davood kalantar-neyestanaki

Salmonella species (spp) are the most prevalent zoonotic pathogens that cause outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide. Therefore evaluation of the profile of antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and plasmid replicon types in these bacteria is necessary to control and prevent the spread of potentially pathogenic and drug-resistant strains.

This study was performed on 39 Salmonella spp. The antibacterial susceptibility of isolates to various antibiotic agents was determined using disk diffusion test. β-lactamases (bla) including ESBLs, AmpC, MBLs, and virulence genes were detected by PCR methods. Plasmid incompatibility groups among the isolates were identified using PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT).

The most prevalent virulent gene was phoP/Q (84.6%). slyA, sopB, and stn were identified in 79.4% (n=31), 69.2% (n=27), and 2.5% (n=1) of the isolates, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 30.7% of the isolates were ESBL-producing. bla TEM (41%; n=16) was the most frequent β-lactamase gene among the isolates followed by bla NDM-1 (15.4%; n=6), bla DHA (7.7%; n=3), and bla CTX-M (1.5%; n=1). Six different plasmid replicon types, including IncP (n=9; 23%), IncFIC (n=3; 7.70%), IncY (n=3; 7.70%), IncI1-Iγ (n=2; 5.12%), IncFIIAs (n=1; 2.56%), and IncN (n=1; 2.56%) were ob- served among the isolates.

Our study showed the emergence of carbapenem-resistant and bla NDM-1 among Salmonella spp. for the first time in Kerman, Iran. Since Salmonella spp. plays an important role in the transmission of resistance genes in livestock and humans in the food chains, so more stringent control policies are recommended to prevent the circulation of drug-resistant and potentially pathogenic strains from animals to humans.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative curved bacillus that assumes a significant role in colon cancer and children´s diseases. This study aimed to examine the association between H. pylori infection with colon cancer and children´s diseases in order to achieve a a comprehensive understanding of these associations and for future works.

Three main databases (i.e., Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], Scopus, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched by two reviewers from their inception date to 2022 in order to determine the association between the H. pylori infection with the colon cancer and children’s diseases.

The findings of two meta-analyses were similar regarding the positive association between the risks of colorectal neoplasm (pooled OR=0.18; 95% CI of 0.99–1.40; P>0.05) and colon neoplasia (pooled OR=0.41; 95% confidence interval 1.24–1.60; P=0.000). H. pylori was associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma, adenocarcinoma, and advanced adenoma. Also H. pylori infection was correlated with a high risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), otitis media with effusion (OME), HenochSchonlein purpura, and growth disorders in children.

In sum, the H. pylori infection may have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and children’s diseases.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common infections in hemodialysis patients, which has been associated with increased incidence of morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The current study aimed to evaluate the HCV antibody, occult HCV infection (OCI), and related risk factors among hemodialysis patients.

In this cross-sectional study, 100 hemodialysis patients referred to a dialysis center in Kerman between December 2021 and March 2022 were assessed for HCV, OCI, and their related risk factors. The information related to risk factors was collected by questionnaire, while HCV and OCI were detected through serology and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, respectively.

Among the patients participating in the study, 61 were men, and 39 were women. The average age was 58.1 ± 14.9 years in men and 63.6 ± 11.4 years in women. Diabetes and hypertension history, old age, low education, self-employment, and urban living were more common in chronic kidney disease patients. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed 3% positive seroprevalence HCV infection, but only 1% was positive for OCI. Although no statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of HCV (antibody and OCI) and other parameters, all positive HCV cases were identified in patients with low education and freelance employment.

Hemodialysis patients had a low prevalence of HCV antibody and OCI. Improving various factors and conditions such as lifestyle, occupation, educational level, and dialysis ward and machine disinfection could be beneficial in managing and controlling hemodialysis complications such as HCV and OCI.

