عباسعلی جعفری

Specialized training is the most crucial turning point of education in obtaining the professions related to medical sciences. Peer learning has advantages, including saving time and eliminating the limitations of traditional education. The purpose of current educational program during the COVID19 pandemic was to reduce students’ stress and more accepted in the parasitology PhD exam.

Faculty members and MsC Students in the Department of Medical Parasitology, Yazd medical university, performed the present developmental study based on the reference books and curriculum. First, a training virtual platform was designe using a topic, picture, video of a parasite or parasitic diseases between the learners under the supervision of all the scientific members. Learners designed questions and their answers for each title in the virtual platform. In the end, to help the students to participate in the PhD exam, two virtual pre-exams were also designed. Finally, the satisfaction level of faculty members and students, as wll as their stress level's was evaluate using Excel software.

Of 25 student participants, six succeeded in the first stage and finally, three of them were accepted in the second stage of the parasitology Ph.D. exam in the 2021-2022 academic years. Implementation of this peer learning method was also effective in reducing the stress level of students in the Ph.D. exam.

Considering the success of the peer learning program using virtual learning in current study and more passing in the Ph.D. exam, it suggests that this plan will be implemented in other educational groups with postgraduate education.

Denture stomatitis is the most common opportunistic infection caused by candida in denture wearer’s palate, which is more common and severe among diabetic patients. Several studies have already been conducted to examine various drugs for treatment of candidiasis. Recently, some cases of drug resistance of none albicans Candida species to antifungal drugs have been reported. The aim of the present study was to compare the in vitro susceptibility of isolated Candida species of uncontrolled diabetic patients against Nystatin and Fluconazole.

In the present lab trial study, 43 patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and denture stomatitis referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center and Clinics were screened and sample were collected from the palate using sterile swabs. At that point samples were cultured to determine the differential colony counts through the color difference between the colonies and furthermore MIC of Nystatin and Fluconazole by two different methods (Broth microdilution &Disk diffusion). Data were analyzed using SPSS23 and Kruskal-Wallis test.

In the present study, the most commonly isolated species were: Candida albicans (38/3%), followed by Candida tropicalis (14/9%), Candida krusei (10/6%), Candida glabrata (8/5%) and other species (27/7%). According to both methods, Candida albicans was the most sensitive to both Nystatin and Fluconazole. The most resistant species to Nystatin and Fluconazole were Candida glabrata and Candida Krusei respectively. In 100% concentration, sensitivity of candida species to Nystatin was significantly higher than Fluconazole, except for Candida albicans (p-value=0/05).

The present study indicated that Nystatin was better than Fluconazole for treatment of denture stomatitis in uncontrolled diabetic patients.

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease, which can cause different effects on oral mucosa. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common lesions, particularly in un-controlled diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was evaluation of relationship between Candida colony counts of whole saliva and fasting blood sugar level and determination of candida species in un-controlled and controlled diabetic patients.

This analytical case-control study was conducted on ninety diabetic patients, consisted of 45 patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HBA1C>7) and 45 patients with controlled diabetes (HBA1C<7). Demographic data and history of systemic disease were evaluated. The whole saliva samples were collected by spitting method and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and chromogenic agar for determining oral candida spices and colonization. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 and statistical T-test, chi-square and Pearson correlation tests.

Data analysis showed statistically significant higher positive candidal growth in uncontrolled group when compared to controlled group. C. albicans was the most common isolated Candida species in both groups. Significant positive correlation of CFU/ml with fasting blood sugar level in both groups was not seen.

In spite of higher rate of candida colonization in uncontrolled diabetic patients, there is no significant relation with fasting blood sugar level.

Dermatophytosis is one of the health problems that may spread from contaminated soil, pets, livestock, and infected humans. Although Tinea capitis is more prevalent in deprived areas, other forms of this disease were also reported in both urban and rural regions. In order to design appropriate strategies to control and treat diseases, the disease prevalence and its effective factors should be investigated.  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of dermatophytosis and its etiologic agents in patients who referred to the mycology laboratory of Yazd Central Laboratory during 2013-2018.

