Novin Nikbakhsh1; Masomeh Bayani; Sepideh Siadati
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sputum smear staining for acid-fast bacilli is initial approach to the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) but more than 50% of cases are sputum smear-negative. This study was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) guided bronchoalveolar ...
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Background and Objectives: Sputum smear staining for acid-fast bacilli is initial approach to the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) but more than 50% of cases are sputum smear-negative. This study was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) guided bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients suspected to have tuberculosis. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 290 sputum smear-negative patients who were clinically suspicious for PTB in 2006-12. All patients were subjected to FOB andBAL, then BAL specimens stained and cultured. Results: Of the 290 patients, 173 cases (59.7%) were men and 117 cases (40.3%) were women with the age of 52.6±19.1 years (ranged 20-76 years). Of the total 290 BAL specimens, 110 specimens (38%) were positive for acid-fast bacilli. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 60%, 91%, 89% and 64%, respectively. Also, LR+ and LR- was 64.6% and 0.44%, respectively. Conclusion: FOB guided BAL is a reliable, rapid and useful method for establishing the diagnosis of smear negative PTB with minimal complications.
Masomeh Bayani; Sepideh Siadati; Mahmoud Hajiahmadi; Afshin Khani; Navid Naemi
Volume 9, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 187-192
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Hepatitis B is one of the major health problems in the world. Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV infection and the immune response to HBV vaccine among the HCWs in Babol, ...
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Background & Objectives: Hepatitis B is one of the major health problems in the world. Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV infection and the immune response to HBV vaccine among the HCWs in Babol, northern Iran. Methods: This study was accomplished on 527 HCWs and administrative staff working at Rohani Hospital, Babol, northern Iran from 2011 to 2012. HBs- Ag, HBc- Ab and HBs- Ab were measured by ELISA method. All susceptible staff vaccinated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Pasteur Institute of Iran) and HBs - Ab titer was evaluated 3 months after the last dose. Results: Anti-HBc was positive in 32 (6.1%) and HBs-Ag in 4 (0.75%) of the participants. The HBV exposure in HCWs was four times greater than the administrative staff (6.65% vs. 1.63%). There was significant association between HBV exposure and occupation and also educational level (P < 0.001), however, this association was not found with age and gender. Seroconversion was seen in 211 (91.7%) of 230 participants who received three-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine. The seroconversion is significantly decreasing by the increase of age (P < 0.001), however, no significant association was seen with age and gender. Conclusion: Considering high HBV infection exposure in HCWs, it is mandatory to ensure vaccination program and postvaccination evaluation along with education and safe work environment preparation.
Masomeh Bayani; Sepideh Siadati; Seddigheh Esmaeilzadeh; Samaneh Asgari; Saeed Salmani
Volume 8, Issue 3 , July 2013, , Pages 171-177
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chicken pox has potential complications during pregnancy for both the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to determine the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immune status in pregnant women in Babol and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Materials and Methods: This seroepidemiological ...
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Background and Objectives: Chicken pox has potential complications during pregnancy for both the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to determine the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immune status in pregnant women in Babol and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Materials and Methods: This seroepidemiological study was carried out on 427 pregnant women referred to Rohani Hospital, Babol, northern Iran from 2010 to 2011. The immune status (IgG level) was determined using ELISA method and correlation with age, place of residence, history of VZV infection and the number of siblings were evaluated.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 27.16 + 5.7 years and their mean antibody level was 103.552 + 63.37 U/ml. Out of 427 pregnant women studied, 8.7% were seronegative, 1.2% were equivocal and 90.2% were seropositive. There was no correlation between age, the place of residence (urban or rural) and titer of antibody. However, higher antibody titer was found in women with more siblings.
Conclusion: Considering 90.2% of pregnant women were VZV seropositive, evaluation of VZV antibody in order to prevent complications in non-immune pregnant women and vaccination for women with age less than 25 years old and no VZV infection history, prior to pregnancy is recommended.