Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 584 597 Esraa Al-Nsour Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan Hadeel AL-Hadithi Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan Rania Al-Groom Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University, Al-Zarqa, Jordan; Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Zarqa, Jordan Saqr Abushattal Department of Medical Analysis, College of Nursing and Medical Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an, Jordan Abdallah Naser Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan Ahmad Al Nsour Department of Otolaryngology (ENT), Jordan University Hospital, Medical Doctor (ENT), Amman, Jordan Rawand Sallam Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Medical Doctor (Internal Medicine), Amman, Jordan Lara Kollab Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Medical Doctor (Internal Medicine), Amman, Jordan Laila Alswalha Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Zarqa, Jordan Mohd Sajjad Ahmad Khan Department of Basic Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia 2024 05 31 2024 09 08 Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers in hospitals are exposed to infectious diseases that occur in the hospital making them a source of infection for the patients. It is interfaced as cross-contamination agents for MRSA and MR-CoNS, and preventive measures need to be adapted accordingly. The study aimed to assess Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) on the skin and nasal cavities of healthcare workers (HCWs) and identifying isolates to the species level. Materials and Methods: Swab samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar (MSA) to obtain MRS and determine their ability to produce coagulase. Their susceptibility to antibiotics were determined by agar screening and disk diffusion methods and further identification was done at the species level. Results: The highest percentage of methicillin resistant coagulase positive Staphylococci (MRCoPS) was reported among skins of male HCWs, (71.4%) were identified as MRSA. The highest levels of methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) were mainly detected in both nasal cavities, (75%) were identified as MRSE. MRSA was reported from doctors (p-value 0.033), whereas the highest incidence of MRSE was obtained from the nurses (p-value 0.048). Conclusion: This study highlighted that incidence of MRSA was mainly detected in doctors and MRCoNS in both nasal cavities. The highest percentage of MRCoNS was recovered from the patients’ room followed by the reception table. Moreover, vancomycin is suggested to be highly effective in managing and controlling S. aureus, MRSA- and MRSE related infections. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4810 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4810/1704

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 716 718 Khyathi Reddy Pilaka Clinical and Epidemiology Division, LEPRA Society - Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Cherlapally, Hyderabad, India Michael Sukumar Pallapati Clinical and Epidemiology Division, LEPRA Society - Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Cherlapally, Hyderabad, India Zakaraiah Jaladi Clinical and Epidemiology Division, LEPRA Society - Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Cherlapally, Hyderabad, India Kumar Ebineshan Department of Microbiology, LEPRA Society - Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Cherlapally, Hyderabad, India 2024 06 21 2024 08 23 Leprosy in children is considered as an indicator of active disease transmission in the community. We report about a seven-year-old male from Telangana, India, with anesthetic skin lesions and familial leprosy history. Clinical examination revealed multiple, dry, scaly, hypopigmented, well-defined, raised punched out anesthetic skin lesions all over the body with both ulnar nerves enlarged. On clinical and laboratory examination, the child was diagnosed with borderline-borderline (BB), multibacillary (MB) leprosy, and Type-1 reaction. The child received a weight-adjusted MB multidrug therapy regimen and corticosteroids for type-1 reactions. This case emphasizes the need for contact tracing and screening for early diagnosis of child leprosy to prevent complications like leprosy reactions which are the risk factors for disability. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4866 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4866/1719

