Suchergebnisse

ABSTRACTHepatitis B is an infectious disease to which dentists are susceptible. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of antibody titer and immunity in vaccinated Iranian general dentists. A total of 861 general dentists were invited to participate in this study; 598 persons who could recall their history of vaccination and consented to have blood samples taken were recruited. Demographic and work‐related data were recorded, and anti‐Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs‐Ag) evaluations were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 598 participants, 35 (5.9%) were nonimmune (anti‐HBs <10 IU/l), 101 (16.9%) were relatively immune (anti‐HBs = 10–99 IU/l), and 462 (77.3%) were completely immune (anti‐HBs ≥100 IU/l). Only 218 (36.5%) of the dentists knew their HBs antibody titer. Fourteen (2.3%) persons reported receiving one dose and 65 (10.9%) had received two doses. The number of those who had received the three recommended doses totaled 519 (86.8%), 491 (82.1%) of them receiving their vaccine on schedule. Age, city, pack‐years of smoking, years of smoking, and the interval between the last vaccination and the commencement of the study had a significant relationship to the antibody titer level, whereas sex, marital status, place of practice, smoking, and vaccination schedule were not related. Only 36.5% of the general dentists had checked their antibody titer. We, therefore, recommend that dentists, as a potential high‐risk group, should know their level of anti‐HBs antibody titer so that those who require revaccination can get treatment.

Background: Military populations are more prone to respiratory infections worldwide. There is a dearth of research about the role of viral pathogens in the etiology of respiratory infections in military trainees in Iran. Hence, we aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and clinical symptoms of respiratory viruses among this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 400 military trainees with symptoms of respiratory infection, referred to the military medical clinic center in the basic military training camp of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nucleic acid extraction from the throat or nasopharyngeal swab samples was performed by an automated extraction system. The extracts were then analyzed by the CLART® PneumoVir array system for the detection of respiratory viruses. Results: All military trainees were male, aged between 18 and 57 years (mean: 21.69 years). Sore throat (75.5%), rhinorrhea (63.2%), cough (59.2%), fever (59.2%), and nasal congestion (50.5%) were amongst the most common symptoms. Overall, viral pathogens were detected in a total count of 124 (31%). The most commonly detected viruses were rhinovirus (7.2%), respiratory syncytial virus A (7.2%) and influenza B virus (6%). Conclusion: This study was an important first step for understanding the etiological role of viral pathogens in respiratory infection among military trainees population in Iran. Our results indicated that rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus A and influenza B virus are important viral pathogens causing respiratory infection in military trainees, respectively. However, further multi-center studies with larger sample size are strongly recommended to confirm our findings.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in many populations, including military recruits receiving basic training. Therefore, this study was set out to determine the molecular epidemiology, genotype and phylogenetic features of RSVs in patients with respiratory infection as a case study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, military barracks of Tehran, Iran, between January to March 2017 exposed to respiratory diseases were used for sampling. Throat swabs were taken, a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay was performed to identify RSV and then the genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of RSVs in patients with a respiratory infection. RESULTS: Among 400 Iranian military trainees with respiratory symptoms, RSV infection was identified in 2.75% (11/400) using RT-PCR. Sequencing showed the incidence of type A (2.5%, n=10) to be much higher than type B (0.25%, n=1); Sore throat was the most common symptom among RSV patients. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of strains from the studied samples were more consistent with those from the Philippines and the US strains. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to document RSV as a major cause of acute respiratory illness among military trainees in Iran. The prevalence of RSV is substantial in the cold season and the prevalence of genotype A is dominant in the country, leading to take essential steps in preparing a preventive vaccine against this viral infection.

Background and aim: Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is an infectious illness caused by influenza viruses
(IV). Despite the availability of efficient antiviral drugs, the IV still significantly increases mortality. Antiviral drugs swiftly remove
these viruses from pulmonary secretions, suggesting that a prolonged inflammatory response may be to blame for the poor result.
Therefore, using immunomodulatory medications looks advantageous. Numerous anti-inflammatory effects are produced by
statins. Numerous retrospective studies recommended that statins be considered for IV therapy. This study set out to
comprehensively examine the immunomodulatory potential of statins in IV prophylaxis and therapy. Methods: From the
beginning until 25 March 2022, a number of electronic databases (Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, OVID,
EBSCO, and CINAHL) were searched for cohort studies and randomized trials assessing the association between outcomes or risk
of infections and statin therapy. Data were gathered on the investigated characteristics, measuring statin usage, quality
evaluation, and results (set for potential confounders). Results: Finding additional therapeutic agents for influenza prevention
and management is crucial since there are uncertain public health issues regarding the clinical efficacy of conventional
medications. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are released as a result of influenza. According to the results, by using anti
inflammatory medications, severe influenza infections can be prevented along with pleiotropic effects. As a result, statins, which
are cardioprotective medications with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, may be beneficial for individuals
with IV. Conclusion: Based on the positive immunomodulatory effects of statin administration, our systematic review's findings
suggested that IVs may be prevented and treated.