Experimental evaluation of the effect of zinc salt on inhibition of streptococcus mutans

Statement of the Problem: The rate of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and side effects of antibiotics and oral and teeth health care products are increasing. Therefore, researchers aim at finding new alternatives to control bacteria of den-tal caries

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory and bacte-ricidal effects of different concentrations of zinc sulfate and zinc acetate solu-tions on the main recognized agent of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans

Materials and Method: In this experimental study, different concentrations of aqueous zinc sulfate and zinc acetate solutions were prepared and the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of these salts for Streptococcus mutans were determined in compare with penicil-lin, chlorhexidine by micro-serial dilution method. In addition, the diameters of zone of inhibition for these salt solutions in four concentrations along with chlor-hexidine, as the control, were detected by the disc diffusion method

Results: MIC and MBC of zinc sulfate solution were higher than penicillin and chlorhexidine. There were not statistically significant differences between the MIC and MBC of zinc acetate solution, penicillin, and chlorhexidine. In 25 and 50 Mug/mL concentrations, the diameters of inhibition zone for zinc sulfate were more than zinc ac

Conclusion: Zinc sulfate and zinc acetate salts with 37.19 and 31.25 Mugr/mL concentration had inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans growth respectively, although, no priority in antibacterial activity of the studied zinc salts was deter-mined in comparison with penicillin and chlorhexidine

Detection of antimicrobial susceptibility and integrons among extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing uropathogenic escherichia coli isolates in southwestern Iran

Objectives: Urinary tract infections [UTIs] are one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and can lead to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The emergence of multiple-drug resistant strains, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamases [ESBLs] producing strains, has become a global healthcare concern. Our study sought to investigate the antimicrobial resistance pattern and presence of integrons and fimH determinants among uropathogenic Escherichia coli [UPEC] isolates obtained from hospitalized Iranian patients

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 121 E. coli isolates recovered from patients with clinical symptoms of UTIs, referred to Shiraz Nemazee Hospital, in 2016-17. The isolates were identified by standard microbiologic tests and confirmed by API 20E strip. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using the disk diffusion method. The presence of fimH and classes 1-3 integron encoding genes was determined using the polymerase chain reaction

Results: Ampicillin [9.1%] and nalidixic acid [19.0%] showed the lowest level of antibiotic susceptibility. The highest level of susceptibility was toward imipenem [77.7%]. The rate of ESBL-producing isolates was 42.1%. There was a significant association between production of ESBLs and higher antibiotic resistance in the tested isolates. Of the investigated virulence and resistance genes, fimH, intI1, and intI2 were positive in 98.3%, 59.5%, and 7.4% of isolates, respectively

Conclusions: The remarkable rate of ESBL-producing UPEC isolates accompanied with the presence of integrons suggest the necessity of restricted infection control policies to prevent further dissemination of resistant strains

High Incidence of Virulence Factors Among Clinical Enterococcus faecalis Isolates in Southwestern Iran

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, enterococci have emerged as an important agent responsible for hospital acquired infection. Several virulence factors contribute to the adherence, colonization, evasion of the host immune response, and pathogenicity and severity of the infection. Enterococcus faecalis is the most common and virulent species causing infections in hospitalized patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of genes encoding virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. faecalis strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Shiraz, south west of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 E. faecalis isolates from the urine, blood, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, eye discharge, endotracheal tube (ETT) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) specimens of patients were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests and detection of virulence factors were performed using standard methods. RESULTS: The efa and asa1 were the most frequently detected gene (100%) among the isolates, followed by esp (94.1%), ace (90.2%), gelE (80.4%), cylA (64.7%), and hyl (51%). More than half of the isolates (52.9%) were high level gentamicin resistant (HLGR). Vancomycin resistance was observed among 23 (45.1%) isolates. The lowest antimicrobial activity was related to erythromycin (3.9%), tetracycline (5.9%) and ciprofloxacin (9.8%). No isolate was found resistant to fosfomycin and linezolid. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated a high incidence of virulence factors among E. faecalis strains isolated from clinical samples. Colonization of drug resistant virulent isolates in hospital environment may lead to life threatening infection in hospitalized patients. Therefore, infection control procedures should be performed.

