The high prevalence of latent MTB infection as assessed by TST in prisoners requires immediate steps be taken to identify and confirm MTB infection, and to treat and counsel those found to be positive in this setting. Efforts to halt MTB transmission in prisons should include: routine screening of prisoners on entry using sputum smear and TST for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and latent MTB infection, respectively. The isolation and treatment of TB positive prisoners and chemo-prophylactic treatment of TST positives, reduction of overcrowding, education regarding the harmful effects of smoking, and intensive monitoring of those serving longer prison terms may help reduce the MTB transmission in this setting and in the community at large.

BackgroundThe use of any form of tobacco by 13–15 year old individuals is 10% globally as identified through the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among Iraqi adolescents.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out on 1750 participants selected randomly from preparatory and secondary schools in Baghdad, Iraq in 2012. Through a multistage stratified random sample scheme. The GYTS questionnaire was applied.ResultsThe study results indicated that 21.8% of Iraqi adolescents are tobacco users (male 27.1%, female 12.7%). Cigarette smoking was noted as the main type of tobacco use (13.9%) followed by shisha (4.8%) and pipe (1.4%). The stepwise logistic regression indicated a number of predictors of tobacco use. Male adolescents were twice more likely to be tobacco users than female students (OR 2.31; 95%C.I: 1.57-3.42). Furthermore, students whose parents or sibling were smokers had doubled the risk of tobacco use relative to those with no parents or siblings current smokers (OR1.97; 95%C.I: 1.04-2.77 and OR1.86; 95%C.I: 1.21-2.87 respectively). Having close friends who smoked was also identified as an important risk factor towards adolescent tobacco use. Those who reported that some of their friends smoked were 2.67 times more likely to be smokers (95%C.I: 1.83-3.89), while those who reported that most/all of their friends were smokers were 8.18 times more likely to be smokers themselves (95%C.I: 4.65-14.39).ConclusionSmoking rates among Iraqi adolescents were found to be among the higher rates of adolescent smoking prevalence in the Middle East. Multiple family and peer related characteristics were related to tobacco use. Preventive activities should take place to curb the tobacco epidemic in Iraq.

There have been reports of increased prevalence of certain food allergies in patients with Type I latex allergy (LA). A detailed food allergy history was obtained from 137 patients with LA. Latex allergy was defined by positive history of IgE mediated reactions to contact with latex and positive skin prick test to latex and/or positive in vitro test (AlaSTAT and/or Pharmacia CAP). Food allergy was diagnosed by a convincing history of possible IgE mediated symptoms occurring within 60 minutes of ingestion. We identified 49 potential allergic reactions to foods in 29 (21.1%) patients. Foods responsible for these reactions include banana 9 (18.3%), avocado 8 (16.3%), shellfish 6 (12.2%), fish 4 (8.1%), kiwi 6 (12.2%), tomato 3 (6.1%), watermelon, peach, carrot 2 (4.1%) each, and apple, chestnut, cherry, coconut, apricot, strawberry, loquat, one (2.0%) each. Reactions to foods included local mouth irritation, angioedema, urticaria, asthma, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rhinitis, or anaphylaxis. Our study confirms the earlier reports of increased prevalence of food allergies in patients with LA. We also report increased prevalence of shellfish and fish allergy not previously reported. The nature of cross reacting epitopes or independent sensitization between latex and these foods is not clear.

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Corticosteroids are beneficial as a first line therapy for some patients with the hepatitis C-autoimmune overlap syndrome, resulting in appreciable biochemical and histological response but without viral eradication.