Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 181 188 Hiba Sami Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India Safiya Firoze Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India Parvez Khan Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India Nazish Fatima Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India Haris Khan Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India 2022 11 17 2023 02 25 Background and Objectives: There are conflicting views regarding face mask guidelines amongst healthcare staff to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza and other respiratory viral infections (RVIs). We conducted a thorough meta-analysis to statistically compare mask use versus no mask use efficacy for RVIs in healthcare settings. Materials and Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used for selecting researches published between 2003 and June 2022 from different databases, including Publisher Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, etc.; 6 studies qualified for inclusion. Data was pooled from in vivo randomized control, case-control and observational studies dealing with the relationship between face mask use and no use by patients or health personnel and RVI prevention in healthcare setups. Results: The fixed and random-effects model was carried out to determine pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs). The results revealed that wearing a face mask significantly reduced the risk of contracting a respiratory viral illness in hospital settings, with pooled OR (95% CI) of 0.11 (0.04 to 0.33) (probability value (P) <0.08). Conclusion: Masks largely succeeded in stopping respiratory virus transmission, as evidenced by the meta-analysis of 6 studies (a total of 927 individuals). https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3995 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3995/1556

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 189 195 EN Davood Yadegarynia Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranInfectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shabnam Tehrani Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fahimeh Hadavand Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shahnam Arshi Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zahra Abtahian Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Amirreza Keyvanfar Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Azar Darvishi Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afshin Zarghi Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Latif Gachkar Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ilad Alavi Darazam Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranInfectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Farahbakhsh Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2022 11 20 2023 01 25 Background and Objectives: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, several vaccines have been manufactured to subside it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of side effects after injecting common COVID-19 vaccines available in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was accomplished on Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran) employees during January and September 2022. Eligible participants were selected based on the simple random method and interviewed about side effects after injecting COVID-19 vaccine. Results: The mean age of 656 participants was 38.03 ± 9.53 years, and 453 (69.1%) were female. The prevalence of post-vaccination side effects was higher after receiving the first dose (53.2%) than the second (35.9%) and third (49.4%) doses. Across all three vaccine doses, the overall proportion of side effects was higher following AstraZeneca than the others. The most common side effect after the first dose of the vaccine was myalgia (41.9%), followed by fever (36.6%), chills (31.6%), local reactions (27.0%), headache (25.5%), and sweating (21.6%). People experienced mainly myalgia (23.3%) and fever (20.3%) after injecting the second dose of the vaccine. Additionally, the participants had myalgia (37.2%), fever (30.8%), chills (29.2%), local reactions (26.0%), and headache (24.4%) after the third dose of the vaccine. Conclusion: AstraZeneca had a higher proportion of post-vaccination adverse effects than Sputnik V, Pastocovac, and Sinopharm. The most common side effects were flu-like syndrome and local reactions at the injection site. Furthermore, people rarely experienced life-threatening side effects. Thus, the available COVID-19 vaccines in Iran are safe. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4000 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4000/1557

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 196 200 Fatemeh Golshahi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zeinab Siami Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Elham Feizabad Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shahab Rajabzadeh Department of Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shirin Zarinjooie Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Albaji Department of Pulmonary Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Avin Mabadi Department of Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ayein Azarnoush Department of Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Pershang Nazemi Department of Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 01 26 2023 03 20 Background and Objectives: The most appropriate approach to control the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic is the widespread adoption of vaccination. Several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed and authorized for use in various geographical regions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccination agents presently utilized by healthcare workers (HCWs), and to investigate whether different COVID-19 vaccines would result in the alleviation of symptoms and the severity of clinical presentation. Materials and Methods: This multi-center survey was conducted on 329 vaccinated HCWs who were reinfected with COVID-19 between January 8, 2021 and April 8, 2021, in Tehran, Iran. Results: Overall, 92.1% and 70.8% of the participants had received 2 and 3 cumulative doses of COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. There were no differences between first/second and third-dose vaccines with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Expectedly, vaccination resulted in a less severe clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as reported by the participants. Conclusion: The results suggest that the efficacy of the vaccination agents presently utilized by HCWs was acceptable with no significant difference in vaccine type. Participants receiving at least two doses of vaccines in this survey exceeded 90%, which is comparably higher than studies conducted in other countries. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4102 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4102/1558

