Bakhtiari Provinces Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Educational Intervention on the Error of Insurance Documents on Deductions in Hospitalization Records

Background: This study aims to consider the effect of an educational intervention on the error rate of insurance documents in the deducting of hospitalization records of COVID-19 patients' health insurance among hospital staff. Methods: The target population of this semi-experimental study was all personnel involved in the management of patients with Covid-19. Among the hospitals of the COVID-19 site in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, one hospital was selected as the educational target group (24 individuals) and one hospital was considered as the control group (16 individuals) by lottery. To measure the effectiveness of education, the sample size of all cases of 19 patients with health insurance in two hospitals during two periods of October and March 2016 was determined. Data collection was performed by checklists and direct reviews of files, the health insurance system, and the hospital HIS system. Data analysis was performed using SPSS21 software. Results: The number of deductions in the case of "Covid 19 hospitalized patients" of the health insurance decreased significantly in the intervention hospital from 1833 to 933 (p < .005) and increased in the control hospital from 447 to 2712 (p < .005). In the intervention hospital, the highest decrease in deductions in the hoteling service was from 235 (12.8%) to 2 (0.2%) cases (p < .001), and for medicines from 335 (18.2%) to 56 (6%) cases (p < .001). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that staff training on the error in COVID-19 insurance documents during the coronavirus pandemic outbreak has reduced the number of insurance deductions in COVID-19 patients' records.

A new species of the Tetramorium meridionale species-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Iran

Tetramorium flavocostatum sp. nov., a member of the T. meridionale species-group, is described from central-west Iran (Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari and Isfahan Provinces). It is well characterized by a yellow body, thick and regular longitudinal rugae on the whole surface of the head and mesosoma, and occipital head with rugae arching posterolaterally. The number of Tetramorium species known to Iran is estimated at 23, but the number is expected to change following the discoveries and verification of historical records. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EF2DC819-4F0B-4897-A816-7D7DA4A1EA43

Basic Reproduction Number (R0), Doubling Time, and Daily Growth Rate of the COVID-19 Epidemic: An Echological Study.

In infectious diseases, there are essential indices used to describe the disease state. In this study, we estimated the basic reproduction number, R0, peak level, doubling time, and daily growth rate of COVID-19. This ecological study was conducted in 5 provinces of Iran. The daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases from January 17 to February 8, 2020 were used to determine the basic reproduction number (R0), peak date, doubling time, and daily growth rates in all five provinces. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate epidemiological parameters. The highest and lowest number of deaths were observed in Hamedan (657 deaths) and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (54 deaths) provinces, respectively. The doubling time of confirmed cases in Kermanshah and Hamedan ranged widely from 18.59 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.38, 20) to 76.66 days (95% CI: 56.36, 119.78). In addition, the highest daily growth rates of confirmed cases were observed in Kermanshah (0.037, 95% CI: 0.034, 0.039) and Sistan and Baluchestan (0.032, 95% CI: 0.030, 0.034) provinces. In light of our findings, it is imperative to tailor containment strategies to the unique epidemiological profiles of each region in order to effectively mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19. The wide variation in doubling times underscores the importance of flexibility in public health responses. By adapting measures to local conditions, we can better address the evolving dynamics of the pandemic and safeguard the well-being of communities.

Investigation of the therapeutic role of native plant compounds against colorectal cancer based on system biology and virtual screening

This study investigated the anticancer effects of compounds extracted from native plants on colon cancer following drug–target-network analysis and molecular docking. Based on the ChEBI database, compounds were identified in medicinal plants and weeds in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces of Iran. A drug–target network was constructed based on candidate colon cancer protein targets and selective compounds. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted against the identified compounds and subjected to molecular docking studies. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, the most efficient compounds were evaluated for their anticancer effects. Our study suggests that TREM1, MAPK1, MAPK8, CTSB, MIF, and DPP4 proteins may be targeted by compounds in medicinal plants for their anti-cancer effects. Multiorthoquinone, Liquiritin, Isoliquiritin, Hispaglabridin A, Gibberellin A98, Cyclomulberrin, Cyclomorusin A, and Cudraflavone B are effective anticancer compounds found in targeted medicinal plants and play an important role in the regulation of important pathways in colon cancer. Compounds that inhibit MIF, CTSB, and MAPK8-16 appear to be more effective. Additional in vitro and in vivo experiments will be helpful in validating and optimizing the findings of this study.