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were collected from  suspected dermatophytic lesions of patients who referred to the mycology section of Yazd Central Medical Laboratory during 2013-2018. After completing the demographic information questionnaire, samples were collected from the lesions and examined by direct microscopic culture examination. Moreover, additional tests were performed to determine the genus and species of the etiologic agents.

From 900 patients, 112 cases (12.5%) were positive regarding both direct smear and culture. The highest rate of infection was observed in the age group less than 10 years. The most common clinical forms were tinea corporis, capitis, cruris, manuum, pedis, and ungium, respectively. The most commonly isolated etiologic agents were Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton verrucosum.

Due to the lack of information about the current status of this disease in Yazd, periodical studies are recommended on dermatophytosis, their sources, and etiologic agents in order to take effective measures to control and prevent the disease.

Wheat is the most important crops and bread made from in Iranian diet, which contamination of wheat and flour storage in adverse environmental conditions can lead to contamination with toxic fungi particularly aflatoxin producing fungi. The aim of current study was to determine the frequency and type of fungal contaminants in the distributed flours in Yazd bakeries.
In this cross-sectional study, 80 bakerie's flour samples and 20 flour samples of flour producer factories were collected. After measuring their moisture, dilutions from 10-2 to 10-6 of flour samples were cultivated on Saboraud dextrose agar plates and by enumeration of isolated colonies, their genus and species were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics such as average and Chi square test. Differences were considered statistically signifi­cant when P A total of 2223 fungal colonies from 11 different genus and species were isolated and identified from samples of flour that only 7% showed fungal contaminations more than allowable cut off points. Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger were the most prevalent and Alternaria, Vertisillium, Rhizopus and Fouma showed minimum contamination in studied flour samples in present study.
Results of present study compared with other similar studies indicating a fairly favorable situation in terms of fungal contaminations in the distributed flour in Yazd bakeries.

Introduction About 500,000 species of fungi have been realized up to now. There are abundant fungi in air, soil and our environment. So the growth of them increases in the presence of air moisture and appropriate temperature. However saprophytic fungi have a wide distribution in nature, they are responsible for decomposition of organic materials and playing an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of major nutrients. Some saprophytes are toxic that contaminate human foods and animal feeds by production of mycotoxins. Aflatoxins are the most common and dangerous mycotoxins produced by few species of Aspergillus and penicillium. This group of mycotoxin has disorder and risks, including the induction of liver cancer. They are mutagenic and teratogenic. Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2, which are naturally produced by several toxic fungi, may contaminate a wide range of dairy animal feeds resulted severe economic loss of cattle meat. Since Aflatoxin B1 and B2 can be transmitted via mammalian’s milk and cheese in form of synthetic Aflatoxin M1 and M2 to human consumers, cause significant health problems. Therefore contamination of animal feed with common toxic airborne saprophytic fungi is a major concern of health officials. Wheat, barley, corn, soybean and other animal feeds may be contaminated with toxic fungi during implantation, harvesting and storage. There are many dairy and livestock centers in Yazd that prepare milk and dairy products for Yazd and neighboring provinces. The aim of current study was to evaluate the amount and type of fungal contaminates of dairy feeds in Yazd dairies.
Materials and methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the summer of 2012 on 23 dairies in Yazd. Samples of different animal feeds including concentrates, wheat straw, hay, corn, silage corn, soybean and canola as well as waste of bread, were randomly selected from their bulks. The temperature and humidity of feed storage were recorded by using thermometer and portable hygrometer at the time of sampling. Samples were transferred to medical mycology laboratory in paramedical school by sterile containers. Samples were cultured on Sab¬ouraud dextrose agar plates based on standard method. Isolated fungal colonies were firstly enumerated and identified using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics for determination of their genus and species of saprophytic and toxic fungi. The suspected fungi with definitive diagnosis by the use of the men¬tioned methods were then identified by performing slide culture by Riddle method. For the detection of aflatoxin producer species UV radiation was used. Results were analyzed statistically by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS 16 software.
Results and Discussion Saprophytic hyphomycets including Cladosporium, Alternation Penicilium, Verticillium, Aspergillus, Penicillium species and yeast were the most prevalent isolated fungi from cattle feeds in current study. Bread waste showed maximum contamination with opportunistic fungi such as Mucor and Rhizopus species, other saprophyte moulds and yeasts. Wheat straw had the highest contamination of aflatoxin-producing toxic fungi particularly Aspergillus flavus. Silage and concentrate were ranked as highest average contamination with 42600 and 40600 CFU/g, respectively in present study. There was seen a significant relationship between the average humidity of the environment of open and covered storage of feed with frequency of isolated fungal species (PConclusion According to results of present study, there are a high fungal contamination in cattle food with saprophytic and toxigenic fungal spores. Monitoring of animal feed and control of humidity can control the proliferation of micro-organisms in food, eliminate contamination of microorganisms and prevent cross-contaminations. High levels of fungal contamination in intake dairy feed shows that the major source of contamination seems to be in raw materials used for animal feed. With respect to the effect of cattle food contamination especially contamination with Aspergillus flavous on health of cattle and dairy products and the secondary effects on human health, Control of fungal contamination in livestock foods is the best way to prevent aflatoxin contamination in milk and other dairy products, which help to improve the public health.

