Comparison of three doses of amikacin on alternate days with a daily dose of meropenem during the same period for the treatment of urinary tract infection with E. coli: a double-blind clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common infections in humans, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the commonest pathogen leading to UTIs. The generation of beta-lactamase enzymes in this bacterium results in its resistance against many antibiotics. This study compares three doses of amikacin on alternate days with a daily dose of meropenem in the same period for the treatment of UTIs with E. coli in a double-blind clinical trial.

METHODS

The current double-blind clinical trial compares three doses of amikacin on alternate days with a daily dose of meropenem in the same period for the treatment of UTIs with E. coli. The patients were assigned to two groups: Intervention (receiving a single dose of amikacin once a day at 48-h intervals for a week, three doses) and control (receiving meropenem for 1/TDS for a week).

RESULTS

The E. coli infection frequency was 61 (21 cases of non-ESBL and 40 cases of ESBL-positive infections) and the frequency of the other infections was 52 (46%). In the patients with ESBL E. coli infection, ciprofloxacin (21; 70%) showed the highest antibiotic resistance, and nitrofurantoin (33; 91.7%) showed the highest sensitivity. The baseline variables between the control and intervention groups indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05). The frequency of signs and symptoms showed no significant difference between the amikacin and meropenem groups in the first 24 h and the first week. In the second week of follow-up, no clinical signs or symptoms were observed in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that treatment with amikacin, 1 g q48h, for one week (three doses) has the same result as meropenem, 1 g q8h, for one week (21 doses). The results are the same for the treatment of UTIs with ESBL positive and ESBL negative. Amikacin can be used once every 48 h to treat UTIs, is less expensive and can be administered on an outpatient basis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with ID number: IRCT20170417033483N2 on the date 2018-02-13.

Prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV and syphilis among female sex workers in Kurdistan, west of Iran

Background

Female sex workers (FSWs) in most societies run a high risk of health problems, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as viral infections and syphilis. The present study examines the prevalence of viral infections and syphilis among FSWs.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 100 female sex workers (April 2019 to April 2020) who visited the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases or were selected via purposeful (snowball) sampling. A questionnaire (demographic information and STI risk factors) was completed in a face-to-face interview with the participants. Blood samples were then taken to test the markers for HBV, HCV Ab, HIV Ab, Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) for syphilis and a PCR was taken to test for HPV (in vaginal sex workers from the cervix and anal sex workers from the anal region). The data were analyzed in Stata 14.

Results

Among 100 FSWs, 6 (6%) were infected with HIV, 1 (1%) with hepatitis B, and 2 (2%) were anti-HCV positive. 1 (1%) participant was suspected of having syphilis. Based on the PCR tests, 16 (16%) participants were infected with HPV. Moreover, 68 (68%) FSWs reported having unprotected sex.

Conclusion

Due to the prevalence of viral infections and syphilis and unprotected sex in FSWs, immediate preventive measures are critical for this vulnerable group to control the transmission of these viral infections in society.

Osteopoikilosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Osteopoikilosis, also referred to as disseminated condensing osteopathy, spotted bone disease, or osteopecilia, is a rare bone disorder. The case presented here showcases multiple disc lesions in the spine, extensive multifocal skin lesions, and positive test results for dermatomyositis and multifocal enthesopathy, accompanied by neurological symptoms. This manifestation represents a novel variant of the disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient is a 46-year-old mosque Kurdish servant presenting with complaints of pain in the right leg, lower back, right hand, and neck. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing redness in the right buttock and ipsilateral thigh, as well as gradually expanding and stiffening skin lesions on the left shin for the past 3 weeks. Painful neck movements and a positive Lasegue test were also observed in the right leg. The patient reports pain in the right buttock accompanied by a substantial erythematous area with induration measuring 8 × 15 cm, as well as an erythematous and maculopapular lesion measuring 6 × 18 cm on the left shin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our patient is a 46-year-old man presenting with complaints of skin lesions and pain in the lower back, pelvis, neck, and limbs. The X-ray reveals shoulder, pelvis, knee, and ankle involvement, while spinal involvement is observed in the neck and lumbar region. Furthermore, the bone scan indicates extensive enthesopathy in various regions, a unique manifestation not previously reported in similar cases.

Effectiveness of different treatment regimens on patients with COVID-19, hospitalized in Sanandaj hospitals: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Different drugs have different effects on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drug regimens on patients with COVID-19, hospitalized in Sanandaj city.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 660 patients with COVID-19, hospitalized in the Tohid, Kowsar and Besat hospitals located Sanandaj (Kurdistan Province, Iran) were studied from February 2020 to February 2021 with clinical symptoms and positive test results.

