Mehran Nakhaeizadeh, Y. Jahani, E. Sharifipour, A. Mohammadbeigi, A. Koohpaei, H. Sharifi, O. Garkaz, Milad Ahmadi Gohari, A. Haghdoost, Mohammd Aghaali, M. Vahedian
{"title":"Projection of the Epidemics Trend of COVID-19 in Qom, Iran: A Modeling Study","authors":"Mehran Nakhaeizadeh, Y. Jahani, E. Sharifipour, A. Mohammadbeigi, A. Koohpaei, H. Sharifi, O. Garkaz, Milad Ahmadi Gohari, A. Haghdoost, Mohammd Aghaali, M. Vahedian","doi":"10.5812/archcid-113091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid-113091","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Coronavirus is one of the major pathogens of the human respiratory system and a major threat to the human health. Objectives: This modeling study aimed to project the epidemics trend of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Qom, Iran Methods: This study projected the COVID-19 outbreak in Qom using a modified susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) compartmental model by the end of December 2020. The model was calibrated based on COVID-19 epidemic trend in Qom from 1 January to 11 July. The number of infected, hospitalized, and death cases were projected by 31 December. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis was applied to obtain 95% uncertainty interval (UI) around the estimates. Results: According to the results, the reduced contact rate and increased isolation rate were effective in reducing the size of the epidemic in all scenarios. By reducing the contact rate from eight to six, the number of new cases on the peak day, as well as the total number of cases admitted to the hospital by the end of the period (31 December), decreased. For example, in Scenario A, compared to Scenario E, with a decrease in contact rate from eight to six, the number of new cases on peak days decreased from 15,700 to 1,100. The largest decrease in the number of new cases on peak days was related to Scenario F with 270 cases. Also, the total number of cases decreased from 948,000 to 222,000 between the scenarios, and the largest decrease in this regard was related to Scenario F, with 188,000 cases. Conclusions: The parameters of contact rate and isolation rate can reduce the number of infected cases and prevent the outbreak, or at least delay the onset of the peak. This can help health policymakers and community leaders to upgrade their health care systems.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42324335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahsa Kia, F. Tohidinezhad, Masoud Pezeshki Rad, Monavvar Afzal Aghaee, M. Aliakbarian
{"title":"A Multi-diagnostic Screening Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Echinococcosis in First-degree Family Members of Infected Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment","authors":"Mahsa Kia, F. Tohidinezhad, Masoud Pezeshki Rad, Monavvar Afzal Aghaee, M. Aliakbarian","doi":"10.5812/archcid-101569","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid-101569","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms. About 60% of patients remain asymptotic until severe stages. Early diagnosis of the infection in high-risk populations is of medical importance. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of echinococcosis among first-degree family members of the infected patients who underwent surgical treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to screen the first-degree family members of 96 patients who underwent surgical intervention at Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran, from September 2016 to March 2017. All family members were invited by phone calls to perform the serologic test, ultrasound examination, and chest X-ray test. Results: Forty-six (47.9%) patients participated in the study. A total of 114 family members performed the screening tests. Seven participants from five families (6.14%) were found to be infected in ultrasound examination (five females with a mean age of 36 years). There were no significant differences between the infected and non-infected groups concerning age (P = 0.921) and gender (P = 0.457). Conclusions: Screening the first-degree family members of patients with a confirmed echinococcosis infection results in the early diagnosis of infected patients, which is economically significant, especially in endemic areas.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46164341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Fattahi, R. Ghasemi, O. Pinegina, M. Bahrami, M. Hosseini, E. Lotfali
{"title":"Effect of Voriconazole on Biofilm of Filamentous Species Isolated from Keratitis","authors":"M. Fattahi, R. Ghasemi, O. Pinegina, M. Bahrami, M. Hosseini, E. Lotfali","doi":"10.5812/archcid-122452","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid-122452","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Biofilm formation is a vital feature of the pathogenesis in filamentous fungi. Objectives: Herein, we investigated in vitro antifungal pattern of biofilm of filamentous species keratitis isolates, and the effect of different concentrations of voriconazole on biofilm morphology changes using scanning electron microscopy. Methods: Here 25 ocular fungal isolates were included (Fusarium solani; (n = 15) and Aspergillus flavus; (n = 10). We determined the biofilm formation of isolates in terms of their susceptibilities to different antifungals on sessile cells. This procedure was performed according to CLSI-M38-3rd. Biofilm morphology changes revealed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Twelve F. solani strains displayed the capacity to form biofilms from patients wearing contact lenses, while 8 A. flavus strains were recovered from cornea scrapings of