Many years ago, I was literarily asked about the future of medicine and innovations in this field. Although medical predictions have come to reality in recent decades, the whole picture seems inevitable at least for upcoming years. Indeed, this issue apparently reminded me of the science-fiction genre. Predictions in this genre are usually overestimated. In general, modern medicine or orthodox medicine has been popular for the last few centuries. Traditional medicine was previously used for millenniums, which was later replaced by modern medicine. However, none of these medical knowledge treasures included perfect proficiencies for enhancing public health, decreasing the costs, and increasing patient relief. Therefore, medical bodies have concerns about establishing novel protocols in order to elevate current medical settings. Numerous ideas are available although they are mostly raw and need supporting activities to become applicable. On the other hand, the lack of sufficient resources such as funds, scientists, and training programs has slowed down the process. Personalized medicine (i.e., AKA personal medicine, precision medicine, stratified medicine, and P4) is considered as one of the most important novelties in medicine (1). Since the mid-90s and by marketing next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, significant steps have been taken in mapping the human genome. The huge body of data from such studies clarifies hidden gene functions that were previously unknown (2). Furthermore, other cell function fields such as transcriptome and metabolome help better understand cell metabolism. Recent developments in NGS (3rd and 4th generation sequencings) have decreased the total cost and the required time while increasing accuracy and efficiency. However, technical limitations such as relatively small numbers of sequencers and expert operators have faded its multiple advantages. Another great medical advancement by NGS belongs to microbiome studies. Microbiome (alternatively microbiota) includes a majority of human and animal body cells (3). In other words, this accounts for approximately 900% of somatic cells. Nowadays, various fundamental regularity roles in body organs are described for microbiota. Moreover, essential axes are demonstrated between body organs, associating to their microbiome contents and microbial metabolites. Some examples of these axes include gut-brain, gut-liver, and liver-brain axes. Given that the microbiome of every person is specific to that person, its analysis for different people (both healthies and patients) is necessary as is genome analysis. Additionally, other interdisciplinary sciences are essential for the successful use of analysis results. Microbiology, physiology epidemiology, and particularly bioinformatics can be listed among these sciences. Bioinformatics can help analyze and visualize raw data, thus the information is ready to be summarized by the physicians although this discipline is still developing. An
{"title":"Are Futuristic Scenarios for Medicine Realistic?","authors":"R. Mazaheri Nezhad Fard","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.21","url":null,"abstract":"Many years ago, I was literarily asked about the future of medicine and innovations in this field. Although medical predictions have come to reality in recent decades, the whole picture seems inevitable at least for upcoming years. Indeed, this issue apparently reminded me of the science-fiction genre. Predictions in this genre are usually overestimated. In general, modern medicine or orthodox medicine has been popular for the last few centuries. Traditional medicine was previously used for millenniums, which was later replaced by modern medicine. However, none of these medical knowledge treasures included perfect proficiencies for enhancing public health, decreasing the costs, and increasing patient relief. Therefore, medical bodies have concerns about establishing novel protocols in order to elevate current medical settings. Numerous ideas are available although they are mostly raw and need supporting activities to become applicable. On the other hand, the lack of sufficient resources such as funds, scientists, and training programs has slowed down the process. Personalized medicine (i.e., AKA personal medicine, precision medicine, stratified medicine, and P4) is considered as one of the most important novelties in medicine (1). Since the mid-90s and by marketing next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, significant steps have been taken in mapping the human genome. The huge body of data from such studies clarifies hidden gene functions that were previously unknown (2). Furthermore, other cell function fields such as transcriptome and metabolome help better understand cell metabolism. Recent developments in NGS (3rd and 4th generation sequencings) have decreased the total cost and the required time while increasing accuracy and efficiency. However, technical limitations