Iranian Journal of Microbiology

Effect of supplementation on biofilms and antibiotic efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2025-12-15T12:17:29+0330

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, particularly in vulnerable patients. However, treating these infections is challenging due to its various antibiotic resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation ability. As traditional antibiotic development struggles to keep pace with evolving resistance, this review explores a promising alternative strategy which is enhancing existing antibiotic efficacy by combining them with nutritional supplements that modulate P. aeruginosa physiology. Specifically, it focuses on studies investigating the effects of diverse carbon, nitrogen, and iron sources on bacterial response to antibiotics, and the mechanisms underlying observed synergy. To achieve this, published literature on P. aeruginosa metabolism, antibiotic resistance, and nutritional influences was comprehensively analyzed and summarized. The findings highlight specific carbon, nitrogen, and iron sources that can enhance various antibiotic classes against P. aeruginosa. These include supplements capable of disrupting biofilm formation, reducing efflux pump activity, or interfering with other resistance mechanisms, thereby increasing antibiotic susceptibility. The specific mechanisms by which these supplements interact with bacterial physiology and antibiotic action are thoroughly discussed. Ultimately, modulating P. aeruginosa physiology through strategic supplementation alongside existing antibiotics offers a promising approach to overcome drug resistance in this pathogen.

Comparative analysis of gut microbiota composition in the fecal samples from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy individuals: a case control study

2025-12-15T12:17:28+0330

Background and Objectives: Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels are the hallmarks of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic condition. Emerging research suggests that gut microbiota may play a causal role in T2DM. This study compares T2DM patients' gut microbiota to healthy controls, focusing on Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes.
Materials and Methods: This case-control research involved 50 T2DM patients and 50 healthy controls, aged 39-75. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) employing 16S rRNA gene primers was used to detect and quantify bacterial diversity in fecal samples. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the microbiota composition between groups.
Results: The gut microbiome of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus differed significantly from that of healthy controls. In T2DM patients, Lactobacillus spp. and the Firmicutes phylum had higher relative fold differences, while A. muciniphila had lower abundance. No substantial alterations were seen in Bifidobacterium spp., Prevotella, or Bacteroidetes. T2DM patients had more Lactobacillus spp. and Firmicutes and less A. muciniphila in their gut microbiome.
Conclusion: While gut microbiota is linked to T2DM, this study analyzes the bacterial composition to identify taxa that change significantly. Further research is essential to unravel the complex relationships between gut microbiota and T2DM pathogenesis, particularly through species-level analysis and genomic studies to identify the primary associated clades.

Tight junctions expression is affected by active, inactive, and derivatives of Akkermansia muciniphila

2025-12-15T12:17:27+0330

Background and Objectives: Tight junctions (TJs) in the gastrointestinal tract are comprised of various junctional proteins including Occludin and Zonula Occludens (ZO-1) that have a critical role in epithelial barrier function. Gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can maintain and regulate gut epithelial barrier integrity.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, the effects of active, heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatant, and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Akkermansia muciniphila were evaluated on the expression of occludin and ZO-1 genes in Caco-2 cell line by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results: Data have shown that both forms of the active (metabolically active, growing, and dividing state), and heat inactivated (by exposure to 56°C for 20 minutes) forms of the bacteria and the cell-free supernatant could affect the expression of occludin and ZO-1 genes (P < 0.05). OMVs significantly increased the expression of the occludin gene but had no effects on the expression of ZO-1.
Conclusion: Akkermansia muciniphila and its derived metabolites might have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical and medicinal fields as probiotic, paraprobiotic and postbiotic agents to prevent metabolic and inflammatory diseases; Although, further research is needed to understand their interactions within the complex gut microbiome and to evaluate potential side effects or risks associated with their use.

