sayyad khanizadeh

HIV, HBV, and HCV are known as the most common blood-borne viral infections worldwide. Individuals referring to drop-in centers (DICs) are considered as high-risk people exposed to infection with theses blood-borne viruses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections among women referred to DICs in the western province of Lorestan, Iran. During the present cross-sectional study, after obtaining informed consent and a questionnaire, two blood samples were collected from 118 women referred to Lorestan DICs to be evaluated for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections. Accordingly, the samples were first screened by using the most common serological methods, and then by Real Time-PCR to detect viral genomes. The results were analyzed using Chi-square statistical test and binary logistic regressions. Out of the studied 118 blood samples, 8 (6.8%), 4 (3.4%), and 10 (8.5%) subjects tested positive for HIV, HBV, and HCV infection, respectively. Furthermore, our study showed that 5 (4.2%) subjects were positive for HCV/HIV coinfection, and 3 (2.5%) cases for HBV/HCV coinfection. Moreover, our data revealed that incarceration and STDs were the most important risk factors for HIV (OR=15.27 (95% CI; 3.74 - 62.89); P value=0.01) and HBV (OR=16 (95% CI; 1.57 - 42.34); P value=0.018) infections, respectively. Our results suggest that women referring to DICs are at risk of infection with blood-borne viruses such as HIV, HBV, and HCV, due to risky behaviors. Thus, precise diagnostic testing and implementation of preventive methods against blood and sexually transmitted infections are urgent in these high-risk groups.

This study focuses on drug-resistant mutations in protease inhibitors (PIs) and the distribution of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes in Lorestan province, Iran. A total of 59 patients were categorized into two groups: Recipients of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and drug-naive individuals. Genotypic resistance testing was performed using nested PCR, followed by sequencing and analysis of the PCR product to identify drug-resistance mutations and determine the viral subtype.
Among the ART recipients, 11 (78%) exhibited major mutations, while 3 (22%) had minor mutations specifically in PIs. The most commonly observed major protease inhibitor (PI) mutations were D30N (27.2%) and V32I (27.2%), followed by G48A (18.1%), L90M (18.1%), and L76V (9%). The most frequent minor PI mutations recorded were K20R (40%), L10I (20%), F53I (20%), and V11I (20%). No drug resistance was detected in drug-naive patients. Lopinavir (LPV) and nelfinavir (NFV) exhibited the highest levels of resistance, while saquinavir (SQV) and fosamprenavir (FPV) showed the highest levels of susceptibility. All participants were found to be infected with CRF35_AD, the dominant HIV-1 subtype in Iran.
This study represents the first attempt in the region to analyze drug-resistant mutations in PIs among ART-experienced patients in Lorestan province. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at controlling the spread of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains.

 Co-infection of HBV and HDV leads to more severe hepatitis, with a higher risk of acute liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HDV in HBsAg-positive patients in Khorramabad, which has not been previously evaluated.

 A total of 200 patients who tested positive for HBsAg were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA-free tubes. An ELISA test was performed to detect antibodies against HDV, and positive samples were further confirmed using RT-PCR. Population data were analyzed using SPSS software, and a P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests.

 Out of the total participants, there were 119 (59.5%) men and 81 (40.5%) women. The age of the patients varied from 5 to 89 years, with an average age of 49.66 years. The HDV ELISA test was performed on HBsAg-positive individuals, yielding positive results for 37 (18.5%) patients. Additionally, 10 (5%) patients showed borderline infection. The HDV RT-PCR results indicated that 42 (21%) individuals tested positive. The prevalence of HDV showed a statistically significant difference between urban and rural areas with respect to molecular RT-PCR testing (P=0.032). Additionally, women, married individuals, and drug addicts were found to be at a higher risk of HDV infection.

 There is a high prevalence of HDV infection among patients who test positive for HBsAg in Khorramabad. Therefore, assessing the prevalence of HDV in HBsAg-positive patients can aid in ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for these individuals.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a threat to the global economy and public health. Mutations in the spike protein of the virus can impact the functional characteristics and effectiveness of vaccines.

This study aimed to analyze mutations in three key regions of the spike protein, investigate clinical presentations, and assess protective immune levels in healthcare workers (HCWs) who had received full vaccine doses but were re-infected.

In this cross-sectional study, 49 breakthrough-infected HCWs were included from November 2021 to May 2022. After confirming COVID-19 reinfection, the SARS-CoV-2 genome was extracted using the ROJE extraction kit, and genetic variation analysis was performed through Sanger sequencing. Blood samples were collected with prior consent, and ELISA tests were performed to determine antibody levels. Clinical presentations were recorded, and independent t-tests revealed no significant gender-based differences in the C-terminal point mutation.

