Common MEFV mutations in Iranian Azeri Turkish patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory disorder of unknown cause with higher prevalence along the ancient Silk Road. BD shares epidemiological and clinical features with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Moreover, association of BD and certain MEFV gene mutations has been described in recent decades. We studied the role of MEFV mutations in Iranian Azeri Turkish patients with BD. METHODS: Fifty-three BD patients who met the International Study Group criteria for BD were analysed for five common MEFV mutations (M694V, V726A, M680I, M694I, and E148Q) using amplification refractory mutation system and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction-digestion testing methods. A cohort of 200 healthy Azeri Turkish individuals who had been previously genotyped regarding the five common MEFV mutations served as the control group. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were found to carry a single MEFV mutation and one additional patient was compound heterozygote. There was a statistically significant difference between the patient group and ethnically matched healthy individuals regarding M694V and M680I mutations (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). Both BD groups (carriers and non-carriers of MEFV mutations) were similar in their clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Definite MEFV mutations seem to be a susceptibility factor for BD in our cohort of Iranian Azeri Turkish patients.

An investigation of a major outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Kenya: 2006-2007.

An outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) occurred in Kenya during November 2006 through March 2007. We characterized the magnitude of the outbreak through disease surveillance and serosurveys, and investigated contributing factors to enhance strategies for forecasting to prevent or minimize the impact of future outbreaks. Of 700 suspected cases, 392 met probable or confirmed case definitions; demographic data were available for 340 (87%), including 90 (26.4%) deaths. Male cases were more likely to die than females, Case Fatality Rate Ratio 1.8 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.3-3.8). Serosurveys suggested an attack rate up to 13% of residents in heavily affected areas. Genetic sequencing showed high homology among viruses from this and earlier RVF outbreaks. Case areas were more likely than non-case areas to have soil types that retain surface moisture. The outbreak had a devastatingly high case-fatality rate for hospitalized patients. However, there were up to 180,000 infected mildly ill or asymptomatic people within highly affected areas. Soil type data may add specificity to climate-based forecasting models for RVF.

A rapid assessment approach for public health decision-making related to the prevention of malaria during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a rapid field assessment methodology to address the burden of malaria during pregnancy and the options for intervening within the existing antenatal care system in Kenya. METHODS: Surveys consisting of questionnaires, sampling of blood for parasitaemia and anaemia, and birth outcome assessment were conducted in antenatal clinics, delivery units, and in the community in Kisumu and Mombasa, Kenya. FINDINGS: The rates of maternal anaemia and severe anaemia, were, respectively, 79% and 8% in Kisumu, and 95% and 24% in Mombasa. The rates of placental parasitaemia were 27% and 24% and the rates of low birth weight were 18% and 24% in Kisumu and Mombasa, respectively. Women with placental parasitaemia had a higher incidence of low birth weight compared with women without placental parasitaemia in both Kisumu (28% vs 16%, P=0.004) and Mombasa (42% vs 20%, P=0.004). A total of 95% and 98% of women in Kisumu and Mombasa, respectively, reported attending an antenatal clinic during their previous pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This methodology can be used by ministries of health to collect data for decision-making regarding malaria control during pregnancy; it can also provide a baseline measurement on which to evaluate subsequent interventions.