Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 770 777 Shahram Jalilian Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Mohammad-Navid Bastani Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2022 06 10 2022 10 27 One of the most horrible diseases in history, Smallpox is caused by the Variola from Poxvirus family, has caused great morbidity and mortality along the way since it was eradicated in the 20th century. During and after the eradication program for Variola, other Poxviruses such as the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus, which causes a smallpox-like disease, became flagrant. With its long range of enzymes and proteins, poxviruses are effectively resisting hostile immune system attacks and disrupting cell signaling pathways. After Smallpox vaccination, cross-reaction immunity develops between Orthopoxviruses. Mpox is indeed an African endemic virus; however, increasing and emerging cases have been reported globally in recent years. According to Smallpox eradication in the 1970s and vaccination ceasing, nowadays centerpieces of the world population are vulnerable to Mpox virus. Our knowledge of Mpox is severely limited due to the lack of regular surveillance methods. Increasing education, boosting surveillance, and developing diagnostic competence is the most significant policies for improving identification, treatment, and restricting further virus spread. So Mpox can play a double-edge blade role in which without monitoring and increasing awareness it could be horrific and with public awareness and boosting surveillance it could be a paper tiger. This article reviewed previous reports about the Mpox merge from PubMed and google scholar from 2018 to June 2022. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3762 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3762/1517

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 778 791 EN Prithiviraj Nagarajan Multi-Disciplinary Centre for Biomedical Research, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India Anusheela Howlader Department of Microbiology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, India Leena Rajathy Port Louis Department of Pharmacology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India Kumar Rangarajalu Department of Biochemistry, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India 2022 08 07 2022 10 27 The ongoing 2022 multicountry monkeypox epidemic has drawn worldwide attention. Human monkeypox is a virus that spreads from animals to humans. It is an endemic disease in the rain forests of Central and West Africa. However, the disease recently emerged in India, and also in United States through imported wild rodents from Africa, even though the world is still struggling to escape from the clutches of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monkeypox is one of the contagious zoonotic diseases caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), transmitted to humans by direct contact with an infected person or animal or contact with virus-contaminated material. Its lesions are similar to smallpox in humans with various medical complications including flu-like symptoms, fever, malaise, back pain, headache, and a characteristic rash. Public health experts around the world are very concerned about the rapid spread of the infection, which has intensified efforts to find the source and cause of this phenomenon. Several viral infections with epidemic potential threaten global health security. Early recognition of cases and timely intervention of potential transmission chains are necessary to contain further outbreaks. At this early stage of monkeypox outbreaks, the current review provides updated information on the current worldwide monkeypox outbreak status, disease aetiology, clinical presentation, therapy, and preventive measures worldwide. Our review will also provide useful information to health professionals and the general public. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3854 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3854/1518

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 792 801 EN Shima Fayaz Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Fariborz Bahrami Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Parviz Parvizi Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Pezhman Fard-Esfahani Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Soheila Ajdary Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2022 09 28 2022 10 14 Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne parasitic diseases transmitted through the infected sand flies. Leishmania parasites are inoculated into the host skin along with sand fly saliva. The sand fly saliva consists of biologically active molecules with anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Such properties help the parasite circumvent the host's immune responses. The salivary compounds support the survival and multiplication of the parasite and facilitate the disease progression. It is documented that frequent exposure to uninfected sand fly bites produces neutralizing antibodies against specific salivary proteins and further activates the cellular mechanisms to prevent the establishment of the disease. The immune responses due to sand fly saliva are highly specific and depend on the composition of the salivary molecules. Hence, thorough knowledge of these compounds in different sand fly species and information about their antigenicity are paramount to designing an effective vaccine. Herein, we review the composition of the sand fly saliva, immunomodulatory properties of some of its components, immune responses to its proteins, and potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniases. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3922 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3922/1519