In this study, 75.5% (37/49) of the included HCWs were female (P-value < 0.05), and 25 were qualified for PCR and gene sequencing. Mutations were observed in 25, 10, and 1 sequence(s) of the C-terminal domain, N-terminal domain, and RBD regions of the S1 gene, respectively. The mutations had no significant correlation with the patient’s gender, age, or occupation, but they were significantly more prevalent in those with underlying diseases. 63.3% (31/49) of patients had high or very high IgG levels, and none had undetectable antibody levels at the time of reinfection. Loss of the sense of smell (69.4% - 34/49), sore throat (65.3% - 32/49), headache (59.2% - 29/49), and cough (57.1% - 28/49) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations (P > 0.05) in breakthrough-infected HCWs, aligning with the pattern of symptoms seen in the Omicron wave. However, the loss of the sense of taste showed significant results concerning clinical manifestation (P < 0.05). The examination of mutations revealed the presence of the Omicron variant in the majority of individuals. Point mutations in the C-terminal region did not significantly vary based on age, gender, or vaccine type. No significant difference was observed between vaccine types and clinical symptoms.

In conclusion, this study identified spike protein mutations in reinfections among vaccinated healthcare workers. While mutations were prevalent, no significant correlations were found with demographics or vaccine types. Symptoms resembled the Omicron variant, notably with the loss of the sense of taste as a significant marker. Detectable antibody levels post-reinfection suggest that vaccine-induced immunity remains robust. Continuous monitoring of virus variants is crucial for optimizing vaccination strategies in the face of evolving strains.

 The novel coronavirus 2019 can lead to a vast range of respiratory complications, from mild to severe, driving to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and dry cough, which can lead to complications, such as gastrointestinal disorders, and liver, cardiac, and renal dysfunctions. Alteration in the hematological markers is one of the COVID-19 diseases evaluated by our study.

 In this study, hematological markers, including the levels of ESR, BS, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelet, WBC, RBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte, have been assessed and compared in both case and control groups. Furthermore, we assessed the associations between hematological parameters, clinical manifestations, and underlying medical conditions.

Our data showed that RBC, HCT, and ESR were significantly associated with the novel coronavirus 2019 infection according to the disease progression. ESR (P= 0.022), Hb (P= 0.032), and BS (P= 0.01) levels in male people infected by SARS-CoV-2 proved to have a significant relationship with the control group. Moreover, BS, Hb, HCT, ESR, and neutrophil showed significant variations in diabetic individuals suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

 The dropping of the hematological markers in COVID-19 is linked with a noticeably increased mortality rate, while high neutrophil and BS levels are related to aggravation of the disease. Monitoring the hematological markers can contribute significantly to selecting the proper treatment and hamper of disease worsening.

In the 21st century, the world has been facing several emerging viral epidemics. These viruses are divided into two categories, including emerging viruses and re-emerging viruses. Factors, such as climate change, global warming, and some eating habits will have irreversible effects on human, animal, and environmental ecosystems. These emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases have significant effects on the world economy and health. The peak of this type of infectious disease appeared in the 1980s with a viral epidemic called human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). These emerging or recurring viruses have affected both livestock and humans.There is evidence that these emerging or re-emerging viruses, influenced by the environment and the human diet are also affected by climatic cultures. Therefore, it would be possible to identify the center areas for the emergence or re-emergence of these viral diseases. In this review article, it has been attempted to identify world resources and the way we should be prepared for a confrontation with these deadly viruses through the study of these epidemics, emerging, and re-emerging viruses, since the mutated viral infections may emerge and re-emerge in the near future.For this review study, the keywords, including COVID-19, Coronavirus, SARS-COV2, Influenza virus (H1N1), Zika virus, HIV1 virus, Hanta virus, Ebola, Influenza (H5N1), Nipah, Hendra, West Nile fever, SARS- COV1, MERS-CoV were collected in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and other reputable databases.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has led to more than 111,973,202 confirmed cases, and more than 2,478,409 deaths worldwide. Mortality rates are significantly higher in the elderly than in others during the epidemic of COVID-19; age is significant vulnerabilities to COVID-19. Analysis of clinical features according to the latest published data allows better understanding and better clinical judgment.

In this review study, using the keywords, COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), coronavirus, viral and elderly pneumonia, pandemic, epidemic, quarantine, mental health, and social isolation in articles indexed in Embase, Proquest, Pub med, Google Scholar, Science direct, Scopus, Medline, Cochrane databases from December 2019 to February 2020, were searched.

The elderly of more than 65-year-old are classified in high-risk groups, are more vulnerable than other age groups, and require more attention. Social isolation, social distance, and lockdown has raised concerns about their mental health to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Due to the increasing population of the elderly, such biological disasters, if do not take care of and pay enough attention to the various dimensions and problems caused by its consequences, would affect acute and long-term consequences on community health and general health of the elderly.

