Effects of pistachio processing wastewater on treatment efficiency of urban wastewater using activated sludge process

Background: In this study, the effect of wastewater produced by pistachio processing in processing terminals on wastewater treatment plants with activated sludge process was investigated

Methods: The pilot of activated sludge was constructed at the laboratory scale similar to wastewater treatment plant in Kerman and it was investigated in different ratios of the wastewater of pistachio processing with urban wastewater and return sludge ratios of 50% and 75%. The best reactor efficiency in treating pistachio processing wastewater was obtained at a ratio of 5% with urban wastewater and return sludge of 50% plus 5 and 10% with urban wastewater and return sludge of 75%

Results: The removal efficiency in the reactor in the aforementioned ratios was obtained to be 96.9%, 98%, and 96.2% for COD, 95.7%, 97.2%, and 93.3% for BOD5, and 7.1%, 99%, and 96.97% for phenolic compounds, respectively. The removal efficiency of BOD5 and COD reduced with the increase in the ratios of pistachio processing wastewater especially with the presence of phenolic compounds. The one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] indicated that in the aforementioned ratios of pistachio processing wastewater with urban wastewater, the mean COD and BOD5 in the output wastewater were significantly lower than the standards of Iranian environmental organization and guidelines of World Health Organization [WHO]

Conclusion: Activated sludge process is able to remove organic compounds of pistachio processing wastewater at a ratio of 5% and return sludge of 50% along with ratios of 5 and 10% and return sludge of 75% with urban wastewater with a high efficiency

VDR and CYP24A1 expression analysis in Iranian relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients

Objective: Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a common disease of the central nervous system. This disease may be initiated by either vitamin deficiency or triggered by abnormality in CYP24A1 and vitamin D receptor

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the expression of genes encoding vitamin D receptor [VDR] and CYP24A1 in relapsing-remitting MS [RR-MS] patients was compared with normal individuals in the Iranian population. RNA from whole blood of 50 RR-MS patients [HLA-DRB1*15-negative and responders to interferon-beta with a normal vitamin D level] and 50 normal controls was extracted. The levels of CYP24A1 and VDR expression were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction

Results: The RR-MS group had a significantly more than 2 times higher expression level of VDR than the normal group [P=0.04]. On the other hand, there was a 0.89 times decrease in the expression level of CYP24A1 in RR-MS patients which was not statistically significant. There was no linear correlation between the risk of expanded disability status scale of Kurtzke [EDSS] and the expression level of either CYP24A1 or VDR. In addition, the expression level of CYP24A1 or VDR was not correlated with the duration of the disease

Conclusion: Up-regulation of VDR is likely to happen in RR-MS patients in the Iranian population. We did not observe a gene expression-phenotype correlation for CYP24A1 which may be due to limited statistical power as a result of the small sample size. Although the individuals taking part in this study had normal levels of vitamin D, the increase in VDR expression levels may perhaps be a response to a defect in vitamin D processing. Another possibility is that despite an increase in VDR expression level, factors such as micro-RNAs may result in their deactivation while an increase in VDR expression level can be seen as a compensatory response. Of course, further studies are required to identify the mechanism of action of vitamin D by analyzing genes involved in its signaling pathway, particularly VDR and CYP24A1

ANRIL genetic variants in Iranian breast cancer patients

Objective: The genetic variants of the long non-coding RNA ANRIL [an antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus] as well as its expression have been shown to be associated with several human diseases including cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the association of ANRIL variants with breast cancer susceptibility in Iranian patients

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, we genotyped rs1333045, rs4977574, rs1333048 and rs10757278 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in 122 breast cancer patients as well as in 200 normal age-matched subjects by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction [T-ARMS-PCR]

Results: The TT genotype at rs1333045 was significantly over-represented among patients [P=0.038] but did not remain significant after multiple-testing correction. In addition, among all observed haplotypes [with SNP order of rs1333045, rs1333048 rs4977574 and rs10757278], four haplotypes were shown to be associated with breast cancer risk. However, after multiple testing corrections, TCGA was the only haplotype which remained significant

