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Abstract Background & Objectives: Thalassemia syndromes isone of the inherited disorders in which one or more globulin chains are affected. On the basis of clinical symptoms, thalassemias are categorized as minor, intermediate, and major. Minor beta -thalassemia is a mild microcytic hypo chromic anemia in most cases asymptomatic and HbA2 is more than normal. Materials & Methods: This study carried out on 813 blood samples obtained from male high school students of Aliabad Katool, in the north of Iran. After detecting red blood cell indices of the subjects whose MCV was less than 80fl HbA study performed. Results: The MCV of 8.24% of the subjects was less than 80fl.34 of 67 had HbA2 of less than 3.5 %(normal) while the rest more than 3.5%(minor). Conclusions: Since about 50% of microcytic anemic patients were the carrier of beta-thalassemia and it is highly Prevalent in this region (4.06%), we recommend to investigate HbA2 in people with MCV less than 80 fl. Keyword: Thalassemia, Thalassemia minor, HbA2, Iran

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Abstract Background and objectives: Hemin is a porphyrin compound derived from hemoglobin, the precursor of other porphyrin hemoglobin derivatives and the raw material of Hematin. Since hemin is widely used in medicine, we decided primarily to synthesize this substance in Laboratory and to determine the best way of hemin extraction from untransfused and expired blood units. Materials and Methods: In the first method, Glacial acetic acid and sodium chloride were added to citrated blood and hemin crystals were extracted by means of cooling. Finally, the obtained product, by visible spectrophotometer and Infrared Spectrophotometer, was compared to standard samples. Fur thermore, citrated blood, citrated blood hemolysed by distilled water and citrated blood washed by normal saline were used comparatively as a raw material to produce Hemin. The second method was performed by adding Strontium, acetic acid and acetone to blood samples and then after precipitating Hemin crystals they were washed and dried with acetone. Results: The presence of functional groups in Hemin samples, analyzed by infrared Spectrophotometer, indicates the production of this compound. The results of visible Spectrophotometer in comparison with control samples and the results of samples weighting demonstrates high efficiency of extraction stages and the purity of obtained compound. Conclusion: The use of intact citrated blood produces more Hemin than the other kind of Citrated blood samples. Moreover, acetic acid with citrated blood, without any processing on blood, is the best way for Hemin production. Key words: strontium, Hemin, Blood, acetic acid, extraction

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Abstract Background and objectives: Human T-Lymphocyte Virus-1 (HTLV- 1) is known as the etiologic factor of acute T-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ATL) and tropical spastic paralysis. (TSP). Endemic factors causing infection with Human T Lymphocyte Virus-1 (HTLV-1) is based on environmental, socio-economical and health behaviors of the individuals. This virus is well distributed in families with involved members. Golestan province is located in North West part of Northern Khorasan province that had already been known as an endemic area for HTLV-1. This virus is also known as the main etiologic factor for cancers and ATL, therefore we studied the prevalence of HTLV-1 seroepidemiology in Golestan province. Material and Methods: The subjects selected by cluster sampling were 2034 healthy cases residing in different parts of Golestan province. ELISA method using Dia- pro anti HTLV-1 antibody kits was applied for serological assessment. Western Blot (HTLV BLOT 2.4) was used for confirmation purposes. Results: The subjects aged 38.66±16.54 were 2034 healthy persons. Forty-one point seven of these cases were males and the rest females. Based on ELISA method there were15 HTLV-1 positive cases (0.7%). -1. (0.7%) Six out of 15 were confirmed by western blot method (95%, CI: 0.06-0.53%). The highest prevalence sigllificant) aiology is in the highat rate in 31-40 year old gro0.7%). onclusion: This study shows that HTLV-1 is prevalent in Golestan the same as the other parts of the world. There fere: we urse on performing screening test (HTLV-) on donated blood components before delivering (OK labeling). Key words: HTLV-1, Seroepidemiology, ELISA, Western Blot, Golestan ATL(Acute T lymphocytic Leukemia) Six cases out of 15 were confirmed by western blot method (95%, CI: 0.06-0.53%). The highest prevalence was 2.6% seen in Kalaleh city (east part of the province) [95%, Cl: 0.06-0.53%). There was significant difference between the prevalence of HTLV-1 and the dwelling place. (p=002). HTLV-1 seroepidemiology was in the highest rate in 31-40 year old group (0.7%). Conclusion: This study shows that HTLV-1 is prevalent in Golestan province, the same as the other parts of the world. Therefore, we recommend performing screening test (HTLV-) on donated blood components before delivering (OK labeling). Key words: HTLV-1, Seroepidemiology, ELISA, Western Blot, Golestan province, ATL (Acute T lymphocytic Leukemia)