Aflatoxins are the most common and dangerous mycotoxins produced by species of Aspergillus and penicillium grow on a wide range of human and animal food. This group of mycotoxins has disorder and risks, including the induction of liver cancer. According to disadvantages for several physical and chemical methods, there are recently great deals of interest in the use of herbal extracts for control of fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination on food. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract on growth inhibition of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus on Almond's kernel.
In current experimental lab-trial study almond kernel samples were randomly selected for study. Almond kernel samples were firstly immersed in edible coating containing 3% hydro-alcoholic of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract and then contaminated with 1×103 aflatoxin producer A. flavus conidial suspensions. The extract's inhibitory properties were evaluated using with enumeration of viable and cultivable fungal conidia on almond washing solutions. Finally MFC and MIC50 values of herbal extracts were measured by preparing of their serial dilutions that contaminated with fungal conidial suspensions using CLSI standard broth dilution method.
In general, the macroscopic observation of Almond kernel treated with edible coating of 3% Cinnamomum zeylanicum extracts showed full control of fungal growth. Statistical T test showed significant differences between the mean isolated colonies from culture of washing solutions from test and control samples (P= 0.0001). The MFC and MIC50 values value for Cinnamomum extract was concentration of 187 and 94 mg/100 respectively.
Results of present study showed that edible coating of Cinnamomum extracts was been effective in controlling of A. flavus colonization on Almond kernels. However, the practical uses of these extracts require more, antimicrobial, toxicology and economic studies.

The prevalence of parasitic infections in many countries, especially in developing countries as a health problem arises and intestinal parasitic diseases have adversely effects on quality of life. Mentally disabled individuals that are kept in boarding institutions for various reasons, including close contact with each other, the impossibility of self-care at acceptable levels and the lack of personal hygiene standards are at risk for these infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among mentally retarded residents of Alzahra center in Taft city This descriptive – cross sectional study was carried out on 129 institutions of mentally retarded patients of Taft city in the summer of 2014. Stool samples were collected from each person; direct smear, formalin-ether concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained smear were examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. Data using SPSS software and chisquare test were statistical analyzed. Of 129 disabled patients in this study, 48.1% were male and the rest were female. In this study, a total of 55 cases (42.6%) were infected with at least one of intestinal parasites. Prevalence of intestinal parasites were as follows: Chilomastix mesnil 8 cases (6.2%), Giardia lamblia cysts 17 cases (13.2%), Entamoeba coli cysts 22 cases (17%), Blastocystis hominis 4 cases (3.1%), Iodamoebaa butschlii 3 cases (2.3%) and Endolimax nana 1 case (0.8%). Chi-square test showed that there was no significant relationship between sex and parasitic infection (p>0.05). The results showed that the prevalence of intestinal protozoan particular some pathogen species were higher than expected. Further efforts to improve the health level, early detection and treatment of those infected can limit transmition of infection in the population of mentally retarded.

