@article{ author = {Hashempour, T and Ajorloo, M and Bamdad, T and Merat, S and Zaer-Rezaee, H and Fakharzadeh, E and Asadi, R and Zamini, H and Teimouri, AA}, title = {Development of a Recombinant Based ELISA using Specific Antibodies to F Protein in HCV Chronically Infected Patients-A Seroprevalence Study}, abstract ={Background and Aims: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) F protein is a recently described, frameshift product of HCV core encoding sequence. Its function and antigenic properties are unknown. In order to assess the presence of antibodies specific for F protein we characterized specific anti-F antibodies in patients with chronic HCV infection. Methods: The F protein was cloned from the HCV genome. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed using the purified recombinant HCV F protein. Results: Serum samples were collected from 72 patients with chronic HCV infection and from 30 healthy controls. Eighty-two percent of chronic HCV patients had evidence of anti-F antibodies. 59 samples out of the 72 HCV infected patients exhibited a positive anti-F reaction, showing significant difference from the controls with no HCV infection (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, HCV F protein elicits a specific antibody response, so frameshift could occur in the core-coding sequence in HCV genotype 1a in Iranian patients. As the first report, the prevalence of anti-F antibodies in chronic hepatitis C in Iran is of the order of 82%.}, Keywords = {Hepatitis C virus, HCV F protein,Alternative reading frame protein}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {1-6}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.1}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-46-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-46-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Jaberolansar, N and Hayati, J and Rajabi-Memari, H and Hosseini-Tafreshi, SA and Nabati-Ahmadi, D}, title = {Tomato and Tobacco Phytoene Desaturase Gene Silencing by Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) Technique}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) is a virus vector technology that exploits antiviral defense mechanism. By infecting plants with recombinant viruses containing host genes inserted in the viral genome, VIGS achieves the RNA silencing process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene silencing, using VIGS technique by VIGS vector containing tomato PDS. Methods: PDS gene encodes one of the important enzymes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. In this method Tobacco rattle tobravirus (TRV) vectors including pTRV1، pTRV2 and pTRV2PDS were used. The pTRV2PDS vector carried inserts derived from tomato PDS gene. Vectors were transformed into Escherichia coli strain DH5α. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 cells were transformed by the vectors containing specific genes. Results: Colony PCR with specific primers proved the presence of the PDS and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genes in selected agrobacterium random colonies. Agrobactrium containing pTRV1، pTRV2 and pTRV2PDS was inoculated into induction media culture. Finally, acetosyringone was added to pTRV1 culture and then pTRV1 and pTRV2PDS cultures mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Mixed culture was infiltrated into the test plant seedlings using 1ml needless syringe. Conclusion: Results showed the gene silencing in the form of photobleaching and mosaic occurred in tomato and tobacco plant leaves, respectively. However, plant infiltration with pTRV1 and pTRV2 (without PDS gene as control) mixed culture did not show any photobleaching.}, Keywords = {VIGS, Tobacco rattle tobravirus vectors, Gene silencing, Phytoene Desaturase }, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {7-11}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.7}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-47-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-47-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Ghaderi, M and Mokhtari-Azad, T and Shahmahmoodi, Sh and Samimi-Rad, K and Yavarian, J and Naseri, M and Abbasi, S and Norozbabaei, M and Fazeli, M}, title = {Amantadine-Resistant among Seasonal H1N1 and 2009 Pandemic Isolated of Influenza A Viruses in Iran}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Influenza A viruses are important pathogens for humans especially in pandemic episodes. Two adamantane derivates, amantadine and rimantadine, are used for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A virus infections. However, single amino acid substitutions in the M2 transmembrane domain which lead to amantadine resistance of these viruses occur at residues 26, 27, 30, 31 or 34. Rates of resistant viruses have been increasing globally. Methods: In this report, 21 specimens of seasonal H1N1 and pandemic influenza A viruses which grew on MDCK cell line were studied for detection of amantadine resistant viruses. After RT-PCR M2 gene of samples were sequenced. In addition, as confirmatory assay, amplification of pandemic influenza A viruses on amantadine treated MDCK cell line and evaluation of TCID50 assay, were accomplished. Results: All seasonal influenza A viruses were amantadine sensitive but none of the 2009 pandemic influenza A viruses where us none of the 2009 pandemic influenza A virus were sensitive. Conclusion: Considering emergence of new influenza A virus variant, and resistance to amantadine, it is noteworthy that application of amantadine in new variant A/H1N1 influenza viruses might not be effective.