RESULTS

The results of multivariate regression analysis showed the days of hospitalization for patients who had received the drug regimen 2 (Interferons (ReciGen/Ziphron) or Interferon Vectra (lopinavir/ritonavir)) was 1.92 times higher than those who had received the drug regimen 1 (hydroxychloroquine group or a combination of chloroquine and azithromycin) while a significant association was observed (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.16-3.16, P = 0.011). Also, the hospitalization in ICU was longer in patients treated by the drug regimen 2 (Interferons (ReciGen/Ziphron) or Interferon Vectra (lopinavir/ritonavir)) (OR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.80-11.82, P = 0.001), however, drug regimens did not show a significant effect on mortality and use of ventilator in patients (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study results showed the drug regimens 2 and 5 increased the days of hospitalization and hospitalization in ICU, respectively, while the other drug regimens had no significant effect on mortality and use a ventilator in the studied patients and none of the drug regimens had an effect on reducing mortality compared to other ones.

Clinical and CT scan findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a comparison based on disease severity

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe pneumonia and highly impact general health. We aimed to investigate different clinical features and CT scan findings of patients with COVID-19 based on disease severity to have a better understanding of this disease.

Methods

Ninety patients with coronavirus were divided into three categories based on the severity of the disease: mild/moderate, severe, and very severe. Clinical, laboratory, and CT scan findings of the patients were examined retrospectively. Any association between these features and disease severity was assessed.

Results

The mean age and duration of hospitalization of patients increased with increasing the severity of the disease. The most common clinical symptoms were shortness of breath, cough, and fever. As the severity of the disease increased from mild/moderate to very severe, there was an increase in neutrophil counts and a decrease in lymphocytes and white blood cells (WBC) showing excessive inflammation associated with severe forms of COVID-19. Subpleural changes (81%) and ground-glass opacification/opacity (GGO) lesions (73%) of the lung were the most common features in CT images of COVID-19 patients, and interlobular septal thickening (10%) was the lowest CT feature among patients. Regarding the affected parts of the lung in COVID-19 patients, bilateral, peripheral, and multiple lesions had the highest prevalence.

Conclusions

It has been shown that clinical, laboratory, and CT scan findings varied in COVID-19 patients based on disease severity, which need to be considered carefully in timely diagnosis and treatment of this illness.

Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Regular Blood Donors Referred to the Blood Bank of Kurdistan Province, Iran

Background: West Nile virus is an infection that is most commonly caused by infected mosquito bites, however, blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding, pregnant mother-to-the-fetus transmission, and occupational transmission among laboratory and medical staff are also the less common routes of infection. Given the endemic nature of this virus in the Middle East, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of this virus in regular blood donors, as the reliable source of blood supply needed for patients in hospitals. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, venous blood samples were collected from 259 regular blood donors referred to the Blood Transfusion Organization of Kurdistan. After separating blood serum, the amount of IgM and IgG antibodies against West Nile virus was measured via ELISA test. Results: Concerning antibodies, IgG and IgM against West Nile virus were positive in 14 patients (5.4%) and 3 patients (1.2%), respectively. Seropositive IgG levels were observed in 11 patients over the age of 40 (12.5%) but only in 3 patients under 40 years of age (1.8%). The difference was statistically significant (OR = 7.95; 95% CI: 2.16–29.32; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Given the value of blood and blood products obtained from regular blood donors for therapeutic purposes and the significant prevalence of the virus and considering the presence of cases with positive IgM, it seems necessary to screen blood donors in blood transfusion centers in the western parts of Iran.

Relationship between vitamin D levels and brucellosis: a case-control study from Sanandaj, Iran

Background and Objectives:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by the Brucella species. This disease is common in Iran and its incidence is increasing .This study measures serum vitamin D levels in patients with brucellosis and healthy people.

Materials and Methods:

This research was conducted as a case-control study at Tohid Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran. The calculated sample size included 90 patients in the case group and 90 patients in the control group. The measurement of vitamin D levels in the case and control groups were performed by ELISA.

Results:

The mean serum vitamin D level was 19.91 ng/ml in the case group and 22.87 ng/ml in the control group. (Serum vitamin D level <10 ng/mL is accepted as deficiency, 10–30 ng/mL as insufficiency, 30–100 ng/mL as sufficiency, and >100 ng/mL as toxicity).

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of vitamin D deficiency (p-value=0.097).

