Dr. Saif Jabbar Yasir AL-Mayah

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays the most important role in various types of human cancers. Patients receiving chemotherapy have low white blood cell (WBC) counts that elevate the risk of infection and is the first public health priority in Iraq. WBCs are capable of tumor destruction and aid in combatting infection; they also promote tumor growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Low WBC count makes the body more predisposed to infection. Our study sought to investigate the relationship between low WBC count and EBV infection in cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was performed using 120 samples obtained from cancer patients, who had a low WBC count and were receiving chemotherapy. The study included samples from 60 males and 60 females aged between 7 and 80 years from Najaf / Iraq. Among the different cancer types, breast cancer cases were high (24 patients; 20%); additionally, a high number of cancer patients (52; 43.3%) also had a low WBC count (≤2 to ≥4 in 109 / L of cells). There were no significant differences in the serological detection of positive cases for viral capsid protein IgM and EBNA-1 and EBNA-2 nuclear genes (P˃0.05) between the cancer patients of different age groups and genders. EBV infection is associated with a low WBC count in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. No significant differences for patients was observed with respect to age and gender.

β-thalassemiais considered a serious inherited disordersand dangerous blood diseases so that the human body cannot produce hemoglobin naturally furthermore unable to perform its function naturally leading to negative effects on the rest of the human body system. It is genetically transmitted from parents to offspring. Β-thalassemia involve two main kinds; alpha and beta β-thalassemia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to herpes virus family, which is double stranded DNA, attacks human B-lymphocyte.Transmission of virus infection through the blood and body fluids infects many groups living at low social and economic levels. Multiple blood transfusions of β-β-thalassemia patients play critical role in Epstein-Bar virus spread. Blood samples were collected from 132 β-thalassemia patients who had been admitted to the β-thalassemia Center; undergone for treatment with blood transfusion. This patient’s age was ranged between of 2-14 years old and composed of 76 males and 56 females. Samples were divided into two parts: firstly included the serum for detection of viral capsid proteins serologically and secondly involved blood samples in EDTA tubes for investigating of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1(EBNA-1). The results of the present study showed that out of 134 samples, 56% were positive for anti-VCA(viral capsid antigen) antibodies while the control group gave 4% positive. There were no significant differences between males and females. The results showed that 34% was a positive result for EBV DNA while the control group gave 0%. There were significant differences between the

Background: At present, whether human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is debatable. Aim: To obtain information about the prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies among type 2 diabetic patients and to identify age, gender, and laboratory differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among DM type2. Seven hundred eighty-three sera type 2 diabetic patients were tested for the presence of HCMV-IgM&IgG antibodies, GAD, and cytomegalovirus DNA by PCR.Chi-square test (χ2-test) was applied for testing the significant association between different variables. Results: The study included 783 diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetic mellitus, 261 of them (33%) were HCMV-IgG positive. Further investigations of HCMV-IgG seropositive samples revealed that 121(46%) tested positive to HCMV-IgM with a significant statistical differences of HCMV IgM within gender (P=0.02) and age groups (P<0.001).PCR test for diagnosis of HCMV showed that 81(31%) of samples were positive. Searching for presence of GAD antibodies in all HCMV IgG positive samples revealed that 100(38%) of patients were tested positive, however, statistically there was no significant association between positive anti-GAD antibodies with age groups and gender (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study determined that the higher prevalence of HCMV IgG in DM2 patients, depending on the results of IgM & PCR testes, more than one-third of HCMV IgG seropositive were having recent HCMV infection, about one-third of type two diabetic patient were tested positive to anti-GAD antibodies.

