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

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

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

Genotyping of Virulence Factors of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli by PCR

Background: Escherichia coli is the most causative agent of urinary tract infections [UTIs]. Apart from all human infectious diseases, UTI have a high prevalence and in most cases, Escherichia coli is a dominance bacterium which can cause pyelonephritis and cystitis. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of some virulence genes expressing fimbriae, production of hemolysin and aerobactin among a hundred Escherichia coli isolates obtained from in-and outpatients of Karaj Shahid Rajaii hospital, showing clinical and laboratory signs of UTI.

Materials and Methods: In this investigation we isolated Escherichia coli strains from urine samples of patients with UTI during the period of July to December 2012 and studied them for the presence of the virulence genes by PCR.

Results and Conclusion: The most abundant virulence factor in this study was fimH. The prevalence of the virulence factors for fimbriae type 1 [fimH gene], pyelonephritis associated pili [pap gene], S-family adhesions [sfa gene], hemolysin [hly gene] and aerobactin [aer gene], was 73%, 46%, 32%, 47%, 57%, respectively.

[Detection of blaIMP and blaVIM metallo-beta-lactamases genes in pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from wound of burnt patients in Tehran Shahid Motahari hospital during 2011, Iran]

During recent years, metallo-beta-lactamase [MBLs] producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been reported as an important cause of nosocomial infection. Also, infection with this bacterium has increased rate of mortality and health care costs. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and to detect blaVIM and blaIMP Metallo-beta-lactamase genes in P. aeruginosa isolated from patients hospitalized in the burn ward. This descriptive study was conducted on P. aeruginosa strains isolated from patients hospitalized in the burn ward of Tehran Shahid Motahari Hospital between September and January 2011. For all MBL-producing strains, antibiotic resistance pattern was determined by disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. CDDT method was used for detection of MBL [imipenem-imipenem+EDTA], and PCR and sequencing techniques were used to detect MBL genes, blaVIM and blaIMP. Eighty-three percent of 100 P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to imipenem. Using combination disk diffusion test [CDDT] method, 48 isolates were detected to have MBL, of which 6 isolates were positive for blaIMP-1 gene, and all of them did not have blaVIM gene. Also, 4 [8.3%] patients with MBL-producing P. aeruginosa infection died in the hospital. The results of this study revealed that high percentage of P. aeruginosa strains are MBL-producer. Therefore, detection of MBL-producing strains is essential for better control and treatment of burnt patients

Comparison of neutrophil apoptosis by the pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxins between healthy individuals and term infants

Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be colonized in different human tissues and result in some infections potentially. Thus, considering that these bacteria are resistance to most of the current antibiotics, an examination on pathogenesis mechanisms of such bacteria can be effective in controlling the infections developed by it. In this project, among 40 blood samples [20 healthy persons, 20 infants], an amount of 5 ml [2 ml in the infants] heparinized blood was collected from each and then neutrophils were isolated by a standard method and were counted by neubauer lam. After culturing Pseudomonas bacteria in broth medium, some tubes with densities of 1, 2, 3 and 4 McFarland were prepared and the bacteria were isolated by centrifuge method with 3000rpm for 10 minutes and then its exotoxin were exposed to neutrophils of the groups under study. The effect of time and the bacteria count on the amount of the secreted toxin and in adjacency to neutrophils was measured. There were 11 men and 9 women in the health group and the infants group consisted of 12 boys and 8 girls. Death cell percentage of neutrophils was 100% in the health group and 8.90% in the infants group. Percentage of bacterial growth in the medium 1 and 2 McFarland was zero; in the medium 3 McFarland, it was 12.5% in the healthy group and 1% in the infants group [p<0.10]. The average rate of cell death in the minute 15th was different in two groups [68.5% in health group vs. 92.5% in the infants] [p<0.0005]. This study showed the effect of Pseudomonas bacteria on the development of early cell death in the infants very well. As it was shown, this effect is time-dependent and this cell death [apoptosis] is occurred in the infants earlier than health people