Antimicrobial activity of Peganum Harmala L. on streptococcus mutans compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine

Statement of the Problem: Dental caries is one the most prevalent diseases that affects humans throughout their lives. Streptococcus mutans [S. mutans] is recognized as the most important microorganism during tooth cariogenicity. Reducing this germ in oral cavity can reduce the rate of tooth decays in humans

Purpose: The present study compared the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Peganum harmala L. seeds and 0.2% chlorhexidine on S. mutans

Materials and Method: Agar diffusion technique and micro broth dilution method were employed to test the antimicrobial effects of these two agents on S. mutans. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of P. harmala was studied on Vero cells by MTT [thiazolyl blue tetrazolium dye] colorimetric method. The data were analyzed with descriptive methods

Results: Concentrations of 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL of the extract made inhibition zones of bacterial growth around the wells; but, lower concentrations could not inhibit the growth of S. mutans. Besides, the antimicrobial effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine was more than 50 mg/mL of the extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of the extract on S. mutans was 1.83 +/- 0.6 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] was 4.3 +/- 1 mg/mL. The MIC and MBC for 0.2% chlorhexidine were reported to be 0.19 mg/mL, and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively. The extract concentrations more than 0.5 mg/mL were toxic and caused more than 50% Vero cell death

Conclusion: Despite the remarkable antimicrobial effects of high concentrations of P. harmala on S. mutans, high cell toxicity of this plant would restrict its in vivo therapeutic use

Estimation of the cultured cells' volume and surface area: application of stereological methods on vero cells infected by Rubella virus

Background: Morphological changes of the cells infected with rubella virus cannot be observed easily. Estimation of the size of the cultured cells can be a valuable parameter in this condition. This study was conducted to find answers to the following questions: - How much time after infection with rubella virus, the volume and surface area of the Vero cells and their nuclei get started to change? - How is it possible to apply stereological methods to estimate the volume and surface area of the cultured cells using the invariator, nucleator, and surfactor techniques?

Methods: The cultured Vero cells were infected with rubella virus. The cells of the control and experimental groups were harvested at 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours following the incubation period. The cells were processed and embedded in paraffin. Invariator, nucleator, and surfactor were applied to estimate the size of the Vero cells and their nuclei

Results: The cell volume was decreased by 15-24%, 48 hours after the infection in comparison to the non-infected cells. Besides, the cell surface area was decreased by 13%, 48 hours after the infection. However, no changes were detected in the nuclei. The values of the standard deviation and coefficient of variation of the cells, estimated by invariator, were lower compared to those measured by the nucleator or surfactor

Conclusion: In this study, the volume and surface area of the Vero cells were reduced by rubella virus 48 hours after infection. Invariator is a more precise method compared to nucleator or surfactor

Antimicrobial resistance pattern in Escherichia coli isolates obtained from a specialized women and children hospital in Shiraz, Iran: a prevalence study

Background: Escherichia coli, known as a clinically significant bacteria, can cause a wide range of infections, including urinary tract infections [UTIs], blood stream infections [BSIs], and can frequently be isolated from various clinical specimens. Evaluation of antimicrobial resistant pattern is a necessary action, especially about such bacteria which are frequent and life threatening. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and antimicrobial resistance pattern of E. coli isolates obtained from various clinical specimens

Methods: This retrospective study was performed within a seven month period from January 2015 to August 2015 at a specialized women and children hospital in Shiraz, Iran. E. coli isolates were obtained from various clinical specimens and identified using standard microbiological procedure. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI recommendation

Results: Of the total 130 positive cultures, the majority of E. coli isolates were obtained from urine [96=73.8%] and blood [11=8.5%] specimens. Overall, gentamicin [70.8%] was the effective antibiotic for the tested E. coli isolates. E. coli isolates obtained from urine specimens showed the highest resistance rates against ampicillin [84.4%] and nalidixic acid [61.5%]; while they showed the most sensitivity to gentamicin [79.2%], nitrofurantoin [70.8%] and ciprofloxacin [66.7%]. Moreover, the highest antibiotic resistance rates belonged to the isolates recovered from endotracheal tube [ETT]

Conclusion: The results showed that gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic against E. coli infections. However, in addition to the gentamicin, we can recommend nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin as the other effective agents for UTIs

Isolation of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] from HIV patients referring to HIV referral center, Shiraz, Iran, 2011-2012

