Probiotics: A Comprehensive Review of Their Classification, Mode of Action and Role in Human Nutrition

Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in gastrointestinal (GI) tract and are beneficial for their hosts and prevent certain diseases. In this chapter, after a complete introduction to probiotics, definition, mechanism of action, and their classification, currently used organisms will be discussed in detail. Moreover, different kinds of nutritional synthetic products of probiotics along with their safety and drug interaction will be noticed. This chapter mentions all clinical trial studies that have been done to evaluate probiotic efficacy with a focus on gastrointestinal diseases

Emerging Trend of Acinetobacter Nosocomial Infection in Northeast of Iran

Background: Acinetobacter spp. emerged as an opportunistic pathogen for hospital-acquired infections. Recently, increasing antibiotic resistance among Acinetobacter spp. has worsened the problem. The aim of this study was to investigate  the  emerging  trend  of  infection  due  to Acinetobacter  in Ghaem University Hospital, Mashhad during 2006-2012. Methods: The demographic data and information about redisposing factors was collected. Appropriate bacteriological samples were collected and Acinetobacter spp. was isolated. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of these isolates against different antimicrobials agents was determined. Results: Results confirmed that Acinetobacter spp. cause 20.9% of nosocomial infection during this period. The trend of Acinetobacter nosocomial infection was increasing and patients with risk factors such as COPD, bronchectasia, diabetes   mellitus   were   more   prone   to   infection.  There   was   significant association   between   these   infections   and   invasive   procedures   such   as catheterization, mechanical ventilation and broad-spectrum antibiotics usage. Conclusion:  Understanding  trends  in  causative  organisms  of  nosocomial infection can help us to better define our infection control policy

The Role of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in the Treatment of Chronic Urticaria in Comparison with Classic Treatments

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is the most common chronic worldwide bacterial infection in humans in all of ages and  the majority of Chronic Urticarial patients also carry     H. Pylori. The purpose of the present study was to studied H. pylori eradication in the treatment of chronic urticaria in comparison with classic treatment on two treatment groups. Materials & Methods: participants were 120 Chronic Urticaria patients with H. Pylori infected and positive Urease Breath Test (UBT) who refer to Quaem Hospital in Mashhad. Participants were randomly assigned two groups, control group received classic treatment of Urticaria (H1 & H2 Blockers) and investigation group was additional treatment by triple drug therapy (20 mg of Robeprazole twice daily, 500 mg of Clarithromycin twice daily, and 1gr of Amoxicillin twice daily during 14 days). Within one, three & six months after therapy symptoms were separately analyzed in two groups by using urticaria severity score. Results: As to the age factor, no significant difference was found (P-value: 0.863). However, the average age with regard to gender, was significantly higher in men (P-value: 0.006).The majority of patients who had been exposed to combination drug treatment, were significantly better cured than the group exposed to classic treatment lonely (P-value < 0.001) and many components of urticaria severity score showed better improvement respectively (P-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Addition of this treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with chronic urticaria, could be more effective than the classic H1and H2 blockers alone for resolution of symptoms