Background: In order to function normally, the pancreas needs GAD. GAD antibodies are named antibodies that target this enzyme. GAD antibodies belong to a category of diabetes-related antibodies that advise the immune system to kill insulin-producing pancreatic cells. When development of insulin ceases, diabetes develops. The researchers reported that the existence of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) increases the risk of seven autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and diabetes, in a person. Aim: To establish the relationship between the existence of GAD antibodies and viral infections in diabetic patients. Methods: Blood samples of 180 diabetic patients and 150 healthy individuals in the control group involved males and females were examined for the existence of GAD antibodies and viral infections using ELISA to defect GAD and EBV antibodies and PCR for viral nucleic acid detection techniques. Result: Type 1 diabetes was 57%, while Type 2 patients were 34%. It turns out that females have higher rates of type 1 diabetes than males, whereas males have higher rates of type 2 diabetes than females. Positive findings showed a 49% association between type diabetes and GAD test results and EBV IgM antibodies. The first form of diabetes showed 37% positive anti-GAD test samples. ELISA technique indicated that 37 percent of the overall antiviral IgM antibodies involved 24.2 percent positive samples for the body of EBV IgM, while diabetics reported second form positive samples for anti-GAD testing and 53.2 percent positive samples for EBV IgM antibodies. 37 percent positive results were observed when ELISA was used to evaluate IgM antibodies. When testing ELISA for the IgG antiviral antibody test, it was found that 90% of the samples had positive results. Type 1 diabetes reported 64 per cent positive samples for anti-GAD screening and 86.4 per cent positive samples for the body of EBV IgG, while 83 per cent positive samples for type 2 EBV testing were shown. According to the PCR technique, the results showed that 33.3 per cent of the samples had positive results in all diabetic patients, particularly those with anti-GAD antibodies. Conclusion: This study concluded that high virus infectivity might indicate the relationship between EBV infection and development of anti-GAD antibodies.

Aim: To highlight the relationship between heart disease and viral Coxsackie virus B infection. The study included heart disease patients who have confirmed cases of heart disease and entered the open-heart center in Sadr Medical City. Methods: Patients were divided into three categories: patients with myocarditis, patients with other heart disease and patients with rheumatic arthritis. 224 blood samples were taken from these patients’ involved87 males and 137 females to investigate rheumatoid arthritis as well as to investigate viral infections byserological and molecular technique in order to detect antiviral antibodies and viral nucleic acid. Results: Out of all studied samples, there were 37.5% positive results for viral infection among heart disease patients,: 47.6% of them those with rheumatic arthritis and 52.4% without rheumatic arthritis. Conclusion: The recent study indicated that 80% of infected patients with myocarditis and the remaining 20% with other heart diseases.

The current study aimed to fine the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV), and kidney impairment in thalassemia patient. This retrospective case-control study include sample size total number 102 patients ranged between 15 and 30 years were divided into two groups: first, 51patients suffering from kidney impairment - the kidney impairment detected by creatinine level in serum and second, 51-patient without kidney impairment as a control group. Both group monitored HCV infection. The patient attended to AL-Zahra hospital (Najaf) thalassemia department from January to Aug 2018. Biochemical test use for detection of creatinine, serological test use for detection HCV. The SPSS program version 24 uses for data analysis the results. When observed the results in both groups the percentage of HCV in the first group (with abnormal creatinine level) is higher than in the second group (with normal creatinine level). 32/51 (62, 7%) and 19/51(37, 2%) respectively. A high level of HCV in a group with kidney defect indicates for viral effect on the normal kidney function, kidney defect patient of thalassemia patient has a higher susceptibility to HCV infection.