such as relatively small numbers of sequencers and expert operators have faded its multiple advantages. Another great medical advancement by NGS belongs to microbiome studies. Microbiome (alternatively microbiota) includes a majority of human and animal body cells (3). In other words, this accounts for approximately 900% of somatic cells. Nowadays, various fundamental regularity roles in body organs are described for microbiota. Moreover, essential axes are demonstrated between body organs, associating to their microbiome contents and microbial metabolites. Some examples of these axes include gut-brain, gut-liver, and liver-brain axes. Given that the microbiome of every person is specific to that person, its analysis for different people (both healthies and patients) is necessary as is genome analysis. Additionally, other interdisciplinary sciences are essential for the successful use of analysis results. Microbiology, physiology epidemiology, and particularly bioinformatics can be listed among these sciences. Bioinformatics can help analyze and visualize raw data, thus the information is ready to be summarized by the physicians although this discipline is still developing. An","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"1 1","pages":"97-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73879349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Hussein, Shahram A Mirkhan, Ali A. Ramadhan, Ramdhan S Issa, I. Naqid, Bawer Yassin, Sollen S Hasso, Reving S Salih, S. Mahmood
Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcer diseases and gastric adenocarcinoma. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of tetracycline quadruple therapy versus levofloxacin-based regimen (LBR) for the eradication of H. pylori. Methods: To this end, 197 subjects with H. pylori infection were recruited in this randomized clinical study in Kurdistan region, Iraq between October 2018 and May 2019 and randomly divided into 2 groups. The LBR group received levofloxacin 500 mg one time per day, amoxicillin 1000 mg two times per day, and omeprazole 20 mg two times per day for two weeks. In addition, the tetracycline-metronidazole-bismuth (TMB) group received bismuth subcitrate 140 mg, metronidazole 125 mg, and tetracycline 125 mg plus omeprazole 20 mg twice per day for 10 days. Finally, 28 days after the completion of the treatment course, the eradication of H. pylori was evaluated by the 14C urease breath test. Results: The total eradication rate of H. pylori infection was 149/197 (75.6%). Although the success eradication rate in the LBR regimen was 70/112 (62.5%), the eradication success rate was 79/85 (92.9%) in the TMB regimen (P = 0.001, odds ratio = 7.9, confidence interval = 3.17-19.7). Finally, gender and age represented on the effect of the eradication rate. Conclusions: In general, the bismuth-based regimen could eradicate a high rate of H. pylori infection. Therefore, this regimen can be used to overcome treatment failure in areas with a high prevalence of antibiotics resistance.
背景:幽门螺杆菌感染与消化性溃疡疾病和胃腺癌有关。因此,本研究的目的是评估四环素四联疗法与以左氧氟沙星为基础的方案(LBR)根除幽门螺杆菌的效率。方法:本研究于2018年10月至2019年5月在伊拉克库尔德斯坦地区招募了197名幽门螺旋杆菌感染的随机临床研究对象,随机分为2组。LBR组给予左氧氟沙星500 mg / d 1次,阿莫西林1000 mg / d 2次,奥美拉唑20 mg / d 2次,疗程2周。另外,四环素-甲硝唑-铋(TMB)组给予亚柠檬酸铋140 mg、甲硝唑125 mg、四环素125 mg加奥美拉唑20 mg,每日2次,连用10天。最后,疗程结束后28天,通过14C脲酶呼气试验评估幽门螺杆菌的根除情况。结果:幽门螺杆菌感染总根除率为149/197(75.6%)。LBR方案根除成功率为70/112 (62.5%),TMB方案根除成功率为79/85 (92.9%)(P = 0.001,优势比= 7.9,可信区间= 3.17 ~ 19.7)。最后,性别和年龄对根除率的影响。结论:总的来说,以铋为基础的方案可以根除幽门螺杆菌感染的高发率。因此,该方案可用于克服抗生素耐药性高发地区的治疗失败。
{"title":"Levofloxacin-Based Regimen Versus Bismuth Quadruple Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Kurdistan Region, Iraq","authors":"N. Hussein, Shahram A Mirkhan, Ali A. Ramadhan, Ramdhan S Issa, I. Naqid, Bawer Yassin, Sollen S Hasso, Reving S Salih, S. Mahmood","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcer diseases and gastric adenocarcinoma. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of tetracycline quadruple therapy versus levofloxacin-based regimen (LBR) for the eradication of H. pylori. Methods: To this end, 197 subjects with H. pylori infection were recruited in this randomized clinical study in Kurdistan region, Iraq between October 2018 and May 2019 and randomly divided into 2 groups. The LBR group received levofloxacin 500 mg one time per day, amoxicillin 1000 mg two times per day, and omeprazole 20 mg two times per day for two weeks. In addition, the tetracycline-metronidazole-bismuth (TMB) group received bismuth subcitrate 140 mg, metronidazole 125 mg, and tetracycline 125 mg plus omeprazole 20 mg twice per day for 10 days. Finally, 28 days after the completion of the treatment course, the eradication of H. pylori was evaluated by the 14C urease breath test. Results: The total eradication rate of H. pylori infection was 149/197 (75.6%). Although the success eradication rate in the LBR regimen was 70/112 (62.5%), the eradication success rate was 79/85 (92.9%) in the TMB regimen (P = 0.001, odds ratio = 7.9, confidence interval = 3.17-19.7). Finally, gender and age represented on the effect of the eradication rate. Conclusions: In general, the bismuth-based regimen could eradicate a high rate of H. pylori infection. Therefore, this regimen can be used to overcome treatment failure in areas with a high prevalence of antibiotics resistance.