Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 1 9 Masoumeh Navidinia Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Goudarzi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elahe Seyfi Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy 2021 08 31 2022 12 28 The gut microbiome plays an important role in the health of the body. The study of its effect on mental problems has become the main topic of this study. As a matter of fact, every change in the gut microbiota composition can influence on mood and anxiety and vice versa. So, considering this “microbiota-gut-brain” axis (GBA) is so important. In this narrative review, the most recent reproduced information on GBA roles in neuropsychiatric disorders, and clinical significance have been considered. The gut microbial population is formed from birth and transforms from an immature state to the postnatal period into a more intricate and diverse adult ecosystem. In this review, we had some findings that GBA implicated in some psychiatric problems which can be a dysregulation consequence. In addition, some bacteria have been implicated in causing mental disorders in humans such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychiatric disorders, stress disorders, schizophrenia and, autism. The absence of balance in GBA natural state can cause several negative consequences on host health which leads to neurological problems. Possibly, findings were delineating an interesting new etiological pathway for future exploration. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3307 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3307/1536

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 10 18 Setareh Soroush Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Faranak Rezaei Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Fatemeh Ghanbari Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Shahnaz Halimi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Morovat Taherikalani Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran 2022 10 11 2022 12 28 Background and Objectives: One of the most prevalent drug-resistant bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) causing healthcare infections. Previously, a meta-analysis study on the frequency of MRSE was conducted from Mar 2006 to Jan 2016 in Iran. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in this prevalence in the last 5 years in different cities in Iran. Materials and Methods: Published articles on the frequency of MRSE were collected from the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Iranian databases from the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2020. Of the 503 records identified, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, and their extracted data were analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.0 (Biostat). Results: The analysis showed that the frequency of MRSE has decreased significantly in the last five years and reached 60.8 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 54.2-66.9] among culture-positive cases of S. epidermidis in Iran. Conclusion: The noticeable reduction in the prevalence of MRSE in Iran could be due to the improvement of infection control programs and interruption of the pathogen transmission cycle. Another influential reason is the significant reduction in methicillin prescriptions by physicians for infections caused by staphylococci. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3938 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3938/1537

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 19 26 Fayrouz Debbagh Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Toufik Ben Houmich Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Morad Guennouni Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institute of Health Sciences of Settat, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat, Morocco Houssameddine Sahraoui Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Asma Lamrani Hanchi Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Youssef Mouaffak Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Said Younous Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco Nabila Soraa Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed VI University Hospital Center, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco 2022 04 28 2022 10 27 Background and Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common nosocomial infection in pediatric intensive care units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of multiplex PCR in the diagnosis of VAP and its impact on the clinical and prognostic outcome of children in the ICU. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study from March to November 2021, including bronchial samples collected from 38 intubated children hospitalized in ICU. The detection of respiratory pathogens was performed by the FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus (FAPP). Results: Multiplex PCR (mPCR) detected exclusively 46 potentially pathogenic bacteria, giving a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 90%, negative predictive value of 100%, and positive predictive value of 23%. Overall, the sensitivity of mPCR was higher for Gram-negative bacteria (100%) than Gram-positive (92%). Bacterial etiology was the most frequent (69.3%), represented mainly by Moraxella catarrhalis (11.4%), followed by viral etiology (30.7%), with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus as the most prevalent virus. FAPP enabled a change in antibiotic therapy in 39.5% of the patients, with a 73.3% survival rate. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of mPCR in diagnosing VAP and improving antimicrobial therapy. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3683 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3683/1538

