Evaluation the intestinal level of LCN2/NGAL in patients with Clostridium difficile infection in the south of Iran

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive obligate anaerobic bacterium that recognized an important pathogen of humans. The present study aimed to evaluate the intestinal level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI) as a disease activity marker in the south of Iran. This cross-sectional study conducted from October 2017 to June 2018 on patients referred to Nemazee and Amir Hospital in Shiraz, South of Iran. Patients less than two years old were excluded from the study. The study population was consist of 46 cases (Symptomatic patients that confirmed as a CDI), and 21 control individuals (Asymptomatic patients colonized by C. difficile). C. difficile isolates were identified by conventional microbiological producers and amplification of housekeeping gene by PCR method. The level of NGAL was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the instructions of the kit manufacturer. The results showed that the level of NGAL in symptomatic patients' (case group) was higher than asymptomatic carriers (control group), 5.9 ng/mL vs. 4.1 ng/mL; however the observed difference was not statistically significant. Also, in both groups, the mean level of NGAL was significantly higher in patients with gastrointestinal diseases than others.  In summary, despite all the limitations, the results of the present study indicate that the intestinal level of NGAL is a biological indicator of intestinal inflammation, regardless of CDI. However, further study needs to elucidate the role of NGAL in inflammation caused by bacterial infections

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF VANCOMYCIN, MUPIROCIN AND ANTISEPTIC RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of nosocomial infections that leads to broad spectrum of diseases. Increasing antibiotic resistance among S. aureus strains, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a serious concern. In addition, the emergence of antiseptics resistance in MRSA helps organism to easily persist and spread in healthcare environments. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics of vancomycin, mupirocin and antiseptic resistant S. aureus strains. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 120 MRSA isolates collected from two major hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of vancomycin and mupirocin were determined by E-test method according to CLSI and Eucast guidelines. Presence of resistance genes were investigated by PCR method. Results: Antibacterial susceptibility tests for MRSA isolates showed that 7 isolates (5.8%) were vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) and 15 isolates (12.5%) were high-level mupirocin resistant (MuH). None of the isolate had vancomycin resistance gene (vanA), but the frequency of mupirocin resistance gene was significant and 55 (45.8%) isolates carried mupA gene. Moreover, norA, smr and qacA/B genes were detected in 110 (91.7%), 55 (45.8%) and 36 (30%) strains, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed the existence of VISA and VRSA strains in our region, and we also found high frequency of mupirocin and biocide resistance genes among strains

Functional and Structural Characterization of SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein: An In Silico Study

BACKGROUND፡ Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which has been considered as a pandemic by WHO. SARS-CoV-2 encodes four major structural proteins, among which spike protein has always been a main target for new vaccine studies. This in silico study aimed to investigate some physicochemical, functional, immunological, and structural features of spike protein using several bioinformatics tools.METHOD: We retrieved all SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequences from different countries registered in NCBI GenBank. CLC Sequence Viewer was employed to translate and align the sequences, and several programs were utilized to predict B-cell epitopes. Modification sites such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, and disulfide bonds were defined. Secondary and tertiary structures of all sequences were further computed.RESULTS: Some mutations were determined, where only one (D614G) had a high prevalence. The mutations did not impact the B-cell and physicochemical properties of the spike protein. Seven disulfide bonds were specified and also predicted in several N-link glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. The results also indicated that spike protein is a non-allergen.CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings provided a deep understanding of spike protein, which can be valuable for future studies on SARS CoV-2 infections and design of new vaccines

High prevalence of vancomycin and high-level gentamicin resistance in Enterococcus faecalis isolates

Multiple drug-resistant enterococci are major cause of healthcare-associated infections due to their antibiotic resistance traits. Among them, Enterococcus faecalis is an important opportunistic pathogen causing various hospital-acquired infections. A total of 53 E. faecalis isolates were obtained from various infections. They were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Determination of antimicrobial resistance patterns was done according to CLSI guidelines. The isolates that were non-susceptible to at least one agent in ≥3 antimicrobial categories were defined as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Detection of antimicrobial resistance genes was performed using standard procedures. According to MDR definition, all of the isolates were MDR (100%). High-level gentamicin resistance was observed among 50.9% of them (MIC ≥ 500 μg/ml). The distributions of aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2′′)-Ia and aph(3′)-IIIa genes were 47.2% and 69.8%, respectively. The aph(2′′)-Ib, aph(2′′)-Ic, aph(2′′)-Id, and ant(4′)-Ia genes were not detected. Vancomycin resistance was found in 45.3% of strains. The vanA gene was detected in 37.7% of isolates, whereas vanB and vanC1 genes were not observed in any strain. Erythromycin resistance rate was 79.2% and the frequencies of ermB and ermC genes were 88.6% and 69.8%, respectively. The ermA and msrA genes were not present in any of the isolates. Our data indicate a high rate of MDR E. faecalis strains. All of high-level gentamicin-resistant isolates carried at least one of aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2′′)-Ia or aph(3′)-IIIa genes. Distribution of vanA was notable among the isolates. In addition, ermB and ermC were accountable for resistance to erythromycin

Promising Antibacterial Effect of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles against Several Multidrug Resistant Uropathogens

Background: Recently, nanotechnology has been demonstrated to be a promising application to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance. In the present study, we aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on several multiple-drug resistant (MDR) uropathogenic strains. Methods: This in vitro case-control study was performed on 4 uropathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial property was evaluated by well diffusion method at different concentrations of CuO NPs. Results: Overall, NPs concentration of 10, 25 and 50 μg/mL showed the remarkable antibacterial activity. A lower effect was seen against S. aureus strains. CuO NPs exhibited maximum bacterial growth inhibition against E. faecalis strains. In most of the cases, the zone of inhibition in 50 μg/mL concentration was closest to control positive antibiotics. Conclusion: In summary, CuO NPs as an alternative to conventional antibiotics that are currently used showed dose-dependent on antibacterial activity against different uropathogens, specificity towards pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. This promising antibacterial activity of CuO NPs suggesting the development of NPs coatings on the different surface of biomedical materials for applications in different antimicrobial control systems