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"359 1","pages":"81-84"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86802104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Peptidoglycan (Murein), which consists of disaccharide and amino acid chain subunits, has a key role in bacterial survival and ranks first in the line defense system against drug therapy. In addition, the transpeptidase enzyme plays an important role in cross-linking in bacterial cell walls. In Escherichia coli bacteria, cross-linking happens by proteins that have a D-D transpeptidase role and bond two amino acids of D-alanine together. These proteins are characterized by their affinity for and binding of penicillin thus they are called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). It should be noted that this bonding formation is prevented by the beta-lactam family as they have a similar structure to the above-mentioned proteins. The product of the idtD gene by characteristics such as L-D transpeptidase can catalyze the peptidoglycan structure in the bacterial cell wall in the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Methods: In this study, around 426 interactions were identified between genes and approximately 20 genes with a key role in the process of bacterial cell wall synthesis by the reconstruction of 44 genes involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis. Results: The idtD gene locus at the reconstructed network clearly shows that its catalytic activity is the side activity, and there won’t be a lag or disturbance in the procedure cell wall synthesis by removing it from the cycle. However, this side process causes the strengthening of the bacterial cell wall synthesis process against disorders arising by the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Conclusions: These five genes in E. coli that furnish L-D transpeptidase properties include IdtA, IdtC, IdtD, IdtE, and mrdA out of which, IdtD is the most important gene in this process.
{"title":"Re-construction of Co-expression Network of Genes Involved in Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis and Their Role in Penicillin Resistance","authors":"Y. Shiri, Amir Khodavirdipour, Nooshin Kalkali","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.15","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Peptidoglycan (Murein), which consists of disaccharide and amino acid chain subunits, has a key role in bacterial survival and ranks first in the line defense system against drug therapy. In addition, the transpeptidase enzyme plays an important role in cross-linking in bacterial cell walls. In Escherichia coli bacteria, cross-linking happens by proteins that have a D-D transpeptidase role and bond two amino acids of D-alanine together. These proteins are characterized by their affinity for and binding of penicillin thus they are called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). It should be noted that this bonding formation is prevented by the beta-lactam family as they have a similar structure to the above-mentioned proteins. The product of the idtD gene by characteristics such as L-D transpeptidase can catalyze the peptidoglycan structure in the bacterial cell wall in the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Methods: In this study, around 426 interactions were identified between genes and approximately 20 genes with a key role in the process of bacterial cell wall synthesis by the reconstruction of 44 genes involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis. Results: The idtD gene locus at the reconstructed network clearly shows that its catalytic activity is the side activity, and there won’t be a lag or disturbance in the procedure cell wall synthesis by removing it from the cycle. However, this side process causes the strengthening of the bacterial cell wall synthesis process against disorders arising by the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Conclusions: These five genes in E. coli that furnish L-D transpeptidase properties include IdtA, IdtC, IdtD, IdtE, and mrdA out of which, IdtD is the most important gene in this process.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"62 1","pages":"65-71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75122656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aysan Karamghoshchi, A. Ahmadi, M. Arjomandzadegan, M. Akbari, Elahe Ghorbani Marghmaleki
