فهرست مطالب azad khaledi

The alarming rise of resistant microorganisms is becoming a serious health threat today. Consequently, there is a pressing need to obtain novel compounds with antimicrobial properties.  In this regard, lichens are promising substances with antimicrobial potential to control different microbial strains, including fungi, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and viruses.  
This study explores the efficacy of Dermatocarpon miniatum in treating burn wound infections. We examined twenty-four Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from patients admitted to Imam Moussa Kazem Hospital of Isfahan, Iran.
We assessed the antibacterial activity of D. miniatum against MRSA using the microdilution broth method.  Biofilm inhibitory was evaluated through microtiter plate technique. Additionally, the effect of D. miniatum on the icaA gene expression was analyzed via real-time PCR. 
The methanolic extract of D. miniatum exhibited significant antibacterial activity against MRSA strains. Additionally, at a concentration of ½ MIC, the extract demonstrated a 65% inhibition of biofilm formation. Moreover, a sub-MIC concentration (1/4) of D. miniatum was effective in reducing the expression of the icaA gene.
The results of the present study reveal that D. miniatum extract can be used as a promising antibacterial agent against MRSA strains commonly found in wound biofilms.

Understanding the antibiotic resistance profile of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections (UTIs) across different populations and regions is crucial for appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from UTIs in outpatients, focusing on gender and age demographics.

This cross-sectional study analyzed 7365 urine culture samples obtained from patients consecutively referred to the Kashan Reference Laboratory between April 2021 and March 2022. Following sterile urine collection, bacterial cultures were grown on McConkey agar, blood agar, and specific media. Escherichia coli isolates were identified, and antibiotic resistance was determined using the disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar, following National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines.

Among 401 positive urine cultures, 251 (62.5%) were attributed to E. coli, while 150 (37.4%) were related to other organisms. Of the E. coli cases, 226 isolates (90%) were from women and 25 (10%) from men. The E. coli strains exhibited the highest resistance (54.7%) to cefazolin and the lowest resistance (4.4%) to imipenem and nitrofurantoin. Antibiotic resistance in E. coli from men exceeded that of women across all antibiotics tested, with statistically significant differences observed in ceftriaxone, imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin (P<0.05). Additionally, antibiotic resistance in E. coli increased significantly in individuals aged 65 years and older compared to younger age groups, particularly in imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole (P<0.05).

Male gender and old age are identified as risk factors associated with heightened antibiotic resistance in UTIs caused by E. coli. Clinicians should consider these factors when selecting empirical therapy for UTIs before culture results are available, especially in men and older patients. Reevaluation of prescribing practices for ceftriaxone in men and ciprofloxacin in men and the elderly is recommended due to elevated levels of antibiotic resistance.

The prevalence and patterns of antibiotic resistance among bacterial agents causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) can vary over time and across different geographical regions. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial agents isolated from urine cultures of outpatients referred to the Reference Laboratory in Kashan, Iran, during 2021-2022.

This cross-sectional study analyzed 7365 urine culture samples collected from patients referred to the Reference Laboratory in Kashan, Iran, between April 2021 and March 2022. Urine samples were obtained using the mid-stream method under sterile conditions and cultured on MacConkey agar, blood agar, and specific bacterial media. The identified organisms were tested for antibiotic resistance using the disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar medium following the guidelines of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (CLSI 2020).

Among the 7365 patients with urine cultures, 401 individuals (5.4%) had positive culture results, with a predominance of women (88.8%). Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella (24.6%) were the most frequently isolated organisms. Escherichia coli exhibited the highest resistance rates to cefazolin (54.7%), cotrimoxazole (51%), and ciprofloxacin (41%), while showing the lowest resistance to imipenem and nitrofurantoin (4.4%). Klebsiella showed the highest resistance to cefazolin (58.3%) and cotrimoxazole (41.4%), with the lowest resistance to imipenem (7.1%). Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated the highest resistance to clindamycin (71.4%) and cotrimoxazole (57.9%), while displaying the lowest resistance to gentamicin (14.7%) and nitrofurantoin (17.5%).

Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were the predominant causative agents of UTIs, exhibiting similar antibiotic resistance patterns. Empirical antibiotic treatment based on these results may be considered before obtaining culture results.

Different virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); hence, this study aimed to study the prevalence of biofilm formation, virulence factors, and phylogenetic groups and their correlation with biofilm formation among UPEC isolates through a systematic review and meta?analysis.

