Journal of Acute Disease

221-232

Authors: Nabi Jomehzadeh, Mojtaba Moosavian, Morteza Saki, Mohammad Rashno

Legionellosis is the generic term used to describe infections caused by different varieties of Legionella spp., including Legionnaires’ disease (LD), a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a self-limited flu-like illness. Legionellosis is usually acquired through inhalation or aspiration of aerosols containing Legionella spp. These bacteria can cause acute consolidating pneumonia in susceptible patients who are at an advanced age, have underlying debilitating diseases, or are immunodeficient. The main natural reservoir for Legionella is water and this pathogen colonizes many different natural and man-made freshwater environments such as water networks, cooling towers, and water systems in buildings and hospitals. In recent years, various laboratory diagnostic tests for Legionella infections have changed significantly. Although the sequencing method is nowadays considered the fastest and most reliable method for differentiation and detection of different Legionella species, the isolation of these bacteria from clinical specimens is the golden standard for diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease. Today the urinary antigen test as the most rapid and inexpensive method is routinely used for diagnosis of LD caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. The macrolides and fluoroquinolones are still the mainstays for the treatment of Legionella infections. For the prevention of spreading the contaminated water aerosols and controlling Legionella infections, an effective water treatment procedure is necessary. This review describs and summarizes the latest available information about all aspects of Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease.

239-244

Authors: Hafiz A Makeen, Ahmed A Albarraq, Otilia J F Banji, Shamna Machanchery, AbdulKarim Meraya, Saad Alqahtani, Amal Abdullah Mubaraki, David Banji

Objective: To assess the preparedness for handling injuries by female primary school teachers based on their knowledge, attitude, practice and their willingness to learn first aid. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire on first aid was provided to female primary school teachers, and the knowledge, attitude, practice and their willingness to learn first aid were investigated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Quantitative data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, categorical variables were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: In total, 464 teachers of different age groups and education responded. The mean knowledge score was low but the mean attitude score was high. Parental consent was sought by one-fourth of the teachers, and 25.6% of teachers documented the health status of children. Most of the teachers desired to have a first aider, and they were keen on training (62.3%) and educating children (88.1%) on first aid. Knowledge scores were significantly impacted by age (P<0.05) and experience (P<0.01), while specialization impacted mean practice scores (P<0.001). Teachers’ qualification (P<0.05), first action to be taken at the accident site (P<0.05), and frequency of training (P<0.05), were significantly associated with the need of a first aider. Conclusions: Based on the paucity of awareness and expertise, on priority basis, it is important to strengthen teachers’ skills. Child safety is an important public health issue and can be improved by educating and training teachers.

250-254

Authors: Somayeh Shokri1 , Shahab Mahmoudvand, Manoochehr Makvandi, Toran Shahani, Ali Samadi, Heshmatollah Shahbazian

Objective: To study the prevalence of HHV-8 infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this study, blood samples of 89 patients undergoing hemodialysis were collected. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HHV-8 DNA was evaluated by nested-PCR. Results: Of total 89 patients, 51 (57.3%) were males and 38 (42.7%) were females. The patients’ age ranged from 24 to 90 years and the mean age was (57.5±1.4) years. HHV-8 DNA was found in 9 of 89 (10.1%) peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, 8/51 (15.7%) in males and 1/38 (2.6%) in females (P=0.07). All patients who were positive for HHV8-DNA were more than 50 years old. Conclusions: This study shows high prevalence of HHV-8. Since hemodialysis patients are candidates for kidney transplantation and due to the possibility of HHV8-reactivation and its serious complications in immunocompromised patients, routine screening for detection of the virus should be implemented for all hemodialysis patients.

260-264

Authors: Hamid Kassiri, Iman Khodkar, Shahnaz Kazemi, Niusha Kasiri, Masoud Lotfi

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of snakebites and associated epidemiologic factors in Khorram-shahr County, Iran, between 2013 and 2017. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. Information was collected and recorded via questionnaires. Snakebite data included gender, age, occurrence regions, bite site, time of being bitten, month and season. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and t-tests with SPSS version 18. Results: A total of 102 cases of snakebites occurred in Khorram-shahr County of Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. There were 75 men (73.5%) and 27 women (26.4%), without significant difference in incidence. The highest frequency of snakebites was observed in the age group of 41-50 years with 28 cases (27.4%). In total, 58 cases (56.9%) occurred in urban areas and 44 cases (43.1%) in rural areas. No statistically significant difference was observed between the age groups or residential areas. Snakebites occurred in May with 19 cases (18.6%), spring with 45 (44.1%) and summer with 45 (44.1%). The results showed significant difference among different seasons and months of the year. Snakebites were in feet in 62 cases (60.8%) and hands in 36 cases (35.3%) which were bitten more than other organs, respectively, with significant difference among different bite sites in the body. The highest and lowest frequencies of snakebites were observed between 18:00 and 24:00 with 43 cases (42.2%) and between 6:00 and 12:00 with 14 cases (13.7%), with a significant difference among different hours of the day. Conclusions: Useful information about snakebites, venomous snakes, their hazards, prevention of bites and the importance of early hospital referral and treatment of victims should be provided to people using different educational tools.