Background: Arcobacter is one of the most common bacteria in humans and livestock, leading to gastroenteritis in humans as well as genital and enteric diseases in animals. This bacterium is known to be the main cause of diarrhea. In molecular studies, the 16SrRNA gene was primarily used as the standard gene for the determination of the Arcobacter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular detection of Arcobacter using glyA, atpA, and gyrA genes compared to16SrRNA. Methods: In this study, 61 samples of Arcobacter DNA isolated from fecal specimens of patients and healthy individuals in the sample bank were used. In order to detect Arcobacter, the intended primers for 16SrRNA as well as glyA, atpA, and gyrA genes were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products obtained from the PCR were sequenced. Results: The results of the proliferation reactions indicated the accuracy of the intended primers and the associated molecular experiments. Our results showed that 65.57% of the cases were detected to be positive for Arcobacter among 61 samples using the glyA gene. This percentage was higher compared to 16SrRNA (42.62%), gyrA (42.62%), and atpA (24.59%). The analysis was statistically significant. Conclusions: Given the presence of repetitive sequences in the 16SrRNA in most bacteria, the interpretation of the results is likely to be difficult for researchers. The results of this study showed more sensitivity and accurate diagnosis of Arcobacter using the glyA gene than other studied genes. In diagnostic studies of Arcobacter, the glyA gene is proposed as an alternative to the 16SrRNA.
{"title":"Molecular Detection of Arcobacter in Human Stool Samples Using Housekeeping Genes","authors":"Aysan Karamghoshchi, A. Ahmadi, M. Arjomandzadegan, M. Akbari, Elahe Ghorbani Marghmaleki","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.17","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Arcobacter is one of the most common bacteria in humans and livestock, leading to gastroenteritis in humans as well as genital and enteric diseases in animals. This bacterium is known to be the main cause of diarrhea. In molecular studies, the 16SrRNA gene was primarily used as the standard gene for the determination of the Arcobacter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular detection of Arcobacter using glyA, atpA, and gyrA genes compared to16SrRNA. Methods: In this study, 61 samples of Arcobacter DNA isolated from fecal specimens of patients and healthy individuals in the sample bank were used. In order to detect Arcobacter, the intended primers for 16SrRNA as well as glyA, atpA, and gyrA genes were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products obtained from the PCR were sequenced. Results: The results of the proliferation reactions indicated the accuracy of the intended primers and the associated molecular experiments. Our results showed that 65.57% of the cases were detected to be positive for Arcobacter among 61 samples using the glyA gene. This percentage was higher compared to 16SrRNA (42.62%), gyrA (42.62%), and atpA (24.59%). The analysis was statistically significant. Conclusions: Given the presence of repetitive sequences in the 16SrRNA in most bacteria, the interpretation of the results is likely to be difficult for researchers. The results of this study showed more sensitivity and accurate diagnosis of Arcobacter using the glyA gene than other studied genes. In diagnostic studies of Arcobacter, the glyA gene is proposed as an alternative to the 16SrRNA.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"53 1","pages":"75-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88394590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sima Kazemi, Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee, A. Soltanian, M. Mazdeh, M. Taheri, M. Alikhani
Background: Chlamydia pneumonia has currently been proposed to be involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of anti-C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin G (IgG) in patients with MS compared to the control group, which may be helpful in further understanding of MS etiology. Methods: The serum was obtained from 66 people with MS and 20 healthy people as patient and control groups, respectively. Serums were matched to the patient’s age, gender, and place of residence. Finally, anti-C. pneumoniae IgG was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Sixty-six patients (25 men and 41 women within the age range of 17-56 years and mean±SD of 35.53±9.56) with MS and 20 control subjects (8 men and 12 women with the age range of 25-56 and mean±SD of 38.3±9.66) were enrolled in this study. The mean serum anti-C. pneumoniae IgG of patients with MS (28.82±33.54 RU/mL) was compared with that of the control group (4.075±6.691 RU/mL) and a statistically significant difference was observed in this regard (P<0.001). Conclusions: In general, there was a significant relationship between the incidence of MS and the C. pneumoniae infection. However, the actual involvement of C. pneumoniae in MS is still a matter of debate and needs to be clarified in further studies (e.g., by creating animal models and conducting trial tests).