A literature search was conducted from 1, 2000, to the end of 2021 in different databases for studies that reported biofilm together with virulence genes or phylogenetic groups in UPEC isolates from patients with UTI according to PRISMA protocol. Data were analyzed by Comprehensive meta?analysis software.

The pooled prevalence of biofilm formers was 74.7%. The combined prevalence of phylogenetic Groups A, B1, B2, and D (s) were reported at 19.6%, 11%, 50.7%, and 20.5%, respectively. The most common virulence genes reported worldwide were fimA, ecpA, and fimH, with a combined prevalence of 90.3%, 86.6%, and 64.9%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of biofilm formation in UPEC isolates with phylogenetic Groups A, B1, B2, D, C, and Fwere 12.4%, 8.7%, 33.7%, 12.4%, 2.6%, and 2.65%, respectively. Several studies showed a correlation between biofilm production and virulence genes, or phylogenetic groups.

Regarding data obtained, the high level of combined biofilm formation (74.7%) and the presence of a positive correlation between biofilm production and virulence genes, or phylogenetic groups as reported by the most studies included in the present review, indicates an important role of biofilm in the persistence of UPEC in the UTI.

In recent years, the use of herbal medicine, as a complementary and effective medicine, is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of Rosa damascene essential oil nanoemulsion in vitro.

In this experimental study, rose flower was obtained from Barzok area of Kashan and its essential oil was prepared by steam distillation method. The components of the essential oil were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). After preparing essential oil nanoemulsion, the size and morphology of nanoemulsion were examined by zeta test and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity were tested by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and MTT (HeLa cancer cells) methods, respectively. Antimicrobial activities against Salmonella Typhimurium were evaluated by disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) by microdilution methods and prevention of biofilm formation.

The most compounds of rose essential oil included Nonadecane (33.55%), Heneicosane (16.03%), Hexadecanal (7.78%) and Eicosane (3.39%). The stability of nanoemulsion was also equal to -47.5 mV. The size of nanoemulsion particles was also confirmed by TEM method. Essential oil nanoemulsion had no antioxidant activity. The MIC and MBC were 350 and 700 µg/ml, respectively. The percentage of biofilm reduction in MIC and MBC concentrations was 75 and 80%, respectively. The concentration of 5.47 µg/mL of nanoemulsion caused a decrease of 67% of living HeLa cells.

With attention to the antibacterial and anticancer properties of rose essential oil nanoemulsion, this compound can be suggested in the treatment of bacterial infections and cancer cells.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis affects the lungs in 85% of all cases and the remaining 15% through extra pulmonary affecting other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, pleura, and the genitourinary system. This study aimed to investigate extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) associated factors, failure of treatment, and trends between 2004-2017 in Kashan, Iran.

This study was conducted during 2004-2017 on newly registered extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients referred to TB Referral Center in Isfahan province, Kashan city, Iran. Information (demographic characteristics, related factors of the disease, and treatment status) of 197 extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients was extracted from Medical case records.

In total, 527 cases of Tuberculosis were reported, of which, 159 (30.17%) were confirmed extrapulmonary TB. Eighty-five (53.5%) and 74 (46.5%) were male and female, respectively. Also, 74 (46.5%), and 84 (53.5%) of EPTB were from Iran, and Afghanistan immigrants, respectively. The average age of patients was 41.9±2.18. Among underlying diseases in extrapulmonary TB positive, diabetes mellitus (DM) was predominant with a prevalence of 31 (19.5%), while, 128 (80.5%) cases did not show any underlying disease. Most of the patients were in the age group (21-40 years) with a frequency of 60 (37.7%), and the lowest of patients belonged to the age group (>80 years) with a frequency of 9 (5.7%). No correlation was found between related factors and infection with EPTB (p> 0.05).

Our findings showed that the prevalence of EPTB in Kashan was relatively high, but, a relative decrease was shown during 2004-2017, which with preventative measures can be reduced the prevalence.

About 70% of individuals worldwide suffer from herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Several studies have reported that selenium and supernatant of probiotic bacteria are antiviral; nevertheless, their effect alone or synergistically on HSV-1 is unknown.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antiviral effects of Bacillus clausii supernatant, selenium (Se), and their combination on HSV-1.

After determining cytotoxicity by the MTT assay, selenium and B. clausii supernatants were added to HeLa cells 24 hours before (pre-infection treatment) and after (post-infection treatment) HSV-1 inoculation. After 47 hours of incubation at 37°C, the viral titer and expression levels of the unique long 47 (UL47) gene were determined by the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively.