Persistence assessment of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody in recovered COVID-19 individuals and its association with clinical symptoms and disease severity: A prospective longitudinal cohort study

Background

Antibodies play an important role in neutralizing invading pathogens and protecting the host against re-infection. Thus, the accurate assessment of antibodies during a pandemic can provide important evidence for monitoring pathogen exposure, understanding the role of antibodies in protective immunity, and helping vaccine development.

Methods

In this study, 96 west Iranian recovered COVID-19 subjects were recruited and, based on clinical symptoms and disease severity, categorized into three different groups: mild, moderate, and severe. In addition, the presence and dynamic change of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody three, four-, and six months post symptom onset (PSO) were measured. Also, the association between IgG antibody titer with clinical symptoms and disease severity was examined.

Results

Although in real-time RT-PCR-positive samples negative IgG antibody results were found, most subjects mount humoral immune responses that could raise a robust SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody. Furthermore, this antibody persisted in the serum of most recovered COVID-19 subjects at least six months PSO and demonstrated little to no decrease. Also, specific IgG antibody titer was strongly correlated with clinical symptoms and disease severity.

Conclusions

These results provide an insight into the presence and persistence of the SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody. Although serological tests could not be used as the primary diagnostic test, they may support real-time RT-PCR results. Also, they could be used for diagnosing COVID-19 subjects tested later outside of the optimal period. Thus, the SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody is an excellent marker of COVID-19 infection or vaccination and provides an additional diagnostic tool for verifying results and helps monitor and control COVID-19 spread.

The Effectiveness of Sovodak in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Recently, interferon-free treatment has been considered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C due to their high therapeutic success and lack of serious side effects. The combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir is effective in the treatment of the disease because of its pan-genotype. In the present study, the effectiveness of Sovodak, which is a combination of the aforementioned two drugs in one tablet, in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was investigated. Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis C whose diagnosis was confirmed by HCV RNA–PCR test were included in the study. These patients received one Sovodak tablet daily (for 12 weeks for non-cirrhotic patients and 24 weeks for cirrhotic patients). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed by PCR test 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and one year later. Also, serum levels of liver enzymes, platelet count, and liver stiffness (using elastography method) were measured and their levels were compared before and after treatment in patients. Results: Findings related to the PCR test in patients showed that the level of SVR was 100% in patients 12 weeks after treatment (SVR-12). In three cirrhotic patients who received only 12 weeks of drug treatment, the disease recurred a year later. According to the results, ALT and AST serum levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and platelet count level was increased (P < 0.001) one year after the end of the treatment period. Also, the liver stiffness index measured using FibroScan was significantly decreased in patients 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study, in line with other studies, showed the effective role of Sovodak in completely eliminating the HCV virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Cirrhotic patients need to receive treatment for at least six months. Key words: Sovodak, hepatitis C, sustained virologic response, effectiveness, liver cirrhosis

Geographical distribution of Typhoid using Geographic Information System (GIS) during 2009-2014 in Iran

Background: Salmonella induced infections remain one of the most important health problems worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and geographical distribution of typhoid using GIS and to predict its incidence in Iran in 2021.

Methods: This study is a descriptive analytical study. Information on pertussis was obtained from the Center for Communicable Diseases Control during 2009-2015. In the next step, ArcGIS 9.3 was used to prepare geographic maps of the disease incidence and frequency Therefore, using the Raster Calculator tool, the disease prediction map was drawn.

Results: The results showed that the highest incidence of typhoid during 2009-2014 was in Kermanshah, Lorestan, Hamadan, Kurdistan, and Ilam provinces. The incidence of typhoid in Iran increased during 2009-2010. The annual incidence of typhoid decreased from 0.85 per 100,000 in 2010 to 0.5 in 2014. Based on the modeling results for Iran, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Kurdistan, Ilam and Hamadan provinces with 92.17%, 46.56%, 31.74%, 25.62% and 22.96% of their areas (Km2) are at high risk for typhoid in the coming years, respectively.

Conclusion: Considering that the provinces of Kermanshah, Lorestan, Kurdistan, Ilam, and Hamadan are at risk of typhoid incidence in the coming years in Iran, and given that salmonella infections have a direct relationship with the individual’s health status and individual’s environmental health and socioeconomic status, improving the health status and disease control in carriers as well as improving the socio-economic status of the population living in these areas can prevent the disease in the years to come.