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 802 812 Raheleh Karimiravesh Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Mehrdad Behmanesh Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Maryam Nikkhah Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Amin Talebi Bezmin Abadi Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Saber Esmaeilli National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran AND Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2022 09 12 2022 11 17 Background and Objectives: Legionella spp. is a causative agent of Legionnaires' disease that creates public health problems. Isolation of these bacteria from water sources is essential to identify outbreak origins and prevent disease. Diagnostic biosensors for water quality control to protect consumers from water-borne infections can predict many outbreaks. Gold nanoparticles conjugated probes are a new generation of diagnostic tools. In this study, an optical nano biosensor was designed and characterized to detect Legionella pneumophila in water samples rapidly. Materials and Methods: Thiolated probes designed for the mip gene were attached to gold nanoparticles and then water samples containing Legionella pneumophila were examined. Results: The limit of detection for PCR and biosensor was 104 and 103 copy numbers/µl, respectively. Biosensor sensitivity and PCR were reported to be 90% (18 out of 20) and 85% (17 out of 20), respectively. Specificity 100% has been reported for both methods. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, this method has the potential to diagnose L. pneumophila with high sensitivity and specificity. This system can be employed as a practical tool for rapid, accurate, high-sensitivity, and acceptable detection of Legionella pneumophila in contaminated water, which is cost-effective in terms of cost and time. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3903 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3903/1520

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 813 819 Faleh Darvishi Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Ali Ganji Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Behzad Khansarinejad Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Shabnam Sadoogh Abbasian Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Hamid Abtahi Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran 2022 04 26 2022 11 18 Background and Objectives: The detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum is usually done through culture. With the change of the smallest effective factor in culture, we face the lack of growth of these bacteria, which is one of the important reasons to find a suitable alternative for the diagnosis of this bacterium. UreD is a protected gene in this bacterium. The aim of this was to evaluate the ability of antigenic regions of UreD protein to bind to patients' serum antibodies. Materials and Methods: Antigenic regions of UreD protein were predicted using IEDB software with five different methods: Emini Surface Accessibility Prediction, Kolaskar and Tongaonkar Antigenicity, Chou and Fasman beta turn prediction, Karplus and Schulz flexibility scale, Ellipro –Epitope prediction based upon structural protrusion. Antigenic regions of UreD gene was clonned, expressed and purified. The antigenicity of this recombinant protein against the antibodies in the serum of people infected with U. urealyticum infections was checked in western blotting. Results: The results showed that the antigenic regions of the UreD protein was producted and its antigenicity was demonstrated in western blotting. Moreover, all sera from patients infected with U. urealyticum reacted to the recombinant antigen. Conclusion: Specimens from people infected with U. urealyticum infection was positive in Western blotting suggesting that UreD protein has antigenic properties. Therefore, it can be used as a suitable candidate for the design of diagnostic kits and U. urealyticum vaccine. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3676 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3676/1521

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 820 824 Abdoulreza Esteghamati Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shirin Sayyahfar Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khadijeh Khanaliha Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Tavakoli Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehri Naghdalipour Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Morteza Haghighi Hasanabad Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 2022 05 13 2022 10 27 Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen. Infection with C. trachomatis in pregnant women can result in maternal and fetal death, due to pelvic inflammatory disease. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this infection in pregnant women and identify circulating genotypes of C. trachomatis in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: Endocervical swabs were obtained from 101 pregnant women and tested by PCR assay to detect cryptic plasmid gene. Positive isolates were analyzed for C. trachomatis genotypes through amplification and sequencing of the omp1 gene and alignment with deposited sequences in Gene Bank. Results: Infection with C. trachomatis was observed in 11 cases, yielding an overall prevalence of 10.8% in total. The majority of infected women were asymptomatic and the rate of infection was found more in women at the age of ≥30 years. However, no statistical association was found between C. trachomatis infection and risk factors in pregnant women. Analysis of isolated sequences revealed genotypes E (44.4%), D and F (both 22.2%), and K (11.2%) as main genotypes of C. trachomatis in this region. Conclusion: Results of this study showed the prevalence of C. trachomatis infections among pregnant women is relatively high. Identifying the precise rate of infection and associated genotypes in other regions is suggested. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3721 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3721/1522

