Prevalence of Catheter-associated bacteriuria in patients who received short-term catheterization in the northeast of Iran

Background: Catheter-associated [CA] bacteriuria is a result of the extensive usage of urinary catheterization. Once a catheter is placed, many patients achieve bacteriuria, even with the use of greatest consideration and care of the catheter. In this study, we decided to evaluate the prevalence of Catheter-associated bacteriuria in patients who received short-term catheterization in the northeast of Iran

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study during one year [among 2014-2015] 275 patients who have admitted recently and have no history of catheterization and drug consumption were included. Three samples were taken from patients before, one day after catheterization and after removal of the catheter. The urine samples were analyzed and cultured on the suitable media. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method. Then, data analyzed using SPSS software by Student t-test. In addition, the p values less than 0.05 were considered as significant

Results: In general, the rate of catheter-associated bacteriuria in these hospitals was 68% [187 cases of 275]. The mean age of the participants and patients with bacteriuria were 41+/-1.2 and 24.8+/-6.2 years old, respectively. The most common isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli [50.6%] followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia [21.6%]. The highest sensitivity was reported against kanamycin [68.9%] and highest resistance was observed against ampicillin with a rate of 96.3%

Conclusion: For prevention of healthcare-associated UTI, correct catheterization and use of the closed catheter system is recommended. In addition, before prescribing any antibiotics it should be paying attention to the antibiotics susceptibility testing results

Cervical bacterial colonization in women with preterm premature rupture of membrane and pregnancy outcomes

Background: One of the most important etiologies in pretermpremature rupture of membranes [PPROM] is cervical bacterial colonization

Objective: This study evaluated cervical bacterial colonization in women with PPROM and the pregnancy outcomes

Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, 200 pregnant women with PPROM at 27-37 wk of gestation who were admitted in an academic hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from March 2015 to July 2016 were studied. samples were obtained from endocervical canal for detection of routine bacteria and Gram staining. Also, we obtained one blood culture from neonates. Maternal endocervical culture, chorioamnionitis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal positive blood culture, neonatal sepsis, and mortality were documented

Results: Most common isolated microorganism of endocervical culture were Escherichia coli [24.2%], Coagulase negative Staphylococci [27.2%], Enterococcus and candida each one [11.7%]. The prevalence of GBS was only 2.2%. Simultaneous positive blood cultures were seen in 3% of neonates. Among them, Gram-negative bacilli accounted for [66.6%], while Gram-positive cocci and candida made up only [16.7%]. Endocervical colonization was associated with a higher admission rate [p=0.004], but there was no significant correlation between endocervical colonization and chorioamnionitis, positive blood culture and neonatal mortality rate

Conclusion: With regard to low GBS colonization rate, appropriate antibiotic regimens should be considered in PPROM cases according to the most prevalent micro organisms of endocervical bacterial colonization. Maybe cervical bacterial colonization had some effects on neonatal outcomes. There was no significant association between endocervical bacterial colonization and chorioamnionitis, positive neonatal blood culture and neonatal mortality

Evaluation and comparison of body mass index and albumin level in patients with active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection

Introduction: Limited data are available on the relationship between nutritional status and tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the body mass index [BMI] and serum albumin level in patients with active tuberculosis [ATB] and latent tuberculosis [LTB]

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 17 patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB who were referred in Iran, during September 2011 to March 2012 and 17 latent tuberculosis infection individuals. Standard method was performed to collect an early morning fasting blood sample for albumin [by the bromocresolgreen method]. Also [BMI] was calculated as body weight divided by height squared [kg/m2]

Results: One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normal distribution data The mean +/- Standard deviation[SD] for albumin in the patients and controls were 3.62 +/- 0/56 and 4.68 +/- 0.25, respectively. BMI in the patients and controls were 19.46 +/- 2.79 and 25.4 +/- 3.46, respectively. The serum albumin level was significantly lower in the patient group, compared to the control group [P<0.001].BMI was significantly lower in the patient group, compared to the control group [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that BMI and serum Albumin were significantly lower in the active tuberculosis patients than latent tuberculosis groups

