Iranian Journal of Virology
Volume:4 Issue: 2, 2010

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of major concern to clinicians and researchers in the field of reproductive medicine. Many STI pathogens cause incurable and often fatal diseases, and have been transmitted through insemination procedures. The role of herpes simplex virus in male infertility has been investigated using the sensitive methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HSV-1DNA in the semen of an asymptomatic male group with infertility problems and its association with altered semen parameters. A total of 70 semen samples from infertile men were collected in the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Yazd, Iran. Semen analysis and diagnostic Real Time PCR using specific primers and probe for gpB gene of HSV-1, was performed for detection of HSV-1 DNA in the specimen. Semen analysis showed two groups of infertile men, including male factor group and unexplained group. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 16 (22.86%) of the70 semen samples. All HSV-1positive samples had abnormal semen parameters (male factor group). Using a powerful molecular method, we detected a high prevalence of HSV-1 DNA in the semen of asymptomatic infertile patients. Although HSV-1 infection was not associated with motility and morphology defects of the sperms, it was related with decreased sperm count in the semen fluid.

Influenza A virus infects birds and some mammalian including human. H1 and H3 subtypes are circulated in both human and birds’ population. To determine the prevalence of the mentioned subtypes in birds, different captive bird species in Tehran zoo, and affiliated centers in Tehran were investigated for virus infection. In this study, Between November 2008 and February 2009, 76 cloacal swabs and serum samples were collected from 5 orders of Anseriformes, Galliformes, Columbiformes, Pelicaniformes and Phoenicopteriformes. Antibody surveillance was undertaken by haemagglutination inhibition assay and for detection of influenza virus genome RT-PCR technique was used. In total, 57.7% and 88.75% of bird sera were seropositive against H1 and H3 viruses respectively. The highest GMT value and the greatest antibody titers were observed in Galliformes order particularly in chicken species. Influenza A genome was not detected in any of the samples by RT-PCR using M gene. Results of this study indicated that seropositive birds were infected during the last or possibly previous years with H1 and H3 virus strain.

DNA constructs containing HCV antigens have become one of the vaccine candidates for induction of anti-HCV cellular and humoral immunity. In this study, we constructed a novel expressing vector harboring a fusion sequence derived from an overlapping fragment in the middle of NS3 and a truncated core fragment to avoid troubles reported to be associated with full gene expression. The partial NS3 (pNS3) and core genes were amplified by RT-PCR method using serum of HCV infected patient harboring genotype 1a of virus. After purification and cloning the genes into TA-cloning vector, they were evaluated by sequencing and restriction digestion analysis. The resultant pNS3 and core gene subcloned into expression vector separately followed by expression evaluation using RT-PCR and western blotting. The core expressing vector exploited for amplification of a new truncated core (50-160aa) sequence using PCR. Truncated core fragment was first cloned into TA vector at a natural restriction site downstream of pNS3 fragment. The resulting fused sequence was cut and subcloned into expression vector. The integrity and ability of expression of this fused sequence was evaluated by sequencing followed by RT-PCR analysis after DNA transfection into 293 cells. The repeated sequencing data showed sequence integrity among the gene fragments as well as homology among them and reference 1a sequences. The colony-PCR, RT-PCR and western blotting confirmed insertion of genes into expressing vector, expression of genes in 293 cell line and production of protein in 293 respectively. This new expressing vector harboring a novel fused fragments of NS3 and core genes may overcome shortcomings in vaccine design in the setting of HCV disease.

Rubella virus is a human pathogen that causes congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) when infection occurs during early pregnancy. Vaccination programs have been remarkably successful in controlling natural rubella infection and CRS. Moreover, ongoing surveillance for all cases of rubella and CRS is a vital component of a prevention program. Although the WHO recommends the use of molecular epidemiology, little is known about circulating strains and genotypes of rubella virus (RUBV) in Iran. This study was designed to analyze the genetic characteristics of the wild type isolated in Iran. The partial E1 gene was amplified from the isolated Iran MF rubella virus and Takahashi vaccine strain in comparison with 22 reference strains. The sequence of the E1 gene of the rubella virus isolate was compared by phylogenic analysis. Nucleic acid sequencing confirmed the isolated virus was Rubella (96 % identity in 784 bases) the sequence was subsequently submitted and registered to the GenBank with accession number DQ975202. The created phylogenetic tree of rubella virus reference sequences showed that the isolated MF rubella virus was classified into genotype 2B. Based on our data, this is the first report of rubella virus genotyping in Iran. The history of some eradicated viral diseases shows that us how molecular tools are helpful in surveillance. However, more comprehensive molecular epidemiologic studies are required in order to reach Rubella virus elimination goal.

End-stage renal disease patients treated by hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible for infection by viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Infection by these viruses is promoted by the characteristic immunological dysfunction that develops in renal failure and interferes with the patient's ability to eliminate these viruses. Prevalence of these viruses among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District (Palestine) was not studied until now, we aimed in this study to determine the prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District using serological methods, and to define the main risk factors for HCV infection. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis from various demographic areas in Jenin District were included in the study. Data such as age, sex, drug abuse, history of transplantation were examined. Serological markers for HCV, HBV and HIV were determined using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Pearson’s correlation factor and independent samples t-test were used to analyze the significance of results. The patients were 77 (42 males, 35 females, mean age 50.73 ± 16.78 years [age range: 14 – 80 years]), the mean duration of dialysis was 26.97 months with a standard deviation of 35.19 days. The prevalence of HCV was 24.68 % while the prevalence of HBsAg and HIV were 0% respectively. HCV seropositivity was associated with longer period of dialysis (P=0.000). There was no statistically significant correlation between age and HCV seropositivity (P=0.630), also there was no statistically significant relationship between sex and infection with HCV (P=0.849). The prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients in Jenin District is high compared to many Arab and other countries. None of the patients were a former drug abuser or had a history of tattooing. None of the patients was with a former transplant was HCV positive, so it seemed that the infection was mainly nosocomial during dialysis process. Duration of dialysis was an important risk factor (P=0.000). Dialysis staff, incomplete disinfection of dialysis machines (monitors), non-isolation of HCV positive patients on special dialysis units or special monitors may be important risk factors. So, careful attention of the preventive infection control measures is essential to limit the transmission of HCV in the dialysis unit in Jenin District.