Antimicrobial effect of Methanolic and Acetonic of Zataria Multiflora, Capsicum Annum L. and Piper Nigrum L. extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients hospitalized in the burn Ward of Shahid Motahari hospital in Tehran

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa [P. aeruginosa] is one of the main causes of nosocomial infection. Burn patients are at high risk of acquiring this bacterium due to skin damage and their immune deficiency, and mortality rate in these infected patients is high [40-50 percent]. Therefore, due to antibiotic resistance of MBL containing strains in this bacterium, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanol and acetone of Zataria multiflora, Capsicum annum L. and Piper nigrum L. on strains containing MBL in this bacterium

Materials and Methods: This lab study was conducted on samples from burn patients, which were gathered between 2015 and 2016. In this study first, disc diffusion and MIC were done based on the CLSI protocol; and using a combined disk, we detected metallo-beta-lactamase. Next, the bla[IMP] and bla[VIM] genes were identified by the PCR method. In order to investigate the effect of three plants extract on bacteria, the bacteria was affected by triple extracts using MIC and disk diffusion

Results: According to the results, all three plants had an acceptable effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains containing metallo-beta-lactamase, and to be more precise, the acetone type of extract of Capsicum Annum L at a concentration of 1.5 mg / ml had the best effect in treating of these bacteria

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the presence of several mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains collected from burn patients. The emergence of these types of XDRs has led to health problems, especially in burn patients. According to the results, the methanolic and acetonic extract of all three plants have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of MBL-containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of cuminum cyminum essential oil and extract against bacterial strains isolated from patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection

Background: Many efforts have been done to find effective agents against resistant pathogens. Cuminum cyminum L. [Cumin] is an aromatic plant within the Apiaceae family. It has a variety of purposes and demonstrates antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the activity of C. cyminum extract and essential oil against bacterial isolates which cause urinary tract infection, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus agalactiae, group A streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from patients with urinary tract infection

Materials and Methods: Extract was prepared by maceration and essential oil was prepared by hydrodistillation from C. cyminum seeds. The study population was 95 patients with urinary tract infection without malignant diseases, diabetes and immunosupression. After identification of organism, susceptibility testing was carried out by disc diffusion method and MIC values by broth microdilution testing

Results: C. cyminum essential oil can have a better effect on the gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection than gram-positive bacteria. In addition, C. cyminum extract have good activity against both gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria. Our findings also showed that essential oil and extract of C. cyminum has better antibacterial activity on uropathogen isolates than amoxicillin and the difference was significant [P value<0.05] but the activity is not superior to other antibiotics

Conclusion: These results suggest that the essential oil and extract of C. cyminum seeds might be considered as interesting sources of antibacterial components against uropathogenic bacteria

Detection of blaNDM, blaDIM, blaIMP, blaVIM and blaCTX-M-15 beta-lactamase genes among pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from two hospitals of Tehran, Iran

Background: In this study, we evaluated the existence of blaNDM, blaDIM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaCTX-M-15 beta-lactamase genes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from hospitalized patients

Materials and Methods: From June 2013 to May 2014, thirty-four nonduplicate nonconsecutive isolates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were isolated from blood, respiratory tract, wound, sputum and urine samples of patients from hospitalized in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. In this study, the frequency of MBL [metallo-beta-lactamase] producers was evaluated by CDDT [Combined disk diffusion test] and prevalence of bla[NDM], bla[DIM], bla[IMP], bla[VIM] and bla[CTX-M-15] genes were evaluated by PCR and sequencing methods among P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii strains isolated from hospitalized patient of Tehran during 2013 -2014 years

Results: Of thirty-four non-fermenter isolates, 24 [70.58%] P. aeruginosa and 10 [29.41%] as A. baumannii were isolated and identified. High rate of resistance to common antibiotics were detected specially among A. baumannii isolates that showed 100% resistance to 4 of tested antibiotics. The CDDT results reveal that 4 [16.66%] of the P. aeruginosa isolates and 1 [10%] of the A.baumannii were positive for production of MBLs. The prevalence of bla[CTX-M-15] gene among 10 A. baumannii isolates was 4 [40%], and for IMP-1, 2 [20%]. The ??????[OXA-51] has been investigated and was detected in all A. baumannii isolates. Also the prevalence of bla[CTX-M-15] gene among 24 P.aeruginosa isolates was 11 [45.83%], and for IMP-1, 3[12.5%]. Fortunately, ??????[NDM], bla[VIM], bla[DIM] gene was not detected in all isolates