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 201 207 Ho Tinh Tam Chau Department of Molecular Biology, Quy Hoa National Leprosy & Dermatology Hospital, Binh Dinh, Vietnam Phuc Nhu Ha Nguyen Department of Molecular Biology, Quy Hoa National Leprosy & Dermatology Hospital, Binh Dinh, Vietnam Hoang Bach Nguyen Department of Microbiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue, Vietnam 2022 09 12 2023 02 25 Background and Objectives: Leprosy remains an important health problem worldwide. It is one of the oldest recorded diseases of humankind. In this study, we expanded the analysis of the geographic distribution of Mycobacterium leprae by investigating SNPs and rpoT genotypes in South Central Coast and Central Highlands clinical isolates, providing insights into the distribution and transmission of leprosy in Vietnam and in this geographic region. Materials and Methods: 27 clinical isolates from the patients, determined the genotypes of M. leprae by SNP and rpoT polymorphism. SNP genotyping was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing, rpoT genotyping by PCR amplification and electrophoresis. Results: All of 27 DNA samples (100%) were positive with RLEP TaqMan PCR (Ct value range is 18-32 on 3 replicates). SNP type 1 was identified in 15 isolates (56%), while SNP type 3 was detected in 12 samples (44%). SNP type 2 and type 4, were not detected. The 6-base repeat region of the rpoT gene was amplified by PCR and analyzed by 4% MetaPhor™ agarose gel electrophoresis. All isolates yielded amplification products of 91-bp, but not 97-bp. Conclusion: This study showed that 56% of isolates belonged to type 1, 44% to type 3. In addition, all samples have the 3-copy hexamer genotype in the rpoT gene. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3901 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3901/1559

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 208 218 Heba Hammad Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Ismail Mohamed Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Omnia El-Badawy Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Amira Zakaria Biotechnology Research Institute, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt Lamia Shabaan Department of Chest, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt Sherine Aly Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt 2022 12 08 2023 02 09 Background and Objectives: Concomitant carriage of blaNDM-1 and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance determinants (PMQRs) by multi drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) has increased globally, often related to their presence on transmissible plasmids. In this study, we hypothesized the presence of blaNDM-1 and PMQRs on a single conjugative plasmid that circulates among K. pneumoniae strains isolated from Assiut University Hospital. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two clinical MDR K. pneumoniae strains harboring both blaNDM-1 and PMQRs were genotyped using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Horizontal transfer of blaNDM-1 and PMQRs was evaluated by conjugation and trans-conjugants were screened for the presence of both genes and integron by PCR. Trans-conjugant’s plasmid DNA bands were purified using agarose gel electrophoresis and different DNA bands were screened for blaNDM-1 and PMQRs. Plasmids carrying blaNDM-1 and PMQRs were typed by PCR based replicon typing. Results: All MDR K. pneumoniae contained class 1 integron and belonged to 15 pulsotypes. BlaNDM-1 and PMQRs were co-transferred in each conjugation process. Multiple replicons (5-9 types) were detected in each trans-conjugant; with IncFIIK and IncFIB-KQ replicons being common among all trans-conjugants. Both blaNDM-1 and PMQRs were detected on a pKpQIL-like multi-replicon plasmid that was present in all K. pneumoniae strains. Conclusion: In view of these results, the presence of blaNDM-1 and PMQRs on pKpQIL-like plasmid that existed in multiple unrelated K. pneumoniae isolates is highly suggestive of the circulation of pKpQIL-like MDR plasmids in our hospitals. Moreover, carriage of integrons by the-circulating MDR plasmids increases the risk of dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4033 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4033/1560

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 2 2023 04 18 219 224 Susan Panahi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Mohammad Bagher Khalili Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Maryam Sadeh Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Mahmood Vakili Department of Public Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran 2021 09 14 c test (optochin susceptibility test,bile susceptibility test and antimicrobial susceptibility test) and genotypic test by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for five genes: CpsA, LytA, AliB-like ORF2, 16S rRNA and Spn9802 genes. Results: Twenty isolates of S. pseudopneumoniae were diagnosed phenotypically by optochin susceptibility and bile solubility tests followed by genotypic characterization by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for five genes: CpsA, LytA, AliB-like ORF2, 16S rRNA and Spn9802 genes. The prevalence of S. pseudopneumoniae among studied patients was 10% (20/200). Conclusion: The pure growth of S. pseudopneumoniae from sputum samples together with the great percentage of antibiotic resistance should raise attention to the clinical importance of this organism. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3351 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3351/1501

