ali nazari alam

Many studies have revealed various aspects of the relationship between the stomach and the brain, but there has been no systematic study of the role of gut microbiota in drug addiction to date. This investigation is based on the novel concept that gut dysbiosis plays an important role in addiction disorders. Probiotic supplements (PBS) are thought to be a useful therapy method for opiate addiction and substance misuse. Therefore, it is postulated that changes in gut flora can play a significant part in the addiction process.

The aim of this study was to observe whether PBS, through the gut-brain axis in drug addiction, can decrease morphine (Mor) tendency in rats by affecting oxidative stress (OS) markers, using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm.

Forty-two rats (weight 180 - 200 g) were divided into six groups (n = 7 in each). The effective dose of morphine (Mor) was 7.5 mg/kg. Two probiotic supplements were used: Prodigest (Prd) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum, and Prokid (Prk) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These were administered via gavage for 14 days. The animals were given PBS after each conditioning session in the conditioned place preference (CPP) model. The animals' locomotor activity was then evaluated using an open field apparatus. The brain was tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiol levels.

Only the Prd group, but not the Prk group, significantly increased the time spent in the Mor chamber (the location preference index) during the acquisition phase (P < 0.05). The anti-oxidation/oxidation profiles (MDA, NO, CAT, SOD, TAC, and thiol) were altered by PBS.

Given the elevated location preference index generated by Mor, it may be argued that PBS influences mood and behavior via antioxidative/oxidative signaling, thereby potentiating the effect of Mor.

Laboratories, due to their large workforce, diverse sample types, and contamination by various pathogenic agents, are considered high-risk environments for the transmission and spread of numerous diseases. This study aimed to investigate bacterial and fungal contamination of laboratory equipment in the educational laboratories at Kashan University of Medical Sciences.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2018 at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. A single consistent sampler performed a random sampling of 155 devices. After data collection, the frequency of microbial and fungal contamination was calculated for each laboratory and each piece of equipment. Frequency tables were constructed based on the type of bacteria or fungi and the colonies grown.

Among the 155 samples collected and cultured from laboratory equipment across various faculties, the highest percentage of contamination (83.22%) was observed with the Bacillus species (129 cases), followed by Pseudomonas species (17 cases, 10.96%) and Escherichia coli (17 cases, 10.96%). Only 7 samples were free of contamination, indicating widespread contamination across most equipment.

The results indicate that the majority of educational laboratory equipment at Kashan University of agents Medical Sciences is contaminated with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal.  

Given that hospital air is one of the important environmental sources for transmission of microorganisms, the importance of airborne transmission in the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) has gained attention in the past two decades. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the concentration of bacteria in association with airborne particulate matter (PM) in the outdoor and indoor air of two hospital wards.

The GRIMM 1.109 dust monitor and the Andersen one-stage viable impactor were used for particle counting and bioaerosol sampling, respectively.

The average levels of airborne bacteria sampled from outdoor air were 33 colony-forming units (CFU/m3), and in the air samples of medical and infectious disease wards, they were 76 and 85 CFU/m3, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. and Acinetobacter spp. were the most prevalent bacteria in the samples. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between PM2.5, and PM10 particle mass concentrations and airborne bacteria concentrations in indoor air samples (P-value < 0.05).

Some bacterial agents of HAIs existed in hospital air and may be problematic for immunocompromised patients. Higher levels of bacteria in indoor air compared to outdoor air may indicate that the bacteria were of indoor origin, such as the presence and activities of people. Moreover, the results showed that particle counting may be a useful tool for airborne bacteria monitoring.

Air pollutants in dentistry offices may cause problems for the health of staff and patients. Accordingly, the present study was performed to the assessment of bacterial bioaerosols and particulate matter (PM) characteristics in the indoor air of dentistry clinics.

The sampling points were restoration, endodontics, and prosthesis wards. The PM specimens were taken using Grimm Dust Monitor and the microbial specimens were taken using QuickTake 30.