Human milk as a source of next-generation probiotics: quantifying Akkermansia muciniphila and microbial contamination risks in donor milk

2025-12-15T12:17:26+0330

Background and Objectives: Human milk provides nutrients, prebiotics, and probiotics that support infants’ physical and mental growth. Human milk microbiota, as a potential source of probiotics and an indicator of the safety of donor milk, is of great importance. Akkermansia muciniphila, a core member of next-generation probiotics (NGPs), with the ability to degrade human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), may be present in human milk. This study was carried out to assess the total bacterial count and presence of A. muciniphila in raw freshly expressed mothers’ milk and pasteurized donor milk from human milk banks (HMBs).
Materials and Methods: 15 raw and 20 pasteurized milk samples were collected and analyzed using a real-time PCR technique with specific primers for A. muciniphila and universal 16S rRNA bacterial primers.
Results: Results showed that the average total bacterial count was 4.95 log CFU/ml, which is lower than the normal range reported for human milk. Samples with bacterial count over the standard range were related to the HMBs. Prevalence of A. muciniphila in human milk was 35% and was higher in raw milk samples than in pasteurized samples.
Conclusion: In conclusion, raw human milk can serve as a potential source for A. muciniphila isolation as a candidate for NGPs.

Preliminary investigation of changes in pathogen presence in the vaginal microbiome in association with age

2025-12-15T12:17:26+0330

Background and Objectives: The vaginal microbiome represents a dynamic ecosystem that undergoes significant transformations throughout a woman's lifespan, influenced by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes. Interpreting pathogen distribution and developing suitable therapeutic care techniques for women's reproductive health depends on an understanding of these age-related patterns. This study aims to thoroughly describe age-related changes in the makeup of the vaginal microbiome and the distribution of pathogenic species.
Materials and Methods: Vaginal swab samples were collected from 29 subjects, categorized into different age groups (A: 15-30 years, B: 31-40 years, C: 41-50 years, and D: 51-60 years old females). Microbiome DNA was extracted from the collected vaginal swabs and shotgun next generation sequencing was performed. Post-sequencing, data was analysed using in-house pipeline followed by statistical analysis using R programming.
Results: The results showed that microbial diversity varied significantly with age. Group C displayed the most severe pathogenic burden; Group A had the highest overall species diversity with 350 bacterial species. Group D displayed the greatest overall relative abundance levels of microorganisms, primarily due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus dominance.
Conclusion: This study shows that the composition of the vaginal microbiome changes fundamentally over the course of a woman's life, with each stage bringing with it its own set of microbial signatures, pathogenic risks, and therapeutic prospects.

Core genome expansion in Brevibacterium across marine provinces reveals genomic footprint for long-term marine adaptation

2025-12-15T12:17:25+0330

Background and Objectives: Actinobacteria are ubiquitous across diverse environmental niches. Brevibacterium strains within this phylum are widely distributed in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Marine environments are defined by distinct physicochemical properties—high salinity, alkaline pH, fluctuating O₂ levels, and dynamic nutrient availability—which set them apart from terrestrial habitats. The broad ecological range of Brevibacterium strains raises questions about genome-encoded metabolic features that have evolved to adapt in marine environments.
Materials and Methods: Genomics of Brevibacterium strains from various marine provinces was analyzed, focusing on core genome and pan-genome structure.
Results: Core genome and pan-genome derived phylograms reveal a distinct polyphyletic origin of marine strains, as evidenced by their phylogenetic proximity despite diverse species affiliations. Only 1.16% of gene clusters from the total nonredundant gene repertoire were part of the core genome. Core genome size is shaped by geographical distribution. Notably, when strains from localized regions are analyzed, the core genome expands, indicating specialized functional requirements of additional genes within that environment. In marine isolates, the core genome includes genes involved in nutrient uptake, osmoregulation, and resistance to sediment genotoxicity. Additionally, a marine province-specific core genome analysis reveals genomic adaptations essential for acclimatization across different environments, regardless of species-level
taxonomy.
Conclusion: Microbial genome evolution is shaped by ecological niche differentiation. The emergence and spread of habitats driven by tectonic plate movements may contribute to province-specific genomic divergence in Brevibacterium. This hypothesis merits further investigation, particularly as genomic data from deeper, geologically stable environments such as marine sediments become more accessible.

