PFGE genotyping and molecular characterization of Campylobacter spp. isolated from chicken meat

A total of 70 samples were collected from chicken meat obtained from 10 markets in Tehran, Iran from which 39 Campylobacter coli were isolated. Among 10 antibiotics used, maximum resistance was seen to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole [SXT] [97.36%], nalidixic acid [94.8%], ciprofloxacin [87.7%], streptomycin [89.72%], and tetracycline [97.4%]. No resistance was to gentamycin was observed. None of the Campylobacter strains under study harbored integron, suggesting the involvement of other resistance mechanisms in emergence of multi drug resistance [MDR] phenotype among the isolates. Two major types [A and B] and 15 subtypes [A1-A8 and B1-B7] were identified. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] analysis demonstrated a high degree of homogeneity while the majority of the isolates shared identical or very similar PFGE genotypes. Isolates with identical genotypes differed in their resistance profile, although all of them assigned to MDR phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey from Iran characterizing Campylobacter isolates from poultry, which adds to our knowledge the epidemiological linkage of Campylobacter isolates with MDR properties from different sources and emphasizes the need for cautious use of antimicrobials in different fields of food production chain

[Emergence of novel plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase in klebsiella pneumonia]

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat for human health that affects hospitalized patients worldwide; Hence, The World Health Organization [WHO] has chosen antibacterial resistance as its theme in 2011. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen and a common cause of nosocomial infections. These bacteria -especially in infants- are the cause of pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, diarrhea and bacteremia. Increasing emergence of multidrug resistance [MDR] among Klebsiella pneumoniae nosocomial isolates has limited the appropriate therapeutic options for the treatment of infections caused by this pathogen. Beta-Lactamases are major defenses of gram-negative bacteria against antibiotics. Recently, the emergence of new beta-lactamases such as NDM-1 [New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1], OXA-48 [Oxacillinase-48], OXA-181 [oxacillinase-181], KPC [Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase], CTX-M-15 [Cefotaxime-M-15] confer resistance to the most antibiotics such as penicillins, carbapenems, cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides and sulfamethoxazole. Resistant genes are located on plasmids with different sizes and can be readily transferred between bacteria, from one human to another human, and even from one country to another. In 2011, it has been evaluated that the importance of some of these genes like NDM-1, KPCs is as AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. These enzymes have emerged as an important threat for hospitalized patients. Some pathogens containing both KPC and NDM-1 may be mistakenly diagnosed as susceptible by conventional laboratory methods and hence they could have an important role in the emergence and spread of more resistant pathogens due to administration of ineffective drugs to patients. No vaccines have been found yet that prevent infections caused by carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Also, there is not enough information about frequency of these plasmid genes and their genetic profiles in Iran. Therefore, it is important to diagnose the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing resistant enzymes, especially NDM-1, for better treatment of patients and prevention of the spread of these genes to other bacteria via exact phenotypic and genotypic methods

[Investigating the hygiene of anzali drinking water resources for corrosion and precipitation potentials using corrosion indexes]

Corrosion is a physical and chemical reaction occurring between a substance and its surrounding environment leading to the change in the substance properties. Nowadays, corrosion has become one of the biggest issues in water quality control and can financially damage the water pipes and other water transmission and distribution installations. In addition, the penetration of heavy metal into water as a result of corrosion can be a threat to the consumers' health conditions. Because of such negative health effects, regular chemical quality control of water seems mandatory. To investigate the corrosion or precipitation potentials of drinking water in Anzali, which is supplied by Guilan water treatment plant and deep water wells. To do so, parameters including pH, temperature, calcium hardness, alkalinity and Total Dissolved Solid [TDS] were measured and based on their values, four indices including Langelier Saturation Index, Ryzner Saturation Index, Aggressive index and Pokurious index were determined. As revealed, the average values for Langelier Saturation, Ryzner Saturation, Aggressive and Pokurious indices were respectively[-0.89], [9.29], [12.4] and [8.82]. The results of the present study indicate that Anzali water resources have corrosion potential and are corrosive and thus can threaten the consumers' health status in the long term

