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Background and Objective: Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) by tuberculin skin test (TST) is accompaind with limitations. A few documented data exist regarding the performance of serology tests for LTBI diagnosis in HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine LTBI prevalency and compare TST results and IgM antibodies against M.tuberculosis antigens (IAMA) for the diagnosis of LTBI in HIV infected individuals. Materials and Methods: In this discriptive study, sixty two HIV infected subjects were chosen randomly from an addict treatment center in Ahvaz southwest Iran during 2008. The patients underwent TST, using 5 TU of purified protein derivative, and IAMA was measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 software and Chi-Square test. Results: From 62 studied cases, 34 (54.8%) had positive result for TST, whereas 6 (9.7%) had positive IAMA. LTBI was diagnosed in 37 (59.7%) by either TST or IAMA. Overall concordance between TST and IAMA was 45.2%. In subjects with positive test by either TST or IAMA, only 4.8% had positive test by either diagnostic procedure. Discordant results were found in 54.8% of subjects. Positive results for both diagnostic methods in subjects with above and below 200 CD4-cell/mm3 did not show any significant differences. Conclusion: This study showed that LTBI prevalence among HIV infected individuals among addict patients, in this region is higher than other parts of the world. Also TST is a useful test for LTBI diagnosis is preferable to IAMA method.

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Background and Objective: The liver is the main organ involved in the metabolism of various drugs and toxins. Thus, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by drugs and toxins. Alpinia officinarum belongs to the Ginger family and has been used in traditional Iranian medicine for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, including strengthening the function of the stomach and organs, improving digestion and reducing bloating. In addition, the plant has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes aqueous extract in male Wistar rats.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats that were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 7. Four groups received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while a group did not receive the extract (control group). Tissue sections (5 microns) were stained by hematoxylin and eosin at the pharmacology laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The groups were examined for liver tissue pathology, and the level of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by Pars Azmoun ELISA kit.
Results: Administration of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome for 28 days by gavage increased the level of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats. Tissue damage was observed in most groups receiving the extract.
Conclusion: The results show that consumption of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome at a dose of more than 100 mg/kg can cause liver damage and is lethal at a dose of 800 mg/kg.