Seroprevalence of Human Fascioliasis in Meshkin-Shahr District,Ardabil Province,Northwestern Iran in 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to conduct a seroprevalence survey in Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province, north western Iran to detect the rate of human fascioliasis in the city and nearby villages. Literature shows that no such study has been conducted so far.

Methods

Overall, 458 serum samples were collected by randomized cluster sampling method from 153 males and 305 females referred to different health centers of the region after recalling by staff in those centers in 2012. All cases filled out a questionnaire and an informed consent. Sera were analyzed using indirect-ELISA test. Ten μg /ml antigens (Liver Fluke Homogenate), serum dilutions of 1:500 and conjugate anti-human coombs with 1:10000 dilutions were utilized to perform the test. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software ver. 18.

Results

Nine cases (1.96%) were positive for fascioliasis by ELISA test. The seroprevalence of fascioliasis among females was 1.63% and 2.6% in males. There was no significant difference as regards age groups, sex, job, residency, literacy and consuming row vegetable. According to job, unemployment subjects had the highest rate of infection as 5.9%. The seroprevalence of infection was 1.52% in illiterate people. As for residency, urban life showed no significant difference with rural life (2.4% vs 1.42). Age group of 40-49 yr old, with 3.3% seropositivity had the highest rate.

Conclusion

Obtained seroprevalence of fascioliasis shows immediate attention of health authorities to the diseases in the area. The adjacent of Ardabil Province to endemic areas of fasciolosis accentuates this attention.     

Seroepidemiological Survey of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ilam Province,West of Iran In 2013

Background:

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as one of the most important human parasitic disease is endemic in some parts of Iran. Several cases of VL have been reported recently in the Ilam Province. The current study aimed to assess the present status of human VL in the region.

Methods:

A random cluster sampling method was used to collect 456 serums samples from the children up to 12 years of age and 10% of adults living in urban and rural areas of the province. All the collected serum samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect anti- Leishmania infantum antibodies.

Results:

Of the examined 456 serum samples with direct agglutination test (DAT), only 21 (0.43%) sera showed anti- Leishmania antibodies at titers 1:400 and higher. Distribution of anti- Leishmania antibodies titers were: 1:400(n=4), 1:800(n=11), 1:1600(n=3), 1:3200(n=1), and 1:6400(n=1). Individuals with titers ≥1:3200 showed clinical signs and symptoms such as fever and splenomegaly. The highest and lowest seropositivity were observed in the age groups of 5–9 and >15 years old, respectively. There were no significant difference between the rate of seropositivity in males and females.

Conclusion:

VL with a low prevalence circulates in some parts of Ilam province, particularly in the southern parts. Complementary studies should be needed to find animal reservoir hosts and vectors. Furthermore, health systems and physicians should pay particular attention to the disease.     

Seroprevalence of Human Hydatidosis Using ELISA Method in Qom Province,Central Iran

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Qom Province, central Iran using ELISA test.

Methods

Overall, 1564 serum samples (800 males and 764 females) were collected from selected subjects by randomized cluster sampling in 2011-2012. Sera were analyzed by ELISA test using AgB. Before sampling, a questionnaire was filled out for each case. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression for risk factors analysis.

Results

Seropositivity was 1.6% (25 cases). Males (2.2%) showed significantly more positivity than females (0.9%) (P= 0.03). There was no significant association between CE seropositivity and age group, occupation, and region. Age group of 30-60 years encompassed the highest rate of positivity. The seropositivity of CE was 2.1% and 1.2% for urban and rural cases respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that males were 2.5 times at higher risk for infection than females.

Conclusion

Although seroprevalence of CE is relatively low in Qom Province, yet due to the importance of the disease, all preventive measures should be taken into consideration.     

Seroprevalence of Human Fasciolosis in a New-Emerging Focus of Fasciolosis in Yasuj District,Southwest of Iran

Background

Fasciolosis is an important health and veterinary problem in Iran. The epidemiological pattern of disease has been changed markedly in recent years and there are regions that have potent capacity to be new focus of the disease. One of these areas is Yasuj district in southwest of Iran where animal fasciolosis has been quite common. The current study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human fasciolosis in this area and to reveal the epidemiological factors associated with the spreading of the disease in this region.

Methods

One thousand blood samples were randomly collected from five villages in Yasuj district. ELISA, using Fasciola somatic antigen (SA), was carried out to detect anti Fasciola antibodies in the collected sera.

