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Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection - Volume:4 Issue: 1, Feb 2017

Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection
Volume:4 Issue: 1, Feb 2017

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1395/11/18
  • تعداد عناوین: 8
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  • Abdolmajid Ghasemian, Sepideh Khodaparast, Fatemeh Savaheli Moghadam, Farshad Nojoomi, Hassan Rajabi Vardanjani * Page 1
    Context: Bioaerosols are associated with a wide spectrum of health effects, including infections and contagious diseases, acute toxicities, allergies, and even cancer..
    Evidence Acquisition: Previous publications describing research conducted in healthcare and community settings during the years 2001 - 2016 were included in this analysis. The words bioaerosol, contamination, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and Iran were explored via the use of search engines such as PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. A total of 28 studies were found..
    Results
    The levels of bacterial contamination were higher than those found in the fungal species. The most isolated of the bacterial species were S. aureus (38.24%) and Micrococci (31.6%), and the most isolated of the fungal species were Penicillium (32.28%) and Aspergillus spp (22.78%). The highest levels of contamination were detected in infectious disease (ID) settings (mean = 91 ± 86 cfu/m3 for bacteria and 27 ± 24 for fungi). Moreover, levels of indoor air contamination were lower than the world health organization (WHO) standards, with the exception of S. aureus at 201 cfu/m3 and 189 cfu/m3 in infectious disease (ID) and intensive care unit (ICU) settings, respectively. In terms of geographic area and cultural differences, the numbers of bacterial and fungal agents were not significantly different (i.e., North versus South and East versus West). Moisture levels were significantly related to air contamination (pv = 0.02)..
    Conclusions
    The levels of air contamination inside hospital and healthcare settings were lower than the WHO mean standard. Active air sampling methods are necessary for measuring bioaerosol contamination. There were no significant differences in the levels of contamination found in various indoor settings in Iran. Efficient ventilation systems and contamination prevention or minimization are necessary for these settings..
    Keywords: Bacterial Bioaerosols, Fungal Bioaerosols, Hospital Indoors, Community Indoors
  • Mohammad Matini *, Tayebeh Shamsi Ehsan, Amir Hossein Maghsood Page 2
    Background
    Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is a basic component of a healthy diet. Thus, the consumption of vegetables can have an important role in public health..
    Objectives
    Because of this concern, a prevalence study of parasitic contamination was carried out on raw vegetables to estimate the human risk of parasitic infections in Asadabad city, west of Iran..
    Methods
    In a cross-sectional study, 383 samples of different vegetables were obtained randomly from 12 vegetable farms in and around Asadabad. These samples included 10 types of seasonal vegetables: coriander, radish, spring onion, leek, parsley, tarragon, savory, basil, mint, and cress. The samples were examined by two parasitological
    Methods
    sedimentation and floatation techniques..
    Results
    Parasitic contaminations were detected in 34 (8.4%) vegetable samples, including five pathogenic and two non-pathogenic parasites. The parasites identified were Giardia intestinalis (1.6%), Entamoeba coli (2.6%), Toxocara spp. (0.8%), Fasciola spp. (0.5%), Taenia spp. (0.3%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.3%), and free-living larvae (2.3%). Among the infested samples, coriander was the most contaminated vegetable (15.8%). The relationship between contamination of vegetables and untreated water used on farms was significant (P
    Conclusions
    The results implicate the importance of consumption of vegetables in the spread of parasitic diseases in the studied region. Thus, some basic hygiene measures should be carried out to improve public health and reduce infectious disease rates.
    Keywords: Food Contamination, Iran, Parasites, Prevalence, Vegetables
  • Afshin Barazesh *, Moradali Fouladvand, Rahim Tahmasebi, Ali Heydari, Faramarz Kooshesh Page 3
    Background
    Due to their weak immune systems, contact with soil, and failure to comply with hygiene principles, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is high among children..
    Objectives
    This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and the effects of various factors among elementary school children in Bushehr, Iran..
    Methods
    Following coordination with the education office, schools were randomly selected from different areas, and fecal samples were collected from 203 males and females students at different education levels. The samples were examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. The data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 and the Chi-squared test..
    Results
    Approximately 25.1% of the children were infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite, and 5.9% of them were infected with more than one species. The highest prevalence was apparent in children at education levels 4 and 5. There was no significant relationship between infection and parents’ education and some clinical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea, but there was a significant relationship with the number of family members..