Conclusion: These results suggest that breast cancer risk is significantly associated with ANRIL variants. Future work analyzing the expression of different associated ANRIL haplotypes would further shed light on the role of ANRIL in this disease

[Effects of tail fat enriched diet on male Wistar rat reproductive system]

Background and Aim: Male infertility is increasing worldwide. There is now emerging evidence that nutritional status is regarded as a critical determinant of normal reproductive function. Hence, today, the role of dietary nutrition has attracted the attention of researchers. Thus, the present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of tail fat [TF] enriched diet on male rat reproductive function

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups and were fed with either standard diet [control] or standard diet enriched with 10 % of TF oil or standard diet enriched with 20% TF for 5 consecutive months. Finally, the rats were euthanized, the weights of their bodies, and their testes were measured. Then, the testes were dissected and the sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for quantitative histopathological examination. Besides, blood samples were collected for testosterone [T] assessment

Results: Compared to the control group, the rats fed with a diet enriched with 20% TF had significantly [P

Conclusion: It was clearly found that excessive and long term intake of TF can be causative of hypogonadism and increase infertility in male rats

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 cued speech on language skills [topic maintenance, basic information and sequence events of the story] in late implanted pre-lingual hearing impaired students: the benefits of Persian cued speech]

Objective: Cochlear Implant has very positive impact on expressive language growth of children with severe impaired hearing and the effectiveness of Cued Speech has been studied in several investigations. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using Cued Speech on topic maintenance, basic information and sequence events of the story in the late cochlear implanted prelingually hearing impaired students

Materials and Methods: This has been an experimental study and pre-test, post- test plan was used. Nine prelingually hearing impaired students who were late cochlear implanted and were between the ages of 11 and 16 years and 9 months from Loghman Cochlear implant center were selected by available sampling method. Our tool was story telling test. The Persian Cued Speech training program was carried out for 8 weeks in sixteen 60-minutes sessions. After that all students were assessed again. In this study we have used Kolmogorov - Smirnov Z-test and t-test for dependent groups

Results: Results revealed Cued Speech have positive and significant effects on topic maintenance, basic information and sequence events of the story in the late cochlear implanted pre-lingually hearing impaired students [P and le0.01]

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that using Cued Speech for the late cochlear implanted pre-lingually hearing impaired students can be effective for their language skills

Comprehensive phylogenetic, similarity and allergenicity analysis of Boophilus genus tick Tropomyosin protein

Boophilus genus ticks are responsible for transferring some pathogens and reducing production factors in cattle. Tropomysin [TPM] protein has actin regulator activity and playing important role in immune and allergic reactions. The main goal is to determine different aspects of phylogenetic, similarity, homology, structure and allergenicity of TPM protein. In prior study, we identified TPM by using Mass-spectrometry in Boophilus anulatus larva proteins extraction. Analysis by NCBI and Mascot software showed complete similarity of this protein with Boophilus microplus. TPM Blasting, invertebrates TPM sequences retrieval, aligning and analyzing of conserved and variable regions along sequences were next steps. Also, construction the phylogenetic tree, overall mean distances estimation, homology protein secondary structure, allergencity analysis was achieved. The most similar sequences to Boophilus genus TPM are Haemaphysalis sp., Scolopendra sp. and etc., respectively. The multiple sequence alignment showed that conserved and variable regions stretched in different part of TPM. The close relationships in Phylogenetic tree between Ticks and Mites were seen, although the TPM sequences in ticks are more similar to each other than to mites and assume as the nearest relatives. Insects TPM like worms, located in two separated clades, and Trichinella spiralis in worm clades are more related taxa to members of ticks and mites groups. Furthermore, overall mean distances over sequence pairs reflects TPM conservation during speciation. TPM has high homology in different species and has two domain of ?-helix that cannot form disulfide bonds. Finally, allergenicity analysis by separated and hybrid approach showed it undoubted is allergen and candidates some peptides as responsible for allergenicity of TPM. The comprehensive analysis of TPM has never been easy, especially when we attempt to make statements from different aspects about this protein. Our study revealed the some unique and valuable aspects of TPM protein of Boophilus genus, and will help to further studies on mentioned protein