The case-control diagnostic study was developed to evaluate the prevalence of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) among the population of pregnant women (160 women of ages ranging from 15 -45 years old who were attended to get medical diagnosis at Al-Najaf public health laboratory, during a period extending from 15th January - 15th August 2019), and also 50 healthy pregnant women were included as a control group. Data about frequency of abortion, age, and residency were recorded. Diagnosis was firstly depending on Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the evaluation of the prevalence of anti- HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of pregnant women, then confirmed by the quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR), using specific primers targeting of UL83 gene of HCMV. Results presented in this study showed that the overall prevalence of HCMV infection was 97:160 (60.63%) and among women of mean ages± Standard deviation (SD) equal to 26.243± 6.485. Out of 160 participant women; 95(59.38%) of cases had chronic HCMV infection while only 2 cases (1.25%) had acute HCMV infection. Results were revealing that 52:160 (32.5%) of HCMV infected cases were related to women of 16-25 years age group followed by those related to 26-35 years age group with a prevalence of 21.88%. Eight cases (5%) were related to 36-45 years age group, while only 2 cases (1.25%) had 15 years old age. Current results were also revealed that 35:59 (59.3%) from rural area, while 62:101 (61.4%) were from urban areas in Al-Najaf.Recurrent abortion (two or more frequency) was recorded to 17:97 (17.53%) of HCMV seropositivity cases with significant correlation. Results of HCMV UL83 gene amplification by qRT-PCR were showing that the overall prevalence of HCMV UL83 gene was 85% (136:160) of the total diagnostic group, and also positive in 25:50 (50%) of healthy pregnant women, with significant statistically differences. The HCMV positive threshold cycle (CT) of UL83 gene was revealing mean ± SD of 19.0537±6.64501, and 4 fold ratio as compared with that detected in asymptomatic cases by the method of 2^-ΔΔCT. The interassay coefficient of variation (CV) of HCMV UL83 gene amplification CT was 34.88%. The qRT-PCR of HCMV UL83 amplification was revealing sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 100%, 96% and 99.4% respectively. While positive predictive and negative predictive values were equal to 99.3% and 100% respectively. We concluded that UL83 gene detection was successful, confirmatory to EIA and more précised for HCMV isolated from serum samples. Keywords: HCMV, UL83, Abortion, qReal-time PCR

Background: At present, whether human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is debatable. Aim: To obtain information about the prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies among type 2 diabetic patients and to identify age, gender, and laboratory differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among DM type2. Seven hundred eighty-three sera type 2 diabetic patients were tested for the presence of HCMV-IgM&IgG antibodies, GAD, and cytomegalovirus DNA by PCR.Chi-square test (χ2-test) was applied for testing the significant association between different variables. Results: The study included 783 diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetic mellitus, 261 of them (33%) were HCMV-IgG positive. Further investigations of HCMV-IgG seropositive samples revealed that 121(46%) tested positive to HCMV-IgM with a significant statistical differences of HCMV IgM within gender (P=0.02) and age groups (P<0.001).PCR test for diagnosis of HCMV showed that 81(31%) of samples were positive. Searching for presence of GAD antibodies in all HCMV IgG positive samples revealed that 100(38%) of patients were tested positive, however, statistically there was no significant association between positive anti-GAD antibodies with age groups and gender (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study determined that the higher prevalence of HCMV IgG in DM2 patients, depending on the results of IgM & PCR testes, more than one-third of HCMV IgG seropositive were having recent HCMV infection, about one-third of type two diabetic patient were tested positive to anti-GAD antibodies. Keywords: HCMV, type 2 DM, anti-GAD antibodies,

The present study aimed to discussion the relationshipof Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), as well asto conclude whether it is associated to histopathological subspecies of RCC, age groups of various RCC patients, and also the present or absence of p53 in RCC cases, and LMP1 for EBV in the same cases ;it also the purpose of this study to compare the mannerwith other developed countries. During the period from January 2019 to June 2019, about 94 paraffin embedding block tissues cases of Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were collected, these were collected from some archives of private histopathological laboratories as well as AL-Sadder Hospital in AL-Najaf City. The clinical data involved patients’ gender, age, RCC Grades, and Histopathological subtypes of RCC patients. The presence of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) nucleic acid (DNA) was detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction); while Tumor Supressor Gene (P53) expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry technique (IHC). This study also shows, high percentage of p53 expression in R.C.C patients was very high 89/94(94.68%) when compare with negative percentage 5/94(5.32%). Epstein Barr Virus nucleic acid (DNA) was investigated in 32.97% of all RCC cases, with the LMP1 expression, while negative EBV in renal cell carcinoma was represented 67.03%. The highest percentage of the present of EBV in age groups(41 – 50) years oldwas represented 42.85%, while lesser percentage in age groups (61 – 70) years old was represented 17.64%.EBV was expression in females (17)more than males(14), and also in Clear RCC (22) more than Papillary (14) RCC.