However human oral cavity consist a mass of microorganisms, some alteration such as application the complete removable denture with poor oral hygiene in edentulous patients may cause overgrowth of several opportunistic microorganisms resulted denture stomatitis. The aim of present study was to compare the dominant oral micro-flora between edentulous denture users with dentate elderly. In current analytical, cross-sectional study, 30 edentulous patients with complete removable denture and 30 dentate subjects, who admitted for non-prosthetic treatments, were randomly selected in Yazd dentistry department. Their oral cavity samples were obtained using sterile cotton-tip swabs, for direct smear analyzing and cultivation on the selective fungal as well as bacterial media. Isolated predominant bacteria and fungi were enumerated and identified by microbiological differential diagnosis tests. Data were analyzed with SPSS software with T test and differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. The non-aureus staphylococcus and alpha-hemolytic streptococci showed the highest positive culture among the isolated microorganisms in both groups, whereas beta hemolytic streptococci showed the least percent of isolated microorganism in both groups. The higher density of non-aureus Staphylococci, α-hemolitic Streptococci, Gram negative cocobasillus, non-pathogenic Neisseria, Candida and Corynebacterium were recovered from oral samples of denture users in compare with dentate subjects (P= 0.0001). There was also seen a statistical significant correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the duration of denture utilization in denture users (P=0.013). Results of the present study showed that complete denture can be act as a predisposal factor in overgrowing of several oral micro-flora particularly Candida, non-aureus Staphylococci, α-hemolytic streptococci, gram negative cocobacillus, non-pathogenic Neisseria, and Corynebacterium, which emphasized the users denture hygine.

The vaginal flora is a dynamic ecosystem that can be easily altered. Although, there are four causes of vaginal discharges which cover almost 95% of vaginaitis. Candidal Vaginaitis is an infection of the vagina’s mucous membranes by Candida albicans (CA). Present study attempted to Candidal Vaginitis in women referred to health centers in Yazd and the role of innate & cell-mediated immunity against Candidal Vaginitis. A cross-sectional study conducted from September 2011 to September 2012 in Yazd city. A total of 360 women were recruited. The collection of material for diagnosis is ideally performed during a comprehensive pelvic examination using a speculum for diagnosis of CA with identify vaginal pH; smear preparing and staining and culturing. Finally all of 360 women that observed and tested, 120 (33.33%) of them have involved and 240 (66.67%) have not involved. from 120 infected women, 55paitents had Bacterial vaginosis (15.6%) 40 patients had Ca (10.8%) and 25 patients had Trichomonas vaginalis (5.9%). Despite the role for cell-mediated immunity in host protection against the majority of mucosal CA infections, studied has been in women with recurrent vaginitis, in HIV-infected women. Thus, current investigations have been focused specifically on innate and acquired immune responses against CA at the vaginal mucosa instead of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis being caused by defective or dysfunctional CD4+ T helper 1-type cell-mediated immune reactivity. Strongly suggest that distinct vaginal lymphocyte subsets participate in the adaptive anti-Candida immunity at the vaginal level, with the vaginal CD4_ T cells probably playing a major role.

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease, which can cause different lesions in the oral mucosa, among which Candidiasis can be mentioned as one of the most common types of these lesions especially in the uncontrolled diabetic patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare Candidia colony count in the saliva of controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients.

This case control study was conducted on 40 controlled diabetic (HBA1C<7) and 40 uncontrolled diabetic (HBA1C>7) patients, who had the admission criteria for this study. Saliva samples were collected by spitting method and cultured on the special media to determine the colonization and Candida type in both groups. The study results were analyzed using T-test and spearman correlation tests.

The mean of Candida colony number was 54.2±85.3 in the controlled group and 186.3±192.9 in the un-controlled group, between which a statistically significant difference was observed (P=0.0001). Moreover, no significant correlation was reported between HBA1C and Candida colony number in both controlled and uncontrolled groups (P= 0.31 in controlled group, and P= 0.555 in un-controlled group). In this study, the Candida colony number separated from saliva samples of the controlled group and males (P=0.042) was significantly lower than the control group (P=000).

The mean of Candida colony number in saliva samples of uncontrolled diabetic patients was reported higher compared to the controlled group. There was no significant correlation between HBA1C levels and Candida colonization.

