Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 5167 5167 Mohammad Mehdi Feizabadi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 11 30 2024 11 30 On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, November 2024, we witnessed a lot of events throughout our country, Iran. Many different specialists throughout the country debated on the current situation, however, no one can predict the future outlook of this ongoing issue. The health policy makers try to find the right solutions for combating the drug-resistant superbugs but they should not ignore Microbiology principles. Carbapenem-resistant Klbesiella pneumoniae infections are definitely the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the Iranian Hospitals. In the current issue of this Journal, Dr. Solgi and his colleagues have raised an important and critical point: New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-MBL). Unfortunately, the number of cases infected with ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant Gram-negative bacteria has increased due to NDM-MBL production (Nearly 87% of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in Isfahan). Therefore, our country resources are wasted with the current official protocol for administration of ceftazidime/avibactam, despite knowing that NDM-MBL producers are dominant. Physicians should be aware of the current situation of MBL strains in Iran, which is attainable through reviewing works published by Microbiologists in different provinces of Iran.   https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5167 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5167/1720

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 720 721 Mojtaba Akbari Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Christian Giske Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden Hamid Solgi Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Amin Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2024 11 28 2024 11 30 No Abstract No Abstract No Abstract https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5161 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5161/1721

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 722 731 Hazhir Moradi Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Zahra Sadat Sajadi-Javan Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Sarah Mousavi Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Soodabeh Rostami Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Bita Moradi Khaniabadi Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2024 03 29 2024 08 07 Background and Objectives: Nosocomial pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria presents a significant challenge for healthcare systems, as there are limited effective treatments available. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the outcomes of colistin plus meropenem combination therapy on nosocomial pneumonia. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and Embase databases was conducted, resulting in the extraction of 5 studies for qualitative assessment and meta-analysis. The study sample included 991 patients admitted with nosocomial pneumonia. The outcomes evaluated were clinical improvement, microbiological response, mortality, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, procalcitonin (PCT) levels, and intensive care unit (ICU) duration. Results: The results demonstrated that colistin plus meropenem combination therapy significantly improved clinical outcomes (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.04-1.81, p = 0.027), reduced SOFA scores (OR = -0.28, 95% CI = -0.44 to -0.11, p = 0.001), and increased CCI scores (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.02-0.29, p = 0.021) compared to other medications. However, other evaluated parameters did not show significant differences. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that colistin-meropenem combination therapy is superior to other colistin-based treatments for nosocomial pneumonia in terms of clinical improvement, SOFA score reduction, and CCI score increase. Nevertheless, other variables assessed did not exhibit remarkable differences between the treatment regimens. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4673 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4673/1722

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 732 736 Uksim Qadri Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Sofiya Zaffar Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Saleem Wani Department of General Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Shugufta Roohi Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Munazah Aman Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Sabah Bhat Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India Umaya Majid Department of Microbiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India 2024 07 05 2024 11 03 Background and Objectives: The incidence of multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative organisms, isolated as the etiological agents of infections is ascending. The advent of novel antibiotics poses significant challenges, necessitating the optimization and utilization of extant antimicrobial agents. Cefoperazone, a third-generation cephalosporin and β-lactam antimicrobial, when combined with sulbactam, an irreversible β-lactamase inhibitor, mitigates the vulnerability of cefoperazone to β-lactamase-producing organisms. Nonetheless, regional data on the susceptibility patterns for this pharmacological combination remains scarce. The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of the cefoperazone-sulbactam combination against prevalent Gram-negative bacteria isolated from blood cultures. Materials and Methods: A total of 700 Gram-negative isolates, comprising Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were procured using the BacT/Alert 3D system. The identification and susceptibility testing for cefoperazone-sulbactam were performed using the VITEK Compact ID and AST system. Comparative analysis was conducted against other tested antibiotics. Results: The study revealed that cefoperazone-sulbactam exhibited commendable in-vitro activity against Gram-negative pathogens isolated from blood, surpassed only by colistin and tigecycline. Conclusion: Cefoperazone-sulbactam demonstrates robust activity against the most frequently encountered clinical pathogens, suggesting its potential as an efficacious therapeutic agent. The findings underscore the imperative for ongoing surveillance of resistance patterns and trends among commonly used antimicrobials. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4891 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4891/1723