The bacterial supernatant in dilutions of 1:4 and 1:8, selenium in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 μM, and a combination of them had a cytotoxicity level lower than 80% in HeLa cells. The HSV-1 titers in pre-infection and post-infection assays with a dilution of 1:4 supernatant decreased by about 2.16 and 1 log10 TCID50/mL, respectively. Moreover, 1 μM Se could reduce the virus titer by 2.33 log10 TCID50/mL. The virus titer showed a greater decrease when Se and the bacterial supernatants were combined than when only one of the two was used. The highest selectivity index (SI) was obtained when selenium and bacterial supernatant were combined (SI = 29.2). The combined use of 1 μM Se and a 1:4 dilution of B. clausii supernatant caused the greatest drop in virus titer (3.3 log10 TCID50/mL) in comparison to other treatment conditions. The UL47 gene expression was reduced by Se at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 μM by about 1.6- and 2-fold, respectively. The UL47 expression showed a higher decline when selenium and bacterial supernatant were combined than when only one of the two was employed, which is similar to viral titer data.

Selenium and the supernatant of B. clausii have potent antiviral activity against HSV-1. The combination of selenium and the bacterial supernatant has a synergistic effect in reducing HSV-1 replication. However, further research is required to fully understand how they inhibit viruses.

This study aimed to investigate class 1 integrons and biofilm formation in multi‑drug resistance (MDR) Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolated from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI).

Three hundred and eighty positive cultures were collected from patients with UTI referred to Shohadaye Qom hospital from 2018 to 2019. Suitable tests were done to diagnose UPEC, and confirmed by usp gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion. Analysis of biofilm production was conducted using microtiter plate assay. Next, the presence of Class 1 integrons and dfr‑17 gene was surveyed by PCR. Data analyzed using Chi‑squared and Fisher’s exact tests in SPSS software,P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

In total, 166 isolates of UPEC were retrieved. Among them, 120 isolates were MDR. The highest resistance of MDRs was observed against ampicillin. Among MDRs, 71, 18, 15, and 16 isolates were negative, weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. Meanwhile, 47.5% of the isolates were positive for int‑1 gene and 25.8% of the isolates were positive for dfr‑17‑gene cassette. Out of 57 int‑1 positive MDRs, 15 isolates (26.3%) showed strong biofilm which indicated a significant correlation (P < 0.001). Furthermore, among 31 MDRs with the positive dfr‑17, 8 isolates (25.8%) had strong biofilm which statistically was significant (P < 0.001).

The present study reported a significant correlation between cassettes genes, Class 1 integrons, and biofilm formation with antibiotic resistance pattern. Hence, continuous screening for antibiotics resistance is vital for infection control and prevention.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the common cause of pneumonia in hospitalized patients, particularly in intensive care units (ICU). The infection can transfer by medical equipment such as mechanical ventilators. This study aimed to investigate the molecular typing of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, Iran. 

K. pneumoniae isolates producing ESBLs have been collected from the samples obtained from Shahid Beheshti hospital, Kashan, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. The presence of ESBLs was evaluated using CLSI for ESBL screening by the double-disk diffusion method. Molecular typing was conducted by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).  In total, 89 K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered, of which 47.1% were ESBL producers.

Results showed that all of the clinical and environmental isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, meropenem, cefazolin, cefotaxime, cephalothin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. All isolates were grouped under four clusters (A-D). The major cluster was related to the C cluster with 22 isolates (19 clinical and 3 environmental). Seventy-two percent of isolates were from the ICU ward. There was no correlation between antibiotic resistance patterns and PFGE clusters (P=0.2).

We observed a common molecular signature among both clinical and environmental K. pneumoniae isolates, indicating a similar genotype and likely a common origin for ESBL producer isolates found in different hospital wards. Therefore, hospitals need to implement an effective infection control system to decrease the spreading of ESBL strains within the hospitals and subsequently the transmission of the infection to patients.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a mainly common infection in kidney transplant recipients. This study decided to investigate UTI, bacterial agents, and antibiotic resistance pattern in kidney transplant recipients from Iran.

Search process was conducted for UTI, bacterial agents, and antibiotic resistance pattern in kidney transplant recipients from Iran via electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, etc.,) with Mesh terms in either Persian and English languages without limited time to May 31, 2020. Data were analyzed by comprehensive meta‑analysis software.