Multiplex PCR for lower respiratory tract infection diagnosis in ICU and non-ICU settings: enhancing diagnostic stewardship in Indian tertiary care

2025-12-15T12:17:24+0330

Background and Objectives: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both ICU and non-ICU patients. Timely identification of causative pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes is critical for optimizing therapy. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (BFPP), a multiplex PCR assay, for pathogen and AMR detection in LRTI cases at a tertiary care hospital in India.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over 29 months (October 2022–February 2025) on 251 respiratory specimens from clinically suspected LRTIs. BFPP was performed for bacterial, viral, and AMR gene detection, with results compared to conventional aerobic bacterial culture. Diagnostic yield, co-infection rates, and concordance were assessed using kappa statistics.
Results: BFPP detected at least one pathogen in 81.7% of samples versus 44.2% by culture, with 55.8% showing polymicrobial infections. Sensitivity was 94.6%, with moderate agreement with culture (κ = 0.428). Among 251 cases, predominant bacteria included Acinetobacter baumannii (29.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.9%). Major viral agents were human rhinovirus/enterovirus (15.1%) and influenza A virus (13.1%). Among 174 AMR-positive cases, bla_CTX-M (59.2%), bla-_NDM (56.9%), and bla_OXA-48 (46.6%) were the most frequently detected resistance genes.
Conclusion: The BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (BFPP) demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity of 94.6% and detected pathogens in 81.7% of suspected LRTI cases, compared to 44.2% positivity by conventional culture. BFPP identified 69 additional pathogens missed by culture, enabling earlier targeted therapy and improved diagnostic stewardship in ICU and non-ICU settings.

Estimation of second line anti-tubercular drug susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical isolates

2025-12-15T12:17:24+0330

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is among the most common in the world and is a leading cause of high mortality and morbidity. In India, there is very limited data on second line drug susceptibility testing. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) isolates among Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex strains and to assess the sensitivity pattern to four commonly used 2^nd line anti-tubercular drugs irrespective of their MDR status.
Materials and Methods: A 61 culture-positive strains of the tuberculosis complex (smear positive or negative) in Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) and Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) from various clinical samples were included. We performed MGIT 1^st and 2^nd line susceptibility testing for tuberculosis.
Results: Among the 61 isolates, 12 (19.6%) were multi drug resistant. Capreomycin resistance was observed in 17 (27.8%) isolates, kanamycin resistance in 30 (49.1%), ofloxacin resistance in 5 (8.1%), and ethionamide resistance in 6 (9.8%) isolates. Resistance to kanamycin and ethionamide was more common among patients with multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) than among those with non-MDR-TB.
Conclusion: The MGIT system has surpassed solid culture and is an excellent method for performing culture and drug sensitivity testing for tuberculosis. However, its use remains limited by economic and logistical challenges. The high prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance suggests the need to preserve these drugs for treating patients with MDR-TB.

Investigation of the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2025-12-15T12:17:23+0330

Background and Objectives: The antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria limits the spectrum of effective antibiotics. Considerable focus has been placed on the identification of more contemporary and cost-effective antimicrobial drugs. In this study, the antibacterial properties of a commonly used solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), against P. aeruginosa were investigated.
Materials and Methods: The microtiter broth dilution technique was employed to establish the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of DMSO. The solvent’s impact on bacterial growth, biofilm formation and eradication was assessed. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was carried out to assess the effect of varying DMSO concentrations ranging from 1% to 8% (v/v) on quorum sensing gene expression.
Results: All P. aeruginosa strains exhibited a DMSO MIC of 25% v/v and MBC of 50% v/v. DMSO caused significant growth inhibition and suppression of biofilm formation in all P. aeruginosa strains at sub-inhibitory concentrations, i.e. 1%-8% v/v. At these concentrations, the samples showed a reduction in biomass and reduced metabolic activity. These effects were concentration-dependent. A DMSO strength of 8% v/v was associated with a statistically significant downregulation of most of the quorum sensing genes; at a DMSO titer of 1% v/v, this effect was modest with only a few genes being significantly affected.
Conclusion: DMSO is a potential therapeutic agent against P. aeruginosa as it has been demonstrated that it exhibits antimicrobial characteristics. Moreover, the impact of DMSO on bacterial growth and biofilm formation complicates its use as a solvent in biologic and clinical research.

