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Background: Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a cutaneous autoimmune bullous disease characterized by the presence of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies. The trigger for the formation of these antibodies is thought to consist of the vector insects of parasitic diseases found in endemic regions for PF, including leishmaniasis, as a non-pathogenic variant of these antibodies was found in patients with those parasitic diseases in endemic regions for PF. This hypothesis would be confirmed by the finding of the said non-pathogenic antibodies in patients with one of these parasitic diseases in regions non-endemic for pemphigus foliaceus. Therefore the aim of this study was the evaluation of Anti-DSG1 antibody in patients suffering to zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasisin Isfahan city of Iran. Methods: Blood sera of 58 patients with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, confirmed by clinical signs and direct blood smear, were collected and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies was performed on these sampl. Findings: 56 out of 58 serum samples of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasisin this study were negative for anti-Dsg1 antibodies using ELISA, with one sample having an indeterminate value and one sample being positive. Conclusion: Our results reject our initial hypothesis regarding the role of leishmaniasisin triggering the formation of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies. Several alternate explanations are possible, including the role of the black fly Simuliumnigrimanum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical laboratory health care workers can become infected through their occupation with blood-borne pathogens by percutanous injuries and mucocutaneous blood contacts such as cuts, needle sticks, splashes to mucous membranes or other body injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and some of the risk factors in medical laboratory health care workers., Methods: Through a descriptive cross sectional study, 203 participants employed in the clinical laboratories of the city of Isfahan, composed of medical laboratory technologists, technicians and cleaning staff were studied. Participant data were obtained through a self-reporting questionnaire and the level of anti-HCV antibody was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chi-square test was used to determine risk factors associated with infection., Results: The mean age of the individuals (n = 203) was 35.8 ± 9.54 years. There were 115 women (56.7%) and 88 men (43.3%). All of the subjects were negative for HCV Ab., Conclusions: Hepatitis C infection is infrequent in laboratory health care workers in Isfahan province.