{"title":"Investigation of Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study","authors":"Sima Kazemi, Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee, A. Soltanian, M. Mazdeh, M. Taheri, M. Alikhani","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.08","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Chlamydia pneumonia has currently been proposed to be involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of anti-C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin G (IgG) in patients with MS compared to the control group, which may be helpful in further understanding of MS etiology. Methods: The serum was obtained from 66 people with MS and 20 healthy people as patient and control groups, respectively. Serums were matched to the patient’s age, gender, and place of residence. Finally, anti-C. pneumoniae IgG was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Sixty-six patients (25 men and 41 women within the age range of 17-56 years and mean±SD of 35.53±9.56) with MS and 20 control subjects (8 men and 12 women with the age range of 25-56 and mean±SD of 38.3±9.66) were enrolled in this study. The mean serum anti-C. pneumoniae IgG of patients with MS (28.82±33.54 RU/mL) was compared with that of the control group (4.075±6.691 RU/mL) and a statistically significant difference was observed in this regard (P<0.001). Conclusions: In general, there was a significant relationship between the incidence of MS and the C. pneumoniae infection. However, the actual involvement of C. pneumoniae in MS is still a matter of debate and needs to be clarified in further studies (e.g., by creating animal models and conducting trial tests).","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"74 1","pages":"36-39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73550829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Forogh Ebrahimizadeh, Gholamreza Shookohi, Fatemeh Sahranavard, A. Abolghazi
Background: Malaria is one of the fatal parasitic diseases caused by a species of Plasmodium parasite. The disease is found worldwide, and Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi are the common causes among which P. vivax and P. falciparum are numerous general malaria-causing species in the world. Therefore, the present research aimed at determining the extent of these cases over the past few years in one of the southern regions of Larestan, located in Fars province, Iran. Methods: The population of the study included people referring to health centers between 2008 and 2018 whose data were recorded in the health centers of Larestan county. Data collection and evaluation were performed through patient files and recorded information. Results: The entire number of recorded malaria cases from 2008 to 2018 was 156, from which 140 (89.8%) and five (2.3%) cases were related to P. vivax and P. falciparum, and 11 mixed cases (7%) were reported as well. Conclusions: Over the years, malaria eradication has been a significant problem for countries. Therefore, it is important to find out the intervening factors such as relapse and imported malaria. Hence, considering the reduced imported malaria is required for eradicating this disease.
{"title":"The Considerable Cases of Imported Malaria in Larestan in the South of Iran During 2008-2018","authors":"Forogh Ebrahimizadeh, Gholamreza Shookohi, Fatemeh Sahranavard, A. Abolghazi","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.12","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Malaria is one of the fatal parasitic diseases caused by a species of Plasmodium parasite. The disease is found worldwide, and Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi are the common causes among which P. vivax and P. falciparum are numerous general malaria-causing species in the world. Therefore, the present research aimed at determining the extent of these cases over the past few years in one of the southern regions of Larestan, located in Fars province, Iran. Methods: The population of the study included people referring to health centers between 2008 and 2018 whose data were recorded in the health centers of Larestan county. Data collection and evaluation were performed through patient files and recorded information. Results: The entire number of recorded malaria cases from 2008 to 2018 was 156, from which 140 (89.8%) and five (2.3%) cases were related to P. vivax and P. falciparum, and 11 mixed cases (7%) were reported as well. Conclusions: Over the years, malaria eradication has been a significant problem for countries. Therefore, it is important to find out the intervening factors such as relapse and imported malaria. Hence, considering the reduced imported malaria is required for eradicating this disease.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"27 1","pages":"56-59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81879105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Gharekhani, E. Barati, Ehsan Abbasi Doulatshahi, M. Talaei, M. Rasouli
Background: Domestic animals play a significant role in the distribution of Brucella infection to humans. Particularly, horses have a high impact on the transmission of zoonoses due to long life and multi-function. This project was conducted in Hamedan Veterinary Office for the primary assessment of Brucella infection in horses in Hamedan province using the serology technique. Methods: Between April 2019 and January 2019, a total of 495 horse blood samples was collected from different equestrian clubs of Hamedan province. The animals were of different breeds without the clinical signs of disease. The samples were evaluated for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT). Results: All animals were negative for Brucella antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of Brucella infection in horses from an intensive system in Iran. The prevalence of brucellosis in horses was low and it had no significant impact on the transmission of infection to humans. Conclusions: Regular screening programs, along with the quarantine and elimination of animal transfer are essential for controlling the disease.
