Seroepidemiology of varicella zoster virus infection among 1-70 year individuals in Iran

Varicella zoster virus [VZV] causes varicella and, later in the life of the infected person, can reactivate to cause Herpes zoster [HZ]. The objective of this study was the investigation of anti Varicella zoster virus IgG antibodies in infants and adults in Shiraz, southern Iran. A cross-sectional, age and population-based seroprevalence study was conducted in 2008 on 843 subjects, ages ranging from 1 to 70 years old. IgG antibodies against VZV were measured with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The seroprevalence of Varicella zoster antibodies increased with age, being 25.3% in 1-5 year age group, 43.1% in 6-10 year group, 73.5% in 11-15 year group and 86% in adult population. The majority of VZV infections occurred during childhood. The best policy to prevent the circulation of wild type VZV in the population and reduction of the rate of complicated cases is the immunization of 5 year old children and those younger. VZV vaccine should be incorporated in the conventional childhood vaccination plan in Iran

[ case report of disappearing bone disease of the 1[st] metatarsus]

Disappearing Bone Disease is a rare vascular tumor. The presented case is a 15-year old boy with deformity of the 1st metatarsus in right foot who had a history of mild trauma. In X-Ray examination the proximal phalanx was absent. In the surgery, proximal phalanx was replaced by fibula bone and biopsy was done. After 15 months in follow up radiography osteolystic lesions in the 1[st] and 2[nd] metatarsus of right foot were observed. Due to severe pain and with the diagnosis of disappearing bone disease, the patient underwent radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, in control X-Ray of the right foot, osteolystic lesions of the 2[nd] metatarsus had been completely absorbed