[Effects of the anti-diabetic and anti-neuropathy effects of onosma dichroanthum in an experimental model of diabetes by streptozocin in mice]

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disease with hyperglycemia, decrease in insulin secretion or de-sensitization of peripheral cells to insulin. Onosma is a species of Boraginaceae which although it is used in traditional medicine for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, data on its anti-diabetic effects are limited. This research has been designed to assess its' anti-diabetc, anti-neuropathy and anti-oxidative stress effects in an in-vivo model of diabetes

Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from over-ground organs, [shoots and leaves] and underground organs [roots], and administered by gavage [50 mg/kg] for 3 weeks to mice in a streptozocin induced diabetic model. After the treatment period, blood glucose, weight and neuropathy were determined and for positive control, metformin [50 mg/kg] was used. After removing the brain and liver of mice and homogenization of tissues, the MDA and Glutathione contents of the tissues have been assayed by a colorimetric method

Results: Results of this research show that hydroalcoholic extract of Onosma d. has anti-diabeti properties which have beneficial effects for some parameters such as hypoglycemia and reducing MDA, the effect of underground organs as roots extracts were better. However for increasing weight, diminishing neuropathy and increasing GSH contents, the effects of over-ground organs as leaves and shoots extracts were more significant

Conclusion: Results of this research indicate the anti-diabetic and anti-neuropathy properties of Onosma dichroanthum as a herbal medicine, related to its anti-oxidant abilities and limited side effects, can hence be used for treatment with other anti-diabetic drugs

potential co-treatment effects of aataria multiflora, camellia sinensis extracts and bacterial lipopolysaccharide on skin wound model

Camellia sinensis and Zataria multiflora as the potent antioxidants and antiinflammations are crucial in the management of wound therapy. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] was used for the proliferative potential on fibroblast cells and induction of inflammatory mediators

Objective: We examined the effects of LPS and herbal extracts combination in order to identify their mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration

Methods: Human foreskin fibroblasts were treated by Salmonella enterica LPS [100micro g] and extracts [5%w/w]. Tissues of male Balb/c mice were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Effects of LPS and extracts on cell viability, Nitric oxide [NO], Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] and Hydrogen peroxide H[2]O[2] levels were examined respectively by XTT assay and related kits

Results: Our pathological investigations for Camellia sinensis and LPS co-treated group indicated inflammatory cells on day 1 and fibroblast proliferation through wound area on day 3. After wound modelling the samples features were the same but with the difference in groups treated by LPS and Camellia sinensis extract which dermis and epidermis were seen. The Camellia sinensis extract and LPS co-treated wounds were showed low levels of H[2]O[2] and higher levels of NO compared to extract treated group [P<0.001]. Results illustrate a dose and time dependent significant difference in cell proliferation between groups

Conclusion: These results suggest that Camellia sinensis extract in combination with LPS may have potential of accelerating inflammatory phase of wound healing process by regulation of COX-2, NO and H[2]O[2] in skin fibroblast

[Introduction of hematological and molecular algorithms for diagnosis of factor XIII deficiency in Iran laboratories]

Factor XIII deficiency [FXIIID] is an extremely rare hemorrhagic disorder with an approximately 12 higher incidence in comparison with reported global incidence of the disorder. A standard diagnostic algorithm was proposed by the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis [ISTH] for FXIIID, however, due to the lack of investments all parts of this algorithm cannot be applied in Iran. Thus, this study presented a national algorithm for diagnosis of FXIIID in Iran. For presentation of a national algorithm, all previously published data about Iranian patients with FXIIID as well as practical methods for diagnosis of FXIIID were collected using Science Direct, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. With available facilities, an algorithm with regards to the laboratory assessment, clinical presentations as well as family history can be suitable for an on time and less expensive diagnosis of FXIIID in Iran. Since ISTH diagnostic algorithm is expensive and time consuming, an economical and more suitable national algorithm with regards to available equipment may reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and its life-threatening consequences

Three-dimensional gel dosimetry for dose volume histogram verification in compensator-based IMRT