Extension of drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains is one of the problems of modern society. Presence of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in HIV-infected individuals is an important cause of severe infections. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of MRSA carriage rate among HIV patients referring to the Shiraz HIV referral center [Shiraz, Iran] during 2011-2012. Nasal swabs were obtained from HIV positive patients and were cultured on differential and selective media to isolate Staphylococcus aureus, which was confirmed by standard biochemical tests. For isolation of MRSA isolates, bacterial suspensions were cultured on Muller-Hinton Agar containing NaCl and Oxacillin. Finally, data were analyzed by the SPSS software. Of 180 HIV patients, MRSA was isolated from nasal cavity of 23 [12.8%] patients. Most of the isolates were recovered from male subjects who were under 40 years old. No variables such as skin disease, history of hospitalization or infectious disease had significant association with the MRSA colonization rate. The presence of MRSA isolates in the nasal cavity of HIV patients in such a rate warns us about the potential spreading of MRSA among HIV patients in our society and emphasizes on establishing better prevention strategies

prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis delta virus in hiv/hbv co-infected patients in Shiraz, Iran, 2012

Evidence has shown that liver disease caused by hepatitis viruses can be more aggressive and severe in HIV infected subjects. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluatejhe seroprevalence of HDV infection among HIV/HBV co-infected clients in Shiraz, southwest Iran. In this study, 178 patients co-infected with HBV and HIV individuals were enrolled. The diagnosis of HIV infection was documented based on serological assays. The demographic and complementary data were collected by a questionnaire. HBsAg and HDV Ab were detected by commercial quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] were also measured. The mean age of the participants was 37.4+/-7.4 years [range 22-63]. 175 [98.4%] patients were male and 3 [1.6%] were female. Among 178 patients co-infected with HIV/HBV, 35 cases [19.7%, 95% CI: 14%-25%] were anti-HDV positive and 143 [80.3%] were negative for anti-HDV. HDV exposure in HIV/HBV co-infected patients was associated with blood transfusion [P-0.002, OR: 14.3] and prison history [P=0.01, OR: 2.31] but not with age, marital status, unsafe sex contact, and injection drug abuse. Our data showed a relatively high prevalence of HDV infection in HIV infected population in Shiraz, Iran. The high frequency of HDV Ab in patients with blood transfusion and prison history reveals that HDV transmission occurs more frequently in the parental route than sexual contacts; therefore, blood screening for HDV diagnosis in the high-risk group is recommended

effect of Iranian customary used probiotic yogurt on the children's salivary cariogenic microflora

Statement of the Problem: Dental caries is the most common disease of childhood. Using probiotics has recently been introduced to reduce the incidence of dental caries. It consists of live microbial food supplements that beneficially affect the host, and hence are considered an alternative way to eradicate the infections.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of consumption of probiotic yogurt on the children's salivary cariogenic microflora.

Materials and Method: A double-blind randomized study was performed recruiting 2 parallel groups; 24 healthy children in the case and 25 children in the control group. All healthy children were followed- up over 4 periods. Periods 1 and 3 were wash-out periods with duration of 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. During periods 2 and 4 [2weeks duration each], the case group consumed 200g yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis [1×10[6] per gram] once daily and the control group consumed normal yogurt. Salivary Streptococci mutans and Lactobacilli were enumerated before and after the yogurt consumption periods. Pre- and post-treatment values within and between regimens were compared using the t-test and paired samples

Results: There was a reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in the control group, but for Streptococcus mutans, the count reduction between phases 1 and 4 was statistically significant [p= 0.009]. In the case group, neither the Streptococcus mutans count nor the Lactobacilli count was significantly reduced

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, short-term daily consumption of probiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis could not reduce the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in 6 to 12 year-old children, while normal yogurt could reduce the Streptococcus mutans counts significantly

First Outcome of MDR-TB among Co-Infected HIV/TB Patients from South-West Iran / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and the majority of them occur in developing countries. The aims of the present study were to determine the frequency of HIV/TB co-infection and other probable associated factors. METHODS: This 10 year retrospective study was conducted on 824 HIV patients in the south-west of Iran. HIV infection was diagnosed by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. TB diagnosis was based on consistency of the clinical manifestations, chest X-ray, and microscopic examination. Drug susceptibility testing was done by the proportional method on Lowenstein-Jensen media. RESULTS: Of 824 HIV patients, 59 (7.2%) were identified as TB co-infected and the majority (86.4%) of them were male. Of the overall TB infected patients, 6 cases (10.2%) showed multidrug-resistant with the mean CD4+ lymphocyte count of 163+/-166 cells/mm3. The main clinical forms of TB were pulmonary (73%). There was a significant (p<0.05) correlation between TB infection and CD4+ lymphocyte counts < or =200 cells/mm3, gender, prison history, addiction history, and highly active anti-retroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: We reported novel information on frequency of HIV/TB co-infection and multidrug resistant-TB outcome among co-infected patients that could facilitate better management of such infections on a global scale.