Candidiasisis the most common human opportunistic disease with the prevalence and resistance of etiologic agents being increased as a result of increasing the immunosuppressed diabetics and malignancies. Candida albicans known as the most common agent of disease is one of the human body’s normal floras. The aim of the present study was to evaluate anti-Candida properties of the aerial parts of Ferula assafoatida compared with Fluconazole in vitro. In the current experimental lab-trial study a 35 mg/ml aqueous extracts ofIranian Ferula assafoatida aerial parts were prepared and then used for evaluation of their susceptibility against a standard Candida albicans using broth microdilution method. Different concentrations of this herbal extract and Fluconazole were used for determining the minimum inhibition concentration and killing on Candidasuspensions. Concentrations of 8.75 mg/ml aerial parts of Ferula assafoetida completely inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and killed all viable cells (MFC). Concentrations of 0.273 and 4.4 mg/ml Ferula aqueous extracts were also determined as MIC50 and MIC90. In case of Fluconazole, 128 µg/ml concentrationis determined as MFC and 0.5 µg/ml concentration is also known as MIC50. Results of the current study showed that the aqueous extract of Ferula assafoetida aerial parts has inhibitory and candidacidal effect against Candida albicans and further in vivo studies are suggested.

Denture stomatitis is known as common complications in denture users, caused by adherence and colonization of Candida albicans on denture surfaces. Decontamination of dental prostheses using common chemical disinfectants brings about allergic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Lawsonia inermis extracts and Sodium hypochlorite for disinfection of resin acryl plaques, which experimentally contaminated with C. albican. In present experimental study 100 square shape, 10×10×1 mm acrylic resin plates were inoculated in C. albicans suspension. The average number of Candida cells which adhered to 12 randomly selected acryl resin plates was firstly determined and 88 remaining plates were divided in 4 groups that were immersed for 8 hours in 500mg/100cc lawsonia inermis extracts 2% Sodium Hypochlorite as test groups, and 100000 IU Nystatin and distilled water as positive and negative control groups respectively. The Candida removing ability of 2 disinfectants and the control groups was assessed by comparing the number of colony forming units per 1 ml of the plates washing solution cultivated on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates before and after the removing protocol. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. There was seen a statistically significant differences in average viable C. albicans cells isolated from acryl resin plates before and after disinfection with lawsonia inermis extract, Sodium hypochlorite and Nystatin (P=0.0001). Sodium hypochlorite reduced 100% of attached Candida on the rein acryl plates; Lawsonia inermis extract more than 80% and only less than 25% by distilled water. According to present results, it seems that lawsonia inermis extracts, which is inexpensive and without any side effects, it can be suggested for controlling of Candida biofilm and prevention of denture stomatitis.

Vaginitis is known as one of the most frequent Cervicao-vaginal infections seen in worldwide women, which has bacterial, fungal and parasitic etiologic agents. There are different reports in medical literature for the frequency of vaginitis etiologic agents based on geographical regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of service-vaginitis and effective parameters in symptomatic women referred to referred to Yazd central laboratory.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 370 censuses selected symptomatic women (itching, irritation, discharge, and …), who referred to Yazd central laboratory for sample collection and detection of disease. After completion questioner form, their vaginal samples were collected for microscopic direct smear and culture on specific media. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using ANOVA and Chi-square tests. Differences were considered statistically signifi‌cant when P < 0.05.

Totally 195 women (52.7 %(were diagnosed having vaginal infections including 93)25.7 %(bacterial, 87)23.5 % (Candidal and 15 (4 %) with trichmonal vaginitis. In current study the 30-39 years old age groups showed the most frequency and women under 19 years old showed minimum frequency of disease. The highest frequency was seen among women using oral hormonal contraceptives however women having natural method showed minimum frequency of vaginal infection. There was seen a statistically significant correlation between housewife women and the frequency of vaginitis in present study (P=0.001).

Results of current study showed that bacterial and candidal Servico-vaginitis was more common in symptomatic women. The highest incidence of candidal vaginitis was seen in 30-39 years age group women, house wives and oral hormonal contraceptive user’s.

