[Immunity against influenza type a among 4-14-years-old children in Kerman, Iran]

Background and Aims: Influenza viruses are important causes of mortality and morbidity in children. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of antibodies [IgG] against Influenza A in children in Kerman, Iran

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 200 children aged 4-14 years referred to Besaat Clinic and Afzalipour hospital for diseases other than influenza were enrolled. Sera were tested for anti influenza A IgG with NovaLisa ELISA kits [NOVATEC, Germany]

Results: Anti-Influenza virus A IgG was detected in 12% [24/200] of the sera. This group had the highest mean age [9.62 [7-12] years]. Among studied variables, only age was related to seropositivness for anti-Influenza A serotypes

Conclusion: The majority of children aged 4-14 years in Kerman had no immunity to Influenza A. So, they are at risk for influenza and its morbidity during possible epidemics of this infection

Evaluation of serum agglutination test in the diagnosis of pediatric brucellosis

Brucellosis is a public health problem in many developing countries, including Iran. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical manifestations and positive serum agglutination test [SAT] or Wright test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of SAT in pediatric Brucellosis. In this prospective study, during 2 years, 52 patients with clinical features of Brucellosis were studied. Sera were obtained from all patients. Assuming that patients with active Brucellosis in our area have SAT >/= 1:80, all blood samples were tested by SAT and blood culture with BACTEC system. Of 52 patients with clinical presentation of brucellosis, in 26 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed according to positive blood culture and/or SAT [>/= 1:80]. Brucella spp were isolated in 10 patients [38.4%]. SAT was found positive in 25 samples [96.1%]. Blood culture and SAT both were negative in 26 cases and the final diagnosis of this group was a disease other than brucellosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the test were 90%, 62%, 36% and 96.2%, respectively. Wright test can be used as a reliable, convenient and cost - effective test in the diagnosis of pediatric brucellosis in our population

Epidemiologic characteristic and predisposing factors of scorpion sting in the south of Kerman province

Scorpion sting is a public health problem in various areas of the world. According to the climates, our country has a lot of scorpion species, especially dangerous kinds of them. South of Kerman province is one of the regions with highest prevalence of Scorpion sting. So study of epidemiologic and predisposing factors study of scorpion sting in this region seems to be essential. This study was a prospective case series conducted from 2003-2006. All cases of Scorpion sting have been referred to hospital in Kahnuj city. After examination and treatment. Thery were entered to the study for evaluation of epidemiologic characteristics and predisposing factors. Statistically analysis performed using SPSS version 15 software. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Totally 301 cases of scorpion stings referred to the hospital. Most scorpions biting happens between [24 to 6.00 hours] in early morning and mostly in hands and feet. 50% of victims slept outdoors and 20% had garbage around of their homes. There were only 2 deaths due to scorpion sting. It seems some that precautionary measures, such as repair of buildings, self control and sleeping indoors, can decrease incidence of scorpion stings

[Evaluation of depression and anxiety in patients with tinnitus]

Tinnitus is a troublesome disease that may cause several problems, including the following: insomnia decreased concentration and diminished quality of life. This study was designed in order to evaluate depression and anxiety in patients with tinnitus. This study was an experimental survey and carried out with case - control method. There were 50 persons in case and control groups, case group included patients with non-organic tinnitus. The patients in case and control group completed Beck and Spiel Berger questionnaire, in order to evaluate their level of depression and anxiety. Age, sex, marital status and smoking of case and control groups were similar. Case groups included 50 patients in which 20 of those were smokers and their level of depression and anxiety were higher than non smokers and this difference was significant [P=0.03]. Level of depression in patients with tinnitus was higher than control group [p=0.03], patients with tinnitus experienced more anxiety than control group. The patients with tinnitus suffered more depression and anxiety in comparison to patients without tinnitus