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 653 661 Bui Son Department of Pediatrics, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam Tang Hai Department of Pediatrics, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam Tran Cuong Department of Pediatrics, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam Duong Chinh Department of Neurology, Nghe An Friendship General Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam Thi-Hong-Hanh Le Department of Respiratory Diseases, National Pediatrics Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam Nguyen Dung Department of Scientific Management, 108 Military Centre Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam Vu Dinh Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; Department of Laboratory Medicine, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam Do Anh Department of Laboratory Medicine, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; Department of Medical Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam 2022 05 26 2022 07 13 Background and Objectives: Identification of pnemococcal serotypes and antimicrobial resistance provides helpful information for the use of suitable vaccines and antibiotics; however, very limited data is available on these issues in Vietnam. The present study aimed to find the serotype distribution and drug resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age with pneumonia at a province in centre Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 clinical pnemococcal strains isolated from unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age with pneumonia at the Nghe An province, Vietnam between Nov 2019 and Mar 2021. All strains were identified using conventional microbiological method, VITEK® 2 Compact system, specific PCR and sequencing. The serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of pnemococcal strains were determined using the multiplex PCR assays and VITEK® 2 Compact system. Results: The results showed that, eight different pneumococcal serotypes were identified. The most common serotypes were 19F (67.46%), followed by 23F (10.32%), 19A (9.52%), 6A/B (3.17%), 15A (2.38%), 9V (3.17%), 11A (1.59%) and 14 (0.80%), respectively. More than half of the pneumococcal strains were non-susceptible to penicillin. The resistance rate to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime were 41.3% and 50.8%. The percentage of pneumococci strains resistant to clarithromycin, azithromycin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, tetracyclin, and clindamycin were more than 93% of all strains. All pneumococcal serotypes were highly resistant to clarithromycin, azithromycin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, and clindamycin. Conclusion: Our findings showed high antibiotic resistance rates of the strains causing pneumococcal pneumonia, mostly macrolide resistance, among unvaccinated children. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3745 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3745/1502

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 662 668 Fatima Kaleem Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan Irum Aftab Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan Umme Farwa Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan Hassan Saleem Department of Surgery, Quaid I Azam International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan Saima Ishtiaq Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan Saima Syed Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan Shahid Ahmad Abbasi Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, FUI, Islamabad, Pakistan 2022 01 19 2022 05 19 Background and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the in vitro efficacy of mecillinam against extended spectrum beta lactamse producing Enterobacterales. Materials and Methods: After proper permission from Ethical Review Committee of the Institute, all samples yielding growth of ESBL producing Enterobacterales were part of the study and were processed according to routine microbiological procedures. Routine antibiotic sensitivity testing was done on Muller Hinton Agar by Modified Kirby Bauer Method. All Gram negative isolates were subjected to concomitant detection of ESBL production by double disc synergy method. All ESBL producers were then subjected to the mecillinam Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination by E test. The results were interpreted as per CLSI Guidelines. Results: A total of 120 ESBL producing Enterobacterales isolates were included in the study. The mean age of patients with ESBL infection was 45 ± 18.7 years. There were 44% male and 55% female patients. Majority of the ESBL producing Enterobacterales were isolated from urine samples (56%), followed by pus. Among the isolated organisms, Escherichia coli (45%) was the most frequently isolated organism followed by Klebsiella spp. (22%). Overall 83% of the isolates turned out to be sensitive to mecillinam. MIC50 of mecillinam against ESBL producing Gram negative rods (GNR) turned out to be 1 ug/ml and MIC90 turned out to be 2 ug/ml. Conclusion: Mecillinam shows good in vitro efficacy against ESBL producing Enterobacterales in our study. Further studies with more sample size and from diverse areas across the country should be done to evaluate its efficacy. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3521 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3521/1503