Detection of serum antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella after primary measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccination in children

In Iran, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine [MMR] is administered in a two-dose protocol where the first dose is scheduled at 12 months of age. This study aims to determine the efficacy of the MMR vaccine by testing IgM and IgG antibody levels 4 - 7 weeks after primary vaccination. A single group cohort study was performed on healthy children, 12 - 15 months of age, who were vaccinated at health centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, from January to April 2009. Children with negative vaccination and/or clinical history for measles, mumps or rubella were administered the first dose of the MMR live attenuated vaccine. IgG and IgM antibodies were checked by enzyme linked immunoassay [ELISA] in serum samples 4 - 7 weeks after vaccination. A child was considered seropositive if antibody levels were higher than the assay cut-off level set by the ELISA kit. Samples from 240 children were checked for antibodies against measles and rubella. Measles serum IgM level was positive in 71.7% of samples and IgG in 75.8%. The rubella serum IgM level was positive in 71.7% of children and IgG in 73.8%. From 190 blood samples that were checked for mumps antibodies, serum IgM was positive in 68.9% and IgG in 95.3%. No significant relationship was found between seropositivity and age or gender. IgG and IgM antibody levels were below the assay cut-off levels against measles and rubella in approximately one-fourth of the children following primary MMR vaccination. A second dose was necessary to raise the level of protection against measles and rubella

epidemiology of tuberculosis in Tabriz, Iran: a five year retrospective study

Tuberculosis is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately 10-20% of tuberculosis is Extrapulmonary tuberculosis [EPTB], which is much higher [50%] in patients suffering from immunity defects such as AIDS. EPTB diagnosis is difficult mostly because of various clinical manifestations and aggressive procedures needed for its diagnosis. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of EPTB in the north west of Iran and also to investigate the different clinical characteristics of the studied population, the various clinical manifestations and organ involvement of EPTB, as well. This study was carried out retrospectively using the data from Tabriz Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center from 2007 through 2011. Questionnaires were designed to extract relevant information to describe characteristics of EPTB affected population and also various clinical manifestations and organ involvement of the disease among the patients. The study included 203 EPTB cases notified from 2007 through 2011 including, 91 [44.83%] males and 112 [55.17%] females. The mean age of the patients was 46.55 +/- 18.3. The main extra pulmonary involvements of the studied population were lymphadenitis [9.35%], pleural [7.39%] and spinal [5.42%] among males and lymphadenitis [17.24%], ocular [7.88%], pleural [6.40%] and spinal [5.91%] among females, respectively. Since EPTB diagnosis is a challenging and time sparing attempt even by the expert physicians, there is a need to perform further researches in order to identify the main clinical manifestations and organ involvement of EPTB in patients.

use of polymerase chain reaction assay versus cell culture in detecting neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis

One of the most common bacterial infections that causes ophthalmia neonatorum is Chlamydia trachomatis, [C. trachomatis]. Very few studies have been performed in Iran using both cell culture and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] methods to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis as an etiological agent of ophthalmia neonatorum. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis [NCC] as diagnosed by both methods in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. From March 2008 to May 2009, out of 2253 neonates, 241 [10.7%] with clinical findings of conjunctivitis were included in this study. A total of241 conjunctival swabs were tested by cell culture [as the gold standard test], PCR, and Giemsa staining. Cell cultures were positive for C. trachomatis in 31 [12.9%] neonates, C. trachomatis was positive in 40 [16.6%] neonates by PCR and 18 [7.5%] by Giemsa staining. The sensitivity of PCR was 100%, whereas Giemsa staining sensitivity was 58.1%. High sensitivity [100%] and specificity [95.7%] of PCR as compared to culture makes it a proper diagnostic method for the detection of C. trachomatis

ELISA cut-off point for the diagnosis of human brucellosis; a comparison with serum agglutination test