Results

Anti-Fasciola antibodies were detected in serum of 18(1.86%) individuals by ELISA. Out of 18 seropositive people, 9 (0.9) were female and 9 (0.9%) were male. Most of people (99.8%) had a history of consuming wild freshwater plants mainly Nasturtium microphyllum (local name Bakaloo) and/or Mentha logifolia (local name Pooneh). No significant correlation was found between seropositivity to fasciolosis and sex, age, history of consumption of green leafy aquatic plants whereas correlation between seropositivity and abdominal pain was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Results of this study showed that the seroprevalence rate of human fasciolosis in Yasuj district is relatively high and this area can be considered as a new emerging focus of the disease in Iran.     

快速ELISA诊断包虫病试验研究

为探索缩短酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）的试验时间，研究了快速ELISA试验方法。结果显示快速ELISA和常规ELISA在灵敏度和特异性方面未发现差别；快速ELISA试验结果变异系数（CV）为3．28％－7．69％；待测血清和酶联二抗体孵育温度和时间以37℃和5′为宜；快速ELISA方法需要时间30min，可做为实验室和现场流行病学调查检测筛选方法。     

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kerman,Southeast of Iran: A Seroepidemiological,Histopathological and Molecular Study

Background

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a systemic disease with a high mortality rate, caused by a diphasic protozoan parasite, Leishmania infantum/chagasi in the world. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of CVL in the city and suburbs of Kerman, using a range of serological, histopathological and molecular methods.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 80 clinically symptomatic stray dogs All the collected blood samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect the anti-Leishmania antibodies in dogs, using a cut-off value of ≥1:320. Pathological specimens including spleen, liver and lymph nodes were prepared for paraffin blocks, sectioning, staining and final microscopic examination in the pathology laboratory. PCR amplification of kDNA from 9 samples of DAT positive stray dogs was studied.

Results

The anti-Leishmania antibody was detected in 9 dogs (11.25 %) of the total 80 studied dogs. No significant difference was found between VL infection and gender. In contrast, there was a significant difference between seropositivity and age (P<0.05). Pathological samples showed changes including hyperplasia of infected macrophages and inflammatory cells that occupied sinusoids and splenic cords. Among the samples which was characterized by PCR, only one specimen revealed to be mixed infection between L. infantum and L. tropica.

Conclusion

The results revealed a high prevalence of L. infantum infection in stray dogs in Kerman. This kind of information is needed for implementation of future control programs.     

Echinococcosis/Hydatidosis in Ilam Province,Western Iran

Background

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease of global prevalence. It causes considerable health problems and economic losses throughout the world, including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of echinococcosis/hydatidosis in the province of Ilam (western Iran).

Methods

From April to September 2011, 65 stray dogs were collected from urban and rural areas of Ilam City. Parasites were isolated from the dogs and stained with carmine. A taxonomic study was carried out by measuring different parts of helminths. Meat inspection documents from slaughterhouses in Ilam were used to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis during a 3-year period in sheep, cattle, and goats. ELISA test was used to detect the presence of antibodies to hydatidosis in human sera. Clinical records from 2000 to 2010 of either treated or diagnosed patients from public hospitals of this province were reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs was 9%. A total of 81,726 animals were assessed for hydatidosis; 2.94% (2403 cases) had liver hydatidosis and 2.34% (1918 cases) had lung hydatidosis. Within a 10-year period, 140 patients (91 females and 49 males) were treated for hydatidosis. Of 1200 human sera, 2.25% (27 patients) were seropositive for hydatidosis.

Conclusion

Hydatidosis is endemic in Ilam Province especially in rural area. The health and economic losses caused by the disease are significant; thus, our efforts need to be focused on the control of this disease.     

Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kermanshah Province,Western Iran,During 2011-2012

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a parasitic disease caused by the species of Leishmania donovani complex. It is endemic in some parts of provinces of Iran. According to the reported cases of VL in Kermanshah Province in recent years, this study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of VL in high risk villages of the province.

Methods

Totally, 1622 serum samples obtained from children under 15 years old and 178 from adults in 22 villages of studied areas. Serum samples were examined by direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software ver.11.5.

Results

Only 6 serum samples (0.33%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies against L.infantum at titers ≥ 1/3200. Four of the seropositive cases had a history of kala-azar and Leishman bodies were seen in their bone marrows. The highest (0.5%) and lowest (0.29%) seroprevalence was seen in the age groups of 5-9 and 10-14 years old, respectively. None of the adults were seropositive. There were not any significant differences between the rate of seropositivity in males (0.36%) and females (0.31%). 66.7% of seropositive individuals showed clinical manifestations. The most important symptoms in Kala-azar patients were fever, hepato-spleenomegally and anemia.

