Showing 5 results for Shirzadi
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi, Mr Shirzadi, B Aflatoonian,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (Vol 12, No.1 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is restricted to humans; thus, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are significant measures to control the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effect of direct active case- detection and early treatment on the control of ACL in Bam District.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed based on intervention and nonintervention. After the 2003 earthquake, an equipped treatment center was established to actively detect CL cases following the CL epidemic. This intervention was carried out in 2007 and the suspected cases were referred to the center for diagnosis and treatment Another comparable CL treatment center was selected as the control in Kerman. The recorded data of the patients were analyzed with statistical tests at p<0.05.
Results: The incidence rate steadily increased to 30% from 2003 to 2007 whereas the incidence gradually decreased to 1% after the intervention. However, by contrast, the incidence rate increased significantly in the control area. The treatment failure and relapse rate of ACL showed no significant difference with the control group before and after the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was calculated to be 85%.
Conclusion: Active case-detection and early treatment of ACL could be an effective measure in controlling ACL, particularly during epidemics. Lessons learned from the 2003 Bam earthquake could be used as a suitable model for ACL endemic areas, nationally and globally.
G Moradi, A Veysi, K Rahmani, H Erfani, A Doosti Irani , Mr Shirzadi, F Gharachorloo, M Nabav, Mm Gouya,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Vol.15, No.1 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis control in each country, especially in countries where the disease is endemic, requires designing and implementing an organized national surveillance system. Iran has long been considered as an endemic country for leishmaniasis. The purpose of this study was to review the leishmaniasis surveillance system in Iran.
Methods: In this review study, the data were obtained from the surveillance system, reports and documents, published guidelines, reviews of the existing structures, and the views of the managers and experts of the Center for Communicable Diseases control in Iran in 2018.
Results: The surveillance system for two types of leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar), is currently operational in the country, and new cases are reported monthly. For each identified case, in addition to the epidemiologic attributes, treatment and follow-up as well as follow-up of possible contacts are done as per to the guidelines for each of these diseases.
Conclusion: The current surveillance system for leishmaniasis has improved the process of reporting cases in recent years. However, the low rate of reporting of cases, especially for cutaneous leishmaniasis, and epidemiological complexities in the transmission of the infection indicate the need for reviewing and improving the current surveillance system. Data from the surveillance system and the increasing number of leishmaniasis cases in Iran reveal the need for innovations to strengthen the control measures for this disease.
E Ghaderi, M Salehi Vaziri , E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, M Zeinali, Mr Shirzadi, H Erfani, Sh Afrasiabian, S Eybpoosh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (Vol.15, No.3 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To provide an overview of the national program of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever surveillance in Iran, its current achievements, and challenges.
Methods: In this mixed method study, the relevant reports, documents, and guidelines, as well as published literature and surveillance data were gathered and critically reviewed. The opinions of the key informants at local and governmental levels were assessed through structured interviews.
Results: The program was integrated into Iran’s primary healthcare (PHC) network in 1999. The involved organizations include CDC, medical universities, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), and Veterinary Organization. Case finding is based on standard definitions of suspected, probable, and confirmed cases. Laboratory confirmation is necessary for diagnosis and is provided within 48 hours after receipt of the specimen by the National Reference Laboratory of PII. CCHF treatment is primarily supportive. Antiviral therapy with ribavirin is also considered. Both therapeutic services are free. Education mainly focuses on high-risk groups and healthcare workers. Major achievements of the program include rapid diagnosis and treatment of cases, prevention of nosocomial transmission, identification of high-risk provinces and major transmission routes, improved outbreak preparedness, development of laboratory tests for detection of other arboviruses, and reduction of CCHF case fatality rate.
Conclusion: Program implementation has had a positive impact on early detection and proper control of annual outbreaks. However, some aspects of the program still need improvement, including promotion of the general and high-risk populations’ awareness and regional collaborations (especially among neighboring countries) for infection control in humans, livestock, and vectors.
E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, F Jahanbakhsh, S Eybpoosh, M Keypour, E Ghaderi, H Erfani, K Hajibagheri, M Zeinali, M Khodabandehloo, M Shirzadi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to present a summary of the rabies surveillance program in humans in the country, its achievements and its strengths and weaknesses.
Methods: This study was a review of the country's plan for surveillance and control of rabies in humans. The sources of information included the data, reports, documents, and published guidelines. The viewpoints of stakeholders and experts were also reviewed in this study.
Results: Since rabies is a zoonotic disease, its effective management requires a good collaboration between several organizations. Moreover, because Iran is located in an endemic region, there is a need for the development of regional and international cooperation for the success of disease prevention, control and management. Animal services for biting and rabies control are provided free of charge in more than 700 centers in the country. Major achievements of the program include timely preventive treatment for animal bite cases, knowledge of the geographical distribution of the disease, identification of high-risk provinces, and decreasing the percentage of human deaths.
Conclusion: The program has performed well for rabies secondary prevention. Some aspects of the program, however, still need to be improved, including improvement of educational programs targeting general population and high-risk groups, animal bite prevention, vaccination of domestic dogs, controlling the population of stray dogs, rabies control in wild animals, and proper waste collection and disposal.
Aliasghar Fakhri-Demeshghieh, Hesameddin Akbarein, Rouzbeh Bashar, Mohammad Reza Shirzadi, Zahra Boluki, Narges Ghasemzadeh,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (Vol.21, No.1, Spring 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rabies is a public health threat worldwide. This study aimed to determine the amount and trend of the costs of anti-rabies serum and rabies vaccine in Iran between 2015 and 2022.
Methods: Using national data from March 2015 to March 2022, the cost of anti-rabies serum, human rabies vaccine, and the total cost of both were determined. The annual trend of the serum, vaccine, and total cost was determined using Joinpoint regression with a maximum of one.
Results: The highest rabies serum and vaccine costs were observed in 2021 and 2020 (58.3 and 6.874 US million dollars), respectively. Average Annual Percent Change was statistically significant (p<0.001) and indicated an increasing trend in the costs of anti-rabies serum. The trend in vaccine costs between 2015 and 2020 was increasing, and the annual percent change between 2015 and 2020 (p˂0.001) and 2021 (p˂0.001) were statistically significant. The average annual percentage change was statistically significant for the total costs of anti-rabies serum and rabies vaccine (p˂0.001) and indicated an increasing trend in Iran.
Conclusion: The lowest rabies vaccine costs were observed in 2021, which might be due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To reduce rabies losses, the domestic production of anti-rabies serum, implementing rabies control measures in unowned dogs, and increasing public awareness about animal bites, particularly dog bites, are recommended.