Subcutaneous tocilizumab in adults with severe and critical COVID-19: A prospective open-label uncontrolled multicenter trial

Potential therapeutic approaches in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) comprise antiviral and immunomodulatory agents; however, no immunomodulator drug has been approved. This multicenter, prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study aimed to assess the use of subcutaneous tocilizumab in adult patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Tocilizumab was added to the standard care of therapy at a dose of 324 mg (<100 kg bodyweight) or 486 mg (≥100 kg bodyweight). The study endpoints were all-cause mortality rate, changes in oxygen-support level, oxygen saturation, body temperature, respiratory rate, and laboratory variables during the study, and drug safety. Of 126 patients enrolled, 86 had severe and 40 had critical disease. Most patients were male (63.49%) and aged below 65 (78.57%). By day 14 of the study, 4.65% (4/86) of severe patients and 50.00% (20/40) of critical patients died. By the end, 6.98% (6/86) of severe patients and 60.00% (24/40) of critical patients died.Outcomes concerning three additional endpoints (oral temperature, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate)were significantly improved as early as three days after tocilizumab administration in both groups of subjects, more considerably in severe patients. Significant improvement in the required level of oxygenation was reported in severe patients seven days after tocilizumab administration. No tocilizumab-related serious adverse event occurred in this study. Subcutaneous tocilizumab might improve some clinical parameters and reduce the risk of death in COVID-19 patients, particularly if used in the early stages of respiratory failure.

The Prognostic Factors Affecting the Survival of Kurdistan Province COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-sectional Study From February to May 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new viral disease and in a short period of time, the world has been affected in various economic, social, and health aspects. This disease has a high rate of transmission and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the survival of COVID-19 patients in Kurdistan province.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the data including demographic features and the patient’s clinical background in terms of co-morbidities such as diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease (CLD), coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and weak immune system (WIS) were extracted from electronic medical records. We use Cox’s regression proportional hazard (PH) to model.

Results: In this study, out of 1831 patients, 1019 were males (55.7%) and 812 were females (44.3%) with an average age of 52.74 ± 22.16 years. For survival analysis, data from people infected with COVID-19 who died or were still being treated were used. According to Cox’s regression analysis, age variables (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, CI: 1.02-1.04), patients with a history of diabetes (HR: 2.16, CI: 1.38-3.38), cancer (HR: 3.57, CI: 1.82-7.02), CLD (HR: 2.21, CI: 1.22-4) and CHD (HR: 2.20, CI: 1.57-3.09) were significant and affected the hazard of death in patients with COVID-19 and assuming that the other variables in the model are constant, the hazard of death increases by 3% by increasing one unit (year), and the hazard of death in COVID-19 patients with CHD, diabetes, cancer, CLD is 2.16, 3.57, 2.2 and 2.21, respectively.

Conclusion: According to findings, it is necessary to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with CLD, diabetes, cancer, CHD, and elder, as patients with these characteristics may face a greater risk of death. Therefore, we suggest that elders and people with those underlying illnesses need to be under active surveillance and screened frequently.

Relation between serum zinc levels and recurrent urinary tract infections in female patients: A case-control study

Background: Zinc deficiency can increase the risk of infectious diseases. Given that recurrent urinary tract infection is a common complication, this study examines the association between serum zinc levels and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Methods: In this case-control study, serum zinc levels for 48 patients with recurrent urinary tract infections were compared with the serum zinc levels of the same number of people in the control group who were matched in terms of location and age. Using SPSS ver. 18, univariate analysis was performed through t-test, correlation coefficient; and multivariate analysis was carried out through multiple regression tests. Significant level was considered as less than 0.05.

Results: There was a weak correlation between age and serum zinc level (r=-0.205, p=0.045). Mean serum zinc level of the test group and the control group were 96.83 (±11.25) and 76.72 (±17.06) microgram/deciliter (p=0.001), respectively. Level of zinc reduced with aging; in addition, the group with recurrent UTIs had lower zinc levels than the control group (p=0.010, R2=0.377).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, serum zinc levels of people with recurrent urinary tract infections were lower than that in the control group. It seems that zinc levels are a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections.

A case report of human tularemia from Iran

Tularemia is one of the most contagious bacterial infections. Here, we report a human case of glandular tularemia in Iran following the first report in 1980. The patient was a 6-year-old girl who had consumed a hunted hare in Kurdistan Province in western Iran.

Does Helicobacter pylori Infection Play a Role in Susceptibility to Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is endemic in Iran. Several studies have shown that brucellosis is associated with other infectious diseases. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) and brucellosis. In this case-control study, 100 patients with brucellosis as cases and 200 participants without brucellosis as controls were evaluated. To compare the prevalence of HP in the 2 groups, odds ratios and confidence intervals for every variable were analyzed using logistic regression models after adjustment for confounding factors. The results obtained in patients with brucellosis showed that fever, sweating, and joint pain were the most prevalent clinical symptoms. In addition, compared with the control group, there was a significant relationship between the IgM antibody to HP and brucellosis infection (estimated odds ratio 2.74; 95% CI: 1.5-4.9) (p = 0.001). Acute infection with HP was associated with brucellosis and increased the risk of brucellosis infection.