Prevalence of exoA, cepA, plcH, lasB, and algD virulence genes in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from hospitals in Yasuj and Shiraz, Iran

2025-12-15T12:17:23+0330

Background and Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, is ubiquitous and represents one of the most challenging multidrug-resistant pathogens today. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate antibiotic resistance patterns, detect the cepA antibiotic resistance gene, and identify virulence factor genes (exoA, algD, lasB, and plcH) in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study analyzed 74 P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from clinical samples at Imam Sajad (Yasuj) and Namazi (Shiraz) hospitals, including 74 clinical isolates and one standard reference strain. Bacterial identification was performed using standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by the disk diffusion method according to CLSI 2018 guidelines. Genomic DNA was extracted by means of boiling method, and PCR assays were applied to detect exoA, cepA, plcH, lasB, and algD genes. Data were analyzed with chi-square tests, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant.
Results: Among 74 P. aeruginosa isolates, all carried the exoA gene, while algD, plcH, cepA, and lasB were detected in 95.6%, 94.6%, 93.2%, and 91.9% of isolates, respectively. High resistance was observed to aztreonam and ticarcillin, while cefiderocol showed the greatest sensitivity. A significant correlation was found between the cepA gene and antibiotic resistance (P = 0.03).
Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of virulence genes and increasing antibiotic resistance among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies to combat this pathogen.

The etiology of acute infectious febrile illnesses at a tertiary care hospital: an experience from a hilly region of Uttarakhand

2025-12-15T12:17:22+0330

Background and Objectives: The differential diagnosis of acute febrile illness (AFI) is influenced by the regional distribution of prevalent diseases. Hence, in our hospital-based data analysis, we evaluated the AFI cases presented to our center to raise awareness among clinicians and microbiologists regarding the percentage positivity of the prevailing diseases in the context of AFI based on serology, in and around the city of Dehradun.
Materials and Methods: A total of 38,869 suspected AFI patients were enrolled in the study, and their specimens were analysed for infectious etiologies, including dengue, malaria, enteric fever, and scrub typhus by antigen-antibody based detection methods.
Results: Data analysis conducted from September 2021 to December 2022 among patients with AFI revealed that enteric fever, dengue, scrub typhus, and malaria accounted for 12.65%, 7.37%, 1.44%, and 0.18% of cases, respectively.
Conclusion: Since enteric fever followed by dengue was found to be contributing the maximum, mass education regarding safe drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, and strengthening of vector control measures is the need of the hour.

Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori-derived outer membrane vesicles on the expression of inflammatory cytokines

2025-12-15T12:17:21+0330

Background and Objectives: Helicobacter pylori infection has been increasingly linked to extra-gastric diseases. Outer membrane vesicles are a key virulence factor of H. pylori. This study investigates the influence of H. pylori-derived outer membrane vesicles on inflammatory marker expression in human hepatoma cells (HepG2).
Materials and Methods: Outer membrane vesicles were isolated through ultracentrifugation and characterized using dynamic light scattering technique (DLS) and a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). Protein concentrations were measured via the Bradford assay. HepG2 cells treated with outer membrane vesicles were analyzed for IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-4, TGF-β, and PPAR-γ mRNA expression by RT-qPCR. Cell viability was assessed through an MTT assay. The prevalence of H. pylori virulence-associated genes (babA2, sabA, and oipA) was determined by PCR.
Results: The results showed a high prevalence of sabA (91.7%), babA2 (75%), and oipA (66.7%). FE-SEM and DLS analyses confirmed the presence of bleb-shaped nanovesicles ranging in size from 50 to 450 nm. H. pylori-derived outer membrane vesicles significantly upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory markers (TLR-4, PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6), while downregulating TGF-β expression.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential role of nanoparticles in driving inflammatory responses and influencing host cell signaling, which may play a key role in liver-related pathologies.

