Evaluation of pulmonary bacterial infections in people exposed to mustard gas

Mustard gas (MG) exposure can cause several injuries including organs impairment and alter the normal functions of biological systems. In this study, we have studied the pulmonary bacterial infections (PBI) of Iranian people who exposed to MG. One hundred and one patients who were exposed to MG and ۱۱۰ healthy controls were included in the study. Direct smear from the lung specimens was prepared and stained with different staining methods. To culture the specimens, the routine culture media were used. PCR was carrying out for some of specimens suspected to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of ۱۰۱ patients and ۱۱۰ controls, ۴۵.۵۴% and ۱۹.۰۹% were positive for PBI, respectively. Two patients were also infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis that was proven by PCR. These findings indicate a high prevalence of PBI in patients exposed to MG, suggesting that these patients are more susceptible to opportunistic bacterial infection and precautions should be applied to these people.

Keywords:

PCR , Mustard gas , Pulmonary bacterial infections