Khoshkhoutabar, T, Zand, S, Abtahi, H., Rafiei, M,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Group B streptococcus is one of the agents leading to infantile blood infection and meningitis as well as aggressive infections in pregnant women. The vast use of antibiotics in order to prevent from the diseases caused by this bacterium has led to some concerns about the emergence of drug resistance in Group B streptococcus. Thus, we aimed to investigate Group B streptococcus drug resistance patterns to aid appropriate drug prescriptions. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 268 pregnant women. Having been transferred to Todd Hewitt broth, the samples were cultured on blood agar and the identity of Group B streptococcus was confirmed through biochemical tests (gram stain tests, the catalase test, CAMP, and sodium hippurate hydrolysis). Results: Of 268 samples, 14 (5.2 percent) showed positive Group B streptococcus culture. All cases (100 percent) were resistant to penicillin, eight (57.15 percent) to erythromycin, 13 (92.2 percent) to clindamycin, three (7.1 percent) to Cefazolin, seven (50 percent) Ceftizoxime and four (28.57 percent) were resistant to Cefotaxime. Three (21.4 percent) were semi-sensitive toward Cefazolin. No resistance was observed toward ampicillin or Vancomycin. Conclusion: The rate of B streptococcus drug resistance to various antibiotics has increased in Iran. Keywords: Streptococcus Group B, Drug Resistant, Pregnant Women, Markazi Province
Ali Vaez, Hadi Razavi Niko, Seyyede Delafruz Hosseini, Elham Mobasheri, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Vertical and horizontal transmission of HBV could affect neonates and partners. This transmission can vary in populations. Also, high-risk behaviors and clinical records affect the transmission of this virus. Due to the lack of information on vaginal discharge related to HBV in the north of Iran, we aimed to assess the presence of HBV in pregnant women's vaginal secretion referred to Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan City, north of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 315 cervicovaginal lavages from pregnant women. Viral DNA was extracted, and the gene fragments of the virus were checked by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical, demographic, and behavioral data were entered into SPSS version 16. The chi-square tests were used to determine any association between categorical data.
Results: Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 2.2% (7/315) of samples. The age range of patients was from 14 to 43 years. Anal sex (P = 0.043) and not using a condom (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with HBV-positive cases. Abortion, unusual discharge, and some other clinical and demographic information showed no related statistical correlation.
Conclusion: The results showed a similar rate of infection in the general Iranian population. In pregnant women, the risk of HBV transmission and chronic HBV can be critical in newborns; therefore, it is strongly recommended to conduct screening and provide management for women during pregnancy.