Molecular epidemiology of measles virus in Iran 2009-2010: first detection of measles genotype H1.

Measles virus (MV) genotyping is an important component of measles surveillance in the context of monitoring immunization program effectiveness and documenting MV elimination. The molecular epidemiology and genetic variability of circulating MV strains in Iran during the 2009-2010 were studied in consecutive MV isolates from throat swab and urine. Sequence information obtained from 41 cases based on the 456 nucleotides of the most variable region of the C-terminal part of the N-protein revealed that these sequences belonged to two different genotypes.

First detection of enterovirus 71 from an acute flaccid paralysis case with residual paralysis in Iran.

In an attempt to determine the types of non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in Iran, we detected enterovirus 71 (EV71) in an AFP case with residual paralysis for the first time. Cell culture detected no enteroviruses, while RT-PCR and subsequent sequencing revealed that the specimen was positive for EV71. EV71 is the causative agent of a variety of diseases from hand, foot and mouth disease to severe neurological complications and is now considered as an important cause of childhood acute flaccid paralysis.

Characterization of mutations in the VP(1) region of Sabin strain type 1 polioviruses isolated from vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis cases in Iran.

Background: The live-attenuated oral polio vaccine used to interrupt poliovirus transmission is genetically unstable. Reversion of some attenuating mutations, which normally occurs during vaccine strain replication in some recipients, and can rarely cause vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP). The poliovirus eradication program designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes immunization with OPV in addition to careful surveillance of all acute-flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases.

Introducing a model for communicable diseases surveillance: cell phone surveillance (CPS).

Background And Goal: Surveillance systems for communicable diseases are primarily passive in most countries, including Iran. Laboratory-based surveillance and use of cell phone surveillance may be a useful method.

Material And Method: We established a new model for gathering data directly from district laboratories to regional laboratories and from them to national manager of public health laboratories by using cell phone.