Abstract

Background and Aims: IP-10 molecule is a new biomarker to predict response to treatment in chronic HCV infection. Also urine IP-10 has been suggested as a biomarker in other infections. But already, it has low data in urine as well as serum level of IP-10 for HCV infection. The aim of this study was to assess urine and serum level of IP-10 in patients with type 1 and 3a HCV infection.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 105 patients with HCV infection were involved in three 35 people groups. Blood and urine sample of all patients was collected to determine IP-10 level. Finally, data analysis was reported using SPSS, mean statistics analysis and T test.

Results: The age mean was 41.6±11.2 ranging 21-68. Urine and serum level of IP-10 in patient group was significantly higher than control (p=0.001). Serum level of IP-10 based on HCV genotype was higher significantly in genotype 1a than 3a (p=0.001) but there was no significant difference of urine IP-10 level between genotypes 1a and 3a.

Conclusions: The results show IP-10 is a proper marker to determine the prognosis of fibrosis and progress liver inflammation and on the other hand, the prediction of response to treatment differs in various genotypes of HCV infection.

Background and Aims: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection among pregnant women can cause a serious threat to the health of mother and fetus. Varicella is clearly less dangerous for immunized mothers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of VZV antibody among women before marriage. 
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 women of child-bearing age who referred to Yazd clinic for premarital screening. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was performed to detect antibodies against VZV. Demographic characteristics of each participant, including age, educational level, place of residence, family and self-reported history of chickenpox were collected by a questionnaire. Results: Mean age of women under study was 23±5.4 years that 223 participants (73.7%) were seropositive, and 77 cases (25.7%) were seronegative for anti-VZV antibody, while 2 (0.6%) subjects had an equivocal result. A higher immunity ratio (86.4%) was found among older women (33-44 years). Data showed no significant correlation between immunity to VZV and age, educational level, place of residence. A statistically significant association was found between the family history, self-reported history of chickenpox and immunity to VZV. The positive and negative predictive values for self-reported history of chicken pox were 97.1% and 81.1%, respectively.
Conclusions: A significant number of women before marriage had no immunity to VZV.  They are in risk of getting varicella, which can cause serious complications in mother and fetus. It, therefore, seems necessary to screen women of child-bearing age for anti-VZV antibody. In addition, vaccination against VZV in Iranian women before marriage can be a good recommendation.