Tissue conditioners are used to manage irritation of denture bearing mucosa. These liners، however، promote adherence and colonization by Candida Albicans which can be prevented by incorporating antifungal agents into them. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the stability and duration of antifungal effects of nystatin and fluconazole mixed with a tissue conditioner on colonization of Candida Albicans. In this experimental study، antifungal test disks were prepared using tissue conditioner mixed with nystatin and fluconazole. Similar drug free tissue conditioner disks were prepared as controls. The disks were immersed and kept in artificial sterile saliva until used for susceptibility test. They were placed on the Sabouraud dextrose agar plates streaked with C. Albicans inoculum and using the agar diffusion test، colonization inhibitory effects were evaluated in one، two، three and 5 day intervals based on saliva immersion period. The mean inhibitory zone around disks at different time intervals were analyzed with SPSS15 software using ANOVA and Tukey’s statistical tests for multiple and pairwise comparisons respectively. The average diameter of inhibitory zone around nystatin and fluconazole disks after 24hour of immersion in saliva were 11. 2 and 8. 6 mm respectively. The difference in the mean zone of inhibition was statistically significant after 24 hours (p=0. 0001) and 48 hours (p=0. 013). This difference was not statistically significant after 72hours or 5 day interval. (P>0. 05) The stability of nystatin and fluconazole mixed with a tissue conditioner is not adequate and antifungal effects are seen only for 72 hours while in contact with saliva. Optimum antifungal activity could be expected in the first 24 hours. Nystatin exhibits higher inhibitory effects compared to fluconazole.

Impression materials are in contact with blood and saliva, may act as a source of microbial cross-infection in dentistry. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of C. albicans, S. mutants and S. aureus in foreign and Iranian Zinc Oxide Eugenols (ZOE) used for impression in complete prosthesis.

In current lab-trial study with 38 samples, in 3 groups (each group included 12 maxillary edentulous typodent) were contaminated with C. albicans, S. aureus, S. mutans in 0.5 McFarland standard suspensions on reciprocal shaker. They divided into 2 groups, which impressed with Cavex ZOE and Golchai ZOE. Impressions were removed after 5 minutes and after 1 hour, circular discs in 5 mm diameter was cut from the first molar tooth by a sterile cutter, used for viable microbial cell counting. Each disc was separately transferred in a sterile microtube containing 1ml of sterile PBS Finally 100 µl of PBS was spread. After incubation for 2–3 days, bacterial and fungal colonies were enumerated on each plate, and the relative colony-forming units were calculated as the left microorganisms on impression materials.Data were analyzed with SPSS 17 software using Mann-Whitney and kruskal-wallis analytic tests.

There was seen a statistically significant differences between 2 impression materials for stability of every tested organisms (P<0.05). S. mutants in comparison with other 2 microorganisms showed the most stability in all 2 impression materials.

Every 3 microorganisms showed that minimum stability on Iranian Golchei ZOE . So this impression material is better for prevention of cross-contamination.

Rather than complete denture, continuous contact of oral mucosa with cigarette smokes caused disorders in natural function of saliva, which can motivate oral candidiasis. The aim of current study was to compare the Candida colonization in saliva of smoker and non-smokers with complete Denture. In this study, saliva from 42 smokers and 42 non-smokers having complete denture, were collected and cultured onto Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Isolated Candida colonies were enumerated and identified using Germ tube test and culture on Corn Meal Agar plates. Frequency and type of isolated Candida colonies were analyzed using Chi-square and regression statistical tests. However there wasnt seen and statistical differences between the mean of isolated Candida colonies from saliva of both studied groups, but Candida albicans were more isolated from non-smoker saliva, though non-albicans Candida species were commonly isolated from smokers’ saliva with denture (P=0.037). A higher colonization of non-albicans species in saliva of more than 60 years old smokers was seen (P=0.037) in compare with non-smokers. More isolation of non-albicans Candida species from oral cavity of smoker denture users in comparison with non-smokers and their resistant to common anti-fungal, there are need for closer control and inspection of oral cavity in smokers.