{"title":"Brucella Infection in Horses From Hamedan Province, Iran","authors":"J. Gharekhani, E. Barati, Ehsan Abbasi Doulatshahi, M. Talaei, M. Rasouli","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.13","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Domestic animals play a significant role in the distribution of Brucella infection to humans. Particularly, horses have a high impact on the transmission of zoonoses due to long life and multi-function. This project was conducted in Hamedan Veterinary Office for the primary assessment of Brucella infection in horses in Hamedan province using the serology technique. Methods: Between April 2019 and January 2019, a total of 495 horse blood samples was collected from different equestrian clubs of Hamedan province. The animals were of different breeds without the clinical signs of disease. The samples were evaluated for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT). Results: All animals were negative for Brucella antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of Brucella infection in horses from an intensive system in Iran. The prevalence of brucellosis in horses was low and it had no significant impact on the transmission of infection to humans. Conclusions: Regular screening programs, along with the quarantine and elimination of animal transfer are essential for controlling the disease.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"21 1","pages":"60-62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82602062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vahid Mohammadkarimi, Amir Anushiravani, S. Adibi, Behnam Dalfardi
Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI) is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity among hemodialysis patients. Thus, documenting its prevalence and risk factors in each center will help control them and improve patients’ prognosis. Methods: This one-year cross-sectional study was performed in the educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Patients were selected using the census method. The included cases aged more than 18 years and had hemodialysis using a double lumen catheter. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS analytical software. Results: In general, 345 patients with a mean age of 57.90±16.59 were included (192 men and 153 women) in this study. In addition, 138 (40%) patients had the elementary education and 127 (36.8%) study participants were housekeepers. Further, the subclavian vein was the most used site for the catheter (228 cases, 66.10%). Further, 187 (54.20%) cases had CRBI of whom, 181 patients had a previous history of CRBI. Furthermore, fever and chills at the time of hemodialysis were the most prevalent manifestations. Eventually, patients’ age, job, level of education, location of the catheter, previous history of CRBI, hand washing (patient and health-care personnel), use of gloves (health-care personnel), oral administration of antibiotics, use of topical antibiotic ointment, and the pattern of dressing change had a significant impact on the risk of CRBI (P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of CRBI is still high. Accordingly, it is needed that interventions be conducted to reduce modifiable risk factors for this issue and prevent hemodialysis patients’ morbidity and mortality.
{"title":"Catheter Infection Among Hemodialysis Patients: A Report From Fars Province, Iran","authors":"Vahid Mohammadkarimi, Amir Anushiravani, S. Adibi, Behnam Dalfardi","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.10","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI) is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity among hemodialysis patients. Thus, documenting its prevalence and risk factors in each center will help control them and improve patients’ prognosis. Methods: This one-year cross-sectional study was performed in the educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Patients were selected using the census method. The included cases aged more than 18 years and had hemodialysis using a double lumen catheter. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS analytical software. Results: In general, 345 patients with a mean age of 57.90±16.59 were included (192 men and 153 women) in this study. In addition, 138 (40%) patients had the elementary education and 127 (36.8%) study participants were housekeepers. Further, the subclavian vein was the most used site for the catheter (228 cases, 66.10%). Further, 187 (54.20%) cases had CRBI of whom, 181 patients had a previous history of CRBI. Furthermore, fever and chills at the time of hemodialysis were the most prevalent manifestations. Eventually, patients’ age, job, level of education, location of the catheter, previous history of CRBI, hand washing (patient and health-care personnel), use of gloves (health-care personnel), oral administration of antibiotics, use of topical antibiotic ointment, and the pattern of dressing change had a significant impact on the risk of CRBI (P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of CRBI is still high. Accordingly, it is needed that interventions be conducted to reduce modifiable risk factors for this issue and prevent hemodialysis patients’ morbidity and mortality.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"9 1","pages":"45-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87031645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