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 27 37 Pola Samir Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt Ahmed Mohamed El-Baz Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt Hany Ibrahim Kenawy Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 2022 05 07 2022 12 19 Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae causes challenging nosocomial fatal infections including neonatal sepsis. Our study aims at clarifying the contribution of integrons in the observed reduced susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae isolated from septicemic neonates to the clinically used antimicrobial agents and biocides. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from Mansoura University Children’s Hospital from septicemic neonates. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic and biocide susceptibility using disk diffusion and the agar dilution method, respectively. The distribution of different classes of integrons was screened in the isolates by PCR. Detected inegron I was sequenced in selected isolates. Results: Fifty-seven isolates (66.27%) were MDR. In the MDR isolates, class I integron was detected in 23 (40.3%), integron III was detected in 20 (35%), whereas integron II could not be detected. Sequencing results of integron I from MDR K. pneumoniae isolates revealed that only aminoglycoside and folate synthesis inhibitors gene cassettes were detected, while the rest of the resistance genes were not associated with integron I. Conclusion: The presence of integron I in MDR K. pneumoniae tested isolates may contribute only to some biocide resistance, however, it does not seem to be the only contributor in multiple drug resistance. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3705 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3705/1539

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 38 44 Suhartono Suhartono Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia Wilda Mahdani Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia Nyak Muzayanna Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia 2022 08 02 2022 12 19 Background and Objectives: Burkholderia cepacia is one of the multiple intrinsic resistant bacteria causing opportunistic infections. The study aimed to determine the distribution of B. cepacia isolates based on types of clinical specimen, hospital wards, and the patient's gender-age and to evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility. Materials and Methods: This study involved isolating, identifying, and testing antibiotic susceptibility of B. cepacia isolates recovered from clinical specimens of Dr. Zainoel Abidin general hospital (RSUDZA) Banda Aceh Indonesia during March 2019-March 2022. Results: In total, there were 3,622 Gram-negative bacterial isolates of 10,192 clinical specimens obtained during the study period and B. cepacia was positively detected in 127 isolates (1.24%). Most of the 127 isolates of B. cepacia were found in blood and sterile body fluid samples (55.11%) followed by urine and pus samples accounting for 23.62% and 13.37%, respectively. The internal medicine wards had the highest number of detected B. cepacia isolates at 28.3%. B. cepacia infections were more common in men (59.05%) and people over 45 years old (41.73%). The bacteria were highly sensitive to the antibiotic ceftazidime (92.7%). Conclusion: Culture examination of clinical specimens is not required for confirmed infections, despite being essential for appropriate antibiotic treatment. Implementing surveillance programs and judicious use of antibiotics can prevent bacterial transmission. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3847 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3847/1540

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 45 54 Zeina Alkhulaifi Department of Medical Lab Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Basra, Iraq Khairallah Mohammed Department of Medical Lab Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Basra, Iraq 2022 09 25 2022 12 19 Background and Objectives: The steady increase in the spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR) has become a major threat to the global health systems, including Iraq. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical and environmental samples. Materials and Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were identified by standard microbiological procedures followed by PCR confirmation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing, for 16 antimicrobials, was conducted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) standardized by disk diffusion and VITEK 2 methods. Detection of beta-lactamases (ESBLs, AmpC and carbapenemase) activities and related encoding genes was performed by using phenotypic methods and PCR technique respectively. Results: A total of 81 clinical specimens and 14 environmental samples were positive for P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed high rates of resistance to antipseudomonal cephalosporines (74.74 to 98.95%), aztreonam (82.11%), antipseudomonal carbapenems (68.4%), piperacillin/tazobactam (69.5%) ciprofloxacin (71.6%), and aminoglycosides (69%), with emergence of resistance to colistin (7.4%) among tested P. aeruginosa. Among the tested isolates, 69 (72.63%) strains were MDR, of which 63 (91.3%) strains were extremely drug resistance (XDR). Most of the isolated strains harbored one or more of ESBL genes (blaSHV-2a, blaCTX-M-28, blaVEB-2, blaOXA-677, blaPER) with predominant blaOXA-677, but none of the MBLs (GIM, SIM, SPM, IMP) and AmpC (FOX) genes were detected. Conclusion: The results highlighted a high prevalence rate of MDR and XDR and emergence of colistin resistance P. aeruginosa at Basra hospitals, Iraq. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3919 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3919/1541