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 669 676 Lahbib Hibaoui Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Abdelhamid Massik Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Zina Lebbar Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Ghita Yahyaoui Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Mustapha Mahmoud Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Laila Bougnouch Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Naoual Hamass Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Laila Chbani Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Bahia Bennani Microbiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Microorganisms Team, Genomics and Oncogene Factors, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Mohamed Amine Berrahou Laboratory of Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Mounia Lakhdar Idriss Community Health, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco Moustapha Hida Community Health, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco 2021 12 31 2022 08 11 Background and Objectives: Infesting nearly 50% of the world's population, Helicobacter pylori are thought to cause peptic ulcers, as well as gastric adenocarcinoma. Several diagnostic methods are available to detect this bacterium; however, at least two must be used together for an accurate diagnosis. This study evaluated the use of rapid urease test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in a pediatric population. Materials and Methods: Five gastric biopsies were taken from children during a 2-year period for the purpose of histological, molecular, bacteriological culture, and rapid urease testing. Results: Among 83 children, 38 were male, and 45 were female with an age ranging of 2 to 15 years. The infected group represented 31%. The rapid urease test had a sensitivity of 88.5%, a negative predictive value of 94%, a specificity of 84.2%, and a positive predictive value of 72%. Conclusion: A rapid urease test may be appropriate for ruling out H. pylori infection after a negative result. The positive results however, may be confirmed by a second invasive test. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3495 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3495/1504

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 677 682 Siamak Mohebi Department of Health Education & Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran Roghieh Saboorian Department of Microbiology, Health Reference Laboratory Research Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Saeed Shams Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran 2022 02 05 2022 09 15 Background and Objectives: Vibrio fluvialis is a Gram-negative, bacillus-shaped, curved bacterium known as an emerging pathogen. There are reports of outbreaks caused by this bacterium worldwide. Iran, especially Qom province, is an endemic region for gastrointestinal diseases caused by Vibrio species. So, the aim was to isolate V. fluvialis from clinical and environmental samples. Materials and Methods: During six months, 363 clinical and surface water samples were evaluated. The samples were cultured on specific media, and all incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Suspicious colonies were evaluated by Gram staining and biochemical tests. The BD Phoenix automated microbiology system was used for the final confirmation of the isolated bacteria. Evaluation of antibiotic resistance of isolated strains was also performed according to CLSI standard. Results: Eight cases (2.2%) of V. fluvialis, including seven from surface water samples (87.5%) and one from clinical samples (12.5%), were isolated. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, all V. fluvialis isolates were susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, ceftazidime, and chloramphenicol. High-level resistance to ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate was also observed. V. fluvialis-infected patient had a mild fever, watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps that were manifested after drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated vegetables. The patient's symptoms recovered without antibiotic therapy after four days, resulting in self-limiting disease. Conclusion: The current study is the first human case of V. fluvialis infection isolated in Iran. Therefore, monitoring of water and food samples should be done routinely. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3540 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3540/1505

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 683 688 EN Nasrin Hamidian Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Saeed Salari Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Ahmad Rashki Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Mohsen Najimi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 2021 12 13 2022 07 28 Background and Objectives: Microbial safety of the fresh fruits is a global concern. The production of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in Iran has grown 4.5% from 2016 to 2019. Little information is available about the microbiological quality of strawberry produced in Iran. The objective of this investigation was to assess the fecal Escherichia coli (FEC) contamination of fresh strawberries of south of Kerman province where is the centers of production and supply of strawberries to other parts of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the FEC of a total number of 109 strawberry samples, which were collected from green-houses of strawberry of Kerman province during three months, were enumerated using the most probable number (MPN) as described by Iranian National Standards Organization, protocol No.2946, and interpreted using the latest statute released by Iran Veterinary Organization, Executive order number 2946, released in 2011. Results: MPN of FEC counted in strawberries ranged between <0.3 (n=37) and >110 (n=19) per gram (g) having a mean, mode, and median value of 250.3, <0.3, and 9.4 MPN/g, respectively. More than one-fourth of the samples (28.44%) were polluted with FEC at a level of >100 MPN/g. Conclusion: Our findings may be resulted from the sanitary quality of the farm and strawberries of the study area, which indicated that the microbial safety of the strawberries in this survey was not satisfactory, alarming public health. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3475 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3475/1506