Previous studies show that swimming in pools which are not well managed، can transmit infections. So there is still concern that swimmers by contacting with water and swimming pool environment could be affected by fungal diseases. So this study aimed to determine the amount of fungal contamination in indoor pools of Yazd in 2011. In this study، all the indoor swimming pools of Yazd (12 pools) during the spring and summer of 2011 in terms of fungal contamination were studied. To determine fungal contamination of the sample، a sterile carpet collection method was used. Sixty samples from different environmental surfaces in each pool (shower، dressing room surface، the chair and sit in the sauna، bath، platforms، around the pool)، 5 areas on average from each pool and to tally about 720 samples from all pools were tested for separation of bacterial contamination. Results of the present study showed that from all the 720 cultivated samples، 495 samples (68. 8%) were positive for one or more fungal contamination including 443 mould saprophyte (89. 5%)، 48 yeast saprophyte (9. 7%) and 4 dermatophyte pathogenic fungi (0/8%). Most fungal species were isolated from showers، dressing area، sauna and pool''s peripheral area. According to the results of this study، it is necessary to pay more attention to sanitation and disinfection of water and environment around swimming pools. Also necessary actions and educations on disinfection and eliminating contamination have to given to the pools authorities.

Denture stomatitis is a common inflammatory complication of the candidiasis seen under the maxillary denture، which is observed in 70% of cases following a chronic trauma. Candidia species particularly Candida albicans are known as one of endogenous etiologic agent of denture stomatitis that may cause systemic opportunistic infection in immunosupressed subjects. The aim of present study was to determine frequency of oral candidiasis in patients with complete denture referring to Yazd dentistry school. Totally 109 patients with denture referring to Yazd School of Dentistry were participated in the current cross-sectional descriptive study. The designed questionnaire was first completed and then the clinical assessment was carried out by the oral disease specialist in dental unit. Sample was collected from the oral mucosa and used for a direct smear and culture and finally the results were analyzed by using SPSS 13 soft ware. There wasn''t any statistical significant differences between the Colonization of Candida on denture and sex (P=0. 32). Statistical data showed a higher colonization of Candida albicans on the oral mucosal surface of denture users with oral disorder compared with denture users without oral complication (P=0. 002). Tongue and maxillary denture showed the highest Candida colonization in current study. Results of current study confirmed the major role of Candida in the incidence of denture stomatitis. The oral and denture hygiene and disinfection of denture can decrease Candida colonization and oral candidiasis in denture users.

Since impression materials usually contact with saliva, blood, and oral soft tissues, their microbial contamination are harmful in immunocompromised patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the bacterial and fungal contamination in common impression materials.

In current lab trial study, 5 different samples from each 4 impression materials were homogenized in 1 ml Tween 80 and then 100µl of each sample were cultured onto blood agar, EMB, or sabouraud dextrose agar. Bacterial and fungal cultures were incubated at 37º C and 30º C, respectively. The isolated bacterial and fungal colonies were enumerated and identified using specific diagnostic media and tests. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test.

Totally 75% of samples had one or several bacterial contaminations. Iranian alginate and Speedex (putty) were the most contaminated samples. On the other hand, Speedex (light body) and foreign alginate showed lower contamination. Species of Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacilluses, Corynebacteria, gram negative Citrobacter, Actinomycetes and Neisseria were isolated from the analyzed impression materials. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Sepdonium were the fungi isolated from impression materials. Statistical significant difference was shown between bacterial contamination of Iranian and foreign alginates (P=0.001). There was no statistical significant differences between the bacterial and fungal isolated colonies (CFU/gr) of 4 tested impression materials (P=0.21).

Several opportunistic bacteria and fungi were isolated from impression materials especially from Iranian alginate and Speedex putty which indicated their contamination.

Superficial and cutaneous fungal infections can be transmitted through using covered swimming pools. This study was conducted in order to assess the dermatophyte fungi, pH and residual chlorine levels in covered pools of Yazd in 2009. In the current descriptive cross-sectional study, carpet sampling was used to collect 100 samples from different areas of 4 randomly selected covered swimming pools in Yazd. Mycosel agar plates were cultured in order to separate and identify dermatophytic fungal species. The pH and residual chlorine levels of the water were also measured in this study. Seven out of 100 samples had positive culture of pathogenic dermatophyte fungi. Dressing rooms, sauna and foot-bath parts were contaminated. Anthropophilic Trichophyton mentagrophytes (6 cases) and Epidermophyton floccosum (1case) were isolated especially in summer. Water pH ranged from 7.8 to 8.2 and residual chlorine levels varied from 0.4 to 0.7 mg/l. Since anthropophilic dermatophytes were identified in the studied swimming pools, pathogenic fungi can be transmitted from swimmers to the environment of the pool. Therefore, paying attention to personal hygiene by swimmers, preventing the entrance of infected people, and maintaining good sanitation conditions in the water and environment of the swimming pools are necessary