[Possibility Analysis of using radioisotope neutron sources at Boron neutron capture therapy]

Performing successful BNCT experiments needs a suitable neutron source. Important factors of the neutron beam are flux and energy that are very important in the selection of neutron source. In most centers that use this method for treatment, reactor is a neutron source, which according to characteristics of the reactor appropriated neutrons are very high. High cost of constructing a BNCT center with using of reactor caused seeking other sources such as accelerator indirectly and radioisotope source directly that each has their own advantage and disadvantages. In this paper we created neutron beam by analysis Am-Be neutron source, using neutron filter technique and suitable moderators. The advantages of Am-Be neutron source are being inexpensive, easy portability, small size and well-designed shields. Therefore, by analyzing radioisotope neutron sources and Am-Be neutron source specially, we can prepare possible analysis radioisotope neutron source at boron neutron capture therapy. We hope to achieve suitable results by more studies. Neutron beam in 1keV energy created with using Am-Be neutron source and designed suitable neutron filter with using neutron absorbent materials that it will be used in testing BNCT. By studying and Identifying various materials such as oxides Alumina, graphite and beryllium as a moderator and materials such as boron, cadmium and titanium as absorbent materials to a cylindrical crust in filter has been used. Neutron Filter has been designed in the investigation of two parts. The first is consisting of a moderator with high scattering and very low percent and it is caused the fast Neutron servant brought back his spectrum Am-Be source in this without mono-energetic to the low energy transferred spectrum. Part II filter is consisting of the elements of boron, cadmium and titanium that are absorbent neutron with various energy, therefore they can exchange these neutrons in certain energy to mono-energetic. More analysis, study and designing suitable neutron conductors for increase neutron flux is recommended. Neutron filter passes neutron with energy 1keV that can be used in the BNCT experiments. According to data obtained from the implementation MCNP4C code, a peak is obtained in energy 1keV that indicate area under the flux 2.22E-05 n/cm[2].s with error 0.0065 for a neutron. Flux obtained can be multiplied at the Am-Be source of power that is equal 10[8]n/cm[2].s until the total flux to be achieved. The total flux is obtained 2.22E+03n/cm[2].s at 1 cm[2]. We must multiply total intensity at total area to achieve total neutron flux, Since the flux required for the BNCT experiments is 5[asterisk]10[8]n/cm[2].s with using different ways and designing suitable reflectors and conductors, this neutron flux will be provided. This paper analyzed possible use of radioisotope neutron source by simulation Am-Be neutron source. We can solve many problems that exist for reactor source paying attention to characteristics of radioisotope sources such as being inexpensive, easy portability and small size also more studies are present in this base. Of course, with completing this simulation, we can be hopeful for practicality and remedy of patients in Iran

[Relationship between attachment style and life expectancy in mothers of sons with educable intellectually disability]

The purpose of study was to determine the relationship between attachment style and life expectancy in mothers of sons with educable intellectually disability. In this correlation study, all of mothers [N=127] whose sons were in special education in Shiraz were selected. Subjects completed adult attachment questionnaire [AAS] and scale of life expectancy [AHS]. Data were analyzed by with Spearman correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance. Findings showed positive and significant [P<0.001] correlation between life expectancy and secured attachment style in mothers. There was also a negative and significant [P<0.001] correlation with unsecured [avoidant and ambivalent] attachment style. Life expectancy may improve in mothers with secured attachment style and decrease in those with unsecure [avoidant and ambivalent] attachment style

Clonality of the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma using semi-nested PCR

