Simultaneous Detection and Genotype Determination of HSV 1 and 2 by Real-time PCR Using Melting Curve Analysis and a Unique Pair of Primers.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a human pathogen that causes different pathologic manifestations. Rapid and feasible detection and discrimination methods for HSV genotyping is a challenge in clinical laboratories, especially in children suffering from herpetic encephalitis. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping assay using SYBR Green I was established.

Design and Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of HIV-1 and HCV Using Molecular Beacons.

At least 10 million individuals worldwide are co-infected with immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These two viruses are transmitted most primarily by exposure to infected blood or blood products. Various nucleic acid assays have been developed for diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring of infections.

Design and development of a quantitative real time PCR assay for monitoring of HTLV-1 provirus in whole blood.

Background: Proviral load quantification of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is an essential marker for disease progression. Therefore, accurate and precise quantification of the virus is important. However, many articles published about detection and quantification of HTLV-1 virus neither reported any databank for the pre-validation of their primer and probe sequences nor stressed on its importance.

Rapid low-cost detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in HCV-infected patients by real-time RT-PCR using SYBR Green I.

Background: We intend to design and validate a low-cost assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA using rapid-cycle RT-PCR. The procedure is performed in a closed system with little risk of contamination allowing PCR and product identification to be performed within one or two hours.

Methods: A SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR for rapid detection of HCV.

Full genome characterization of hepatitis B virus strains from blood donors in Iran.

Iran is a low to medium endemic country for hepatitis B virus (HBV), depending on the region, where genotype D is dominant. Samples from 170 asymptomatic HBsAg-positive blood donors were quantified and the median viral load was 6.7 × 10(2)  IU/ml with 10.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus: the first population-based study from Iran.

Objective: Early studies on blood donors point to a seroprevalence of approximately 0.25% for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Iran. However, the true prevalence in the general population is unknown.

Development of a low-cost real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique for the detection and quantification of hepatitis C viral load.

Background: It is necessary to develop a highly specific and sensitive assay to quantify the exact amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in blood of patients with hepatitis C. For this reason, a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for quantification of HCV RNA in human plasma was developed.

Methods: A pair of primers as well as hybridization probes were selected.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A virus infection in Iran: a population based study.

Background: In older studies, the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection has been reported to be over 95% in Iranians. Most of these studies were performed on volunteer blood donors. Studies on the general population are sparse.

Prevalence and trends of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among blood donors in Iran, 2004 through 2007.

Background: Evaluation and monitoring the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible viral infections in blood donors is a valuable index of donor selection and blood safety. This study analyzed the trends of blood-borne infections among Iranian blood donations during 4 years.

Study Design And Methods: Viral screening results of 6,499,851 allogeneic donations from 2004 through 2007 were analyzed.

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis B core antibody in Iran: a population-based study.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a very common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is estimated that 3% of Iranians are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. Current population-based studies on both rural and urban prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Iran are sparse with results that do not always agree.

Childhood hygienic practice and family education status determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Iran.

Background: Management of Helicobacter pylori, a causative agent of gastrointestinal diseases is an important health problem in most countries. The main reasons include poorly defined epidemiological status and unrecognized mode of bacterial transmission. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of H.

The upper normal limit of serum alanine aminotransferase in Golestan Province, northeast Iran.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the upper normal limit of serum alanine aminotransferase level in a population-based study in Golestan Province, northeast Iran.

Methods: From the randomly invited individuals (2,292), 698 out of the 916 males and 1,351 out of the 1,376 females participated in the study (participation rate: 76.2% and 98.

Persistent alanine aminotransferase elevation among the general Iranian population: prevalence and causes.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and causes of persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among the general population in northern Iran.

Methods: A total of 2292 (1376 female, aged 18-75 year), were selected by systematic clustered random sampling from the cities and villages of Gonbad and Kalaleh in Golestan Province and invited to participate in the study. A comprehensive history regarding alcohol drinking and medication was taken.