Some tissues in human body are radiobiologically different from water and these inhomogeneity must be considered in dose calculation in order to achieve an accurate dose delivery. Dose verification in complex radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] calls for volumetric, tissue equivalent and energy independent dosimeter. The purpose of this study is to verify a compensator-based IMRT plan in anthropomorphic inhomogeneous phantom by Dose Volume Histograms [DVH] using polymer gel dosimetry. An anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was constructed with places for gel inserts. Two attached cubic inserts for prostate and bladder and a cylindrical insert for rectum. A prostate treatment case was simulated in the phantom and the treatment was delivered by a five field compensator-based IMRT. Gel dosimeters were scanned by a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. Results were analyzed by DVH and difference of differential DVH. Results showed for 3D compensator-based IMRT treatment plan for prostate cancer, there was overall good agreement between calculated dose distributions and the corresponding gel measured especially in planning target volume [PTV] region. Our measurements showed that the used treatment plan configuration has had clinically acceptable accuracy and gel dosimetry can be considered as a useful tool for measuring DVH. It may also be used for quality assurance and compensator-based IMRT treatment verification

Causes of new cases of major thalassemia in Sistan and Balouchistan province in South-East of Iran

Thalassemia is the most common monogenic disease in South-East of Iran. Despite the 70% reduction in Iranian thalassemia cases after thalassemia control comprehensive program, 601 affected babies were born in Sistan and Balouchistan Province, Iran from 2002 to 2010, so this study aims at investigating the causes of new thalassemia cases. Data from this retrospective cross-sectional study was collected through interviews and information in the patients' hospital records. Data revealed that 52.4% of fathers and 78.4% of mothers of thalassemic children had elementary education or less. In addition, 78.6% of the couples did not undergo premarital screening for thalassemia and 71.2% of the couples were not notified of their own minor thalassemia until a child was born with major thalassemia. Of the diagnosed minor couples, about 25% did PND and the others did not carry out because mothers were unaware of proper gestational age and of the importance of this issue, financial problems, and the husbands' disagreement to take the tests. Moreover, 16 mothers, in spite of being diagnosed of having a major fetus, refused to terminate the pregnancy. The most preventable causes for affected births include couples' unawareness of being minor and unawares of the PND importance and process

Efficacy and safety of Iranian made deferasirox [Osveral]in Iranian major thalassemic patients with transfusional iron overload: a one year prospective multicentric open-label non-comparative study

To determine the efficacy, adverse effects and safety of a new Iranian generic product of deferasirox [Osveral] in Iranian transfusion dependent major thalassemic [TD-MT] patients. In 9 main thalassemia treatment centers, all of TD-MT patients [aged >/= 2 yrs] with serum ferritin [SF] levels >/= 1000 ng/ml, or >100 ml/kg of RBC transfusion, who could not tolerate parental iron chelating were recruited regardless of their previous iron chelation therapy. Periodical clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted for adverse effects [AEs]. Primary efficacy end point was Mean of Relative Change of Serum Ferritin [MRC-SF] from the baseline level during one year. Analysis of variance [ANOVA], t test, chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for statistic analysis appropriately [P values <0.05 were considered as statistical significant]. In 407 cases the male/female ratio was 0.98. Mean age was 11.5 +/- 7.4 [2-58] years. The mean of initiating dose of Osveral and mean usage dose during the study was 23.5 +/- 4.9 mg/kg and 24.9 +/- 4.9 mg/kg respectively. MRC-SF was -11.44% +/- 38.92 and it showed significant decline in SF [P value<0.001] one hundred and forty eight patients out of 407 patients experienced at least one. AE, the most common of them were transient increase in serum creatinin [97;24.1%] and > 5 time increase in transaminases [24;5.89%].The causes of discontinuation of treatment were non-satisfactory treatment [24; 5.8%], poor or non-compliance of patients [21;5.1%], and adverse effects [13; 3.1%]. A detailed comparison with similar studies on deferasirox [Exjade] shows a promising efficacy and safety for its Iranian generic product [Osveral]

Prevalence of nosocomial urinary tract infection in PICU of referral children hospital in Iran

To determine the prevalence of the occurrence, risk factors and microbiology for acquiring UTIs in the PICU of one of the main referral children hospital in Iran. A surveillance study was conducted among all children admitted to PICU in the Mofid children hospital in Tehran between July 2007 and July 2008. During the one year, 428 patients were admitted to PICU for 48 hours or more and a total of 31 [7.2%] acquired UTIs, yielding an overall incidence density, of 11 per 1000 PICU days. One bacteremic [4.3%] ICU-acquired UTIs occurred. Mean hospital staying in UTI patients was 22 days comparing with 7 days in other patients [P value<0.001] but mortality rate difference was not significant [P value=0.2]. The most common organisms isolated were Escherichia coli [30.4%], Kelebsiellapneumoniae[30.4%] and Candida a/b/cans[21.7%]. Monitoring of a PICU-acquired UTI is important in critically ill patients. The results of this study offer a reliable measure of the prevalence of nosocomial UTIs at hospitals in Iran and provide a baseline for future studies

[ effect of different distillation methods on quality and quantity of essential oil of Laurus nobilis L.]