Conclusion: The detection of MBL-producing A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa strains detected in this research is of great concern and highlights the need of infection control measures, including antimicrobial management and prompt detection of beta-lactamase-producing isolates

Evaluation of hepatitis B infection prevalence in institutionalized intellectually disabled children

Background: Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection causes chronic infection in human population, with high mortality. One of the high risk communities is mentally retarded children, who are institutionalized. Special conditions in these centers predispose children for HBV infection and transmission to healthy people. In this study our objective was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among institutionalized mentally retarded children and study its associated risk factors

Materials and Methods: In this study, 250 mentally retarded children [younger than 14 years old] were included. They were living in 5 nursing institutions, located in different parts of Tehran. Hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] was measured in the sera of these patients by ELISA method

Results: Among 250 children, 20 children [8%] were HBsAg positive. HBV infection in girls was more than boys [11% to 5.6%]. Among the types of mental retardation, children with cerebral palsy had the highest positive result for HBsAg. The most HBV infection [28.5%] was seen in children with longest duration of being institutionalized [10 to 11 years]. Vaccinated children were more HBsAg positive [8.7%] than non-vaccinated children [5.3%]. However, no significant relationship was observed between any of these factors and HBsAg positivity

Conclusion: Despite improvement of people's health condition and implementation of HBV vaccination, the prevalence of HBV infection is increased in institutionalized mentally retarded children, which highlights the need for active measures to reduce this infection among this high risk population

antibacterial activity of Iranian plants extracts against metallo beta-lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

Metallo beta-lactamases [MBLs] producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa [P. aeruginosa] isolates are becoming an escalating global threat. Among the antibiotics used to treat infections associated with P. aeruginosa, resistance to carbapenem is a serious therapeutic challenge. The aim of the present study was to detect MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and to evaluate the extracts of Urtica. dioica, Carum. copticum, and Zataria multiflora on these clinical pathogens

The study was performed on hospitalized burn patients during 2014

Antibiotic susceptibility testing was assessed by broth micro dilution and disc diffusion methods. The MBLs were detected using combination disk diffusion test [CDDT] phenotypically. Then, PCR and sequencing methods were carried out to detect the MBL encoding genes. Among 83 imipenem resistant P. aeruginosa strains, 48 [57.9%] isolates were MBL-producing P. aeruginosa. PCR and sequencing methods confirmed that these strains were blaIMP-1 positive genes, whereas none were positive for blaVIM genes. Hospitalized burn patients with MBL-producing P.aeruginosa infection had 4/48 [8.3%] mortality rate. It was demonstrated that C. copticum, U. dioica, and Z. multiflora extracts had significant antibacterial effects on regular and IMP-producing P. aeruginosa strains

The prevalence of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates in burn patients is generally very high. All MBL-producing strains encode the blaIMP-1 gene. Therefore, detection of MBL-producing strains has major importance in identifying drug resistance patterns in P. aeruginosa and in controlling of infections. In the current study, the extracts from C. copticum, U. dioica, and Z. multiflora had high antibacterial effects against beta-lactamase producing P. aeruginosa isolates?

Bacteria Isolated from urinary tract infection among patients and determination of the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the gram negative bacteria in Iran

Background: Escherichia coli [E. coli] is the most frequent infecting organism in acute infection. So, knowledge about the frequency and distribution of urinary tract infection [UTI] is important to improve infection control measures. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of bacteria isolated from urinary tract infection [UTI] in patients and determination of the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the gram negative bacteria

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed in Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz [northwest of Iran] during March 2012 to February 2013. We surveyed 8153 patients, who had clinical manifestations of UTI. 5093 [62.47%] of them were female and 3060 [37.53%] of them male. Urine specimens were cultured for isolation of the microbial agents of UTI. The isolated bacteria were identified using biochemical tests. Disk diffusion susceptibility test was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility

Results: E. coli [55.38%] was the most common isolated pathogen, followed by Enterobacter spp. [29.61%], Pseudomonas spp. [4.9%], S. aureus [3.21%], Enterococcus spp. [2.3%], fungi [1.5%] and Klebsiella [0.48%]. The sensitivity rates of isolated gram negative bacteria were for Amikacin [95.7%], Nitrofurantoin [91.5%], Gentamicin [64.1%], Ceftizoxim [56.8%], Ciprofloxacin [37.6%], Cotrimoxazole [31.4%] and Nalidixic acid [23.5%]

Conclusion: This study showed that the frequency of E. coli and Enterobacter spp. increases the probability of urinary tract infection. Also this survey indicates the emergence of antibiotic resistant infections in the studied hospital. So, there is a need to improve the effectiveness of integrated infection control programs to control and manage nosocomial infections caused by highly resistant organisms

Prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasma genitalium in patients with benign and malignant ovarian cancer by nested PCR method

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis [C. trachomatis] and Mycoplasma genitalium [M. genitalium] are considered factors in cervical and ovarian cancer and are associated with flaky cell carcinoma of the cervix. The role of steady infection, leading to chronic inflammation, in the of ovarian cancer has received very little consideration, although a background of pelvic inflammatory disease [PID] is in a case-control study associate to higher risk for ovarian cancer. C. trachomatis, the most common and important cause of PID in the developed world is the genital and cervical infectious agent. The aim of this study was prevalence of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium in patients with ovarian cancer who referred to Imam Hossein Hospital of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study that was conducted from January 2014 to April 2015, 124 samples were studied which obtained from patients with ovarian cancer who referred to medical centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. After obtaining samples from ovarian cancer tissue by the pathologist, for extraction DNA, samples were transferred to the laboratory of university. To confirm the presence of C. trachomatis in samples of ovarian cancer, specific primers for the Major Outer Membrane Protein [MOMP] genes of C. trachomais, were designed and used Nested PCR method for detection of M. genitalium. Sequencing was performed on the PCR and Nested PCR product to confirm the presence of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium

Results: Out of 124 samples of ovarian cancer, 62 [50%] samples were malignant cancer and 62 [50%] were benign cancer as control group. From 65 malignant samples 14 [22.5%] were Chlamydia trachomatis positive. None of the tissue samples of benign cancer of ovary were positive for C. trachomatis. Notably, none of the 124 ovarian samples were positive in the M. genitalium standard PCR assay

Conclusion: The results suggest that the spread of C. trachomatis in the female with ovarian cancer may be common. This finding reflects a possible role of C. trachomatis in the carcinogenesis of ovarian tumors. C. trachomatis infection may play a relative role in the pathogenesis of ovarian carcinomas or it could facilitate its progression

Effects of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several clinical trials have revealed various advantages for probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to further investigate the effects of probiotic yogurt consumption on gut microbiota in patients with this disease. METHODS: A total of 305 participants were divided into three groups; group A (IBD patients receiving probiotic yogurt; n=105), group B (IBD patients receiving placebo; n=105), and control group (healthy individuals receiving probiotic yogurt; n=95). Stool samples were collected both before and after 8 weeks of intervention; and population of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in the stool specimens was measured by Taqman real-time PCR method. ': By the end of the intervention, no significant variations in the mean weight and body mass index were observed between three groups (p>0.05). However, the mean numbers of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides in group A were significantly increased compared to group B (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively). There were also significant differences in the mean numbers of either of three bacteria between group A and the healthy control group; however, these differences between two groups were observed both at baseline and the end of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of probiotic yogurt by patients with IBD may help to improve intestinal function by increasing the number of probiotic bacteria in the intestine and colon. However, many more studies are required in order to prove the concept.