The combined prevalence of UTI in renal transplant recipients was reported by 31.1%. The combined prevalence of Gram‑negative bacteria was 69%. The most common pathogens among Gram negatives were E. coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae with frequency 43.4% and 13%, respectively. Subgroup analysis for Gram‑positive bacteria showed the combined prevalence of 31%. The most common microorganism among Gram positives belonged to coagulase‑negative Staphylococci and Enterococci with a prevalence of 10.2% and 9%, respectively. Subgroup meta‑analysis of antibiotic resistance for Gram‑negative showed the most resistance to cephalexin followed by carbenicillin with a prevalence of 89.1% and 87.3%, respectively.

Our review showed a noticeable rate of UTI (31.1%) among renal transplant recipients in Iran and a high prevalence of Gram‑negative (69%) and Gram‑positive (13%) microorganisms. A high resistance rate was seen against almost all antibiotics used for the treatment of UTI.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the prevalence of class 1 integrons, antibiotic resistance pattern in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples.

The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using keywords based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The cross-sectional studies published from 1st January 2000 until 1st January 2019 were included which addressed the prevalence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic-resistance in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The random-effects model, Cochran’s Q and I2 tests were applied for statistical analyses.

Eight articles met the eligibility standards for including in the present metaanalysis. The combined prevalence of class 1 integrons in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples was reported by 40% (95% CI:26.1-55.8%). The pooled prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolates was 70.1%. The highest prevalence of combined antibiotic resistance was related to carbenicillin with a resistance rate of 79.9%. In general, 6 (75%) out of the 8 included studies showed the correlation between the presence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic resistance.

Regarding the correlation between the presence of integrons and the high antibiotic resistance reported by studies included in the present review, there is the need for preventive measures to prevent the spread of resistance by integrons and transferring to other micro-organisms.

Efflux pumps such as MexEF-OprN and mexXY-OprM play an important role in the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) to antibiotics. The present study aimed to assess the reduced expression of efflux pump genes of P. aeruginosa with Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO). The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The disk diffusion method was used for susceptibility testing of gentamicin and norfloxacin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for gentamicin and norfloxacin. The antibacterial efficacy of SKEO was defined by determining the MIC values using the microdilution method. In vitro, the synergistic interaction of SKEO combined with gentamicin or norfloxacin was examined via checkerboard assay and defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration index. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to measure changes in the expression of the efflux pump genes. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0, and p The MIC values of SKEO were in the range of 6 to 12 µg/mL. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations (1.16 to 2 MIC) of SKEO, synergistic effects were revealed using the checkerboard method. The effect of norfloxacin and gentamicin increased up to 8-fold. The expression of mexY and mexE was reduced after treatment with SKEO. SKEO reduced the expression of efflux pumps and the MIC values of norfloxacin and gentamicin in vitro.

This study aimed to assess construction and expression of CagA recombinant protein of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21.

Bioinformatics was used in designing the desired gene by Gene Runner. Next, the construct was subcloned to pET21b vector and this process was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), enzyme digestion and sequencing techniques. Then, it was cloned in the Escherichia coli BL21 as an expression host. Expression of protein was verified using sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting technique. For purification of the protein, the Ni-NTA column was used. Protein concentration was determined by the Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit (Parstoos). Finally, Western blotting was performed using CagA antibodies and normal human serum for determining immunogenicity feature with human antiserum.

According to the results of the present study, CagA construct was cloned into the pET21b vector and after confirmation and cloning in host expression, recombinant protein with the size of 38 kDa was successfully expressed and purified. The recombinant CagA protein showed immunogenicity characteristics with human antiserum.

In conclusion, only 5′-end of recombinant protein CagA with high immunogenicity effects was successfully constructed, cloned and expressed. Also, CagA recombinant protein showed good immunogenicity activity with human antiserum.

The use of antibiotics is common, but its excessive or improper use leads to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, scientists have been interested in exploring traditional medicine to identify a new source of anti-bacterial agents. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review to determine the anti-bacterial activity of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad (SKJ) and Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) essential oils against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro.

A comprehensive literature search for studies published on SKJ and ZM was carried out. Various keywords (S. Khuzestanica, Marzeh-e-Khuzestani, Z. Multiflora, Z. Multiflora Boiss; avishan-e-shirazi, shirazi thyme, thymol, carvacrol; P. aeruginosa, Iran, antibacterial effect; traditional medicine, phytomedicine, herbal medicine) were used to search both international and Iranian databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE; PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Academic Search; Journal Storage, Magiran, Irandoc, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranMedex). The selected articles were published during 2000-2017 and were written in English or Persian.

