Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 172 185 Arman Karimi Behnagh Breast Cancer Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahsa Bourbour Breast Cancer Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sakineh Moghaddam Shiri Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Omolbanin Asadi Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Honardoost Breast Cancer Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 10 23 2026 04 12 Background and Objectives: The gut microbiome is a key determinant of overall health, impacting numerous bodily functions, such as those of the endocrine glands. The effect of the microbiota on thyroid function has become a matter of interest, more so since the revelation of the possible link between intestinal disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs). This review aims to provide an in-depth insight into the possible link between gut microbiota and thyroid diseases and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Materials and Methods: A set of online sources including, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and CENTRAL were comprehensively searched to find the studies relevant to the topic of the review. Only reports in English were included in this review. Results: It has been proposed that damage to the intestinal barrier is a key element in the passage of antigens from the lumen into the bloodstream and their subsequent contact with the immune system. In addition to AITDs, dysbiosis has been shown to be linked with thyroid cancers, in which higher counts of certain bacteria associated with inflammation and carcinogenesis have been identified. Conclusion: The majority of the available literature is focused on the differences in the microbial strain composition in individuals with thyroid disorders compared to that of healthy controls. Nonetheless, the current body of evidence has implied on possible role gut microbiome in the development of thyroid diseases. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4454 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4454/1875

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 186 196 Reham Abd El Rahmen Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr AL Batin UHB, Hafer AL Batin, Saudi Arabia Kawthar Alghamdi Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia 2025 12 13 2026 04 08 Background and Objectives: Iron is vital for both the body of the host and the metabolism of microbes. Pathogenic Enterobacteria need iron to grow and cause disease, but many good gut bacteria, like lactobacilli, do not require as much iron. Changes in the amount of iron available in the gut may therefore affect the makeup of the gut microbiome. Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) represents the most prevalent nutritional disorder globally, concerning about 1.24 billion, mostly women and young people in low- and middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study looked at the link between iron-deficiency anemia and the makeup of the gut microbiome in young adults aged 18 to 30. Materials and Methods: We looked at hematological and iron status parameters as well as gut microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Differences in microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, and the relative abundance of bacteria that make short-chain fatty acids between people with IDA and healthy controls were investigated. Results: The results show that iron-deficiency anemia is linked to different gut microbiome signatures. This suggests that there may be connections between iron levels and the structure of microbial communities. Conclusion: These results show how important it is to study the gut microbiome to understand iron-deficiency anemia. They also show how important it is to do long-term, interventional studies to figure out how these associations work and what they mean for health. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/6003 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/6003/1876

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 197 203 Ali Abbaskhanian 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 Kobra Sheidaee Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Reza Valadan Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center (MCBRC), Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Masood Mohammadi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mona Moradi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Golnar Rahimzadeh Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran 2025 11 08 2026 03 31 Background and Objectives: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders; despite advances in antiepileptic medications, approximately 15-30% of patients continue to experience drug‑resistant seizures. The ketogenic diet has emerged as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for these individuals. Recent studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota may play a role in the diet's ability to reduce seizures. Given this information, our study aimed to investigate the short-term modulation of gut microbiota through antibiotics influences seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Materials and Methods: In this open-label clinical trial, 20 children with drug-resistant epilepsy were enrolled in 2020 at a tertiary pediatric clinic in Sari, Iran. Participants received oral co-amoxiclav (amoxicillin-clavulanate) at a dose of 40 mg/kg per day for five consecutive days. Seizure frequency was monitored before and after the antibiotic intervention. Stool samples were collected at baseline and immediately following treatment, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed to assess all bacterial load as well as the relative abundance of the major gut bacterial groups, Firmicutes and Bacteroides. Results: The short-term course of co-amoxiclav significantly altered the gut microbiota composition, with a notable reduction in Bacteroidetes and a significant increase in all bacterial gene copies, while the abundance of Firmicutes remained largely unchanged. However, there was no statistically significant change in seizure frequency during the 12-week follow-up period. Conclusion: Although short-term co-amoxiclav treatment modified the gut microbiota, it did not lead to a meaningful reduction in seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. These findings underscore the complexity of the gut-brain axis and suggest that simple, short-term antibiotic interventions may not be sufficient to influence seizure outcomes. Future studies should involve larger, multicenter cohorts, longer treatment durations, and more comprehensive analyses of microbiota profiles. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5917 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5917/1877