Phylogenetic groups, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and metallo- beta-lactamase in Escherichia coli isolated from fecal samples of patients with diarrhea in Iran

The aims of this study were to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL] and metallo-beta-lactamases [MBLs] and determine phylogenetic background E. coli isolates from fecal samples of patients with diarrhea in Kerman, southeast of Iran The emergence of ESBLs and MBLs-producing E. coli caused problems in antibiotic treatments. E. coli strains can be assigned to four main phylog-groups, including: A, B1, B2 and D. E. coli isolates [n=216] were obtained from fecal samples of patients with diarrhea between June and December 2013. ESBLs and MBLs were confirmed by disk-diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. Using PCR, the ESBL-positive isolates were screened to determine the phylo-groups and the presence of bla[CTX-M-15], bla[OXA-1], bla[PER-1], bla[VIM]and bla[IMP] genes. ESBL-positive isolates [n= 56] were detected. Among ESBL-positive isolates, 51 isolates were positive for bla[CTX-M15] and one isolate was positive for both bla[CTX-M-15] and bla[OXA-1] genes. None of the isolates were positive for bla[PER-1], bla[VIM]and bla[IMP] genes. PCR assay for phylotyping of isolates indicated that the isolates were belonged to groups A [54.16%], B1 [11.11%], B2 [12.96%] and D [21.75%]. The isolates possessed bla[CTX-M-15] gene were belonged to A [35 isolates], B1 [5], B2 [3] and D [8] phylo-groups. Our results indicate that bla[CTX-M-15] gene is widespread among diarrheagenic E. coli isolates. ESBLproducing E. coli isolates were disseminated among a diversity of phylo-groups. Further studies are necessary to identify the ESBL genes in relation to phylogenetic groups

Distribution of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli among E. coli isolates from diarrheal samples referred to educational hospitals in Tehran-Iran

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli [ETEC] is the most important bacterial cause of watery travelers' diarrhea in developing countries. Watery diarrhea is can cause serious life-threatening dehydration. ETEC was caused diarrhea by the secretion of two heat-labile enterotoxins [LTs] and the heat-stable enterotoxins [STs] which increase intestinal secretion. Routine laboratory methods are not appropriate to detect ETEC and other diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. The molecular techniques such as PCR are rapid and accurate methods that have been developed for detection of ETEC. We were recognized ETEC by PCR on lt and st genes from E. coli isolates from patients with diarrhea collected from selected Tehran educational hospitals. The E. coli isolates were collected from total 140 patients with diarrhea and 110 patients without diarrhea using culture and IMViC test. DNA was extracted by boiling method and the presence of the uidA, lt and st genes was detected by PCR. Among 140 E. coli isolates from diarrheal stools 5 [3.6%] isolates were positive for, just lt gene, 3 [2.1%] co-amplified for both lt/st and 1 [0.7%] was positive for just the st gene which were considered as ETEC. In the E. coli isolates from non-diarrheal control samples just one [0.9%] isolate was positive for both lt and st genes. The results showed that the ETEC as a significant cause of diarrhea, usually ignored by laboratories using traditional methods. Sometimes the ETEC causes severe diarrhea and can threaten for patient's life. Thus a rapid diagnostic test such as PCR can be very helpful in the treatment of patients

Comparison of the effect of recaldent and xylitol on the amounts of salivary Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is associated with oral pathogenes and Streptococcus mutans [S. mutans]is one of the primary cariogenic organisms. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of sugar free chewing gum containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate [CPP-ACP] and Xylitol on salivary Streptococcus mutan. 60 dental students, who volunteered after signing an informed consent, were randomly allocated to receive one of the following interventions: [A] Chewing gum containing CPP-ACP, [B] Chewing gum containing Xylitol. Subjects within the experimental groups chewed gum for 20 minutes, three times a day after meals for 3 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention unstimulated saliva samples were quantified for Streptococcus mutans count. A statistically significant reduction [p<0.05] of salivary S. mutans was displayed in both groups A and B after the intervention. When results compared with baseline, and group A shows more statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans than group B. In conclusion, daily chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and xylitol reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way, but chewing gum containing CPP-ACP can reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way than Xylitol chewing gum

prevalence of ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma genitalium in patients with prostate cancer in shohada hospital in Tehran, Iran

