Seroepidemiology of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection in Neyshabur City, North-Eastern Iran, during 2010-2014

Background: Retroviruses of human T-lymphotropic viruses [HTLV-1 and HTLV-2] have been demonstrated to be endemic in the north-eastern region of Iran. This study was aimed to determine the HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 prevalence among healthy individuals in Neyshabur City during 2010-2014

Methods: A total of 8054 blood samples were collected from healthy participants in Neyshabur, North-Eastern Iran. The blood samples were screened for the presence of specific antibodies against HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 by using ELISA according to the manufacturer's instructions

Results: The overall seropositivity rate for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was found to be 6.55% [528 out of 8054] among participants

Conclusion: Both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were demonstrated to be at a high rate in healthy individuals. However, a smaller number of asymptomatic carriers were found in this study, as compared to those identified in previous investigations in the city

Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of nano-silver coated nylon carpets

Carpets are commonly used in our lives and are in contact with microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents should be used for the prevention of unwanted effects of microorganisms and control of their transmission. In this study, antimicrobial suspension of nano- silver was used for covering of nylon carpets. Different concentrations of nano- silver suspension were used by spraying method for covering of nylon carpets. In different examinations, small pieces of carpets [0.5x1 cm[2]] were treated with bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Before and after examination, the numbers of bacteria were counted and decreasing rate of them was determined. In nylon carpet with 25 ppm nano silver, decreasing rate of bacteria was 73.3%, while in carpets with 50 ppm and more, decreasing rate was 99.9%. Silver stability was assessed after 1 to 10 times of standard washing in 60 °C with household bleach for 20 min. Silvers of carpet surface were established and saved their antibacterial effects after washing. Spraying nano- silver solution on commodities and factory products can prevent transmission of many microorganisms and infection diseases

[Identification of polymorphism in rpoB gene [a marker of gene resistance to rifampin drug] in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from patients in Tehran]

One of the most important causes of death due to tuberculosis is drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rifampin is one of the most important drugs that are commonly used for treatment of tuberculosis. Mutations in rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cause rifampin drug resistant. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and frequencies of the mutation in this region in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from patients in Tehran. In this experimental study, 50 patients who did not respond to 6- month chemotherapy with anti- tuberculosis drugs were selected and tested for resistance to this drug. Patients' sputum were obtained and cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen solid medium. After susceptibility testing, DNA of resistant strains was extracted and rpoB gene was amplified with PCR. Results were analyzed by computer using DNAMAN program. 14 cases had mutations in this region of Mycobacterium tubrculosis. However, 6 isolates [30%] had no mutation in this part of the genome. The most frequent mutations occurred in codons 531[40%] and 515 [20%]. We report mutation of codon 515 for the first time. Mutations in codons 526 [10%] and 510 [15%] were found. Mutation in codon 515 probably shows the different pattern of mutation in Tehran. Our data indicate 6 isolates without mutation in the 81bp region. According to this study, resistance to rifampin may have non genetic and genetic causes on genes outside of 81bp region

[Evaluation of antibiotic resistance of gonococcal infections in women referred to Azad university hospitals]

There is high prevalence of pencicllinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae and antibiotic resistance in numerous areas of the world. The aim of this study was to investigate drug resistance of gonococci. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, vaginal discharge of 126 patients visited for vaginal discharge or suprapubic pain or admitted for periodic examination in Azad University hospitals were studied. Direct smear and gram stain of vaginal discharge was prepared and it was cultured into Tyer-Marthin media. Sensitivity to antibiotics was evaluated in positive cultures. Direct smear and gram staining of cervical discharge revealed 48 [38.1%] gram negative kidney shaped diplococci, but in selective media, only 12 [9.5%] Nesseria gonorrhoeae was detected. From 12 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 8 [66.6%] were resistant to penicillin, 8 [66.6%] to spectinomycin and 8 [66.6%] to co-trimoxazol, but neither of specimens were resistant to ceftriaxone. Direct smear of vaginal discharge isn't enough for proper diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and it should be confirmed by culture. Ceftriaxone is the best choice for treatment of gonococcal infections, but there is resistance to spectinomycin, co-trimoxazol and penicillin

[Production of collagen type I and its using in medical practice]

Collagen is a protein with specific importance in pharmacy and medicine. The aim of this study was extraction of collagen type I by optimum using of Iranian fishes of Persian Gulf and also debris of Shilat industry. Extraction of collagen type I from the proper specimens was performed by two methods of acidic and alkaline. In acidic method, first, the lipids separated, then, by using HCL 5%, calcium elements were extracted. The pH of medium neutralized and hydrolysis was performed in high stream water vapor. The material have been filtered and in the vicinity of heat in vacuum state collagen concentrated. Then the sheets of collagen, grinding was done. In the alkaline method, the specimens were treated by sodium hydroxid 4% for 3 weeks at room temperature. The rate of separated collagen from fish hasn't significant difference between alkaline and acidic methods. For example, mean rate of 20.81% for collagen extraction from skin of fishes in alkaline method and mean of 19.76% in acidic method was detected. The collagen specimens extracted by these methods have equal or higher quality in comparison with specimens extracted from other sources. According to costless of primary materials, such as debris of fishes, in the production of collagen in Iran and import of collagen is expensive, domestic production is saving money

[Frequency of Campylobacter jejuni in stool samples of patients with bloody diarrhea]

Compylobacter jejui is an important pathogen in developing diarrhea, ufortunatley it was not mostly searched in ordinary diagnostic laboratories using selective C. jejuni medium and many diarrhea due to this bacterium remained undiagnosed. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of C. jejuni in stool samples of patients with bloody diarrhea. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which frequency of C. jejuni was evaluated among 90 patients with diarrhea attending to Azad University hospitals between 2007 and 2008. Stool samples were cultured in skirrow's medium and incubated in 42°C for 24-48 hours and bacterial colonies were assessed biochemically. Ninety patients with mean age of 13.08 years [range age of 4-80 years] were studied. 24 [26.7%] were male and 66 [73.3%] female [p<0.05]. Of 90 patients, in 7 cases [7.8%] C. jejuni was obtained. Severe abdominal pain in C. jejuni positive cases was higher then C. jejuni negative subjects [28.6%] in C. jejuni positive patients versus 7.2% of C. jejuni negative cases, p<0.05]. Because of importance of C. jejuni in bloody diarrhea and bacillary dysenteries, it is recommended the use of campylobacter selective medium such as skirrow's or campybap in examination of diarrheic stools