}, Keywords = {Amantadine, influenza A virus, Iran}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {12-16}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.12}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-48-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-48-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Heidari, F and Koohi-Habibi, M and Mosahebi, GH}, title = {Identification and Partial Characterization of Viral Agent of Lettuce Big Vein in Tehran Province}, abstract ={Background and Aims: The causal agents of viral lettuce big vein disease are two viruse, Lettuce big vein associated virus (Varicosavirus) and Mirafiori lettuce virus (Ophiovirus). These viruses have coat proteins of similar size but have different morphologies and serologically unrelated.The purpose of this study was to distinguish and detect LBVaV and MiLV in lettuce fields in Tehran Province. Patients and Methods: A total 344 samples with mosaic and big vein, head stunt, leaf deformation and motteling symptoms were collected from lettuce fields in Tehran Province.Using DAS – ELISA and specific antiserum for MiLV (DSMZ, AS-0798) and RT-PCR for LBVaV. Positive samples in ELISA and RT-PCR were inoculated on index plants,including Chenopodium quinoa, Chenopodium amaranticolor, Lactuca sativa and Nicotiana occidentalis p1. Results: The results of ELISA and RT-PCR about MiLV showed that, virus is transmitted on C.quinoa and produced chlorotic local lesion but about LBVaV, RT-PCR showed that C.quinoa and C.amaranticolor were infected and the virus caused chlorotic local lesion. Extraction of total RNA with three methods using RNAWIZ buffer, Guanidium isothiosianat buffer and Qiagen kit showed that exteraction with RNeasy plant minikit (Qiagen company) is better for RT-PCR. RT-PCR with LBVaV and MiLV specific primer pairs (were designed with Navaro et al. 2004) were performed and the fragment length were amplified for LBVaV and MiLV respectively 296bp and 469bp. The sequence nucleotides of CP of LBVaV was determined and had high similarity with other isolates in gene bank. Conclusion: This is the first report of occurrence of these viral diseases in lettuce in Iran (Tehran Province).}, Keywords = {Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay, Province}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {17-22}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.17}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-49-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-49-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Salmani, Z and Behzadian, F and Fotouhi-Chahooki, F and Fallah, J}, title = {Construction of a Recombinant Bacmid DNA to Express Influenza Virus Matrix Protein1 (M1) in Insect Cell Line}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been suggested to be a promising recombinant vaccine approach. Several studies have reported that the influenza VLPs produced in insect cells is an effective vaccine candidate. Due to crucial role of matrix M1 protein in assembly and budding of Influenza particles, in all VLPs structures, M1 protein have been considered as a main component. Methods: M1 open reading frame (759 bp) from human influenza virus A /New Caledonia 20/1999/ (H1N1) was amplified by RT-PCR. The amplicone was cloned into pFastBac1 donor plasmid through KpnI/XhoI sites. After verification of clone by restriction analysis, it was subjected to automated sequencing. The M1 recombinant bacmid was subsequently generated and verified by PCR using M1 specific and M13 universal primers. Results: results showed that a recombinant baculovirus containing correct and inframe sequence of Influenza M1 gene under control of polyhedrin promoter has been constructed. Conclusion: The above-mentioned M1 recombinant baculovirus can be used with other individual recombinant baculoviruses expressing HA and NA genes to produce influenza VLPs in insect cell line.}, Keywords = {M1 protein, Influenza, Virus-like particles (VLPs)}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {23-28}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.23}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-50-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-50-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Sakhaee, E and Khalili, M}, title = {Serological study of Maedi-Visna virus among sheep flocks in Kerman province of Iran}, abstract ={}, Keywords = {Maedi-Visna virus, Sheep, Kerman}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {29-33}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.29}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-51-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-51-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Nasiri, S and Sharifi, Z}, title = {Evaluation of Viral Inactivation in Suspension Containing 20% Albumin by Pasteurization Method}, abstract ={}, Keywords = {Viral inactivation, Albumin, Pasteurization}, volume = {4}, Number = {1}, pages = {34-36}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.1.34}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-52-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-52-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Salehi-vaziri, M and Monavari, SH and Khalili, M and Shamsi-Shahrabadi, M and Keyvani, H and Mollaei, H and Fazlalipour, M}, title = {Detection of HSV-1 DNA in the Semen of Infertile Men and Evaluation of its Correlation with Semen Parameters in Iran}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of major concern to clinicians and researchers in the field of reproductive medicine. Many STI pathogens cause incurable and often fatal diseases, and have been transmitted through insemination procedures. The role of herpes simplex virus in male infertility has been investigated using the sensitive methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HSV-1DNA in the semen of an asymptomatic male group with infertility problems and its association with altered semen parameters. Methods: A total of 70 semen samples from infertile men were collected in the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Yazd, Iran. Semen analysis and diagnostic Real Time PCR using specific primers and probe for gpB gene of HSV-1, was performed for detection of HSV-1 DNA in the specimen. Results: Semen analysis showed two groups of infertile men, including male factor group and unexplained group. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 16 (22.86%) of the70 semen samples. All HSV-1positive samples had abnormal semen parameters (male factor group). Conclusion: Using a powerful molecular method, we detected a high prevalence of HSV-1 DNA in the semen of asymptomatic infertile patients. Although HSV-1 infection was not associated with motility and morphology defects of the sperms, it was related with decreased sperm count in the semen fluid.}, Keywords = {Infertility, Herpes simplex virus, Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Semen fluidInfertility, Herpes simplex virus, Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Semen fluid}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {1-6}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.1}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-53-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-53-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Heydarchi, B and Hosseini, SM and Tavassoti-Kheiri, M and Sheykhi, N and Mousavi, SF and Khaltabadi-Farahani, R and Bashar, R and Fotouhi, F and Bolurieh, T}, title = {Evidence of H1 and H3 Influenza Virus Infection in Captive Birds in Tehran from November 2008 to February 2009}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Influenza A virus infects birds and some mammalian including human. H1 and H3 subtypes are circulated in both human and birds’ population. To determine the prevalence of the mentioned subtypes in birds, different captive bird species in Tehran zoo, and affiliated centers in Tehran were investigated for virus infection. Methods: In this study, Between November 2008 and February 2009, 76 cloacal swabs and serum samples were collected from 5 orders of Anseriformes, Galliformes, Columbiformes, Pelicaniformes and Phoenicopteriformes. Antibody surveillance was undertaken by haemagglutination inhibition assay and for detection of influenza virus genome RT-PCR technique was used. Results: In total, 57.7% and 88.75% of bird sera were seropositive against H1 and H3 viruses respectively. The highest GMT value and the greatest antibody titers were observed in Galliformes order particularly in chicken species. Influenza A genome was not detected in any of the samples by RT-PCR using M gene. Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that seropositive birds were infected during the last or possibly previous years with H1 and H3 virus strain.}, Keywords = {Hemagglutination Inhibition Test (HI), Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Captive birds, Tehran}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {7-16}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.7}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-54-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-54-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Hosseini, SY and Sabahi, F and Moazzeni, SM and Modarressi, MH and Saberi-Firoozi, M and Ravanshad, M}, title = {Construction of an Expression Vector Containing a Novel Fusion Sequence from Middle Region of NS3 and Truncated Core Genes of Hepatitis C Virus}, abstract ={Background and Aims: DNA constructs containing HCV antigens have become one of the vaccine candidates for induction of anti-HCV cellular and humoral immunity. In this study, we constructed a novel expressing vector harboring a fusion sequence derived from an overlapping fragment in the middle of NS3 and a truncated core fragment to avoid troubles reported to be associated with full gene expression. Methods: The partial NS3 (pNS3) and core genes were amplified by RT-PCR method using serum of HCV infected patient harboring genotype 1a of virus. After purification and cloning the genes into TA-cloning vector, they were evaluated by sequencing and restriction digestion analysis. The resultant pNS3 and core gene subcloned into expression vector separately followed by expression evaluation using RT-PCR and western blotting. The core expressing vector exploited for amplification of a new truncated core (50-160aa) sequence using PCR. Truncated core fragment was first cloned into TA vector at a natural restriction site downstream of pNS3 fragment. The resulting fused sequence was cut and subcloned into expression vector. The integrity and ability of expression of this fused sequence was evaluated by sequencing followed by RT-PCR analysis after DNA transfection into 293 cells. Results: The repeated sequencing data showed sequence integrity among the gene fragments as well as homology among them and reference 1a sequences. The colony-PCR, RT-PCR and western blotting confirmed insertion of genes into expressing vector, expression of genes in 293 cell line and production of protein in 293 respectively. Conclusion: This new expressing vector harboring a novel fused fragments of NS3 and core genes may overcome shortcomings in vaccine design in the setting of HCV disease.