Yeast-mediated display: probing Helicobacter pylori HopQ and CEACAM1 interaction

2025-12-15T12:17:21+0330

Background and Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as a Gram-negative pathogen plays a key role in causing gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancies. The bacterial adhesin HopQ binds human CEACAM1, promoting adherence and CagA oncoprotein translocation. This study aimed to establish a yeast-based surface expression platform to investigate the HopQ–CEACAM1 interaction as a basis for future inhibitor screening.
Materials and Methods: The N-terminal domain of human CEACAM1 (C1ND) was displayed on the surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 as C1ND or C1ND–EGFP via Aga2 fusion. Constructs were introduced by electroporation and confirmed by PCR. Protein expression and localization were validated by western blot, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Binding assays involved GFP-tagged HopQ and GFP-expressing H. pylori.
Results: Western blot confirmed surface expression of C1ND and C1ND–EGFP. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed strong fluorescence signals, with significantly higher mean fluorescence intensity and anti-GFP–positive yeast compared to controls (P < 0.01). Yeast-displayed C1ND specifically bound HopQ–GFP and GFP-expressing H. pylori.
Conclusion: Yeast surface display of CEACAM1’s N-domain is an effective model for studying HopQ–CEACAM1 binding and offers potential for identifying inhibitors to block H. pylori adhesion and associated disorders.

The occurrences of E. coli strains with multi-drug resistance profiles and virulence genes from poultry slaughterhouse waste in Abidjan (côte d’ivoire)

2025-12-15T12:17:20+0330

Background and Objectives: Poultry production generates huge quantities of waste, mainly from slaughterhouses, which can be major reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms. Escherichia coli is of particular concern due to its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. This study aimed to characterise E. coli contamination in poultry slaughterhouse waste from ten municipalities in the district of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).
Materials and Methods: E. coli strains were isolated from poultry slaughterhouse waste and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by the disk diffusion method, and virulence genes, including eae and stx1, were detected using a duplex PCR assay.
Results: Between January and April 2023, waste samples were collected, and E. coli strains were isolated and identified. Of 90 isolates, high resistance rates were observed against β-lactams (88.88%), aminoglycosides (77%), and fluoroquinolones (88.87%). MDR was detected in 11.11% of isolates, while 20% produced ESBL. The eae and stx1 genes were detected in 14.47 and 6.57% of isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: These results highlight significant antimicrobial resistance and virulence potential in E. coli from poultry slaughterhouse waste, underscoring the need to improve management strategies.

Identification of plasmid encoded qepA efflux pump gene in Citrobacter freundii isolates from a renowned hospital, Bangladesh

2025-12-15T12:17:20+0330

Background and Objectives: The emergence of plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones is a growing global threat that complicates the control of multidrug-resistance (MDR) in Enterobacteriaceae. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of the qepA gene and its association with antibiotic resistance in Citrobacter freundii isolates from various clinical samples.
Materials and Methods: To conduct this study, a total of 27 C. freundii isolates collected from urine, endotracheal aspirates, sputum, blood, and stool samples were identified using standard biochemical tests and culture methods. Their susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was determined via the MIC agar dilution method. Specific primers were used to confirm C. freundii and detect the qepA gene by PCR. Subsequently, DNA sequencing was performed using a capillary method, and the sequences were compared to similar genes available in GenBank.
Results: Among the isolated C. freundii strains, 77.78% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Of these resistant isolates, 9.52% were found to harbor the qepA gene. Sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed a 99% similarity to the Citrobacter koseri strain CD4359 plasmid pCD4359 (GenBank accession number KR259132.1) and revealed a point mutation at position 58.
Conclusion: This finding highlights the distribution of the qepA gene in clinical isolates, emphasizing the need for continuous molecular surveillance to screen PMQR determinants and to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

Molecular identification and diagnostic challenges of Kodamaea ohmeri fungemia in a neonate - first report from Pakistan

2025-12-15T12:17:19+0330

Background and Objectives: Kodamaea ohmeri is an uncommon opportunistic yeast increasingly recognized as a cause of invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and neonates. We report the first case of Kodamaea ohmeri fungemia in a neonate from Pakistan, highlighting the diagnostic challenges posed by its close resemblance to more common Candida species.
Materials and Methods: A one-month-old female neonate with suspected fungal sepsis yielded a yeast isolate. Initial identification was performed using API 20C AUX, followed by colony morphology assessment on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Molecular investigations included PCR amplification of the ITS1–5.8S rRNA–ITS2 region, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with MspI, and definitive Sanger sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using standard methods.
Results: The isolate was initially misidentified as Candida guilliermondii by API 20C AUX. Colony characteristics suggested an unusual yeast, prompting molecular analysis. PCR produced a ~400 bp amplicon, and RFLP yielded an undigested band, initially suggestive of Candida auris or Candida haemulonii. Sanger sequencing confirmed the organism as K. ohmeri with 99.8% identity. Antifungal testing showed low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for echinocandins and azoles, while fluconazole demonstrated a higher MIC.
Conclusion: This case emphasizes the limitations of conventional methods in identifying rare fungal pathogens, the critical role of molecular confirmation, and the importance of antifungal stewardship in guiding treatment. Reporting such cases contributes to global awareness, surveillance, and improved management of emerging yeast infections.

