A Novel Multiplex LAMP Assay for the Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum from Iran.

Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is one of the neglected tropical diseases despite being responsible for serious clinical symptoms, some of which lead to fatal outcomes. Thus, there is a need to apply accurate, rapid, and specific diagnostic measurements in order to control the disease and reduce the mortality rate. We aimed to develop and validate a multiplex LAMP assay for the diagnosis of VL caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). Moreover, a thorough assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of multiplex LAMP in identifying various Leishmania species, such as Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) and Leishmania major (L. major) in comparison to Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). The diagnostic performance of the multiplex LAMP method for VL was compared to each LAMP assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and nested PCR technique. Two separated primers were set and used in a multiplex LAMP assay which was designed based on the ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer II) and were selected on the basis of conserved and high copy number region. Multiplex LAMP primers were designed using an online tool available at https://www.primerexplorer.jp/e. The alignment was performed using MEGA5, and the primers were further adjusted utilizing GENE Runner software. All molecular methods were tested on the serial dilution of cloned plasmid containing ITS region from standard strains of L. infantum, L. tropica, and L. major. Moreover, multiplex LAMP assay was evaluated and compared based on both standard strains and 55 clinical samples from humans as well as dogs. Various approaches were applied to interpret the multiplex LAMP reaction which deciphered a higher sensitivity when compared to the RT-qPCR for L. infantum (one copy number of plasmid, equal to 0.85 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, and 0.004 parasite DNA per µL) detection while these three standard strains of Leishmania were confirmed to contain 40 DNA copies using RT-qPCR. Additionally, the multiplex LAMP detection limit was approximately equivalent to RT-qPCR for L. major and L. tropica, which included 0.342 picograms (pg) and 342 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, 4 × 103 and 4 × 102 copy number of plasmid, and 17.1 and 1.71 parasite DNA per µL for L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Nested PCR exhibited a lower detection limit for L. infantum of 4 × 106 plasmid copy number compared to multiplex LAMP and RT-qPCR. Multiplex LAMP has the potential for accurate and rapid detection of infectious disease, successful treatment, and finding and monitoring asymptomatic cases, especially in low-income countries.

Psychological, Structural, Social and Economic Determinants of Suicide Attempt: Risk Assessment and Decision Making Strategies.

The aim of this research was to conduct a risk assessment and management of psychological, structural, social and economic determinants (PSSED) in a suicide attempt. The sample consisted of 353 individuals who had a recorded history of suicidal attempt; and 20 professional individuals by purposive sampling method within a descriptive cross-sectional design. Worksheets for RAM and AHP were used for data collection in this study. The rate of suicide attempt was 7.21 per 100,000 population in this study. Analysis showed that depression and mental disorders; personality disorders; family problems; socio-cultural and economic problems; lack of awareness; and low level of education have a high level of risk for suicide attempts. Psychiatric and psychological services; awareness and knowledge of life skills; medical services to dysfunctional families; development of community-based planning for PSSED of suicide; and employment and entrepreneurship services may lower suicide attempt risk.

Epidemiology of Influenza in Fars Province, Southern Iran; a Population-Based Study (2015-2019).

BACKGROUND: Influenza is one of the most important viral diseases with high mortality and morbidity that can have a great impact on public health and economy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and epidemiological features of influenza virus A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B infection in Fars province, southern Iran, in 2015-2019. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we assessed the archived data of Syndromic Surveillance System of Iran's Health Ministry, allowed access by Communicable Diseases' Unit of Health chancellor of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, from December 22, 2015 to September 22, 2019. The participants included all patients whose data were recorded as influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections/illness (SARI). Influenza viral infection was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Totally, 1269 patients suspected of influenza were sampled. The mean ± SD of age was 29.40 ± 26.91 years. Fever was the most common symptom (68.6%). The highest incidence was in winter (55.9%). Of 928/1269 laboratory's results which were recorded in the registry, 204 (16.08%) samples were positive and 724 (57.05%) were negative. Among 204 positive results, 191 (15.05%) were influenza type A, and 8 (0.63%) influenza type B. Among patients with definite influenza type A, 34 (2.68%) had H1N1/p subtype, 58 (4.57%) H3N2, and one (0.08%) had other subtypes; however, subtypes were not identified in 7.72% of patients. Six (3.0%) patients with confirmed influenza expired. CONCLUSION: The incidence of influenza, especially type A, in Fars province, southern Iran is considerable and requires more attention for prevention in health policy programs.