The maximum and minimum PM10 concentration across the different measure wards occurred as 70.31 and 30.32 μg/m3 in the Ketabchi Clinic restoration and its endodontics ward, respectively. The total number of bioaerosols was 2079. Gram‑positive Staphylococcus spp.(872), Gram‑positive Micrococcus spp.(706), and Gram‑negative Bacillus spp.(501) were present in the indoor air. The results showed a significant relationship for PM1 and PM2.5 in each sampling site.

The low PM and bacterial bioaerosols contamination can be due to the coincidence with coronavirus pandemic, as during this period, health and hygienic protocols have been strictly observed.

Maintaining hospital air quality is very important, especially in intensive care units (ICUs), where patients undergo invasive procedures. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between particulate matters (PMs) and bioaerosols in pediatric ICU (PICU), neonatal ICU (NICU), and ICU open heart (ICU OH) of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan.

This cross-sectional study was conducted for six consecutive months, i.e., autumn and winter of 2021. PM samples were taken using a Grimm Dust Monitor and microbial samples were taken using a Quick Take 30 sampler. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for analysis and then ANOVA and LSD were used for further tests.

The maximum and minimum PM10 concentrations in the PICU and ICU OH were 59.19 and 9.71 μg/m3, respectively; and the maximum and minimum PM2.5 concentrations were 20.23 μg/m3 in the NICU and 4.69 μg/m3 in PICU. The mean PM concentration and the number of bacterial and fungal colonies were consistent with the WHO and EPA guidelines. Gram-positive Staphylococcus were the most abundant bacteria (90.96%). The most abundant fungi were Aspergillus (54.23%), Penicillium (15.64%), and Cladosperium (12.17%) species. There was also no significant relationship between PMs and bioaerosols.

The mean concentrations of PMs and bioaerosols match with the guidelines, which can be attributed to more observance of health protocols and restrictions on the movement of people into ICUs due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

 Early childhood caries is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, affecting both oral and general health. Oral microorganisms are the most important causative agents associated with dental caries in children. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of common Iranian and non-Iranian children's toothpaste on the growth of four standard bacteria strains, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis.

 In this study, six types of the most common Iranian and non-Iranian children toothpaste produced by different companies were prepared. Different concentrations of toothpaste were prepared according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Iranian and non-Iranian children's toothpaste were measured by the microbroth dilution method at ten different concentrations.

For the S. mutans bacteria, the lowest MIC was found in Misswake, Vi-One, and 2080 toothpaste. In the case of S. sanguinis and L. acidophilus bacteria, the lowest MIC was related to Frice toothpaste, and for E. faecalis bacteria, the lowest MICs were found for Misswake and 2080 toothpaste. Mann-Whitney U test also revealed that the inhibitory and bactericidal activities of Iranian children's toothpaste on the studied bacteria were not significantly different from those of non-Iranian children's toothpaste.

 In general, the antimicrobial activity of Iranian children's toothpaste was higher than non-that of Iranian samples. In addition, the MIC of 2080 and Frice toothpaste in the four bacteria examined was lower than in other used toothpaste. To prevent early tooth decay in children use of these two kinds of toothpaste is recommended.

In the past few years, application of new antimicrobial e.g. nanoparticles (NPs) to treat infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria has increased. This study aimed to determine antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in combination with linezolid on Enterococcus biofilm.

A total of forty-eight isolates of Enterococcus spp. were collected and confirmed by PCR method. The synthesis of biocompatible AgNPs was performed, then analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy. We carried out minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm forming capacity of AgNPs and AuNPs with linezolid.

Twenty-two E. faecium isolates and twenty- six E. faecalis investigated in this study. Strong biofilm formation was seen in 12 (25%) of isolates, and others isolates (75%) formed moderate biofilm. AgNPs and Au-NPs size were 26 nm and 20 nm respectively. The MIC of AgNPs was 23.2 μg/ml, and AuNPs were 92.1 μg/ml and the lowest MIC was obtained 2 μg/ml in linezolid. Biofilm formation inhibitory activity by AuNPs + Linezolide and AgNPs + Linezolide 70 to 80 percent increased in average.