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 598 604 Neethu John Department of Microbiology, Govt Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India Chinnu Sajeev Department of Microbiology, Govt TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India Greeshma Hareendranath Department of Microbiology, Govt TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India Tanya Mampilly Department of Microbiology, Govt Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India Aswathy Varghese Department of Microbiology, Govt Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India Lancy Justus Department of Microbiology, Govt Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 2024 07 20 2024 09 15 Background and Objectives: Coagulase-negative-Staphylococci (CoNS) are important etiological agent of bacteraemia in newborn babies. Methicillin resistant CoNS infections have only limited treatment options. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Methicillin Resistant CoNS isolates from newborn blood cultures was studied with special reference to MICs of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin. Materials and Methods: The study population included Methicillin Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococcal isolates (MRCoNS) from newborn blood cultures, during a one-year period. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin in Methicillin resistant CoNS isolates was determined by macrobroth dilution method as per CLSI guidelines and by automated methods. Results: Coagulase Negative Staphylococci were the etiological agent in 73.7% (n-56) cases of neonatal bacteremia. Methicillin resistance in newborn CoNS was found to be 58.9%. All the MRCoNS isolates had vancomycin and teicoplanin MICs in the susceptible range. There were MRCoNS isolates with MICs in the upper limit of susceptible range for both vancomycin and teicoplanin, which can result in poor clinical response. Conclusion: Continuous large scale multi-centre surveillance studies with special attention to study the MIC pattern of the high-end anti-MRSA agents like vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid are to be carried out. This will help the clinicians to judiciously prescribe the antibiotics, which is very essential for antimicrobial stewardship. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4926 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4926/1705

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 605 613 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 Noosha Zia Jahromi Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran 2024 05 06 2024 08 04 Background and Objectives: Researchers have focused on Staphylococcus aureus because it is transmitted through food, such as milk and dairy products, and causes human diseases. Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, presence, and distribution of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) virulence genes isolated from raw milk and dairy products were evaluated. Materials and Methods: 300 samples of dairy products were collected from Shahrekord, Iran. S. aureus was identified using biochemical tests and screened for sensitivity to 13 antibiotics to identify resistance genes. In addition, SCCmec typing was performed. Results: Out of 300, S. aureus was found in 82 samples. Raw milk had the highest contamination with S. aureus (60 of 82), followed by cheese (15 of 82), and butter (7 of 82). At least one resistance gene was present in every isolate of S. aureus. Virulence factors and enterotoxin-coding genes, such as sea, seb, sec, and sed were highly distributed. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the presence of toxin-producing MRSA strains in raw milk and dairy products. MRSA in dairy farms is an important risk factor for the spread of staphylococcal infections; therefore, further studies are needed to find strategies for controlling the presence of S. aureus, especially MRSA, in dairy products. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4769 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4769/1706

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 614 623 Sahar Arkiya Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Ardeshir Hesampour Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Ali Esrafili Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Javad Arasteh Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2024 06 28 2024 07 27 Background and Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently leads to asymptomatic infections. Methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) pose a significant threat as they are resistant to most commonly used antibiotics, complicating treatment efforts. This study aimed to develop chitosan nanogels loaded with vancomycin and IFN-γ and to assess the expression of the TNF-α gene in a cell line infected with MRSA. Materials and Methods: Following the synthesis and confirmation of the chitosan nanogels, vancomycin and IFN-γ were incorporated into these nanogels. The synthesis was validated using DLS, FTIR, TEM, and SEM. Subsequently, the antibacterial efficacy of the nanogels was assessed. Finally, four groups of cell lines were designed: control, MRSA, chitosan nanogels and IFN-γ-vancomycin chitosan nanogels. After infection of the groups (except control) with MRSA, 5 μg/mL of nanogels, and nanogels (drug and IFN-γ) were added to groups 3 and 4, respectively. Then the expression of TNF-α gene in each group was analyzed by RT-PCR at 6 and 24 hours. Results: At pH 6.5 and 7.4, the MIC of 1 μg/mL was obtained for free vancomycin, whereas that of IFN-γ-vancomycin nanogels at both pHs was respectively 8 and 64 μg/mL. The IC50 of chitosan nanogels and nanogels loaded with vancomycin-IFN-γ on RAW264.7 cells were 2.37 and 4.15 μg/mL in 24 hours, respectively. In group 4 in comparison to the MRSA group, TNF-α expression decreased significantly following 24 hours. Conclusion: Loading of vancomycin and IFN-γ in the chitosan nanogel can reduce TNF-α gene expression on MRSA infected cell lines. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4882 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4882/1707