Comparison of antibacterial effects of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles coated brackets against streptococcus mutans

Statement of the Problem: During the orthodontic treatment, microbial plaques may accumulate around the brackets and cause caries, especially in high-risk patients. Finding ways to eliminate this microbial plaque seems to be essential

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effects of nano copper oxide [CuO] and nano zinc oxide [ZnO] coated brackets against Streptococcus mutans [S.mutans] in order to decrease the risk of caries around the orthodontic brackets during the treatment

Materials and Method: Sixty brackets were coated with nanoparticles of ZnO [n=20], CuO [n=20] and CuO-ZnO [n=20]. Twelve uncoated brackets constituted the control group. The brackets were bonded to the crowns of extracted premolars, sterilized and prepared for antimicrobial tests [S.mutans ATCC35668]. The samples taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours were cultured on agar plates. Colonies were counted 24 hours after incubation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical Analysis

Results: In CuO and CuO-ZnO coated brackets, no colony growth was seen after two hours. Between 0-6 hours, the mean colony counts were not significantly different between the ZnO and the control group [p>0.05]. During 6-24 hours, the growth of S.mutans was significantly reduced by ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with the control group [p< 0.001]. However, these bacteria were not totally eliminated

Conclusion: CuO and ZnO-CuO nanoparticles coated brackets have better antimicrobial effect on S.mutans than ZnO coated brackets

Impact of short-term, repeated water fasting on the weight of mice

Caloric restriction is a strategy applied for weight loss. Water fasting is a popular way for obesity treatment. However, little is known about the impact of water fasting on weight. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of shortterm, repeated water fasting on the weight of mice. In this study, the physiological effect of short-term, repeated water fasting on the weight of female mice was evaluated. At 6 weeks of age, mice were randomly assigned to either repeated-fasting or control group [fed ad libitum]. Each group consisted of twenty mice. As the fasting period started, the repeated-fasting group had access to only water; animals had free access to food and water on non-fasting days. Body weight of each group before, during, and after the fasting period was recorded. Body weight of the fasting group significantly decreased, unlike the control group. However, the fasting group gained weight rapidly after being re-fed and became significantly heavier than mice in the control group [P<0.01]. Interestingly, the average body weight of the fasting group increased, compared to that of the control group; in fact, the fasting mice weighed approximately 10% heavier than the control ones. Repeated water fasting was not only ineffective for weight loss but also increased the body weight of fasting mice

Frequency of IMP-1 and VIM genes among metallo-beta-lactamase producing acinetobacter spp. isolated from health care associated infections in northeast of Iran

The emergence and rapid spread of metallo-beta-lactamase [MBL] producing Acinetobacter spp. are of great concern worldwide due to limited treatment options. Epidemiologic studies of the causing genes are important for prevention. In this study, 70 imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter strains were isolated from health care associated infections. These isolates were screened for detection of metallo-beta-lactamase [MBL] using inhibitor potentiated disk diffusion tests with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] PCR was designed for detection of bla[vim] and bla[ipm-1] using specific primers. Among these 70 strains, 50 strains appeared to produce metallo-beta-lactamase. Three isolates were detected by PCR to carry metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla[vim], but bla[ipm-1] gene was not detected. These findings suggest that in our area other genetic elements are responsible for resistance against metallo-beta-lactams

