Abstract

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) and Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) are the causal agents of most important diseases of citrus. Previously we reported a novel variant of HSVd that constantly associated with the yellow corky vein disease. Here, 19 individual citrus leaves with yellow corky vein symptoms were sampled for CTV by ELISA. In this study, most symptomatic samples were found to be infected with CTV. Therefore mixed infection of CTV and HSVd may be, involve in appearance of yellow corky vein symptom in mentioned disease.

Abstract

Background and Aims: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the causative agent of avian infectious bronchitis, which is characterized by respiratory, reproductive, and renal signs. IBV is a highly variable virus with a large number of genotypes. S1 gene sequencing has been used for molecular epidemiological studies and genotypic characterization of IBV. To better understand the molecular epidemiology of IBV in Iran, we sequenced the S1 gene of IBV field isolates, a total of 40 tracheal and kidney tissue specimens from different commercial broiler flocks in the East of Iran were collected from 2015.

 Materials and Methods: 15 IBV-positive samples were selected from among the total and were further characterized by sequencing the spike glycoprotein gene.   The isolates were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and characterized by sequencing the spike glycoprotein gene.

Results: Three genotypes were detected. The percentage of Variant 2 (IS/1494 like), 793/B, and QX genotypes was 66.7%, 26.7%, and 6.6% respectively. We reported the QX as the first time and Variant2 was the dominant genotype in this area.

Conclusion: It is an updated and comprehensive study of genotyping of IBV and completes IBV puzzle in the East of Iran.

Abstract

Background and Aims: Cervical cancer is among leading causes of cancer related death in women and human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the important risk factor of this cancer. The aim of the present study was to develop a PCR method for identification of a high carcinogenic type of HPV, HPV 18 using E6 gene as a marker in patients with cervical cancer

Materials and Methods: 92 Formalin-Fix (FF) and Paraffin-Embedded (PE) tissues of premalignant and malignant lesions from cervical cancer patients were collected. DNA was extorted followed by PCR application in two steps using L1 and E6 consensus primers. Results: Infection with HPV was observed in 68(73.91%) out of 92 samples by L1 region consensus primers, while 18 (26.47%) positive cases were detected to be HPV 18 using E6 type specific primer. Six of them were CINII and CINIII, and 12 cases were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that the assessment of HPV18 using E6 gene with a specific PCR can help in identification of high carcinogenic genotypes of HPV. Further studies are needed to assess the value of this method in a larger multicenter setting for establishing their values for early detection of cervical cancer patients.

Abstract

Viroids are smallest, single-stranded, circular, highly structured plant pathogenic RNAs that do not code for any protein. Viroids belong to two families, the Avsunviroidae and the Pospiviroidae. Members of the Pospiviroidae family adopt a rod-like secondary structure. In this study the most stable secondary structures of citrus viroid variants that reported from Fars province were drawn. The most stable secondary structures of these viroid variants were a classical rod-like structure and adopted cruciform structure including various additional small hairpins. Comparison of secondary structures of these viroid variants with other viroid variants indicates their highly similarities in the rod-like structures, number of loops and free energies and it’s obvious to result these closest variants of the Pospiviroidae family. HSVd-cit1 and CVd-III-1 differed from under study variants in the stability and number of secondary structure branches. Because of relationship between secondary structure and pathogenicity of viroids, it is supposed that these two variants possibly will have high risk for citrus cultivations.

Cytomegalovirus is the most important pathogen affecting transplant recipients and causing significant morbidity and morbidity. The prevalence of CMV  infections in transplant recipient varies from country to country.  The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of PCR assay for CMV  detection in patients before Keratoplasty.  A total of 23 patient samples enrolled in this study from March 2008 to Feb 2010.  Based on the result the over all incidence of CMV  infection was 39.1 percent (9 positive sample) in PCR assay.  In this study, the plasma PCR assay proved to be sensitive and specific in order to detect CMV  infections.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious disease that affects many species of birds and causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide and the pathogenicity of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains varies with different virulence. Samples were collected from chicken commercial farms in Iran during 2014–2015. ND virus were characterized (NDV) by partial sequences of fusion genome and compared with other NDV sequences. All viruses showed the amino acid sequence 112 RRQKRF117 at the C-terminus of the F2 protein and phenylalanine at the N-terminus of the F1 protein, residue 117. These amino acid sequences were identical to a known virulent motif. Based on the phylogenetic analysis the Iranian ND isolates are closely related to the genotype VIId of class II NDV strains. The result show that the genotype VIId is dominant and circulating among chicken farms and cause clinical disease.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes one of the most prevalent diseases of poultry mainly in combination with other pathogens, and it is increasing among chickens.  In the present study, the detection and characterisation of an aMPV subtype B strain circulating in broiler flocks based on fusion (F) gene. In phylogenetic analysis, the isolates are located in B subtype cluster and near aMPV strains from Russia (99.58%). It is the first molecular characterisation based on F gene of aMPV in Iran. It is also concluded that more work is required to isolate and characterize aMPV in different geographical regions of Iran and several species.

Background and Aims: Some viruses have been reported to cause respiratory and gastroenteric infections simultaneously. In this case we presented detection of human respiratory virus (RSV) type B genome from diarrheal sample of a 12 months' child with acute gastroenteritis.
Results: The results indicated the presence of RSV subtype B genome in all three stool samples. Moreover, no sign of co-infections with other enteropathogenic agents reported.
Conclusions: It could be a simple shedding of virus through gastroenteric system.

