[In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of extract of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum against cariogenic microorganisms]

Based on the attraction of the world society to traditional treatment and the importance of drug extraction of natural material and plants, in this in vitro study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum which are very useful in the traditional treatment of mouth and teeth disease have been determined against cariogenic bacteria. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts have been prepared after sterilization of the extracts by special filter from Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum using the maceration method [serial dilution of the sample by the method]. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces viscosus have been evaluated by the broth macrodilution method. Results have been analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. MIC [Minimum Inhibitory Concentration] of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum for Streptococcus mutans were 6.25 and 12.5 micro gram per milliliter, respectively, These figures were 1.56 and 6.25 micro gram per milliliter for Lactobacillus rhamnosus and 12.5 and 25 micro gram per milliliter for Actinomyces viscosus. Both extracts had inhibitory effects on growth in all three bacterial species. Salvia officinalis had a greater effect on inhibition of growth in all three bacterial species. Salvia officinalis also had a bactericidal effect in the range of concentration

Chlamydia trachomatis and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in married women in a Middle Eastern community

The objective of this study was to determine the association between vaginal Chlamydia infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN]. Data were collected in a case-control study for 60 patients with CIN in biopsy and 85 control subjects with normal colposcopy and biopsy. Serum antibodies to C. trachomatis were associated with an increased risk for CIN [odds ratio [OR] = 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-35.2]]. There was also a significant association between presence of inclusion bodies for C. trachomatis and CIN [OR = 5.5; 95% CI 2.4-12.4]. These results indicate a strong association between CIN and chlamydial cervicitis

[ vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia against three cariogenic bacteria]

The microbial cause of dental caries has been proved among its multifactorial etiologies. The prevention and control of dental caries is very critical because of high prevalence and cost especially in high risk patient such as xerostomia. Based on the world attraction to traditional treatment and importance of drug extraction of natural material and plants, in this in vitro study effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia which were very useful in traditional treatment of mouth and teeth disease has been determined against cariogenic bacteria. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts have been prepared from Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia with maceration method. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces viscosus have been evaluated with broth macrodilution method. Results have been analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. Minimum inhibitory concentration for Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia for streptococcus mutans were respectively 6.25 and 12.5 micro g/ml, for Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1.56 and 3.12 micro g/ml and for Actinomyces viscosus 12.5 and 100 micro g/ml. Both extracts had growth inhibitory effect on all three bacteria. Saliva officinalis had greater effect on inhibition of growth of all three bacteria [p<0.05]. Both extracts had bactericidal effect in the range of studied concentrations

[Antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium against cariogenic microorganisms: an in vitro investigation]

There is an increasing global tendency to use traditional medicines and drug-extracts from natural plant materials. This in-vitro study was conducted in order to evaluate the cariostatic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium using maceration method. The antibacterial activity of these two extracts against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Actinomyces viscosus were evaluated through broth macrodilution method. Data was analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium for streptococcus mutans were 6.25 and 50 micro gram per milli liter, respectively. The corresponding figures for Lactobacillus rhamnosus were 1.56 and 12.5 micro gram per milli liter; and for Actinomyces viscosus the value were 12.5 and 50 micro gram per milli liter, respectively. The differences between the two extracts were statistically significant. Both extracts had growth inhibitory effect on all three bacteria. Salvia officinalis showed greater inhibitory effect on growth of all three bacteria. Both extracts had bactericidal effect in the considered concentration range

Prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobac-teriaceae by phenotypic and genotypic methods in intensive care units in Tehran, Iran

The occurrence of Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamase [ESBL]-producing Entrobacteriaceae has been steadily increased in recent years, resulting in limitation of therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of ESBL-producing Entrobacteriaceae isolated from Intensive Care Units [ICUs] and to investigate their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. A total of one hundred fifty isolates were collected from urine and urinary catheter, sputum, blood, wound and other clinical samples from patient admitted in ICUs. All isolates were identified by biochemical tests and then were screened for ESBL production by Disk Agar Diffusion [DAD] according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] guideline. The species that met screening criteria were further tested for the effects of clavulanic acid by confirmatory method. ESBL-positive species were tested for bla[TEM] and bla[SHV] genes by PCR assay. Of total of 150 bacterial isolates, 133 [89.3%] isolates were positive in the resistance to all tested cephalosporin indicators; and 89 [59.3%] isolates were confirmed as ESBL producer. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Entrobacter spp. were the most ESBL-producing species. All isolates were sensitive to imipenem. The bla[TEM] [55.5%] was the most common gene detected in ESBL phenotypic-positive isolates using PCR method. The present study shows high prevalence of ESBL-producing Entrobacteriaceae from ICU patients. The increased rate of these species is mainly due to the inadequate and unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. Rational administration of beta-lactams and appropriate infection control policies may reduce prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in ICUs

Titration of specific antibodies to mycoplasma pneuomoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila among Iranian pilgrims' sera during Hajj season in 2004