[A] comparative in vitro study of the effects of irsha and chlorhexidine mouthwashes and acyclovir on HSV-1

Objective: Being able to cause disease in human, herpes simplex viruses [HSVs] clinically demonstrate themselves as intra-oral, extra-oral or recurrent lesions. The existing acyclovir has the selective anti-herpetic drug to control HSV infections. Due to emerged resistance to this drug and limitations of using it in especial situations, there is a need for alternative treatments such as available mouthwashes. This study aimed to compare two mouthwashes [Irsha and Chlorhexidine] with Acyclovir on HSV-1 in vitro

Methods: In this experimental research, we used MTT [Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide] colorimetric test to determine the cytotoxicity level of three solutions consecutively, antiseptic and nonalcoholic Irsha mouth wash [blue-colored], chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash, and acyclovir and absorbed wavelengths were recorded by Eliza Reader. After infecting the cells with different dilutions of HSV-1 in different concentrations of Irsha and chlorhexidine mouthwashes, we analyzed their antiherpetic effects on Vero cells. By using suitable statistical tests in version 15 of SPSS the results were then analyzed

Results: The results showed that in the concentrations of 0.38% for Irsha and 0.003% for chlorhexidine these mouthwashes kill 50% of Vero cells [CC[50]]. After determining CC[50], we detected the antiviral effects of Irsha and chlorhexidine mouthwashes and acyclovir solutions. We observed a significant difference between 0.5% concentration of Irsha mouthwash and other concentrations of it. The least logarithm of virus titration was observed in 0.002% concentration of chlorhexidine mouthwash. Both tested acyclovir concentrations [1250 [micro/ Mililiter and 2500 micro g/mL[micro/ Mililiter] had a similar effect on decreasing virus titre

Conclusion: According to our results, anti-herpetic effect of Irsha is less than chlorhexidine and anti-herpetic effect of Acyclovir and Chlorhexidine is stronger than Irsha

Carriage rate of group B streptococci in pregnant women in three teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran

The main goal of this study was to assess differences in the vaginal flora of pregnant women and provide a detailed evaluation of vaginal swabs for the presence of group B streptococcus [GBS] and other organisms in three teaching hospitals in Shiraz, southwest of Iran. In a cross-sectional study from April 2006 to March 2007, 310 women with vaginal delivery at three obstetric wards of teaching hospitals in Shiraz were studied. Swab specimens from the vagina and rectum were collected and were examined bacteriologically. All of the newborns were followed up for 3 months. Of 310 pregnant women, 43 [13.8%] were colonized with GBS. There were no differences between GBS carriers and GBS-negative women in risk factors like preterm rupture of membranes [p = 0.77] and preterm labor [p = 0.53]. One neonate was hospitalized due to meningitis and GBS was detected in CSF culture and Gram staining. Our data showed that the prevalence of GBS carriage rate in pregnant women in Shiraz, Iran was high. The poor correlation between risk factors and GBS carriage requires further investigation in larger groups

In vitro inhibitory effects of chlorhexidine and Persica mouthwashes on HSV-1 compared with acyclovir

Recurrent intraoral herpes is a common oral disease that causes painful ulcers and viral shedding, resulting in various complications for patients. The antiviral efficacy of oral mouthwashes has not been adequately studied, although they are a readily available and rapid treatment modality for oral ulcers. In this experimental study, viricidal effects of chlorhexidine and Persica mouthwashes on Vero cell lines were examined, before and after HSV-1 infection of the cells, in the presence of various concentrations of mouthwashes at different time intervals by using quantal assays. Then the results were compared with those of acyclovir. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations [CC[50] of the two mouthwashes were determined. Data was analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA [alpha = 0.05]. CC[50] of Persica at 5- and 30-minute intervals were 0.2% and 0.14%, respectively. Chlorhexidine was toxic at durations more that 5 minutes. Before inoculation, both mouthwashes showed viricidal effects and Persica showed more viricidal effect than chlorhexidine and acyclovir [p values of 0.0001 and 0.04, respectively]. After virus inoculation antiviral effects of these mouthwashes were only limited to concentrations above 1/4. Acyclovir demonstrated the highest antiviral effect [p value = 0.0001]. Considering the better direct anti-HSV effect of the herbal mouthwash, Persica, and its less side effects compared to chlorhexidine, it can be used to reduce oral fluid contamination caused by viral shedding and reduce infectivity ofintra-oral ulcers

Comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of IKI and NaOCI irrigants in infected root canals: An in vivo study

Effective debridement of the root canal system with chemical irrigants prior to obturation is the key to long-term success of endodontic therapy. The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCI] and 2% iodine potassium iodide [IKI] solutions as intracanal disinfectant in infected root canals during one-visit endodontic treatment procedure. Thirty single-rooted teeth with necrotic pulps in 27 patients were selected according to specific inclusion/exclusion criteria and divided into two random groups. In group I, canals were irrigated with 2.5% NaOCI during instrumentation and in group II canals were initially irrigated with sterile saline during biomechanical preparation and then exposed to a 5-minute final irrigation with 2% IKI. Bacterial samples were taken before treatment [Si], and at the end of treatment [S[2]]. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. Bacteria were present in all initial samples. NaOCI was able to significantly reduce the number of colony forming units [CPU] from Si to S[2] in approximately 90% of canals. Only 15% reductions in CPUs occurred after irrigation/instrumentation in group II; this degree of disinfection was not statistically significant. According to this study, although root canal irrigation with 2.5% NaOCI could not eradicate all bacteria within the canals; it was significantly superior in comparison with 2% IKI use

Relative frequency of staphylococcal carriage and antibiotic sensitivity of isolated staphylococci in hemodialysis patients in Shiraz, Iran

The purpose of this study was to determine the nasal carriage rate of Staphylococcus aureus in hemodialysis patients and the antibiogram of all isolated S. aureus from carriers. A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to September 2007. 130 patients [49 females, 81 males; mean age 55.6 +/- 15.2 years] with chronic renal failure were included in the study. The patients had undergone hemodialysis for at least 12 months in the dialysis ward of Faghihi Hospital, a referral center in Shiraz, Iran. Swab specimens were taken from the anterior nares and skin of the patients and cultured microbiologically. Next, antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed for all of the isolated S. aureus. 32 [24.6%] patients [95% CI 17.5-32.9%] were nasal carriers of S. aureus versus 98 [75.4%] non-carriers. S. aureus was also isolated from skin of 5 [3.8%] patients who were nasal carriers as well. The isolated S. aureus were 100, 97.3, 73.0, 70.3, 40.5 and 21.6% sensitive to vancomycin, rifampin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, methicillin and erythromycin, respectively. Because the nasal carriage rate of S. aureus observed in dialysis patients in this study was relatively high, we recommend screening for S. aureus in hemodialysis patients to enable prompt prevention strategies

Occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni in Shiraz, Southwest Iran

To investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni among other bacterial agents of acute diarrhea. Over a period of 3 months, 114 specimens of acute diarrhea were collected from patients aged 2-58 years referred to Nemazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The samples were tested for bacterial pathogens causing acute diarrhea. Of the 114 samples, 40 proved to be positive for bacterial enteric pathogens: C. jejuni 11 [9.6%], Salmonella spp.18 [15.8%] and Shigella spp. 11 [9.6%]. Maximum prevalence of C. jejuni was observed in patients aged 11-15 years. Significantly more females than males were infected with all diarrheal agents [p <0.05]. This study confirmed the presence of C. jejuni as a significant cause of gastroenteritis in Shiraz, Southwest Iran

Seroprevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus in Children from Shiraz-Iran

Varicella-zoster virus [VZV] causes herpes zoster and varicella [Chicken-pox], usually a mild disease which is diagnosed clinically with few complications. However, in neonates and healthy adults it can have a severe presentation. Herpes zoster results from VZV reactivation later in life. To determine the seroprevalence of VZV in elementary school children aged 6-10 years in Shiraz, Iran. A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted on 270 healthy subjects. All serum samples were investigated for immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibody against VZV using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Among the studied population, 175 [64.8%] had no detectable antibody levels. The overall seroprevalence rate was 35.2%. A breakdown of seropositivity to VZV according to age was as follows; 10 years old, 50%, 9 years old, 48.2%, 8 years old, 27.3%, 7 years old, 32.1%, and 6 years old, 13.2%. As VZV susceptibility in the studied age groups was higher than the expected rate, therefore childhood VZV vaccination is recommended in our region