The antibiofilm activity of AgNPs and AuNPs increased when both agents were used in combination with linezolid in comparison with each agent alone.

 Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) have remained a significant public health concern worldwide. In developed countries, the highest prevalence of S. pneumonia has been reported among the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the coverage of genotypes in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) in the Iranian elderly population.

 A total of 41 isolates of S. pneumoniae were collected in the current retrospective cross-sectional study. The samples comprised 33 inpatients hospitalized for pneumococcal pneumonia and 8 outpatients. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to categorize the bacteria isolated into specific genotypes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, and the chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance in percentages.

 A total of 68 genotypes were identified in this study, in which 39 isolates (57.3%) were associated with invasive infections. The most common genotypes were 6A/B [8 (19.5%)], 1 [7 (17.5%)], 14 [5 (12.2%)], and 19A [4 (9.75%)], respectively. The coverage rates of PCV-7, PCV-10, and PCV-13 vaccines were 51.17%, 70.7%, and 99.9%, respectively. According to our results, the pneumococcal coverage rate of PCV-7, PCV-10, and PCV-13 vaccine types is estimated to be 51.2%, 70.7%, and 99.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the trend of pneumococcal serotypes included in the PCV-13 was steadily increasing during the study period.

 It can be concluded that the most circulating pneumococcal serotypes were in accordance with specific serotypes included in the PCV-13 vaccine types. Therefore, including PCV-13 vaccines in immunization programs against pneumococcus in the elderly can effectively reduce the rate of infections.

The use of automatic teller machines (ATMs) daily has increased the chances of hand‑borne transmission of microorganisms to the machine’s surfaces, and they can have an important role in microorganisms’ transmission to individuals. This study aimed to investigate microbial contamination in ATMs in the center of Iran.

This cross‑sectional study was used to collect samples from the keyboards and monitors of the ATMs in Kashan. After 24 h of incubation, the swabs were inoculated on different selective media, including MacConkey agar and blood agar. Microbiological tests were used to confirm bacterial isolates.

The most frequently contaminated ATMs were government banks, with 69% contamination. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis) 37/77%). The other bacteria were also identified, including Bacillus spp. (17/77%), Escherichia coli (7/77%), Micrococcus spp. (7/77%), Myroides odoratus (4/44%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2/22%), Staphylococcus aureus (2/22%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (1/11%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (1/11%), respectively.

The most tested ATM keyboards in this study were contaminated with at least one microorganism. According to our results, it is recommendable to disinfect the hands after entering public places to hinder the spread of critical pathogens.

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of invasive streptococcal diseases among all age groups, particularly infants and the elderly.

This study aimed to recognize and determine S. pneumoniae serotypes isolated from clinical specimens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

A total of 105 pneumococcal strains were collected from nonvaccinated cases within the age range of 10 days to 92 years from five provinces of Iran within June 2017 to August 2019. The strains were cultured on blood agar. Biochemical analyses and molecular tests were performed for the primary identification of bacterial isolates. Capsular typing was carried out by multiplex PCR assay. Primers that target the capsular polysaccharide site were used in this study.

Out of 130 studied clinical specimens, 105 isolates of S. pneumoniae were detected and identified. The most frequently isolated capsular types were 6B, 14, 19A, and 1. Serotype distribution consisted of 83.5% of vaccine serotype and 16.5% of nonvaccine serotype. The serotype 6B was significantly more frequent (P < 0.05) among the invasive clinical isolates (75%) compared to that among their noninvasive counterparts (25%). The distribution of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) serotypes in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-IPD revealed 83% and 84% of the isolated serotypes, respectively. Moreover, 83.5% of all the serotypes identified in the study were covered by PCV-13 serotypes.

The common serotypes of invasive and noninvasive groups in Iran are covered by PCV-13

Streptococcus pneumoniae is recognized as one of the main pathogens inducing several invasive and non-invasive infections in children.