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 204 216 Seyed Mahmoud Barzi Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Peyman Naderi ²Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Haririzadeh Jouriani Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mahdi Torkamaneh Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Seyed Davar Siadat Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Farnaz Shamkani Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Seifoddin Javadian Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Mina Ebrahimi-Rad Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Reza Saghiri Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Seyed Ali Nojoumi Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran 2025 09 27 2026 03 29 Background and Objectives: This article focuses on the effects of six heavy metals on gut microbiota, which plays a key role in human health. Gut microbiota plays a key role in metabolism, immunity, and maintaining homeostasis. Heavy metals can affect microbiota composition and function, with health consequences. Consuming large amounts of heavy metals may have harmful impacts, including alteration in microbial composition and bacterial population changes. Materials and Methods: Six heavy metals—cadmium, chromium (toxic metals), copper, zinc, iron, and selenium (beneficial trace elements)—were detected in peripheral blood, serum, or urine, while feces were used for 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum samples from 100 volunteers from Tehran (polluted area) and Firoozkooh (clean city) were collected. Subjects were analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Clostridium clostridioforme, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila to evaluate correlations between metals and microbial composition using biochemical, microbial, and molecular methods. Results: Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium longum levels in polluted areas were not significantly different from those in unpolluted areas. Bacteroides fragilis in polluted areas was significantly higher compared to non-polluted locations. Clostridium, Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were significantly lower in polluted areas, amounting to less than half the levels in clean areas. Heavy metal concentrations showed no gender differences in either location. Conclusion: Some heavy metals change intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic profiles, potentially resulting in metabolic diseases and environmental risks. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5812 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5812/1878

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 217 225 Rozalin Mardani Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Majid Borhaniasl Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Mohammad Amin Ghatee Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Seyed Abdolmajid Khosravani Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Kasra Sharifi Student Research Committee, Medical College, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon Branch, Kazeroon, Iran Khodakaram Jahanbin Department of Pathology, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Yasuj, Iran Asghar Sharifi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran 2024 10 27 2026 02 01 Background and Objectives: Salmonella enterica survival depends on evading CD8+ T-cell recognition, a process governed by the MHC Class I antigen presentation pathway. The cytosolic aminopeptidases—bleomycin hydrolase (BH), puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA), and thimet oligopeptidase (TOP)—are critical "final trimmers" that generate the precise peptide epitopes required for MHC Class I loading. This study investigated whether S. enterica cell extract modulates the transcriptional expression of these key enzymes in HT-29 cells, potentially revealing a mechanism of immune evasion mediated by bacterial structural components. Materials and Methods: Human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells were treated with varying concentrations of S. enterica extract. The gene expression levels of BH, PSA, and TOP were quantified using qRT-PCR at multiple time points (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours) post-treatment. Data were statistically analyzed to evaluate significant modulations relative to untreated controls. Results: The transcriptional response to S. enterica extract was highly selective, with TOP demonstrating the most robust and rapid induction. Significant upregulation of TOP occurred as early as 6 hours post-treatment and reached its maximum induction at 48 hours. Conversely, BH levels remained largely indistinguishable from untreated controls. PSA expression showed no statistically significant alterations relative to the control group throughout the study. These findings suggest that S. enterica components preferentially target the "terminator" peptidase TOP to potentially disrupt the MHC Class I antigen presentation pathway. Conclusion: S. enterica cell extract significantly and selectively alters the expression of TOP, a critical cytosolic peptidase involved in the final stages of antigen processing. This targeted modulation likely serves as a mechanism for immune evasion by facilitating the destruction of immunogenic epitopes, thereby rendering infected cells less visible to the adaptive immune system. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5103 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5103/1879

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 226 234 Adeleh Attar Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Parastoo Asadolahi Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran Maryam Mohammadbeigi Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, entre, Punjab, India Nancy Rodrigues Department of Nursing, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India Ashish Gulia Department of Surgical Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India Jigeeshu Divatia Department of Anaesthesia, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India Rahat Brar Department of Radiodiagnosis, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India Sankalp Sancheti Department of Oncopathology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India Charu Singh Department of Microbiology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India Aman Saxena Department of Microbiology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab, India 2023 09 02 2024 02 25 Background and Objectives: Needle stick injury (NSI) is the most dreaded occupational health hazard affecting a healthcare worker (HCW) psychologically and physically. The risk of infection post needle stick injury ranges between 1.9% to greater than 40% for HBV infections, 2.7-10% for HCV and 0.2-0.44% for HIV infections. As per National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) records, nursing staff is at highest risk (43%) followed by physicians (28%). The main objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge of nursing staff about needle stick injuries and to study factors leading to such incidents in their working areas, impart them knowledge regarding the same and fill gaps in knowledge. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective analysis involving nursing staff and students. p values were calculated using SPSS software. Results: Overall NSI prevalence among nursing staff and students was 51.6% whereas in more exposed and less exposed group was 47.45% and 10.16% respectively (p=0.2056). The most common cause of NSI incident was recapping of needle (38.5%) followed by transferring needle to sharp container (35%). Conclusion: Consequences of NSI are serious and this study has tried to emphasize on the need to study the factors leading to NSI. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4381 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4381/1656