Two new species of ants of the genus Cataglyphis Foerster, 1850 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Iran

This paper enhances our understanding of the diversity of Iranian desert ants. It introduces two new species: Cataglyphis shahrekordensis sp. nov., a member of the C. altisquamis species-group, and Cataglyphis lirabiensis sp. nov., which belongs to the C. cursor species-group. These species were discovered in south-western Iran, specifically in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari and Khoozestan Provinces. With these additions, the total number of Cataglyphis Foerster species known in Iran has now reached 37. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:725AF7DF-BB0E-4833-BAE7-A5983F952E1E

Presenting and Explaining a Model for the Development of Human Resources Policies in Education

Human resource policies, by promoting the values of creativity, cooperation, independence and ambition among employees, create and sustain a suitable infrastructure for the development of new products, technologies, and organizational procedures. The research components in the second phase of the case were investigated. The process of conducting research in the way of data theory processing of the foundation consists of: research questions, note taking and data collection, analysis, theoretical sampling and theoretical saturation, writing and compiling theory and comparing texts. The analysis process starts with open coding and ideally it will end with selective coding. In order to collect the primary components, 50 domestic and foreign articles and book titles were studied with this number of samples. Received a comment After coding and categorizing the components (by 20 experts) using the Kendall coefficient, the reliability of the components was estimated at 88%. In the quantitative phase, the research environment included the teachers of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces and there were 1400 people in the year 2017-2017. Using simple random sampling method, 296 people were estimated as the sample size. In quantitative data analysis including frequency distribution tables and graphs, factor analysis method and covariance based structural equation modeling approach were used in the inferential part. The results showed that the dimensions and components can be classified into 5 main dimensions and 50 components. According to the main loads, the research model has good validity.

Ranking Iranian Provinces in Terms of Access to Healthcare Indicators with Emphasis on Yazd Province

Background: Ranking provinces in terms of access to healthcare services facilitates a more accurate planning in order to identify the potential and weaknesses and fair allocation of the budgets of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, the present study is carried out with the aim of ranking the provinces of the country and also investigating the position of Yazd province in terms of access to the indicators of the health sector.
 Methods: In terms of purpose, the present study is considered to be of an applied type with a survey-descriptive nature, and cross-sectional, in terms of time. The statistical population included all provinces of Yazd. The data which is required to access indicators of the health and treatment sector were extracted based on the information of the country's statistical yearbook in 2018. Shannon and TOPSIS entropy method and Excel 2016 and TOPSIS 2016 software were used to perform the analysis.
 Results: Entropy weighting method showed that medical diagnosis laboratory and genetic index had the highest weight and rehabilitation centers had the lowest weight.TOPSIS ranking method showed that regarding access to healthcare indicators, Yazd province was in the fourth place, and South Khorasan, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces were in the first and second places. West Azarbaijan province came in last place.
 Conclusion: Laboratory indicators of medical diagnosis and genetics, pharmacists, general practitioners, emergency centers and beds in medical institutions respectively have the highest weights and effects in the ranking of provinces from regarding access to health and treatment indicators. Therefore, it is suggested to the planners and officials of the health and treatment sector to determine the priorities according to the extent the provinces benefit the mentioned indicators. This is done in order to increase ranking and reduce the inequalities. In order to reduce imbalance, health policymakers and officials are recommended to consider the developmental rankings of the provinces while allocating resources.