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 689 697 Farzaneh Nazari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Arak, Iran Parvaneh Jafari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Arak, Iran Bizhan Nomanpour Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Kambiz Varmira Department of Medicine, Research Center of Oils and Fats, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Farshid Raissi Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran 2022 02 25 2022 04 24 Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death and one of the most common malignancies among women in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of postbiotic consisting of sonicated Bifidobacterium bifidum cells on triple negative breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six female BALB/c mice aged 5-7 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12): Ctrl-, healthy mice; Ctrl+, mice with breast cancer with no treatment; and Postbiotic, mice with orally gavage postbiotic before and after 4T1 cell line transplantation. Cancer progress and the effects of postbiotic were assayed by histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression quantification. Results: The histological results showed that administration postbiotic consisting of B. bifidum significantly decreased carcinogenesis in terms of tumor incidence, multiplicity and volume. The tumor progress was suppressed by oral intake of B. bifidum as showed by p53 and Ki-67 expression. Furthermore, Oral intake of postbiotic resulted in extended survival of mice and inhibited sever weigh loss. Conclusion: Pretreatment with sonication killed B. bifidum, as a postbiotic, inhibited breast cancer progress and malignancy. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3574 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3574/1507

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 698 704 Fatemeh Sari Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shiva Mirkalantari Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Shohreh Nikoo Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Sepahvand Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Leila Allahqoli Department of Midwifery, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Arezoo Asadi Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran Malihe Talebi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2022 08 20 2022 09 19 Background and Objectives: Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Peripheral blood monocytes cells (PBMCs) may have altered function to some extent in women with endometriosis. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium within the human body with the ability of alleviating many inflammatory diseases. Here, we examined the effect of L. acidophilus on PBMCs of endometriosis patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from endometriosis patients (n=11) and non-endometriosis individuals (n=11). After isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Ficoll, cells were cultured in the presence and absence of phytohemagglutinin. Also, these cells were co-cultured with 1×106 CFU/ml of L. acidophilus. IL-6 and IL-1 cytokines were measured by ELISA method and the two groups were evaluated and compared. Results: The results showed that in endometriosis patients, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 and IL-6, by PBMC was increased compared to non-endometriosis subjects, and stimuli such as PHA intensified this elevation. Also, L. acidophilus increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1 and IL-6. However, the production of these cytokines decreased due to the modulatory properties of bacterial cells after 48 h. Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, IL-1 and IL-6 production was significantly increased in PMBCs of endometriosis patients compared to that of the healthy controls. Also, Lactobacillus acidophilus was considered as an antigenic compound and in­duced IL-1 and IL-6 production. According to these results, probiotics can be further used for the treatment of endometriosis patients and more investigations are needed to con­firm these results. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3874 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3874/1508

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 705 711 Keyvan Esmaeili-Fard-Barzegar Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Shahin Najar-Peerayeh Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Ramin Mazaheri Nezhad Fard Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bita Bakhshi Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2022 04 26 2022 07 28 Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), an opportunistic pathogen, has been isolated from sewage, soil, and hospital wards. The prevalence of multidrug-resistance A. baumannii has seriously caused a health crisis in hospital settings. Bacteriophages have been used as an alternative therapy for control carbapenem-resistant bacteria-caused infections. We aimed to assay lytic effect of a filamentous phage on clinical bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: 500-ml water samples was collected from sewage in Tehran. Sewage samples were precipitated at 6000 rpm for 10 minutes and filtered using 0.45-µm syringe filters. Bacteriophage was isolated using double-layer agar assay and evaluated its stability at various pH and temperature ranges. In addition, the stability of the phage was assayed at chloroform 0.1%. Results: Transmission electron microscopy imagine showed phage is filamentous called vB-AbaI-TMU2. The phage affected on its own host so that could not effect on any Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. vB-AbaI-TMU2 phage was stable at pH 5 and 7 and also temperatures 25 and 37°C. vB-AbaI-TMU2 was stable at chloroform 0.1%. vB-AbaI-TMU2 phage infected carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains while other bacterial strains were resistant to. Conclusion: The present study indicated the isolated phage had a narrow host range and is susceptible to various pH values and temperatures. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3677 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3677/1509