Sulfonamide resistance, virulence traits, and in-silico target interactions among clinical isolates in Setif, Algeria (2021–2023)

2025-12-15T12:17:18+0330

Background and Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing global health concern, particularly in developing regions. Sulfonamides, once widely used, now face increasing resistance. This study assessed the prevalence, resistance profiles, and virulences traites of sulfonamide-resistant strains in Sétif, Algeria (2021-2023).
Materials and Methods: A total of 215 clinical isolates were collected from patients aged 1 day to 96 years (mean 42.7). Most were community-acquired (77.2%), with urinary tract infections predominating (49.3% in women, 32.1% in men). Identification and susceptibility testing followed standard microbiological and Kirby–Bauer methods. Virulence factors (biofilm, hemolysin, protease, lecithinase, and lipase) were examined. Molecular docking compared sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim binding to their enzymatic targets.
Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate (47.9%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (11.6%). Biofilm formation was common (88.8%), with complete production in Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Providencia, and Acinetobacter. Hemolysis patterns were α (30.7%), β (27.9%), and none (41.4%). Enzymatic activity included protease (48.8%), lecithinase (22.8%), and lipase (9.8%). High resistance was observed to penicillins (87.9%), cephalosporins (63.7%), and fluoroquinolones (56.3%). Resistance was lower to imipenem (33.0%) and amikacin (14.4%). Docking showed weaker sulfamethoxazole binding to DHPS than trimethoprim to DHFR.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially E. coli, combined with biofilm and enzyme production, underscores the urgent need for careful antibiotic stewardship in this region.

Detection of the BK virus in urban wastewater inlets into the Karun River

2025-12-15T12:17:18+0330

Background and Objectives: The presence of the BK virus in wastewater indicates pollution, as it is shed in the urine of infected individuals. Over fifty percent of the human population remains asymptomatic for the BK virus. Reactivation of the BK virus in immunosuppressed individuals can lead to serious health issues, including cystic hemorrhagic, nephritis, and kidney graft rejection. The BK virus is associated with various cancers, such as head and neck, prostate, bladder, and colorectal cancers. The urban wastewater inlets into the Karun River cause the river contamination. This study focused on detecting the BK virus in wastewater inlet in Karun River, Ahvaz city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Sixty raw wastewater samples were collected from diverse urban sources and concentrated using polyethylene glycol 6000 to isolate BK virus. The BK virus isolates were analyzed for genotypes and the non-coding control region (NCCR).
Results: The Nested PCR results indicated that thirty-two out of sixty samples (53.33%) were positive for the BK virus. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the dominance of BK virus genotype Ib2, followed by genotype 4. The BK virus non-coding control region (NCCR) analysis identified an archetype strain.
Conclusion: The sewage plant treatment should be implemented to remove pathogenic viruses specially BK virus and to curb the circulating of BK virus in human and environment.

Human papillomavirus infection and its association with lung cancer: a case-control study (2011–2019)

2025-12-15T12:17:17+0330

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 4.5% of all new human cancers. The purpose of this study was to look into the prevalence of various HPV types in patients with lung cancer.
Materials and Methods: The study included a cohort of 61 individuals who had received treatment at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz between 2011 and 2019. Paraffin-embedded tissues were used for molecular analysis. The primary goal was to assess the differences in HPV prevalence between lung cancer patients and a control group, using a Nested PCR assay followed by sequencing.
Results: Among the lung cancer patients, HPV DNA was detected in 10 individuals, while three individuals in the control group were also positive (16.3% versus 12.0%, P=0.65). Notably, every detected HPV variant was classified as the high-risk type 16. Additionally, the researchers investigated potential associations between age, sex, smoking habits, and lung cancer in both HPV-positive and negative patients. The study findings revealed that age, sex, and smoking habits did not show statistically significant associations with the presence of HPV (P>0.05). Moreover, Lung cancer incidence was not significantly correlated with HPV infection (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Therefore, according to the study's findings, smoking, HPV infection, and lung cancer prevalence were not significantly correlated in the population under investigation.

