Background: Observationson Tuberculosis HIV co-infection in addition to epidemiologic molecular studies have recently provided strong evidence for the state of immune system as the major determinant of the TB imaging spectrum. However, the presence of any correlation between radiographic findings and the degree of suppression in HIV positive patients still remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the TB radiographic manifestation in HIV positive patients and its relationship to the CD4 positive cell count. Methods: Chest radiography of 15 HIV positive patients with a definite diagnosis of pulmonary Tuberculosis in Masih Daneshvari hospital, between 2013-2014, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic findings and severity were categorized as typical (upper lobe infiltration/cavity) and atypical (middle/lower lobe opacity, adenopathy, pleural effusion and normal X-ray). Demographics and CD4 positive cell count were also recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 (frequency andmean for descriptive quantitative variables and Logistic regression analysis for correlation, P < 0. 05). Results: Of a total 15 patients (86. 7% men and 13. 3% women), 78. 6% had CD4 positive counts below 350 (mean SD; 229. 15 199. 45). The most common radiographic findings in descending order of frequency were adenopathy (53. 3%), pleural effusion (26. 7%) and cavitation (6. 7%) with an overall atypical presentation of 93. 3%. This study failed to reveal any statistically significant correlation between CD4 positive cell count and radiographic manifestation as well as severity. Conclusions: In CD4 positive cell count below 500, the dominant radiographic pattern of Tuberculosis is atypical presentation. At this level of immunity, CD 4 positive T cell dysfunction may play a deterministic role in TB radiographic manifestation.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of central nervous system with destruction of myelin sheath mediated by auto reactive CD4+T Lymphocytes. Because of the possible role of Epstein-Barr virus in etiology of MS and T cells immune response, the aim of this study was to evaluate anti-Epstein Barr virus antibodies as a marker of reactivity and production of TH1 and TH2 cytokines in MS patients and healthy individuals.Methods: Blood samples were taken from 68 MS patients at different stages of diseases and 20 apparently healthy individuals and plasma levels of anti- EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) antibodies determined and concentrations of IFN-, IL-12 and IL-4 in culture supernatants of PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured by ELISA.Results: The mean levels of anti EBNA-1 and VCAantibodies were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p=0.04, p=0.001 respectively). Concentrations of IFN-, IL-4 & IL-12 were also significantly higher in MS patients than healthy individuals (p=0.001, p=0.005, p=0.002, respectively). Significant correlation was found between anti EBNA-1 and VCAantibodies and IL-12 production (p=0.02, r=0.27 & p=0.04, r=0.25, respectively); whereas no significant correlation was found between these antibodies and production of IFg-or IL-4.Conclusions: Due to elevated level of anti-EBV antibodies and T cell Cytokines in MS patients Rather than healthy individuals, Epstein Barr virus may play role in etiology of MS disease through activation of T cells immune response.

An autoimmune condition known as Alopecia areata (AA) affects the hair follicles and any part of the body with hair that results in patches of noncicatricial hair loss. This study was designed to investigate the role of IL-15 as inflammatory marker and determine the correlation of IL 15 with progression of Alopecia areata. This study was done at the dermatology private clinic. Case study included (45 clinically diagnosed patients and 45 healthy controls); with age ranges of 5-59 years old from different geographic areas in Iraq. IL-15 and was done by using ELISA. The results showed that the age group (21-30) years old have a high percentage 33.3% of male and age group < 10 years old have a high percentage 30.3% of female patients with no significant levels P> 0.05. The concentration of IL15 in Alopecia patients vs. the healthy persons have a slightly elevated according to control group, with high significant relation (P< 0.05). This study concludes that the circulating levels of IL-15 marker were elevated in patients with AA.