Biosensors for Detection of Hepatitis B Virus: Review.

Hepatitis B is still one of the most important infectious diseases among humans, which is considered a serious threat to their lives. Early diagnosis of this disease can be an effective measure in stopping the chain of transmission and treatment of the disease. In this review study, an attempt has been made to explain the use of biosensors as a fast, high-efficiency, and low-cost method in diagnosis. The biosensors prepared for hepatitis detection included DNA-based, aptamers-based, protein-based, enzyme-based, antibody-based, and polymers-based biosensors, each of which had different advantages. The results of this review showed that almost all introduced biosensors had an acceptable performance. However, we suggest that aptamers are desirable for biosensing applications because they can change their structure to properly bind to their target, are cost-effective to prepare, and are highly sensitive.

Human BKV large T genome detection in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue samples by nested PCR: A case-control study.

Human BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a latent infectious agent in the genitourinary tract associated with hemorrhagic cystitis and nephropathy. This virus can be a risk factor for various human malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). It may contribute to prostate cancer development, as it demonstrates oncogenic properties by encoding oncoproteins. This study assessed the prevalence of this virus in benign and malignant prostate tissues. Between 2009 and 2019, 49 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) PCa and 49 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples were gathered from the pathology department of a tertiary care university hospital. They were used as cases and controls, respectively. After deparaffinization and DNA extraction, nested PCR was applied to identify the BKPyVgp5 gene (LTAg) using inner and outer primers. The nested PCR showed a 278-bp bond corresponding to the BKPyVgp5 genome (LTAg) in 53.1% (26/49) of PCa and 14.3% (7/49) of BPH (p<0.001). The presence of BKV was significantly associated with an increased risk of PCa development (OR=6.78, 95% CI=2.55-18.02, p<0.001). The BKV LTAg gene was significantly more prevalent in PCa samples than in BPH samples. These results demonstrate the presence of the virus in prostate cancer tissues.

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Viruses Types 1 and 2 in a Population, Age 15-35 Years, of Mashhad City.

Background: Considering the high prevalence and clinical importance of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection worldwide, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in a population aged between 15 and 35 years in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 916 cases composed of 288 (31.4%) men and 628 (68.6%) women. Using ELISA method, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 was assessed. Results: Among the population studied, 681 (74.3%) cases were positive for anti-HSV antibodies, while 235 (25.7%) cases were negative. Moreover, no IgMs were found and all positive subjects had IgG antibodies. Age (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.006), smoking (p = 0.029), and BMI (p = 0.004) demonstrated a significant association with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Conclusion: Our study indicates a high seroprevalence of HSV infection; however, there was no cases positive for IgM antibodies, suggesting the high prevalence of latent infection.