Emerging trend of acinetobacter nosocomial infection in northeast of Iran

Acinetobacter spp. emerged as an opportunistic pathogen for hospital-acquired infections. Recently, increasing antibiotic resistance among Acinetobacter spp. has worsened the problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging trend of infection due to Acinetobacter in Ghaem University Hospital, Mashhad during 2006-2012. The demographic data and information about redisposing factors was collected. Appropriate bacteriological samples were collected and Acinetobacter spp. was isolated. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of these isolates against different antimicrobials agents was determined. Results confirmed that Acinetobacter spp. cause 20.9% of nosocomial infection during this period. The trend of Acinetobacter nosocomial infection was increasing and patients with risk factors such as COPD, bronchectasia, diabetes mellitus were more prone to infection. There was significant association between these infections and invasive procedures such as catheterization, mechanical ventilation and broad-spectrum antibiotics usage. Conclusion: Understanding trends in causative organisms of nosocomial infection can help us to better define our infection control policy

Investigating the rate of group Bstreptococcus in below 3 months year old infants with sepsis clinical symptoms hospitalized in Ghaem hospital of Mashahd

Group B streptococcus is the main reason of neonatal infection in developed countries and causes a widespread clinical indications. In developing countries such as Iran, its rate of appearance is not determined. With regard to colonization and the relative high epithelia of group B streptococcus, it is likely that the incidence of group B streptococcus in neonatal sepsis is so high. In the present study, we attempted to use the molecular methods to identify this bacterium and develop the culture environments as well. In the present study, a hundred below three months year old infants with sepsis hospitalized in ICU sector of Ghaem hospital for one year were studied since Khordad 1388 [June 2010]. After getting consent from the infants' parents, three blood samples of these patients in the sterile container with lid were transferred to the laboratory [two samples for culturing in normal environment and the other for PRC]. All of the information was filled out by doctors in the incidence. SPSS 11.5 and descriptive-analytic tests were used for data analysis. 100 infants less than three month, with clinical signs of sepsis were enrolled. Group B Streptococcus and did not grow in none of the culture three infants had positive PCR for Group B Streptococcus, 5 cases had positive normal and developed culture and 6 cases had negative normal and developed culture. 64 percent of pregnant women have taken antibodies before delivery. With regard to the high rate of anti-biotic consumption by mothers before delivery, it is necessary to use more sensitive methods like PCR to identify the Group B Streptococcus

Antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra against oral pathogens: an in vitro study

Oral infections and dental caries are still considered as serious public health problems and inflict a costly burden to health care services around the world and especially in developing countries. In the present study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra [G. glabra] against oral pathogens by diffusion methods and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] by both broth and Agar dilution methods and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] by broth dilution methods. In this study, G. glabra extract showed good antibacterial activity against six bacteria. No strain in this study showed resistance against this extract. G. glabrais suggested as an appropriate candidate to help us in order to control dental caries and endodontic infections

Congenital tuberculosis presenting as ascites

Congenital tuberculosis is a rare disease of which the most common presentations include respiratory distress, fever, and organomegaly. We report a case of congenital tuberculosis presenting with ascites

Tissue PCR diagnosis of patients suspicious for tuberculous pleurisy

This study planned to assess the value of PCR IS6110 assay in tissue specimens of needle pleural biopsy in patients suspicious to pleural tuberculosis. Sixty eight patients with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion underwent pleural biopsy. Tissue samples were sent for pathologic examination and PCR IS6110 assay. The results of PCR reported as positive/ negative and assessed according to the current gold standard pathologic diagnosis. Twenty nine patients had tuberculous and 12 had malignant pleural involvement, respectively. The remaining 27 samples were reported as non-specific pleurisy. Results of PCR were positive in 35 out of 68 total subjects and in 19 out of 29 TB patients. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR were calculated as 67.9% and 62.5%, respectively. An acceptable sensitivity and specificity for PCR examination of pleural tissue can serves it as a useful adjunct in undergoing needle pleural biopsy for possibility of tuberculosis

Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in asthma in northeast on of Iran