Risk Mapping and Spatial Modeling of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Iran from 2009 to 2018: A GIS-Based Survey.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important parasitic infections in subgroup seven common neglected diseases of humans and animals. It is in the list of 18 neglected tropical diseases of the WHO. We aimed to analyze the situation of the disease in Iran using Geographical Information System (GIS) and satellite data analysis. The data obtained from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran and other related centers from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed using GIS. Then, the spatial distribution maps of the disease were generated, and the hot spots of the disease in Iran were determined using spatial analysis of ArcGIS10.5 software. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis in ArcGIS10.5 was used to correlate the variables affecting the disease including temperature, relative humidity, normalized different vegetation index (NDVI) and incidence of hydatidosis. Data analysis was performed by Linear regression analysis and SPSS 21 software using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Zanjan, Khorasan Razavi, North Khorasan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, Hamedan, Semnan, and Ardabil provinces were the hot spots of CE. The results of geographical weighted regression analysis showed that in Khorasan Razavi, North Khorasan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, Hamedan, Semnan, Ardabil, Zanjan, Qazvin, and Ilam provinces, the highest correlation between temperature, humidity, vegetation density and the incidence of hydatidosis was observed (P<0.001). The use of maps could provide reliable estimates of at-risk populations. Climatic factors of temperature, humidity, NDVI had a greater impact on the probability of hydatidosis. These factors can be an indicator used to predict the presence of disease. Environmental and climatic factors were associated with echinococcosis.

Prevalence, virulence genes and anti­microbial resistance of Arcobacter isolates from animal meat in Iran

Arcobacter spp. are food-borne and zoonotic entero-pathogens. Obtaining information in relation to antimicrobial resistance helps us for utilisation of an appropriate agent for the treatment of Arcobacter infections. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in animal raw meat in Iran. The samples were collected from cattle (n=80), sheep (n=80), goats (n=80), camels (n=80), and buffaloes (n=60) from Khuzestan (n=110), Isfahan (n=80), Gilan (n=110) and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (n=80) provinces. Arcobacter isolates of meat samples were isolated, investigated by PCR method. The antibiotic resistance was also investigated. All isolates were screened for 6 virulence genes: cadF, ciaB, cj1349, Mvin, pldA and tlyA by PCR assays. The results showed that the prevalence of Arcobacter species had no significant difference among provinces and animals (P&gt;0.05), so that positive samples were 1.25%, 1.25%, and 0.9% in Isfafhan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Gilan, respectively. Virulence genes were observed for A. butzleri species (n=3, 100%). The results showed that Arcobacter spp. were resistant to streptomycin (100%), tetracycline (100%) and vancomycin (100%), but were susceptible to azithromycin (33.33%). In sum, the different regions of the Iran had a relative incidence of 1% for Arcobacter spp. The species showed a resistance of 100% for streptomycin, tetracycline and vancomycin. These findings could help to identify Arcobacter spp. and select the best agent against infection in case of Arcobacter infection in animals.

Rare mutations in Atoh1 lead to hearing loss

BackgroundAtoh1 has a pivotal effect on hair cell differentiation and viability. Due to the essential role of this gene in the development and differentiation of inner ear hair cells, this study investigated the mutations in the Atoh1 (also known as Hath1 in humans) gene. MethodsIn this study, 40 families with deafness living in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Isfahan, and Khuzestan provinces were selected from genetic clinics in Iran. The genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 40 deaf patients, and the Atoh1 gene was studied by PCR amplification followed by sequencing. A High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM) method was established to evaluate the melting point of natural and mutant PCR products. The observed allelic changes in the Atoh1 gene were further analyzed in-silico. The ATOH1 protein structure and function were analyzed by Gromax software. ResultsHRM method revealed a higher melting point for a mutant PCR product compared to the natural sequence; this clear difference could help further rapid, easy, and low-cost detection in other samples. This mutant sample belonged to a patient with syndromic hearing loss who exhibited two missense mutations (c.605A>G and c.397G>A) in the Atoh1 gene. Possible structural and functional outcomes due to the mutation on the ATOH1 protein were predicted and explained by molecular dynamics simulation methods using Gromax software. ConclusionBecause of the vital developmental roles, mutations in the ATOH1 gene are mostly lethal and rare. The observation of tolerable mutations in this protein may open doors for a better physiological understanding of the importance of different motifs in this protein.