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 712 720 EN Zeinab Rezaei Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran Ameneh Elikaei Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran Seyed Mahmoud Barzi Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Morvarid Shafiei Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2022 07 02 2022 09 02 Background and Objectives: Phage therapy has gained interest as an alternative treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize an effective bacteriophage against isolates of MRSA. Materials and Methods: Bacteriophage was isolated from hospital sewage. Lytic activity and the titers of phage lysates were measured using spot test and double-layer plaque assay. The phage characterization was determined through transmission electron microscopy. Adsorption rate, host range and stability tests were investigated. The latent period and burst size were estimated from a one-step growth curve. The effect of bacteriophage against MRSA biofilms was determined and Real-time PCR was used to assess the effects of the bacteriophage on the expression of the biofilm-associated genes. Results: TEM results showed that the phage resembled the Cystoviridae family. Its latent period was 30 min, corresponding to about 71/43 phage particles per infected cell. The phage had a broad host range and it was most stable at 37°C and pH 7. It was sensitive to NaCl concentrations. The expressions of the biofilm-associated genes were significantly reduced in the presence of the phage. Conclusion: The isolated phage was effective against MRSA strains and it can be an optional strategy of controlling biofilm development. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3795 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3795/1510

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 721 729 Nasim Rouhizohrab Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Mohammadipanah Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 2021 12 31 2022 08 07 Background and Objectives: Myxobacteria initially recognized by their complex life cycle and social behavior are progressively explored for their bioactive secondary metabolites. However, isolation of myxobacteria usually is accompanied by bacterial and fungal contaminations due to the direct cultivation of soil on isolation media, which results in severe challenges in the purification of myxobacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to improve their purification techniques from natural samples to the discovery of new biomolecules. Materials and Methods: In the present study, six physichochemical methods were assessed for their efficacy in the purification of myxobacterial strains and specially from contaminants of Microvirga spp. Results: Among the evaluated treatments, purification of fruiting bodies using a combination of ultrasonication and heat treatment was identified as the effective protocol with 80% success rate in the purification of myxobacterial strains and reducing up to 90% of the contaminating bacteria. Conclusion: Concerning the problematic contamination of myxobacterial isolates, the introduced approach can retrieve the myxobacterial strains which are often suppressed by the over growth of contaminations especially root symbiotic bacteria namely Microvirga spp. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3496 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3496/1511

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 730 739 Dilip Karad Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Barshi, India Ravi Tandon Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Ajay Arya School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Kailash Sonawane Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India Anusaya Chavan Department of Chemistry, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univrsity, Aurangabad, India Arun Kharat Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India 2022 01 21 2022 08 07 Background and Objectives: Even after four decades, HIV infection remains a global challenge and a leading cause of mortality in adults across the world. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) that controls HIV viremia, is now available through public health facilities in India but drug resistance, which is likely to develop among these individuals remains poorly studied in India. The objectives of present study are to find out the HIV-1 virus subtypes, drug resistance mutations and HIV-1 drug resistance to NRTI, NNRTI and protease inhibitors in the Solapur district, India. Materials and Methods: In a cross sectional study, forty two ART-experienced HIV-1-infected patients with CD4+ count < 200 cells ml-1 and viral load (VL) > 3, 000 copies ml-1 were recruited. All patients belonged to Maharashtra State of India near Barshi Solapur and had been on ART treatment for over 5 years. EDTA whole blood from HIV-1-infected patients was centrifuged and the viral nucleic acid was purified from the plasma. Viral nucleic acid was amplified by PCR using protease and reverse transcriptase specific primers. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and studied for mutations. The tools from Stanford University website were used for subtyping of HIV-1 and identification of mutations conferring drug resistance. Results: In present investigation, HIV-1 subtypes were subtype C in 37 (88.09%), subtype CRF01_AE in 2 (4.76%), and subtype A in 3 patients (7.14%). Drug resistance mutations of NRTI, NNRTI and protease were observed in 15 (37.71%) of 42 patients tested. Drug resistance for NRTI was observed in 12 (28.57%) and for NNRTI in 13 (30.95%) patients. No drug resistance was observed for protease inhibitors. Conclusion: Considerable HIV-1 drug resistance exists among patients receiving ART from a rural areas of India, suggesting more studies from rural region are required to prevent development of resistance to ART. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3522 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3522/1512

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 14 5 2022 10 22 740 745 Anitha Madhavan Department of Microbiology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India Arun Sachu Department of Microbiology, Believers Church Medical College, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India Abel Samue