Identification of gene rearrangements and clonality analysis are important techniques for the diagnosis of malignant lymphoproliferative diseases. These methods have various sensitivities based on the type of primer used and method of determination of polymerase chain reaction [PCR] products. This study aimed at determining the clonality of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Iranian patients using PCR method and 2 primers of FR2 and FR3. Paraffin embedded blocks of 67 patients with B cell lymphoma and 19 cases with lymphoid hyperplasia of the lymph nodes who presented to NRITLD, Masih Daneshvari Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. After extracting the genomic DNA using phenol and chloroform, clonal analysis was performed using semi-nested PCR by using two primers: FR2 and FR3. PCR products were determined using 2 techniques of heteroduplex analysis, polyacrylamide gel and silver staining and the conventional method of agarose gel and ethidium bromide staining. Appearance of 1 or 2 bands in the desired location were considered as a sign of clonality. Monoclonal gene rearrangement was observed in 62 out of 67 patients [92.5%] as one or two discrete bands appeared within 60-120 base pairs [bp] and 200-300 bp range. Of the mentioned patients, 53 cases [79.1%] had FR2 and 51 [76.1%] had FR3 rearrangement. Heteroduplex analysis along with silver nitrate staining detected 3 out of the remaining 5 cases of lymphoma to be monoclonal. These cases had been reported negative by the conventional technique. In total, 65 out of 67 patients [97%] showed monoclonal gene rearrangement using both the abovementioned techniques. All hyperplasia cases were polyclonal by this method. Our study showed that evaluation and detection of clonality using PCR, FR2 and FR3 primers along with heteroduplex analysis is a rapid sensitive technique for the diagnosis of malignant lymphomas

Outbreak of avian mycobacteriosis in flocks of domestic pigeons: an epidemiological approach

Pigeons are extensively kept for homing and racing purposes in Iran. The main objective of this study was to investigate dissemination of M. avium subsp. avium [MAA] in pigeon aviaries in Tabriz, North-western Iran. Postmortem pathologic specimens from thirty-nine out of 140 birds collected from private flocks [n = 3], were subjected to bacterial culture out of which 3-4 mycobacterial isolates were recovered. Applying a five-PCR diagnostic algorithm targeting short but definitive stretches of 16S rRNA and RV0577 genes, IS6110, IS901 and IS1245 genomic loci, proved all the isolates were MAA. They were either IS901+/IS1245+ [n = 22] or IS901+/IS1245- [n = 12]. When four healthy cattle sensitized against Mycobacterium bovis AN5 and Mycobacterium avium D4 were tuberculinated, the results confirmed the observed skin reactions against bovine tuberculin in animals sensitized with M. avium were large enough to complicate test interpretation. We believe the extent of such epidemiological impact deserves further investigation if progress in control of bovine tuberculosis is intended

Transient localized hemophagocytosis in pleural effusion

Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] is one of the most important causes of hemophagocytic syndrome. We report a 76-year-old man who presented with pneumonia like symptoms and pleural effusion following upper respiratory tract infection. He underwent thoracentesis and pleural fluid cytology revealed large number of histiocytic macrophages that had phagocytosed RBCs and other inflammatory cells like lymphocytes and neutrophils. Pleural fluid analysis showed Epstein-Barr virus Antigen [EBNA] as the causing agent and corticosteroid therapy was initiated. A few days later, pleural effusion subsided and further cytologic examinations revealed no trace of hemophagocytosis

Role of quantiFERON-TB test in detection of children infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis

Latent TB infection can persist for many years with about 10% lifetime risk of reactivation to active disease. However, in children with latent TB infection, disease develops within 2 years of infection. Recently, a new diagnostic test [QuantiFERON-TB Gold] which measures the production of interferon [IFN] gamma in whole blood upon stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been introduced. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of the IFN-gamma assay with tuberculin skin test [TST] for the identification of latent TB infection in children in contact with active TB in the pediatric pulmonary ward. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 children, aged 2months-15 years admitted to the Pediatric Ward of Masih Daneshvari Hospital during 2007-2008. Whole blood was collected for measuring Interferongamma using QuantiFERON-TB Gold kit [QFT-Cellestis Comp]. In this procedure, Mycobacterium tuberculosis specific antigens [ESAT-6 and CFP-10] are used. In the present research, 100 children were studied and divided into 3 groups of case [TB], contact and control. PPD test was performed by injecting 0.1 ml of the 5 unit solution [Pasteur Institute of Iran] for all cases. Twenty-eight percent of the contacts, 60% of the cases and 10% of the controls were Afghans; the remaining were Iranians. Smear of the gastric washing [3X] was prepared in contact and case [TB] groups; 30% of the cases [TB] were AFB positive, while all of the contacts had negative smears. History of BCG vaccination during neonatal period and BCG scar were present in all cases. Positive PPD test [PPD >/= 10 mm] was observed in 90% of the cases and 24% of the contacts. PPD test was negative in the control group. Out of 50 contacts, 18 [36%] showed positive QFT test; and of 20 TB patients, 18 [90%] had positive tests. Regarding age, children with positive QFT test belonged to the older age group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the performance of the whole blood IFN-gamma assay in diagnosing latent TB infection in children in Iran. This study found a fair correlation between the TST and the whole blood IFN-gamma assay in children at high risk of latent TB infection. Our study also highlighted fair and moderate agreement in contact and TB groups respectively between the TST and QFT-TB test in children at high risk for latent TB infection. More studies are required to clarify this relationship

[ effect of forceps type on results and complications of transbronchial lung biopsy]

Lung biopsy via the bronchus [TBLB] is among the routine diagnostic procedures for pulmonary diseases and is performed using either of two different kinds of forceps: cup and alligator. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two kinds of forceps on quality of biopsy as well as the side effects of TBLB. This was a prospective, observational and double-blind study in which four samples were biopsied from each patient via TBLB. The sample characteristics were recorded based on size, number of alveoli included, diagnostic value, and the side effects such as pneumothorax and bleeding. A total number of 44 patients and 176 biopsies were evaluated. Twenty one patients [47.7%] were males and 23 [52.3%] females. While considering the size of samples, of 88 biopsies via alligator forceps, 21.6% were small, 45.5% medium, and 33% large. Corresponding results for the cup forceps were 43.2% small, 29.5% medium, and 27.3% large. From 88 biopsies taken using alligator forceps, 18.2% were found to have diagnostic value whereas in the case of cup forceps the diagnostic value was 23.9%. While no significant pneumothorax was seen with alligator forceps it was observed in 9% of the cup forceps procedures. Significant bleeding was seen in 1% of the alligator forceps and 5.7% of the cup forceps procedures. Comparing two types of forceps regarding the effect on results of TBLB, alligator forceps produced larger samples and less side effects. There was no significant difference in diagnostic value between two procedures

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and mutation of TGF-beta gene, codon 10

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF] is associated with histological appearance of usual interstitial pneumonia. These fibrotic changes in lung interstitium are mostly attributed to cytokine production such as TGFbeta which stimulate migration and differentiation of fibroblast to myofibroblasts. The polymorphism of TGFbeta gene was found to be associated with development of IPF. We investigated whether TGFbeta1 gene polymorphism in codon 10 is associated with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in Iranian population. The different genotypes of TGFbeta1 at [+ 870] position [in codon 10] was studied in41 cases and 83 control subjects. The allele specific PCR method was used for genotyping. In the patient group, the frequency of T allele [NO: 58] was 70.7% and C allele [NO: 24] was 29.3%. The frequency of TT genotype [NO: 20] was 48.8%, followed by T/C [NO: 18] 43.9% and CC [No. 3] 7.3% while in the control group, the frequency of T allele [N:117] was approximately 70.5% and C allele [NO: 49] was 29.5%. The frequency of TT genotype in control group [NO: 41] was 49.4%, followed by T/C [NO: 35] 42.2% and C/C [NO: 7]8.4% In comparison with the control group, there was no association between TGFbeta1 codon 10 T/C polymorphism in our cases with IPF

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: a case report and review of the literature