Conclusion

Kala-azar is occurred sporadically in Kermanshah Province. But presence of significant number of positive sera confirms the necessity for attention of people and clinicians to kala-azar.     

Seroprevalence of Human Fascioliasis Using Indirect ELISA in Isfahan District,Central Iran In 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to detect the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis in Isfahan County, central Iran in 2013.

Methods

Overall, 471 sera samples were collected from people recalled randomly to 20 health centers in the city of Isfahan and 10 related villages in 2014. Sera were examined using ELISA test. A questionnaire was filled out for each participant.

Results

Altogether eight cases (1.7%) were seropositive which had the OD absorbance in ELISA test more than the calculated cutoff of 0.36. All of them were female. One positive subject had a history of consuming Delar (Local dish) and three seropositive cases with history of eating Zeitoon-Parvadeh (Proceeded olive).

Conclusion

Isfahan County might be considered as one area apt for fascioliasis. More studies in terms of veterinary investigation and verifying the risk factors are necessary.     

湖北省莱姆病血清流行病学调查研究

目的：查明湖北省人群莱姆病感染情况。方法：间接酶联免疫吸附试验、莱姆病血清流行病学调查。结果：从１１９２人中检出阳性１５２份,排除钩体ＭＡＴ阳性３０份,实际莱姆病ＩｇＧ抗体阳性１２２份,阳性率１０．４９％（１２２／１１６２）。其中五峰县１４．３９％,南漳县９．９２％,保康县７．１２％。男性阳性率１０．７１％,女性阳性率９．９４％,性别间差异无显著性。人群年龄为９～６８岁,２０～４０岁青壮年感染阳性率最高。不同职业人群感染率,农民８．９３％,林业工人１３．６５％,学生３．５７％。人群蜱叮咬率为５．９２％。有蜱叮咬史者莱姆病阳性率高达５６．７１％;而无明确蜱叮咬史者阳性率仅为７．６７％。确诊莱姆病关节炎４例。结论：湖北省人群中有莱姆病的感染存在,并有莱姆病发生。     

Epidemiological Aspects of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Baft District,Kerman Province,Southeast of Iran

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is an endemic disease in some areas of Iran. A cross- sectional study was conducted for sero-epidemiological survey of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Baft district from Kerman Province, southeast of Iran.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from children up to 12 years old and 10% of adult population from Baft villages with a multi-stage randomized cluster sampling. In addition, blood samples were collected from 30 domestic dogs from the same areas. All the collected blood samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in both human and dog using the cut-off value of ≥1:3200 and ≥1:320, respectively. Parasitological, molecular, and pathological were performed on infected dogs. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare sero-prevalence values.

Results

From 1476 collected human serum samples, 23 (1.55%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers of 1:800 and 1:1600 whereas 14 (0.95%) showed anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies at titers of ≥1:3200. No statistically significant difference was found between male (1.18%) and female (0.69%) sero-prevalence (P=0.330). Children of 5-8 years showed the highest sero-prevalence rate (3.22%). Seven out of 30 domestic dogs (23%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥1:320. Leishmania infantum was identified in five infected dogs by nested – PCR assay.

Conclusion

It seems that visceral leishmaniasis is being endemic in southern villages of Baft district, southeast of Iran.     

海南省琼中地区三农场斑点热血清流行病学研究

目的：了解海南省斑点热流行状况。方法：用补体结合试验，在琼中县大丰、阳江及新进３个农场的健康人群、家畜及啮齿动物中进行斑点热血清流行病学及啮齿动物种群和带蜱情况调查。结果：共检查牛血清１８份，羊血清５０份，猪血清６３份，人血清７２份，鼠血清１２０份，西伯利亚立克次体、康氏立克次体、小蛛立克次体抗体阳性率羊血清分别为４％（２／５０）、２％（１／５０）和２％（１／５０）。猪血清分别为３．１７％（２／６３）、０％（０／６３）和３．１７％（２／６３），人血清分别为１６．６７％（１２／７２）、１１．１１％（８／７２）和２．７８％（２／７２），鼠血清分别为３０．００％（３６／１２０）、１０．８３％（１３／１２０）和７．５０％（９／１２０），牛血清中未检测出上述抗体。该地区的优势鼠种为黄毛鼠、屋顶鼠、针毛鼠，带蜱率分别为１５．９１％（７／４４）、３０％（１５／５０）、３６．３６％（８／２２）。结论：海南省琼中县存在斑点热自然疫源地。     