Prostate cancer [PCa] is an important health problem in the aging male population in the world. It is the third most common cancer in the world. Despite of its importance, relatively little is known about its etiology. Sexually transmitted infections [STI] and urogenital pathogens such as Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, have been proposed as a risk factor for prostate cancer development. This study aimed at detecting the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum [U. urealyticum] and Mycoplasma genitalium [M. genitalium] in PCa and the controls group with benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH] in Shohada hospital. A total of 124 paraffin-embedded prostate tissues [62 PCa patients and 62 controls with BPH] were included in this study. The subjects'specimens were investigated by the polymerase chain reaction method for the presence of U. urealyticum and M. genitalium DNA. U. urealyticum was detected by standard PCR in 1.61% of the 62 PCa patients and there was no DNA U. urealyticum in the 62 controls with BPH. No M. genitalium was detected by standard PCR in the prostates of 124 paraffin-embedded prostate tissues. According to our results, there is no association between M. genitalium and U.urealyticum with PCa. We recommend further studies using a large sample to determine role of Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma in PCa because understanding the role of infectious agents on PCa might be useful for developing new therapeutic approaches and prevention of PCa

Determination of antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of coagulase negative Staphylococci from hospitalized patients in selected hospitals of Tehran

To investigate the prevalence of methicillin and aminoglycoside resistance and gene encoding staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec [SCCmec] and aminoglycoside modifying enzymes in clinical isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci[CoNS] from hospitalized patients. One hundred and three isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci[CoNS] were recovered from various clinical samples from August 2013 to November 2014. All the specimens were identified by conventional microbiological methods. These tests were contained colony morphology, gram stain, catalase, slide and tube coagulase. To determine the sensibility of CoNS to antimicrobial components including Cefoxitin[30 micro g], Tobramycin[10 micro g], Kanamycin[30 micro g], Amikacin[30 micro g] and Gentamicin[10 micro g], disk diffusion method was performed by Kirby Bauer antibiotic testing. In order to show the presence of methicillin and aminoglycoside resistant CoNS genes, PCR were demonstrated. In our study the rate of resistance to Cefoxitin, Kanamycin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Amikacin were 74[71.8%], 54[52,4%], 51[49.5%], 45[43.7%] and 16[15.5%], respectively. Some strains of CoNS have been detected with intermediate resistance to Kanamycin 4[3.9%], Tobramycin and Amikacin 2[1.9%]. In our study, the distribution of mecA gene among clinical isolates of CoNS was 89[86.4%]. The prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes like ant[4 ']-Ia, aac[6 ']/aph[2 "] and aph[3 ']-IIIa were 89[86.4%], 87[84.5%] and 68[66%], respectively. The rate of coexistence of aac[6']-Ie-aph[2''] with aph[3']-IIIa and aac[6']-Ie-aph[2''] with ant[4']-Ia was 65[63%] and 77[74%], respectively. Resistance to aminoglycosides, develops quickly in coagulase-negative staphylococci from clinical areas where these antimicrobial agents are widely used. Therefore, higher investments should be directed towards identifying coagulase-negative staphylococcus species in healthcare institutions and in the community. Overall, Knowing the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of CoNS is essential to implement the prevention strategies and reducing antibiotic consumptions

Characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from hospitalized patients in Tehran, Iran

Coagulase-negative staphylococci [CNS] are a main cause of nosocomial infection. The main purpose of this study was to determination of frequency of CNS isolates in in hospitalized patients and their susceptibility pattern to antimicrobial agents. During 11 month study, 65 CNS clinical isolates were recovered from hospitalized patients in different wards of hospital. In vitro susceptibility of isolates to 12 antimicrobial agents Penicillin; Ampicilin; Cephalothin; Cefoxitin; linezolid; Nitofurantoin; Erythromycin; Norfloxacin; Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Chloramphenicol and Oxacillin was performed by Kirby-Bauer's Disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] criteria. Out of 1875 samples of hospitalized patients 65[3.47%] patients were infected with CNS. Twenty one [32.3 %] were isolated from the urine samples, 17[26.1%] from sputum, 15[23.1%] from pus samples, 8[12.3 %] from ear swabs, 3[4.7%] from fluid and 1[1.5%] from blood sample. All of CNS isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin. The rates of resistance to the majority of antibiotics tested varied between 4.5% and 100 %. The rate of resistance to beta lactam antibiotics, Chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin was high [more than 70%]. The most of isolates remained susceptible to linezolid, and nitofurantoin. All of isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. Multi-drug resistant CNS with reduced susceptibility to linezolid and nitrofurantoin are emerging pathogens of clinical concern. Monitoring of antibiotic resistance with attention to multi-resistant profile and aware to practitioners in the field is necessary