The aim of the study is to establish a correlation between Epstein Barr virus LMP and rheumatoid arthritis patients .The recent research was carried out in the study of patients and cases with the size of samples of 148 patients and the division of patients into two groups: first involved (74) rheumatoid arthritis patients and the second included (74) healthy people without any signs of autoimmunity. The presence of the virus was investigated in the two groups. The ages were restricted between 15 to 75 years of patients who visited Marjan Medical City in Babil Governorate between November 2017 and May 2018. Blood samples were collected from the two groups for varying times. The identity of the virus was determined by ELISA technique. As well as conducting molecular assays to investigate specific pathogens associated with the disease. The highest incidence of EBV infection was 25 (34%) anti-virus IgM antibodies and 29 (39.2%). The diagnosis was determined by anti-virus IgM antibodies. From the ratio mentioned, the present study infer that the virus have role in increasing the proportion of pathogenicity of rheumatoid arthritis disease. Key words : Epstein Barr virus, rheumatoid arthritis, anti-virus IgM, Babil.

The sudden rise mellitus (DM2) and related complications go along with increasing evidence of clinically major age and gender differences. The aim of current study was to study the relationship between the virus and diabetes mellitus type2 through detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in DM2 patients in Najaf governorate by detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA in blood samples by using of PCR technique. Blood samples were collected from 93 diabetic patients randomly. Regarding PCR technique, the study showed that among 93 diabetic patients gave positive results in 39 patients(42%); In contrast, in control group PCR positive result was only 4.4% (4 out of 90) with significant differences . This study concluded that the higher prevalence of HCMV DNA in DM2 patients comparing with normal individuals, which means that patients with DM2 were at high risk for HCMV infections.

This current study was designed as cross-section study and a total number of ninety four formalin-fixed paraffin embedded of renal cell carcinoma was involved (55 males and 39 females, whose ages ranged from 18 to 80 years).They are collected from records of histopathological laboratories of AL-Sader Medical City and some private histopathological laboratories in Najaf governorate during the period from December 2018 to May 2019 by using molecular technique (polymerase chain reaction) for detection of DNA for both BKPyV and JCPyV, and Immunohistochemistry technique (IHC) for detect expression state of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Regulators (KAP or CDKN3 & Cyclin E1 markers). Frequency distribution of histopathological subtypes according to different biological activities was Clear RCC 62.77 %, Papillary RCC 21.28%, Chromophobe RCC 9.57% and Collecting duct RCC 6.38 %. The statistical differences were significant (p<0.05). This study show that (grade I) constituted 19.15%, grade II constituted 42.55% and grade III constituted 35.11%, while grade IV constituted 3.19%.There were significant differences (p<0.05).

This current study was designed as cross-section study and a total number of ninety four formalin-fixed paraffin embedded of renal cell carcinoma was involved (55 males and 39 females, whose ages ranged from 18 to 80 years). They are collected from records of histopathological laboratories of AL-Sader Medical City and some private histopathological laboratories in Najaf governorate during the period from December 2018 to May 2019 by using molecular technique (polymerase chain reaction) for detection of DNA for both BKPyV and JCPyV, and Immunohistochemistry technique (IHC) for detect expression state of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Regulators (KAP or CDKN3 & Cyclin E1 markers). The current results of Immunohistochemistry technique (IHC) showed that higher positive percentage of KAP or CDKN3 marker (69.15%, 65 out of 94 cases) while lower positive percentage of Cyclin E1 marker (13.83%, 13 out of 94 cases). Also, found that clear cell subtype was higher with percentage 62.77 %, grade II was higher with percentage 42.55% and tumor stage type I was higher with percentage 58.51%. The positive results by PCR techniques in RCC patient showed that 25.53% (24 out of 94 cases) of samples where BKV has lower percentage (9.57%) while JCV has higher percentage (15.96%). In conclusion, the current study suggesting that polymaviruses including BKPyV and JCPyV may play an important role in development of renal cell carcinoma. Detection by PCR and IHC techniques is considered as a routine test in renal cell carcinoma patients.