Seventeen articles were included in the review. The main ingredients of SKJ and ZM plants were carvacrol and thymol. The potential anti-bacterial activity of essential oils from these plants was confirmed. The carvacrol content, as the major active ingredient of SKJ was between 38.33-97.89%. The major ingredients of ZM were carvacrol (16.8-82.7%) followed by thymol (25.70-64.87%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of SKJ and ZM essential oils against bacterial strains was in the range of 0.31-450 and 2-8,000 μg/mL, respectively.

The present review study confirmed the anti-bacterial activity of SKJ and ZM, particularly against Pseudomonas in vitro.

We aimed to evaluate the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis by IgG avidity test in pregnant women.

In this cross-sectional study, 250 blood samples were collected from pregnant women with the first month of their pregnancy referring to health centers of University in Mashhad during 2016. Samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min for separation of serum and were kept in the -20 until use. To detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis, anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM, and IgG avidity tests were performed using ELISA. Then, data analyzed using SPSS software by Frequency, Pearson Chi-Square, Likelihood Ratio, and Exact tests. And P<0.05 was statistically considered as significant.

Total prevalence of IgG and IgM was 23.2% and 7.2%, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the mean age and IgG level (P<0.05). It was not found any correlation between the history of raw meat consumption, cats keeping, education, and residency site. Moreover, 16 people (6.4%) had IgM antibody, of which, 10 cases (62.5%) with low avidity for IgG and 1 people (6.2%) with moderate avidity and 5 cases (31.3%) with high avidity for IgG. Moreover, 76% of pregnant women were seronegative.

More than half of the women (62.5%) with positive IgM antibody in their serum had a low avidity for IgG which revealed an acute infection among pregnant women. Toxoplasma infection should be considered as an important factor that affects the pregnancy and IgG avidity as an important test for screening the women who need the treatment.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major complication in patients who receive the kidney transplant. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial uropathogens isolated from Iranian kidney transplant recipients.

We searched according to Prisma protocol for UTI infection, prevalence, occurrence and distribution of bacteria and their pattern of antibiotic resistance among Iranian patients who receive kidney transplant through online electronic databases with MeSh terms and text words in published references in both Persian and English languages during 1990-2017. Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive meta-analysis software (CMA) by Cochrane Q and I2 Random Effects Model.

Eleven studies met the eligible inclusion criteria. The prevalence of UTI among kidney transplant patients varied from 11.7% to 67.5%. The combined prevalence of UTI was 32.6%. Among Gram-negative pathogens causing UTI, E. coli was the most dominant followed by Klebsiella pneumonia with prevalence 41.3% and 11.9%, respectively. Also, amongst Gram-positive bacteria, the highest prevalence belonged to Enterococcus spp. (9.8%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (9.4%). Also in Gram-negative pathogens, the most resistance was to ampicillin (91.2%), followed by ceftazidime (89.5%).  The minimum resistance was against imipenem with prevalence 14.3%.

The combined prevalence of UTI was 32.6%. Gram-negative pathogens especially E. coli were the most agents of UTI in Iranian patients who receive kidney transplant. Also, in gram-negative pathogens, the most resistance was to ampicillin that it needs a new strategy for prophylaxis and treatment of UTI after the kidney transplant.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most commonly problematic bacterial infections, especially among women. Increasing drug resistance requires the determination of an antibiotic resistance pattern for proper treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance against bacterial agents isolated from urinary tract infections in women referred to Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2800 urine samples acquired from outpatient women referred to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad between 2015 and 2016. Sampling method was as simple random sampling, and data collection method was field sampling. Detection of the bacteria was performed using routine microbiological and biochemical methods. Susceptibility testing was performed using a disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) on the Muller Hinton Agar medium. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, through Chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among 6500 of urine samples, 1155 samples were positive for bacteria. The highest prevalence belonged to Escherichia coli with 640 isolates (55.4%), and the lowest prevalence belonged to Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 35 isolates (3%). The highest resistance was reported against ampicillin (84.2%) and the lowest resistance to ciprofloxacin (27.7%), followed by ampicillin (28.2%). In this study, the antibiotic resistance was high for antibiotics routinely used to treat urinary tract infection. Therefore, due to the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance, an accurate assessment of antibiotic resistance pattern is needed.

Nosocomial infection is one of the most daunting challenges to the global health care system. The current study aimed to compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern in hospital versus community-acquired infections in pediatric patients in Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran.