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 624 630 EN Kumar Ebineshan Department of Microbiology, LEPRA – Society, Blue Peter Public Health and Research Center, Hyderabad, India Michael Sukumar Pallapati Department of Microbiology, LEPRA – Society, Blue Peter Public Health and Research Center, Hyderabad, India Aparna Srikantam Department of Microbiology, Mallareddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India 2024 05 24 2024 06 27 Background and Objectives: Leprosy foot ulcers (LFU) tend to become chronic due to secondary bacterial infections, leading to subsequent disfigurement and disability. Treatment modality for infected plantar ulcers thus so far is majorly based on conventional approach of empirical antibacterial therapy. However, this approach tends to overlook unconventional pathogens which are likely to be present in the LFU. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six leprosy patients (17 males and 9 females) who had completed multidrug therapy (MDT) and those are suffering from foot ulcer were included. Using sterile cotton swabs, two wound swabs were collected, of these; one for bacterial culture and another for NGS (Next Generation Sequencing). Results: Out of 26 samples tested on conventional bacterial culture, Streptococcus spp. (50%) was predominant organism. On NGS, 09/26 (34.61%) showed Streptococcus-dysgalactiae-subsp.-equisimilis-GGS 12 as the most abundant single organism, along with some unknown and unclassified organisms; 03/26 (11.5%) were Arcanobacterium-haemolyticum-DSM-20595 alone and 02/26 (7.69%) were Streptococcus-pyogenes alone. A combination of Arcanobacterium-haemolyticum-DSM-20595 and Streptococcus-dysgalactiae-subsp.-equisimilis-GGS 124 was found in nine (34.61%) specimens. Conclusion: Polymicrobial infection with conventional and unconventional pathogenic bacteria is another notable finding suggesting appropriate interventions. The study findings also reiterate the need for understanding the polymicrobial infections and their role in the clinical progression of the LFU. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4809 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4809/1708

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 5 2024 10 19 631 638 EN Moussa Djaouda Shabnam Baghbani Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Pardis Ghotaslou Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Solmaz Mirmahdavi Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Hamed Ebrahimzadeh Leylabadlo Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2022 10 03 2023 05 11 Background and Objectives: The immediate emergence of resistant bacteria poses an increasingly growing problem to human society and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains is one of the most important health problems. This study aimed to review the molecular epidemiology of drug resistance among clinical isolates of E. coli in north-west portion of Iran Azerbaijan. Materials and Methods: A complete of 219 clinical isolates of E. coli had been collected from the various clinical samples. The disk diffusion and agar dilution assays were used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. The presence of antibiotics resistance genes was carried out by the PCR method. Results: The highest susceptibility was shown to imipenem (3%) and fosfomycin (3%), and the most antibiotic resistance was presented to ampicillin (99%). The highest frequent ESBL gene among isolates was blaCTXM-15 in 70% followed by blaCMY-2 in 67%, and blaTEM-1 in 46%. The most common fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance genes were oqxB (34%), followed by oqxA (25%), and qnrB (18%). The frequency of tetracycline resistance genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, and tetD) were detected in 24.8%, 31.6%, 1.8%, and 4.2%, respectively. The highest frequent genes to fosfomycin were fosA 10%, fosA3 30%, fosC 40%, and fosX 20%. The dominant founded aminoglycosides resistant genes were armA (12.96%) and npmA (4.93%). Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotics resistance in the tested E. coli isolates was high in Azerbaijan, Iran and these findings showed that E. coli is one of the major drug-resistant pathogens. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3927 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3927/1579

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 392 400 Gholamali Riahi Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Ebrahimeh Koohsari Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Seyed Sedigheh Hosseini Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran 2022 12 28 2023 03 16 Background and Objectives: Sternum infection increases the time of the patients stay in the hospital and, as a result, increases the treatment costs. This study aimed to evaluate the fungal and bacterial co-infection in the superficial and deep sternal wounds after open cardiac surgery and its relationship with risk factors, as sternal infection increases the time of the patient's stay in the hospital and, as a result, increases the treatment costs. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire and sampling with two swabs after open heart surgery and hospitalization from 21 March 2018 to 20 March 2019 and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis of microorganisms effective in wound infection. Susceptibility testing for fluconazole and specific antibiotics was performed by the disk diffusion method. Results: Out of 210 patients studied, 2% of patients had deep sternal wound infections. The most common coinfection fungal and bacterial agents in sternal wounds were caused by Staphylococcus aureus with Candida glabrata 4% and Escherichia coli with Candida albicans 2%. S. aureus and E. coli showed the highest antibiotic susceptibility to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, meropenem, and imipenem. Candida glabrata and Candida albicans had the highest rate of resistance to fluconazole. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, patients on the 7th day in the cardiac care unit (CCU) and the 28th day are at higher risk of getting confection of fungi with bacteria in the sternal wound. Therefore, timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy, including the use of appropriate antibiotics, can be an important step in the patient's recovery. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4058 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4058/1580