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 737 744 Pegah Shakib Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Mohsen Arzanlou Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Pouria Sobhi Student Research Committee, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Mehdi Mojebi Student Research Committee, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Mohammad Bahrami Student Research Committee, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Faraz Mahdizadeh Student Research Committee, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Leyla Asadi Imam Hospital Laboratory, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Masoud Amanzadeh Department of Health Information Management, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Alireza Mohammadnia Department of Health Information Management, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Farzad Khademi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Rashid Ramazanzadeh Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2024 08 03 2024 11 15 Background and Objectives: The global problem of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria is due to limited treatment options. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, etiology, and management implications of Escherichi coli causing UTI at Imam Hospital Ardabil, Iran. Materials and Methods: 2340 samples of retrospective data on E. coli causing UTIs were collected at Imam Hospital in Ardabil, Iran, spanning from 2012 to 2022. The samples were cultured and isolated, and their antibiotic susceptibility was determined using standard laboratory methods and data were then organized and systematically categorized using Python. Results: It was found that the lowest level of resistance was related to nitrofurantoin, followed by imipenem. In 2018, the number of E. coli patients resistant to trimethoprim was the highest. Cephalexin and ciprofloxacin trends indicate the reduction of the line during this retrospective period. There was a significant correlation between wards and some antibiotics like Cefepime, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, and Trimethoprim (P-Value <0.05). Conclusion: Significant correlations were identified between specific hospital wards and resistance to antibiotics. These findings underscore the need for continuous surveillance and tailored antibiotic stewardship programs to combat the rising trend of antibiotic resistance. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4964 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4964/1724

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 745 754 Golnar Rahimzadeh Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Shaghayegh Rezai Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Ghazal Abbasi Students Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Saman Soleimanpour Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Reza Valadan Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Laleh Vahedi Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Somayeh Sheidaei Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Faezeh Sadat Movahedi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Raha Rezai Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mohammad Sadegh Rezai Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran 2024 07 06 2024 10 31 Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen associated with healthcare-related infections. It is particularly notable for its ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, making treatment challenging. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased antibiotic use to manage critically ill patients was contributed to the rise of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study evaluated the antibiotic resistance patterns of multidrug-resistant, ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in northern Iran after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and October 2023. Clinical samples were collected from patients with nosocomial infections at hospitals in Sari. This study included 114 multidrug-resistant ESBLs-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using broth macro-dilution, and resistance genes were detected by multiplex PCR. Results: Gentamicin, ampicillin-sulbactam, co-amoxiclav, and ceftazidime displayed the lowest activity against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. In contrast, piperacillin-tazobactam showed the highest activity. The prevalence of resistance genes was as follows: blaTEM (99.12%), blaSHV (74.56%), blaCTX (88.60%), blaIMP (64.04%), acrA -B (92.98%), and OqXA -B (67.54%). Conclusion: This study identified over 50% of antibiotic-resistance genes. Over half of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates showed resistance to antibiotics except piperacillin-tazobactam, which is recommended for treating multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4892 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/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 Objectives: Understanding the epidemiology of Candida species among cancer patients is crucial for preventing invasive infections. This study aimed to identify Candida species and assess risk factors among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Birjand, eastern Iran. Materials and Methods: The samples were obtained from the oral cavity of 140 patients and the initial identification of Candida species was carried out through fungal cultures. Subsequently, Candida isolates were molecularly identified using the PCR-RFLP method with the restriction enzyme Msp1. Furthermore, the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical history of the patients were extracted and scrutinized using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: Among the 140 patients examined, 55 individuals (39.3%) tested positive for oral candidiasis (OC). Notably, Hemorrhagic cancer emerged as the most common type of cancer associated with OC (46.7%). The predominant species isolated was the Candida albicans complex (64.8%), followed by the Candida glabrata complex (26.8%). A noteworthy finding was the significant association between the occurrence of OC and the number of chemotherapy sessions (P<0.05). Conversely, no significant correlations were detected between OC and variables such as sex, age, type of cancer, occupation, residence, underlying disease, and drug use (P>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida spp. and its correlation with the number of chemotherapy sessions underscored the importance of preventive measures. These findings provided valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to mitigate the burden of oral candidiasis in this vulnerable population. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4919 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4919/1732