Laurus nobilis is a small tree, especial to Mediterranean regions that its leaves are used as flavoring agents in food. Now, this plant is cultivated in Iran and many parts of the world. In this research, the effects of different distillation methods on essential oil yield and composition of Laurus nobilis leaves was studied. The fresh leaves of Laurus nobilis L., cultivated in National Botanical of Iran were collected at July 2009. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation, hydrosteam distillation and direct steam distillation from the leaves of Laurus nobilits. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC [UFM] and GC-MS. The oils were obtained at yields of 2.53%, 2.45% and 1.63% by hydro, hydrosteam and direct steam distillation, respectively. Twenty-five components were identified in the oil of Laurus nobilis obtained by different extraction methods, including 1,8-cineol [47.3, 37.8, 47.7%], sabinene [11.1, 12.3, 12.2%] and alpha-terpinyl acetate [12.9, 19.3, 12.9%] by hydro, hydrosteam and direct steam distillation, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between oil yield [w/w] of hydro-distillation method [2.53%] compared to steam distillation [1.63%]. Significant difference was observed between 1,8-cinnneol and alpha-terpinyl acetate percentage in the oils obtained by different distillation methods

Prophylactic effects of betamethasone and diclofenac-Na on HD-induced corneal epithelium of rabbits in acute phase

Background and Purpose: Eyes are among the most sensitive organs to chemical agents especially Sulfur mustard or Hun Distilled. Therapeutic effects of anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown on the decrease of epithelium of corneal injuries after being exposed to sulfur mustard. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of topically applied Bethametazone - Diclofenac Na in rabbits

Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, thirty six rabbits were used. Animals were randomly divided into six equal groups [6 rabbits in each group] including control, solution and mustard groups and prophylaxis groups included Betamethasone, Diclofenac Na; Betamethasone-Diclofenac Na were applied before being exposed to the sulfur mustard solution. Animals were kept for 2 weeks and the drugs were used 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Slit-lamp examinations were performed under anesthesia before exposure and subsequently at days 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 after sulfur mustard exposure by ophthalmologists. At the end of the 14th day, specimens of cornea were obtained for ultrastructural evaluation of corneal epithelium. Statistical analysis was performed by one way analysis of variance [ANOVA] with Tukey's test using SPSS 13 software

Results: No significant differences were found between the control and solvent groups as far as the variables were concerned. Corneal epithelial defect and severe changes in ultrastructure of corneal epithelial surface was found in the sulfur mustard group. Clinically, corneal epithelial defect in prophylactic Diclofenac Na group [4.2 +/- 1.32] decreased significantly when compared to the mustard group [68.7 +/- 8.42] [P=0.034]. Betamethasone-Diclofenac Na group [4.2 +/- 1.17] also decreased significantly when compared to the mustard group [68.7 +/- 8.42] [P=0.031]. The corneal epithelial defect was not seen in prophylactic Betamethasone group. Ultrastructural damage of corneal epithelial surface and their microvillus in Betamethasone group was similar to the control group

Conclusion: Betamethazone is capable of protecting corneal epithelial defect in the eyes of rabbits exposed to sulfur mustard

[Study of oral administrated silymarin effects on UV-induced changes on albino guinea pigs skin]

Studies have shown that Silymarin is one of the infrequent herbal materials which have protective effects against sunburn, non melanoma skin cancer and immunosupression in oral administration. Easiness of use, low cost and availability of Silymarin can propose it for use in many topical sunscreen products. Regarding to the skin damages caused by the ultraviolet ray of sun and necessity to use of protective agents against mal effects of this ray, in this study the effects of oral use of Silymarin against effects of UV irradiation was evaluated. In this study 60 albino guinea pigs were selected and they divided in two equal groups. Animals in the experimental group administered 50 mg/kg Silymarin 20 days before and through the irradiation period orally. Control group received distilled water only. Then each group exposed to 180mj/cm2 UV ray. Finally clinical signs were noted and sampling was done from irradiated skin areas for histopathological evaluation. Histopathological and clinical findings showed that oral administration of Silymarin had protective effects against mal effects of UV irradiation on guinea pig skins. The results of this study can be incentive for introduction and use of this herbal agent in sun ray protective oral products because any topical sunscreen has not perfect protective effects against all UV irradiation spectrums