Influence of permethrin and cypermethrin on behavior in the mouse

Permethrin and Cypermethrin are synthetic pyrethroids, belonging to a group of insecticides with low mammalian toxicity and high insecticidal activity. The present study evaluated sub-acute toxicity of dermally administrated permethrin and cypermethrin in mice. Behavioral examination included assessments of lethality, weight gain, grooming, analgesymetry, anxiety, grasping, motor activity, and despair in response to inescapable swim stress. The study was conducted on 70 adult male mice, which were exposed dermally via the whole tail zone for 10 s once daily for 28 consecutive days at concentrations of 0%, 0.1%,, 1% and 10% of each compound. No significant changes were observed in body weight gain, grooming behavior or pain sensation among the treated and control groups. However, the following effects were observed in the experimental groups: a tendency towards increased motor activity compared to controls [47% in P0.1% group, P = 0.025], a tendency to lose grasping faster than controls [48% and 40% decreased in P10% and C1% groups, respectively, [P < 0.05], shorter stay in the long arms and longer stay in the short arms on the elevated plus maze task compared to controls [up to 84% difference, P < 0.05], and failure in terms of floating on the inescapable swim stress task [500% and 900% increase in interruption times in the P10% and C10% groups, respectively, P < 0.05]. In conclusion, upon long-term dermal exposure, synthetic pyrethroids may lead to increased motor activity, decreased grasping tendency and/or ability, increased apathy, and increased despair in the mouse animal model

[Assessment of the efficacy of BIB forte in disinfection of dental instruments]

Microbial contamination of dental unit surfaces and materials are of considerable importance since patients and dental staff is regularly exposed to aerosols generated from the dental unit and contaminated surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BIB forte in disinfection of dental instruments. In this study we assessed the composition of aerobe and facultative anaerobe bacterial micro flora before and after administration of BIB forte. In this experimental study, 30 microbial samples were obtained from dental instruments before administration of BIB forte and were subjected to microbiological evaluations. The samples were cultured on the specific media and number of the bacterial colonies was counted after keeping at 37 degree centigrade for 24 hours. The effect of BIB forte was also investigated on standard lab species and the number of formed colonies was counted. Data were analyzed by SPSS; Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used. 93% of all species samples were positive regarding presence of bacteria. Microorganisms isolated were mainly composed of: staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, corynebacterium, Neisseria and Bacillus species. BIB forte significantly reduced the microbial contamination after applied on dental surfaces and prevented the growth of standard microorganisms' in-vitro. BIB forte is effective in reducing the bacterial load to an acceptable level and its usage is recommended as an ideal disinfectant in routine dental practice

Prevalence of oropharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae type b in Iranian children

Healthy carriers of Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib] play an important role in the spread of invasive disease. The aim of this study was to assess the need for Hib vaccination in Iranian children by estimating the prevalence of Hib oropharyngeal colonization among children in Tehran. Cultures were prepared from oropharyngeal swabs of 1000 children in 25 day-care centres in Tehran from October 2005 to March 2006. The prevalence of Hib carriers was 7.6%, similar to other developing countries prior to inoculation with the conjugate Hib vaccine. We recommend Hib vaccination be included in the Iranian national programme of immunization

[Evaluation of oral microflora status in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients]

The number of patients with chronic renal failure is increasing every year. There are some controversies about the risk of cariogenic and periodontal diseases in these patients. This study was conducted to delineate the relationship between hemodialysis and transplant with oral microbial flora. Three groups included in our study: 1/Hemodialysis patients with being at least 6 months under dialysis procedure, 2/ Transplant patients, being transplanted for more than 2 years and 3/controls with normal BUN and Creatinine. Bacteriological study: staining and culture used for diagnosing aerobic and anaerobic bacteria SPSS 15, Chi-square, variance and t tests were used to compare the mean of microflora between groups. Candida was significantly higher in dialysis group [1.29] and transplant group [1.26] comparing controls [0.52] [P=0.05]. There was no significant difference in count of other micro organisms [streptococci, Lactobacilli, Porphyromunas] between groups. Candida was higher in hemodialysis and transplant groups comparing with control group

[Antimicrobial effects of sanosil solution on dental instruments]