Prophylactic Antibiotic Practices in Common Otologic Surgeries in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Rational surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is suggested for some selected surgical processes. However, inappropriate utilization of antimicrobial prophylaxis reduces benefits and increases costs and risks, such as antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the current practice of antibiotics prescribed by surgeons in common otologic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among otolaryngologists with at least 5 years of experience in common otologic surgeries (tympanoplasty, tympanomastoidectomy, stapes, or middle ear exploration (MEE) surgeries). A total of 257 otolaryngologists filled a checklist about their selected regimen and timing of antibiotic(s) administration. RESULTS: The rates of antibiotic prophylaxis prescription in dry and wet ears in tympanoplasty were 7.4% and 87.1% (preoperative), 40.9% and 47% (intraoperative), 88.3% and 98% (postoperative); in tympanomastoidectomy with no cholesteatoma were 7.1% and 97.8% (preoperative), 39.6% and 50.9% (intraoperative), 93.7% and 99.6% (postoperative); in tympanomastoidectomy with cholesteatoma were 14% and 98.3% (preoperative), 45.4% and 51.9% (intraoperative), 98.3% and 99.6% (postoperative), respectively, and in stapes or MEE surgeries were 6.4% (preoperative), 41.7% (intraoperative) and 73.1% (postoperative), respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of prescribing intraoperative prophylaxis between wet and dry ears, except in tympanomastoidectomy without cholesteatoma. Overall, the most prescribed antibiotics were cephazolin, cephlexin, and ciprofloxacin drop. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed the inappropriate administration and timing of antibiotic prophylaxis regarding current literature evidence. Despite the lack of evidence on the potential role of antibiotic prophylaxis in clean-contaminated and contaminated ears, a significant number of surgeons prescribed prophylactic antibiotics in tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy without cholesteatoma.

Potential Effects of Climatic Parameters on Human Brucellosis in Fars Province, Iran, during 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Human brucellosis is widespread in Fars province. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of climate on its incidence and determine the areas prone to the infection. METHODS: Monthly meteorological data and the incidence rate of human brucellosis during 2009-2015 were collected and their correlation was studied using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Additionally, the multiple regression method and multi-layer perceptron neural network model were used to predict the incidence of human brucellosis. In order to analyze the data SPSS software (version 16.0), MATLAB software (version 8.1), and GIS software (version 10.4) were used. RESULTS: Pearson's regression analysis, on a monthly basis, showed a significant indirect correlation between the incidence of human brucellosis (with a time lag of up to 5 months) and climatic parameters (minimum temperature: -0.72 and evaporation: -0.73) in Abadeh (Fars, Iran). Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation (P<0.001) between the incidence of human brucellosis and the maximum relative humidity (+0.67) and rainfall (+0.48). The incidence of human brucellosis in Abadeh was predicted by using artificial neural network models (4 layers, 4 neurons in each layer), the Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm, and Sigmoid transfer function. It was determined that a correlation rate of 0.89 in the training level and 0.8 in the test level (with the lowest error rate) were the best values in multi-layer perceptron modeling. CONCLUSION: Climatic parameters are important factors in determining the incidence rate of human brucellosis in Fars province. Climate conditions provide a favorable environment for the spread of human brucellosis in this area.

Comparative efficacy of three pediculicides to treat head lice infestation in primary school girls: a randomised controlled assessor blind trial in rural Iran.