Probiotics: an update on mechanisms of action and clinical applications

Probiotics are live microbial feed supplement and can provide health benefit to the host if administered in sufficient amounts. The most predominant species that have been used as probiotic include Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Proper administration of probiotics could be efficient in the treatment of various disorders. However; their mechanism of action is poorly understood. The effects of probiotics may be classified in following modes: reinforcement of the intestinal mucosal barrier against pathogens, competition with pathogens for adherence to the mucosa and epithelium, competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms, production of antimicrobial substances, modulation of the immune system and interference with quorum sensing signaling. Exploration of the clinical features of probiotic strains, their modes of action and investigation based on probiotic therapy may be beneficial in treatment of various diseases

Assessment of antibiotic resistance pattern in Acinetobacter baumannii carrying bla oxA type genes isolated from hospitalized patients

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative coccobacillus and one of the most opportunistic pathogens responsible for serious infections in hospitalized patients. During a 12 months study, 221 clinical isolates and 22 environmental Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected. In vitro susceptibility of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates to 13 antimicrobial agents: amikacin; cefepime; ceftazidime; ciprofloxacin; meropenem; piperacillin/tazobactam; sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim; imipenem; tigecycline; colistin; gentamycin; ceftriaxone; levofloxacin was performed by the disk diffusion method. Also Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MICs] of imipenem; levofloxacin and cefepime was performed by the E-test according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] criteria, blaOXA-23.; blaOXA-24-, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-51genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The result of antimicrobial susceptibility test of clinical isolates by the disk diffusion method revealed that all strains of Acinetobacter baumannii were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam. The rates of resistance to the majority of antibiotics tested varied between 69% and 100%, with the exception of tigecycline and colistin. Of 221 isolates tested 99 [44.8%] were XDR. All strains carried a blaOXA-51, like gene. blaOXA-23 gene was the most prevalent among blaOXA-types. Colistin and tigecycline can be effective drugs for treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections Continuous Surveillance for Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug-resistant strains is necessary to prevent the further spread of resistant isolates

In vitro assessment of Tribulus terrestri aqueous extract and Benzoxacin fraction against Helicobacter pylori isolates from biopsy samples of Iranian patients

Helicobacter pylori [Hp] is related to gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and mucosal carcinoma. Emergence of multidrug resistant Hp strains encouraged researchers to find new effective drugs, especially medicinal herbs and plants which usually show fewer side effects. The aim of this study was an in vitro assessment of anti Hp activity of total extract of Tribulus terrestris [T. terrestris Benzoxacin], a local Iranian medicinal plant and its fraction Benzoxacin. Total aqueous extract of aerial parts of the plant was prepared and liquid extraction with petroleum ether was used to separate its components. LC/MS system proved the existence of Benzoxazine derivative in the water fraction and the third's fraction. Anti [Hp] effects of total extract and its third fraction were examined by cup plate method and using standard MacFarland. 50 biopsy samples of antrum were detected from patients who were endoscopic candidates in Milad and Fayazbakhsh hospitals of Tehran during 2011. All samples were isolated, diagnosed based on standard methods and biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR method for ureC gene, too. Different dilutions [250, 500,750 and 1000 mg/ml] of total extract were prepared. Clarythromycin [Cl[r]] E-test strips and an identified Hp OC1096 was used, simultaneously. Of 50 biopsy samples, 12 Hp strains were isolated. Rapid urease test were positive in all except one biopsy sample. Existence of ureC gene in all isolates was confirmed except for one strain by PCR. By cup plate method, resistance to concentrations of 1000 and 750mg/ml wase detected in 50% of Hp isolates and 66.6% of them were resistant to concentrations 250 and 500 mg/ml. Also, 83.3% of Hp strains were resistant to Benzoxacin fraction. Clarythromycin sensitivity was detected in 83% of Hp isolates, simultaneously. This study was done as a pilot study for in vitro evaluation of antibacterial effect of total extract of T. terrestris by cup plate method. Existence of high resistant rate [>/=50%] to different concentrations T. terrestris aqueous extract renders doing test on more Hp strains in future studies highly recommended. In contrast of the similarity of Benzoxazin structure to Ofloxacin, existence of 83.3% resistance among tested isolates showed no anti Hp effectiveness of this fraction