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 825 831 Arun Sachu Department of Microbiology, Believers Church Medical College, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India Abel Samuel Department of Community Medicine, Believers Church Medical College, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India 2022 07 21 2022 11 20 Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTI) account for major proportion of outpatient load and hospital admission globally. In most of the clinical microbiology laboratories MacConkey agar (MAC) and Cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient (CLED) agar are being used for identification of uropathogens. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of HiCromeTM UTI by comparing isolation rate and presumptive identification of uropathogens against CLED and MAC agar. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of three months on 672 non-duplicate midstream and/or catheter-catch urine samples. All samples were inoculated on to HiCromeTM UTI, CLED agar and MacConkey agar. Results: Among the 672 samples received for culture, 113 (16.8%) showed significant growth. Among the 672 samples, 95 (14.1%) showed growth of a single organism while 18 (2.7%) showed polymicrobial growth. The rate of isolation and presumptive identification of the isolates and polymicrobial growth was found significantly higher on HiCromeTM UTI Agar. Conclusion: HiCromeTM UTI Agar has the potential to streamline processing of samples for urine culture in a way that will reduce the workload for technicians, reduce turnaround time which in turn will benefit the laboratory ultimately leading to better patient care. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3834 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3834/1523

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 832 840 Reem Fawzy Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Gamal Mahmoud Gad Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt Heba Mohamed Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt 2022 08 11 2022 11 01 Background and Objectives: Carbapenems are considered the last resort to treat several infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). However, increasing carbapenem resistance is problematic because it leads to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the rate of carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacteria collected from patients in ICUs and to identify their resistance mechanisms using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disc diffusion method among 180 Gram-negative bacterial isolates. Productions of carbapenemases, metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) and the harboring of carbapenemase-encoding genes, were detected in 40 selected carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). Results: Of 40 selected CR-GNB isolates, 28 (70%), and 20 (50%) isolates were phenotypically positive for carbapenemase, and MBL production, respectively. Furthermore, 22 (55%) showed amplification of one or more of the carbapenemase-encoding genes, including blaNDM-1, blaVIM-2, and blaOXA-48. This study described the first emergence of NDM-1 producing Klebsiella oxytoca in Egyptian ICUs. Conclusion: High incidence of CR-GNB detected in the ICUs in our study area may be attributed to the overuse of antibiotics, including carbapenems, and improper application of infection control measures. These findings confirm the need for the application of a strict antibiotic stewardship program. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3858 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3858/1524

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 841 849 Ali Ehsan Karshenas Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Taghi Zahraei Salehi Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Maryam Adabi Brucellosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Babak Asghari Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Ramak Yahyaraeyat Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 2022 06 05 2022 10 27 Background and Objectives: Antibiotics-resistant Escherichia coli strains are considered one of the most important causes of human and animal infections worldwide. The aim of current study was to detect common resistance (carbapenems and quinolones) genes by PCR. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 E. coli strains isolated from human urinary tract infection and 20 isolated strains of aborted sheep embryos were collected. PCR was performed using specific primers to detect the resistance genes. Results: Overall, among the quinolones resistance genes, qnrS resistance gene had the highest frequency (48%) and among carbapenem resistance genes, imp resistance gene had the highest frequency (45%). The frequency of resistance genes, IMP (28.45%), KPC (9.5%), VIM (9.15%), NDM (7.20%) were observed in clinical and veterinary strains, respectively. According to the results, 38.6% of E. coli strains had at least one from five genes of resistance to quinolones. The lowest frequency of resistance gene was related to qnrA, which was observed in only 29 (24.2%) strains. Conclusion: Monitoring of carbapenem and quinolone resistance in pathogenic E. coli to humans and animals has an important value in revising treatment guidelines and the national public health, and plays an important role in preventing the spread of resistant strains. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3757 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3757/1525

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 850 862 Samah Mahmoud Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, NAHDA-University, Beni-Suef, Egypt AND Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, New Sohag, Egypt Yasser Gaber Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt AND Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan Rania Khattab Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt Walid Bakeer Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, NAHDA-University, Beni-Suef, Egypt ANDDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt Tarek Dishisha Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt Mohamed Ramadan Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt 2022 08 08 2022 10 31 Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a breakdown of the teeth enamel due to harmful bacteria, lack of oral hygiene, and sugar consumption. The acid-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans is the leading cause of dental caries. Dextranase is an enzyme that can degrade dextran to low molecular weight fractions, which have many therapeutic and industrial applications. The purpose of the present study was to isolate a novel dextranase-producing bacteria from a source (molasses). The cell-free extracts containing dextranases were tested as antibiofilm agents. Materials and Methods: Dextranase-producing bacteria were identified using phenotypic and genotypic methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing and enzymatic characterization. Results: The highest six dextranase-producing bacterial isolates were Bacillus species. The best conditions for dextranase productivity were obtained after 72 hours of culture time at pH 7. The addition of glucose to the medium enhanced the production of the enzymes. The cell-free extract of the six most active isolates showed remarkable activity against biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. The highest inhibition activities reached 60% and 80% for Bacillus velezensis and Pseudomonas stutzeri, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, our study added to the current dextranase-producing bacteria with potential as a source of dextranases. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3857 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3857/1526