Respiratory tract infection is the most common diseases among Iranian pilgrims during Hajj season. To understand the possibility of bacterial involvement in such infections, we screened the pilgrims' sera to determine the titer of antibodies against Mycoplasma pneuomoniae [MP], Chlamydia pneumoniae [CP] and Legionella pneumophila [LP]. Serum samples from 128 pilgrims were collected, before the trip and one month after returning home. Antibodies to MP, CP, LP were assayed using Immunoflourecent and ELISA methods. IgM antibody titre to CP did not elevated, but IgG antibody titer was increased in 34.58% [n=48] and 15.82% [n=22] of cases, indicating of recent infection. The specific antibodies to MP and LP were not increased. In pilgrims infected with an atypical respiratory pathogen, C. pneumoniae should be considered as an important causative. The true prevalence of this pathogen should be investigated since it relies on the sensitivity and specificity of currently available diagnostic methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections to fluoroquinolones and detection of gyrA mutations in resistant strains

Widespread uses of fluoroquinolones have resulted in increasing incidences of resistance against these agents all over the world. The aim of this study was to assess, susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains from patients with Urinary Tract Infection against common fluoroquinolones and detection of mutations in the gyrA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 164 E.coli isolates from patients with UTI, was evaluated by disk agar diffusion [DAD] and MIC methods. Polymerase chain reaction of E.coli strains were performed by amplification of Quinolone Resistance Determining Region [QRDR] of gyrA gene. PCR products were tested by Conformational Sensitive Gel Electrophoresis [CSGE] and those with hetrodublexes were selected and examined by DNA sequencing. According to disc agar diffusion, 49.3% were resistant to nalidixic acid, 41.4% to norfloxacin, 44.5% to ofloxacin and 40.2% to ciprofloxacin. By Minimal Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] testing a high-level of resistance [42.1%] to ciprofloxacin was observed. Mutations in codons 83 and 87 in all 81 isolates were positive by CSGE method

Detection of chlamydia trachomatis in endocervical specimens by an enzyme- linked polymerase chain reaction assay

Chlamydia trachomatis [CT] is the most common cause of sexually transmitted infections [STI] worldwide and its early detection and treatment can reduces the high morbidity associated with this infection. In this study a sensitive diagnostic polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-based enzyme immunoassay [PCR-EIA] method was developed which detects CT in women with cervicitis. Endocervical swabs collected from 123 women [20-55 years] with cervicitis were tested by both conventional PCR, and PCR-EIA assays, using identical sets of primers to amplify a CT-specific plasmid. For the conventional PCR, amplicons were detected by agarose gel electrophoretic analysis and the PCR-EIA assay used biotin-labeled primers, strepavidin-coated plates, a digoxigenin-labeled probe, and a final enzyme-linked colorometric analysis [405 nm] was used to measure the CT amplicon. The frequency of positive CT infection by conventional PCR and PCR-EIA assay was 7% and 17%, respectively. The highest frequencies of CT infection were among women of 31-40 years old group [25%]. The PCR-EIA limit of detection, calculated by linear regression analysis, was10 pg of CT DNA [r[2]=0.9642]. The degree of agreement [Kappa] between the conventional PCR and PCR-EIA method was 0.556 [p<0.0001]

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for escherichia coli strains to fluoroquinolones, in urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract Infections [UTIs] are one of the most common infectious diseases diagnosed all over the world. Meanwhile most episode of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli [up to 85%] and frequently fluoroquinolones are preferred as initial agents for empiric therapy of UTIs. Widespread use of fluoroquinolones has resulted in an increasing incidence of resistance these agents all over the world. The aim of this study was to assess, susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains from UTI patients against common fluoroquinolones. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined by disk agar diffusion [DAD] and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration methods as described by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards [NCCLS]. One hundred sixty four clinical isolates of E. coli were collected by urine cultures from patients with UTI. The extent of resistant to nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin, by disk diffusion method was 49.3%, 44.5%, 41.4% and 40.2%, respectively. Resistance to ciprofloxacin by MIC method was 4.9%. This study represents high level resistant of E. coli isolates from UTI patients. It is because of inappropriate and incorrect administration of antimicrobial agents in blind cases. This problem remarks significance of performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing before empiric antibiotic therapy. To overcome this problem use of unnecessary antibiotics therapy should be limited

[Helicobacter pylori attachment to 7 mamalian cell lines 1 [HepII, HeLa, SW742, AGS, HT291219, HT29, Caco-2]]

Helicobacter pylori is the etiologic agent of chronic -active gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers in humans, and a co-factor in the occurance of gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tumors. Adherence of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa is a critical, initial step in the pathogenesis of the disease. So bacterial adhesion inhibitory agents provide a novel pharmacologic approach to the management of infectious diseases. 22 H. pylori strains, obtained from the antral or duodenal biopsies of 49 patients with dyspepsia, gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, etc. were assayed by ELISA reader [UPR: Urea Phenol Red] to investigate the diversity of attachment to 7 mamalian cell lines. The concentration of H. pylori and cell suspension, the condition and temperature, can alter the attachment rate. H. pylori can attach to all 7 cell lines. There are no significant differences between 22 H. pylori strains in attachment to cells. The attachment pattern of H. pylori to the cells showed significant reduction respectively from HepII, HeLa, SW742, AGS, HT29/219, and HT29 to Caco-2. Best attachment were seen to HepII, HeLa and SW742 cells, and among these HepII was the best cells for this purpose. Our studies suggest that HepII, HeLa and SW742 cells could serve as a suitable in-vitro model for the study of H. pylori adhesions, attachment, and inhibition of attachment and detachment assays and among these HepII cell is preferably recommended