The present study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae in six–month–old carriers.

This study encompassed 600 six-month-old healthy infants whose pharyngeal swap samples were collected and then cultured to isolate S. pneumoniae. Twenty- five different serotypes were defined on positive culture samples by multiplex PCR.

In this study, 13 cases (2.2%) were positive S. pneumonia. The most common isolated serotypes of S. pneumoniae were serotypes 23F (n = 6, 1%) and 3 (n = 3, 0.5%), respectively. Notably, the most frequent serotype in formula-fed infants (n = 300) was Serotype 23F (n = 5, 1.7%); however, Serotype 3 (n = 3, 1%) was the most frequent one in breastfed participants (n = 300). According to the findings, the overall coverage of PCV10, PCV13, and PPSV23 on the S. pneumoniae serotypes at the age of six months was 50%, 73%, and 85%, respectively.

At this age, the type of feeding could not significantly affect the frequency rate of S. pneumoniae colonization, while the serotype distributions in the two breastfed and formula-fed groups were different.

 Recent studies have shown an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance in dacryocystitis. Management of diseases may include determining microbial agents and choosing appropriate antibiotics for treatment.

 This study aimed to present the best treatments for dacryocystitis. To this end, specimens' microbiology and antibiotic susceptibility were examined in patients with dacryocystitis in the microbiology laboratory of the Kashan University of Medical Sciences.

 This cross-sectional study was performed on 172 patients presenting with acute and chronic dacryocystitis at the Matini Hospital, Kashan, between 2017 - 2018. Patient characteristics, culture isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility data were collected. The PCR assay of the mecA gene was performed in all methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus isolates.

 The most common bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The majority of the isolated microbes were sensitive to rifampicin, linezolid, amikacin, and gentamicin. In Gram-negative bacilli, nine of the isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase positive. The PCR test showed the frequency of mecA gene of resistant S. aureus and resistant CoNS isolates to be 40 and 46.3%, respectively.

 Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria. The highest antibiotic susceptibility was observed to rifampin, linezolid, amikacin, and gentamicin. A high percentage of CoNS carried the mecA gene.

Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial effect of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factor such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit the use of them as a therapeutic treatment. Using of nanoparticles is one of the ways to overcome these limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil against cancer cells and evaluate its antimicrobial properties in the In Vitro environment.

In this experimental study nano-emulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils was synthesized by spontaneous emulsification. The cell toxicity of nanoemulsion was studied using the MTT method against HepG2 and SK-MEL-3 cell lines. The antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion was determined using four bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Stapphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method.

The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells showed that concentrations of 630, 1250 and 2500 μg/ml nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and caused the death of more than 50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/ml ((p<0.05). Evaluation of SK-MEL3 cells showed that with the exception of 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations caused the death of more than 50% of the cells (IC50=82μg/ml ((p<0.05). The MIC results revealed that the nanoemulsion had a significant antibacterial activity.

the nanoemulsion containing lavender essential oil and licorice extract had antibacterial and anti-proliferative activities against cancer cells. The results of this study indicated that nanoemulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological effect and it can be used as a drug formulation.

The health of patients with weakened immune systems is endangered by presenting of bacteria and fungi in the internal units of hospital as well as development of nosocomial infections in them. The current article aimed to investigate the bacterial and fungal contamination degree in internal units and outdoor of the hospital in which some points are mainly considered such as the nosocomial infections and the discussion of improving the quality of hospital spaces and providing appropriate conditions to maintain the health of patients.

This study is a cross sectional study conducted in Kashan Beheshti hospital in 2018. Air sampling is done by direct bacterial sampler (Quick Take 30) along with identification of type and the number of fungi and bacterial colonies including 180 samples from internal units and outdoor spaces. Data was analyzed statistically by SPSS 22, EXCELL and BONFERRONI test.

The obtained results from 180 samples showed that bacterial and fungal contamination among 180 samples was 97% and 47.8%, respectively. Also, the most bacterial and fungal contamination presented in medical units and outdoors, respectively.

