Long-term effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the health and safety of children and mothers around the world

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is a global health disaster with significant effects on the health of children and mothers on a scale not seen in 100 years.METHODS: We searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases with keywords of “COVID-19”, “children”, “mothers”, “health”, “impact”, “effect”, and “pandemic”. We found 33 related new studies and wrote a narrative review article. Some of them were full-text articles and others were organizational statistics or expert comments.RESULTS: Analyses showed that the COVID-19 epidemic led to widespread disruption of health systems and reduced access to food, and low- and middle-income countries should expect large increases in maternal and child mortality. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of children and mothers are very different and challenging compared to other people. During the pandemic, many mothers denied access to prenatal care. In addition to the many indirect effects, although most children have mild symptoms, they should be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) if children are hospitalized with the same percentage of adults.CONCLUSION: It is very necessary for politicians and organizations in charge of children's health to have comprehensive and long-term plans to limit the destructive and unintended effects of the pandemic on children and mothers around the world, with a greater focus on underdeveloped and less developed countries

Prevalence assessment of magA gene and antimicrobial susceptibility of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens in Shahrekord, Iran

Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an opportunistic microorganism. This study aimed to investigate the presence of magA gene and antimicrobial susceptibility in K. pneumoniae. Materials and Methods: 195 clinical specimens were collected from hospitals of Shahrekord, Iran. Bacterial culture, biochemical diagnostic standard test, determination of antibiotic sensitivity, phenotypic testing hypermucoviscosity (HV) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for isolation and characterization of K. pneumoniae. Results: 173 samples were positive for K. pneumoniae. The highest and lowest rates of resistance were related to amoxicillin 79.19 and ciprofloxacin 15.60, respectively. Also 4 samples were positive for magA gene. Conclusion: Based on our results, K. pneumoniae strains were resistant to different antibiotics. Knowing how to identify strains of K. pneumoniae, spreading of its virulence and also antimicrobial resistance genes can be useful in treatment of infection caused by this bacterium. © 2014, Tehran University of Medical Science. All rights reserve

Depression Symptoms and Sleep Quality during COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Coronavirus 2019 is a new infectious disease that has been declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic. This pandemic may have psychological effects on populations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the quality of sleep and depression in the Iranian community during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This nationwide cross-sectional web-based study was conducted from April 19 to May 12, 2020 in Iran. The data collection tools were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Center for Epidemiologic Studies' Depression Scale questionnaires. Each province in Iran was assumed as a cluster, and generalized estimating equations models were used to determine the demographic variables that were related to depression symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 outbreak. Results: In this study, 73.5% and 41.4% of the participants had poor sleep quality and had depression symptoms, respectively. Perceived income, hours spent outdoors, the number of people with COVID-19 that were acquainted with, and a history of depression significantly were related to sleep quality. Also, gender, age, having a child, education level, economic status, and a history of depression were significantly associated with having depression symptoms. Conclusions: Most participants had poor sleep quality, and less than half had depressionsymptomsduring the COVID-19 pandemic. These problems can disturb daily routines, cut social ties, and increase worries and fears of the future. Interventions are necessary to reduce psychological problems in Iran

Co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of helicobacter pylori in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection and respiratory tract infection at the same time cause pathogenicity increase and death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders and gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori. Methods: The present study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis, from August 2019 to Agusut 2020, at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. Articles in the international databases (April 2001-December 2018) on the coexistence of upper respiratory tract disorders with H. pylori gastrointestinal infections were examined. The random effect model with a 95% confidence level was used to analyze the data. Results: The highest prevalence of respiratory disorders co-occurrence associated with adenoid tissue (33%), nasal polyps (100%), chronic rhinosinusitis (71%) and gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori was reported in 2006 in Turkey, 2011 in Poland and 2015 in Egypt .Concurrent prevalence of the disease, according to the type of upper respiratory tract disorders in all studies, the estimated effect size according to the random model was 53% in chronic rhinosinusitis, 63% in nasal polyps, 62% in adenoid tissue and 60% in total, which was significant (P=0/000). The prevalence of co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori in patients was estimated to be 61% at the age of more than 27 years and 60% at the age of fewer than 27 years. Pooled estimation of the concurrent prevalence of infection (in total) was estimated to be 60% and was significant among the studies (P=0/000). Conclusion: The concurrent prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori was observed to be almost equal and significant in elderly and young patients. Due to the fact that the simultaneous occurrence of two types of infections and diseases in people is very dangerous, screening of patients with each of these infections is necessary to identify the other infection and prescribe appropriate drugs