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 1 2023 02 15 55 61 Sunandini Kapoor Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India Shashwati Nema Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India Debasis Biswas Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India Sagar Khadanga Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India Saurabh Saigal Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India Mahesh Maheshwari Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Mediphp/ijm/article/download/4892/1725

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 755 762 EN Raziyeh Barzegar-Bafrouei Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Bahador Hajimohammadi Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Hengameh Zandi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Gilda Eslami Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Hossein Fallahzadeh Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran 2024 04 08 2024 12 06 Background and Objectives: Salmonellosis is among the most common food-born infections, caused by Salmonella spp. bacteria. Present study has investigated the frequency and antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella spp. isolated from traditional dairy products and raw milk supplied in Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 350 samples of raw milk and traditional dairy products were randomly collected from July to September 2018. Following culturing the samples, isolates went through biochemical tests for phenotypic identification. Results were confirmed through PCR technique by targeting invA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted by means of disk diffusion method. Results: The rate of contamination with Salmonella bacteria was 6.57% in all samples. The PCR assay of all isolates showed that 23 isolates (100%) carried the invA gene. No significant association between the frequency of salmonella spp. and types of dairy and their origin was reported (P>0.05). The highest antibiotic resistance rate among the isolates belonged to tetracycline (34.8%) and the highest sensitivity was seen to imipenem, cefepime, and cefotaxime (each 91.3%). Conclusion: According to our results there has been a rise in multiple drug resistance and contamination rate in traditional dairy products in Yazd province. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4679 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4679/1726

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 763 772 EN Anis Syahirah Saifor Adzuan Microbial Metabolite Laboratory, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohamad Microbial Metabolite Laboratory, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Rashidah Iberahim School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia Noor Nadia Syahira Mohd Kamal School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Nurliana Abd Mutalib Microbial Metabolite Laboratory, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Nur Intan Hasbullah Microbial Metabolite Laboratory, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia Muneer Alsaydi Microbial Metabolite Laboratory, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen Nor'aishah Hasan School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia Low Kheng Oon Cell and Synthetic Biology Centre, Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI), National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Olaide Olawunmi Ajibola Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Rozila Alias Centre for Foundation and General Studies, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Maimunah Mustakim Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Azlin Sham Rambely Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Emida Mohamed Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Mohammad Reza Pourmand Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 04 22 2024 07 30 Background and Objectives: The most common cause of severe foodborne salmonellosis is S. Typhimurium. Its interaction with intestinal epithelial cells is little known. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were recognized as a prominent probiotic gastrointestinal microbiota of humans and animals that confer health-promoting and protective effects. This study aims to determine the anti-invasion and antibacterial effects of heat-killed LAB (HK-LAB) isolates against S. Typhimurium towards human intestinal cells. Materials and Methods: 12 HK-LAB isolates from 3 sources of origin (stingless bee, plant, and food) were tested to determine the adhesion of HK-LAB to Caco-2 cells, anti-invasion and antibacterial activities against S. Typhimurium, the adhesion and invasion pattern of S. Typhimurium on intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) and assessing the effect of LAB on the S. Typhimurium-host cell interaction. Results: Tairu isolates from food have the highest adhesion rate with 19 ± 1.32/10 Caco-2 cells followed by HK-LAB R-isolate from plant 17 ± 0.70/10 Caco-2 cells, which is similar to the control (Lactobacillus casei). In the anti-invasion assay, the two HK-LAB isolates that had the strongest adherence to Caco-2 cells, Tairu-isolate inhibited at 78.1 ± 3.06% and R-isolate inhibited at 64.76 ± 9.02% compared to the positive control (63.81 ± 1.15%), which led to increased suppression of S. Typhimurium accordingly. Tairu and R isolates were tested for their antibacterial ability against S. Typhimurium. Both R and Tairu isolates displayed strong inhibition zones (27 ± 0.06 mm, 23 ± 0.06 mm) respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the anti-invasion activities of HK-LAB R and Tairu may correlate to their bactericidal effects that serve to protect the host from infection. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4746 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4746/1727