The results revealed that the micro-organism concentration in internal units is more than in outdoors that results can be related with the presence of the patients, air conditioning and inappropriate cleaning. For this reason, improving sanitation standards and setting the appropriate air-conditioning are suggested in internal units of the hospital.

Conjunctivitis is a very common ocular disease, which can be caused by a wide variety of microorganisms. This study was aimed to assess the bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility of conjunctivitis patients' isolates from Central Iran.

This study was performed in 180 patients referred to the Department of Ophthalmology in Kashan University with symptoms of conjunctivitis from July 2017 to December 2017. To detect of different bacteria, Gram staining, morphological characterization, pigment production, biochemical characteristics, coagulase test, optochin and PYR tests, oxidase test, and culture on specific media were used. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria isolated was done using the Kirby–Bauer method. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci isolated from the patients was identified using polymerase chain reaction technique.

Of the 195 bacteria isolated, about 81.5% were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and the remaining 19.5% included other species. In the present study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most resistant to ampicillin. In the case of S. epidermidis and S. aureus, the highest resistance was observed against erythromycin and the least resistance was against rifampicin and linezolid.

In this study, S. aureus and S. epidermidis are the most common causes of conjunctivitis in all age groups, however, this condition decreases with age and is also influenced by other factors such as season and weather conditions. The results of this study can be helpful in planning more prudent treatment strategies for patients with conjunctivitis in Kashan.

Staphylococcus aureus is considered a major cause of food poisoning in the world. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of S. aureus isolated from hamburgers in Kashan city.

In this study, 71 hamburger samples were collected from supermarkets in Kashan from March to July 2017. The samples were examined after dilution in the Baird–Parker Agar Base medium of inoculation for the bacterial growth of S. aureus. Gram staining, catalase tests, mannitol fermentation, coagulase, DNase, and sensitivity to novobiocin were used to detect the bacteria.

The collected hamburgers were about eight types of products. Of the total samples, 15 (21.13%) were Gram‑positive bacteria contaminated, including seven cocci and eight bacilli. Seven samples (9.86%) of hamburgers were contaminated with S. aureus. The average counts of S. aureus in positive samples were 1.94 × 103 colony‑forming unit (CFU)/g.

