[Ecchinacea for prevention of acute upper respiratory infection in children 1 to 5 years old]

Background: Common cold is the most common infection in children and has multiple complications including acute otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Echinacea in lowering the incidence of common cold and its complications in 1 to 5 years old children

Methods: In a randomized clinical trial 100 children aged 1 to 5 years old were included in the study. Children were randomly assigned either to receive Echinacea [0.5 ml daily for children 1-2 y/o and 2 ml daily for children 2-8 y/o] and the other group as control did not consumed medication for 3 months. Children were followed for 3 months for occurrence of acute upper respiratory tract infection [URI], sinusitis and otitis media. Chi-Square and T-test were used for data analysis

Results: Two groups were similar in baseline characteristics. The incidence of URI and sinusitis was lower in Echinacea group [P<0.05] but the incidence of acute otitis media was not different in two groups. The frequency of URI, sinusitis and otitis did not differ between two groups

Conclusion: Echinacea is effective and safe and is recommended for prophylaxis of common cold and for prevention of its complications in children

Characterization of Salmonellae isolated from different animal and human sources by PCR and resistance trends

Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens with many virulence factors playing a major role in its pathogenesis. The aims of this study were to detect spvA, int2 and invC virulence genes of different Salmonella serotypes isolated from various clinical animal and human sources, and to investigate antibiotic resistance patterns among these serotypes. Using a PCR assay, a total of 64 Salmonella isolates were evaluated for the presence of virulence genes. Results revealed that spvA, int2 and invC genes were found in 65.6%, 39.1%, and 76.6% of the Salmonella isolates, respectively. Seven different serotypes were differentiated according to the specific antisera. Antibiotic susceptibility results showed that isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics [31.25%], Amikacin [84.4%], Co-Amoxiclav [81.2%], Cefepime [73.4%], Ceftizoxime [76.6%], Ceftriaxone [60.9%], Meropenem [50%], Norfloxacin [82.8%], and Piperacillin [75%]. SpvA is a plasmid gene and the int2 gene has been identified on mobile elements. In addition, the chromosomal invC gene is associated with type III secretion systems [TTSS; not present in all Salmonellae]. Hence, the detection of these genes could be used to identify the Salmonella genus. High prevalence of int2 and spvA genes was also observed in multidrug resistance Salmonella isolates which might play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in multi-drug resistance [MDR] Salmonella isolates

Antimicrobial activities of oregano and nutmeg essential oils combined with emulsifier/stabilizer compound in ready-to-cook barbecued chicken

The effects of essential oils [Eos] of oregano and nutmeg with and without commercial emulsifier/stabilizer compound [E/S] on the microbial quality of ready-to-cook barbecued chicken were evaluated. Barbecued chicken was traditionally prepared. 3 microL/g and 10 mg/g of EOs and/or E/S were then added to the barbecued chicken, respectively. The samples were stored at 3°C for 144 h, 8 and 20degreeC for 72 h, accordingly, prior to being subjected to enumeration of aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria at different storage times. No inhibitory effects were detected in the presence of nutmeg EO together with and/or without E/S on the psychrotrophic and aerobic mesophilic counts [AMC] in barbecued chicken. Whereas, AMC and psychrotrophic counts in the samples treated with oregano EO, stored at 8 and 20°C were not dramatically changed. Even though, in the case of treatment with oregano EO and E/S, stored at 3, 8 and 20°C AMC and psychrotrophic counts were significantly affected. Oregano EO was an active antibacterial component, used in combination with commercial E/S, compared to its single use. It can be suggested that using E/S and EO in combination is more likely able to emulsify antimicrobial EO substances and thus increase the efficacy of such substances

Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis from endocervical specimens in Shiraz, Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in Shiraz, Iran. Two hundred twelve cervical swab samples were collected from women attending Shahid Motahari Polyclinic in Shiraz, Iran. The endocervical specimens were screened for C. trachomatis by plasmid PCR. Genotyping was performed in C. trachomatis-positive samples by nested PCR amplification and sequencing of 571 fragment encompassing VD1 and VD2 of omp1 gene. The overall prevalence rate of C. trachomatis in endocervical specimens determined by plasmid nested PCR was 8%. The deduced serovars found, in descending order of prevalence, were F [46.6%], E [33.3%], and D [13.3%], and serovar G was found in a single sample. Sequence mutation analysis by BLAST search against GenBank reference sequences identified 4 genetic variants. This study can be considered a contribution to increasing knowledge on C. trachomatis genotype distribution and sequence variations within each genotype in Shiraz. Further studies are needed to better define molecular epidemiology of C. trachomatis serovars and to investigate its genotype variations in Iran