Background and Aims: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common disorder diagnosed in otologic and audiologic practices. Its accompanying symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, and permanent hearing loss affecting negatively the life quality of affected patients. Many viruses have been involved in the occurrence of SSNHL especially Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I and II. This study was attempted to explore the association between SSNHL and HSV infection using RT-PCR.
In this case- control study, 56 patients with SSNHL occurring within a 72-hr period were selected as case group and 56 participants who had no recent history of this disease were assigned into control group. Applying real-time PCR, we tracked the genome of the HSV virus and measured its loading.
Control group comprised of 31 (55.4%) male and 25 (46.6%) female and the case group included 26 (46.4%) male and 30 (53.6%) female. The genomic DNA of HSV was measured by Real-time PCR in both groups, and no viral genome was detected.
The findings of the current investigation suggest no relation between HSV and SSNHL. Further research conducting on larger population is recommended to obtain more detailed results.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a prototype member of avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1), which causes severe and contagious disease in the commercial poultry and wild birds. In this study, we report the results of phylogenetic analyses of recent NDVs isolated from Markazi province of Iran during a recent outbreak in the commercial broiler with respiratory signs and digestive system lesions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolate was clustered within class II NDV, in sub-genotype VII-g. This NDV isolates shared high homology with the prevalent genotype NDV strains that circulate in China and Taiwan (95.39%-84.89%).   Overall, our results confirmed the presence of genotype VII-g in Iran (The first report) and indicated that different genotypes of NDV could circulate simultaneously among poultry (VII-d & VII-i). The phylogenetic characterization of these isolates helps to characterize the evolution of NDV and may help with the development of vaccines specific to our regional necessities.

Background and Aims: Poultry vaccines are intensively used to prevent and control infectious poultry diseases. The aim of vaccination is to reduce the occurrence of clinical disease. Several factors affect vaccination programmers which emphasize the crucial responsibility of person designing the vaccination program. There are limited studies evaluating the knowledge and attitude of veterinarians toward veterinary vaccination. A veterinarian working in veterinary vaccine supplier and administrator centers have a significant role in assisting farmers and poultry owners for vaccination and disease control decisions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception, knowledge, and attitude of a veterinarian regarding poultry vaccination. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 31 centers in different provinces of Iran. The data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The analysis revealed that most of the veterinarians are highly familiar with veterinary vaccines, vaccination programs, side effects and effect of maternal antibody on vaccination. However, most of them believed that poultry owners have low knowledge about vaccination and decided to put the opinion of poultry owners in low priority during decision making. Effectiveness of the vaccine and scientific evaluation of new vaccine was the main criteria for choosing a vaccine for the herd. Most respondents believed that proper vaccination program and matching between field and vaccine are the main factors for successful vaccination. Furthermore, they believed that the most effective route of vaccination for ND, IBD, and IB are eye drop, drinking water and spray respectively. Further evaluation of poultry owners regarding their knowledge of vaccination is recommended.

Background and Aims: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is considered as worldwide and economically significant infection. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of persistent bovine viral diarrhea infection (PI) in industrial dairies of Tehran and Alborz province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 102371 blood samples were collected from cattles of industrial dairies of Tehran and Alborz province during 2018. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed for determination of viral genotypes, including BVDV1, BVDV2, and HOBi like among PI samples.
Results: A total of 102371 samples were collected from 76 industrial dairies in Tehran and Alborz province, that 512 cases were PI. All samples were positive for BVDV1 (100%). Other genotypes were not found among PI samples.
Conclusion: Prevalence of persistent bovine viral diarrhea infection in industrial dairies in Tehran and Alborz was not high. However, it will be further decreased by implementing control and eradication programs.

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Thus, the present study focused on antibody titer among HBV-vaccinated medical students in order to evaluate the efficacy of Hepatitis B vaccine and the associated factors.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 184 medical students were enrolled. Blood samples were taken from the participants in order to detection of antibody against Hepatitis BsAg by ELISA. Data analysis was done by Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: According to the obtained results, 1.1% of the students had a negative titer, while another 53.8 % were in the borderline situation; whereas 45.1% produced a positive titer. Furthermore, the results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between Hepatitis B antibody titer values and variables such as gender (P<0/05).
Conclusion: By considering the fact that medical students are at greater risk of HBV infection, it is necessary to schedule the determination of serum anti-HBs titer to improve the immunization programs and to decrease the risk of infection before internship program. Re-vaccination (booster shot) is also necessary for people with low titers anti- HBs or loss antibody and controls their antibody titers, and also in who are considered as high-risk group in the society.

The objective of this case series was to compare the clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and laboratory findings between COVID-19 severe patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to those with non-severe patients who were not admitted to the ICU. From September 1, 2020, to October 30, 2020, a total of 186 laboratory-confirmed patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. Among 186 patients, 48 (25.8%) were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU were older and had also more underlying comorbidities compared to patients admitted to the non-ICU ward (P<0.05). The levels of LDH, CRP, ALT, AST, and neutrophil count were higher in patients admitted to the ICU compared to patients who were not admitted to the ICU (P<0.05). Among the chest X-ray findings, consolidation was only a significant difference between patients admitted to the ICU and non-ICU patients (P<0.05). Among 48 patients admitted to the ICU, 6 patients (12.5%) were still in the ICU, 26 patients (54.1%) were discharged, and 16 patients (33.3%) died as of April 15, 2020. Our study showed that older age, male sex, and having underlying diseases are strongly associated with increased risk of severe disease and death in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, more attention should be paid to elderly male patients who have an underlying disease.