Comparing the effects of alcoholic extract of ginseng with itraconazole against Candida albicans and Candida krusei

Background: Candidiasis is a prevalent disease which is caused by different species of Candida. Herbal drugs (e.g. ginseng) were traditionally administrated for the treatment of different diseases. This study was carried out to compare the effect of alcoholic extract of ginseng with Itraconazole against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida krusei (C. krusei). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was crried out on 22 and 8 species of C.albicans and 8 C.krusei, respectively which were isolated from vagina, urine and sputum of the patients. Using the CLSI M27 and disk diffusion methods the susceptibility test was done by Itraconazole (10 µg) and ginseng extract (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 mg.ml-1). The standard species of C. albicans (PTCC 5027) and C. Krusei (PTCC 5295) were used for the quality control purposes. Results: The lowest and highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for C. albicans and C. Kruzei was 0.0625 and 0.5 μg.ml-1, respectively for Itraconazole using the microdilution method. However, the lowest MIC and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) for alcoholic extract was 64 mg.ml-1 .The highest inhibition zone for C. albicans was 14 and 14-32 mm for alcoholic extract and Foritraconazole, respectively. Using the two methods no significant difference was seen between the alcoholic extract of ginseng (64 and 128 mg.ml-1) and the drug. (P<0.05) Conclusion: Considering the MICs and disk diffusion results, the ginseng extract (64,128 mg.ml-1) shows considerable antifungal effects compared to Itraconazole

Effect of Amphotericin B and Fluconazole on hospital wards fungi

Background and Objective: Nosocomial fungal infections have considerably increased due to incrasing of immunocompromised diseases. This study was done to evaluate the antifungal activity of Amphotericin B and Fluconazole on hospital wards fungi. Methods: In this descriptive - analytic study, 33 fungal samples isolated from Imam Khomini hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2013. Samples were identified using slide culture method. Serial dilution of drugs and fungal suspensions were supplied from 0.25-128 µg/ml and range 0.5–5×105 cfu/ml, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined in accordance with NCCLS M38-p guideline. Results: The most frequent isolated fungus was Aspergillus spp. with 39.4% while the low frequent were Alternaria Spp. and Circinella with similar frequency (3%). MIC range for Fluconazole and Amphotericin B were 64-128 µg/ml and 16-64 µg/ml, respectively. Amphotericin B showed a MIC significant reduction in comparision with Fluconazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hospital wards fungi were resistant to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole

The Effect of Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Duration on Drug Susceptibility Testing of Rhizopus spp. to Amphotericin B, Itraconazole and Fluconazole

Introduction: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used as a disinfectant in laboratories and hospitals which its efficacy level depends on duration of radiation. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the duration of UV radiation effect on drug susceptibility testing of Rhizopus spp. to amphotericin B, itraconazole and fluconazole. Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted on 12 clinical strains isolated from patients according to CLSI M38-P method. Initially, fungal suspensions were supplied with cell ranges of 0.5-5×104cfu/ml . Then, drug stocks of itraconazole and amphotericin B with serial dilution of 0.03125-16 µg/mlas well as fluconazole of 0.125-64µg/ml were prepared. Drug susceptibility was scrutinized pre and post UV radiation after 1, 2, 5,10,60,90 and 120 s of UV radiation. Results: The highest and lowest MICs were 64µg/ml and 0.5 µg/ml for amphotericin B and fluconazole pre UV radiation, respectively. After UV radiation, MICs gradually decreased so that after 10 s of UV radiation, MICs were <0.03125 which were considered 0. MICs of mentioned drugs significantly decreased with increasing UV radiation of more than 2 s duration compared to pre UV radiation (P< 0.05). Conclusion: UV radiation use with proper radiation time is recommended for prevention of nosocomial fungal infection

Drug susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Candida albicans against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by microdilution and disk diffusion methods

Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the normal flora of the body as opportunistic fungi. It causes candidiasis in immunocompromised condition. This study was done to drug susceptibility testing of Candida albicans isolated from patients against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole. Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, drug susceptibility of 30 Candida albicans isolated from patients admitted to Tehran hospitals, Iran was tested against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by micro dilution method in accordance with CLSI M27-A2 guideline and disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI M44-S2 guideline. Standard isolate Candida albicans PTCC (5027) and Candida krusei PTCC (5295) were used for quality control. Results: The minimum and maximum MIC against Amphotrericin B was 0.0625 µg.ml-1 and 4 µg.ml-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum MIC against Ketoconazole was 0.5 µg/ml-1 and 32 µg/ml-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum zone diameter was 6 and 28 mm for both drugs. The results of drug susceptibility testing by two methods did not show significant differences. 25 isolates (83.3%) against ketoconazole and 2 isolates (6.7%) against Amphotericin B were resistant. Conclusion: Amphotericin B administration seems better choice in candidiasis treatment in comparision with Ketoconazole

Drug susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus to Itraconazole and Amphotericin B

Background and Objective: Aspergillosis is the most current causative agent of exogenous fungal nosocomial infection. This study was done to evaluate the drug susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus to itraconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This Laboratory study was done on 25 Aspergillus fumigatus and 25 Aspergillus flavus species isolated from transplant's patients. Drug susceptibility test was done according to NCCLS M38-P document. Fungal suspensions of mentioned fungi were supplied with ranges 0.5–5×104 by spectrophotometer at 530 nm. Serial dilutions of drugs were supplied from 0.03125 to 16 µg/ml and MICs determined following 48h incubation at 35°C. Results: Obtained MICs ranges for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 1-4 µg/ml and 0.5–4 µg/ml for itraconazole, respectively while MICs ranges against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 0.5-2 µg/ml and 0.25-2 µg/ml for amphotericin B, respectively. Amphotericin B MICs were significantly lower than itraconazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus were susceptible to amphotericin B and itraconazole

Determination of Slimness, Low Weight and Low Growth Rates in Rural and Urban Schoolboys in Golpayegan

Background and Aim: Malnutrition is one of the causative agents of death in children. So, this study was done for assessment of anthropometric indices of students and malnutrition status in Golpayegan, Iran.Materials and Methods: This research was done as a descriptive - analytical (inferential) study. Sampling was done as clusters and multistage. In order to collect data, the standard questionnaire of anthropometric indicators standards (ANIS) pattern was used. Low and low height was used based on Z score. Collected data was analyzed by Epi-info and SPSS software.Results: Of 1062 schoolboys, 550 were male and 512 were female. Anthropometric indicators including age (month), weight (kg) and height (Cm) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The mean of malnutrition index was 5.4 % (WAZ<-2) and 3% (WAZ<-2) in our study.Conclusion: The significant difference between prevalence of slimness, low weighting and low growth in rural and urban Schoolboys is an indicator of the undesirable situation in rural areas. Therefore, nutritional planning should be considered in rural children

Efficacy of ultraviolet radiation on drug susceptibility of Candida Spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B

Background and Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a important disinfectant. Fungal infections with resistant isolates in patients culminate in recurrence of disease even with worse condition. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation on drug susceptibility of Candida Spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This laboratory study was done on 12 Candida spp. isolated from patients according to NCCLS M27- A method. Samples were suspended with sterile saline and optical density was read by spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 530 nm. Serial dilutions (0.0313-16 µg/ml) and (0.0313-128 µg/ml) were supplied for itraconazole, amphotericin and fluconazole, respectively. MICs were determined after 48h incubation at 35°C. Following UV radiation for 1, 2, 5, 10, 60, 90 and 120 seconds MICs were determined, subsequently. Results: The highest MIC pre UV radiation was (>128 µg/ml) for fluconazole. After UV radiation, MICs were steadily decreased for all mentioned drugs while after 10 sec, MICs of itraconazole and amphotericin B were >0.0313 µg/ml. Secondary MICs significantly decreased with respect to MICs obtained in pre UV radiation (P<0.05). Conclusion: UV radiation reduces MICs of Candida spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Allium eriophyllum Boiss leaf aqueous extract; characterization and analysis of their antimicrobial and cutaneous wound-healing potentials

