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CCHF is a dreadfull zoonetic disease that is transmitted through tick bites or direct contact of infected animals, tissues or blood secretions. This virus can be seen in domestic animals and ticks. At present, CCHF exists in different areas of the world and can be consideras a health problem. The case in present report was 24 year old men, resident in Ali-Abad a town in Golestan province. He had eaten liver of infected sheep, and was suspected to CCHF according Protocol of WHO criteria to the CCHF. He was treated with Ribavirin and supportive management, and subsequently recovered. This report helps health staff to find out the risk and probable causes of disease thus controlling the spread of the disease.

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Background & Objective: Viral gastroenteritis is associated with significant cause of morbidity and is a common cause of hospitalization in worldwide. This study was performed to assess the role of rota, adeno and astroviruses in children presenting with acute diarrhea in the main Children's Medical Hospital in Babol-Iran. Materials & Methods: Stool specimens from 208 children suffering from diarrhea were tested for the presence of rota, adeno and astroviruses by ELISA test during Winter 2004 to Autumn 2005. Data were then analyzed by the Chi-square and Fisher exact test with SPSS-10 software. Results: Rota, adeno and astrovirus antigens were detected in 61.1%, 2.9% and 2.4% of patients. Infants between 6 and 12 months of age were most frequently affected with rotavirus (29.8%), (p<0.05). Rotavirus infection was significantly less frequent in summer and spring than winter and autumn (p<0.05). Fever and vomiting were present in 55.1% and 51.7% of children, respectively. There was not significant correlation between rotavirus infection and gender of patients. Conclusion: This study showed that rotavirus can be regarded as a major etiologic agent of winter acute diarrhea in children under 2-years old in Babol. Therefore, it is suggested to provide proper vaccination to immunize the children.

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Background and Objective: Primary TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus) and Treponema palidum infections in the mothers can lead to severe fetal anomalies. This study was done to explore the prevalance of TORCH antibodies in newborns with congenital malformations and their mothers in Gorgan-Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done on newborns with major congential malformations, during 20 months (2003-04) in Dezyani hospital- a referal gynecology center in Gorgan, in north of Iran. The blood sample of 64 newborns with congenital malformations and their mothers collected. Serologic testes were done on newborns and mothers' sera to determine IgM and IgG levels against rubella, toxoplasma gondeie, Cytomegalo virus, Herpes simplex type II with ELISA test. For Terponema palidum PRP test was used. Results: Four of 64 infants (6 %) had positive IgM antibody titers for Toxoplasma, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus. Nine of mothers with affected newborns (14%) had positive IgM antibody titers for Toxoplasma, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalance of TORCH antibodies are observed in 6% of birth defects, in this region.

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Background and Objective: Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) by tuberculin skin test (TST) is accompaind with limitations. A few documented data exist regarding the performance of serology tests for LTBI diagnosis in HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine LTBI prevalency and compare TST results and IgM antibodies against M.tuberculosis antigens (IAMA) for the diagnosis of LTBI in HIV infected individuals. Materials and Methods: In this discriptive study, sixty two HIV infected subjects were chosen randomly from an addict treatment center in Ahvaz southwest Iran during 2008. The patients underwent TST, using 5 TU of purified protein derivative, and IAMA was measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 software and Chi-Square test. Results: From 62 studied cases, 34 (54.8%) had positive result for TST, whereas 6 (9.7%) had positive IAMA. LTBI was diagnosed in 37 (59.7%) by either TST or IAMA. Overall concordance between TST and IAMA was 45.2%. In subjects with positive test by either TST or IAMA, only 4.8% had positive test by either diagnostic procedure. Discordant results were found in 54.8% of subjects. Positive results for both diagnostic methods in subjects with above and below 200 CD4-cell/mm3 did not show any significant differences. Conclusion: This study showed that LTBI prevalence among HIV infected individuals among addict patients, in this region is higher than other parts of the world. Also TST is a useful test for LTBI diagnosis is preferable to IAMA method.