Beijing genotype and other predominant Mycobacterium tuberculosis spoligotypes observed in Mashhad city, Iran.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to understand the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in Khorasan province of Iran was studied by spoligotyping 113 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. The spoligotyping results were in comparison to the word Spoligotyping Database of Institute Pasteur de Guadeloupe (SpolDB4). Spoligotyping data from Iran has rarely been described and there is limited information on the major circulating clades of M. tuberculosis in Iran. Materials and Methods: Spoligotyping was performed on 113 M. tuberculosis isolates from Mashhad patients between November 2004 and September 2005. Results: The study found 57 spoligopatterns. 17 clusters and 32 true orphan genotype. The biggest cluster with 13 isolates had not been previously reported. The Beijing genotype was seen in eight (7.1%) isolates. Conclusions: Genotyping and Spoligotyping gives a unifying framework for both epidemiology and evolutionary analysis of M. tuberculosis populations.

Determination of hypericin content in flowers and leaves of eight Hypericum species

Hypericum genus is one of the most important medicinal plant that contains 17 species in Iran, three of them are endemic. In this research hypericin content of flowers and leaves of eight Hypericum species was determined. Plant material was extracted with chloroform by Soxhlet until chlorophyll ceased extracting, after removal of chloroform, the thimble was re-extracted with methanol until the red pigment, hypericin, ceased extracting. The analysis of hypericin use of a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] method with UV detection on 590 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol 68%: ethyl acetate 20%: 0.1 M NaH[2]PO[4].2H[2]O 12% and with column C[18]. Identification of the compound was on extraction of 1 grams of flowers and leaves. Hypericin content obtained in H.dogonbadanicum [flower 36 and leaves 36 ppm] which are endemic, H. helianthemoides [flower 118 and leaves 22 ppm], H. hirtellum [flower 178 and leaves 26 ppm], H. hyssopifolium [flower 224 and leaves 120 ppm], H.lysimachioides [flower 1177 and leaves 178 ppm], H. perforatum [flower 1900 and leaves 813 ppm], H. scabrum [flower 13 and leaves 10 ppm] and H. triquetrifolium [flower 1460, leaves 1426 and stem 17 ppm]. Hypericin content in different Hypericum show that are different, highest are in H. perforatum with 1900 ppm and in H. triquetrifolium with 1460 ppm

[Effects of betamethasone and diclofenac-Na on sulfur mustard induced conjunctival epithelial and goblet cells injuries of rabbits in acute phase]

Sulfur mustard, Bis [2-chlorethy1] sulfide [HD], is one of the first chemical warfare agents to be used on a large scale. Anti inflammatory treatments might have the potential to prevent some aspects of the primary development of HD-induced lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment effects of topically applied betamethasone [B] and diclofenac-Na [D] on the conjunctival epithelial lesions following HD exposure. A total of 36 rabbits were used. Animals were randomly divided to three control groups: [1] normal; [2] solution; [3] HD and three experimental groups: [4] betamethasone; [5] diclofenac-Na and [6] betamethasone-diclofenac-Na [BD]. In each group six animals were examined. Right eye of all animals was selected for experiment. In the experimental groups betamethasone and diclofenac-Na were applied after using HD solution. Application of drugs was performed 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Slit-lamp examinations were performed before exposure and subsequently at days 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 by professional ophthalmologists. Animals were sacrificed after two weeks with chloroform. The eyes were enucleated. Specimens of palpebra were obtained for histological examination. There was not any significant difference between normal and solution groups. HD caused a significant decrease in goblet cells and cell infiltration in conjunctiva, injection and chemosis. All experimental groups were better than the HD group. Betamethasone in combination with diclofenac-Na was more effective than betamethasone and diclofenac-Na alone in decreasing eye injuries. Combination of betamethasone and diclofenac-Na are potential candidates for the treatment of ocular lesions following HD exposure