Brucellosis is a world-wide disease, which has a diverse clinical manifestation, and its diagnosis has to be proven by laboratory data. Serum agglutination test [SAT] is the most-widely used test for diagnosing brucellosis. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] can also determine specific antibody classes against brucella. It is a sensitive, simple and rapid test, which could be an acceptable alternative to SAT with fewer limitations, however, like any other new test it should be further evaluated and standardized for various populations. This study was planned to determine an optimal cut-off point, for ELISA which would offer maximum sensitivity and specificity for the test when compared to SAT. Four hundred and seven patients with fever and other compatible symptoms of brucellosis were enrolled in the study. Serum agglutination test, 2-Mercaptoethanol test, and ELISA were performed on their sera. The cut-off point of 53 IU/ml of ELISA-IgG yielded the maximal sensitivity and specificity comparing to the other levels of ELISA-IgG, and was considered the best cut offpoint of ELISA-IgG to diagnose acute brucellosis. At this cutoff, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were 84.09%, 85.38%, 62.20, 94.90, 5.75, 0.18, respectively. The best cut-off point of ELISA-IgG is 53 IU/ml, which yields the maximal sensitivity and specificity to diagnose acute brucellosis

antimycobacterium activity of mentha piperita and mentha spicata ethanolic extract against mycobacterium Bovis in comparison with isoniazid

The plant materials play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic regimen in many developing countries. In the present study, the ethanol extracts of mentha spicata or spearmint [M. spicata] and mentha piperita or peppermint [M. piperita] have been used to inactive mycobacterium bovis [M. bovis] in comparison to isoniazid. After collecting and identifying the herbs, their ethanolic extract was prepared using percolation method. The extracts of M. spicata and M. piperita with different dilutions; 0.39,0.78,1.56,3.12,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,200,400 mg/ml were provided. M. bovis strain 1173 P2 was used in this study. This microorganism was confirmed by acid-fast staining [Ziehl-Neelsen]. The bacteria were incubated at 37 [degree sign] C for a long time by inoculation into Middle Brook broth [Difco]. Biochemical tests such as niacin, nitrate and urease were performed to confirm the organism [e.g. Feingold][1] Agar diffusion and MIC methods [McFarland standard method and diffusion disk] were used to determine the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts and the inhibition zones formed on the media were measured with a transparent ruler in millimeters. The in vitro antibacterial activities of ethanolic extracts showed 0.39 mg/ ml consistency of M. spicata and 100 mg/ml consistency of M. piperita as the least concentrations which inhibit growth of M. bovis in comparison with isoniazid. According to our findings, extracts of M. spicata and M. piperita could be used as raw materials for phytotherapy because of their antibacterial activities against M. bovis as TB etiology

Blood pressure screening in school-aged children in Tehran

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world and a major risk factor for cardiovascular, renal, and neurologic diseases. It seems that hypertension and overweight in children are a growing epidemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension in school-aged children in Tehran. In a cross-sectional study, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were performed on school-aged children in Tehran from 2008 to 2009. Children aged 7 to 11 years from 5 public schools in Tehran were included. Blood pressure, weight, and height measurement were performed at the school. At each screening, 3 seated blood pressure, weight, and height measurements were made and at least after 3 minutes of rest and choosing proper cuff, blood pressure was measured by a pediatric nephrologist and a pediatric assistant. A total of 425 school-aged children were included. Twenty-four percent of the primary school children had hypertension and 12% were shown to be overweight. Hypertension was more common in students of the north of Tehran in comparison to other geographic parts of Tehran. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension between girl students of north of Tehran and girls of the other parts of Tehran. We concluded that hypertension is a common problem in school-aged children. Our study re-emphasized the need for prevention and control of high blood pressure in children to manage the global diseases burden due to hypertension

Distribution of Integrons among Multidrug Resistant E. coli and Klebsiella Strains, Isolated from Children with urinary tract infection

