Synergistic activity between Echinophora platyloba DC ethanolic extract and azole drugs against clinical isolates of Candida albicans from women suffering chronic recurrent vaginitis.

OBJECTIVE: Candida albicans is one of the main causes of vaginitis, especially in women with recurrent episodes. The appearance of drug resistant C. albicans and adverse effects of chemical agents have raised interest in Echinophora platyloba as one of four native species in Traditional Persian-Iranian medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluates the antifungal activity of ethanolic extract from dried aerial parts of E. platyloba against 27 clinical isolates of C. albicans from women suffering chronic recurrent vaginitis by micro-broth dilution assay. The synergistic effect of azole drugs and E. platyloba ethanolic extract were also determined by disc diffusion method after determining the MIC90. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a potent synergistic effect of E. platyloba ethanolic extract and itraconazole (P<0.01) and fluconazole (P<0.001) but an antagonistic effect between E. platyloba ethanolic extract and clotrimazole and miconazole against clinical isolates of C. albicans. CONCLUSION: These results must be confirmed by clinical application and by further clinical studies.

Immunogenicity and efficacy of Hoshino strain of mumps vaccine in Iran; two years study.

This report describes the immunogenicity and efficacy and long term immunity of Hoshino strain of Mumps (included in MMR Vaccine) in shahr-e-kord, Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R.Iran). A total of 338 Children aged 3-18 years were tested for Mumps IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of susceptible, mumps IgG negative, children was 19.8% (67 subjects). Of the 67 susceptible children, 36 received the MMR vaccination and successfully completed the study. Blood was collected by venipuncture 3, 12, and 24 months after vaccination and serum samples were tested by ELISA for detection of Mumps IgM and IgG. The overall seroconversion rate was 86.1%, 77.7% and 75% at 3, 12, and 24 months after vaccination respectively.

Seroprevalence of mumps before inclusion of mumps vaccination in the Iranian expanded programme on immunization.

The current target groups for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination in the Islamic Republic of Iran are children at 12 months and 4-6 years. A study of the age-specific seroprevalenceRepublic of Iran are children at 12 months and 4-6 years. A study of the age-specific seroprevalence of antibodies against mumps in children aged 3-18 years in Shahrekord aimed to establish the needof antibodies against mumps in children aged 3-18 years in Shahrekord aimed to establish the need for booster vaccinations to cover non-immune children. Of 338 children, 19.8% were seronegative. Age-specific seronegativity was 33.3%, 20.5% and 4.6% in age groups 7-11, 12-14 and 15-18 years respectively. To obtain herd immunity, we suggest that for the next 5 years children aged 7-11 years entering guidance school are selected as the main group for vaccination.

Specificity and sensitivity of clinical diagnosis for chronic pneumonia.

To compare clinical (non-invasive) diagnosis with bronchoscopic (invasive) diagnosis, a total of 50 patients with chronic pneumonia (sputum smear-negative for tuberculosis) were examined. Age range was 12-82 years. Sensitivity of clinical diagnosis was 100% for tuberculosis and 81.8% for lung cancer; specificity was 67.5% for tuberculosis and 89.7% for lung cancer. Clinical diagnosis was correct in 43.4% of cases suspected of tuberculosis and 69.2% of cases suspected of lung cancer. It may be reliable only for elderly women smokers. Because tuberculosis is over-diagnosed in endemic areas, bronchoscopy is strongly recommended for all cases of chronic pneumonia.

Phytotherapy: an alternative treatment for non-healing ulcers.

There are few reports in the literature on the effectiveness of complimentary therapies on chronic wounds. Use of an aloe vera gel resulted in full healing after treatments such as antibiotics, surgical debridement and skin grafting had failed.