Background: Hepatitis A is a virus with linear and positive strand RNA. As HAV has no envelope, it is more resistant to environmental stress than other hepatitis viruses, and it can be transmitted by water and food. HAV infection is acquired commonly by the fecaloral route and in adults, it can leave very serious complications, including fulminate hepatitis. The virus is infectious for one to two weeks in the bloodstream before symptoms appear. In the acute phase of the disease, when the virus is presented in the bloodstream, it is possible to transfer via blood transfusion and plasma products. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the frequency of antibodies against HAV and the acute phase of the disease among blood donors in Golestan province in the northeast of Iran. Methods: Sera of 400 blood donors in Golestan province who were negative for anti-HIV, HBs Ag, and anti-HCV were tested for the total anti-HAV antibody, anti-HAV IgM, and HAV-RNA. Total antibodies (IgG+IgM) and IgM were determined by the ELISA method using commercial kits. HAV-RNA was detected by nested RT-PCR. Results: Overall, 91% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive and all blood donors were negative for anti-HAV IgM. HAV-RNA was not found in any serum samples. Conclusions: The prevalence of HAV was high among blood donors in Golestan province and due to high anti-HAV seroprevalence rates, the blood donors are safe in terms of virus transfer.
Background and Objectives: Phage therapy has gained interest as an alternative treatment for methicillin-resistant Staph- ylococcus aureus (MRSA)infections. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize an effective bacteriophage against isolates of MRSA. Materials and Methods: Bacteriophage was isolated from hospital sewage. Lytic activity and the titers of phage lysates were measured using spot test anddouble-layer plaque assay. The phage characterization was determined through trans- mission electron microscopy. Adsorption rate, host range and stabilitytests were investigated. The latent period and burst size were estimated from a one-step growth curve. The effect of bacteriophage against MRSA biofilms wasdetermined and Real-time PCR was used to assess the effects of the bacteriophage on the expression of the biofilm-associated genes. Results: TEM resultsshowed that the phage resembled the Cystoviridae family. Its latent period was 30 min, corresponding to about 71/43 phage particles per infected cell. Thephage had a broad host range and it was most stable at 37°C and pH 7. It was sensitive to NaCl concentrations. The expressions of the biofilm-associated genes were significantly reduced in the presence of the phage. Conclusion: The isolated phage was effective against MRSA strains and it can be an optional strategy of controlling biofilm development.
Background: Human parvovirus B19 is a single-stranded DNA and non-enveloped virus which belongs to the Parvoviridae family. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and perinatal blood. B19 may cause serious complications in patients with cellular immunodeficiency that have no detectable antibodies to B19, such as aplastic crises in solid organs. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parvovirus B19 and to evaluate the presence of B19 DNA among blood donors in Golestan Province. Methods: Sera of 400 blood donors in Golestan Province who were negative for HIV, HbsAg, and HCV were tested for both IgG and IgM anti-B19 virus antibodies using the ELISA method, following which all sera were tested for the presence of B19 DNA by semi-nested PCR. Results: 242 (out of 400) subjects (60.5%; 95% CI) were positive for anti-B19 IgG, and 158 were negative for IgG antibody (39.5%; 95% CI). Moreover, all asymptomatic blood donors were negative for anti-B19 IgM. No viral genome was found in serum samples of donors. Conclusions: Since no viral genome was found in the donors' serum samples and the relatively high prevalence of anti HPV- B19 IgG in blood donors, it can be concluded that the possibility of B19 transmission through blood transfusion is low. However, special caution should be taken when transfusing blood to the high-risk groups such as pregnant women, immune-deficient patients, and those with hematological problems, particularly regarding IgG anti- HPV- B19 antibodies (HPV- B19-safe).
Background and Objectives: The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and viruses is attracting interest because of the antiviral potential of NPs. This study aims to investigate the antiviral potential of NPs against Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1). Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were conducted by Molegro virtual docker software. An extract of Juglans regia green husk was utilized to biosynthesize copper-oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs). The cytotoxicity of NPs was evaluated by MTT assay. Different treatment assays were conducted. Another assay was designed to employ the concentration of 300 μg/ml of CuNPs, which is the highest concentration that did not precipitate. Finally, chemically synthesized Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were utilized to adsorb CuNPs. The antiviral effect of FeNPs was investigated, separately. Results: Docking results confirmed that NPs could interact with the HSV-1 glycoproteins and prevent viral entry. MTT assay results illustrated that the minimum non-toxic concentration (MNTD) of CuNPs is 100 μg/ml which did not exhibit antiviral properties. Employing a noncytotoxic concentration of FeNPs (300 mg/ml) in combination with cytotoxic concentration of CuNPs (300 μg /ml), eliminated the cytotoxicity effects of CuNPs. Exposure of the virus with the combination of CuNPs and FeNPs resulted in 4.5 log10 TCID50 reductions in HSV-1. While treating HSV-1 with only FeNPs reduced the titer of virus by 3.25 log10 TCID50 . Conclusion: The results highlight that combination of CuNPs and FeNPs have antiviral activity against HSV-1. Moreover, FeNPs demonstrated antiviral properties against HSV-1 separately.
A population-based seroepidemiological and molecular survey for detection of earlier and re-cent SARS-CoV-2 infection was done in children aged 14 years or less in Tehran between 19 September 2020 and 21 June 2021. Demographic data, COVID-19 symptoms and infection status were recorded and IgG antibodies and RNA of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in sera and nasopha-ryngeal swab samples, respectively. Out of 1517 participants, cardinal symptoms of COVID-19 (fever >38 oC and/or cough and/or diarrhea) were detected in 18% and serological history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and PCR positivity were confirmed in 33.2% and 10.7% of the weighted-population, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly higher among 10–14-year-old children. Active infection was significantly higher in symptomatic children and during autumn 2020 and spring 2021. The RT-qPCR positivity was related to contact with in-fected persons. RT-qPCR positivity was significantly higher among families with a lower socio-economic status, while no association between RT-qPCR- or seropositivity was determined with household size, underlying diseases, or gender. In conclusion, high SARS-CoV-2 infection prev-alence and seroprevalence was detected in children in Tehran in different seasons. The infection was significantly higher in older age children, and those with a positive-history of close contact with infected cases and/or lower socioeconomic status.
The Masjed-e Jāme' of Isfahan is one of the largest historic mosques in the Islamic world. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Due to the arid climate of the region, the building is quite well preserved and presents only localized patterns of alteration. However, due to the risk of biodeteriogenic microorganisms which could be present on these valuable surfaces, this study aimed to isolate the microorganisms associated with the specific deteriorated areas of this monument and determine their deteriorative mechanism. Samples were taken from the deteriorated areas in order to isolate bacteria and fungi. These were tested for their potential to induce biodeterioration via CaCO 3 dissolution, pH alteration, and pigment and mineral production. Results revealed that ubiquitous species such as Penicillium spp. and Bacillus spp. were the most abundant microorganisms isolated from the samples, some of which were able to release organic acids and induce CaCO 3 dissolution. Very often, the isolated fungi showed a combined biodeteriogenic activity due to solubilization and precipitation of CaCO 3 . Rarely was CaCO 3 solubilization combined with pigment release. These findings are a first step toward providing helpful information to assess the biodeteriogenic potential of colonizing microorganisms and planning a preventive method for the conservation of this monument which has never been studied in terms of biodeterioration risk.
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