public health problem which affects approximately 400 million people worldwide (1). Antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) appear after clearance of HBsAg or after immunization. The presence of HBsAg for longer than 6 months is defined as chronic HBV infection (2). On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency is associated with several adverse health outcomes; it plays an emerging role in regulating inflammation, as well as an important role in immunomodulation (3). Although there have been many reports on the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and chronic liver diseases, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency in patients with HBV infection and the immune response is still unclear. The modification of vitamin D deficiency needs an accurate illustration of the current position in each region. Recent studies have revealed the functions of vitamin D in addition to those in bone metabolism. It has been demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases (4,5). Chen et al demonstrated that maintenance of a vitamin D serum concentration of 38 ng/mL or higher could considerably reduce the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections (6). Chronicity of hepatitis B infection is also influenced by mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene, with polymorphisms being associated with higher viral load and increased disease progression and severity (7). Vitamin D is linked not only to liver fibrosis but also to liver cirrhosis. Moreover, a significant correlation exists between polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis; this association is even more prominent in alcoholic patients (8). Vitamin D is known to suppress proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, it is believed that vitamin D deficiency may be related to the development of increased viral replication. The action of vitamin D against infections earned the Noble Prize for Dr. Ryberg Finsen in 1903 (9). We now know that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in the rate and poor prognosis of infectious diseases and the absence of response to treatment of viral hepatitis with more chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (10). We also know that vitamin D status is related to the persistence of HBsAb. Luong and Nguyen in 2012 (2) were the first researchers who suggested the effective function of vitamin D in patients with HBV. In the next year, Demir et al measured the levels of vitamin D in three groups as chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, naturally immunized people, and control subjects in their study. Demir et al concluded that CHB patients had lower vitamin D levels compared to two other groups (3). Generally, most studies have suggested lower serum 25-OH vitamin D3 levels among chronically infected patients with close and negative association. Furthermore, lower vitamin D levels in negative HBsAg compared with positive HBsAg patients we
{"title":"Does Vitamin D Level Influence Surface Antibodies in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients?","authors":"M. Ziaee, Freshteh Osmani","doi":"10.34172/ajcmi.2020.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ajcmi.2020.14","url":null,"abstract":"public health problem which affects approximately 400 million people worldwide (1). Antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) appear after clearance of HBsAg or after immunization. The presence of HBsAg for longer than 6 months is defined as chronic HBV infection (2). On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency is associated with several adverse health outcomes; it plays an emerging role in regulating inflammation, as well as an important role in immunomodulation (3). Although there have been many reports on the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and chronic liver diseases, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency in patients with HBV infection and the immune response is still unclear. The modification of vitamin D deficiency needs an accurate illustration of the current position in each region. Recent studies have revealed the functions of vitamin D in addition to those in bone metabolism. It has been demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases (4,5). Chen et al demonstrated that maintenance of a vitamin D serum concentration of 38 ng/mL or higher could considerably reduce the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections (6). Chronicity of hepatitis B infection is also influenced by mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene, with polymorphisms being associated with higher viral load and increased disease progression and severity (7). Vitamin D is linked not only to liver fibrosis but also to liver cirrhosis. Moreover, a significant correlation exists between polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis; this association is even more prominent in alcoholic patients (8). Vitamin D is known to suppress proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, it