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 401 407 Leila Heidari Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Gholamreza Rafiei Dehbidi Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Ali Farhadi Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Golnar Sami Kashkooli Shiraz Referral Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Farzaneh Zarghampoor Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Sepide Namdari Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Noorossadat Seyyedi Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Saeid Amirzadh Fard Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Abbas Behzad-Behbahani Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2023 01 14 2023 04 24 Background and Objectives: In clinical diagnostics, molecular methods are used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli (MTB) and to distinguish them from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). They are also used to make the right treatment decision for the patient as soon as possible. The aim of this study was to establish a rapid and novel multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for the detection and differentiation of MTB and NTM in a single tube. Materials and Methods: 100 sputum samples positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were included in this study. Mycobacterial culture, biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on samples. After alkaline decontamination, total DNA was extracted from the samples. A primer pair targeting the rpoB gene, encoding the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase, was used to detect MTB and NTM, amplifying a 235-bp fragment of MTB and a 136-bp sequence of NTM. A pair of primers targeting a 190-bp fragment of the IS6110 region of MTB was also used to confirm the results. The sensitivity and specificity of the mPCR assay were evaluated using DNA extracted from standard strains. The amplified products were then analyzed by conventional agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: Of 100 AFB smear-positive sputum samples, 92 MTB DNA, 7 NTM DNA, and one mixed-infection sample were identified in a single tube using mPCR assay. There was no correlation between the AFB degree of smear positivity and PCR results. Of seven NTM isolates, 6 (86%) were resistant to rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol, the three first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Conclusion: A single-tube mPCR assay based on the rpoB gene provides a rapid and reliable means of detecting and differentiating MTB and NTM in sputum specimens. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4085 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4085/1581

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 408 413 Behnood Haji Sheikhzadeh Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Leila Rahbarnia Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Alireza Dehnad Department of Bacterial Disease Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, AREEO, Tabriz, Iran Behrooz Naghili Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Parvaneh Saffarian Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2022 10 05 2023 05 16 Background and Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causes of high mortality and morbidity in hospitals. This study was aimed to examine virulence factors, molecular typing, and the antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA isolates in hemodialysis patients and healthy communities. Materials and Methods: Total of 231 and 400 nasal samples were obtained from hemodialysis patients and healthy communities, respectively. Virulence factors profile was examined in two groups by PCR reaction. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC-PCR) was used as a molecular typing approach. Results: Overall, 35.49% (82/231) of hemodialysis patients were positive for S. aureus, and 47.56% (39/82) of isolates were positive for mecA. In a healthy community, 15% (60/400) of samples were positive for S. aureus, and 36.66% (22/60) were positive for mecA. The frequency of MDR was significantly higher in patients group (p-value < 0.00001). The frequency of pvl (p.value = 0.003932, P<0.05) and tsst-1 (p.value = 0.003173, p < .05) were significantly higher in patients group. The highest frequency virulence factors in healthy individuals were related to hla (68.33%, 41/60), hlb (53.33%, 32/60), and Acme/arcA (46.66%) genes. Two groups were clustered by the ERIC-PCR method into 7 clusters and 2 single isolate with a 0.74 similarity index. Based on the results, each cluster was combination with healthy and patient isolates. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a notable variation in the frequency of virulence factors between S. aureus isolates obtained from dialysis patients and the healthy community. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3932 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3932/1582