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura [SFTP] is a rare mesenchymal cell tumor that can be benign or malignant. The best treatment of this tumor is a complete surgical resection. We present clinical and histopathologic characteristics of the 4 patients and their outcomes

[ effects of expiratory rib cage compression before endotracheal suctioning on airway-secretion removal in mechanically ventilated patients]

Endotracheal suctioning is one of the most frequently used methods for airway clearance in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Chest physiotherapy techniques before endotracheal suctioning can be used to facilitate mobilizing and removing airway secretions. The study was conducted to determine the effects of expiratory rib cage compression before endotracheal suctioning on airway-secretion removal in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. A clinical trial study design was undertaken with a sample of 70 mechanically ventilated patients drawn from intensive care units and emergency department of Hazrat-e Rasool Hospital in Tehran. They were selected through purposive convenience sampling. All participants received two endotracheal suctioning with and without rib cage compression. There was at least three hours interval between the two interventions. Expiratory rib cage compression was performed for five minutes before endotracheal suctioning. Sputum was collected in a pre-weighed sputum trap attached to the suction catheter. Data were collected using data recording sheet. All statistics were computed by the SPSS software data [version 11.5], using Paired T-test. Mean of removed airway-secretions by rib cage compression was 3.66 compare to 3.21 without rib cage compression. Significant differences in airway-secretion removal between the two methods [P<0.0001] were demonstrated. Findings indicated that expiratory rib cage compression before endotracheal suctioning improves airway-secretion removal, compare to performing only endotracheal suctioning. The study recommends performing expiratory rib cage compression before endotracheal suctioning in patients receiving mechanical ventilation

[ effects of endotracheal suctioning on arterial blood gases in patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a before-after open clinical trial]

Endotracheal suctioning is one of the most frequently used methods for airway clearance in patients receiving mechanical ventilation but there are controversial findings regarding its effects on arterial blood gases in mechanically ventilated patients. This study was carried out to determine the effects of endotracheal suctioning on arterial blood gases in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. This research was a before-after open clinical trial study. The subjects consisted of 70 mechanically ventilated patients who were admitted to intensive care units and emergency department of Hazrat-Rasool Hospital in Tehran. Subjects were selected with purposive convenience sampling. The patients received endotracheal suctioning. Arterial blood gases were measured 5 minutes before and 25 minutes after endotracheal suctioning. Data were recorded on the data-recording sheet. Data were analyzed utilizing Wilcoxon and paired t-tests. There were significant differences in the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen [Pao2/Fio2], Paco2, and arterial oxygen saturation [Sao2] between before and after endotracheal suctioning [p=0.000]. As findings showed that endotracheal suctioning improves arterial blood gases exchanges in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, so performing endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients is recommended

Genetic diversity of pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from hospitalized patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens often causing major problems in Intensive Care Units. This study aimed to investigate the genotypic diversity of Pseudomomas aeruginosa strains isolated from hospitalized patients in National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease [NRITLD] with random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] method and also to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern. Seventy three P. aeruginosa isolates from different specimens were analyzed. These strains were isolated from patient admitted in Intensive Care Unit [ICU] [31], non-ICU inpatient [40], and two environmental specimens one from ventilator and one from soap specimen in ICU. All strains were identified with biochemical testing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing which carried out according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards [NCCLS]. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA typing [RAPD] was used to study the genetic diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using 2 sets of primers and electophoretic banding patterns were analyzed visually and by GelCompar ?? software. Phylogenic analysis of the RAPD pattern showed rates of genetic similarity ranging from 40-100%. Four epidemiologically and genetically related isolates [clones] each containing 2-3 isolates were identified. Most of them were from ICU. We detected high antimicrobial resistance rate to Chloramphenicol, Ceftriaxon, Cefepime, Ceftazidime [75-97%] and relatively low resistance rate to Imipenem, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin [42-53%]. Although a few epidemiologically related clones are found with RAPD method, most of the isolates are probably emanate from the host itself. There is also a high rate of antibiotic resistance especially in ICU