Recently, researchers have proven the therapeutic properties of copper nanoparticles as a common product of nanotechnology science. Due to the excellent antioxidant potential of copper nanoparticles, it seems that they can be used for the treatment of infectious diseases and cutaneous wounds. Also, Allium eriophyllum Boiss leaf is used in Kurdish traditional medicine, as one of the popular medicines of the Iranian traditional medicines, for increasing the trend of wound healing. So, we decided to synthesize the copper nanoparticles containing A. eriophyllum leaf aqueous extract, and analyze their potentials in removing bacteria and fungi and healing of cutaneous wounds. After synthesizing the copper nanoparticles, they were characterized with common techniques of organic chemistry, i.e. UV-Vis, Fourier transform-infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For investigating the antimicrobial properties of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum, we used the macro-broth dilation test. Also, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum were gained to indicate the exact antimicrobial potentials of them. To survey the cutaneous wound-healing effects of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum, the 0.2 ointments were formulated and compared with the control and untreated groups. All data of antimicrobial and cutaneous wound-healing experiments were assessed by SPSS 22 software. The results of chemical characterization indicated that copper nanoparticles had been synthesized as the best form, and the size ranges were 25-35 and 30-35 nm in the FE-SEM and TEM images, respectively. In the antimicrobial part of this study, CuNPs@A. eriophyllum indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (P <= 0.01). MIC, MBC and MFC of CuNPs@A. eriophyllum were 2-4 mg/ml against all fungi and bacteria tested. With regard to cutaneous wound healing, the use of CuNPs@A. eriophyllum ointment significantly (P <= 0.01) raised the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, fibrocyte and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate, and significantly (P <= 0.01) decreased the wound area, total cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes compared with other groups in rats. According to the above findings, CuNPs@A. eriophyllum may be used for the treatment of infectious diseases and cutaneous wounds in humans

Fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran (2006-07)

Background and Objective: Incidence of fungal infections particularly fungal sinusitis is increasing in Iran and identification of causative agents is essential for its control and treatment. This study was carried out to determine the fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross – sectional study was done on 108 patients (73 males, 35 females) with chronic sinusitis ranged from 9 to 68 years, admitted to Amir Alam and Emam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 2006-07. Sinusitis in patients confirmed by radiologic images. Complementry information were obtained using questionnaires which including gender, job, presence of disposing disease diabetes and consumption immunocompromised drugs. Sinus samples were collected by washing and biopsy were carried out by two methods of fenestration and Cald-wel luc operations. Subsequently they were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), SDA+chloramphenicol and blood agar (BA) media at 30°C and 37°C. Direct examination and fixative sample for histhologic evaluation was done and for colonies confirmation the slide culture method also was used. Results: 8 cases (7.4 %) were positive for fungal sinusitis with following sub type: 6 cases (Alternaria Spp), 1 case (Paecilomyces) and 1 case (Aspergillus flavus). The most fungal sinusitis (5 cases) were observed in 30-39 years patients. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of 7.4 % fungal sinusitis and isolation of paecilomyces which is a rare subtype complematry investigation is recommended, in the field of research

Biosynthesis of zinc nanoparticles using Allium saralicum RM Fritsch leaf extract; Chemical characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties

The extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaf was found to be an effective reagent for green synthesis and functionalization of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs@AS) from 1 mM zinc acetate solution. These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. FT-IR results offered polysaccharides and protein in A. saralicum were the sources of reducing power, reducing zinc ions to ZnNPs@AS. In XRD analysis, the crystal size of zinc nanoparticles was 19.7 nm. TEM and FE-SEM images indicated the average diameter of 19 nm for the zinc nanoparticles. For investigating the antimicrobial properties of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, we used the macro-broth dilation test. Also, MIC, MBC, and MFC of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS were gained to indicate the exact antimicrobial potentials of them. ZnNPs@AS indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (p <= 0.01). The MIC of ZnNPs@AS were 2-4 and 2-8 mg/mL against fungi and bacteria, respectively. But, MBC and MFC of ZnNPs@AS were 4-8 mg/mL against all fungi and bacteria tested. To survey the cutaneous wound healing effects of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, the 0.2 ointments were formulated and compared with the control and untreated groups. The use of ZnNPs@AS ointment significantly (p <= 0.01) raised the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and significantly (p <= 0.01) decreased the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte compared to other groups in rats. According to the above findings, ZnNPs@AS may be consumed for the treatment of cutaneous wounds and infectious diseases in humans