北京市通州区农村自然人群病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查

目的为了解北京市通州区目前各型病毒性肝炎人群分布特征。随着人们生活水平的提高和卫生条件的改善,新生儿及青少年甲、乙肝疫苗的接种,人群的感染模式发生了改变。方法采用多阶段整群随机抽样方法,被抽中的调查村为张湾镇瓜厂村和潞城镇七级村。2个调查村共需调查500人,调查以家庭为单位随机抽取年龄在12个月以上的自然人群。甲、乙、丙肝采用美国雅培公司试剂,以微粒子酶免疫检测试剂（MEIA）检测。用雅培AXSYM检测设备进行检测。戊肝采用科华试剂用酶联免疫试验进行检测。抗-HAV≥20 mIU／ml为阳性;HBsAgS／N值≥2为阳性;抗-HBs≥10mIu／ml为阳性;抗-HBcS／CO值在0．000～1．000之间为阳性;HBeAgS／CO≥1为阳性。结果各年龄组检测502人,抗-HAV阳性467人,阳性率93．0％;抗-HBVM阳性245人,阳性率48．8％;乙肝病毒感染标志中,HBsAg携带率为2．6％,抗一HBs阳性率为34．9％,抗一HBc阳性率为34．1％,HBeAg阳性率为23．1％。抗-HCV阳性6人,阳性率1．2％;抗-HEV阳性11人,阳性率2．2％。结论该区自然人群病毒性肝炎血清学感染标志较1992年的调查发生了改变,主要表现在：①甲肝抗体阳性率较1992年上升25．3％;②乙肝HBsAg携带率较1992年下降了42．6％;③丙肝和戊肝感染率较1992年分别下降了53．1％和81．1％。     

Trichostrongylus colubriformis: Possible Most Common Cause of Human Infection in Mazandaran Province,North of Iran

Background:

Infection with Trichostrongylus spp. is common among human and herbivorous in most parts of Iran, especially in southern and northern areas. The aim of present study was to identify Trichostrongylus spp. among human population using excreted egg specimens, by the molecular method, in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

Methods:

Overall, 33 positive fecal specimens were randomly sampled and examined. PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed on the isolated egg and then a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profile was considered to discriminate of Trichostrongylus spp.

Results:

A total of 33 positive fecal specimens, 29(78.9%), 4(12.1%) were found T. colubriformis and T. axei respectively. Our data appear the molecular evidence of both human T. colubriformis and T. axei infections in North of Iran.

Conclusion:

T. colubriformis was the probable most common zoonotic species causing human trichostrongylosis infection in the area     

西藏阿里地区自然疫源性疾病血清流行病学调查

目的；调查西藏阿里地区人、畜间５种疫源性疾病的感染情况方法：采用间接免疫荧光实验（ＩＦＡ）、间接血凝实验，检查人、畜血清抗体水平。结果：当地人群斑点热、斑疹伤寒、恙虫病、Ｑ热及野兔热的自然感经，抗体检出率分别为５７．５％、３２．７％、９．４％、４９．５％、１．２％；羊血清抗体检出率分别为５２．２％、３３．３％、４２．２％４０．３％、２１．２％。结论：该地区上述５种疾病血清本检出率远高于国内其他区的     

广东省2002年病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查分析

目的　了解广东省病毒性肝炎流行现状,为制订防治策略提供科学依据。方法　2 0 0 2年7～8月采取分层多阶段随机抽样方法,全省分4层共抽取12个县,2 4个村,386 4人作为研究样本。用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测抗甲型肝炎(甲肝)病毒(HAV)IgG、抗丙型肝炎(丙肝)病毒(HCV)IgG、抗 戊型肝炎(戊肝)病毒(HEV)IgG ;用固相放射免疫法(SPRIA)检测乙型肝炎(乙肝)病毒表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙肝病毒表面抗体(抗 HBs)和乙肝病毒核心抗体(抗 HBc)。结果　全省抗 HAV标化流行率6 9. 0 4 % ,乙肝病毒(HBV)标化流行率6 8 .94 % ,抗HCV标化流行率2 . 2 5 % ,抗HEV标化流行率7. 2 9%。甲、乙、丙肝标化流行率城市低于农村,戊肝标化流行率则城市高于农村;甲、乙、戊肝标化流行率都有随年龄增长而升高的趋势;甲肝标化流行率男性(5 0 . 92 % )低于女性(5 8 .73% )(P =0 . 0 0 0 ) ,乙、丙、戊肝标化流行率男、女性差异无显著的统计学意义。各型肝炎有混合感染:双重型混合感染占37. 78% ,3个型别、4个型别的混合感染分别占3 5. 5 %和0 . 14 %。结论　揭示了广东省病毒性肝炎的血清流行病学特征;乙肝疫苗纳入计划免疫管理10年,1～9岁儿童HBV感染率大幅度下降;广东省属甲肝中度流行区,提出全省甲肝的免疫控制策略建议。     

