Background: Tattoos are associated with blood-borne infections that result from viruses such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This association is equally evident among people without major risk factors and among those with major risk factors like injected drug users (IDUs). Objectives: In this study we evaluated all tattooed patients admitted to our hospital (the Boo-Ali hospital in southeastern Iran) between February 2006 to January 2015. Patients and Methods: The patients enrolled in our study were admitted to infectious disease wards for different illnesses (e. g., Pneumonia, Sepsis, Tuberculosis, etc.).We only studied the patients who agreed to be included in our study. When we found at least one tattooed area, regardless of its size, we took a blood sample and tested it for the presence of HIV, HBV, and HCV. Results: Among the 63 patients with tattoos (21% female, 79% male, age range:16 to 79-years-old), four patients (6.3%) tested positive for HBsAg and PCR-HBV, seven patients (11%) tested positive for HCV, and five (7.9%) tested positive for HIV. The last group consisted in IDUs and all five had several tattooed areas on their bodies. Conclusions: Upon our results, tattooed people even with a small size of tattoo on the body are more at risk for HCV, HBV, and HIV infection.
Introduction: Osteochondritis is a joint condition in which bone underneath the cartilage of a joint destroys due to lack of blood flow. Then bone and cartilage can break, causing pain and sometimes affecting joint motion and skin around the involved joint might be swollen and tender. Osteochondritis occurs most commonly in the knee, but also occurs in elbows, ankles and other joints. Decreased blood flow to the end of the affected bone due to trauma is the main cause, but there might be a genetic component, making some persons more susceptible to get this disorder. Some infections such as brucellosis can lead to osteochondritis. Bone and joint complications are common in brucellosis, but osteochondritis of sternoclavicular joint is a rare presentation. Case Presentation: Here, we presented a 34-year-old woman referred to our hospital for fever, chills and arthralgia in the sternoclavicular joint, which has been started two months before admission. Finally, with more evaluations, we found that she had sternoclavicular osteochondritis due to brucellosis. Conclusions: Although, brucellosis can cause arthritis more in knee, elbow and hip and causes spondylodiscitis, osteochondritis of sternoclavicular joint is very rare in brucella infection.
Background: Influenza is a contagious and acute viral disease caused by influenza viruses involving upper and lower respiratory tract system, especially in the cold seasons. Children aged less than 5 years old, elderly people, immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk for the disease and severe complications. Objectives: Due to the serious complications of influenza in certain groups, it is important to know which group of people are more at risk and need prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the patients with confirmed influenza, identify the people who are at a higher risk for infection, and assess the clinical outcomes of disease among patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, we studied the files of all patients with confirmed influenza referred to the health centers in Mashhad, Iran, during autumn and winter of 2019 when influenza virus was prevalent. The disease was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. We studied all registered data related to the flu, including gender, age, residency, history of vaccination, risk factors, complications, and clinical outcomes. Results: In this study, 2977 patients (3% outpatients vs. 97% hospitalized) with flu like syndrome were tested by RT-PCR for influenza. Out of 84 outpatients, only two cases were positive for influenza. Among hospitalized patients, 80 cases (51% male vs. 49% female; age range: 1 - 87 years) had a positive RT-PCR test, and influenza type A was seen in 95% of cases. Pneumonia was the most common complication. Death happened in 29 (35.36%) patients and three (33.33%) cases with risk factors. The highest number of influenza patients (31 [37.8%]) had been reported from district No. 3 of Mashhad municipality, which is a crowded place and near the holy shrine. Conclusions: The results showed a high prevalence of complication and death among hospitalized patients, especially among those who did not have a risk factor for influenza viruses. Comprehensive vaccination programs and promotion of knowledge about transmission routes are two important measures for disease prevention and lower death rates.
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