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 414 424 Rusul Al-Kahachi Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relationship, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Baghdad, Iraq Sura Al-Asadi Department of Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq Zainab Ali Department of Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq Jamila Rampurawala Department of Applied Genetics, The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore, India 2022 12 22 2023 04 02 Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate whether Achromobacter mucicolens IA strain biofilm formation, which contributes to antibiotic resistance, could be enhanced by readily available nutrient sources like carbohydrates and environmental factors such as pH and NaCl. Additionally, the study aimed to identify any inherent genes that support biofilm formation in this strain, which is an opportunistic pathogen that affects immunocompromised patients and is resistant to many antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Biofilm growth in different carbohydrate, pH, and NaCl concentrated media was measured using crystal violet microtiter assay. All the treatments were subjected to biostatistics analysis for normality, Test of Homogeneity, one way ANOVA analysis. Whole-genome sequencing of our IA strain was conducted to identify various gene sequences. Results: Biofilm formation was measured at different carbohydrate concentrations, and the optimum biofilm formation was observed at 3M glucose and 0.5M NaCl, while the lowest results were seen at 2M maltose concentration. Whole-genome sequencing identified potential genes involved in biofilm formation, pathogenicity, protein metabolism, flagellar motility, cell wall component synthesis, and a multidrug efflux pump. Conclusion: These findings suggest that biofilm formation is influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors, which could aid in the development of effective treatments for resistant infections. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4049 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4049/1583

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 425 432 Alireza Keyhanian Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mojgan Mohammadimehr Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Farshad Nojoomi Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamed Naghoosi Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Shakouri Khomartash Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohsen Chamanara Toxicology Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 02 07 2023 04 30 Background and Objectives: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic surface-active agents that mainly produced by various microorganisms. In this study, the anti-biofilm and inhibition of bacterial adhesion activities of two bacterial biosurfactants were investigated. Materials and Methods: After extraction and evaluation of Bacillus cereus and Serratia nematodiphila biosurfctants, inhibition of bacterial adhesion and anti-biofilm effects of them on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined. Results: On average, the synergistic effect of two bacterial biosurfactants, caused about 60% decrease in adhesion and about 80% decrease in biofilm formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that combination of B. cereus and S. nematodiphila biosurfactants would increase the potential of attachment inhibition and biofilm eradication with very low toxicity. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4117 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4117/1584

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 433 438 Mohammed Al-Saadi Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq Dhama Al-Sallami Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq Amjed Alsultan Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq 2023 02 08 2023 06 05 Background and Objectives: Anaplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram- negative bacterium from Anaplasmataceae family. Anaplasma causes high economic losses worldwide. 16S rRNA analysis was used to diagnose Anaplasma platys in Cattle. Phylogenetic tree and estimation of evolutionary divergence between A. platys isolates were performed. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 blood samples were collected from a cattle farm in AL- Diwaniyah province. 16S rRNA gene was identified using nested PCR. Overall, 40% of cattle that were chosen to collect the blood were identified to be infected with A. platys. Results: The results have shown presence of targeting partial region of 16S rRNA gene in 24 samples out of 60. Sequencing results of 10 samples have revealed that the phylogenetic tree was divided in to two separate clades. Five isolates of A. platys- Iraq (accession no. OP646782, OP646783, OP646784, OP646790, and OP646791) were located in one clade with the A. platys- China (accession no. MN193068.1). While, five isolates (accession no. OP646785, OP646786, OP646787, OP646788, OP646789) were in different clade with two isolates of A. platys- Africa and A. platys- Zambia in distinct branches, close to the Rickettsiales. Conclusion: The phylogenetic study of A. platys sequences indicated that the isolates were collected from a cattle farm in Al- Dewaniyah were similar and close related to A. platys- China, A. platys- Zambia and A. platys- Africa). This study suggests that cattle can be considered a reservoir of A. platys. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4121 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4121/1585