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Abstract Background and Objectives: Erythrocyte indices are helpful for monitoring the erythrocyte synthesis and liver condition. The pesticide factories’ staff are being exposed to poisoning. This article aims to evaluate the effect of pesticides on blood indices of subjects which are exposed to organophosphate toxins. Material and Methods: This cohort study was conducted on the 63 employees of a pesticide factory In Gorgan.Iran (2005). We performed a two-step Sampling, The beginning of working season and three months later. Then, data analysis was carried out (p<0.05). Results: The difference between the mean of MCV in phase one (82.8 ± 7.1 fl) and phase two (80.3 ± 6.7) is Significant (p<0.001). The increase of Erythrocyte, hemoglobin, HCT, and MCHC in the second phase was statistically meaningful. There is not any significant relation between the work place, Record of Services and red blood cell indices. Conclusion: In regard to the changes in hematologic indices in a threemonth period, it seems logical to set up a program to have a routine check on the hematologic indices in people engaging in such occupations Key words: Pesticide, organophosphate toxins, hematologic indices, MCV, hemoglobin, hematocrit.

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Abstract Background and Objective: Stenotrphomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with high mortality in immunocompromised cases. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Stenotrphomonas maltophilia in the hospitals’ environment and wards. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1108 samples were collected from environment of two hospitals during 12 months. Identification of isolates was performed using biochemical, phenotypic (intrinsic resistance to carbapenems) and molecular methods (amplification of 23S rRNA gene). Results: Of the studied samples, 186 (16.78%) nonfermentative gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) were identified. Amongst NFGNB, 18 (1.62%) isolates were identified as S. maltophiliaby using biochemical tests. Of 18 biochemically identified isolates, 15 (83.3%) were confirmed via PCR. Sinks (40%) and men surgery ward ( 33.3 %( were the most contaminated sites and wards of hospitals, respectively. Conclusion: S. maltophilia is repeatedly isolated from sink which shows that the moist hospital environments need to be considered as a source for dissemination of bacteria. Keywords: Nosocomial Infections, Nonfermentative Gram Negative, Stenotrphomonas Maltophilia, PCR

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Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in most areas of Iran, and the diagnosis of its species is essential for controlling the disease. Leishmania major is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Molecular methods are generally more sensitive than microscopic methods. The present study aimed to use a polymerase chain reaction-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) technique for detecting live L. major from wounds of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methods: In the present study, a standard strain of L. major promastigotes was used as the positive control for purification of DNA. The Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle and RPMI-1640 media were used for reproduction of parasites. DNA was isolated from specimens taken from 35 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis whose disease was confirmed by direct smear method. The PCR-ELISA technique was later applied by using the standard strain, patient specimens, and primers specific for the 18s rRNA.
Results: Out of 35 patients, 17 (48.6%) were male and 18 (51.4%) were female. In addition, 8.6% of the patients lived in the Gonbad-e Kavus County, while all patients had been infected in villages around Gonbad-e Kavus. Of 35 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis according to the direct smear method, 31 patients (86.31%) had leishmaniasis based on the PCR method and the PCR-ELISA methods.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the PCR-ELISA method is more sensitive and accurate for detecting L. major.

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Dear Editor,
There are several reports about the modulatory effects of intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania spp., to help survival and replication inside host cells. They alter host cells' defense and offence mechanisms, and in case of leishmaniasis, the pathogen creates a hostile environment inside macrophages. We performed an RNA sequencing analysis of transcriptome changes in Leishmania major-infected human macrophages at four hour post infection. In this study, we investigated gene expression pattern of the infected macrophages against microbead (4.16 µm) polystyrene particles phagocytized and non-polarized macrophages as controls. Monocytes with high purity were isolated from healthy donors by magnetic-activated cell sorting and then differentiated into macrophages after 6-9 days of incubation at 37 ˚C.
In this study, we focused on some key interaction events between host cell and the pathogen; so some feature steps resulting from dictation strategies of the pathogen are presented below.

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Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible.  Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.