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Background and objectives: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are isolated from domestic and animal products as well as man-made systems such as medical devices, drinking water systems, water tanks, and shower streams. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NTM in clinical samples in Iran during 2000-2022. Methods: Published studies addressing the prevalence of NTM in clinical samples in Iran were reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews protocol. Original articles in Persian and English published between January 2000 and 2022 in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases were included. The prevalence of NTM at 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by comprehensive metaanalysis. Results: Overall, 26 studies were included in the review. The combined prevalence of NTM in positive mycobacterial cultures was 4.5% (95% Cl: 3.1-6.5). Mycobacterium simiae [35.8% (95% CI 16.4-44.4)], Mycobacterium intracellulare [19% (95% CI 8.7-28.3)], and Mycobacterium kansasii [13.4% (95% CI 7.3-24.3)] were the most common slowly growing species, while Mycobacterium fortuitum [24.6% (95% CI 12.9-46.7)], Mycobacterium terrae [18.5 % (95% CI 11.5-29.2)], and Mycobacterium gastri [15.9% (95% CI6.0-41.2)] were the most prevalent rapidly growing mycobacteria. Conclusion: In summary, our findings indicate a relatively high combined prevalence of NTM in clinical samples in Iran. Some of these species such as M. simiae can have clinical and radiologic manifestations similar to those of TB and are resistant to anti-TB drugs. Therefore, standardizing the use of molecular methods for the detection of NTM seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to evaluate the contamination rate of dental unit waterlines (DUWL) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila in several countries in the Middle East. Literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to gather studies published from the beginning of 2000 to 30th April 2020. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were; "Legionellosis"; "Legionnaire", "Legionellosis", "L. pneumophila", "dent", "dental", "dentistry", "Dental Unit Waterlines", "dental water", "DUWL", "Middle East", "P. aeruginosa", "Iran", "Turkey", "Iraq", and "Jordan". The search was independently conducted by two of the authors. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Almost all studies included in this review reported a high rate of bacterial contamination of DUWL, which exceeded the current standard bacterial contamination level of <200 (CFU) mL−1 recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). The combined prevalence of L. pneumophila from four countries (Iran, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq) was 23.5% (95% Cl: 6.5–57.7), and the combined prevalence of P. aeruginosa was reported 21.7% (95% Cl: 7.1–50.1%). This study showed a high bacterial contamination rate of DUWL with opportunistic pathogens. So, it is recommended to prevent biofilm formation in DUWL, some measures should be extended by practical approaches allowing for water quality control and improvement on-site in the dental practices such as mobile filtration units, chlorination and disinfection chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are more likely to get latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) because of the direct contact they may have with patients and carriers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of LTBI in HCWs. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we searched from 1st 2010 to the end of 2021 in various databases such as; PubMed, Scopus, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar for studies presented LTBI in HCWS. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment, obtained data were analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMV) software. Results: In total, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria to include in the present systematic review and metaanalysis. The combined prevalence of LTBI was reported by 25.9% (95% CI: 19.3-33.7). No publication bias was seen among studies included based on Eger's regression test (p=0.04). Conclusion: Our study showed a high prevalence of LTBI in HCWs. Therefore, periodical screening of HCWs with Suitable tests is essential to prevent this high prevalence. According to the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, the rate of LTBI in Iranian HCWs is high. Therefore, periodical screening and diagnostic tests such as TST are necessary for the timely diagnosis and treatment of these individuals to prevent changing LTBI to an active form of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]