    Conclusions
    The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was relatively high among the schoolchildren in this study. Since these parasites can cause anemia and dysfunctional nutrient absorption, growth, and learning among children, it is suggested that training courses be held for parents and that basic steps be taken to improve the level of hygiene in the region to prevent the transmission of these parasites..
    Keywords: Prevalence, Intestinal Parasites, Primary School Children, Bushehr, Iran
  • Bahareh Nasrollahi Nejad, Zahra Bamzadeh, Seyed Hossein Hejazi * Page 4
    Background
    In the treatment of bacterial infections, drug resistance is a global problem; Pseudomonas aeruginosa is no exception. This bacterium is among the important causes of nosocomial infections, especially burn wound infections, and it is resistant to most applicable antibiotics..
    Objectives
    The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-bacterial effects of Ferula persica gum extract and gold nanoparticles on P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burn wound infections in Isfahan in 2012..
    Materials And Methods
    In this experimental study, 150 P. aeruginosa strains carrying the blaSPM-1 gene were isolated from burn wound infections and were confirmed by biochemical tests. The anti-microbial activities of Ferula persica gum extract and gold nanoparticles were evaluated by agar well-diffusion assay and microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The results were compared to ciprofloxacin..
    Results
    The highest mean zone of inhibition (18 mm) was observed in a concentration of 250 mg/mL of F. persica extract, which was equal to that of ciprofloxacin. In the gold nanoparticles, the highest mean growth inhibition zone (10.18 mm) was observed in the dilution of 50 ppm. The highest zone of inhibition of nanoparticle-extract synergy was observed in the dilution of 125 mg/mL extract 25 ppm nanoparticle (9.89 mm). The MIC and MBC of the extract were 69.25 ± 42.36 mg/mL and 102.25 ± 16.76 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC of the nanoparticle-extract mixture were 50.78 ± 19.26 mg/mL and 54.11 ± 19.72 mg/mL, respectively..
    Conclusions
    The results of the present study showed that the extract of F. persica gum and the gold nanoparticles had anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa effects, which were more pronounced when they were used separately..
    Keywords: Gold Nanoparticle, Anti, Infective Agents, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ferula persica
  • Alberto Arnedopena *, Jose Vicente Juancerdan, Maria Angeles Romeugarcia, Daniel Garciaferrer, Jesus Iborramillet, Jose Antonio Ferrerovega, Juan Bautista Bellidoblasco, Noemi Meseguerferrer, Francisco Pardoserrano Page 5
    Background
    Serum vitamin D (VitD) status is associated with active tuberculosis (TB) and TB infection conversion (TBIC)..
    Objectives
    The objective of the present study was to quantify the risks of TB (latent, conversion, disease) in accordance with VitD status and other variables among the contacts of pulmonary TB patients..
    Methods
    From 2009 to 2012, a cohort of the contacts of pulmonary TB patients was studied to rule out and prevent TB in Castellon (Spain). The exams performed included a tuberculin skin test (TST), a QuantiFERON Gold in-tube test® (QFTGIT), blood and radiographic tests, and an initial measurement of serum VitD status. Contacts who were initially without active TB were followed up through 2015. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) analyses were carried out..
    Results
    From a total of 572 contacts of pulmonary TB patients with VitD status measurement, 523 completed the follow-up (participation rate 91.4%). Among them, five groups could be established: 3 new cases of pulmonary TB (0.6%), 27 cases of TBIC (5.2%), 116 cases of latent TB infection (LTBI) (22.2%), 125 uninfected TB contacts with only one TST or QFTGIT measurement (23.9%), and 252 uninfected TB contacts with two TST or QFTGIT measurements (48.2%). The comparison of these five groups revealed several significant differences, including age, whether they were foreign-born, place of residence, social class, high exposure to an index case with sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and VitD status. The MLR analysis for all groups, with the group of uninfected TB contacts with two TST or QFTGIT measurements as a reference, estimated that only two of these factors were significantly associated with TB in three or more groups; these factors were VitD status and high exposure and a sputum AFB-positive index case. VitD status was a protector against pulmonary TB with a relative risk (RR) of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74 - 0.99) and against TBIC (R = 0.95; 95% CI 0.91 - 0.99), while it was not associated with LTBI (RR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.97-1.01). Only 34.0% of the contacts had sufficient VitD levels (≥ 30 ng/mL)..