The present study aimed to isolate rubella virus from aborted foetuses and from newborn infants with visible congenital anomalies and those with congenital heart disease , also to determine the immune states against rubella in women underwent abortion by detecting the levels of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in their sera. The study included a collection of venous blood samples from six hundred women underwent abortion whose ages ranged from (15-35) years, 300 women were from each of Al-Najaf and Al-Qadesia governorates. In addition there were 163 blood samples that had been collected from newborn infants with visible congenital anomalies (57 from Al-Najaf and 106 from Al-Qadesia). One hundred and ten blood samples were collected from newborn infants with congenital heart disease, their ages ranged from (3-10) months 50 infants from Al-Najaf and 60 from Al-Qadesia governorate. Enzyme- linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) , serum neutralization test, and hemagglutination inhibition test (HAI) were used to determine the immunological response against rubella virus in our samples. ELISA test reflected a new infections which was (4.6 %) positive and other samples showed negative results for IgM serum level which was (95.4 %) among the sera of women underwent abortion in Al-Najaf , while (8 %) positive and (92 %) gave negative results among the sera of women underwent abortion in Al-Qadesia Governorate. In case of sera of newborn infants with visible congenital anomalies, ELISA tests showed positive results of IgM antibodies of (1.7 % and 1.9 %) in Al-Najaf and Al-Qadesia samples respectively. The results of positive IgM ELISA tests in the sera of newborn infants with congenital heart disease were (2 % and 1.8 %) in both governorates respectively. The vaccination history revealed that (74.6 %) of women in Al-Najaf and (71 %) of them in Al-Qadesia were immunized against rubella virus while (25.3 % and 29 %) were with history of non-immunization in both governorates respectively. While ELISA results of IgG serum levels in women showed that (76.7 %) of the samples in Al-Najaf and (70 %) of Al-Qadesia samples were positive. In order to verify our results of ELISA studies. Hemagglutination inhibition tests (HAI) done for the same samples to detect humoral immunity and looking for the same immunoglobulines, which gave a comparable results with that obtained from ELISA test.

In Iraq , knowledge is not available on the prevalence of HCMV infection. However, in Najaf , there is no study about molecular identification of HCMV among pregnant women who underwent abortion , also among infertile individuals. The aim of the current study is to highlight the role of cytomegalovirus infection in spontaneous abortion and infertility. The study objectives are : 1-To determine the HCMV among recurrent aborted women by the detection of anti-HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. 2-To detect the viral DNA by PCR technique in clinical samples of aborted women and infertile couples. 3-To recognize the epidemiological pattern of HCMV infection among aborted women and infertile attendance

Objective : Human rotavirus is the common cause of diarrhea-related illness and death among infants and young children, can lead to severe and sometimes lethal dehydration . Objective : This study deals with the prevalence of rotavirus during a period extending from March to December 2014 . A total of 120 samples of diarrheal samples from patients up to 5 years age, who were admitted for medically care unit in the hospital of pediatrics and maternity of Al-Najaf governorate were investigated by latex agglutination, based on specific monoclonal antibodies directed against VP4 and VP7 of human rotavirus then the detection by PCR technique and isolation of the virus on thssue culture. Results : Rota virus was detected in 80 cases (66.7%) of the total cases investigated by latex agglutination test, while PCR positivity was recorded in 85 cases (70.8%). Rota virus infection was also detected in healthy children who were involved as control group; 1/50(2%) detected by Latex agglutination assay versus 3/50 (6%) detected by NSP5 gene PCR assay. From the total of ten isolates that selected to propagate via cell culture using rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells, confirmation of the detection was accomplished by 8 isolates (80 %). Conclusions : We concluded that polymerase chain reaction is sensitive and specific technique for the detection of NSP5 coding gene and RD cell line is successful for the propagation of rotavirus. Recommendations : we recommended to achieve future therapeutic studies depending on this study conclusions.