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 439 447 Mohammad Ebrahim Goli Mehdi Abadi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Hosseini-Safa Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sina Habibi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammadreza Dehghan Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohamad Javad Forouzani-moghaddam Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mojgan Oshaghi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 02 19 2023 06 06 Background and Objectives: The lactobacilli are abundant in honey, helping protect against pathogens and providing antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to isolate lactobacillus species from different honey regions and evaluate their potential probiotic properties. Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight samples were collected from different regions, including the northern, central, and southern areas, and obtained through retail stores. All samples were independently examined for the presence of Lactobacillus using both culture and real-time PCR methods. Probiotic tests were performed on the isolated Lactobacillus strains, including hemolytic activity, bile, acid, and pepsin resistance. Additionally, the antibiotic resistance of the obtained strains was investigated using seven different antibiotics. Results: Thirteen Lactobacillus isolates were obtained from 7 (8.0%) honey samples. Of these, eight isolates were identified as L. plantarum (61.54%), four isolates as L. rhamnosus (30.77%), and one isolate as L. acidophilus (7.69%). All strains were devoid of hemolytic activity, and three isolates (23.07%) were found to be resistant to acid, while 2 (15.38%) showed resistance to bile and pepsin. All isolates were resistant to vancomycin (100%). Additionally, only one strain exhibited resistance to all tested antibiotics. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates a significant association (p-value<0.05) between the presence of Lactobacillus in various regions of Iran. Conclusion: Various factors, such as climatic conditions and geographical location, can influence honey's composition and microbial diversity. Identifying and isolating potential probiotic species in honey could significantly expand their use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, offering numerous health benefits and potential therapeutic applications. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4131 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4131/1586

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 448 455 Ibrahim Mahmoud Ali Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut Branch, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt Hamada Mohamed Mohamed Halby Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut Branch, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt Bahaa-Eldin Anwar Abd-Elrady Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut Branch, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt Mohamed Taha Salim Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut Branch, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt Heba Mohamed Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt 2023 01 07 2023 06 16 Background and Objectives: 17 β- estradiol (E2) is an important pollutant of the aquatic system. It is responsible for sexual disruptions in the majority of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to search for bacteria with high potential degradation of E2 as an important method for bioremediation. Materials and Methods: Sewage water samples were collected and treated to isolate bacterial strains which were identified by conventional methods and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis. The biodegradation of E2 by the isolated strains was evaluated under different environmental conditions. Results: Two bacterial strains were recovered from sewage water samples and identified as Stenotrophomonas tumulicola and Serratia marcescens, (named ASc2 and ASc5 respectively). Co-culture of the two strains showed biodegradation of approximately 93.6% of E2 (50 mg. L-1) within 48 hours. However, the biodegradation capacity of the same E2 concentration was 69.4% and 71.2% for ASc2 and ASc5 each alone, respectively. The optimum cultivation conditions for efficient E2 biodegradation by co-culture were 5% (v/v) inoculation volume with 50 mg. L-1 of E2 as the initial concentration at pH 7 and 30°C within 48 hours inoculation period. Conclusion: This study detected new bacterial strains that are capable of rapid degradation of estrogen as an environmental pollutant. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4073 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4073/1587

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 456 461 EN Nasrin Amirrajab Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Seyed Amin Ayatollahi Mousavi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Medical Mycology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Behrooz Taheri Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Samira Salari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Medical Mycology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Noor Ali Ahmadi Sarsahra Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Medical Mycology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2022 10 04 2023 03 07 Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antifungal potency of the moronecidin-like peptide against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the antifungal effect of moronecidin-like peptide, the protocol presented in CLSI M27-A3 and CLSI M27-S4 was used and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Results: The minimum inhibitory effect of moronecidin-like peptide composition was 8 µg/ml for Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans and 32 µg/ml for Candida glabrata. The MIC of nystatin was determined to be 1.25 µg/ml for Candida glabrata and Candida albicans and 0.625 µg/ml for Candida tropicalis strains. The MFC composition of the moronecidin-like peptide was determined for Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans strains 8 µg/ml and for Candida glabrata strain 64 µg/ml. The results of cytotoxicity and hemolysis of the moronecidin peptide test on macrophage showed that moronecidin peptide has no cytotoxicity and toxicity properties. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the moronecidin-like peptide could be a new strategy in the treatment of infections caused by Candida strains. The discovery of the exact mechanism of which requires extensive clinical studies in this field. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3928 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3928/1588

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 15 3 2023 06 16 468 474 Fatemeh Nategh Department of Public Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mitra Mohit Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Minoo Saatian Department of Pathology, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Zohreh Farahmand