Protecting the hair, skin, or products of itself are utilized by sunscreen filters which were frequently blocked hazardous UV-Vis radiation. Considering its photoprotective impact on the skin facing the radiation of ultraviolet and visible, TiO2 is a common and cost-efficient photocatalytic structure utilized in sunscreens. In this research, the continual process was done to optimize the green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocomposites through a new, easy, cost-efficient, and quick approach to making nanostructures utilizing a sonochemistry method. SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, and MnO were utilized to compose green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles for this purpose. The samples were recognized by XRD, FT-IR, DLS, and SEM. Also, the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity were assessed. DFT computation was performed to identify the connected energy and band gap energy of nanocomposites by B3LYP/Lan2DZ quantum approach. TiO2/Al2O3 showed a lower size and the lowest agglomeration than synthesized TiO2 and other nanocomposites. Furthermore, all samples indicated strong antibacterial activity against investigated bacteria due to cell death caused by membrane permeability increase and bacterial wall integrity disruption. Nanostructures have cytotoxicity with a low level on A172 cells. The only exception is TiO2/ZnO which indicated a potent index of cytotoxicity on the cancerous cell lines as demonstrated by a low IC50 value of 50 ppm. The relative energy and band gap of nanocomposites indicated that TiO2/Al2O3 has the best stability in chemical and biochemical mediums among other nanocomposites. These green synthesized TiO2/Al2O3 nanostructures may have promising applications in nanoformulation to combat bacterial infections in the future.

Candida albicans complex species are well known as the main cause of candidiasis, particularly among susceptible individuals. In this study, we report the genetic diversity of Candida spp. and the antifungal susceptibility pattern of the cryptic C. albicans complex isolates in Kerman, Iran.

A total of 112 yeast isolates were obtained from different clinical samples, and molecular identification was performed. All C. albicans complex isolates were tested for susceptibility of them to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole.

The majority of clinical isolates were C. albicans complex (n=48) followed by C. glabrata complex (n=34), C. parapsilosis complex (n=21), and C. krusei (n=9). Among C. albicans complex, 45 isolates were C. albicans (94%), 2 isolates were C. dubliniensis (4%), and 1 isolate was C. africana (2%). Amphotericin B was the most active antifungal, whereas 8.9% and 6.7% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively.

Regarding the high incidence of Candida infections particularly in susceptible populations and the emergence of an infrequent yeast species with elevated MICs, which is indistinguishable with conventional methods, developing accurate molecular methods for laboratory diagnosis should be considered in the clinical setting.

It is well known that Staphylococcus aureus biofilm plays an important role in adenoiditis and biofilm resistance frequently results in failure of therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the biofilm production of S. aureus isolates obtained from adenoid specimens and assess the relationship between biofilm formation ability and ica operon genes.

A total of 112 adenoid samples were obtained from patients under 15 years old with adenoid hypertrophy. All S. aureus isolates were initially identified by standard microbiological tests and amplification of nuc by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Biofilm formation of S. aureus isolates was evaluated and icaADBC genes were detected by PCR technique.

There were 46 isolates (41%) identified as S. aureus. The ability to produce biofilm was detected among total S. aureus isolates. Molecular study of ica operon revealed that 2 (6.3%) and 19 (59.4%) isolates carried icaA and icaD, respectively. The prevalence of icaA + icaD was seen among 11 (34.4%) S. aureus isolates, while icaC and icaB were not detected.

Our findings indicated that icaABCD operon are associated with biofilm formation in S. aureus isolates, however the absence of these genes may not necessarily exclude this property.

 Prevalence of co-existence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBLs) and AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates in these bacteria is a serious problem in treatment of infections. The aim of this study was to characterization co-existence of ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Khorramabad hospitals.

 In this descriptive cross-sectional study, totally 130 clinical isolates including E. coli (n=45) and K. pneumoniae (n=85) were collected from hospitals of Khorramabad. Disk diffusion method used for determination of susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics. ESBLs, MBLs and AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates detected by combined disk methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detection of blaTEM, blaSHV and blaVIM genes.

 Out of the 130 clinical isolates, 41(31.5%) and 37 (28.4%) of them considered as ESBLs and AmpC producing, respectively. The blaTEM and blaSHV detected in 24(18.4%) and 23(17.6%) of isolates, respectively.

 Prevalence of ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs in Khorramabad is lower than from other region of Iran. Outbreak of co-producer  ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs isolates in Khorramabad can cause serious problems in  treatment of infections.

Escherichia coli is one of the most important causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance, resistance and virulence genes; phylogenetic groups and identify the epidemiologic features of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST).

One hundred isolates of E. coli from inpatients with UTIs were collected in Kerman, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ESBLs, AmpC production and biofilm formation were performed by phenotypic methods. Phylogenetic groups, resistance and virulence genes were detected. Molecular typing of isolates was performed by MLST.