BACKGROUND: Head lice infestation (Pediculosis) is one of the most important health challenges particularly in primary school-aged children. It is often present among 6-11-year-old students in various tropical and temperate regions of the world. The aim of this study was to examine epidemiologic indices and comparative analysis of two pyrethroid-based and one non-chemical pediculicide products on head lice treatment of primary school girls in a rural setting of Fars province, south Iran, as part of a randomized controlled assessor blind trial. METHODS: Before treatment, infested students were screened using plastic detection combs to find live head lice. Three independent parallel groups, each with about 25 participants (#77) were eventually twice with a week apart treated with either 1% permethrin, 0.2% parasidose (d-phenothrin) or 4% dimeticone lotion preparations. In each case, a questionnaire form was completed on epidemiologic factors. Data were registered after a fortnight from primary scalp treatment and re-inspection on days 2, 6, 9 and 14. Data analyses were performed using Chi-square test with a P-value < 0.05 being taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: From 3728 inspected students, 87 (2.33%) girls were infested with head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1778. Ten students dropped out pertaining to exclusion criteria. No significant correlation was found between head lice infestation level and hair length, hair style, itching, nationality, age, settlement site and baths; but there was a significant relationship between age and hair style (P = 0.027). The efficacy values on each of the above re-inspection days from each of the three treatments were 81, 74, 70 and 63% for permethrin; 83, 92, 100 and 100% for dimeticone; and 96, 88, 96 and 92% for d-phenothrin; respectively. A quartile difference in efficacy of permethrin relative to dimeticone on day 14 represented the scale of head lice resistance to permethrin treatment. There were significant statistical differences in case re-inspection days 9 (P = 0.008) and 14 (P = 0.003) post treatment. Only two dropout cases, one non-compliant and the other lost before the second-week treatment, from permethrin trial were observed following two applications a week apart. CONCLUSIONS: Dimeticone lotion had the fullest efficacy (100%) among all treatments. This high cure rate was attributed to the low level of infestation and the extent of patients' involvement. Parasidose swiftly ameliorated the infested cases by the second day since initial treatment. Female third grade students were the most infested cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials- IRCT2016041627408N1 , Dated: 21-08-2017.

Comparison of antiretroviral drug resistance among treatment-naive and treated HIV-infected individuals in Shiraz, Iran.

The use of anti-retroviral therapy has been effective in controlling the spread of HIV-1, and has prolonged life expectancy, but this success can be affected by the emergence of drug resistance. The main goal of this study was to investigate drug resistance in the reverse transcriptase (RT), and protease (PR) genes among HIV-1 infected individuals. We systematically selected 59 HIV-1 infected individuals from Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center (29 treatment- naïve and 30 treated). In this study intravenous drug users older than 18 were included in this study. Using specific primers, nested RT-PCR was performed on RNA extracted from patient samples. The genes targeted for RT and PCR were successfully amplified and sequenced. The sequences of these two genes were compared with mutations related to drug resistance against nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and protease inhibitors (PI) using the latest database from the International AIDS society - USA, Stanford University, and the patterns were recorded. Among treatment-naïve, the detected NRTI and NNRTI resistance mutations were V179T, V75 M and E138A. V179T causes high level resistance to Efavirenze and Nevirapin. V75 M causes intermediate resistance to Stavudine. Regarding NRTI and NNRTI resistance mutations among treated patients, the most frequent mutation (7%) was M184 V, which causes high level resistance to zidovudin and emtricitabine. The interesting result from this study was the detection of NRTI and NNRTI resistance mutations before the initiation of treatment, which signifies the transmission of resistant strains of virus between individuals. This mutation highlights the importance of drug resistance HIV-1 genotyping before commencing treatment.

Forecasting the number of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in south of Fars province, Iran using seasonal ARIMA time series method.

OBJECTIVE: To predict the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis and assess the relationship between the disease trend and weather variables in south of Fars province using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. METHODS: The trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis was predicted using Mini tab software and SARIMA model. Besides, information about the disease and weather conditions was collected monthly based on time series design during January 2010 to March 2016. Moreover, various SARIMA models were assessed and the best one was selected. Then, the model's fitness was evaluated based on normality of the residuals' distribution, correspondence between the fitted and real amounts, and calculation of Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). RESULTS: The study results indicated that SARIMA model (4,1,4)(0,1,0)(12) in general and SARIMA model (4,1,4)(0,1,1)(12) in below and above 15 years age groups could appropriately predict the disease trend in the study area. Moreover, temperature with a three-month delay (lag3) increased the disease trend, rainfall with a four-month delay (lag4) decreased the disease trend, and rainfall with a nine-month delay (lag9) increased the disease trend. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, leishmaniasis follows a descending trend in the study area in case drought condition continues, SARIMA models can suitably measure the disease trend, and the disease follows a seasonal trend.