The goal of this study was to study the relationship between the virus and thalassemia through detection of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in thalassemic patients in AL-Najaf governorate by screening of anti-human cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies in the serum and detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA in blood samples, using PCR technique. Blood samples collected from 150 thalassemic patients randomly. ELISA technique was used to know the activity of humeral immunity among samples through measuring anti-HCMV IgM antibodies , where the result showed that IgM profile 34 ( 28.6 %) positive. Regarding PCR technique, the study showed that among 150 thalassemic patients gave 32 (21.3 %) PCR positive result; in contrast ; the results of control group were negative for anti-HCMV IgM antibodies in both ELISA and PCR technique. The current study conclude that the higher prevalence of seropositivity for HCMV in thalassemic patients comparing with normal individuals and suggest that cytomegalovirus patients with thalassemia are at high risk for transfusion-transmitted CMV infections. A significantly higher prevalence of CMV antibodies was observed in thalassemic patients of all age-groups compared with controls. The PCR is a reliable and applicable tool for detection of HVMV study clinical samples. The recommendation of these results, it is suggested that safe blood should be provided for anti-CMV-negative thalassemics.

The aim of current study was to study the relationship between the virus and diabetes mellitus through detection of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in diabetic patients in Najaf governorate by screening of anti-human cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies in the serum and detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA in blood samples, using PCR technique. Blood samples collected from 140 diabetic patients randomly. ELISA technique was used to know the activity of humeral immunity among samples through detection of anti-HCMV IgM antibodies, where the result showed that IgM profile was positive in 49 patients (35 %). Regarding PCR technique, the study showed that among 140 diabetic patients gave positive results in 27 patients (19.2%); in contrast; the results of control group were negative for anti-HCMV IgM antibodies in both ELISA and PCR technique. This study conclude that the higher prevalence of seropositivity for HCMV in diabetic patients comparing with normal individuals which mean that cytomegalovirus patients with diabetic were at high risk for CMV infections. A higher prevalence of CMV antibodies was observed in diabetic patients of all age-groups compared with controls.

Reevaluation of the activity of some antibacterial drugs against isolates of Staphylococcus aurous in Al-Najaf Al Ashreaf governorate

The current study aimed to detect human cytomegalovirus among infertile individual. Blood and seminal fluid collected from 300 infertile male randomly , ELISA technique was used to know the activity of humoral immunity among them through measuring anti-HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies , the result revealed that 31 (11%) were positive for IgM result and 234 (78%) were positive for IgG. The PCR technique showed that out of 300 samples only 22 (7.4%) gave positive results, In case of control group, results were negative for anti- HCMV IgM antibodies in ELISA test and PCR technique. while IgG gave a weak positive results.

The current study aimed to detect human cytomegalovirus among infertile couples. Blood , seminal fluid and vaginal swabs collected from 50 couples randomly , to know the pattern of infection among them. ELISA technique was used to know the activity of humeral immunity among them through measuring anti-HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies , the result showed that male have 14% positive IgM versus 10% for female , while 82% positive IgG among infertile male patient versus 78% for female. The PCR technique showed that among 50 couples gave 6% PCR positive result for male versus 4% female. In case of control group, results were negative for anti- HCMV IgM antibodies in ELISA test and PCR technique. while IgG gave a weak positive results.

The present study aimed to detect the levels of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in their sera. The study included a collection of venous blood samples from three hundred women underwent abortion whose ages ranged from (15-35) years from Al-Qadesia governorate. Enzyme- linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), was used to determine the immunological response against rubella virus in our samples. ELISA test reflected a new infections which was (8 %) positive. Anti-rubella IgG antibodies ELISA test revealed (70%) positive result.

The present study aimed to detect rubella virus antibody in childbearing age women in Al-Najaf governorate by detecting the levels of IgM and IgG immunoglobulin in their sera. The study included a collection of venous blood samples of 280 women whose ages ranged from (15-45) years .Samples were examined during the period from June 2005 to July 2006 . Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the immunological response against rubella virus in the samples. The vaccination history revealed that ( 70.7 %) of women were immunized against rubella virus while ( 29.3 %) were with history of non-immunization. ELISA test reflected new infections (positive results for IgM ) which represented ( 1.7 %), and other samples showed negative results for IgM serum level which was (98.57 %) among the sera of vaccinated group. ELISA results of IgG serum levels in women showed that ( 65.7 %) of total samples were positive ,whereas the remainder samples gave negative results (34.3 %).