ABO blood groups and susceptibility to brucellosis

The relationship between blood groups and some infections such as norovirus, cholera, and malaria has been reported. Despite the importance of brucellosis, there is a lack of data on the relationship between blood groups and brucellosis. Thus, in this study, we examined the relationship between blood groups and brucellosis. In this case-control study, the blood groups of 100 patients with brucellosis and 200 healthy individuals were studied. Exclusion criteria for the control group consisted of a positive Coombs Wright test or a history of brucellosis. The chi-square test was used to compare qualitative variables between the two groups. The variables that met inclusion criteria for the regression model were entered into the logistic regression model. A total of 43% patients were female and 57% male; 27% were urban and 73% rural. Regression analysis showed that the likelihood of brucellosis infection was 6.26 times more in people with blood group AB than in those with blood group O (P<0.001). However, Rh type was not associated with brucellosis infection. Thus, there is a relationship between blood group and brucellosis. People with blood group AB were susceptible to brucellosis, but no difference was observed for brucellosis infection in terms of blood Rh type.

Epidemiological survey on pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in Kurdistan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2009

This study evaluated the epidemiology of suspected cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in 2009-2010 in Kurdistan province, a frontier province of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and outcome, and history of exposure and travel was completed by patients attending health centres and hospitals in the province. Nasal and throat swabs were analysed by RT-PCR. A total of 1059 suspected cases were assessed; H1N1 influenza A was confirmed in 157 (14.8%). The highest proportion of confirmed cases was 30.0%, among children aged < 1 year. In multivariate analysis, previous contact with symptomatic influenza patients (OR = 2.17) and hospitalization (OR = 3.88) were the only significant risk factors for confirmed H1N1 infection. Age, sex, residency, presenting symptoms and history of national or international travel were not significant. Influenza A (H1N1) virus has spread in Islamic Republic of Iran; probably transmitted by travellers to Kurdistan.

Determination of the best prognostic value of serum tumor markers in patients with suspected lung cancer in an Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Finding a suitable marker with high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of cancer is very desirable. This study was aimed to determine the diagnostic value of serum CYFRA21-1, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) for screening of lung cancer patients in western Iran.

METHODS

This descriptive analytical case-control study was performed on 30 subjects with malignant and 81 with benign lung cancer. Serum levels of CYFRA21-1, CEA, and NSE were determined.

RESULTS

The concentration of serum tumor markers was significantly higher in the malignant group than in the benign subjects. The highest sensitivity was obtained by measurement of serum NSE (73%). The highest specificity was obtained by measurement of serum CYFRA21-1 (95%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the usefulness of measuring CYFRA21-1 and NSE together for early screening of lung cancer in western Iran.

Comparison of sexual dysfunction between diabetic and non-diabetic women

CONTEXT

Sexual dysfunction (SD) among diabetic women is an important disorder. It has many negative effects on general health.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare SD status between diabetic and non-diabetic women.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This study was conducted on 200 women, half of them diabetic and the others as non-diabetic in Tohid Hospital (Sanandaj, Iran).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The non-diabetic group was matched for age (±5 years) and education. Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and female sexual function index (FSFI).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess and interpret the results.

RESULTS

Analyses of the data showed that low educational levels, longer duration of diabetes and poor controlled diabetes were associated with the lower FSFI scores. In both groups the prevalence of SDs for all FSFI domains was high. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that these three variables were associated with lower FSFI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Study confirms that Kurdish Iranian diabetic women are at an increased risk of SD. Low educational level, longer duration of diabetes, and poor controlled diabetes were associated with a lower FSFI score.

Diagnostic value of serum adenosine deaminase level in pulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

In some studies, the level of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in sputum and effusion liquids was used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). But it is not always possible to access these materials. The goal of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of serum ADA levels in pulmonary TB patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 40 sputum smear-positive TB patients who were hospitalized and 40 non-TB patients who referred for surgeries were selected. A serum sample was collected and serum ADA level was measured by ADA kit.

RESULTS

The average (SD) of serum ADA in TB and non-TB patients were 20.88 (±5.97) and 10.69 (±2.98) U/L, respectively (P value < 0.05). The best cut-off point was 14 U/L. The calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.955 (95% CI, 0.914-0.995); sensitivity was 92.7% (95% CI, 84.7-100) and specificity was 88.1% (95% CI, 78.3-97.8) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum ADA level may be proposed as a proper index for TB diagnosis.