[Chronic. hepatitis. B]

Chronic hepatitis B is a major medical problem, distributing all over the world. Affecting more than 400 million people. In highly prevalence places, childhood transmission is the most common form but in low prevalence areas, injection, drug use and familial transmission are the main routes of acquisation of infection. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis are significant problems of chronic hepatitis B. Exposure to HBV early in life may progress to hepatocellar carcinoma. The annual number of deaths from HBV infection and related diseases throughout the world is about 1.2 million. The goal of treatment of chronic hepatitis B with Lamivudin or INF-Alpha is sustained suppression of virus replication and liver disease remission. INF, Alpha and Lamivudin have similiar efficacy. The adventage of Lamivudin is that it is less expensive and is well tolerated and adventages of INF. Alpha are the short duration of treatment and absence of resistance but it is expensive and has many side effects. The response rate of INF. Alpha is better than Lamivudin but it is associated with a large number of side effects, sometimes we have to stop or decrease the dose of INF. Viral genotypes and other factors such as pretreatment viral load, fatty liver and liver histiology may alter the response rate. The long-term use of Lamivudin may be with the emergence of YMDD mutations. Treatment of YMDD form of chromic hepatitis B, with combination of Lamivudin and Adefovir dipivoxil, may improve liver function; and YMDD mutations may be over come. The emergence of YMDD mutations reduces the benefit of Lamivudin but does not negate it

Study on effects of topical use of Silybum marianum extract [silymarin] on U.V. irradiated guinea pig skin

Regarding to the skin damages caused by the ultraviolet ray of sun and the need for protective materials against these mal effects, Silymarin was evaluated for the porpose. In this study, by histopathology studies and surveying the clinical symptoms the external use of an herbaceous [herbal] substance, Silymarin, in protecting the mal effects of ultraviolet ray has been evaluated. For the study 60 albino hamsters with same age and gender has been selected and they divided in two groups [each group 30 hamsters] randomly. The hair on the back of all animals shaved in an area about 2 square centimeters. The first group gets 9 miligram Silymarin with 20 micro liter acetone topically, and the second group gets only 20 micro liter acetone topically. Then both groups for 45 days exposed to ultra violet ray, 180 milijoule/cm[2] each day. The results of clinical and histopathologic surveys show that topical usage of Silymarin has considerable protective effects against the mal effects of ultra violet ray on skin and this can be a promise for using this herbaceous substance as a topical sun protects substance

[Prevalence and Antimicrobial susceptibility of Haemophilus influenza among healthy children in Mashhad]

Nasopharyngeal colonization of Haemophilus influenza in young children may be important so in this study the nasopharyngeal carriage and antimicrobial susceptibility of Haemophilus influenza among children was surveyed in Mashhad. The study included 1161 healthy children less than 6 years of age. Nasopharyngeal swabs from these patients were cultured, and Haemophilus influenza were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility of the strains was determined using disk diffusion. The carriage rate of Haemophilus influenza was 10.76% [125/1161]. High antibiotic resistance was observed against commonly administered antibiotics like Penicillin [82.4%], ampicillin [70.4%], Amoxicillin [79.2%] and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole [71.2%]. It was found that 68.8% and 42.4% of isolates were susceptible against erythromycin and cefexim, respectively. H. influenza isolates from healthy Children in Mashhad had high resistance rates against ampicillin, Sulphamethoxazole/ trimethoprim and some other antibiotics. So antibiotic susceptibility investigations are important for choice of therapy in every acute respiratory tract infection. And further monitoring of antibiotic resistance among nasopharyngeal H. influenza as a surrogate for invasive H. influenza seems an attractive option

[Prevalence of hepatitis C among diabetes mellitus patients in Zahedan]