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 773 779 Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mohammadreza Tarahomi Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Fatemeh Asgharian Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Arghavan Kamali Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Safoora Sa'd Abadi Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Kimia Jafarpour Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Samaneh Abolbashari Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mojtaba Meshkat Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran Aida Gholoobi Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2023 08 06 2024 10 09 Background and Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium involved in gastrointestinal disorders with a high prevalence in Iran. We have determined the seroprevalence of H. pylori in the young adult population of Mashhad city for the first time. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study on 933 individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 in Mashhad. The serum level of IgG, IgM, and IgA H. pylori antibodies was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: The average age of the participants including 290 (31.0%) male and 643 (68.9%) female cases was 25.47 ± 5.76. H. pylori IgG was seropositive in 365 (39.1%) of subjects. Occupation (p=0.002), body mass index (p=0.002), marital status (p<0.0001), and age (p<0.007) were meaningfully related to H. pylori IgG seropositivity. Other factors such as sex, educational attainment, history of chronic diseases, and smoking cigarette had no significant relationship with the presence of H. pylori antibodies. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG antibodies in Mashhad's 15 to 35 years old citizens was determined 39.1%. We suggest further studies with larger sample sizes and different age groups as the target population. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4347 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4347/1728

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 780 785 Emad Asgari Department of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Zohreh Sharifi Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran Farahnaz Bineshian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran Mahsa Zamanian Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran 2024 04 14 2024 12 07 Background and Objectives: Recently, the anti-herpetic activities of different plant species have been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of Teucrium stocksianum aqueous extract on the HSV-1 virus-infected Vero cell. Materials and Methods: The IC50 of the aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of the plant in boiling water and has been measured with the MTT method, also the q-PCR was used to study viral gene expression reduction. Results: Results of the MTT test indicated that the highest percentage of metabolic activity was observed in the 75 μg/ml concentration of Teucrium stocksianum’s aqueous extracts (IC50=45.5μg/ml). Time intervals of 24 and 48 hours after viral infection revealed that the cell viability is reduced by the viral infection time (MOI=0.1), log 10-3, p <0.001). Furthermore, the plant’s aqueous extract concentration almost avoids cell viability reduction. Through Q-PCR results; the reduction of viral proliferation revealed that the low expression of genes UL46 and US6 were significant in the presence of different treatments utilized in the experiment. Conclusion: T. stocksianum, has an anti-viral property and may be considered as a remedy for anti-HSV-1 agents. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4723 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4723/1729

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 786 791 Javad Charostad Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Tahere Navidfar Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shushtar University of Medical and Science, Shushtar, Iran Masoumeh Kiani Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Paul Schinitzler Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany Akram Astani Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran 2024 01 10 2024 11 17 Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants are the primary treatment for many infectious and non-infectious diseases. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of Ferula assa-feotida against herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, and compared it with the antiviral drug acyclovir. Materials and Methods: In our experimental study, Ferula assa-feotida was dissolved in DMSO, then diluted in DMEM medium. Acyclovir was used at a concentration of 100 μM in all procedures. The antiherpetic activity and Antiviral activity of Ferula were evaluated in Vero cells (African green monkey kidney cells) by using the plaque reduction assay. Results: Inhibitory concentrations of 50% (IC50) of Ferula assa-feotida for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were determined at 0.00025% and 0.00015%, respectively. Ferula was introduced at various stages of viral infection and significantly inhibited HSV-1 and HSV-2 infectivity by > 95.5% and 89%, respectively, when virus was pre-treated before addition to the cells. No HSV-1 or HSV-2 activity was detected in cells treated prior to and following viral infection. Conclusion: These results indicate that Ferula assa-feotida demonstrates antiherpetic activity in the early phase of viral infection and could be used as potential antiviral agent. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4559 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4559/1730