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 863 873 Niloofar Sabzi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Rezvan Moniri Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Mojtaba Sehat Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hadis Fathizadeh Student Research Committee, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran AND Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran Ali Nazari-Alam Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran AND Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran 2022 07 19 2022 10 27 Background and Objectives: In the past few years, application of new antimicrobial e.g. nanoparticles (NPs) to treat infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria has increased. This study aimed to determine antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in combination with linezolid on Enterococcus biofilm. Materials and Methods: A total of forty-eight isolates of Enterococcus spp. were collected and confirmed by PCR method. The synthesis of biocompatible AgNPs was performed, then analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy. We carried out minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm forming capacity of AgNPs and AuNPs with linezolid. Results: Twenty-two E. faecium isolates and twenty- six E. faecalis investigated in this study. Strong biofilm formation was seen in 12 (25%) of isolates, and others isolates (75%) formed moderate biofilm. AgNPs and Au-NPs size were 26 nm and 20 nm respectively. The MIC of AgNPs was 23.2 μg/ml, and AuNPs were 92.1 μg/ml and the lowest MIC was obtained 2 μg/ml in linezolid. Biofilm formation inhibitory activity by AuNPs + Linezolide and AgNPs + Linezolide 70 to 80 percent increased in average. Conclusion: The antibiofilm activity of AgNPs and AuNPs increased when both agents were used in combination with linezolid in comparison with each agent alone. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3830 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3830/1527

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 874 880 Mahnaz Ramezani Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Ebrahim Rezazadeh Zarandi Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran AND Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Nahid Zainodini Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Reza Bahramabadi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Shokrollah Assar Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran AND Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran 2021 01 05 2022 11 21 Background and Objectives: Few studies have considered potential benefits of probiotic bacteria and their derivatives on human and animal health. Nisin is an antimicrobial agent that is produced by lactobacilli and served as a preservative in foods. This study aims to investigate whether nisin suppresses or decreases the genes involved in the pathogenicity of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). Materials and Methods: MSSA and MRSA strains were cultured at the ¼, ½, and 1 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nisin. Next, RNA extraction was performed at the mid-exponential stage of growth, and cDNA was synthesized. The expression of virulence factors was measured by qPCR, and the data were analyzed by the ΔΔCt formula. Results: Depending on the incubation times and the Lactobacillus species, the MIC of nisin on MRSA and MSSA observed in 800 and 1600 mg/l, respectively. The qPCR assay showed the expression level of the sea, agrA, and spa genes decreased and the level of the sae gene increased at the sub-MIC of nisin, and no antagonism was observed. Concerning MRSA, the maximum downregulation rate was observed in the sea gene (up to 5.9 folds) while in MSSA, the maximum downregulation rate was noticed in the agrA gene (up to 10 folds). Conclusion: Due to the high inhibitory effect of the sub-MIC of nisin on the expression of virulence factor genes in MRSA and MSSA, this compound could potentially reduce the virulence of S. aureus. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/2921 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/2921/1528

