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Background: Bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum is a harmless microbial product with unique characteristics as an ideal dress that many studies have been done on. The aim of this study was to consider the capability of this product in absorption and release of tetracycline hydrochloride. Indication of this capability can pave the way for supplying a new dressing containing antibiotic from bacterial cellulose. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, cellulose sheet was initially impregnated on aqueous solution of tetracycline hydrochloride. Then the release process was considered in diluted water and normal saline. Ultra violet spectrophotometry method was applied to the detection of the antibiotic during absorption and release processes. Results: The results of data analysis demonstrated that bacterial cellulose has a great potential in absorption of tetracycline hydrochloride and can release it in a wet environment. Conclusion: Considering the advantages of bacterial cellulose over traditional dressings, the results of this study can provide the ground for further research on supplying an ideal dressing containing antibiotic from this microbial product.

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Background: Considering the fact that more than one third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, identifying individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is vital for controlling TB. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and IFN-gamma release assays are practical methods used for screening people with LTBI. Due to the insufficiency of data on endemic tuberculosis region and the need for evaluation of these methods in a high-risk population, this study was performed in Zahedan.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 75 individuals, including 21 health care workers (HCWs) as well as 54 family members of patients with active TB. IFN-&gamma release assay and TST were also carried out on the participants.

Results: Of the 75 participants, 26 had positive IFN-&gamma release assay results and 49 persons showed negative results. TST was also performed and 12 participants did not show up for taking the results. Among the remaining 63 participants, 60.31% had more than 10 mm indurations. The results in 32.25% of the participants were positive for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test, whereas 34.92% of the participants presented negative tests results for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test. The agreement between these two tests was 66.67 % (P=0.001, K=0.36, 95% Confidence Interval).

Conclusion: The results showed a weak agreement between the two tests.