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Background: Candida species are among the most important factors in development of fungal infection in human beings and animals. Noticing the daily increase of drug resistance, attempts should be made for providing anti-fungal and anti-microbial drugs. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: In an experimental trial, anti-Candida effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans were evaluated using serial dilution method. Data analysis was done using SPSS, through paired and independent t-tests. Results: Minimum inhibition capacity (MIC) of Scrophularia deserti extract on Candida albicans in the first and second trials were OD600=1.56(59%) and OD600=1.68(59%), respectively, whereas this value for amphotricin B was 59%. The difference between minimum growth inhibition capacity of Scrophularia deserti and amphotricin B was not significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that ethanolic extract of Scrophularia deserti has anti-fungal properties comparable to amphotricin B.

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world which imposes a great financial burden on the endemic regions. Diagnosis of the human brucellosis is mainly based on blood culture and serological tests. PCR, however, is recommended for diagnosis at greater specificities and sensitivities. This study aims to compare the diagnosis of human brucellosis by PCR method using l7/l12 and 16srRNA genes and serological tests. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 700 blood samples were collected from patients suspected to brucellosis who had referred to the hospitals and laboratories of Ilam, Iran. The samples were selected through Rose Bengal test. Then 50 positive samples diagnosed by Rose Bengal test were assayed by Wright, Coombs Wright, and PCR using l7/l12 and 16srRNA genes and 50 negative samples diagnosed by PCR using these two genes were tested. Results: Of the total 700 samples assayed by Rose Bengal test, 125 were positive and the rest 575 were negative. The 50 positive Rose Bengal samples in PCR were shown to be positive by both genes and 50 negative Rose Bengal samples were shown negative by both samples. 47 samples in Wright test and 49 samples in Coombs test had titration levels above 1:60. Conclusion: PCR method has a higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of human brucellosis in comparison with serological tests. Sensitivity of PCR by l7/l12 gene is similar to16srRNA and can be used for diagnosis of human brucellosis.

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Background: Glucose-6- phosphate Dehydrogenase enzyme (G6PD) is an enzyme deficiency that is transported inheritably. The lack of this enzyme decreases the energy revival of red blood cells and leads to Hemolysis which is the cause of severe neonatal jaundice. This study aims to investigating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperbilirubinemia, and blood incompatibility in newborn babies in larestan city, located in south of Fars province, following the newborn screening national plan.

Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study on 12079 newborns in larestan city that referred to the screeing center from the start of 2010 to the end of 2012. The blood samples were taken from the newborns' heels and were evaluated through G6PD tluorescent spot test. They were examined regarding their blood group, hematocrit, hemoglobin, Coombs test, reticulocyte count and bilirubin levels as well as demographic information.

Results: In this research, among the 12079 screened newborns, 2345 ones showed G6PD deficiency with a prevalence of 19.41 which is a high percentage in comparison to those of other cities in Iran. The prevalence of O+ blood group among sick babies and their mothers was significantly higher than of other blood groups. (60% and 56%, respectively). The Hyperbilirubinemia and the indirect coombs tests were positive in 52% and 12% of the sick babies, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence percentage of lack of this enzyme in girls of Larestan city is a little higher than in boys, even though since this disease depends on X, it should be more prevalent in boys.