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 881 890 Amin Khoshakhlagh Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran Seyed Soheil Aghaei Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran Saeid Abroun Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Soleimani Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran 2022 05 01 2022 08 27 Background and Objectives: Bioactive secondary metabolites are the products of microbial communities adapting to environmental challenges, which have yet remained anonymous. As a result of demands in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries, microbial metabolites should be investigated. The most substantial sources of secondary metabolites are Streptomyces strains and are potential candidates for bioactive compound production. So, we used genome mining and bioinformatics to predict the isolates secondary metabolites, biosynthesis, and potential pharmaceuticals. Materials and Methods: This is a bioinformatics part of our previous experimental research. Here, we aimed to inspect the underlying secondary metabolite properties of 20 phylogenetically diverse Streptomyces species of saline soil by a rationalized computational workflow by several software tools. We examined the Metabolites' cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects using the MTT assay and plate count technique, respectively. Results: Among Streptomyces species, three were selected for genome mining and predicted novel secondary metabolites and potential drug abilities. All 11 metabolites were cytotoxic to A549, but ectoine (p≤0.5) and geosmin (p≤0.001) significantly operated as an anti-cancer drug. Metabolites of oxytetracycline and phosphinothricin (p≤0.001), 4Z-annimycin and geosmin (p≤0.01), and ectoine (p≤0.5) revealed significant antibacterial activity. Conclusion: Of all the 11 compounds investigated, annimycin, geosmin, phosphinothricin, and ectoine had antimicrobial properties, but geosmin also showed very significant anti-cancer properties. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3695 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3695/1529

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 891 900 EN Mehri Solaimany Aminabad Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahdi Hadi Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyedeh Zohreh Mirbagheri Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children‘s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza Mesdaghinia Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ronak Bakhtiari Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoud Alebouyeh Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children‘s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shahrokh Nazmara Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2021 08 31 2022 11 03 Background and Objectives: Isolating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from wastewater and culturing it using a conventional method has always been a controversial issue because the bacterium converts into a coccoid form when exposed to an unfavourable environment like wastewater. To clarify the cultivability behaviour of the bacterium in fresh wastewater samples, the effect of municipal wastewater dilation on the cultivation of the bacterium using a conventional method was examined. Materials and Methods: Several dilutions of wastewater samples were inoculated with fresh H. pylori suspension (with McFarland's dilution 0.5) to examine the dilution effect of wastewater on the bacterium isolation. Results: The H. pylori growth was found to be possible for a dilution factor from 1/106 to 1/107 of raw wastewater. In higher dilution factors the growth of fungi was dominant and could prevent the isolation of the bacterium. Conclusion: The optimized technique could be applied in future studies for increasing the chance of H. pylori isolation from fresh wastewater environments. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3304 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3304/1530

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 6 2022 12 06 901 912 Fatemeh Estaji Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Bahram Nasr Esfahani Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Saeed Zibaee Department of Research and Development of Biological Products, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Hossein Sanei Department of Pathology, Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Sharareh Moghim Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5146 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5146/1806

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 4 2025 07 30 629 635 Rabaa Athamneh Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan Reema Bani Saeed Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan Omaymah Abulannaz Department of Pharmacology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan Rawan Abudalo Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan Muna Oqal Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan 2025 03 02 2025 05 03 Background and Objectives: BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) poses a significant threat to kidney transplant (KT) recipients due to immunosuppression, leading to BK-associated nephropathy (BKVN) and reduced transplant survival. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BKPyV among kidney transplant recipients in Jordan and to evaluate the association between BKPyV activity and kidney transplant outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Jordanian Royal Medical Services Hospital (JRMS) from 2021 to 2024. Blood samples (n=157) from kidney transplant recipients were collected, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect BKPyV DNA. Results: The prevalence of BKPyV infection among kidney transplant recipients was 40.8% (n=64). Transplant failure occurred in 36% of cases (n=57), with BKPyV-DNA viremia observed in 74% of those with transplant failure (n=42). The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in patients under 18 years of age (81%, p<0.001) and in males (72%, p<0.001). BKPyV infection increased the odds of transplant failure tenfold. Conclusion: In Jordan, the prevalence of BKPyV among kidney transplant recipients is high, particularly in males and younger patients. BKPyV significantly increases the risk of kidney transplant failure. Other studies are needed to further elucidate the impact of BKPyV on kidney transplant rejection and complications. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5323 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5323/1807