Sanosil is a brand new disinfectant that is composed of H2O2 and traces of Ag with considerable effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Sanosil on disinfecting dental devices and instruments. This laboratory-based study was conducted on 60 samples that were collected before [n=30] and after [n=30] administration of Sanosil from the same spots on dental instruments. The samples were cultured on blood agar and chocolate agar and were incubated in 37°C for 24 hours. The effect of Sanosil was investigated by counting the number of microbial colonies after determining the standard laboratory species' type and subtype. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 14 and Chi-square test for determining the significance level, and alpha error was set at 0.05. The isolated microorganisms were mainly: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, coagolase negative Staphylococcus, E.coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis, E.coli Aeromonas hydrophila, corynebacterium, Microccus luteus. From the total samples 90% were free of any bacteria. Microbial load was significantly reduced [P<0.05] after Sanosil application on dental instruments and it also deferred the growth of standard microorganisms in vitro. Sanosil is an effective agent in decreasing bacterial contamination of dental instruments without any adverse effect on the surface of instruments

[ assessment of hepatitis B and C prevalence in street children of Tehran from Farvardin to Shahrivar 1386]

One of the most important problems for street children is the health issue. Many of these children are suffering from malnutrition, anemia, and respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatologic disorders and also acquired infections such as hepatitis, AIDS, and tuberculosis. According to the emphasis for performing vaccination of high risk children, recognition of these groups has especial importance. In this descriptive study 203 street children were gathered from different places of Tehran and settled at a welfare center. These children were clinically examined by a pediatrician and requested to answer a questionnaire. Blood samples [3CC] were obtained from each of them in order to determine the existence of Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] infections by ELISA method. Among 203 street children studied in this research, 196 were boys and 7 were girls. Six cases [3%] were HBsAg positive, 54 cases were HBsAb positive [26.6%] and 16 cases were HBcAb positive [8%]. Seven cases [3.5%] were HCVAb positive. All of the positive cases were boys. According to these positive results for hepatitis B and C, additional laboratory examination for screening of acquired infectious disease such as Hepatitis seems to be necessary

[Detection of human papilloma virus among women with cervical cancer using PCR method]

Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women, worldwide. It is also the second malignant cause of death, particularly in women aged 25-65. In order to progress a cancer from dysplasia to invasive carcinoma, a cascade of cellular changes should occur. Since genital HPV carries oncogenes responsible for these essential changes, today HPV is considered as the major risk factor of cervical cancer. It is believed that HPV can increase the rate of cancer progression when associating with other risk factors such as smoking, taking contraceptive drugs, immunosuppression, etc. Paraffin-embedded cervical tissues of 70 patients with cervical cancer were analyzed by PCR method for presence of HPV. In addition, high risk typing of HPV positive samples was performed using HPV high risk typing PCR kit. Among all patients 49% were positive for HPV. HPV16 was the most common type detected in HPV-positive cases. Investigation of age classification showed that a majority of HPV positive cases aged between 35 and 44 years. Considering the prevalence of HPV among young women with cervical cancer and its long premalignant period, we suggest to examine all the women above 20 years of age and also check the suspected cases for HPV

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum by multiplex PCR in semen sample of infertile men

The aim of this study was to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum from semen samples of infertile men by Multiplex PCR and investigation of influence of bacteriospermia on semen parameters. Semen samples of 200 infertile men were evaluated by Multiplex PCR. In addition, analysis of semen parameters was performed according to the WHO guidelines. All the patients were without clinical symptoms of urogenital tract infection. Thirty three percent of cases showed at least one bacterium. We found a noticeable relation between the presence of bacteriospermia and the rate of non motile and morphologically abnormal sperms [P< 0.0001]. In addition, sperm concentration was lower in positive cases [P< 0.04]. There was no relation between leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia [P> 0.05]. Asymptomatic existence of Chlamydia and Mycoplasmas in urogenital tracts might play an important role in sperm impairment due to infertility. Bacteriospermia can influence sperm's motility, morphology and concentration

[Isolation of anaerobic, aerobic bacteria and mycobacterium from foot skin infections of diabetic patients]

Diabetic foot infections are a potentially severe complication of diabetes. Diabetic foot infections can sometimes lead to long-term debilitation and, in the most severe cases, amputation. They are the most common infections in patients with diabetes, whose weakened immune systems put them at an increased risk of acquiring antibiotic resistant infections. For this descriptive study, 120 diabetic patients [30 women and 90 men age ranged between 45-65 years and disease duration of 0.5 to 37 years] were investigated. Immediately after the hospitalization, specimens from infected foot lesions were taken using Thio and BHI as transport medium. Aerobic cultures were carried out in all cases according to conventional methods while anaerobic cultures were performed when appropriate. Finally, susceptibility tests were performed on isolated microorganism. Totally, 75% of cases were polymicrobial infections. We isolated gram positive cocci 95%, gram positive bacilli 35%, gram negative 55% and mycobacterium 10%. Meanwhile, we found that 12.5% of our bacteria were anaerobic and 87.5% were facultative aerobic bacteria. In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Rifampin was the most effective antibiotic against S.aureus and peptostreptococcus. Surprisingly, E.coli was resistant to all tested antibiotics. Diabetic foot infections have a polymicrobial nature. Antibiotic treatment of infections should be prescribed on the results of microbiological investigation