trauma. Itraconazole, posaconazole and natamycin had the maximum activity against biofilms of all tested filamentous strains (MIC ranging from 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL, 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL and 2 - 4 µg/mL), respectively. Three F. solani and one A. flavus strains showed the high MIC values against voriconazole (MIC ≥ 1 µg/mL). Posaconazole revealed the lowest MIC values against biofilms of two strains (MIC ranging from 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL); however, no significant difference was observed for itraconazole (P > 0.05). The efficacy of 16 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL of voriconazole was confirmed for biofilm of F. solani and A. flavus, respectively. The considerable changes in the morphologies of improved biofilms were seen by SEM. Conclusions: For the successful treatment of fungal biofilm infections, it was necessary to have knowledge of the mechanism of action, penetration rates, and therapeutic concentrations of drugs.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47775848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad Eslamian, M. Kolahdouzan, H. Yousofi Darani, A. Rezaei, MH. Sanei
{"title":"Is the Intraoperative Use of the Chlorhexidine Gluconate Safe for Inactivation of the Liver Hydatid Cyst?","authors":"Mohammad Eslamian, M. Kolahdouzan, H. Yousofi Darani, A. Rezaei, MH. Sanei","doi":"10.5812/archcid.115997","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.115997","url":null,"abstract":"Background: During surgical treatment of hydatidosis, spillage of live protoscolices is a major cause of secondary infection. Although some studies have suggested scolicidal agents for preventing secondary infection, no safe scolicidal agents have been introduced so far. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the minimum scolicidal concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx-Glu) with 100% fatality and evaluate its toxicity on the liver, biliary tract, and peritoneum. Methods: The minimum scolicidal concentration of Chx-Glu after 5 and 10 minutes in vitro (0.08% after 5 and 0.06% after 10 min) was determined in this study. Then, the experiments were conducted on male New Zealand rabbits (n=30), which were divided into two groups. Under the guidance of ultrasonography, intraperitoneal, hepatic parenchyma, and gallbladder injection of Chx-Glu 0.08% and 0.06% were performed in groups A and B, respectively. Liver enzymes were checked before and 48 hours after Chx-Glu injection, and histological assessments were performed 45 days later. Results: There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin before and after the injection (P > 0.05) and after that between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no major tissue destruction based on histological study except the nonsignificant histologically focal gallbladder mucosal atrophy in two rabbits in group A and one in group B. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Chx-Glu at 0.06 - 0.08 % is a safe scolicidal agent without major tissue toxicity in the animal models that can be used to prevent secondary infection during hydatid cyst surgery.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48211248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Esteghamati, Ali Nazari-Alam, Ali Badamchi, M. Faramarzi, Mehri Alipoor, Ali Baradaran Moghaddam, A. Tavakoli, M. Rahbar, Zeinab Fagheei Aghmiyuni, Shirin Sayyafar
{"title":"Determination of Streptococcus pneumonia Serotypes Isolated from Clinical Specimens: A Step Toward the Production of a Native Vaccine in Iran","authors":"A. Esteghamati, Ali Nazari-Alam, Ali Badamchi, M. Faramarzi, Mehri Alipoor, Ali Baradaran Moghaddam, A. Tavakoli, M. Rahbar, Zeinab Fagheei Aghmiyuni, Shirin Sayyafar","doi":"10.5812/archcid.112897","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.112897","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of invasive streptococcal diseases among all age groups, particularly infants and the elderly. Objectives: This study aimed to recognize and determine S. pneumoniae serotypes isolated from clinical specimens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 105 pneumococcal strains were collected from nonvaccinated cases within the age range of 10 days to 92 years from five provinces of Iran within June 2017 to August 2019. The strains were cultured on blood agar. Biochemical analyses and molecular tests were performed for the primary identification of bacterial isolates. Capsular typing was carried out by multiplex PCR assay. Primers that target the capsular polysaccharide site were used in this study. Results: Out of 130 studied clinical specimens, 105 isolates of S. pneumoniae were detected and identified. The most frequently isolated capsular types were 6B, 14, 19A, and 1. Serotype distribution consisted of 83.5% of vaccine serotype and 16.5% of nonvaccine serotype. The serotype 6B was significantly more frequent (P < 0.05) among the invasive clinical isolates (75%) compared to that among their noninvasive counterparts (25%). The distribution of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) serotypes in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-IPD revealed 83% and 84% of the isolated serotypes, respectively. Moreover, 83.5% of all the serotypes identified in the study were covered by PCV-13 serotypes. Conclusions: The common serotypes of invasive and noninvasive groups in Iran are covered by PCV-13.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48469406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Salimi, Mahmood Aghaziarati, Mohammad Qasem Roshanfekr Balalami, Nastaran Rastgoo, F. Taghizadeh, Zahra Pirastepoor, Zahra Bashiri Aghchekand, Zahra Arman Boroujeny, H. Akhavizadegan