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 792 802 Parviz Hassanpour Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyed Jamal Hashemi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sanam Nami Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Roshanak Daie Ghazvini Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Behrouz Naghili Hokmabadi Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Abbas Rahimi Foroushani Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Kazem Ahmadikia Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zahra Ramezanalipour Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Saeid Firouzi Abriz Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2024 05 28 2024 11 10 Background and Objectives: Airway fungal infection is a severe clinical problem, especially in patients with compromised immune functions. Here, we examined the distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungal agents isolated from respiratory tract of symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place from 2023 to 2024, involving 360 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum specimens were collected and analyzed using mycological and molecular methods for this study. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was carried out using the broth micro dilution method. Results: Of a total of 360 respiratory specimens, 114 (31.6%) were positive. The male-to-female ratio was 63:51 (1.3%). Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were the most common yeast and mold species. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had the highest rate of colonization with fungal agents (47/114, 41%). The isolates associated with COPD in this study included Aspergillus species (4/12, 3.5%), Candida species (41/96, 36%), and other fungal species (2/6, 1.5%). Coughing (87%) was the predominant symptom, and malignancy (52%) was the predominant comorbidity factor. The result of AFST for antifungal agents showed that 9 (22.5%) Candida isolates were resistant, and the highest rate of resistance was related to voriconazole agent (5/9, 55.5%). Resistance to antifungal agents was not observed among Aspergillus isolates. Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between the frequency of Aspergillus and Candida species in patients with underlying lung diseases. In addition, voriconazole was more effective than itraconazole, especially against Aspergillus flavus. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4825 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4825/1731

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 803 811 Abdol Sattar Pagheh Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Fatemeh Kardan Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Aynaz Ghojoghi Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Ahmad Reza Sebzari Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Maryam Erfaninejad Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran Parvin Askari Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Seyed Reza Aghili Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Eisa Nazar Orthopedic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Masood Ziaee Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran 2024 07 17 2024 11 06 Background and Objectind Methods: Formulations combining white basil essential oil, Tween-80, isopropanol, Labrasol and water were prepared. Particle size, zeta potential, and pH were measured. Stability was evaluated under accelerated (40°C, 75% RH) and stressed (60°C, 75% RH) conditions over three months. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) after 30-second exposure. Results: Characterization of the optimized formulation revealed an average particle size of 128 nm, neutral zeta potential, pH 3.42. Stability testing demonstrated thermodynamic resistance under all storage conditions for three months without phase separation or significant size change. The MBC against Streptococcus mutans was 0.4% w/v essential oil following 30 seconds of exposure. A corresponding mouthwash with 0.4% w/v essential oil demonstrated equivalent bactericidal activity. Conclusion: Nanodispersion offers a promising strategy for white basil essential oil in mouthwash formulations. The developed formulation shows favorable stability and rapid bactericidal action, supporting further evaluation for clinical and commercial development. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5628 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5628/1825

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 5 2025 10 14 804 813 EN Manizheh Hajizadeh Varzeghan Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Gholamreza Zarrini Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Farzam Sheikhzadeh Hesari Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Mohammad Hossein Modarressi Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medicine Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 12 21 2025 07 17 Background and Objectives: Probiotics are effective in improving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study assessed the effect of mesalazine and two candidate probiotics on the improvement of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis model. Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum MS1and Lactobacillus delbrueckii YN1 were used for IBD model in rat. Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing 250 ± 50 grams were used in 5 classified groups: Control (CO); Colitis (CL); Colitis, Probiotic (CLP); Colitis, Mesalazine (CLM); Colitis, Probiotic, Mesalazine (CLPM) and the treatment period was 3 weeks. The rats were treated with mesalazine 30 mg/kg and probiotic 109 CFU/ml after induction of colitis. Histopathological and immunological analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of probiotic bacteria on IBD. Results: The results showed that the probiotic bacteria reduced inflammation (P<0.05), extent (P<0.01), crypt abscesses (P<0.01), edema (P<0.05), inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.5), and increased mucosa (P<0.001) in rats. Mesalazine administration in animals with colitis did not have a significant effect. Administration of probiotics in both CLP and CLPM groups reduced extent, crypt abscesses, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration and showed an important role in the down-regulation of consolidation of pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-17), as well as up-regulation of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10. Conclusion: Lactobacillus plantarum MS1 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii YN1 have shown significant potential in alleviating AA-induced colitis symptoms. Their administration leads to a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6, while enhancing IL-10 levels, indicating their promise as therapeutic candidates for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5210 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5210/1826