The current study was carried out on all patients with a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) who were hospitalized in Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, for 48 hours. Moreover, patients with community-acquired infections (who had an infection before hospitalization) were also included in the current study. E-test and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test were utilized to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns according to the report test/CLSI M100/S27 guidelines. Antibiotic resistance patterns in both patients with hospital and community-acquired infections were separately recorded. Subsequently, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 16.

A number of 43 and 68 patients showed HAI and CAI, respectively. The most common HAI and CAI were blood-stream infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) with a prevalence of 69.8%, and 73.5%, respectively. The most frequent organisms isolated from CA and HA-infections were E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a prevalence of 67.9%, and 30.2%, respectively. The highest level of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria was observed against cotrimoxazole and ceftriaxone. Furthermore, the highest resistance in Gram-positive organisms was against clindamycin. The prevalence rates of MRSA isolates in HAI and CAI were reported as 46.2% and 36.9%, respectively.

The obtained results indicated the high resistance to several antibiotics that can be used as promising choices in the treatment of both CA and HA-infections. It is recommended that region-specific monitoring studies be carried out in order to assist the clinician to select the accurate empirical therapy.

  Linguatula serrata is a worm-like parasite which is usually well-known as the tongue worm and aberrant cosmopolitan zoonotic arthropod placed in the order Pentastomida. The carnivorous mammals, especially cats and dogs, are known as the final hosts of this parasite, and the adult step happens in the nasal sinuses and nasopharynx, while nymphal steps in ruminants as the main intermediate hosts can progress in several organs, mainly mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in goats slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Iran. The prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of 400 slaughtered goats from different sexes and age groups were examined. To this end, the MLNs were longitudinally cut and microscopically evaluated for L. serrata nymphs. The goats were slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Iran. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0) and chi-square test was used for determining the significance of the differences. The P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. As revealed by the results, the prevalence rate was 19%. The age had a noteworthy effect on the frequency rate of the mentioned parasite in the goats as was seen in 3-year old goats. A significant difference was observed in the infection frequency in two genera of male and female (P<0.05). Based on the results and zoonotic nature of studied parasite, preventive procedures should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission

Leptospirosis is a zooanthroponosis caused by the genus of Leptospira. It is an emerging public health problem due to its increasing incidence. The achievement to a vaccine that prevent from entrance of Leptospira interrogans to the deeper tissues of the host is needed. This study aimed to investigate the immunogenicity of LcpA (rLcpA) and LenA (rLenA) recombinant proteins in combination with LTB (rLTB) recombinant protein as an adjuvant against leptospiral infection in hamsters. The genes encoding these proteins were cloned into pGH cloning vector and then lenA, lcpA and ltb genes subcloned into pET-15b and pET-28a expression vectors, respectively. The hamsters were immunized with the purified recombinant proteins and challenged with Leptospira interrogans for evaluation of their survival. The antibody responses to the recombinant proteins were determined by ELISA. Then, data entered into SPSS software. Statistical Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the significant differences among different groups. The groups with significant differences were further analyzed by post hoc tests. The p value < 0.05 statistically was considered significant. Immunized hamsters with rLenA-plus-rLTB, rLcpA-plus-rLTB and rLenA-plus-rLcpA-plus-rLTB proteins showed 60%, 74%, and 80% survival rates, respectively. A significant amount of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and gamma interferon (IFNγ) cytokines were produced in immunized hamsters. Based on our findings, rLcpA and rLenA proteins in combination with rLTB can protect the hamsters against L. interrogans and effectively induce a protective antibody response. Thus, these proteins can be used as an additional prophylactic tool against leptospira.

  Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative opportunistic pathogen and an important cause of wound infections and nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was to study inhibitory effects of a new ointment prepared from medicinal plants against P. aeruginosa isolates. In this study, an ointment called ZOUSH was prepared from mixing alcoholic extracts of Satureja khuzestaniea, Zataria multiflora, Mentha mozaffariani Jamzad, honey and polyurethane. Minimal inhibitory concentration of ZOUSH and its compositions alone or combined was determined using the disk diffusion method. S. khuzestaniea, Z. multiflora and Mentha mozaffariani Jamzad had inhibitory effects against P. aeruginosa. The ZOUSH ointment had greater antibacterial effects than the any of its compositions used solely or combined. The diameter of inhibition zone had a direct relationship with the concentration of the extracts. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of the ZOUSH ointment was identical to that of polymyxine B (300 µg). We demonstrated that the ZOUSH ointment has inhibitory effects against P. aerugionosa. The inhibition zone diameter is directly correlated with the concentration of the extracts. Our results suggest that the ointment could be useful for treatment of burn wounds and skin infections