In this study, 76% of isolates were multidrug-resistant. The blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM were the dominant ESBL-encoding gene. Among 63 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, the frequency of qnrS (15.8%), qnrB (9.5%), and aac (6’)-Ib (25% ) genes was shown. Fifty-five present of isolates were classified as week biofilm, (14%) moderate biofilm, and (5%) strong. The predominant phylogenetic group was B2 (3) .  The prevalence of virulence genes ranged fimH (93%), iutA (66%), KpsmtII (59%), sat (39%), cnf (28%) and hlyA (27%). According to MLST results, 14 sequence types (ST) including ST-693, ST-90, ST-101, ST-1664, ST-2083, ST-131, ST-4443, ST-744, ST-361, ST-405, ST-922, ST-648, ST-5717and ST-410 were detected, indicating a high degree of genotypic diversity.

We identified a high frequency of the ST131 clonal group among UTIs. These data show an important public health threat, and so further studies to control the dissemination and risk factors for acquisition of the ST131 clonal group and other STs are needed to make effective control.

The new beta-coronavirus, which caused Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), a major respiratory outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is now prevalent in many countries around the world. Identifying PCR-based viruses is a well-known and relatively stable protocol. Unfortunately, the high mutation rates may lead to widespread changes in viral nucleic acid sequences, and so using specific primers for PCR can be recommended. In this study, we evaluated the power of a conventional RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA among the five set primer sets.

The five genomic regions of the Coronavirus SARS-2 virus including Nucleocapsids (N), Envelope (E), RNA depended RNA Polymerase (RdRp), ORF1ab and Spike (S) were selected for primer designing. A conventional RT-PCR was performed to compare sensitivity, specificity and other analytical characteristics of primers designed against two Real Time PCR commercial kits.

The result of the comparative analysis showed that the ORF1ab, N and RdRp primers had a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value higher than other primers. A significant difference in the analytical sensitivity between the studied primer sets in RT-PCR kits was observed.

In this study, the ORF1ab, Nucleocapsid and RdRp regions have the best primers for identifying the SARS-CoV-2 RNA between different genes that have been suggested.

Staphylococcus aureus is the main Gram-positive bacteria isolated from patients with ocular infections. Herein, we describe the pattern of antibiotic resistance, presence of resistance genes including ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, mecA and the pvl cytotoxin gene in S. aureus isolates collected from patients with external ocular infection. In this study, 8 S. aureus isolates were collected from 81 patients that suffered from eye damage. Antibacterial susceptibility of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Resistance genes including ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, mecA and the pvl virulence gene were detected by PCR method. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) in MRSA isolates were detected by the multiplex-PCR method. Three isolates were resistant to cefoxitin which is considered MRSA. The mecA gene was identified in MRSA isolates. SCCmec type IV and the pvl gene were detected in one of the MRSA isolates that was recovered from a diabetic patient. The emergence of S. aureus isolates belonging to SCCmec type IV and pvl gene among patients with ocular infection is very serious; therefore, identify genetic characterization of MRSA isolates for empirical therapy and infection control is very important.

A newly emerged hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has caused great concern globally; however, its molecular characteristics have been rarely reported in Iran.
The goal of this study was to detect the virulence determinants and serotypes of K. pneumoniae and to evaluate the association among selected virulence traits and blaCTX-M-15 gene in southeastern Iran.
One hundred and three non-duplicate K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from clinical samples. The isolates were identified by standard bacteriological tests. Confirmed isolates were examined to detect a selection of virulence genes (wabG, rmpA and iucB) and serotypes (K1, K2, K5 and K20) by PCR. The isolates were studied foe the presence of beta-lactamase (blaCTX-M-15) gene. SPSS software (version 19.0) was used for data analysis.
Among the 103 K. pneumoniae isolates, 61 (59.2%) isolates were positive for wabG, 4 (3.9%) for iucB and 3 (2.9%) for rmpA genes. The presence of K20 in 3.9% (4/103) of the isolates represented the most prevalent. Only 3 (2.9%) isolates possessed the K1 serotype, while K2 and K5 serotypes were not detected in any isolate. The blaCTX-M-15 gene was detected in 47 (45.6%) isolates. blaCTX-M-15-positive isolates showed a higher prevalence of wabG among the studied isolates (P Our data indicate a correlation between presence of virulence gene and blaCTX-M-15 in K. pneumonia isolates. Further research should be undertaken to unravel aspects of both virulence factors and antibiotic resistance which may probably contribute to managing future spread of infectious diseases.