The role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in asthma has drawn much attention in recent years. In this study we assessed the prevalence of C. pneumoniae infections in patients with chronic stable and acute exacerbation of asthma and compared it with normal population. Twenty adult patients with chronic stable asthma and 21 patients with acute exacerbations of asthma and 41 matched control subjects were studied for presence of C. pneumoniae using cell culture. This study suggests that positive results of C. pneumoniae culture are associated with both chronic stable and acute exacerbation of asthma. It could be concluded that C. pneumoniae is a risk factor for either development or exacerbation of asthma

Comparison of multiplex PCR and acid fast and auramine -rhodamine staining for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non tuberculosis mycobacteria in paraffin- embedded pleural and bronchial tissues with granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis

The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of Acid fast and Auramine-Rhodamine staining and Multiplex PCR for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and non tuberculosis Mycobacteria on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues [FFPE]. Forty cases of FFPE pleural and bronchial tissue with chronic granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis and 10 cases with bronchogenic carcinoma as controls were investigated. We designed a Multiplex PCR DNA amplification method with two targets: 123bp DNA fragment from IS6110, which is present only in mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 162bp DNA encoding Ag 85complex which is present in all of mycobacteria. The FFPE also stained by Acid fast and Rhodamine-Auramine staining method. In 26 samples [65%] 123 bp and 162 bp DNA fragments were detected together [12 in bronchial samples and 14 in pleural samples].The 162 bp fragment wasn't detected alone. The sensitivity of PCR was 65% and the specificity was 100%. Eleven cases were positive for Acid fast staining. There was 27.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Thirteen cases were positive for Auramine-Rhodamine staining [A-R-S]; there was 32.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. All of the 10 controls were negative for 123 bp, 162 bp DNA fragments, for Acid fast and Auramine-Rhodamine staining. Multiplex PCR is a sensitive, specific and rapid method for detection of M tuberculosis in FFPE tissues

Detection of rifampin resistant tuberculosis meningitis by polmerase chain reaction linked single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of cerebrospinal fluid

To rapidly detect rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates causing meningitis in northeast Iran. This study presents the results of a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism [PCR-SSCP] analysis for the evaluation of rifampin resistance directly from the CSF of 47 patients strongly suspicious to have tuberculosis meningitis in Emam Reza University Hospital, Mashhad, Iran over 3 years [2002 to 2005]. Each CSF sample underwent microscopic examination, culture and DNA amplification by 2 PCR protocols and subsequent detection of mutations by SSCP analysis. Among these patients, no mutations were revealed in the rpoB segment by SSCP. The SSCP analyses of these samples shows complete susceptibility to rifampin. The use of this method can radically reduce the time needed to provide clinicians with data useful in aiding the selection of appropriate drugs

Bacterial pattern of chronic rhinosinusitis fess candidates and their antibiotic susceptibility in Norhteast of Iran

Sinusitis is a major cause of illness in the world, and represents a substantial economic burden. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics will optimize the! Chances of achieving and early cure. The main factors in choosing antibiotic therapy are Likely Infecting pathogens, and the pattern of bacterial antibiotic resistance, endoscopically directed middle meatal aspiration culture is increasingly used in this setting; but studies have not convincingly demonstrated the validity of this technique, So this study was undertaken over a 12-month period to identify causing pathogens of chronic sinusitis and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Northeast of Iran. Over a 12-month period, a total of 32 samples were taken from 16 patients diagnosed as having chronic bacterial rhinsinusitis. The samples were sent to the laboratory where a pathogen was identified and antibiotic susceptibilities were determined. Most bacteria isolated were aerobic or Facultative bacteria, gram negative rods as Entrobacter spp [18.5%], Klebsiella pneumonia [15.4%], E.Coli [9.23%] and Staphylococcus aureaus [15.4%] although appropriate for anaerobes cultivation were employed, anaerobes were identified in just 3 specimens the predorninant anaerobes isolate was Fusobacterium.. The results of this study cam give practicing physician's vital information about pathogen profiles and susceptilities within our communities and help them in making appropriate treatment choices for their patients with chronic rihinosinusitis