    Conclusions
    Our results suggest that a sufficient VitD level could be a protective factor against TBIC and active TB..
    Keywords: Tuberculosis, Vitamin D, Cohort Study, Interferon-Gamma Release Assays, Tuberculin Test, Contacts Tuberculosis
  • Sabah Ghadimi, Ali Heshmati *, Mehdi Azizi Shafa, Majid Nooshkam Page 6
    Background
    Foodborne diseases are one of the most major public health concerns in the world. Ice cream flavors, especially the traditional ones, have a high potential for the transmission of the pathogenic bacteria..
    Objectives
    The aim of the current study is to investigate the microbiological status and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from traditional ice cream..
    Methods
    A total of 114 traditional ice creams were randomly collected from retail stores in Hamadan, Iran. Samples were investigated for the total bacteria count (TBC) and contamination with the coliform, Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella as well as the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli..
    Results
    The count of Enterobacteriaceae (89.47%), mold and yeast (50%), coliform (40.35%) and TBC (28.07%) of samples was higher than Iran’s standard. Salmonella was not found in all samples. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed in 50% and 37.72% of samples, respectively. Collected Escherichia coli had the highest antibiotic resistance to ampicillin 67.44%, nalidixic acid 39.53% and co-amoxyclav 37.21%. Staphylococcus aureus showed a higher antibiotic resistance to penicillin (82.46% of isolates) and oxacillin (38% of isolates)..
    Conclusions
    The results showed high contamination levels of traditional ice cream with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms as well as considerable resistance of isolated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to common antibiotics. Therefore, good hygienic practice during processing and personal hygiene should be considered to improve the quality of ice cream. In addition, it is necessary that the regulatory authorities carry out more control on the production centers of traditional ice cream..
    Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Foodborne Disease, Ice Cream, Drug Resistance
  • Davood Maleki, Sahar Honarmand Jahromy *, Shohreh Zare Karizi, Parisa Eslami Page 7
    Background
    Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases and nosocomial infections worldwide, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli is the primary cause of UTI. Due to increased antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) UPEC clones, the treatment of UTI is difficult. The occurrence of MDR in E. coli has been attributed to the AcrAB-TolC complex of efflux pumps..
    Objectives
    The aim of this study was to complete a frequency evaluation of acrA and acrB genes among UPEC MDR strains isolated from patients with UTI who were admitted to Milad hospital in Tehran..
    Methods
    For 123 UPEC strains that were isolated and diagnosed from the urine samples of patients using biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility was carried out using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Isolates that were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent in three or more of the categories were considered to be MDR. The presence and frequency of acrA and acrB genes was determined using PCR..
    Results
    The rates of antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, cefalotin, tetracycline, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, ceftizoxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole were 82.9%, 78.1%, 61.1%, 49.5%, 38.2%, 30.2%, 26.1%, 42.2%, and 60.1%, respectively. The isolates were most sensitive to nitrofurantoin (95.9%), gentamicin (77.2%), and amikacin (71.5%). A total of 78% of the isolates were MDR. The frequency of the acrA gene was 82.90%, the acrB gene was 95.90% and acrA acrB was 95.90%. There was no significant difference between acrA and acrB frequency relating to bacterial antibiotic resistance..
    Conclusions
    Our results showed that ways to control the treatment of UTI for the prevention of MDR occurrence should be sought. For a better study of efflux pumps, a comprehensive and detailed study regarding the presence of efflux pumps gees is required..
    Keywords: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Multi-Drug Resistant, acrA, acrB
  • Enayatollah Kalantar, Amir Hatami, Fatemeh Rahimi, Sadegh Saedi, Aliehsan Heidari, Parviz Fallah, Morteza Qoghaei, Morteza Nazari, Soheila Beiranvand, Mohsen Arabi, Mohammad Hossein Dehghan* Page 8
    Three cases were referred to the Rajaei hospital in Karaj, Iran, and the culture of lung secretions resulted in isolation of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Although antibiotic treatment was started, all the three patients died. This report describes the clinical course of the illness. To the best of the author's knowledge, no cases of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii have been reported previously in the Rajaei hospital, Karaj..
    Keywords: Lung Secretion, Antibiotic Resistance, Acinetobacter baumannii