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Background and Objective: Continuous antigenic variation of Influenza a viruses causes a major concern to develop Influenza vaccine. Conserved antigens are suitable candidates for vaccine production due to its non-requirement to match the designed strains with circulating strains. The M2 gene is conserved among Influenza a viruses and has potential to be considered as a universal vaccine. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract on immunogenicity of DNA vaccine encoding M2 gene of Influenza virus. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was carried out on female BALB/c mice with 3-4 week age (250-300 gr). Plasmid DNA encoding M2 gene (pcDNA-M2) of Influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) was transformed into E.coli top10 f' and cultured in LB broth media. Large scale plasmid preparation was done and the concentration was measured by spectrophotometric method. Mice were divided into eight groups and immunized three times with fifteen days apart. Vaccine groups received inactivated Influenza virus or pcDNA-M2, alone or in combination with Echinacea extract. Control groups were injected pcDNA, Echinacea extract, and phosphate buffer. All animals were left to bleed before immunization and at 21 days after the last vaccination and specific anti-M2 antibodies were measured by indirect ELISA. Then the mice were intranasally challenged under an aesthesia with mouse-adapted PR8 Influenza virus and monitored for 3 weeks to evaluate the vaccine regimen efficacy in reduction of mortality rate compared to control groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, One-way ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier tests. Results: The highest specific immune response was obtained in mice received inactivated virus plus extract (P<0.05). Immune responses in mice inoculated with pcDNA-M2 were significantly higher compared to all control groups mice (P<0.05). In addition the specific immune responses in group inoculated with pcDNA-M2 and aqueous extract was higher compared to the group receiving only pcDNA-M2 (P<0.001). The highest survival rate was observed in mice injected with inactivated virus or pcDNA-M2 plus extract. Conclusion: This study showed that pcDNA-M2 induced specific immunity and protected mice against lethal challenge with PR8 Influenza virus. Furthermore, application of Echinacea extract with M2 gene vaccine increased vaccine efficacy.

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Background and Objective: Pterygium is a fibrovascular lesion of the ocular surface with unknown origin, decrease in the vision. This study was done to evaluate the possible role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the formation of pterygia. Methods: This case-control study was done on 50 tissue specimens of pterygium from the patients who underwent pterygium surgery as the case group and 10 conjunctival biopsy specimens of individuals without pterygium including the patients whom underwent cataract surgery, as controls. The evidence of EBV infection was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: EBV was detected in three (6%) patients with pterygia. EBV was not detected in controls. There was not any significant correlation between pterygium and the presence of EBV. Conclusion: According to this study, EBV virus is not associated with pterygium formation.

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Background and Objective: Rotaviruses are the members of the Reoviridae family containing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome which are the main cause of gastroinentritis particularly in children less than three years. This study was designed to evaluate the detection of rotavirus genome by new silver staining method using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Method: In this descriptive study, the samples were collected from infected MA-104 cell culture and the RNA electrophoresis was performed in 10% polyacrylamide slab gels after RNA extraction. Results: According to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sensitive staining analysis, rotavirus RNA segments were divided into 4 groups and single-nucleotides differences were clearly detected rapidly. Conclusion: New silver staining method using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has the capacity to detect the rotavirus electeropherotype within a few minutes even in small DNA/RNA pieces up to 7 picograms.

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Background and Objective: Sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is used for food purposes and traditional medicine in the South East and East Asia. This study was done to determine the antiviral effect of methanolic extract, of Holothuria leucospilota species against HIV-1 virus. Methods: In this laboratory study, sea cucumbers were collected from Larak Island, Persian Gulf, Iran at depths of 10-30 m. Methanol solvent was used for extraction process. Extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator at 40-45 degree C, and subsequently was prepared in the form of dry powder using vacuum freeze dryer lyophilization. Results: The extract in 100 and 1000 µg/ml of concentrations inhibited by 94% and 92.5% the replication of HIV-1, respectively. 10 µg/ml of extract had not specific antiviral effect. Approximately the half of concentration of extract (35.89 µg/ml) prevents 50% of proliferation of HIV-1, which was 50% toxic of on host cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sea cucumber methanolic body wall extract of Holothuria leucospilota species had no antiviral effect against HIV-1 virus. It can be due to cytotoxic effect of extract on the host cells.

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Background and Objective: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can cause a moderate disease in children, but with high risk of serious disease or death in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Vaccination from infection can be safe, immunogenic, and effective in children with leukemia. This study was done to evaluate the IgG and IgM antibodies against VZV in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methods: The descriptive-analytic study was performed on 66 children who were on chemotherapy in Dr Shigh hospital in Mashhad, Iran during 2012. Patients were receivied VZV vaccine. The title negative or positive serum sample for IgG-anti-VZV avidity was determined by using a test kit before and after injection of vaccines VZV for considering the efficacy of vaccines on pediatric patients.