{"title":"Outcome, Severity, and Risk of Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 and Chronic Underlying Diseases: A Prospective Study","authors":"A. Salimi, Mahmood Aghaziarati, Mohammad Qasem Roshanfekr Balalami, Nastaran Rastgoo, F. Taghizadeh, Zahra Pirastepoor, Zahra Bashiri Aghchekand, Zahra Arman Boroujeny, H. Akhavizadegan","doi":"10.5812/archcid.111794","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.111794","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The novel coronavirus pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS COV-2), has become a global threat and rapidly spread worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of challenges, the most notable of which is the management of patients with chronic underlying diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality in patients with chronic underlying diseases. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the data on the disease severity and morality of confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Baharloo Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from February 2020 to March 2020 were analyzed and reported. Patients’ characteristics, including age, gender, and underlying diseases, were also considered. Results: The study encompassed 1244 patients with the mean age of 53.29 years, among whom there were 573 patients with at least one co-existing chronic disease. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were the most common co-existing chronic diseases. The findings revealed that underlying diseases were significantly associated with disease mortality and severity. Conclusions: The findings showed that patients with comorbidities were significantly at higher risk of death and severe forms of COVID-19. In this regard, patients with underlying diseases should be of concern.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42376406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Experience of Hotel Quarantine During Omicron Variant of COVID-19","authors":"P. Bastani, M. Samadbeik","doi":"10.5812/archcid.123023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.123023","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47846933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shafagh Aliasgarzade, S. Matin, Nazli Javaheri, Javad Aliasgarzade, V. Aghamohammadi
{"title":"Coagulation Disorders in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients and Relationship with Disease Outcome: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Shafagh Aliasgarzade, S. Matin, Nazli Javaheri, Javad Aliasgarzade, V. Aghamohammadi","doi":"10.5812/archcid.114213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.114213","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 patients are subject to significant risks of thromboembolic complications. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate coagulation disorders in COVID-19 patients and determine their relationship with the disease outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 106 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil, Iran. After the preliminary completion of the information forms, 3 cc of intravenous blood sample was taken from each patient to test for INR, PT, CBC, and D-dimer. Then, the patients were monitored, and clinical data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, version 24. Results: Of 106 COVID-19 patients, 69 were discharged from the hospital, while 37 cases died. The mean age of the patients was 58.99 ± 15.94 years, and 56.6% were males. Significant differences were found between the surviving and deceased patients in D-dimer, LDH, PT, and INR levels (P < 0.05). Based on logistic regression analysis, only D-dimer was a significant predictor of mortality such that each unit increase in the D-dimer level increased the mortality risk by 0.99%. Conclusions: D-dimer has a higher sensitivity than other coagulation markers in terms of intensity. As bleeding is not as common as thrombotic events, anticoagulant therapy is recommended.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43866743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Vafaeemanesh, S. Adeli, A. Asghari, F. Razavinia
{"title":"Plasmapheresis with Convalescent Plasma as a Rescue Therapy for COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series","authors":"J. Vafaeemanesh, S. Adeli, A. Asghari, F. Razavinia","doi":"10.5812/archcid.111405","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.111405","url":null,"abstract":": On December 29, 2019, an epidemic of an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared in Wuhan, China. The first case of COVID-19 in Iran (Qom Province) was reported in February 2020, and within a short period, the number of infected cases increased rapidly around the country. Evidence suggests that the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are high in critically ill patients, and there is a correlation between the high level of cytokines and the pathogenesis of COVID-19; consequently, COVID-19 may have complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death. These inflammatory factors can lead to a cytokine storm, while counteracting this storm seems to be an effective therapeutic approach. In this case series, we reported two critically ill patients with COVID-19, undergoing plasmapheresis with convalescent plasma, corticosteroid therapy, and interferon administration.","PeriodicalId":51793,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2022-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43721392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}