IntroductionPhospholipases are the major component of all eukaryotic bilayer cell membranes. and serve as a scaffold for membranes proteins. Phospholipases are a class of ubiquitous enzymes that have estrase activity and due to their ability to lyses of cell membrane can play an important role for pathogenicity of microrganisims. During this study using degenerate primers based on homologous amino acid sequences of some fungi phospholipase B (PLB), detection of Aspergillus fumigatus PLB3 was carried out.Materials and Methods After DNA extraction of A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium venonatum and Aurobasidiumpullulans PCR reaction was carried out using degenerate primers. Predicted 2100 bp product from A. fumigatus was cloned in pGEMT-Easy vector and then transformed into E. coli Top 10 F’ competent cell for extraction of cloned DNA fragment. ResultSequence analysis of 2100 bp fragments using BLASTX software were revealed a high homology to published PLB sequences from other fungi.ConclusionPhylogenic tree analysis of PLB3 gene shows that PLB and potential PLB analogues like lysophospholipase are contained in a large cluster of the PLB family. A. fumigatus PLB gene is more closely related to A. oryzae, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Neurospora crassa than other fungi. Also, sequence availability of full length PLB3 gene represents a noteworthy breakthrough in the study of this opportunistic pathogen and function of PLB3 gene in pathogenesis of A. fumigates. Detection of PLB3 gene can be lead to preparing vaccine, blocker and laboratory marker for recognition of PLB3 gene products either in patient body or clinical samples.

Candida species are opportunistic pathogens which live as benign commensal organisms in the oral cavities. The infants are more susceptible to opportunistic microorganism colonization. This study was design to evaluate the presence and quantity of Candida colonies in infant's oral cavities and its relation with age, gender, and type of diet and mother's education level. This historical cohort study was performed on two groups of infants; 1) infants predominantly on breastfeeding (n=45) and 2) infants on bottle feeding (n=45). Oral samples were collected with swab technique and Candida species were identified using germ-tube test. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software, chi-square, logistic regression and Mann-Whitney tests. The Candida colony was seen in 53.3% of infants. The difference in oral Candida carriage and mean numbers of Candida colonies between two groups, according to mother's education level was statistically significant (P=0.0001, P=0.000, P=0.0001) although the difference of Candida species in tow groups was not (P=0.45). Candida colonization was not statistically related with age and sex (P=0.48, P=0.4). By logistic regression test, it was found that type of diet and mother's education level affected oral Candida colonization (P<0.05). The oral Candida colonization in breast-feeding infants is less than the bottle-feeding ones that might be attributed to the antifungal effects of mother's milk and the role of bottles in transferring the Candida species. Also increase in mother's education level leads to reduction in oral Candida colonization, which may be the result of improved hygiene. But no relation was seen between oral Candida carriage and age or gender of infants.

Fungi are among the most important biological agents in air pollution. Textile factories are known as high risk places for contamination with fungal spores and metabolites. Since Yazd is one of the most important textile industry centers, this study was conducted to determine the concentration and types of airborne fungi in Yazd textile factories. A total of 235 indoor air samples from 30 randomly selected Yazd textile factories in 2007 were collected using air sampler pumps with appropriate filters. The concentration and types of isolated fungi were determined according to NIOSH standard technique for isolation of biologic agents. Data were analyzed based on the survey objectives, using statistical tests. Overall, 958 colonies from 16 different genera of fungi were isolated and among them Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium were known as the most prevalent isolated fungi. The fungal contamination rates were higher in the small factories than bigger factories and also in few factories, which usually used natural based fiber compared to those used synthetic fiber (P=0.0001). The finishing areas had more contamination than the other parts and working areas with the topical air conditioner had lower contamination (P= 0.034). There was a direct relationship between the amount of moisture and air fungal contamination (P=0.046), but there was no significant correlation between the whole fungal contamination rates and temperature. The results showed a high rate of contamination to fungal viable cultivable spores in Yazd textile factories. The presence of opportunistic fungi in these places, especially in summer is hazardous for immunosuppresed workers or those with malignancies or diabetes.