Association of inflammatory scoring tools with spirometry indices in COVID-19 patients: a single center cohort study

2025-12-15T12:17:17+0330

Background and Objectives: Patients with COVID-19 have spirometry parameters linked to various biological markers, including CRP, NLR, MPV, RDW, and APACHE II score. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of inflammatory scoring tools with spirometry indices in a three-month follow-up of COVID-19 patients.
Materials and Methods: Spirometry records of 369 COVID-19 cases with complications were analyzed at baseline and three months after discharge. Generalized linear models and logistic regression analysis were performed to compare the variables using SPSS version 25 software.
Results: The baseline NLR was 3.20 (95% CI: 2.96, 3.43); PCT was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.27); and MPV was 7.23 (95% CI: 7.10, 7.35). We found that the effects of NLR, CRP, and APACHE II score on the respiratory indices FEV1 and FEV1/FVC three months after discharge had an inverse relationship. Patients with asthma had significantly lower FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values, and the level of FVC did not have any significant difference between people with asthma and COPD patients.
Conclusion: CRP, NLR, and APACHE II score are among the main factors that are directly related to respiratory indices and they are considered to be appropriate indicators of prognosis for these conditions in COVID-19 patients.

A comparative study on proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F expressions in whole blood of patients with COVID-19

2025-12-15T12:17:16+0330

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has expanded rapidly to all over the world. Interleukin-17 is one of the inflammatory cytokines which is highly expressed in the blood of individuals with COVID-19. Our aim in the present survey was to assess the mRNA expression levels of cytokine IL-17A, IL-17F and TNF-α in the blood of COVID-19 patients compared with healthy control individuals.
Materials and Methods: A total of 69 patients including 32 mild patients, 20 severe and 17 asymptomatic patients in comparison with 25 healthy controls were evaluated. To measure the expression profile of IL-17A and IL-17F in whole blood, quantitative PCR was used.
Results: Asymptomatic, mild, and severe SARS-CoV-2 infections were found to have significantly higher levels of IL-17A and IL-17F mRNAs than the healthy group (fold change IL-17A: 3.778; p= 0.002, 4.003; p= 0.001, 2.608; p= 0.0001 respectively, fold change IL-17F: 2.967; p= 0.003, 3.819; p= 0.001, 2.617; p= 0.0012 respectively). TNF-α mRNA expression was also measured, which shows an approximately similar increase compared to IL-17 (fold change: 2.726; p= 0.002, 2.383; P= 0.001, 2.631; p= 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection severity was associated with blood levels of IL-17A and IL-17F mRNA.

Effects of pulsed and continuous ultrasound therapy on olfactory disorders in COVID-19 patients

2025-12-15T12:17:15+0330

Background and Objectives: Olfactory dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients, with a pooled prevalence of up to 50%. This study investigated the efficacy of pulsed and continuous ultrasound treatment on olfactory disorders of these patients.
Materials and Methods: Three groups of COVID-19 patients having anosmia were studied, each including 15 patients. Pulsed ultrasound and continuous ultrasound were used to evaluate their efficacy on anosmia recovery in two groups of patients. The patients were subjected to pulsed or continuous ultrasound intervention 10 times during two weeks (5 days per week). The control group received no intervention. The SIT (Smell Identification Test) was used to assess the severity of olfactory dysfunctions of all patients on days 0 and 14. Data analysis was done using MANCOVA test.
Results: Totally 20 (44.4%) and 25 (55.6%) patients were affected by Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 virus. The SIT test results showed a significant improvement in olfactory recovery of all 30 patients except one after ultrasound treatment (p < 0.05), but this was not observed in the control group. Pulsed and continuous ultrasound treatment showed an almost equal effect on olfaction status.
Conclusion: Although there was no difference in olfactory test results in the control group during intervention period, pulsed and continuous ultrasound interventions were significantly effective in improving patients’ olfaction. Pulsed and continuous therapeutic ultrasound improved the COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction and can be considered as a promising technique for postinfectious olfaction.