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. Different studies have been reported that acquisition of drug resistance mechanism may be related to loss of virulent factors. In this study, we investigated the correlation of antibiotic resistance and ESBLs production with presence of hlyA and cnf1 virulence genes.
During June 2014 to March 2015, 250 Escherichia coli isolates were collected from different patients with urinary tract infections in Kerman, Iran. Disk diffusion method was used for determination of antibiotic susceptibility profile and combined disk method was used for detection of ESBLs producing isolates. The hlyA and cnf1 genes were detected by PCR method.
In total, 44.8% of isolates were considered as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing by combined disk method. hlyA and cnf1 genes were detected in 28.8% and 29.2% of isolates, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between susceptibility to NA, CIP, CTX, CAZ, PIT antibiotics with hlyA and cnf1 positive isolates and also significant correlation observed between ESBLs negative isolates with hlyA positive isolates (P value Acquire of antibiotic resistance mechanism may lead to loss of virulence factor.

Background and Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics that are often used in combination with other antibiotics for the treatment of severe S. aureus infections. This research aimed at investigating the phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of aminoglycoside resistance in clinical isolates of MRSA in Kerman, Iran.
During a one year period, a total of 57 MRSA isolates was collected from 130 isolates of S. aureus. MRSA isolates were tested for susceptibility to 13 antimicrobial agents using disc diffusion method. Then, the presence of aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs) was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.
In the MRSA isolates, high resistance rates were observed for tetracycline, erythromycin, kanamycin and gentamicin. In fact, 73.7% and 68.4% of the isolates were found to be resistant to kanamycin and gentamicin, respectively. aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″), aph(3′)-III, ant(4′)-Ia, and aph(2ʹʹ)-Id genes were detected in 40.3%, 15.7%, 12.2%, and 3.5% of the aminoglycosides–resistant isolates, respectively.
The prevalence of aminoglycosides resistance among MRSA isolates is rising, therefore, identification of resistance genes in order to achieve the exact pattern of resistance is helpful in preventing the spread of resistant strains.

Escherichia coli is the main causative pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs). Antibiotic resistance in this bacterium is an important problem in public health.
The aim of this study was to identify the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, and blaPER genes and AmpC-β-lactamase in clinical isolates of E. coli recovered from patients with UTIs in Kerman, Iran.
E. coli isolates (N = 105) were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility with the disk diffusion method. ESBL and AmpC-producing isolates were detected using phenotypic methods. PCR was used to identify the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA and blaPER genes in ESBL and AmpC-positive isolates.
More than 50% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. The prevalence of ESBLs, AmpC-β-lactamase, blaTEM and blaOXA in the inpatient isolates was 37.2%, 2%, 37.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Further, the prevalence of ESBLs, blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA in the outpatient isolates was 42.5%, 24%, 5.5% and 1.8%, respectively.
The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains in the community (outpatients) is higher than that in inpatients in Kerman, Iran. An outbreak of ESBL-producing isolates in the community can be a serious problem for public health, as resistance to other classes of antibiotics such as aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolones is often related with ESBL and AmpC production, therefore, detection of ESBL and AmpC-producing isolates in the community and hospitals is very important for the treatment and prevention of such isolates.

