BACKGROUND The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker for exposure determination to aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). In the present study, the risk of exposure to AFM(1) in infants fed breast milk was investigated. METHODS An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of AFM(1) in breast milk samples from 132 lactating mothe...

BACKGROUND Unlike the western hemisphere, information about stroke epidemiology in southern Iran is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the main epidemiological characteristics of patients with stroke and its mortality rate in southern Iran. METHODS A retrospective, single-center, hospital-based longitudinal study was performed at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Patients...

To the Editor: Plague has been one of the most devastating infectious diseases in human history. The etiologic agent, Yersinia pestis, primarily affects rodents and is usually transmitted to humans through infec-tive flea bites. Endemic plague foci result from circulation of the plague bacillus in its rodent reservoir, the source of human plague cases (1). Carnivores such as dogs and foxes, whi...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES This study aims at studying mosquito-borne diseases as the major public health threat in Iran. Sanandaj outskirts are considered suitable habitats for mosquito larvae. In view of scanty reports on mosquito-borne disease implementation in this area, a study was undertaken to determine the mosquito fauna and frequency of mosquito larvae at Sanandaj City. METHODS In order...

BACKGROUND Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in humans. The prevalence of infection in Iran has been reported between 2 to 8%, depending on deferent socio-cultural conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in women referred to gynecologic clinics in Hamadan city, West of Iran. METHODS This descrip...

The main goal of current study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in broiler farms in Hamedan province, western Iran. Chicks and fecal samples were collected in all of the 220 broiler farms in this region. All viscera were examined for gross pathological changes. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using ...

BACKGROUND Biting midges of the genus Culicoides act as vectors for important diseases affecting humans and both wild and domestic animals. Collection of adult Culicoides specimens in the near vicinity of vertebrate hosts is the major part of any bluetongue surveillance plan. There are old records of Culicoides species dated from 1963, 1968 and 1975. Therefore, it was decided to collect differe...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to perform seroepidemiological investigation for determining the status of human fasciolosis in Pirabad Village, Lorestan Province, western Iran. METHODS Blood samples were taken from residents of the village including 801 individuals. Sera were separated and stored at -20°C until used. The samples were analyzed using ELISA. RESULTS Anti-Fasciola ant...

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.