Antibacterial effects of Artemisa aucheri leaf and Spirulina Blue-Green algae aqueous and alcoholic extracts on the multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the patients with pneumonia

ABSRTRACT Background and Aim: Antibacterial effects of Artemisia plant and algae have been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of antibiotics, Spirulina blue-green algae and Artemisa aucheri leaf extracts on multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Materials and Methods: Disk and well diffusion method, the growth minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were used to evaluate antibacterial effects. Using SPPS 16 soaftware, data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Bonferroni test (p≤0.001). Results: The MIC and MBC for amikacin, colicitin, ceftazidime were 4 and for gentamicin and nalidixic acid were 2 and 1 µg/µl, respectively. In disk and well diffusion methods, the highest growth inhibition zones belonged to ethanolic extracts (0.25 mg/ml) of Artemisia and algae. The best MIC and MBC for growth were related to ethanolic extracts of A. aucheri at the concentration of 0.15 mg/ml. The diameter of growth inhibition zone around the bacterium was directly related to the concentrations of Artemisia and Algae extracts (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Considering the beneficial antibacterial effects of Spirulina blue-green algae and A. aucheri which were confirmed in this study, extraction of the active ingredients of medicinal plants is recommended for the mass production of herbal medicines. Keywords: Antibacterial effect, Extracts, Artemisa aucheri, Spirulina blue-green algae, Klebsiella pneumonia

Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis LAM family in the worldwide population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Latin American and Mediterranean (LAM) is one of a family of phylogenic MTB, and its name is derived from the geographical area that has been isolated. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of MTB LAM family worldwide by meta-analysis and a systematic review. Methods: Data sources for this study are comprised of 70 original articles (2001–2013) that were published in the literature in several databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Biological abstracts, ISI Web of Knowledge and IranMedex. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis (Meta R, Version 2.13 package [p<0.10], CI: 95%). Results: The highest and lowest occurrence rate of the LAM family in MTB was in Europe and Asia. Totally, the prevalence of the LAM family in Europe, Africa, America and Asia was 32.10%, 29.20%, 14.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that MTB LAM family is prevalent in European countries. LAM sub-lineage is a major focus of studies carried out in different countries. Proper technique for prevention of transmission of MTB is necessary

Molecular Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in Isolated Bacteria from Blood Cultures

<p><strong><em>Introduction</em></strong>: ESBLs are a B -lactamases which had ability to hydrolyse third-generation cephalosporins and  aztreonam.  ESBLs producer bacteria are resistant to  a wide variety of antimicrobials and they made a serious global health concern for treatment strategies. So, aim of this study as to  molecular detection of ESBLs in  bacteria isolated from blood  cultures in hospitals from Kurdistan Province, Iran.</p><p><strong><em>M</em></strong><strong><em>e</em></strong><strong><em>thods</em></strong>: Biochemical test, antimicrobial susceptibility test by disc method, ESBL detection by NCCLs Phenotypic and PCR method for ESBL detection were applied. Results were analyzed by using SPSS 11.5 (p &lt; 0.05).</p><p><strong><em>Results</em></strong>: 96 <em>S. epidermidis </em>isolated from blood cultures, <em>E. coli</em>, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp.,  <em>P.  aeruginosa</em>,  Salmonella  spp.,  <em>C.  freundii,  S.  maltophilia</em>,  also  <em>S.  aureus</em>,  and <em>S.epidermis</em>. Maximum resistance was 75% for CP and minimum resistance was 25% for GM. Of the 96 isolates, 20 (20.83%) produced ESBLs. Also 11.46%, 20.83%, 12.5%, 9.38% and 2.08%  were  positive  for  TEM, CTX-M, SHV, OXA-1  and  OXA-2  ensymes,  respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Inappropriate therapy for infections with ESBL producers is cause of prolongs hospital stay and mortality.  So, more research on drug resistance with ESBL is necessary.</p

Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis T family in different continents (2000–2012): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims and objectives: Molecular methods in bacteriology showed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to have families, such as Beijing, Haarlem, Africa, East-African-Indian, Latin American and T. Each year, tuberculosis (TB) causes more than 2 million deaths in the world. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the MTB T family in different countries using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Data sources of this study are comprised of 151 original articles (2000–2012) that were published in the literature databases: PubMed) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, the years of coverage of this web site is 1955). The prevalence of MTB T family in different continents, including America, Europe, Asia and Africa, were studied. Inclusion criteria were: research articles with full text, and articles with abstracts in English. Excluded studies were: review articles, congress abstracts, studies that reported in languages other than English and studies that were not available in abstract or full text, studies that their sampling location was uncertain, studies that locations of sampling were performed at the same time, and studies that their data were not clear. These data were analyzed using meta-analysis and random effects models with the software package Meta R, Version 2.13 (p<0.10) Confidence Interval (CI: 95%). Results: 44 of 151 articles were applied; the prevalence of MTB T family in different continents was in America (Spain; 80% in 2009), Europe (Sough; 48.7% in 2008), Africa (South Africa; 23% in 2011) and Asia (Iran; 32.30% in 2010). The highest and lowest occurrence rate of MTB T family was Spain 80% in 2009 and in South Korea 2.1% in 2010, respectively. Pooled estimation of MTB T family samples was 19,873. Also, fixed effects for years showed that CI was between 5%–40%. Conclusion: Different research was studied on the prevalence of MTB T family in various countries. In this study, Spain with 80% in 2009 had more prevalence compared with other countries. The presence of MTB T family in studies indicate effective programs and management are required to control and prevent the spread of MTB, especially the T family

Survey and typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains causing nosocomial infection using multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis

Background and Aim: Identification of the source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) as cause of nosocomial infections is an important step towards infection control. The purpose of this study was to perform multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat survey and analysis for typing of P. aeruginosa as a cause of nosocomial infection. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study included 134 clinical samples of P. aeruginosa in Sanandaj from December 2015 to August 2017. Phenotypic tests and PCR were performed to confirm P. aeruginosa. Molecular typing was carried out by variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), and analysis was performed using a zero-and-one matrix. Using Stata 12, data were analyzed by chi-square and Fisherchr('39')s exact tests (p≤0.05). Results: 41.79% of P. aeruginosa strains were associated with nosocomial infections. The highest number of clinical specimens were related to tracheal (51.78%) and the least number associated with sputum and abdominal fluid (each one1.78%). There was a significant relationship between nosocomial infections and intensive care unit (ICU) (p≤0.05). Also nosocomial infections showed a significant relationship with tracheal samples (p≤0.05). Analysis of 10 strains isolated from nosocomial infections showed 10 patterns with a similarity of 72%. Conclusion: Nosocomial infections were related to P. aeruginosa and we showed epidemiological distributions of this bacterium in our study. Identification of the origin of the bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections is an important step in the prevention and control of these infections

Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Iran using Spoligotyping

Spoligotyping can help assess the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. We aimed to study the genotyping of M. tuberculosis isolated from patients with tuberculosis from the west of Iran by spoligotyping. Forty-seven M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the west of Iran. All samples were cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen medium incubated at 37°C for 8 weeks. Bacterial isolates were identified as M. tuberculosis using standard biochemical tests. Drug resistance patterns of M. tuberculosis to rifampicin and isoniazid were determined, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were isolated. After DNA extraction, spoligotyping was performed. We found new spoligotypes 4162 and 4163, which correlated with atypical lineage. Atypical and unknown lineages also had correlations with the MDR tuberculosis rate (4%). The most prevalent spoligointernational types were orphan (34%), 2669 (23.4%) and 127 (14.8%) types. The most prevalent clades were Ural-2 (NEW-1) (25.53%) and atypical (23.40%) lineages. The predominant clade was Ural-2 (NEW-1) and an atypical lineage restricted to Iran. The rate of MDR was low. Knowledge of the circulating isolates in the west of Iran will help implement control programmes, so knowledge of the dynamic transmission of local isolates is crucial. Keywords: Epidemiology, Iran, Molecular, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Spoligotypin