Results: Title serum sample IgG were positive in 32.6% patients, these children have history of chicken pox disease and to be safe against of VZV. 78.3% of the patients were negative for IgG antibody and sensitive against of VZV.

Conclusion: Children with ALL receiving chemotherapy are sensitive to chicken pox disease according to negative IgG titer against VZV.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Despite extensive investigations, many aspects of etiology and pathophysiology remain unclear. In multiple sclerosis patients, immune system reacts against autologous proteins in the myelin membrane. Most evidences support the hypothesis that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease development. But after the failure of genetic findings to explain the reason for the unequal incidence of MS in identical twins, investigators focused further on environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, living in different latitudes and perhaps the most importantly the role of viruses in people whom are genetically susceptible to MS. There is increasing evidence that viruses may play important role in MS pathogenesis following environmental triggers. Recently, studies focused on the role of herpes virus family, especially Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and Varicella Zoster virus, as the virus is prevalent in society. This review mainly focused on the identification of important viruses with key role in MS the mechanism behind pathogenesis and describes the animal models of MS. The results of researches are shown strong evidence of the virus or antibodies to viral components in active plaques in MS affected patients, but still cannot be stated with certainty that one or more specific viruses are simultaneously trigger the disease. Further studies are required to prove the pathogenesis of viruses in MS.

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Background and Objective: HIV treatment influences the global health and finding new compounds against HIV virus is increased. This study was done to evaluate anti-HIV activity of 8-phenyl-4-quinolone derivatives containing different substituents at position 3.

Methods: In this descriptive study, single cycle replicable (SCR) HIV Virions were produced by co-transfecting HEK 293T cells with pmzNL4-3, pSPAX.2, pMD2.G plasmids. HeLa cells were infected with the SCR virions and then inhibit of virus replication by compounds were measured by p24 Antigen with ELISA kit. The cytotoxicity of these compounds on HeLa cells were measured by XTT method.

Results: All compounds including NPZ_4F, NPZ-2F, NPZ-4CL and NPZ-2CL had the best inhibitory effect at a concentration of 100µM with the inhibition rate of respectively 51%, 48%, 33%, and 25%, respectively. The compounds of NPZ-4F and NPZ-2CL had negligible cellular toxicity and have inhibited HIV replication at the highest concentration. This issue can make them a valuable compound since they are better compounds in therapeutic terms, which at a suitable concentration, they have the lowest rate of cellular toxicity and highest power to inhibit HIV replication.

Conclusion: Novel compounds derived from 8-phenyl-4-quinolone containing different substituents at position 3 can prevent HIV replication which is capable of high anti-viral and low cellular toxicity and suitable candidates for further investigation in antiviral studies.

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Background and Objective: Chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the main causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenicity of the virus is determined by the multi-functional protein x (HBx). Changing the sequence of the gene encoding this protein causes the regulation of transcription and pathogenicity factors. This study was done to analyze the genetic dynamics of the HBx coding gene in a person with chronic HBV.
Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, an infected person with chronic hepatitis B virus infection was first amplified and cloned into complete sequence of HBx encoder. Then, the reference sequences of genotypes, serotypes and different virus subtypes of the GenBank database were matched by CLC Sequence Viewer software. The comparative result was used to plot the phylogenic tree by T-rex server and population genetic analysis using DnaSP software. Natural selection at the nucleotide and protein level was performed by the Tajima's D test.
Results: No known mutation at the level of the protein was found in the chronic sequence of the HBx encoder. The results of natural selection indicated neutral mutations in the HBx gene. The phylogenetic results showed that the HBx encoding sequences in the chronic infected individual had a genetic affinity with genotype D and ayw2 subtype.
Conclusion: Neutrality polymorphism takes place in HBx coding region. Also, the phylogenetic results of the present study are consistent with the previous findings of Golestan province and Iran which have reported the prevalence of genotype D and subspecies ayw2.