Propolis is one of the most potent natural antibiotics. Propolis as an active natural substance is attractive due to its antimicrobial properties. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It is known that propolis possesses anti- microbial, antioxidative, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor activities. Therefore, propolis has attracted much attention in recent years as a useful or potential substance used in medicine.
The purpose of this study was to verify the activity of an oily liquid extract of propolis that called propolis extract in oil against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
In this experimental study antimicrobial activity of oily liquid extract of propolis called propolis extract in oil with different concentration of ethanol, methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide as diluents against different bacteria species. The duration of study set up was from Nov 2014 to Sep 2015. Chi-Square and Kappa methods, using Open Epi and Graph Pad Prism Software (Graph Pad, San Diego, California, USA). Graphs were plotted by Microsoft Excel software.
In the agar diffusion tests, using wells containing propolis suspension with methanol / dimethyl sulfoxide / ethanol per wells, the some of bacteria were most sensitive to the effect of propolis preparations. No growth inhibition zone was shown in the agar diffusion test with paper disks impregnate with methanol/ dimethyl sulfoxide suspension.
The evaluation of the examination results showed that the effectiveness of the extract against bacteria may be explained by the fact that the effect of oily propolis was statistically significant by the introduction of methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) species. Due to infections outbreaks of E. coli strains with multiple mechanisms of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, the sensitivity of confirmatory tests to detect the extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) have decreased..
The current study aimed to introduce a modified method to detect ESBLs in Gram-negative bacilli..
Totally, 86 clinical isolates of E. coli resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins were collected from patients with UTIs in Kerman, Iran. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method. ESBLs producing isolates were identified by combination double disk synergy test (CDDST) and β-lactamase disk test. The β-lactamase genes including blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaOXA-1 and blaPER were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and sequenced..
All of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). In the current study 88% and 97.6% of the isolates were considered as ESBLs producing by CDDST and β-lactamase disk test, respectively. At least 92% of the isolates were positive for one of the blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaOXA-1 and blaSHV genes. The blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaOXA-1 and blaSHV genes were detected in 74.4%, 61.6%, 14% and 2.3% of the isolates, respectively..
The β-lactamase disk test is appropriately sensitive to detect ESBLs in MDR isolates of E. coli..

This study was designed to evaluate the activity of Quercus infectoria galls extract (QIFGE) on virulence factor production and inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of QIFGE against 5 strains of P. aeruginosa was determined. The extract at sub-MIC was used to determine biofilm formation, level of protease LasA, LasB, swarming and twitching motility and QS using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as a biosensor. Effect of the extract on expression levels of lasR gene was determined by real time PCR.
QIFGE inhibited the QS and all other tested virulence factors compared with the control grown in the absence of the extract (P=0.001). Real time PCR showed 2 to 8-fold reduction in lasR gene expression in presence of the extracts compared with the control. QIFGE significantly inhibited the virulence factor production, had inhibitory effect on QS, and resulted in the lower expression of lasR gene.
QIFGE showed novel inhibitory effect against QS related virulence factor production, which was unrelated to antimicrobial effect. The extract can down regulate the production of virulence factor and should be evaluated as a candidate for alternative treatment of pseudomonad infections in future.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for devastating nosocomial infections among severely burn patients. Class C of cephalosporinase (AmpC-β-lactamases) is important cause of multiple β-lactam resistance in P. aeruginosa. The aim of this study was to detect the AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates among carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa isolated from burn patient. a total of 100 isolates of carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from different burn patients were investigated. Three phenotypic methods were selected for identification of the AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates. Fifty four isolates were AmpC producer as detected by AmpC disk test. Seventeen isolates were identified as AmpC producer using combined disk method. Fifty two isolates showed a twofold or threefold dilution difference between the minimum inhibitory concentration of imipenem or ceftazidime and the minimum inhibitory concentration of imipenem or ceftazidime plus cloxacillin. One isolate was identified as AmpC producer using three methods. Three isolates produced AmpC as detected by both AmpC disk test and combined disk methods and 19 isolates were found as AmpC producer using both AmpC disk test and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. Six isolates were AmpC producer as shown by the MICs of both imipenem and ceftazidime. According to the results of this study, AmpC- β-lactamase looks to be the main mechanism of resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cephalosporins and carbapenems in the study hospital.

Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases enzyme are major sources of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics especially in Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Increasing frequency of the co-existence of ESBLs with AmpC-β-lactamases in bacteria is a serious threat for treating bacterial infections..

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of AmpC and CTX-M types of β-lactamases in clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae producing ESBLs..

Resistance to different antibiotics was determined using the standard disk diffusion method. ESBLs, MBLs and AmpC-β-lactamases were detected by the combination double disk test (CDDT) method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine blaCTX-M genes in the ESBLs and AmpC positive isolates..

The prevalence of ESBLs and AmpC-β-lactamase producer isolates was 181 (43.8%) and 133 (37.2%), respectively. The prevalence of blaCTX-M among isolates was 61 (14.7%)..

Outbreak of isolates co-expressing AmpC-β-lactamases and ESBLs can cause serious problems in the future, regarding the treatment of infections caused by these common enteric pathogens..