Antibacterial effects of Iranian native sour and sweet pomegranate [Punica granatum] peel extracts against various pathogenic bacteria

Nowadays, uncontrolled and frequent use of antibiotics may cause emergence of microbial resistance among pathogenic agents. Therefore, the use of new synthetic and natural antimicrobial compounds is inevitable. One source of natural compounds in this respect comes from plants. The purpose of this study was to examine the antibacterial effects of peel extracts from sour and sweet pomegranate. Methanolic extracts of sour and sweet pomegranate peels and aqueous solutions of tetracycline and chloramphenicol were prepared. Antibiogram tests using disk diffusion technique and serial dilution method were performed against ten pathogenic bacteria isolated from animals, and relative minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] values were also determined for the above compounds. The greatest zone of inhibition induced by the action of pomegranate peel extracts was obtained for Staphylococcus aureus [about 25 mm] and the smallest zone of inhibition was obtained for Pasteurella multocida [about 9 mm]. In addition, the lowest MIC and MBC values of pomegranate peel extract were obtained for Staphylococcus aureus [7.8 and 62.5 mg/ml, respectively]. Results of serial dilution tests indicate that bactericidal effect of sour pomegranate peel extract was more than that for sweet pomegranate peel extract; and sweet pomegranate peel extract exerts a bacteriostatic action against bacteria. The antibacterial effect was greater against Gram-positive bacteria compared to that for the Gram-negative bacteria. Effects of these extracts were considerably lower than those for tetracycline and chloramphenicol. In conclusion, methanolic extracts of pomegranate peels exhibit relatively good bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects

[In vitro antibacterial effects of marbofloxacin on microorganisms causing mastitis in cows]

Mastitis, inflammatory disease of mammary glands, can be caused by various microorganisms. Many antimicrobial agents have been evaluated to combat the causative agents. Development of resistance in pathogens against conventional antibiotics may be high; hence at present study in vitro efficacy of a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic [marbofloxacin] against isolated pathogens from clinical mastitis was examined. Milk samples [73] were taken from 28 dairy farms around Shiraz. Staphylococcus aureus [24.1%], Escherichia coli [18.1%], Streptococcus dysgalactiae [9.3%], Corynebacterium bovis [9.3%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [3.7%] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [3.7%] were identified among 54 bacterial isolates. Antibiotic sensitivity test [Kirby-Bauer method] was carried out for marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, penicillin and tetracycline. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of marbofloxacin against sensitive bacteria were also determined. Results showed that we all isolated bacteria were sensitive to marbodloxacin, sensitivities against other antibiotics varied from zero to 94.1%. The values obtained as MIC and MBC of marbofloxacin against three bacterial isolates [Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis] were in the range of 0.2 to 1.56 micro g/ml and 0.8 to 6.25 micro g/ml, respectively. Since the isolated bacteria showed adequate sensitivities to fluroquinolones, it is concluded that marbofloxacin can successfully be used for treatment of affected cows with clinical mastitis

[Identification and antibiotic sensitivity of bacterial isolates in faeces of healthy and diarrhoeic dogs in Shiraz]

In this study 77 and 86 bacterial strains were isolated from faeces of healthy and diarrhoeic dogs respectively. All Salmonella isolates were confirmed by PCR method using specific invA genes. Antibacterial activity of 8 routine antibiotics including tylosin, gentamycin, kanamycin, neomycin, tetracycline, oxy tetracycline, chloramphenicol and sulfadiazine on the isolated bacteria was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Isolated bacteria from faeces of healthy dogs were as follow: Escherichia coli [27.27%], Proteus mirabilis [23.38%], Lactobacilli [19.48%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [11.69%], Staphylococcus aureus [5.19%], Bacillus cereus [4.49%], Corynebacteria [3.90%], and Clostridium perfringens [2.60%]. Isolated bacteria from faeces of diarrheic dogs were as follows: Escherichia coli [25.58%], Proteus mirabilis [22.09%], Lactobacilli [13.95%], Bacillus cereus [11.63%], Staphylococcus aureus [8.14%], Salmonella [8.14%], Corynebacteria [4.65%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [4.65%], and Clostridium perfringens [1.16%]. The results showed that all isolated bacteria from diarrheal faeces were sensitive to sulfadiazine. However this antibiotic had weak antibacterial activity against gastrointestinal normal flora

Antibiotic resistance of salmonella and escherichia coli isolated from chicken in Shiraz area

Antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella and E. coli isolated from chickens against several antibiotics was determined. A total of 150 samples from chickens were isolated and identified using various enrichment and special media. Disc diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test was performed and MIC and MBC of doxycycline were also determined using serial dilution method. Sixty nine bacterial isolates were obtained from which 58 isolates were E. coli and 11 isolates were Salmonella. The oxytetracycline, and chloramphenicol were 100, 79.7, 69.5, 76.8 and 24.6, respectively. MIC values for E. coli and Salmonella were obtained to be 8-64 and 1-64 micro g/ml, respectively. The lowest resistance obtained belongs to chloramphenicol [24.6%]. One should expect a higher degree of resistance against chloramphenicol, as this antibiotic is used in human medicine and cross resistance may also occur between chloramphenicol/tetracyclines and chloramphenicol/erythromycin. Doxcycline is also used in chicken production. Considering the fact that cross resistance may occur among members of tetracyclines, the result obtained in this respect, is not far from expectation

[Creation of a null mutation in the STX[2] gene of Escherichia coli o[157]: H[7]]

To construct a specific mutation in E.coli O157:H7. Allelic exchange approach for producing stx[2]-negative mutant. 1-Obtaining PCR product from stx[2] gene.2-Cloning this product to T-vector.3-Inseting a gentamicin resistance cassette.4-Transfering the stx[2] gene with GMR cassette to suicide vector.5-Mating donor [SM10 [+pRE107 - stx[2]: GM] and recipient [Str[R]EC960904].6-Selection of single-cross-overs.7-Counter-selection of double cross-overs. Selecting Gm[R]/Str[R] and Amps colonies.8-Confirmation of mutant by PCR and cytotoxigenicity assay on vero cells. In this study, after mating between the donor [SM10[+pRE107 -Stx[2]: GM] and the recipient cells [Str R-EC960904 wild type], colonies were resistant to gentamycin and streptomycin but sensitive to ampicillin. The result of PCR showed that the mutant was the stx[2] negative strain. However, the mutant strain was unable to lyse the vero cells compare to wild type strain. Hutant strain was produced by a suitable suicide vector

[In vitro antibacterial activity of eugenol and its sodium salt]

Useful effects of many medicinal plants were reported in the literature, among which antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects are the most important. In the present study, antibacterial effects of eugenol was examined. Experimental study. Serial dilution antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] against different Gram positives bacterial species including: Staphylococcus aureus, Sterptococcus agalactiae, Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, and Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b and Gram negative including: Escherichia coli K12 serotype, Salmonella typhimurium P649 serotype, Pasteurella multocida, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa]. MIC values for different bacterial species varied from 10 microg/ml for Pasteurella multocida to more than 6 mg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MBC values were mostly the same as corresponding MICs. In addition, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus agalactiae showed comparable susceptibilities to eugenol and its sodium salt, but other microorganisms had greater susceptibility to eugenol than its sodium salt. Bacterial species of this experiment had different sensitivities to eugenol and its sodium salt

Effects of acidity, fat and solid non fat content of milk on destruction of Listeria monocytogenes biotype 4b by microwave radiation

The efficacy of microwave radiation in destruction of Listeria monocytogenes Shiraz bio-Iran.type 4b in milk with various concentrations of solid non fat [SNF], fat and acidity were studied. Experimental study. Bacterial suspensions [about 1.5x10[7] CPU ml[+1] in milk containing various concentrations of SNF [7.5 and 8.5percent],fat [2.5,3.0and3.5percent] andacidity [1.6,1.7 and 1.8 g L' lactic acid] were prepared in volumes of 50 ml. Then the samples were exposed to microwave radiation in triplicate for 0,10,20,23,26,29,32,35 and 40 seconds and the viable cell count was performed with standard plate count method. Repeated Measures ANOVA and Duncan's tests were employed to determine the differences in the rates of bacterial destruction in the milk samples after irradiating. Under different durations of radiation, a useful effect of bacterial killing by microwave irradiation was observed. Reduction in viable cell count was significantly faster when the SNF and/or fat concentration of milk increased. The speed of decline in cell populations was significantly slower when the acidity increased. Contrary to the conventional heating process, the present study showed that the destructive effect of microwave heating increased by increasing the SNF and fat concentration of milk. Although, pH of some foods and culture media within the range of 5.5-7.0 had no significant effect on destruction properties of microwave, milk acidity affected it significantly. It seems that increased acidity causes increased ionic content of milk, which in turn results in lower penetration of microwave into milk