ABSTRACT
Objective: Growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori, as a common cause of chronic gastritis and even stomach cancer, demands searching for novel candidates of herbal sources. This study is aimed at assessing the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract obtained from Quercus brantii var. persica seed coat (Testa) on H. pylori isolated from gastric biopsy specimens. Methods: Such specimens were collected from 100 patients presenting with endoscopic gastroduodenal findings. Testa extracts were prepared from Persian Oak forests in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, IRAN. H. pylori isolates were obtained by a series of standard bacteriology tests and cell culture, then were confirmed by PCR. The activity of testa extracts towards 25 H. pylori isolates was assessed by well diffusion method, microdilution assay, and a disk diffusion assay in vitro. Results were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: Aqueous extract of testa demonstrated an antimicrobial activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranged from 0 mm to 40 mm. Its inhibitory activity increased simultaneously with increasing extract concentration. The lowest MIC and MBC were both recorded as 2 µg/mL. Anti-H. pylori activity of testa extract was approximately close to tetracycline and metronidazole and less than amoxicillin. A potent extract of testa possessed significant inhibitory activity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Testa extract is suggested as a natural therapeutic source against the gastric H. pylori infection. However, evaluating the in vivo activity of this extract is necessary too.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Biofilms caused by pathogenic microorganisms that plays an important role against human health. Due to their resistance to detergents and antimicrobial agent, treatment response of affected patients with these bacteria is difficult. This study was done to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of Nasturtium officinale plant on growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Methods: In this descriptive - laboratory study, the extraction was done by Maceration in 80% methanol and by rotary evaporator. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of Nasturtium officinale extracts were determined by broth microdilution method. Biofilm formation was investigated using the microtiter plate and stained with crystal violet
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration of Nasturtium officinale against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 0.625 mg/ml and the Minimum bactericidal concentration of this extract was 1.25 mg/ml. PAO1 strain and 5 clinical strains were able to biofilm formation. Inhibition of biofilm formation by extract of Nasturtium officinale plant was dependent to concentration. The highest percentage of inhibition of biofilm formation was in the concentration of 7.5 mg/ml and the lowest percentage of inhibition of biofilm formation was in the concentration of 0.11 mg/ml. The mean of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibition by Nasturtium officinale extracts was 72.69+/-22.27 %. In the concentrations of 7.5, 0.93, 0.46, 0.23 and 0.11 mg/ml, there was a significant difference between clinical strains and PAO1 strain [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of Nasturtium officinale plant has anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
ABSTRACT
Background: Detection of Hepatitis C virus [HCV]-infected people in each community assists with infection prevention and control. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection among high risk groups in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province, Southwest Iran
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 2009-2010 in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province. High risk groups for HCV were the subjects of this study. Blood samples were taken from 2009 individuals at high risk for HCV that included inmates, injecting drug users [IDUs], health care workers, patients on maintenance hemodialysis, hemophilic patients, and those with histories of blood transfusions. Patients were residents of Yasuj, Gachsaran, and Dehdasht [3 main townships in the province]. Samples were analyzed by ELISA for anti-HCV antibodies. Demographic features of participants were recorded by a questionnaire during sample collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13 software
Results: Of 2009 subjects, HCV antibodies were detected in 172 [8.6%]. Rate of infection was higher in males [11.4%] compared to females [3.2%]. Rate of infection in inmates was 11.7% while this rate was 42.4% in IDUs, 4.2% in health care workers, and 6.1% in thalas-semic patients. Significant correlation was found between HCV infection, history of imprisonment, and thalassemia
Conclusion: Results of this study have provided epidemiologic features of HCV and its risk factors in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Prov-ince, Southwest Iran. This information may assist in preventing the spread of HCV infection in this and other similar settings in the region. The findings of this study may help in improving surveillance and infection control in the community through management and monitoring of infected individuals