The outbreak of S. aureus isolates in meat products, particularly hamburger, is of serious threat to public health. To prevent the outbreak of this pathogen in hamburgers, permanent control and monitoring should be performed in food industries.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are defined as mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy. Early and precise diagnosis of NTM is particularly important for the correct epidemiological control and specific treatments. The aim of this study was to identify the mycobacterium species isolated from patients referred to hospitals in Tehran using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a collection of isolates (n=20) was obtained from clinical specimens submitted to the Masoud Laboratory in Tehran, Iran, during 2014-2015. The strains were isolated from sputum, urine, blood, and various sterile body fluid specimens. Chromatography was conducted at a flow rate with a curvilinear gradient of methanol and methylene chloride, beginning at 98% methanol containing 2% methylene chloride and ending at 35% methanol contained in 65% methylene chloride.
From a total of 20 clinical isolates, 8 isolates (40%) were identified as Mycobacterium abscessus, 6 isolates (30%) M. tuberculosis, 3 isolates (15%) M. intracellulare and 3 isolates (15%) M. fortuitum.
For the proper treatment, rapid differentiation between MTB and NTM should be performed in persons who are diagnosed with or are suspected of having infectious TB disease. So, the HPLC method can be suggested as a cost-effective, specific and reliable method for rapid identification of MTB and differentiation of NTM strain from positive cultures isolated from clinical specimens.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important bacterial pathogen in children and older adults. It is associated with the highest case fatality rates in patients with pneumonia and meningitis.
In the present study, we determined the phenotypic and genotypic properties of a vancomycin nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in Tehran, Iran.
Five pneumococcal isolates were included in the study from different clinical specimen in 2 hospitals in Tehran (Milad and Sina), Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of pneumococcal isolates were performed by the broth microdilution method according to CLSI guideline, and the presence of vanA gene was detected by PCR.
During the study period, 5 S. pneumoniae isolates resistance to vancomycin were identified. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged from 2 µg/mL to 16 µg/mL. All the isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and erythromycin. Moreover, only 1 isolate was susceptible to penicillin. PCR results showed that all isolates were negative for vanA gene.
Our results demonstrated that an alarming rate of vancomycin resistant pneumococci may result from the uncontrolled use of vancomycin and self-medication. Moreover, multiple drug resistant pneumococci were observed especially in cefotaxime and erythromycin, which may be a major health problem in Iranian patients.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major cause associated with otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, as well as an outstanding cause of meningitis, bacteremia, and many other infections. Throughout the world, an increase in antibiotic resistance S.pneumoniae has become a serious problem in the recent years in many different countries. Penicillin resistance in S. pneumoniae cause of altered on the penicillin target position, the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
In the present study, we describe the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and identification of the pbp2b gene of S. pneumoniae isolates at specimens of several general hospitals in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
A total of 73 S. pneumoniae were obtained from various clinical specimens from hospitals in Tehran from September 2012 to July 2015. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was determined by the broth microdilution method. The genes pbp2b in penicillin-resistant streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
In total, 73 isolates were collected and diagnosed as S. pneumoniae. Isolates were susceptible to ofloxacin 95.9%, vancomycin 93%, penicillin 78%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 61.6%, ceftriaxone 53.5%, meropenem 52%, cefotaxime 46.5%, and erythromycin 8.2%. Of the 15 PRSP isolates, the pbp2b gene was identified in 12 (80%). In 1 penicillin-intermediate S. pneumoniae isolate the pbp2b was detected.
These results in comparison with same studies in other parts of the world showed us an increase in resistant S. pneumoniae isolates to conventional drugs in the treatment of the acute infections caused by this bacteria. In the present study, PRSP possess the pbp2b gene were the most frequently found, which means they have a high level of resistance of S. pneumoniae. For decreasing the mortality and morbidity of patients, it is suggested to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates in each hospital for doing necessary medical interventions.

To investigate coagulase gene polymorphisms of MRSA and MSSA isolates from Shiraz teaching hospitals from 2011 to 2012. A total of 302 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were collected from clinical specimens in three major teaching hospitals andconfirmed on the basis of morphological characteristics and biochemical tests. The isolates were subjected to molecular typing on the basis of coagulase enzyme gene polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. There were 27 and 28 different RFLP patterns for AluI and HaeIII restriction enzymes respectively. This study showed that the discriminatory power of coagulase gene typing by Hae III enzyme was more than that of Alu I enzyme. PCR-RFLP method is rapid, reproducible, simple and efficient for typing Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical specimens. This study showed that Hae III discriminatory power is better than AluI for typing Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

Dental caries is still remained as a major health problem. This problem has created a new interest to search for new antimicrobial agents from various sources including medicinal plants. Since limited data is available so far regarding the antibacterial effect of Coriandrum sativum seed and Dentol Drop against Streptococcus mutans, this study aims to assess this activity. This experimental study was conducted in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In vitro comparison of antimicrobial activity of aqueous decoction of Coriandrum sativum seed and Dentol drop with chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Positive and negative controls were considered. The data was statistically analyzed by applying Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey post-hoc test to compare the groups using SPSS software (version 17). Dentol drop showed a remarkable antibacterial activity, in comparison with chlorhexidine, against S. mutans in the disk diffusion (p value = 0.005), and broth microdilution assays (p value = 0.0001). Based on the results of this study, Coriandrum sativum seed did not posses any antibacterial property. Coriandrum sativum seed showed no anti-Streptococcus mutans activity. Dentol drop exhibited a remarkable antibacterial activity against S. mutans when tested in vitro. Dentol drop can be further studied as a preventive measure for dental caries.