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IgG antibody in blood donors. Screening of blood donors for (HCMV) IgG antibodies are usually performed by the detection of specific IgG antibody. The study included a collection of venous blood samples from one hundred twenty male donors whose ages ranged from (15-55) years, 61 urban and 59 rural blood donors in Al-Najaf governorate. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG antibodies in the samples. ELISA test reflected 56 seropositive (46.6%) blood donors out of 120 samples. The seroprevalence was significant as regards to the residence, while insignificant as regards the age of blood donor and history of blood transfusion. Our preliminary data suggested that HCMV antibody screening of blood donors should be performed ,for example, by detection of specific IgG antibodies to avoid donor- recipient transmission of infection.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a persistent disorder characterized by an imbalance in the regulation of glucose levels in the body. Hepatitis B is a hepatotropic virus that may trigger viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA/CD272) is a co-inhibitory receptor present in T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. It plays a crucial role in controlling the activation of lymphocytes during periods of inflammation and infection. BTLA has high levels of expression in T-cells that are particular to the virus, resulting in a strong inhibitory impact on processes such as T-cell proliferation and cytokine release. Objective: The study aims to assess BTLA levels in relation to HBV infection in diabetes mellitus patients. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023. The serum was obtained from 200 diabetics. All of the patients were tested using an ELISA technique for BTLA and HBc IgG. They were tested using a five-panel kit for HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb, HBeAg, and HBeAb. The statistical analysis approach was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: Serum BTLA levels were correlated with serum HBc IgG positivity (P = 0.043) and total HBc Ab positivity (P = 0.017). There was no correlation between BTLA levels and serum HBs Ab (P = 0.151) or HBe Ab (p = 0.941). BTLA levels were not correlated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.786). Conclusions: Elevated levels of BTlA in diabetic individuals who are exposed to the hepatitis B virus compared to those without this virus. Keywords: Anti-HBc IgG, BTLA, Diabetes mellitus, Hepatitis B virus, Immune checkpoints.

Background: Viruses are one of the most serious risks to humanity, as seen by severe epidemics in history, and they have the ability to shut down governments, disrupt whole industries, and inflict immense human misery while spreading through communities, countryside, villages, and forests. Viruses have developed to the point that they are difficult to eradicate. This complexity occurs in dealing with viral diseases and is heightened by the virus's structural and genetic nature. They exist as autonomous beings, neither entirely dead nor completely alive. Keywords: Viruses groups, Biohazard, and Biosafety

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by an imbalance in glucose homeostasis. The hepatitis B virus is a liver-attacking virus that can cause viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 called CTLA-4 is an immune checkpoint protein that is necessary for T cells to control immune responses and stop the HBV infection from spreading. It does this by acting as an inhibitory receptor, limiting liver damage during an acute infection, and making it easier for the infection to stay in the body during a chronic case. Objective: The study aims to assess CTLA-4 levels in relation to HBV infection in diabetes mellitus patients. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023. The serum was obtained from 200 diabetic patients who were Iraqis. All of the patients were tested using an ELISA technique for CTLA-4 and HBc IgG. They were tested using a five-panel kit for HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb, HBeAg, and HBeAb and measured blood sugar levels. The statistical analysis approach was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: Serum CTLA-4 levels were correlated with serum HBc IgG positivity (P = 0.000), total HBc Ab positivity (P = 0.000), and HBs Ab positivity (P = 0.000), and CTLA-4 level was correlated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.034). Conclusions: The study concluded that elevated serum CTLA-4 levels in diabetic patients with HBV infection and type I diabetes compared to type II diabetes. This suggests that diabetes affects the immune system's response to HBV. KEYWORDS: Anti-HBc IgG, CD152, CTLA-4, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, Diabetes mellitus, HBV