Identification of high-risk and low-risk clusters and estimation of the relative risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in provinces of Iran during 2006-2014 period: A geo-epidemiological study.

Background:The present study was conducted to determine the epidemiological status, identify high-risk and low-risk clusters, and estimate the relative risk (RR) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in provinces of Iran.Materials and Methods:This is an ecological study carried out using an Exploratory Multiple-Group design on 3769 children under 15 years of age with ALL from 2006 to 2014. Data analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U, Global Moran's I and Kuldorff's purely spatial scan statistic tests at a significance level of 0.05.Results:The average annual incidence rate of ALL during 2006–2014 period was 2.25/100,000 children under 15 years of age. The most likely high-risk cluster with log-likelihood ratio (LLR) =327.47 is located in the southwestern part of Iran with a radius of 294.93 km and a centrality of 30.77 N and 50.83 E, which contained 1276 patients with a RR of 2.56. It includes Fars, Bushehr, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Khuzestan and Chahar Mahall and Bakhtiari provinces. On the other hand, the most likely low-risk cluster with 517 patients, and a RR 0.49 and LLR = 227.03 was identified in the northwestern part of Iran with a radius of 270.38 km and a centrality of 37.25 N and 49.49 E. It includes Zanjan, Qazvin, Gilan and East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Alborz and Tehran provinces.Conclusion:High-risk clusters were observed in Southwestern, central, and eastern Iran, while low-risk clusters were identified in Northern and Western Iran.

Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and morphological analyses in an Iranian endemic species Rhabdosciadium aucheri Boiss. (Apiaceae) using ISSR markers

Rhabdosciadium aucheri (Apiaceae) is an Iranian endemic species, which grows in west, center and south regions of Iran. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and morphological variations of 70 individuals belonging to seven geographical populations of Hamadan, Lorestan, Kurdistan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, employing inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. In order to estimate morphological variations 38 characters were used. For molecular investigations, three gene pools in the country were identified using STRUCTURE analysis and K-Means clustering and also separation by the distance among the mentioned populations was defined properly. The Mantel test showed correlation between genetic and geographical distance. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated a significant genetic variability among the studied populations. It showed that 52% of total genetic variation was due to within-population diversity. These data might be used in conservation of this considerable medicinal species in the country.

Cigarette Smoking and Its Financial Burden among Iranian Households: Evidence from Household Income and Expenditures Survey.

Background: The financial burden of cigarette smoking on households’ budget is not well documented in Iran. We aimed to identify the determinants of cigarette consumption and its financial burden among households in Iran. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 39,864 Iranian’s households from 31 provinces were included in the analysis. Data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics (age, sex, household size, education level, employment status, income and wealth index), living area, number of cigarettes smoked and cigarette expenditures for households were extracted from the 2016 Household Income and Expenditures Survey (HIES). Tobit model was used to identify the determinants of cigarette smoking frequency and expenditures among Iranian households. Results: The average number of cigarettes smoked and cigarettes expenditures by all household members was 85.25 cigarettes and US$ 2.64 per month. Living in urban areas, wealth index of households, household income, household size and low educational attainment of household members were positively associated with frequency and expenditures of cigarette smoking. Results also indicated increasing patterns in the number of cigarettes smoked and cigarettes expenditures from east to west of the country. East Azerbaijan, Hamadan, Markazi and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari provinces had higher cigarette smoking frequency and expenditures in Iran. Conclusions: Tobacco control interventions in Iran should focus more on households living in urban areas and low-educated households. As the frequency of cigarette smoking was higher in the western region of Iran, comprehensive tobacco control policies should be adopted in western provinces.