Gonorrhea and syphilis co-infection and related risk factors in HIV patients from Shiraz, South of Iran

Background: Neisseria gonorrhea and Treponema pallidum as an obligate human pathogen are two common causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and T. pallidum among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the southwest Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed from 2004 to 2013, on HIV patients who were tested for detection of gonorrhea and syphilis infection at Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center. ELISA technique was used for preliminary detection of HIV and confirmed by a Western Blotting test. Gonorrhea was routinely diagnosed using direct Gram-staining and culturing on selective agar. Syphilis was routinely diagnosed by RPR test. Results: Of the 806 HIV patients, 39 (2.6%) cases had co-infection with gonorrhea. Compared with mono-HIV infected patients, gonorrhea was significantly more likely among the males (69.4% vs. 92.3%, P=0.002). History of addiction and prison seems to be a significant risk factor for gonorrhea infection (P<0.05). Also, the mean of CD4+lymphocyte was higher among gonorrhea infected patients (368 +/- 238 vs. 415 +/- 328). Logistic regression analysis showed that sexual contact increased risk of gonococcal infection about 4 fold (OR: 4, CI: 1.7-9.39, P=0.001). None of the HIV patients had syphilis co-infection. Conclusions: As a preliminary survey, our findings provided unique information on the prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis co-infections among HIV patients. Moreover, we introduced the main risk factors associated with gonorrhea co-infection in HIV patients in our region including gender, history of addiction and prison, CD4+lymphocyte count, and transmission routes for effective management of STDs

Evaluation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of probiotic bacteria against causative bacterial pathogens of dental caries

The most important factor in tooth decay and periodontal disease is the attachment of oral bacteria, especially streptococci, to different levels of the mouth and teeth. Therefore, by changing the microbial ecology in the mouth using probiotic producing bacteria, we can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of probiotic producing Lactobacillus against several streptococci that cause tooth decay. Antimicrobial activity and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of probiotic lactobacilli was determined by disk diffusion method and standard broth microdilution, respectively. Antibiofilm activity was assayed by a microtiter-plate screening method. The five isolates of Lactobacillus strains with probiotic properties include Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus brevis were tested against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis. Most of tested Lactobacillus strain at concentrations above 125 µg/mL showed antibacterial properties. Also, examination of the MICs showed that probiotic bacteria had greater effects on S. sanguinis. While, the tested probiotic bacteria did not show a significant antibiofilm effect. Our results suggest that lactobacilli with potential probiotic properties can be effective used for eliminating oral streptococcal colonization

Gonor¬rhea and syphilis co-infection and related risk factors in HIV patients from Shiraz, South of Iran

Background: Neisseria gonorrhea and Treponema pallidum as an obligate human pathogen are two common causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and T. pallidum among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the southwest Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed from 2004 to 2013, on HIV patients who were tested for detection of gonorrhea and syphilis infection at Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center. ELISA technique was used for preliminary detection of HIV and confirmed by a Western Blotting test. Gonorrhea was routinely diagnosed using direct Gram-staining and culturing on selective agar. Syphilis was routinely diagnosed by RPR test. Results: Of the 806 HIV patients, 39 (2.6%) cases had co-infection with gonor¬rhea. Compared with mono-HIV infected patients, gonor¬rhea was significantly more likely among the males (69.4% vs. 92.3%, P=0.002). History of addiction and prison seems to be a significant risk factor for gonor¬rhea infection (P<0.05). Also, the mean of CD4+lymphocyte was higher among gonor¬rhea infected patients (368±238 vs. 415±328). Logistic regression analysis showed that sexual contact increased risk of gonococcal infection about 4 fold (OR: 4, CI: 1.7-9.39, P=0.001). None of the HIV patients had syphilis co-infection. Conclusions: As a preliminary survey, our findings provided unique information on the prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis co-infections among HIV patients. Moreover, we introduced the main risk factors associated with gonorrhea co-infection in HIV patients in our region including gender, history of addiction and prison, CD4+lymphocyte count, and transmission routes for effective management of STDs

Evaluation of aerobic bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of diabetic foot infections in Rasht, the North or Iran

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most frequently occurred complications of patients with poor-controlled diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is increasing as a common problem and more than half of DFUs will be eventually infected. Here, we aimed to evaluate aerobic bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of DFIs. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Razi educational and remedial Hospital in the North of Iran. From March to August, 2020 patients who were diagnosed as diabetic foot ulcer and attended to Razi hospital included in the study. In this study samples were collected from infected areas of diabetic foot ulcers. Standard microbiological methods were used to identify the isolates. The disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility on Mueller-Hinton agar following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. Thirty-one patients enrolled in this study. They included 17 females (54.8%) and 14 males (45.2%). The mean age of patients was 62.8 years, ranging from 40 to 93 years old. Totally, six types of aerobic bacteria were isolated from patients. The most prevalent type was Escherichia coli (41.9%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (16.1%). The most effective antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria were aminoglycosides. While, Staphylococcus aureus isolates mostly susceptible to tested antibiotics. Also, none of the isolated S. aureus were methicillin-resistance. The results of antimicrobial sensitivity showed that aminoglycosides might be suitable agents for empirical therapy in Iran. Regular monitoring of culture and sensitivity reports is required to select drugs for empiric treatment