is believed that vitamin D deficiency may be related to the development of increased viral replication. The action of vitamin D against infections earned the Noble Prize for Dr. Ryberg Finsen in 1903 (9). We now know that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in the rate and poor prognosis of infectious diseases and the absence of response to treatment of viral hepatitis with more chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (10). We also know that vitamin D status is related to the persistence of HBsAb. Luong and Nguyen in 2012 (2) were the first researchers who suggested the effective function of vitamin D in patients with HBV. In the next year, Demir et al measured the levels of vitamin D in three groups as chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, naturally immunized people, and control subjects in their study. Demir et al concluded that CHB patients had lower vitamin D levels compared to two other groups (3). Generally, most studies have suggested lower serum 25-OH vitamin D3 levels among chronically infected patients with close and negative association. Furthermore, lower vitamin D levels in negative HBsAg compared with positive HBsAg patients we","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"74 1","pages":"63-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86102553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Bovine theileriosis is an important disease in Iran and throughout the world with economic losses in Iranian cattle husbandry. The aim of the current study was to determine prevalence and geographic distribution of Theileria annulata infection in cattle and ixodid ticks species diversity in Kurdistan Province, West of Iran. Methods: A total number of 193 blood samples were randomly taken from jugular vein. Ixodid ticks were also collected from body surface of examined cattle in three sub-areas of the region, i.e. north, center and south. The genomic DNA was extracted and PCR was performed to amplify a 721-bp-long fragment of the 30 Kilo Dalton major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata. Results: The overall prevalence was 50.2% (97/193) with lymphadenopathy (54.4%) and petechia in mucosal membrane (95%) of cross-breed cattle (24.9%) aged <3 year in north part of the region (82%). Of all cattle infected with T. annulata, 9.3% (18/193) were infested with a total of 147 unfed ixodid ticks. The ixodid ticks indices was 8.17. Eight species of ixodid ticks of two genus, i.e. Hyalomma (52.9%) and Rhipicephalus (23.3%) were identified. The predominant infesting tick in all examined cattle was R. sanguineus (12%, 23/193) in south area of the region. Conclusions: The results revealed that T. annulata infection was prevalent and ixodid ticks abundance, geographic distribution and the variety of species were wide in this part of Iran.
背景:牛肠杆菌病是伊朗和世界范围内的一种重要疾病,对伊朗畜牧业造成经济损失。本研究的目的是确定伊朗西部库尔德斯坦省牛中环纹伊勒菌感染的流行率和地理分布以及伊蚊蜱的物种多样性。方法:随机抽取颈静脉血样193份。在该地区北部、中部和南部3个分区检测牛体表均采集到伊蚊蜱。提取基因组DNA,进行PCR扩增,扩增出30 Kilo Dalton主要裂殖子表面抗原721 bp长的片段。结果:北部地区3岁以下的杂交牛(24.9%)总体患病率为50.2%(97/193),其中淋巴结病(54.4%)和粘膜斑点(95%)占比最高(82%)。感染环纹蜱的牛中,9.3%(18/193)被147只未喂食的蜱虫感染。蜱类指数为8.17。共检出透明蜱(52.9%)和鼻头蜱(23.3%)2属8种;在南部地区,所有被检牛的主要害蜱为血蜱(12%,23/193)。结论:伊朗该地区环纹蜱流行,蜱类数量多,地理分布广,种类多样。
{"title":"Molecular Evidence on Theileria annulata Infection and Ixodid Ticks Infestation in the Cattle of Kurdistan Province, West of Iran","authors":"S. Afrasiabian, M. Yakhchali","doi":"10.34172/AJCMI.2020.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/AJCMI.2020.11","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Bovine theileriosis is an important disease in Iran and throughout the world with economic losses in Iranian cattle husbandry. The aim of the current study was to determine prevalence and geographic distribution of Theileria annulata infection in cattle and ixodid ticks species diversity in Kurdistan Province, West of Iran. Methods: A total number of 193 blood samples were randomly taken from jugular vein. Ixodid ticks were also collected from body surface of examined cattle in three sub-areas of the region, i.e. north, center and south. The genomic DNA was extracted and PCR was performed to amplify a 721-bp-long fragment of the 30 Kilo Dalton major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata. Results: The overall prevalence was 50.2% (97/193) with lymphadenopathy (54.4%) and petechia in mucosal membrane (95%) of cross-breed cattle (24.9%) aged <3 year in north part of the region (82%). Of all cattle infected with T. annulata, 9.3% (18/193) were infested with a total of 147 unfed ixodid ticks. The ixodid ticks indices was 8.17. Eight species of ixodid ticks of two genus, i.e. Hyalomma (52.9%) and Rhipicephalus (23.3%) were identified. The predominant infesting tick in all examined cattle was R. sanguineus (12%, 23/193) in south area of the region. Conclusions: The results revealed that T. annulata infection was prevalent and ixodid ticks abundance, geographic distribution and the variety of species were wide in this part of Iran.","PeriodicalId":8689,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection","volume":"54 1","pages":"50-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85181265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}