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 4 2025 07 30 636 643 EN Mina Hannan Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Leila Jabalameli Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Reza Aghasadeghi Department of Hepatitis and AIDS and Blood Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Naser Harzandi Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Seyed Mehdi Sadat Department of Hepatitis and AIDS and Blood Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2024 07 11 2025 01 01 Background and Objectives: Subunit vaccines have the privilege of utilizing immunogenic parts of the variable viruses. The current preventive vaccines against Hepatitis A are based on live-attenuated virus or wild-type growth in cell culture, which is a time-consuming and costly procedure. Thus, the investigation of immunogenic Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) regions seems to be a rational priority. We aimed to evaluate a novel chimeric protein composed of truncated HAV-VP1 and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as a bivalent vaccine candidate in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: The HAV-VP1 (amino acids 99 to 259) and HBsAg fusion protein were applied as a bivalent vaccine in combination with adjuvants. The purified protein was administered through different regimens via subcutaneous injection. Two weeks following the final immunization, serum samples were gathered to assess the humoral responses. Moreover, splenocytes were investigated and assessed for IL-5 and IFN-γ secretion. Results: The immunized mice with recombinant truncated HAV-VP1-AAY-HBsAg showed a significant immune response, especially in combination with the M720 adjuvant. Humoral immune response results indicated Th1 switching by IgG2a and IgG2b dominancy. Moreover, IFN-γ secretion reached the highest rate in the truncated HAV-VP1-AAY-HBsAg+M720 recipients (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The HAV-VP1-AAY-HBsAg protein subunit vaccine could help the immune system fight HAV and HBV by stimulating both the humoral and cellular immune systems. The formula proposed in this study has the potential to produce an endemic vaccine based on the circulating HAV viruses in Iran. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4905 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4905/1808

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 4 2025 07 30 644 652 EN Parisa Badiee Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Hadis Jafarian Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2024 07 27 2025 07 22 Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of nosocomial fungal infections in pediatric patients and evaluate the etiological agents, risk factors, and sites of infections. Materials and Methods: Clinical samples were cultured to assess fungal colonization. When fungal nosocomial infections were suspected according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria, clinical samples were evaluated using direct microscopic, culture, and molecular methods. Susceptibility patterns of the isolates were evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Results: From the 1450 patients, 190 cases (5.5%) were evaluated for nosocomial fungal infections. Candida colonization was observed in 35 (18.4%) patients. The rate of nosocomial fungal infections in pediatrics was 2.69% (12 cases with proven and 27 cases with probable infections, 39/1450). Bloodstream and lungs were the frequent infected sites of patients’ body. Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus), Candida species (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata) and Mucorales were the etiologic agents of infections. Caspofungin and luliconazole were effective antifungal agents for isolated fungi. The rate of mortality in infected patients suffering from proven and probable infections was 15.4% (6/39 cases). Conclusion: Due to the high mortality rates of fungal infections in pediatrics, it is essential to identify modifiable risk factors, and implement control measures along with early detection techniques in pediatric populations. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4934 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4934/1809

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 4 2025 07 30 653 659 Mahboubeh Shabanzadeh Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Ali Zarei Mahmoudabadi Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2023 05 12 2025 06 27 Background and Objectives: The ability of Candida albicans to produce biofilm is considered an important pathogenic factor. In addition, the low sensitivity of biofilms to antifungal drugs is a challenge for patients, clinicians, and laboratory workers. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of luliconazole and caspofungin on the planktonic and biofilm types of C. albicans strains. Materials and Methods: Fifty C. albicans from vaginitis, candiduria, gastrointestinal candidiasis, and saliva were examined for antifungal susceptibility against caspofungin and luliconazole using the CLSI M27 guideline. Moreover, the susceptibility of biofilms was detected using 96 well microplates and the MTT method. Results: The capacity of the isolates to produce biofilm within 2, 6, and 24 h was different, however, all tested isolates produced biofilm after 24 h. Vaginal and esophagitis isolates had a high and low ability for biofilm production during 24-hour incubation. In our study, 90% of isolates were sensitive to caspofungin, while 7.5 and 2.5% of them were intermediate and resistant. The MIC range of all isolates against luliconazole was 0.01562-1 µg/mL. Conclusion: The MICs of biofilms were 15.6, and 171.3 higher than that of planktonic cells for caspofungin and luliconazole, respectively. Moreover, paradoxical and trailing effects occurred at 4 and 32 µg/mL of caspofungin and luliconazole, respectively. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4233 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4233/1810

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