Spatiotemporal clustering of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars province,Iran

Objective: To assess the spatiotemporal trait of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Fars province, Iran. Methods: Spatiotemporal cluster analysis was conducted retrospectively to find spatio-temporal clusters of CL cases.Time-series data were recorded from 29 201 cases in Fars province,Iran from 2010 to 2015,which were used to verify if the cases were distributed randomly over time and place. Then, subgroup analysis was applied to find significant sub-clusters within large clusters.Spatiotemporal permutation scans statistics in addition to subgroup analysis were implemented using SaTScan software. Results: This study resulted in statistically significant spatiotemporal clusters of CL (P<0.05).The most likely cluster contained 350 cases from 1 July 2010 to 30 November 2010. Besides, 5 secondary clusters were detected in different periods of time. Finally, statistically significant sub-clusters were found within the three large clusters(P<0.05). Conclusions: Transmission of CL followed spatiotemporal pattern in Fars province, Iran.This can have an important effect on future studies on prediction and prevention of CL.

The Potential of Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells in Differentiation to Epidermal Lineage: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) are a novel source of stem cells that can be easily isolated non-invasively from female volunteered donor without ethical consideration. These mesenchymal-like stem cells have high rate of proliferation and possess multi lineage differentiation potency. This study was undertaken to isolate the MenSCs and assess their potential in differentiation into epidermal lineage. METHODS: About 5-10 ml of menstrual blood (MB) was collected using sterile Diva cups inserted into vagina during menstruation from volunteered healthy fertile women aged between 22-30 years. MB was transferred into Falcon tubes containing phosphate buffered saline (PBS) without Ca2(+) or Mg2(+) supplemented with 2.5 µg/ml fungizone, 100 µg/mL streptomycin, 100 U/mL penicillin and 0.5 mM EDTA. Mononuclear cells were separated using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation and washed out in PBS. The cell pellet was suspended in DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and cultured in tissue culture plates. The isolated cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes derived from the foreskin of healthy newborn male aged 2-10 months who was a candidate for circumcision for differentiation into epidermal lineage. RESULTS: The isolated MenSCs were adhered to the plate and exhibited spindle-shaped morphology. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the expression of mesenchymal markers of CD10, CD29, CD73, and CD105 and lack of hematopoietic stem cells markers. An early success in derivation of epidermal lineage from MenSCs was visible. CONCLUSION: The MenSCs are a real source to design differentiation to epidermal cells that can be used non-invasively in various dermatological lesions and diseases.

Spatial and temporal variability of fluoride concentrations in groundwater resources of Larestan and Gerash regions in Iran from 2003 to 2010.

There is discrepancy about intervals of fluoride monitoring in groundwater resources by Iranian authorities. Spatial and temporal variability of fluoride in groundwater resources of Larestan and Gerash regions in Iran were analyzed from 2003 to 2010 using a geospatial information system and the Mann-Kendall trend test. The mean concentrations of fluoride for the 8-year period in the eight cities and 31 villages were 1.6 and 2.0 mg/l, respectively; the maximum values were 2.4 and 3.8 mg/l, respectively. Spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variability of fluoride in overall groundwater resources were relatively constant over the years. However, results of the Mann-Kendall trend test revealed a monotonic trend in the time series of one city and 11 villages for the 8-year period. Specifically, one city and three villages showed positive significant Kendall's Tau values, suggesting an upward trend in fluoride concentrations over the 8-year period. In contrast, seven villages displayed negative significant Kendall's Tau values, arguing for a downward trend in fluoride concentrations over the years. From 2003 to 2010, approximately 52 % of the Larestan and Gerash areas have had fluoride concentrations above the maximum permissible Iranian drinking water standard fluoride level (1.4 mg/l), and about 116,000 people were exposed to such excess amounts. Therefore, our study supports for a close monitoring of fluoride concentrations from health authorities in monthly intervals, especially in villages and cities that showed positive trend in fluoride concentrations. Moreover, we recommend simultaneous implementation of cost-effective protective measures or interventions until a standard fluoride level is achieved.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis Delta Virus in HIV/HBV Co-Infected Patients in Shiraz, Iran, 2012.