[Nocardiosis; a case report]

Nocardia could be transmitted to lungs through dust particles; then transmitted to other organs via vascular system. We describe a 11-year old boy presenting with headache and vomiting. CT studies revealed hemorrhage in his right hemisphere as well as cerebral edema. He was hospitalized with primary diagnosis of hydrocephaly and pseudotumor cerebri. Further studies showed nocardia astroides in acid fast and blood agar culture

[Detecting legionella pneumophila with sputum culture and urinary antigen test in patients with acute pulmonary infection]

Community acquired pneumonia [CAP] is a common health problem and one of the main mortality factors worldwide. Legionella pneumophila is one of the most common responsible microorganisms for CAP and may lead to severe complications if left untreated. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of this organism in patients with CAP.We enrolled 118 patients with CAP, COPD and asthma in Masihdaneshvari Medical center during 2004-2005. For microbiological purposes sputum culture and legionella urinary antigen measurement were achieved. The study population included 32 females and 86 males, their age range 58-77 years. The most frequently isolated respiratory microorganism were: streptococcus pneumonia [88%], candida spp. [76.2%], streptococcus beta-hemolytic [61.8%], staphylococcus [40.6%], klebsiella spp. [27.1%], fungi [16.1%], E.coli [8.4%], pseudomonas spp. [5.1%]. Dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and fever were the most common findings. Smoking was the most commonly found risk factor. Atypical pathogens are responsible for 40% of community-acquired pneumonia and several studies have ranked legionella pneumophila among the three most common microbial cause of CAP in patients admitted to the hospitals. So this is important to notice that urinary antigen test is particularly useful, simple and rapid test for legionella positive cases, because it is often easier to obtain urine in ill patients and the results can be available within hours and also reliable to commence treatment

[Environmental effects of Uranium weapons]

Background: depleted uranium [DU], which is one of the residues of enriched uranium, has military and nonmilitary usage. Effects of DU on environment depend on chemical composition of the soil and the rocks. Bullets fallen in the joining part of sand and quartz will erode faster and pollute the superficial waters. This article discusses production and usage of DU and its environmental effects and the means to decontaminate the environment

Methods and materials: this study was a review article. Data and information were collected from libraries and Internet. Search word were, depleted uranium, environmental impact, natural resources in Rose net and google from 1997-2005. Search provided us with 20 full text articles

Results: high percentage [50-96%] of suspended particles of Uranium Oxide that is produced when DU hits the aims are inhale able. Approximately, 52 83% of these particles are insoluble in pulmonary fluids. Particles with the size of 5 micron or lesser can enter the body via air or food. DU particles may contaminate air, water or soil and stay there till it is moved to contaminate other areas

Conclusions: suggested means to reduce contaminations are annual sampling of water resources, environmental decontamination, public awareness, political support of the involved countries, active participation of the responsible organizations, putting sanction on production of these weapons

Genital trct infection in asymptomatic infertile men and its effect on semen quality

Male urogenital tract infection plays an important role in men infertility. Asymptomatic bacteriospermia has been paid attention as a major cause of male infertility. The aim of this study was to microbiological investigation of semen sample of infertile men attending to infertility clinic and evaluation of the effects of bacteriospermia on semen quality. Eighty eight infertile men were evaluated by standard bacterial culture method. Standard semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Among total cases, 35.22% [31 cases] showed at least one pathogen: 10.22% E.coli, 9.09% Coagulase Negative Staphylococci [Saprophyticcus], 6.81% Group B Streptococci, 5.88% Entrococci, 5.68% Candida sp., 2.27% Gonococci, 2.27% Staphylococcus aureus, 1.13% Klebsiella sp. and 1.13% Providencia sp. There was a significant relation between the bacteriospermia and the rate of no motile and morphologically abnormal sperms [P<0.0001]. The quality of sperm motility was significantly decreased in contaminated semen. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was lower. E.coli and Entrococci were the most effective agents against sperm parameters. Asymptomatic bacteriospermia has a negative effect on sperm quality. E.coli and Entrococci are the most common bacteria with negative influence on sperm motility and morphology. Moreover, presence of bacteriospermia and leukocytospermia did not correlate with each other [P>0.05]. It seems that leukocytospermia is a poor marker to predict bacteriospermia

relationship between halitosis and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in oral cavity