Background: The NLRP3 inflammasome is a crucial constituent of innate immunity, mediating caspase-1 stimulation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin one and Interleukin-18. Still, abnormal activating of the NLRP3 inflammasome is being connected to a number of inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are still widespread with significant deaths and morbidity ratios. Most CVDs are caused by vascular damage, including atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and subsequent ischemic heart conditions. Aim of the study: Evaluation of NLRP3 inflammasome activity in cardiovascular diseases.Methodology: This study (cross-sectional study) included 200 individuals with cardiovascular disorders from January 2022 and May . The patients ranged in age from (1 to 80) years old, with 58 females and 142 males among the 200 cases. The serum samples of patients were obtained for screening of the presence of NLRP3 Inflammasome by ELISA using commercial kits (SUNLONG_CHINA).Results: Patients with cardiovascular disease were divided into 4 aging groups as, the following: The 1st age group (<20) yrs. old, The 2nd age group (20-39) yrs. old, The 3rd age group (40-59) yrs. old, and the last group, is(60-79). The results clearly showed that a high percentage of ischemic heart disease was present among all age groups compared to others types followed by structural heart disease. The current study's cardiovascular patients were higher in males compared to females by about 142(71%) vs 58(29%) of all 200 participants. The study indicates that significant results for NLRP3 inflammasome were present among age groups patients with a p-Value equal to 0.03, it also indicates that there are no significant results for NLRP3 inflammasome among sex groups of patients with a p-Value equal to 0.402. And also an association between CVD and study marker showed no significant difference between seropositive NLRP3 inflammasome with cardiovascular disease types. Conclusions: The most common cardiovascular type in the study was ischemic heart disease. Cardiovascular disease affects men more than women, and it gets worse as people get older. Keyword: NLRP3 Inflammasome, Cardiovascular Diseases, CVD, Najaf Governorate.

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. They are distinguished by long incubation periods, characteristic spongiform changes associated with neuronal loss, and a failure to induce inflammatory response. Prion diseases in animals, Scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as "mad cow disease") in cattle, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans are all examples of infectious diseases. The prion protein (PrP) was identified in a patient in 2015, and it was previously believed to be the cause of all known mammalian prion diseases. However, The protein alpha-synuclein, which is thought to be responsible for MSA, was suggested to be the cause of the disease in 2015. Keywords: Prions 1, PrPC Function 2, PrPC Structure 3, Scrapie 4

Background: Some studies suggested a link between Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and rheumatoid arthritis, although the exact mechanism of this is not yet established. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are more immunocompromised. Hence this study has demonstrated the role of EBV in rheumatoid arthritis in these patients. Objective: To study the relationship between Epstein–Bar viral infection and rheumatoid arthritis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022. The study participants included 200 cancer patients who reported to the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in Al Najaf for chemotherapy treatment. Cancer patients were diagnosed with cases of rheumatoid arthritis, according to rheumatologist physicians and serological tests. Five ml of blood was collected from every cancer patient. Each sample was screened for the presence of anti-EBV antibodies. The chi-square test was used to test the significance of the relationship between qualitative variables. A p value of less than or equal to 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. Results: Two hundred cancer patients were included in this study. Their age ranged from 17 to 73 years. Nearly half of them (47.5%) aged 30–50 years. Most of them were females (67.0%) and 60.5% of the participants lived in urban areas. More than one-third of participants (40.0%) had rheumatoid arthritis. More than half of them (53.0%) were EBV-positive. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant association between EBV and rheumatoid arthritis (p < 0.00001). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between different age groups regarding anti-EBV-IgM and IgG antibodies in rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid patients. On the other hand, PCR testing showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in non-rheumatoid patients and no significant difference in rheumatoid patients. Conclusion: A significant association was detected between EBV and rheumatoid arthritis in cancer patients treated by chemotherapy and this association was not related to EBV antibody levels. Keywords: EBV, RA, Cancer Patients, Chemotherapy, ELlSA, IgM, IgG

Professor Saif Jabbar Al-Mayah, Head of the Microbiology Department at the College of Medicine at the University of Kufa, participated as a rapporteur in one of the sessions of the 12th International Medical Conference held by the College of Medicine at the University of Nahrain under the slogan (Medical Education and Scientific Research are two paths to advancement in Nahrain Medicine).

The term rabies is derived from Latin Latin and means "madness". In turn, the word may be derived from Sanskrit rabhas, meaning "violence". The Greek Greeks derived the term lyssa from the word "Lud" meaning "violence". The origin of this word was used to label the sex of the virus causing the disease or "rabies" Lyssavirus

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