[Determination of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma polymorphism in patients with helicobacter pylori infection]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPARgamma] is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in various disease processes including inflammation and carcinogenesis .This study aimed to determine polymorphism of PPARgamma gene and its association with Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal diseases in patients. Two hundred patients with helicobacter pylori infection were examined. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histology, rapid urease test [RUT], culture, ELISA and PCR. PPARgamma polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism. In total 200 patients [4 gastric cancer, 141gastritis, 35 peptic ulcer, 18 duodenal ulcer, 2 peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer] with Helicobacter pylori infection were enrolled .The frequency of PPARgamma G [Ala12] allele [5%] showed a significant association with gastric cancer [P=0.004] or gastritis [P=0.007]. PPARgamma GC [Pro12Ala] allele [35%] showed a significant association with duodenal ulcer [P=0.03] or gastritis [P=0.002]. Pro12Ala PPARgamma polymorphism is associated with gastric cancer and gastritis and is a potential marker for genetic susceptibility to these two diseases in the presence of H. pylori infection. Finally, our study suggests the potential association between PPARgamma polymorphism and H. pylori infection in the development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer and gastritis

Determination of the status of Helicobacter pylori saba gene in relation to clinical findings

Many Helicobacter pylori strains express adhesin proteins that bind to specific host-cell macromolecule receptors, like sialic acid binding adhesion [sabA]. SabA-expressing strains have been associated with gastric cancer and negatively associated with duodenal ulcers. The aim of this study was to determine the status of sabA gene of H. pylori and its association with the clinical diseases in Iranian dyspeptic pateints. Eighty six biopsy block samples that were positive for H. pylori according Geimsa staining were included in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded gastric biopsies obtained from dyspeptic patients. The identity of Helicobacter genus was determined through amplification of 16S rRNA which followed by sabA PCR using the gene-specific primers. The prevalence of sabA gene in three clinical groups including gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric atrophy was determined. The association of sabA gene and clinical outcomes was assessed statistically using Chi-square test. A p-value less than <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Total of 86 patients was included in this study. Seventeen cases out of 86 [23.6%] were yielded a positive result for sabA gene. The prevalence of sabA gene was 28.6% in both dyspeptic and Gastric atrophy patients as compared with peptic ulcers [19.2%].For a first time the frequency of sabA gene using PCR methods was reported. The current study demonstrated that the sabA gene status was not associated with clinical diseases. In limited number of studied samples, higher frequency of sabA gene among dyspeptic and atrophic patients was found.

[Detection of Legionella pneumophila by sputum culture, direct immunofluorescence and PCR]

Community acquired pneumonia [CAP] is the main cause of mortality and morbidity world wide. Legionella pneumophila is identified as the fourth agent that causes CAP. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of L. pneumophila among hospitalized children by culture, direct immune-fluorescence, [DFA] and PCR. In this study 210 sputum samples were collected from hospitalized children diagnosed with CAP. Samples were cultured on selective buffered charcoal-yeast extract agar [BCYE]. Existence of L. pneumophila among sputum samples was confirmed by culture, direct immunefluorescence and PCR. Our results for 210 hospitalized children showed that the sputum of 12 children, [5.7%] with acute respiratory infections was positive for L. pneumophila. Of the 12 positive samples 3, [25%] were detected by culture; 5 by DFA, [41.6%]; and 9 by PCR, [75%]. PCR is more sensitive than culture and DFA for detection of Legionella pneumonia in sputum samples