The aim of this study was to identify multidrug resistant isolates of Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae causing urinary tract infections [UTI] in children and the occurrence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons in the antibiotic resistant isolates. A total of 200 urine samples were processed. Urine culture was done using conventional microbiological techniques. Biochemical testing was used to identify the organisms. Susceptibility of 200 isolates to 13 antibiotics was determined and the frequency of multi-drug resistance and their association with intergron was assessed by PCR -RFLP. 171 isolates out of 200 were multi-drug resistant. Existence of intergrons was confirmed in 20.5% of these isolates. Association of multi-drug resistance to Gentamicin, Norfloxacin, Cephalotin and Nalidixic Acid with the presence of integrons was statistically significant, [p <0.002, <0.001, <0.005, and <0.004, respectively]. Imipenem and Amikacin were the most effective antibiotics against resistant isolates. Multi-drug resistance suggests that strategy for treatment of patients with Escherichia coli and K. pneumonia infections needs to be revised. The possibility of transmission of resistance genes by integrons would be decreased by treatment of patients with the appropriate antibiotics

Oral microflora in patients on hemodialysis and kidney transplant recipients

We aimed to determine oral microflora of patients on long-term hemodialysis and kidney transplant recipients, and to compare them with individuals without kidney disease. We studied on 3 groups including patients on at least 6 months of hemodialysis, kidney transplant recipients for more than 2 years, and controls with a normal kidney function. Staining and culture were applied for samples from the dorsum of the tongue and the oral floor in order to detect aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Candida. The participants were 49 patients on hemodialysis, 50 kidney transplant recipients, and 50 volunteers in the control group. The abundance of Candida was significantly higher in the hemodialysis and transplant groups compared with the control group. The mean of various microorganisms was found to be significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than the control group [P = .03]; however, the frequency of these microorganisms in the transplant group was lower than that in the hemodialysis group. Adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of having Candida in the hemodialysis and transplant groups were 3.54 [95% CI, 1.21 to 10.41] and 3.49 [95% CI, 1.27 to 9.18] times higher compared to the control group, respectively. Hemodialysis and kidney transplantation could affect oral microflora. Candida was significantly more frequent in these patients compared to healthy adults. Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, Porphyromonas, and Candida is seen slightly less frequently after kidney transplantation, which might be in favor of promising effects of kidney transplantation on oral microflora

[Bacterial agents in patients with conjunctivitis in Labbafinejad hospital in 2006]

Conjunctivitis, one of the most prevalent eye complications, is usually self limited but may result in optical disorders. Classification is based on the cause including bacterial, viral, fungal, allergic or chemical. Considering antimicrobial resistance, determining the exact cause may lead to improved medical therapy. In this descriptive-analytic survey, 92 patients with conjunctivitis, who attended Shaheed Labbafi Nezhad medical center were enrolled. Samples were accurately collected by the physician working in the center and were transported in a sterile condition to the Laboratory of Pediatric Infectious Research Center of Mofid hospital. Determination of mycobacteria, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was accomplished using standard methods. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13. Samples were obtained from 49 men [61.4%] and 43 women [38.6%], [median age 36.2]. 85% of patients with bacterial conjunctivitis had mucoplurant discharge as a main symptom. 45[58.5%] cultures were positive. Aerobic organisms were isolated from 40 patients [57.1%] and anaerobic ones from 5 [7.1%], of which 4 were mixed with aerobes. No mycobacterium was found. The most common aerobic organism cultured was staphylococcus epidermidis [30%] and the other aerobic ones were: Staphylococcus aureus [12.9%], E coli [7.1%], Bacillus cereus [5.7%], Moraxella catarrhalis [4.3%], Diphteroid [4.3%], Acientobacter baumanii [2.9%], Citrobacter fraundii [2.9%], Staphylococcus oricularis [1.4%], Streptococcus viridans [1.4%], Bacillus subtilis [1.4%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [1.4%], and Proteus mirabilis [1.4%]. Anaerobic organisms cultured were Peptostreptococcus [4.3%] and Bacteroides fragilis [2.9%]. Since various organisms are responsible for bacterial conjunctivitis, therapeutic strategies should be based on the results of microbiological investigations

