Molecular Study of PER and VEB Genes is Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeroginosa Isolated From Clinical Specimens in Isfahan/Iran and their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns

Abstract: Background & Aims: Duo to clinical use of antibiotics, pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with multiple drugs resistance have significantly increased throughout the world. Betalactamase production is one of the Mechanisms involved in resistance to pseudomonas aeruginosa resulting in many problems in the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium. The aim of this study was molecular analysis of PER and VEB genes in Pseudomonas with multiple resistance isolated from clinical samples in Isfahan/Iran. Methods: In whole, 98 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various clinical specimens were identified by biochemical tests and the antibiotic susceptibility of the identified strains were determined using Kirby-Bauer method. PCR was performed on the samples to evaluate the presence or absence of PER and VEB genes. Results: Among 98 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 73 samples (73%) were multiple drugs resistant and all of them were cefotaxime, cefepime and ceftazidime resistant. Prevalence of PER and VEB genes were respectively 5 (6.84%) and 8 (10.9%). Conclusion: Considering high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeroginosa, it is essential to reduce these pathogens in hospitals through controlling PER and VEB genes transfer. Keywords: Beta-lactamase, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PER, VE

ffectiveness of Lawsonia inermis Extract on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesion in BALB/c Mice

Abstract: Background & Aims: Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaf has long been used for industrial, commercial and medical purposes. The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of henna on cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion in BALB/c mice. Methods: Sufficient amount of henna leaves were prepared, grounded, and dissolved in 80% alcohol and the extract was prepared by percolation method. The dry extract was sterilized and prepared in ointment base at 40, 60, and 80% concentrations. At the same time, 40 mice (BABL/c, 8 weeks old) were infected by Leishmaniasis Major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] through the injection of 0.1 ml promastigotes subcutaneously in their tail base. Then animals were divided into one control group (without receiving any drug) and three experimental groups receiving respectively 40, 60, and 80% concentrates of henna extract every two days and immediately after the appearance of the lesion. Weekly monitoring of weight and lesion diameter was recorded. Data analysis was done through SPSS software. Results: In regard to the mean weight, the groups receiving 40% extract and 60% extract showed significant difference with each other (P=0.000) but not with the group receiving 80% extract. There was also no significant difference between control group and case groups in mean weight. Lesion diameter in 40% extract group had significant difference comparing to the control group and 60% and 80% extract groups. Mean lesion size of the mice receiving 40% henna extract compared with mice receiving 60% extracts showed significant difference (P=0.000). Conclusion: Totally, henna extract reduced the rate of weight decrease but it was not significant. However, the mean lesion size of mice receiving henna extract was significantly reduced as compared with that of control group. Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Henna Extract, BALB/c Mice, Treatmen

Role of Tsukamurella species in human infections: first literature review

Tsukamurella is an aerobic, Gram-positive and nonmotile bacterium. It was first isolated in 1941 from the mycetoma and ovaries of the bedbug. The primary strains were named Corynebacterium paurometabolum and Gordona aurantiaca and are different from the Collins et al., 1988 classification of the new Tsukamurella genus. Human infections with Tsukamurella species are rare because the species is a kind of saprophyte bacterium; however, most information regarding this species comes from case reports. Molecular markers for the identification Tsukamurella include sequencing of 16S rRNA, groEL, rpoB, secA1 and ssrA genes. Given the lack of information on the treatment of Tsukamurella infections, a combination of various antibiotic agents is recommended. Keywords: Isolation, molecular identification, taxonomy, Tsukamurell

Antileishmanial activity of Ferula assa-foetida oleo gum resin against Leishmania major: An in vitro study

Background: In Ayurveda, asafetida is introduced as a valuable remedy for flatulence, hysteria, nervous disorders, whooping cough, pneumonia and bronchitis in children and also considered as an aphrodisiac agent. Presently, Leishmaniasis is common in most countries of the world and is a serious health problem in the world. Some plant medicines and natural products have a new candidate for treatment of leishmaniasis. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate Ferula assa-foetida oleo gum resin (asafetida) on mortality and morbidity Leishmania major in vitro. Materials and Methods: Mostigotes were isolated from mice spleens and then transformed to promastigotes in Novy-Nicolle-Mac Neal (NNN medium supplemented with penicillin (100 U/ml), streptomycin (100 μg/ml) and 20% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS) at 25°C. A fixed initial density of the parasites was transferred to screw-capped vials containing 5 ml of RPMI 1640 media to which different concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μg asafetida were added and each concentration was done in triplicates. Each run also included control. The mortality of parasitoids was measured by the slide and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Results: After 72 h, asafetida inhibited growth of parasites in all doses in stationary and logarithmic phases. The ELISA measurement suggested that the viability of parasites significantly decreased after 48h (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that asafetida could prevent from growth and viability of parasites and this oleo gum resin can be useful for treatment of leishmaniasis