Evidence has shown that liver disease caused by hepatitis viruses can be more aggressive and severe in HIV infected subjects. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HDV infection among HIV/HBV co-infected clients in Shiraz, southwest Iran. In this study, 178 patients co-infected with HBV and HIV individuals were enrolled. The diagnosis of HIV infection was documented based on serological assays. The demographic and complementary data were collected by a questionnaire. HBsAg and HDV Ab were detected by commercial quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also measured. The mean age of the participants was 37.4±7.4 years (range 22-63). 175 (98.4 %) patients were male and 3 (1.6 %) were female. Among 178 patients co-infected with HIV/HBV, 35 cases (19.7%, 95% CI: 14%-25%) were anti-HDV positive and 143 (80.3%) were negative for anti-HDV. HDV exposure in HIV/HBV co-infected patients was associated with blood transfusion (P=0.002, OR: 14.3) and prison history (P=0.01, OR: 2.31) but not with age, marital status, unsafe sex contact, and injection drug abuse. Our data showed a relatively high prevalence of HDV infection in HIV infected population in Shiraz, Iran. The high frequency of HDV Ab in patients with blood transfusion and prison history reveals that HDV transmission occurs more frequently in the parental route than sexual contacts; therefore, blood screening for HDV diagnosis in the high-risk group is recommended.

The geographical clusters of gastrointestinal tract cancer in fars province, southern iran.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tract cancer (GI.C) is one of the common cancers in world-wide. The incidence rate of it is different in various geographical regions. This study was performed to assess spatial clusters of the occurrence of GI.C in Fars Province. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the new cases were 4569 cases from 2001 to 2009. The crude incidence rates were standardized based on world population for both sexes. The spatial analysis was conducted using the geographical information systems. We used the local Indicators of spatial association measure, in order to identify local spatial clusters. RESULTS: From a total of the new cases, 62.8% cases were male. The most common GI.Cs were stomach and colorectal cancer in men and women respectively. The significant cluster patterns were discovered from 2002 to 2007. The common type of spatial clustering was a high-high cluster, that to indicate from North-west to South-east of Fars Province. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the geographical distribution of GI.C will provide opportunities for policymakers for applying preventive measures. Furthermore, it could be helpful for researchers for future epidemiological studies for investigation of etiological agents in regions with significant spatial clustering of high incidence of cancer.

The Spatial Distribution of Cancer Incidence in Fars Province: A GIS-Based Analysis of Cancer Registry Data.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major health problem in the developing countries. Variations of its incidence rate among geographical areas are due to various contributing factors. This study was performed to assess the spatial patterns of cancer incidence in the Fars Province, based on cancer registry data and to determine geographical clusters. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, the new cases of cancer were recorded from 2001 to 2009. Crude incidence rate was estimated based on age groups and sex in the counties of the Fars Province. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) per 100,000 was calculated in each year. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed in measuring the geographic patterns and clusters using geographic information system (GIS). Also, comparisons were made between ASRs in each county. RESULTS: A total of 28,411 new cases were diagnosed with cancer during 2001-2009 in the Fars Province, 55.5% of which were men. The average age was 61.6 ± 0.5 years. The highest ASR was observed in Shiraz, which is the largest county in Fars. The Moran's Index of cancer was significantly clustered in 2004, 2005, and 2006 in total, men, and women. The type of spatial clustering was high-high cluster, that to indicate from north-west to south-east of Fars Province. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the spatial distribution of cancer shows significant differences from year to year and between different areas. However, a clear spatial autocorrelation is observed, which can be of great interest and importance to researchers for future epidemiological studies, and to policymakers for applying preventive measures.

Antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic extracts of some selected medicinal plants from the northwest of Iran.