Antimicrobial resistance pattern in urinary tract infections in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Growing antibiotic resistance demands the constant reassessment of antimicrobial efficacy, particularly in countries with wide antibiotic abuse. Knowledge of resistance trends is particularly important when prescribing antibiotics empirically, as is usually the case for urinary tract infections [UTIs] especially in children with terminal renal failure on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the resistance of bacterial isolates to commonly used antibiotics in such patients. In this study, bacterial isolates were evaluated from urine samples collected from pediatric patients [6 months to 17 years] on CAPD with acute UTIs in Tehran from March 2006 through September 2006. Sensitivity was measured by disc diffusion method using NCCLS protocol. The most prevalent urinary pathogen was Escherichia coli from 27 cases [75%]. In general, the lowest resistance rate of microorganisms was against amikacin [3.7%] and the highest resistance rate was against amoxicillin [70.4%].A comparison of these data with those of other countries showed that there was considerable geographic variation in bacterial patterns of sensitivity and resistance properties. Therefore, the selection of antibiotics for empiric therapy especially in children with terminal renal failure on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] treatment should be based on the knowledge of the local conditions

Isolation of mycobacterium and other microorganism from skin infectious in children during Bam earthquake

The Bam earthquake in southeastern Iran turned an ancient city to dust, killing thousands and destroying 80% of all infrastructures. More than 30,000 people died and It left some 100,000 people homeless. Direct contact with polluted water increases the risk of infection, particularly wound infections, cellulitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections. The prevalence of NTM [non-tuberculosis mycobacteria] is difficult to obtain. The aim of this study was isolation of bacteria and mycobacterial agents, especially atypical species from dermal lesions of children in Bam earthquake. In this descriptive study, 88 children settled in camps in 2004 were enrolled. Samples from dermal lesions of children were obtained and transported with middle brook 7H9 and Brain Heart [BH] media to laboratory for isolation of mycobacterial agents and other bacteria. For isolation of mycobacterium, after decontamination and acid-fast staining, they had been cultured in Lewenstein-Jensen medium. Having isolated mycobacteria by differential tests their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility were studied. Meanwhile, other bacteria were identified by staining and culturing in standard media. The study population included 32 girls and 56 boys. Of 88 samples, 3 mycobacteria were isolated [3.4%] of which 2 were M. chelonae [rapidly growing] and 1 was M. scrofulaceum [slowly growing]. The most common isolated bacteria were E.coli [41%] and Coagulase negative staphylococcous [38%].Infectious disease epidemics may play a role in the post disaster period. Since atypical mycobacteria exist in soil, and some cases were reported from Iran, isolation of these microorganisms is of utmost importance especially in children after a disaster such as earthquake

Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease [CAD] is the leading cause of death in developed countries. The cause is multifactorial. A substantial proportion of patients with CAD do not have traditional risk factors. Infectious diseases may play a role in these cases, or they may intensify the effect of the risk factors. The association of CAD and Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is firmly established, but causality is yet to be proven. We investigated their presence in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. One-hundred two atherosclerotic plaques in dead patients were studied. The highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction method was employed with primers specific for this agent. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and a nested PCR targeting the ompA gene were performed to detect C pneumoniae DNA. The presence of Chlamydia DNA was detected in 22 [23.3%] samples. The following risk factors were found among these 23 C. pneumoniae-infected cases: low HDL in 8 [34.8%], hypertension in 5 [21.7%], diabetes mellitus in 4 [17.4%], smoking in 11 [47.8%] and family history of cardiovascular disease in 6 [26.1%]. The presence of Chlamydia DNA supports the hypothesis that this agent is associated with atherosclerosis