Case report: Varicella zoster virus encephalitis following COVID-19 vaccination in an immunocompetent individual

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a latent viral infection and its reactivation has been reported following different conditions such as immunosuppression. This study presents a confirmed case of VZV encephalitis following the first dose administration of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. A 63-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed VZV encephalitis after first dose administration of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. A final diagnosis of VZV encephalitis was made based on positive CSF PCR results for VZV infection. Treatment was administered with acyclovir and she returned to normal life without any neurological sequelae. In this report, VZV reactivation and VZV encephalitis have been observed after COVID-19 vaccination; however, the results of this report should be considered with some caution, and continued post-vaccine surveillance of adverse events is recommended to explore whether any causal association with VZV reactivation is biologically plausible in this context, or if it is just a coincidence.

Global prevalence and genotype distribution of Microsporidia spp. in various consumables: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Water and food sources play a major role in the distribution and transfer of microsporidia infection to animals and humans. So, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the status and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection in water, vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, and meat. The standard protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1 January 2000 and 1 February 2023. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Of the 1,308 retrieved studies, 35 articles were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of microsporidia infection in mixed water, mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, and milk was 43.3% (95% CI, 33-54.2%; I², 94.86%), 35.8% (95% CI, 5.3-84.8%; I², 0), 12% (95% CI, 4.9-26.6%; I², 96.43%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 2.7-12%; I², 83.72%), respectively. Considering the genotypes, microsporidia with genotype D in water sources and genotype CD6 in vegetables/fruits were the highest reported genotypes. Given the relatively high prevalence of microsporidiosis (especially in water sources), designing strategies for control, and prevention of microsporidia infection in these sources should be recommended.

Prevalence and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis and liver fluke infections in slaughtered sheep and goat in north-central Iran, 2008-2018

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and liver fluke infections as important zoonotic infections impose a large socioeconomic impact on societies. As an endemic region for these infections, slaughterhouse inspections should be more considered in Iran. This study aimed to analyze the 11-year record of offal condemnation due to CE, fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis infections in sheep and goat and its economic impact at Alborz slaughterhouse, north-central Iran. The prevalence rate was calculated as the infected organs (as nominator) divided by the slaughtered cases (as the denominator) in each year and month. The annual percent changes was used to determine trends of parasitic diseases over time. The relationship between metrological indexes and the prevalence of parasitic diseases was determined by the linear regression model. Statistical analyses were done using STATA software 14. For an estimate, the economic impact, the total numbers of offal condemnation were calculated. The overall prevalence rate of fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE was 0.95%, 2.17%, and 12.74%, respectively. There was a declining trend in the prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis, whereas, the prevalence of CE increased from 7.57% in 2008 to 9.53% in 2018, representing an annual change of + 0.02%. The direct economic impact was estimated at US$ 1,670,977 and US$ 25,148 for liver and lung, respectively. The number of condemned organs due to these infections is noticeable in Alborz Province, north-central, Iran. The high economic impact of these infections showed the necessity of implementing a continuously infected animal's trace-back and disease control in the site of infection.

Prevalence and time-trend analysis of intestinal parasitic infections in north-central Iran, 2012-2016

Intestinal parasitic infections are still considered as health challenges, predominately in the areas with low sanitation and socioeconomic conditions. Owing to the socioeconomic impact, these infections are considered as important Neglected Tropical Diseases in developing countries, including Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and time-trend of intestinal parasitic infections in Nazarabad, Alborz Province north-central Iran. In a cross-sectional study, medical records of 4427 suspected cases of intestinal parasites, referred to the Nazarabad health network, from 2012 to 2016 were reviewed. Bio-data, as well as laboratory data, were extracted after obtaining ethics approval. The descriptive and time-trend analyses were applied to the data. Linear regression analysis was used for the time-trend analysis. The results indicated that 18.0% of the cases to have at least one parasite in their intestine. A total of 4.5% (36/798) of positive cases has mixed infection. The median age was 31 with a range from 4 to 84 years. There are 12 different parasites detected. Blastocystis (9.2%) and Giardia (7.4%) were more prevalent parasites in the cases. Time-trend analysis showed a decreasing trend of the infection from 2012 to 2016. The most prevalent infection was found in the spring months. These infections are still among the health challenges in north-central Iran. More investigations are needed to determinate the main sources of these parasites in this area. More effective control programs are needed to combat these infections, especially in the spring and summer months.