The effectiveness of antimalarial drugs is declining at an ever accelerating rate, with consequent increase in malaria-related morbidity and mortality. The newest antiplasmodial drug from plants is needed to overcome this problem. The aim of this study was to assess antimalarial activity of the ethanolic extracts of 10 different medicinal plants from eight families against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain. The selection of the hereby studied plants was based on the existing information on their local ethnobotanic history. Plants were dried, powdered, and macerated in a hydroalcoholic solution. Resulting extracts have been assessed for in vitro and in vivo antimalarial and brine shrimp toxicity activities. Of 10 plant species tested, four plants: Althea officinalis L. (Malvaceae), Myrtus communis Linn (Myrtaceae), Plantago major (Plantaginaceae), and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Papilionaceae) displayed promising antimalarial activity in vitro (50% inhibitory concentration values of 62.77, 42.18, 40.00, and 13.56 µg/mL, respectively) with no toxicity against brine shrimp larvae. The crude extracts of three active plants, G. glabra, M. communis, and A. officinalis, also significantly reduced parasitemia in vivo in female Swiss albino mice at a dose of 400 mg/kg compared to no treatment. Antiplasmodial activities of extracts of A. officinalis and M. communis are reported for the first time.

Data coverage of a cancer registry in southern Iran before and after implementation of a population-based reporting system: a 10-year trend study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer registries help to decrease the burden of cancers by collecting accurate and complete data. We aimed to measure the completeness of coverage of information recorded between 2000 and 2009 in a cancer registry program in Fars province, southern Iran. METHODS: The cancer registry program run by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was investigated in two periods: pathology-based data from 2000 to 2007 and population-based data from 2007 to 2009. Completeness of yearly coverage was measured as the number of reported cases of cancer in each year divided by estimated cases based on 107.3 new cases per 100 000 individuals. The percentage of complete data registration (patient's name, age, gender, address, phone number and father's name) and correct cancer encoding was calculated for each year and compared to the maximum acceptable error rate for each item. RESULTS: A total of 29 277 non-duplicate cancer records were studied. Completeness of coverage varied from 22.68% in 2000 to 118.7% in 2008. Deficiencies in patients' demographic data were highest for name in 2002 (0.09%), age in 2006 (2.36%), gender in 2001 (0.06%) and father's name in 2001 (52.5%). Incomplete address (99.7%) and missing phone number (100%) were most frequent in 2000, and deficiencies in encoding information were highest in 2008 (6.36%). CONCLUSIONS: The cancer registry program in Fars province (southern Iran) was considered satisfactory in terms of completeness of coverage and information about age. However, it was deficient in recording patients' phone number and address, and father's name. The error level for cancer encoding was unacceptably high. Enhancing hardware and software resources, education and motivation in all public and private sectors involved in the cancer registry program, and greater attention to epidemiological research are needed to increase the quality of the cancer registry program, including its completeness.

Sociocultural challenges of beta-thalassaemia major birth in carriers of beta-thalassaemia in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Despite premarital screening, prenatal diagnosis and the option for voluntary termination of pregnancy, some Iranian couples continue a pregnancy with a fetus affected with beta-thalassaemia major (ß-TM). We examined the reasons for this decision, to evaluate the sociocultural challenges these couples face. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of medical records of all fetuses aborted was conducted to identify those with ß-TM, to determine the frequency of ß-TM births and to establish the number of couples with ß-thalassaemia who declined prenatal diagnosis or a termination of pregnancy in this period. We investigated the reasons for declining these options. RESULTS: The birth prevalence of ß-TM decreased from 39.38 to 2.68 in 100,000 live births from 2005 to 2010. Terminations of pregnancy for affected fetuses increased from 67 in 2005 to 135 in 2010. We identified eight couples as ß-thalassaemia carriers who declined prenatal diagnosis or a termination of pregnancy. All but one couple already had a child with ß-TM. The reasons for declining prenatal diagnosis were strong religious beliefs, superstition and faith in a supernatural solution in six couples. Economic and cultural factors, and previous termination of pregnancy were also mentioned as reasons by the other two couples. CONCLUSION: Although most of the couples had a ß-TM child and related socioeconomic problems, their reasons for refusing prenatal diagnosis or termination remain a challenge for the healthcare system in Iran. Couple screening and educational programmes have effectively decreased the rates of refusal in at-risk couples in recent years.