Frequency and Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium Species among Immunocompromised Patients Referred to Hos-pitals, Central Iran, 2015-16

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in different groups of immunocompromised patients admitted to the referral hospitals in center of Iran during 2015-2016. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 immunocompromised patients (HIV+/AIDS, Lymphoma, Leukemia and organ transplants) in referred hospitals from central parts of Iran including Isfahan, Markazi, Yazd and Chaharmahale Bakhtiari provinces. Stool samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium species, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques followed by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods. The total rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3.46% (12/346) in the patients, however, the prevalence of the parasite, was 4.6% (4/87) in HIV+/AIDS patients, 3.6% (6/168) in patients with blood malignancy and 2.1% (2/91) in organ transplant recipients. The SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all microscopic-positive samples was effectively amplified by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequences, exposed the existence of two Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis 91.6% (11/12) and C. parvum 8.3% (1/12). The predominance of C. hominis in the present study may be certifies the importance of anthroponotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in center of Iran.

Redescription of Gaeolaelaps deinos (Acari: Mesostigmata): an ant-associated laelapid mite

In this paper, we redescribe Gaeolaelaps deinos (Zeman 1982) based on morphological characters of female and male specimens collected from nests of Lasius sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Khuzestan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Provinces, Iran, and based on its holotype photos. We also present an identification key for Gaeolaelaps aculeifer-like species group from Iran.

Phytochemical evaluation and antibacterial effects of Medicago sativa, Onosma sericeum, Parietaria judaica L., Phlomis persica and Echinophora platyloba DC. on Enterococcus faecalis

Background: Since drug resistance has become one of the predominant problems of health worldwide, it is necessary to use new methods to combat drug-resistant bacteria. In this regard, medicinal plants are considered one of the richest sources to produce antibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects as well as total phenolic and flavonoid contents of a number of medicinal plants collected from the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces of India, in order to investigate their potential use for the production of new antibiotics.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the maceration method was used to prepare hydroalcoholic extract of Medicago sativa, Onosma sericeum, Parietaria judaica L., Phlomis persica and Echinophora platyloba DC. The effect of these plants on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) was investigated. To determine the antibacterial effect of the extracts, broth microdilution in sterile 96-well plate was used according to the McFarland standard (105 CFU/ml). The total phenolic content was assayed by using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and expressed in terms of gallic acid equivalent. The total flavonoid content was assayed by aluminum chloride colorimetric method and expressed in terms of rutin equivalent.&#x0D; Results: Based on the results of this study, the 512, 256, 128, 32 and 32 µg/ml doses were determined to be the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and the 1024, 1024, 512, 128 and 128 μg/ml doses were derived as the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) of M. sativa, O. Sericeum, P. judaica, P. persica and E. platyloba, respectively. E. faecalis and P. judaica contained the highest total phenolic content and flavonoid content, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Given the comparatively higher antibacterial effect of P. persica and E. platyloba, as well as the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in these plants, it is recommended that these plants be further investigated in feasibility studies for the production of new antibiotics.

Redescription of Ameroseius eumorphus Bregetova (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ameroseiidae), a new record of Epicriopsis Berlese from Iran and a new homonym in Ameroseiidae

In this paper we redescribe Ameroseius eumorphus Bregetova, 1977 based on morphological characters of female specimens collected from soil and litter from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari and Khuzestan Provinces, Iran, using comparison with photographs of its holotype. The world distribution, hosts and habitats of this species are reviewed. Epicriopsis baloghi Kandil, 1978 is recorded for the first time from Iran. Ameroseius qinghaiensis Ma, 2008 is a junior primary homonym of Ameroseius qinghaiensis Li and Yang, 2000 and a new replacement name is proposed for this species. We also present corrected data for leg segment sizes of Ameroseius lidiae in Khalili-Moghadam and Saboori (2014).