Several clinical studies have recently claimed that HCV infection could trigger the onset of diabetes mellitus [DM]. In order to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] among patients with type 1, 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] and investigate the influence of several epidemiological factors on HCV infection, we conducted this study. In this case-control study we evaluated 505 diabetic patients [135 male, 370 female with the mean age of 54.5 years] who had referred to Diabetic clinic in Boo-Ali hospital [a teaching hospital in south east of Iran] in 2004. Serologic testing for anti- HCV was done using a third-generation commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] and Real-time-PCR [HCV RNA] in order to confirm the anti-HCV positive samples. Diabetic patients [were divided in two groups according to their HCV antibody status and were analyzed for the following variables: age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of disease, mode of therapy, late diabetic complication, previous blood transfusions, intravenous drug addiction, hospital admissions and major surgical procedures. Then results were compared with the findings from blood donors. HCV infection was detected in one patient who had history of hospitalization and blood transfusion. However, a higher prevalence of HCV infection was not observed in diabetic patients in comparison with blood donors [P=0.46]. There was no correlation between HCV and diabetic type, duration, age, sex [P>0.05]. Upon the results of our study, we conclude that HCV infection is not a trigger factor for DM; therefore it should not be listed among the various extrahepatic manifestations of this viral infection. Although, further studies, possibly multicentre, are needed to estimate prevalence of HCV in diabetic patients

[Chronic and delayed onset mustard gas keratitis: report of 48 patients]

Purpose: to report the clinical features of 93 eyes with chronic and delayed onset mustard gas keratitis in 48 patients

Methods: forty-eight Iranian survivors of Iraqi chemical warfare with chronic or delayed onset mustard gas keratitis were enrolled. We reviewed the symptoms, signs, clinical course, and treatment of our patients. In 5 cases, histopathologic features of corneal and conjunctival specimens are presented

Results: of 48 patients, 3 1 [64.6%] had chronic symptomatology whereas 17 [3 5.4%] experienced delayed onset lesions. Visual acuity at referral ranged from hand motions to 20120. Ocular surface changes included chronic blepharitis and decreased tear meniscus in all, limbal ischemia [81.3%] and conjunctival vascular abnormalities [50%]. Corneal signs in order of frequency were: scar/opacity [87.5%], neovascularization [70.8%], thinning [58.3%], lipoid deposits [52. I%], amyloid deposits [43.8%], and epithelial defects and irregularity [3 1.3%]. Twenty patients received conservative treatment; others underwent allograft stem cell transplantation [20 eyes of 17 patients], penetrating keratoplasty [12 eyes of 12 patients], and lamellar keratoplasty [4 eyes of 3 patients]. Conjunctival specimens were evaluated by light microscopy. Decreased goblet cell density, attenuated or thickened epithelium, scarring in the substantia propria associated with plasmacytic and lymphocytic infiltration, and dilated lymphatic vessels were noted. Excised corneal buttons disclosed absence of epithelium and Bowman's layer, firbrovascular pannus, stromal scarring, and vascularization

Conclusion: mustard gas may cause chronic and delayed destructive lesions in the ocular surface and cornea leading to progressive visual deterioration and ocular irritation. The pathophysiology of these changes is not clearly identified. Excised conjunctival and corneal specimens revealed a mixed inflammatory response without any specific features. Based on the clinical appearance of the lesions and histopathologic findings, an immune-mediated component seems possible

[Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in urine sample of patients with UTI in Zahedan]

Background and Objective: urinary tract infections [UTI] are regarded as one of the most common infectious diseases. A remarkable percent of urinary tract infections are asymptomatic. In some cases of urinary tract infections, significant bacteriuria is not present. One the etiologic agents of culture negative genitourinary tract infections, which can be transmitted through intercourse, is Chlamydia Trachomatis. On the basis of high incidence of negative results of urine culture [Up to 60%] in patients suffering from UTI referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital and taking into consideration the importance of genitourinary Chlamydial infections, we decided to study prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in urine sample of patients with UTI referring to this hospital

Materials and Methods: this research was a descriptive study on the 320 patients referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital in Zahedan, which were chosen by non-randomized sampling. One early morning urine sample was taken from these patients. After centrifugation, sediment of samples was used as antigen for Chlamy-check-I ELISA kits

Results: out of 320 urinary specimens, 95 specimens [29.69%] were positive and 225 specimen [70.31%] were negative for Chlamydia Trachomatis. From 95 positive samples, 43 person [45.2%] were male and 52 person [54.73] were female. In both sexes the highest percent was related to 20-29 years old group

Conclusion: in accordance with above reported prevalence rate and bearing in mind the consequences of inappropriate treatment of Chlamydial infections [PID, infertility, extra uterus pregnancy, epididiomitis] the importance of precise treatment of Chlamydial infection and necessity of providing laboratory facilities for accurate and rapid diagnosis of Chlamydial infections in the area with high incidence of culture negative urine specimens is recommended