condition. Their sera were collected and tested by SAT, 2ME [according to WHO standard methods with Pasteur institute antigen] and Elisa [IBL Hamborg]. 1/80 titer in SAT consider as positive and 2 dilution difference between 2ME and SAT consider as positive IgM

Results: Overall the sera of 276 patients [183 female and 93 male] were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against brucella. 12 samples were positive for IgG + IgM with both SAT and Elisa methods. IgG detected in 98 samples by Elisa method while 27 samples were positive for IgG by SAT. Elisa detected IgM in 6 samples while SAT and 2ME were negative and SAT and 2ME detected IgM in 3 samples while Elisa was negative

Conclusion: In diagnosis of acute brucellosis [IgM + IgG ] both technique were the same but in diagnosis of subacute and chronic disease [ IgG without IgM or visevera ] two methods were very different

[Immunogenecity of hepatitis B vaccine in Mazandaran medical sciences students-2004]

Vaccination is the most effeetive method of prophylaxy in high risk group of hepatitis B. Some individuals faile to respond to triple doses of vaccine which is potentially dangerous. Therefore, immunogenecity of triple doses recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was evaluated in a high risk group [medical sciences students]. 193 healthy medical sciences students immunized with triple doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine [0,1,6 months]. 1-2 months after the last dose, serum anti HBS antibody was determined by ELISA method. According to the antibody titer of the vaccinees [IU/L] they were classified into none responder, low, intermediate and high responder. The none responders were recommended for re-vaccination. Three students [1.6%] were detected as non responder. [<10 Iu/L anti HBS antibody], 23 [11/4%] as low responder, 141 [73%] as intermediate responder and 26 [13.5%] as high responder. The prevolence of non responders to triple doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in medical sciences students was very low

[Serological survey of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in goats, sheep and cattle in slaughter houses of Mazandaran province, Iran]

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. In addition to economic losses, this disease is transfer able to human and regarding the special ecological conditions of this parasite in nature of Mazandaran province, it is necessary to determine the situation of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of antibodies against T. gondii in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in official slaughterhouses in Mazandaran province, in 2004. To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals, in a descriptive cross-sectional study, 639 blood samples were obtained from cattle, sheep and goats between December 2004 and April 2005, from the three main geographical zones of Mazandaran province, Iran. Nine slaughterhouses were randomly selected in Western, Central and Eastern regions. Sera were extracted from 5mL venous blood samples, by centrifugation at 2000xg for 10 min, and were stored at -20°C prior to testing. Sera were screened for T. gondii antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody test [IFAT] and serum samples showing a titre of 1:16 were further diluted to determine the end point. Data were analyzed using Chi-square [X[2]] test. Of the 639 serum samples examined, 27.5% [176/639] showed positive titers equal or higher than 1:16 by IFAT. The highest frequency of antibody titres [1:16 titre] were found in sheep and the least in cattle [9%]. The highest infection rates in cattle were seen in western region with 5.5% antibody titres of 1:16. In three regions, 35% of sheep sera showed positive titers with high frequency of 1:16 antibody titre [17.3%] in Western region. Thirty percent of goat sera in 3 regions were seropositive and the highest infection rate was seen in 1:16 titre [18.5%] in Western region. The results of this study show that the presence of T. gondii specific antibodies for sheep and goats in Northern Iran is high, and the consequent risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis from human consumption of sheep and goat meat may be greater in this region

[Comparison of the effectiveness of weekly and daily iron supplementation in pregnant women in rural health centers of Mazandaran province, 1383]

Iron deficiency and its related anemia is a common Iranian pregnant women problem. This study evaluated the efficacy of daily and weekly ferrous sulfate supplementation in pregnant women. 150 pregnant women enrolled into this randomized controlled field trial. They were received 50 mg elemental iron daily in control group and 100 mg elemental iron weekly in other group for 12 weeks duration. Serum ferritin and serum hemoglobin was measured at the start and immediately after 12 weeks of the study. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS10 software. After 12 weeks of Iron supplementation, no significant differences were observed in serum hemoglobin [gr/dl] and serum ferritin [g/dl] levels in daily and weekly groups [p>0.05]. Also the frequency of anemia after 12 weeks in two groups was not significantly different [p>0.05]. According to the results and tendency of pregnant women to the weekly regime and less consumption of ferrous sulfate pills in this group, weekly regime is reccomended for suplementation

Effect of different blood contaminated adherent surface treatments on shear bond strength of compomer and composite resin to dentin, using a self etching adhesive