}, Keywords = {Viral Hepatitis Vaccines, NS3, core gene}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {17-27}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.17}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-55-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-55-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Bordbar, N and Habibi, G and Shafiei, A}, title = {Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Wild Type Rubella virus isolated in Iran}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Rubella virus is a human pathogen that causes congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) when infection occurs during early pregnancy. Vaccination programs have been remarkably successful in controlling natural rubella infection and CRS. Moreover, ongoing surveillance for all cases of rubella and CRS is a vital component of a prevention program. Although the WHO recommends the use of molecular epidemiology, little is known about circulating strains and genotypes of rubella virus (RUBV) in Iran. This study was designed to analyze the genetic characteristics of the wild type isolated in Iran. Methods: The partial E1 gene was amplified from the isolated Iran MF rubella virus and Takahashi vaccine strain in comparison with 22 reference strains. The sequence of the E1 gene of the rubella virus isolate was compared by phylogenic analysis. Results: Nucleic acid sequencing confirmed the isolated virus was Rubella (96 % identity in 784 bases) the sequence was subsequently submitted and registered to the GenBank with accession number DQ975202. The created phylogenetic tree of rubella virus reference sequences showed that the isolated MF rubella virus was classified into genotype 2B. Conclusion: Based on our data, this is the first report of rubella virus genotyping in Iran. The history of some eradicated viral diseases shows that us how molecular tools are helpful in surveillance. However, more comprehensive molecular epidemiologic studies are required in order to reach Rubella virus elimination goal.}, Keywords = {Rubella Virus, Genotyping, Phylogenetic analysis}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {28-37}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.28}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-56-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-56-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Abumwais, JQ and Idris, OF}, title = {Prevalence of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV infection among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District (Palestine)}, abstract ={Background and Aims: End-stage renal disease patients treated by hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible for infection by viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Infection by these viruses is promoted by the characteristic immunological dysfunction that develops in renal failure and interferes with the patient's ability to eliminate these viruses. Prevalence of these viruses among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District (Palestine) was not studied until now, we aimed in this study to determine the prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District using serological methods, and to define the main risk factors for HCV infection. Materials and Methods: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis from various demographic areas in Jenin District were included in the study. Data such as age, sex, drug abuse, history of transplantation were examined. Serological markers for HCV, HBV and HIV were determined using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Pearson’s correlation factor and independent samples t-test were used to analyze the significance of results. Results: The patients were 77 (42 males, 35 females, mean age 50.73 ± 16.78 years [age range: 14 – 80 years]), the mean duration of dialysis was 26.97 months with a standard deviation of 35.19 days. The prevalence of HCV was 24.68 % while the prevalence of HBsAg and HIV were 0% respectively. HCV seropositivity was associated with longer period of dialysis (P=0.000). There was no statistically significant correlation between age and HCV seropositivity (P=0.630), also there was no statistically significant relationship between sex and infection with HCV (P=0.849). Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District is high compared to many Arab and other countries. None of the patients were a former drug abuser or had a history of tattooing. None of the patients was with a former transplant was HCV positive, so it seemed that the infection was mainly nosocomial during dialysis process. Duration of dialysis was an important risk factor (P=0.000). Dialysis staff, incomplete disinfection of dialysis machines (monitors), non-isolation of HCV positive patients on special dialysis units or special monitors may be important risk factors. So, careful attention of the preventive infection control measures is essential to limit the transmission of HCV in the dialysis unit in Jenin District.}, Keywords = {Hepatitis C, Prevalence, HIV Infections, Hepatitis B}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {38-44}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.38}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-57-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-57-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} } @article{ author = {Beladi-Mousavi, SS and Hajiani, E and Salehi-Behbehani, SM}, title = {Hepatitis B Infection in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients in Khuzestan Province, Iran}, abstract ={}, Keywords = {Hepatitis B Infection, Renal disease}, volume = {4}, Number = {2}, pages = {45-48}, publisher = {Iranian Society for Virology}, doi = {10.21859/isv.4.2.45}, url = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-58-en.html}, eprint = {http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-58-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Virology}, issn = {1735-5680}, eissn = {2588-5030}, year = {2010} }