The disease (COVID-2019) caused by (SARS-CoV-2) spread around the world. The new virus is a member of the Coronaviridae family and has been detected in various birds and mammals. The Spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 disease varies from asymptomatic infection to severe and often fatal disease. Immune responses against this SARS-CoV-2 are initiated by the innate immune system by the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. After that acquired immune responses begin, including cellular and hemoral immunity, are activated. The persistence of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 has not been determined precisely. There is a strong correlation between the neutralization antibody titer and the number of virus-specific T cells. The findings also show that both B and T cells participate in Immunological protection against viral infection. Understanding the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in human host cells and its effect on the immune system can help to better understand the nature and pathogenesis of the virus. Furthermore, understanding the complexity of the function of immune system against the virus is necessary to developing new treatment protocols. However, there is a lot of controversy about the immune responses to this viral infection and its challenges, because the immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is different from other coronavirus infections in many ways. According to the importance of this issue in this paper, while mentioning the structural features, virology of SARS-CoV-2 and its pathogenesis, immunological responses to this virus and the challenges are reviewed. For this purpose, review and original articles were collected from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and other reputable databases by using keywords such as COVID-19, Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Pathogenesis, clinical features, Immune system, Antibody responses, B cell, T cell.

Currently, parasitic infections are the most important global health problems. Helminthic infections cause serious damage to the livestock industry. Most importantly, it can cause severe damage in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this systematic review study was to assess the research on the treatment of helminthic diseases using medicinal plant extracts. The search was carried out in 7 databases including 4 English databases (Scopus, PubMed, SienceDirect, and Embase) and 3 Persian databases (Scientific Information Database, Islamic World Science Citation Center, and Magiran) in order to find the studies carried out in relation to the purpose of the current study between 2008 and 2018 in Persian and English languages. Most studies focused on Balanites aegyptiaca (10.71%). The most commonly used extraction method was maceration (78.57%) and then sonication (7.14%). Methanol (35.71%) was the most solvent used for extraction, followed by water (17.85%). The most studied parasite was Haemonchus contortus (28.57%), followed by Schistosoma mansoni (10.71%). Studies have shown that plant extracts can be a good alternative to synthetic drugs in reducing helminthic disease signs; and plant extracts can be used to produce drugs based on natural and effective compounds against helminthes with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

Reactivation of BK virus (BKV), viremia is a major clinical complication in transplant recipients. There are many studies of BKV infection among tissue transplant recipients, especially renal-transplant recipients. Although the presence of BKV in patients’ urine occurs frequently, the detection of BKV in the blood of transplant recipients, especially after bone marrow transplantation (BMT), is less studied. The aim of this study was to detect BKV in 54 blood samples of BMT recipients in the first days after transplantation. This case-control study was performed in a university-affiliated hospital, Tehran, Iran, from October 2017 to October 2018. Blood samples were collected from 54 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and 54 healthy subjects without any tissue transplantation, and tested daily for BKV DNA using the quantitative real-time PCR technique. In this study, two patients (3.7%) developed BK viremia at a median of 10 days (range: 1 - 10 days) after BMT, while none of the control subjects was positive for BKV in blood samples. The analysis of data showed no significant difference between the case and control groups (CI: 0.986 - 1.094, P < 0.153). Our data suggest that BKV viremia involved in active infection may not occur in the first days after BMT. This finding can affect controlling and managing BMT patients.

It is estimated that up to 20% of all types of human cancers worldwide are attributed to viruses. The genome of oncogenic viruses carries genes that have protein products that act as oncoproteins in cell proliferation and transformation. The modulation of cell cycle control mechanisms, cellular regulatory and signaling pathways by oncogenic viruses, plays an important role in viral carcinogenesis. Different signaling pathways play a part in the carcinogenesis that occurs in a cell. Among these pathways, the Wnt signaling pathway plays a predominant role in carcinogenesis and is known as a central cellular pathway in the development of tumors. There are three Wnt signaling pathways that are well identified, including the canonical or Wnt/β-catenin dependent pathway, the noncanonical or β-catenin-independent planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, and the noncanonical Wnt/Ca2 pathway. Most of the oncogenic viruses modulate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. This review discusses the interaction between proteins of several human oncogenic viruses with the Wnt signaling pathway.

