Frequency of intestinal parasites in diarrhea patients in Gorgan, 2005-2011

In many countries, especially in developing countries, diarrheal diseases are among the most important causes of mortality. In these countries, due to availability of transfer conditions of parasitic infections, [pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasite] the prevalence of these disorders is high. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites causing diarrhea in Gorgan. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1086 patients with acute diarrhea using wet-mount method and formalin-ether concentration test, according to WHO protocol. of 1086, 197 [18.1%] are infected with intestinal parasites, 141 [13%] with Protozoa and 79 [7.27%] with intestinal worms. The prevalence, using wet-mount method, of Entamoeba histolytica is 69 [6.4%], Giardia lamblia is 27 [2.5%], entamoeba coli is 15 [1.4%] and chilomastix mesnili is 8 [0.7%]. With formalin-ether method, Hymenolepis nana in 26 [2.4%], Trichostrongylus in 16 [1.5%], Enterobius vermicularis in 10 [0.9%] are observed. The high prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica shows the leading role of this parasite in causing acute diarrhea. Having knowledge about epidemiology and applying rapid diagnostic procedures can be helpful to promote public health

comparison of serum vitamin d level in patients with iron deficiency anemia and minor thalassemia

Of the most common hypochromic microcytic anemia are iron deficiency anemia and minor thalassemia, which are common in Iran and their differential diagnosis is extremely important. The level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D is the indication of vitamin D blood status. The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of vitamin D in people with minor thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia with healthy subjects in order to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and iron absorption. In this case-control study, 24 patients with minor thalassemia, 20 patients with iron deficiency anemia and 24 healthy individuals participated. Groups were matched for age and sex. Testing of Vitamin D level by ELISA, ferritin by quantitative luminescence method and HbA2 by column chromatography was carried out. The number of individuals with low level of vitamin D in iron deficiency group is 15 [75%], in minor thalassemia group is 8 [33/3%] and in the control group 11[45.8%]. In this study, the highest percentage of vitamin D deficiency is observed in cases with iron deficiency anemia. Because of association between vitamin D and anemia, iron and vitamin D supplementation is recommended to enrich the diet