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Background and Objective: Prisoners are among the high risk population for contagious infections such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), TB (Tuberculosis), and other dangerous diseases. In spite of other countries in the world, data about the prevalence and risk factors for infectious diseases among prisoners are spars in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and TB coinfections among male prisoners suffering from HIV.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 100 HIV patients were selected. Microscopic examination (acid fast staining) was applied on sputum specimens and serological (HBsAg, anti- HCV) and molecular (Real time PCR and DNA sequencing) investigations carried out on patient’s sera.
Results: Among 100 prisoners affected with HIV, the prevalence of HCV, HBV and TB infections were 45%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. All HBV positive cases were genotype D, subgenotype ayw2. Among the HCV positive subjects, 34 (75.5%) and 11 (24.5%) were genotype 1a and genotype 3a, respectively. There was no significant relation between age, CD4 and transmission route of HCV in male prisoners affected with HIV. Drug injection was the main route for the acquisition of HCV, HBV infections.
Conclusion: This study showed that a high prevalence of HCV and TB infections among male prisoners affected with HIV.

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Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to organ failure by the occurrence of mechanisms such as increased thrombosis and, subsequently, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This study was conducted to determine LDH serum levels in COVID-19 patients and the factors affecting their mortality.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 212 patients (57 males and 155 females) with COVID-19 with a mean age of 49.19±10.6 referring to Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar, Iran during 2021. After obtaining patients’ informed consent and demographic information, the heparinized peripheral blood sample was taken from them. The LHD levels were determined using an autoanalyzer.
Results: Twenty-nine (13.67%) patients died. The mean LDH serum level of 29 deceased patients (708.420±96.25 U/L) was not statistically significant compared to survivors (640.360±96.80 U/L in 183). The comparison between the surviving and deceased groups showed that 25% of the deceased patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 90.90% of the survivors were hospitalized in the internal ward (P<0.05). All the deceased and 85.85% of the survivors were 40 years old and above, and this difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, 24.56% of the deceased were male, 90.32% of the survivors were female (P<0.05), 22.72% of the deceased had a university education, and 88.69% of the survivors had a diploma or under-diploma education (P<0.05), and 71.42% of the deceased patients had thin, and 91.37% of the survivors were overweight (P<0.05).
Conclusion: There was no difference in the LDH serum levels of the COVID-19 survivors and deceased. The age of 40 years and above, lean and morbidly obese body mass indices, male gender, and the need for hospitalization in the ICU were determined as risk factors.

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Background and Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had many psychological impacts on the relatives of patients with COVID-19, which can influence their physical health. This study was conducted to determine Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and its link to the physical health of relatives of patients with COVID-19.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 98 relatives of patients with COVID-19 (the case group) with a mean age of 38.56±9.09 years and 98 family members without patients (the control group) with a mean age of 35.79±9.88 years referring to health centers in Gorgan, Iran during 2022. The subjects were selected by a simple random sampling method after extracting the list of patients with COVID-19 from the Health Information Software (NAB) system of health centers. For each selected case, according to the list of families in the NAB system, a family confirmed with a lack of COVID-19 infection was selected as the control group using the simple random sampling method. The data collection tools included the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) and the patient health questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15).
Results: The mean OCD score in the case group (6.46±5.87) was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.04±3.76) (P<0.05). The mean physical health disorder of the case group (7.60±4.32) was significantly higher than that in the control group (3.43±3.98) (P<0.05). A significant direct linear correlation was found between OCD and physical health in both groups (r=0.39, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The levels of OCD and physical health disorders were significantly higher in family members with a COVID-19 patient than in family members without a COVID-19 patient.

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Background and Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown an increasingly rapid progression in individuals with underlying diseases or comorbidities, frequently culminating in mortality. This study was conducted to compare certain risk factors associated with mortality due to COVID-19 in patients at Shohadaye Kargar Hospital in Yazd.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 120 surviving (recovered) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive COVID-19 patients (55 males and 65 females) with a mean age of 52.8 ± 18.88 years and 60 deceased PCR-positive COVID-19 patients (34 males and 26 females) with a mean age of 75.4 ± 15.4 years at Shohadaye Kargar Hospital in Yazd, Iran during 2019-2020. Census sampling was performed on all confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Variables including age, gender, cigarette use, presence of diabetes, hypertension, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, and malignancies, which were collected in Yazd Province by the Provincial Coronavirus Committee, were evaluated.
Results: The variables of gender, cancer, cigarette use, asthma, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) did not show any statistically significant differences between the recovered and deceased groups. The variables of diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and age showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Advanced age and the presence of hypertension and diabetes are considered risk factors in COVID-19 patients.