[Systemic lupus erythematosus and Epstein-Barr virus]

We determined the prevalence of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] in 44 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and 44 healthy blood donors matched for sex and age as controls. Of the cases, 39 were women; mean age was 33 years. Four cases [9%] and 5 controls [11%] were positive for IgM anti-viral capsid antigen [VCA] [P = 0.9]. All the cases were positive for IgG anti-VCA compared with 91% of the controls [P = 0.12]. The mean immunity ratio for this antibody was 2.341 in cases and 1.873 in controls [P = 0.068]. Forty [91%] cases were positive for IgG anti-EBNA1 [EB nuclear antigen1] compared with 42 [95%] controls [P = 0.6]

Possible role of TORCH agents in congenital malformations in Gorgan, northern Islamic Republic of Iran

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the frequency of contamination with TORCH agents in neonates with congenital malformations in a referral centre in Gorgan city, Islamic Republic of Iran. Blood samples were taken from 64 neonates and their mothers over a 20-month period in 2003-04. Serologic tests showed that 4/64 infants born with congenital malformations [6%] had positive IgM antibody titres for Toxoplasma gondii [2 cases], rubella virus [1 case] and cytomegalovirus [1 case]. IgM was positive in 9/63 mothers [14%], also for T. gondii [3 cases], rubella virus [3 cases] and cytomegalovirus [3 cases]. No cases of herpes simplex virus type II or Treponema pallidum were found

Measles epidemiology and its implications for a vaccination programme in Oman

To describe the epidemiology of measles in Oman and the implications for a vaccination programme, we conducted a retrospective record-based study from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003 using data from the national epidemiological surveillance system. All cases notified as suspected measles during the study period were included. Of the 185 notified cases, 19.4% were confirmed measles positive. Blood samples for measles IgM were collected in 97.3% of cases. The mean age of measles cases was 8.0 [SD 10.7] years. The estimated overall incidence rate of measles for the study period was 0.53 per 100 000 person-years. Regression analysis indicated measles was significantly commoner among non-Omanis and children who had not been vaccinated

Toxoplasmosis: the innocent suspect of pregnancy wastage in Duhok, Iraq

To identify the true contribution of toxoplasmosis to fetal loss and bad obstetric history, we tested 310 women, 77.4% of whom had had single or multiple fetal loss, for evidence of infection. The study was conducted in Duhok, northern Iraq, from July 2002 till September 2003. All the women were examined for the presence of toxoplasma-specific IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay; only 3 [0.97%] tested positive. We also tested 187 of the women by latex agglutination test; 55 tested positive. Histopathological examination was done for 9 pregnant women who tested positive by the latex agglutination test but we found no evidence of toxoplasma infection. The results indicate that the contribution of toxoplasmosis to fetal loss in our region is greatly overestimated

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Yemen: incidence, presentation and antibiotic susceptibility

To determine the incidence, clinical presentation and antibiotic susceptibility of Mycoplasma pneumoniae at the main hospitals in Sana'a, we studied 405 patients clinically and radiographically diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections aged 10-60 years. M. pneumoniae was identified by 3 different methods: culture, antigen detection and IgM serology. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for confirmed isolates by macro-broth dilution technique. There were 125 patients [30.9%] with current infection, mostly among younger age groups, with bronchopneumonia the most common underlying clinical condition. All tested isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics in the in vitro antibiogram, with erythromycin the most active. The results indicate the need for different approaches in the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection in Yemen

Prevalence of rubella antibodies among schoolgirls in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen

To determine the prevalence of rubella antibodies and age of exposure to rubella among Yemeni schoolgirls, we studied the sera samples of 323 female students [age range 11-21 years; mean age 16.26 +/- 1.89 years] drawn from three schools in Sana'a. All samples were screened for rubella IgG antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and, if negative, for IgM in order to exclude the possibility of recent exposure. Of 323 sera, 296 [91.64%] were positive for rubella IgG. All IgG negative sera were also IgM negative. Comparable antibody prevalence was observed in all age groups. The prevalence of rubella IgG among Yemeni schoolgirls is high, with most becoming immune between the ages of 11 and 21 years. Although the age of exposure seems to be </= 13 years, further investigation is needed to confirm this

Performance of IgG avidity in an area endemic for schistosomiasis in Egypt

We assessed the performance of IgG avidity in the diagnosis of acute, chronic and recent [reinfection] on top of chronic schistosomal infections in patients treated with praziquantel. Immunoglobulin levels were studied in 111 patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection and 28 partially cured patients [not responding to the first dose of praziquantel treatment and almost cured after a second one]. Before treatment all patients with schistosomiasis had elevated IgG levels, 75% of them also had increased IgM levels. Avidity index was high among all age groups. The increased IgM/IgG ratio and avidity index among children with schistosomiasis before treatment support the idea of reinfection. Treatment had no significant effect on the studied parameters. We conclude that unlike IgM and IgG antibody levels, IgG avidity test cannot be used to distinguish between recent and chronic infections

Seroepidemiological survey of rubella immunity among three populations in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran

We used indirect ELISA assay to test 1193 sera for rubella IgG and IgM antibodies in a seroepidemiological survey of three age- and gender-differentiated sample populations in Shiraz: 203 children aged 2-7 years, 255 paired mothers and neonates [cord blood] and 480 women aged 14-70 years. Seropositivity among women aged 14-70 years was 96.2%. No IgM positive case was found among the 255 tested cord blood samples. Seropositivity among the 203 children was 97.0% [much higher than previously reported]. This may be due to rubella epidemics, which tend to occur every 6-10 years. The impact of introducing rubella vaccination is discussed

Comparision between Toxoplasma gondii DNA and specific immunoglobulins during pregnancy

Early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can be of great help in early intervention and prevention of congenital disorders that usually lead to fetal death. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate nested PCR amplification of the B1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii before and after treatment and in comparison to serological follow-up during treatment. The efficiency of treatment on the bases of PCR detection of T. gondii DNA was statistically significant, while it was insignificant when anti-toxoplasma specific IgM and IgG antibodies were used. PCR detection of T. gondii DNA when performed on whole blood is a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic procedure and is a valuable tool for establishing the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in women before or during pregnancy