Blood contamination is a common problem in dentistry that can decrease bond strength dramatically which may be affected by methods of decontamination as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the influence of blood contamination on shear bond strength of composite and compomer to dentin using Prompt L-Pop as an adhesive system. Also, to assess the effectiveness of different surface treatments on the bond strength. In this experimental study, 120 molar teeth were sectioned to provide flat occlusal dentinal surfaces. Specimens were embedded in acrylic resin with the flat surface exposed. The dentinal expose surfaces were polished to 600 grit. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of twelve specimens [F1-F5] for compomer material and five other groups [Z1- Z5] for composite resin. After application of Promt L-Pop to dentinal surfaces of specimens, the surfaces in all groups, except for F1 and Z1, [as controls] were contaminated with human blood and then one of the following surface treatments was applied. Groups F2 and Z2 without any treatment, groups F3 and Z3 rinsing with water, groups F4 and Z4 rinsing with water and reapplication of adhesive, groups F5 and Z5 rinsing with NaOCl and using Prompt L-Pop again. Restorative materials were applied to treated surfaces using plastic molds. After thermocycling, shear bond strengths, mode of failures and morphology of dentin-material interfaces were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed using Factorial analysis of Variance, One-Way ANOVA, Duncan, T-student and Chi-Square tests with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Compomer showed statistically significant higher bond strength in comparison to composite [P<0.001]. Duncan test showed significant differences between all compomer groups, except between groups F4 and F5, and between all composite groups except for groups Z1 and Z4 and for groups Z2 and Z3. Based on the findings of this study, shear bond strength of compomer material was significantly higher than composite. Blood contamination reduced bond strength, but rinsing contaminated dentin with water or NaOCl and reusing Prompt L-Pop increased bond strength in both materials

Evaluation of different methods of sperm immunization in mice

Antifertility effects of naturally occuring antisperm antibody [ASA] in infertile couples and studies on experimental immunization of various animals with sperm antigens represent ASA as an immunocontraceptive target. The effects of different factors on sperm immunogenecity and ASA production have been studied and different results have been reported. In this study, whole sperm immunization was evaluated. In this experimental study, whole mice sperm with different adjuvants i.e. complete Freund's adjuvant [CFA], incomplete Freund's adjuvant [ICFA], cholera toxin subunit- beta [CTS-beta] were administrated to mice by different routes; Intramuscular [IM], Subcutaneous [SC], Intranasal [IN], Intra peritoneal [IP], Intrarectal [IR], Intravaginal [IVA] and oral. Control groups were inoculated with phosphate buffer saline [PBS] plus corresponding adjuvant. Immunization was carried out on day 0,7,14,28 and ASA titers were detected by indirect immunofluorescence [IFA] technique. The results were compared between control and experimental groups by Mann Whitney and Fisher exact tests. The number of positive mice for ASA in IM, IN and SC experimental and control groups were significantly different [P=0.01, P=0.01, P=0.04 respectively]. However, there were no significant differences between the IR, IVA, and oral experimental and control groups. No differences were observed between ASA in vaginal washing of all groups. Due to high mortality, the IP group was excluded from the study. It can be concluded that whole sperm antigen can induce immune response in female mice by IM. SC and IN routes, but not through IAV, IR and oral administration routes

[Hydatid cyst components effect in prevention of hymenolepis nana infection in rat]

Background and Objective: Regarding prospective effects and cross immunity between some species of parasites, obtained antigens of a parasite can be used to prevent other parasitic diseases and adjuvant of this effect can be increased. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydatid cyst components in prevention of H. Nana in rat

Methods: 40 rats with the same sex and age were selected after gaining confidence in nonexistence of any parasitic disease. They were divided into 2 groups and each group were divided into 4 subgroups. In one group, antigen of fluid, protoscolex, germinal layer were injected respectively and in the other group, these antigenic materials were used with an adjuvant. Control group was considered for both groups. The immunization was performed by multiple injection. One week after injection of antigenic materials, H. Nana eggs were received orally by rats. After observation of H. Nana in stool of rats in control group, blood sample was taken from all rats. Different biochemical tests and immunological and parasitological tests were performed on sera and stool samples, respectively

Findings: Different protein measurements especially gammaglobulin indicated that membrane of hydatid cyst had the strongest antigenic effect in comparison to 2 other parts of cyst and hydatid cyst fluid showed the weakest one

Conclusion: Stool test in control group and exposing egg showed that this group was infected. It was not seen any exposing egg in rats that immunized with different hydatid cyst components. Statistical and biochemical results demonstrated that this effect increased by using adjuvant with different hydatid cyst components and its results showed that immune effect would be increased after injection of adjuvant

Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with ischemic events

To determine the presence of anticardiolipin [aCL] antibodies in patients with ischemic events, we designed a case-control study. We studied 33 patients with unstable angina, 33 male patients with myocardial infarction and 34 control subjects with no evidence of ischemic heart disease. Plasma samples were assessed for IgG anticardiolipin antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The levels of aCL were [mean +/- SD of optical density multiplied by 1000]: 624 +/- 319, 486 +/- 318, and 239 +/- 202 for patients with unstable angina, myocardial infarction and controls, respectively [F=15.74 and p=0.0000]. High aCL levels were found more often in patients with acute ischemic events

Serum IgE and beta 2 microglobulin levels after myocardial infarction

Serum IgE and beta 2 microglobulin levels were determined in 31 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction and 30 patients with other forms of ischemic heart disease. The levels of these parameters were studied on the first, third and seventh day after the onset of disease. The immunological method used for the determinations was ELISA Patients with myocardial infarction showed an elevated level of both parameters. The peak value of IgE was observed on the seventh day [P<0.05] but that of beta 2 microglobulin on the third day [P<0.05] after the onset of myocardial infarction