To assess the association of halitosis and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in oral cavity. The study was analytical and case control in which thirty-four patients with halitosis and 27 normal controls, referred to Department of Oral Medicine in Shahid Beheshti Dental School, have been visited by two dentists and studied microbiologically. Samples for micribiological studies were taken from the base of the tongue by a wooden instrument and immediately transported to liquid thioglycollate medium. The samples were cultured in nutrient culture medium, blood agar, MacConkey agar and chocolate agar after incubation at 37°C for 24 hours in anaerobic jar. Appropriate laboratory tests, such as catalase, coagulase, manitol, gellatinase, oxidase and DNase, were used to make differential diagnosis of cultured bacteria. The results were analyzed, using chi square test, Fisher's exact test, T test and Mann-Whitney U test. All tests were 2-tailed with alpha set at 0.05. Obligate anaerobic bacteria were cultured in 24 of the cases [%70.1] and 11 of the controls [%40.7]. This difference was significant [p=0.036, OR=3.5]. Thirty-one cases [%91.2] and 24 controls [%88.9] were cultured-positive for either facultative or obligate anaerobic bacteria [p=ns, OR=1.3]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups according to cultured-positive individuals for fusobacterium, fusiform bacillus prevotella, veillonella, haemophilus, spirillum and kingella, but tendency to difference for bacteroides [p=0.083, OR=3.3] and Niesseria [p=0.084, OR=0.4]. There is an association between halitosis with obligate anaerobic bacteria

Detection of chlamydia trachomatis from urine specimens by pcr inwomen with cervicitis

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common agent of urogenital infections in both men and women. Diagnosis of chlamy-dial infections is based on isolation of bacteria in tissue culture media that requires at least 48 to 72h. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] is a sensitive and specific method for detection of small quantity of bacterial DNA in clinical samples. The first goal of this study was to perform a PCR testing for detecting of C. trachomatis from urine samples and after that to identify the frequency of C. trachomatis among cervicitis women and at the end, to identify the potential risk factors for chlamydial genital infection. From August to October 2002, a total of 122 consecutive women with cervicitis who attended Obstetric and Gynecology Clinic of Shoosh, Tehran-Iran were involved into the study. After DNA extraction from urine specimens, PCR tests were performed. C. trachomatis genome was detected in 14 of 94 [14/9%] urine specimens. The highest C. trachomatis cervical infection frequency was found in women with 28 to 38 years old group, elementary education level group, and in users IUD for contraception. The results of this study indicate that PCR technique is a useful method for detecting C. trachomatis in urine

Molecular methods [16s-rRNA] compared to bacteriological diagnosis of meningitis

For treatment of patients with meningitis, rapid diagnosis of the agent is very important. Nowadays all of researches have approved qualification and efficiency of molecular tests. Detection of bacteria from CSF and blood is the major problem as a result of usage of antibiotics by patients. So we researched on CSF samples by PCR test and used DG74 and RDR80 primers for 16s rRNA sequence. Our cases were 51 children with meningitis symptoms that had referred to Mofid Hospital in Tehran. Theses samples were different from culture, cell counter and protein glucose amounts. After researching we reached to these results that 23.5% of cases were positive for bacterial culture and 41.1% of them were positive for PCR test. So sensitivity of PCR was 95.23%, specificity of PCR was 96.66% and efficiency of PCR was 96%. In first group 8 specimen were PCR positive [88.8%]. In second group, all of 12 specimens were PCR positive [100%]. In third, 8 specimens were suspected for viral meningitis, only one case was PCR positive, so it had bacterial agent. In fourth group, all of 22 specimens were PCR negative. Therefore sensitivity and specificity of PCR test with 16s rRNA gene sequence in identification of bacterial agent in CSF was 95.23% and 96.66% respectively