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 5 2025 10 14 814 825 Najmeh Vahed Dehkordi Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran Ebrahim Rahimi Research Center of Nutrition and Organic Products, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran 2024 05 22 2024 12 11 Background and Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of illness from consuming contaminated food. MRSA is mainly known for its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics including methicillin. This research examined the antimicrobial resistance pattern, enterotoxigenic dispensation, virulence factors, and biotyping for MRSA isolates. Materials and Methods: Susceptibility of S. aureus isolates to 13 types of antibiotics were assessed, and the genes associated with the resistance were investigated. Disk diffusion was used to identify the phenotypic tenet of antibiotic resistance. PCR is instrumental in detecting genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, virulence and enterotoxin genes. Results: S. aureus were found in 167 out of 363 nugget and salad samples, representing 46% of the total sample count. Seventy-eight isolates (46.71%) were identified as MRSA bacteria. Its prevalence in different sources was as follows: 10% in bovine, 0% in ovine, 30% in poultry, and 56% in humans. MRSA displays high prevalence of resistance to cefotaxime and tetracycline (100%). coa was the most prevalent virulence factor (100%) in MRSA. Conclusion: Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in MRSA, highlights a serious health issue, as the presence of different antibiotic resistance genes exacerbates multidrug resistance in MRSA isolates. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4807 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4807/1827

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 5 2025 10 14 826 834 Shahla Shahsavandi Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Sina Soleimani Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Majid Tebyanian Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Amir Ali Hariri Biotechnology Department, Behyaar Sanaat Sepahan Company, Isfahan, Iran Ashraf Mohammadi Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Abbas Zare Mirakabadi Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Mojtaba Noofeli Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran Zarrin Sharifnia Biotechnology Department, Behyaar Sanaat Sepahan Company, Isfahan, Iran Mohammad Mahdi Ranjbar Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran 2025 02 18 2025 09 06 Background and Objectives: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has presented a challenging issue for global health in the 21st century. Frequent mutations in viral genomes have diminished the effectiveness of current vaccines against new variants. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is a promising platform for eliciting a robust T cell immune response. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the uptake of mRNA-LNPs into human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by measuring the intensity of enhanced eGFP expression in the transfected cells. Next, we assessed the effect of mRNA-LNPs on immune response induction in mice following a prime-boost immunization strategy, along with analyzing cytokine release. The safety of the vaccine candidate was examined through pyrogenicity and toxicity assays. Results: Upon intramuscular injection of mice, potent antibodies specific to viral S protein, robust Th1-biased cell-mediated immunity, and enhanced IFN-γ expression were induced. These observations indicate that mRNA-LNP was taken up and that it migrated to the lymph nodes. Furthermore, the vaccine candidate did not cause inflammation or local reactions after injection, as confirmed by biochemical, hematological, and histopathological examinations. Conclusion: Because of its ability to target immune cells, the mRNA vaccine candidate can potentially improve immune responses against circulating or emerging variants. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5303 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5303/1828

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 5 2025 10 14 835 840 EN Farah Farzaneh Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khatereh Hekmatnia Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Sadat Hosseini Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maliheh Arab Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Talayeh Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahshid Vasef Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Samaneh Yavari Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein Keyvani Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2025 07 17 2025 08 16 Background and Objectives: This study investigated the correlation between high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV), sexually transmitted disease (STD), and vaginal microbiota in patients with a normal Pap smear. Materials and Methods: For women who were referred for their routine cervical cancer screening, in addition to co-testing, some samples were taken from the vaginal and cervical environment to check the presence of the most common STD pathogens. The diagnosis of the organisms was done by means of PCR and microbial cultures. Results: HR HPV was detected in 67 women, and STD was positive in 80% of them, while in HR HPV n