四川省发热出疹性疾病血清流行病学分析

为了解四川省发热出疹性疾病 (RFIs)的血清流行病学特征 ,对 1999～ 2 0 0 1年收集的 5 15份血清标本 ,用酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA)同时检测麻疹、风疹IgM抗体。结果显示 ,麻疹、风疹IgM抗体阳性率分别为 4 9 71%和11 4 6 %。麻疹、风疹病例集中在 3月 ,以 4～ 14岁儿童为主。各级实验室应开展血清学鉴别诊断工作 ,提高麻疹监测质量。     

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Boyer Ahmad District,Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad Province,Southwest of Iran

Background

Mediterranean type of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is present in different parts of Iran. Several studies have identified dogs as the main reservoirs of the VL caused by Leishmania infantum in Iran and other Mediterranean regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis as animal reservoir host for human visceral leishmaniasis in Boyer Ahmad district in southwest of Iran.

Methods

A seroepidemiological study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among ownership dogs by using direct agglutination test (DAT) in 23 of 182 villages of Boyer Ahmad district, during August 2009 to August 2010. One hundred and seventy serum samples from ownership dogs were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling in villages of Boyer Ahmad district. All samples were tested by DAT and anti-Leishmania antibodies titers at ≥ 1:320 was considered as positive.

Results

Of the 170 serum samples, 10% were positive by DAT at titers of 1:320 and higher. No statistical significant difference was found between male (10.7%) and female (8.3%) seroprevalence. The highest seroprevalence rate (15.1%) was observed among the ownership dogs of four to seven years age. Altogether, seventeen (25.4%) of the seropositive dogs had clinical signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

It seems that Boyer Ahmad district is an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Iran.     

江西省输血员丙型肝炎血清流行病学调查

目的　了解江西省输血员丙肝感染情况。　方法　对东乡县、彭泽县、金溪县、九江市输血员进行随机抽样 ,用 EL ISA方法检测血清抗 - HCV、HBs Ag、抗 - HBc。　结果　 72 2名输血员抗 - HCV阳性率 2 0 .78% ,输血员献全血者、献血浆者感染率各地之间均具显著性差异 (P<0 .0 0 1) ;男性输血员 HCV感染率显著高于女性输血员感染率 (χ2 =5 .0 9,P<0 .0 5 ) ;输血员≤ 35岁 HCV感染率与 >35岁组感染率有显著性差异 (χ2 =5 .89,P<0 .0 5 ) ;HCV感染与献血类型、年限和献血点数有关 ,献全血又献血浆是感染 HCV的高危因素。献血年限越长、献血点数越多 ,HCV感染率越高 ;已淘汰献血员 HCV感染率高于正常献血员感染率 (P<0 .0 0 1) ,但两者感染 HBV情况无差别 ,感染 HCV是输血员被淘汰的主要原因 ;正常献血员中抗 - HCV阳性率仍有 16 .88% ,HBs Ag阳性率仍有 1.95 %。　结论　要加强对采供血机构和血源队伍的管理、大力提倡公民义务献血     

脑炎病例中虫媒病毒感染的血清流行病学研究

本文对虫媒病毒作为我国病毒性脑炎病原的作用进行了血清流行病学研究。1988～1990年在我国15个地区搜集了614例疑似病毒性脑炎病例的急性期和恢复期血清;对3种主要虫媒病毒群(黄病毒群、甲群、加里福尼亚(CAL)血清群病毒)抗原的血凝抑制(HI)抗体进行了测定,结果大部分地区的病例双份血清对黄病毒群和甲群虫媒病毒 HI 的滴度呈4倍升高。未发现对 CAL 病毒群中的 SSH 病毒HI 滴度呈4倍升高的病例。甲群虫媒病毒感染病例的年龄为50天～32岁。黄病毒感染的病例年龄为6个月～50岁。严重的中枢神经系统症状在黄病毒感染病例中较多。本研究肯定了黄病毒作为我国病毒性脑炎病原的重要性。并提供了在我国可能存在1种或1种以上可引起神经症状的甲群虫媒病毒感染的证据,并阐述了甲群虫媒病毒症状性感染在我国地理分布的概貌。