FIRST REPORT OF 16SrVI-A AND 16SrXII-A PHYTOPLASMAS ASSOCIATED WITH ALFALFA WITCHES’ BROOM DISEASE IN IRAN

In 2014-15 surveys, alfalfa witches’ broom (AWB) disease was observed in a number of Iranian provinces. The main symptoms were crown proliferation, witches' broom, little leaf, flower virescence, phyllody, sterility and stunting. To investigate the phytoplasma presence, total DNAs were extracted from 132 symptomatic and 19 asymptomatic alfalfa plants and were tested by direct PCR using P1/P7 (Deng and Hiruki, 1991; Schneider et al., 1995) and nested PCR using R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen and Lee, 1996) primers. Amplicons were obtained only from all the symptomatic alfalfa plants and RFLP analyses with KpnI, AluI, HaeIII, HhaI, HpaII, MseI, RsaI, TaqI and HpaI enzymes showed the presence of two profiles. Mixed infections were never detected. From AWB samples collected in East Azarbayijan and Zanjan provinces, six amplicons were directly sequenced and showed 100% identity to each other (GenBank accession No. KU240021). The second profile was present in samples from Qom, Markazi, East Azarbayijan, Kordestan, Fars, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Lorestan and Chaharamahal and Bakhtiari provinces; the 15 amplicons from Tabriz, Dehgolan, Arak, Qhorveh, and Shahrekian showed 100% identity in each area and formed 5 groups having 99% identity (GenBank accession Nos. KT763372, KT763371, KT781662, KT763373 and KT750060, respectively). The KU240021 strain sequence and its virtual RFLP indicated that it could be enclosed in the 16SrVI-A subgroup. The five-sequence group showed the highest homology with 16SrXII-A phytoplasma subgroup that was confirmed by virtual RFLP and phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 6.0). This is the first report of 16SrVI-A and 16SrXII-A phytoplasmas associated with AWB in Iran.

Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae from house flies (Musca domestica) in kitchens, farms, hospitals and slaughterhouses.

Identifying disease vectors and pathogens is one of the key steps in controlling vector-borne diseases. This study investigated the possible role of house flies (Musca domestica) as vectors in the transmission of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Chaharmahal VA Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces of Iran. House flies were captured from household kitchens, cattle farms, chicken farms, animal hospitals, human hospitals and slaughterhouses. Isolation of K. pneumoniae from external surfaces and guts of the flies was performed using MacConkey agar (MA) and thioglycollate broth (TGB). Identification of the isolates was performed with phenotypic techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 600 house flies were sampled during the study period from different locations in four different seasons. Overall, 11.3% of the captured house flies were positive for K. pneumoniae. In Chaharmahal VA Bakhtiari province, the prevalence was 12.7%, while in Isfahan province, 10.0% of the sampled house flies were infected with K. pneumoniae. Season-wise, the highest prevalence of infections among the house flies was in summer. The organisms were highly resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefotaxime and piperacillin. A lowest level of resistance was observed for imipenem/cilastatin. The findings of this study demonstrated that house flies are potential vectors of antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae in Isfahan and Chaharmahal provinces, Iran. Control efforts for infections caused by this particular bacterium should take M. domestica into account.

The first study of bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and brucellosis co-infection in west-central Iran

Background: BIV is a well-known bovine immunosuppressive cause, but its pathogenesis has not been well characterized. In recent years, it has been hypothesized that infection with BIV might predispose cattle to be infected by other agents. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate of BIV and Brucella co-infection so that in the future more studies will be done on the issue of predisposing cattle to other microorganisms like Brucella after BIV infection. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from a total of 2290 cattle in Iran (490 and 1800 cattle in non-industrial and industrial dairy farms, respectively from Isfahan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces). The BIV-positive animals were detected by Lab-ELISA and nested PCR tests. RESULTS: In this study, the overall prevalence of BIV in Iran was 1.61% (4.5% and 0.83% in non-industrial and industrial dairy farms, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant relationship between BIV status and Brucella infection using Chi square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test for all of the samples (p=0.0001, r=0.24), samples from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (p=0.044, r=0.13) and from industrial farms in Isfahan (p=0.001, r=0.074).