Presence of bla(PER-1) and bla(VEB-1) beta-lactamase genes among isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from South West of Iran

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates have acquired resistance to antibiotics such as novel beta-lactams. The aim of this study was to investigate the blaPER-1, bla(VEB-1), and bla(PSE-1) genes among isolates of P. aeruginosa among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Sixty-five isolates were collected. The antibiotic susceptibility testing and combined disk tests were performed to detect the isolates producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among ceftazidime-resistant isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of bla(PER-1), bla(VEB-1), and bla(PSE-1) genes was conducted. Ten (15.3) isolates were ESBL-positive, of which 40 (n = 4) belonged to males and 60 (n = 6) were collected from females. Moreover, two and one isolates harbored bla(PER-1) and bla(VEB-1) genes, respectively. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Exposure of Infants to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother's Breast Milk in Ilam, Western Iran

OBJECTIVES: Aflatoxins as a highly toxic group of mycotoxins are present in the environment and foodstuff. These have been reported to cause serious health problems in humans. Since aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is excreted into breast milk, investigating the exposure of infants to AFM1 is of special concern. METHODS: In the present study, breast milk samples were collected from 85 lactating mothers in Ilam province, Iran, and the levels of AFM1 were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based technique. AFM1 was detected in breast milk of all lactating women. The mean contamination level was 5.91 +/- 2.031 ng/L, ranging from 2 ng/L to 10 ng/L. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis indicated no significant associations of consumption of milk and dairy products, meat, fish, legumes, grain products, fruits, and nuts with the concentration of AFM1 in breast milk. Furthermore, no significant association was observed between AFM1 concentration and anthropometric data of infants. CONCLUSION: In western parts of Iran, lactating mothers and their infants could be at risk of aflatoxin B1 and AFM1 exposure, respectively. Therefore, in Iran, the evaluation of AFM1 in human breast milk as a biomarker for postnatal exposure of infants to this carcinogen requires more attention in different regions and various seasons