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 812 826 EN Ebrahim Eshaghi Department of Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran Sara Mousae Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Iran Ali Hendiyani Department of Textile Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran Alireza Habibi Khave Department of Organic Chemistry, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Rahim Nosrati Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran 2024 02 23 2024 11 06 Background and Objectives: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with a diverse set of traits can improve crop yield in agriculture. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of multi-trait PGPR isolates as inoculants for maize (Zea mays L.) growth. Materials and Methods: In this study, 23 bacterial isolates were initially screened from maize plant rhizosphere. Ten isolates (A1–A10) were selected based on N fixation, P and K solubilization and their in vitro specific PGPR traits, such as solubilization of Zn, and Mn, the production of IAA, siderophore, ammonia, and HCN were assayed. Finally, the potential of selected isolates in enhancing the germination, height, shoot collar diameter, shoot fresh and dry weight biomass, and root dry weight of maize were evaluated. Results: Among the positive-PGPR colonies, the selected isolates demonstrated the better performance of PGPR traits such as highest nitrogen fixation, P, K, Mn, and Zn solubilization, and production of siderophore, HCN, NH3, and IAA. In addition, the maize seed germination and improvement of maize yield in a pot experiment were observed after their treatment by bacterial inoculants. Biochemical characteristics, 16S rDNA amplification, and sequencing demonstrated a high similarity of PGPR isolates to the strains of Enterobacter, Pantoea, Kluyvera, Lelliottia, Klebsiella, Pectobacterium, and Stenotrophomonas. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that these strains could prove effective PGPR inoculants for the improvement of maize crops as multiple bio-fertilizers. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4614 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4614/1733

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 827 834 Fahimeh Mahmoudnia Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran 2024 08 06 2024 11 07 Background and Objectives: The study focused on the amylase enzyme, widely used in the industrial starch liquefaction process. We looked into the best way to immobilize the native strain Bacillus licheniformis, which is the only alpha-amylase-producing bacterium, by trapping it in calcium alginate gel. This is a promising way to increase enzyme output. Materials and Methods: We examined the effects of alginate content, biomass age, initial cell loading (ICL), bead size, and solidification duration in calcium chloride solution on enzyme synthesis. We conducted batch fermentations using both immobilized and free cells. Results: Alpha-amylase production significantly increased with the alginate concentration ratio, achieving a maximum enzyme yield of 23.5 U/mL at a 30 g/l alginate concentration, utilizing an initial cell loading of 1.5 g in 150-200 beads per flask. These involved cells from a 12-hour culture with a bead size of 5.0 mm, were solidified for 24 hours in a 2.5% (w/v) calcium chloride solution. The yield of the immobilized cells was approximately 111.71% higher than that of the free cells, which produced 11.1 U/ml. The immobilized cells consistently generated alpha-amylase over five repeated cycles, attaining a peak value of 23.5 U/ml during the first cycle, which was 2.2-fold more than the control (free cells). Conclusion: We used a basic mass balance analysis to understand the growth of both fractions and the dynamics of amylase production in free cells and cells immobilized in Ca-alginate beads. The production of alpha-amylase in immobilized cells results in enhanced volumetric activities during fermentation. Notable advantages of this technique encompass prolonged stability, reuse and recycling, and the potential for adaptable regeneration. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4969 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4969/1734

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 6 2024 12 08 835 838 EN Zahra Rafat Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Davoud Roostaei Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Mohammadreza Mobayen Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Hamid Salehiniya Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Parimah Pournasrolah Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran 2024 06 02 2024 09 25 Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and clinical therapy of candidemia in burn patients hospitalized in Velayat Hospital, Rasht, Iran. Materials and Methods: The blood samples of suspected patients were cultured and PCR-sequencing was performed. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done by the CLSI M27-A4 document. Results: Four blood samples were identified as positive. Candida parapsilosis complex (3 out of 4, 75%) was the predominant leading cause of candidemia. MIC values showed that all isolates were susceptible to itraconazole, amphotericin B, and 5-flucytosine. Conclusion: It seems necessary to pay attention to Candida non-albicans species in antifungal therapy. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4831 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4831/1735