Detection and quantification of human Papillomavirus (HPV) genome in oral carcinoma play an important role in diagnosis, as well as implications for progression of disease.
We evaluated tissues from 50 esopharyngeal cancers collected from different regions of Iran for HPV E6 using the two type-specific primers sets. E6 gene of HPV genotypes was amplified by specific primers. The sensitivity of PCR assay was analyzed and determined using HPV-DNA-containing plasmids. Real-time PCR was utilized to determine the prevalence and HPV viral load in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Eighteen (36%) specimens were positive for HPV. Among the 18 positive specimens, 10 showed HPV-18 (55.55%), and 8 specimens were positive for HPV-11 (44.44%). Of the 18 infected specimens, 6 (33.32%) and 12 (66.65%) were identified as high-titer and low-titer viral load, respectively.
The PCR-based assay, developed in the current study, could be used for HPV detection, quantification, and genotyping in epidemiological and clinical studies.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inhibition of TGF-β/smad signaling on the expression profiles of miR-335, miR-150, miR-194, miR-27a, miR-199a of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
Liver fibrosis is excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins due to ongoing inflammation and HSC activation that occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown the importance of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases.
In this study, for inhibition of TGF-β smad-signaling pathway, expressing Smad4 shRNA plasmids were transfected into HSCs. Subsequently, using Real Time-PCR, we measured the expression levels of miR-335, miR-150, miR-194, miR-27a and miR199a.
Gene expression analysis showed that downregulation of Smad4 by vector Smad4shRNA significantly increased the expression levels of miR-335 (P The results of this study suggest that blocking TGF-β smad-signaling can also differentially modulate microRNA expression in support of activation and fibrogenesis of HSCs.

Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A and B are the major causes of food intoxication worldwide. S. aureus is colonized in the anterior part of nares in approximately 20-55% of healthy adults. The transmission of enterotoxigenic S. aureus to sweetmeat by pre-contaminated dairy products or nares of processing workers can raise food poisoning risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the frequency of enterotoxin A and B genes (sea and seb) among the S. aureus strains isolated from confectionary products and nares of its processing workers in Khorramabad city (2012). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 specimens of confectionary products as well as 91 swab samples from nares of confectionery processing workers were randomly collected. The samples were subjected to detect S. aureus according to The Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) and conventional microbiological tests. The distribution of sea and seb genes among the tested isolates were determined by PCR and analyzed via chi-square test statistically. Our culture results showed that 11.3% of cream-filled pastries (n=150) and 2.6% of cookies (n=150) were contaminate with S. aureus (P<0.05). Furthermore, nasal carriage rate was yielded 16.48%. The prevalence of sea gene among the S. aureus strains isolated from cream-filled pastries, cookies and nasal carriers were 88.2%, 4% and 15%, respectively (P<0.05). While seb gene was only detected in two S. aureus strains (11.8%), which were isolated from cream-filled pastry samples. Consuming cream-filled pastries in comparison with cookies, may increase the possibility of contamination with S. aureus up to 4.6 times (O.R=4.6). Pasteurization and refrigeration of dairy products, constant microbial control of confectionary products and screening of processing workers can decrease the risk of staphylococcal intoxication.

chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a multifactorial disease that can result in serious clinical complications. Host genetic background especially the genes that encode immunologic factors like INF-γ and its receptor (IFN-γ R) are critical in the pathogenesis of infection.. The current study aimed to investigate the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -611 and -56 within the promoter region of gamma interferon receptor1 gene (IFN-γ R1) and chronic HBV infection.. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples of 200 chronically HBV infected patients and 200 healthy blood donors, as controls, were collected and genomic DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform method and DNA analysis genotype identification was performed by PCR-RFLP.. The results indicated that both SNP’s frequency had a significant difference in the patient and control groups. At position -56, TT genotype was associated with patient group and P value was 0.002 and at position -611, GG genotype was further observed in control group and P value was 0.006.. Presence of G allele at position -611 within promoter of IFN-γ R1 gene in the enrolled population for the study was related to lower risk of disease, and presence of T allele at position -56 was also related to susceptibility to chronic HBV infection. Men had higher frequency of chronic HBV infection, which might be the result of high risk behavior.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a multi-factorial disease that is accompanied with serious clinical complications. Host’s genetic background, especially immune–genetic factors, is critical in the pathogenesis of infection. Gamma interferon ((INF-γ) and its receptor have an important role in immune response to the virus and clinical course of the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism -611G/A located in promoter of gamma interferon receptor1 gene (INFGR1) and chronic HBV infection. In this Case Control study, genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples of 150 chronically HBV infected patients and 150 healthy controls was extracted by phenol-chloroform method. DNA analysis was performed by PCR-RFLP method and P<0.05 was considered significant. After stages of genotyping and statistical analysis, a significant difference was observed between patient and control group, so that genotype GG was higher in the control group compared to the patient group. The host’s immune-genetic background can play an important role in the pathogenesis of infectious disease. Variations in INFGR1 were related to several diseases. The results showed that the presence of GG allele is accompanied by a decrease in susceptibility to chronic HBV infection.