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 208 218 EN Sitti Sari Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia Riuh Wardhani Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia; Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea Faiqah Umar Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia; Medical State Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Makassar, Indonesia Dirayah Husain Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, SouthSulawesi, Indonesia Ade Iwansyah Research Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation Agency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2023 09 05 2024 02 25 Background and Objectives: Shallots, recognized for their minimal toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability, are increasingly considered a viable source of biological activity. This study evaluates the antibacterial efficacy of a specific shallot cultivar from Palu Valley, Indonesia, against Salmonella typhi, the pathogen responsible for typhoid fever. Materials and Methods: Utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC-bioautography) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), the study identifies active compounds in shallot ethanol extract and employs molecular docking to assess interactions between receptors and ligands. Results: Findings indicate significant antibacterial activity, with a notable inhibition zone diameter of 31.5 mm at spot Rf 0.28 in TLC bioautography and an optimum concentration of 2% yielding an average clear zone diameter of 28.27 mm in the agar diffusion test. GC-MS analysis reveals 41 compounds, predominantly dodecanoic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester. Additionally, molecular docking reveals the lowest binding affinity (-7.3 kcal/mol) for Ergost-8-En-3-Ol, 14-Methyl-, (3.Beta,5.Alpha.) against DNA gyrase. Conclusion: This study confirms Palu Valley shallot extract's potent antibacterial effect against Salmonella typhi, highlighting its therapeutic potential. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4371 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4371/1657

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 219 226 EN Adel Abedi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Farzaneh Tafvizi Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran Neda Akbari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Parvaneh Jafari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran 2023 09 11 2024 03 25 Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third most deadly cancer in the world. According to recent experimental reports, probiotics and their derivatives protect CRC patients from treatment-related side effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic impact of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on the HT-29 cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: In the current study, we used the L. buchneri CFS, which was well isolated and identified in our previous investigation from traditional yogurt in the Arak region of Iran. The apoptosis induction in HT-29 cancer cells was assessed by cell cytotoxicity, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. Results: L. buchneri CFS inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic effect of CFS was further supported by the flow cytometry data, which showed that the maximum incidence of apoptosis was observed in HT-29 cancer cells treated with the IC50 concentration of CFS after 72 hours. CFS of L. buchneri also exerted the up-regulating effect on the expression of pro-apoptotic genes including BAX, CASP9, and CASP3. L. buchneri CFS at an IC50 dose induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in HT-29 cells. Conclusion: This study indicates that L. buchneri CFS can prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) development in patients by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. This finding suggests that the CFS of L. buchneri could be used as a therapeutic agent for the control of CRC. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4392 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4392/1658

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 227 235 Hakimeh Zare Department of Microbiology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Rabeeh Izadi Amoli Department of Microbiology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Fatemeh Zaboli Department of Microbiology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Maysam Rezapour Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Hami Kaboosi Department of Microbiology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran 2023 07 31 2024 01 25 Background and Objectives: This study assesses the antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal Lactobacillus strains and provides data for determining the prevalence of certain antibiotic resistance genes in the new strains of lactobacilli serving as probiotics and selected from healthy women in northern Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred premenopausal non-pregnant women in the reproductive age range of 22-50 years participated in this study. The potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli used in the study included Lactobacillus crispatus (34.2%), Lactobacillus gasseri (26.3%), Lactobacillus johnsonii (10.5%), Lactobacillus acidophilus (15.7%) and Lactobacillus jensenii (13.1%). The phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility of the strains was determined by E test and DNA extraction and PCR were performed to examine the antibiotic resistance genes. Results: 38 potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli were isolated. All the strains of lactobacilli were resistant to metronidazole and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and all of the strains were susceptible to ampicillin and chloramphenicol antibiotics. The results showed that ermB, ermC, and ermA genes were observed in the strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Metronidazole resistance (nim) gene was also found in one strain of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus johnsonii. The aminoglycoside resistance (aac6'-aph2") gene was observed in 8% of the strains. Also, tetM, tetK and tetW genes were found in more than 80% of the Lactobacillus strains. Conclusion: The antimicrobial susceptibility of vaginal lactobacilli is an important criterion for establishing whether or not the organism is a probiotic. A high level of resistance to clinical antibiotics, such as metronidazole and aminoglycosides, was demonstrated. Antibiotic resistant genes also appeared widely in vaginal lactobacilli. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4336 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4336/1659

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 236 242 Gülşah Özmerdiven Department of Microbiology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Arzu İrvem Department of Microbiology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Ayça Şahin Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey 2023 12 20 2024 02 06 Background and Objectives: Candidemia is the most common serious fungal infection in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). It series fourth among bloodstream infectious agents. In this study, candidemia risk analysis was examined in COVID 19 and non-COVID 19 patients during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: COVID 19 and non-COVID 19 cases who were followed up with candidemia in the ICU of our hospital were retrospectively screened. Demographic data, intubation, central venous catheter (CVC), medications, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) status were evaluated in terms of risk between the two groups. Isolated Candida species and susceptibilty were evaluated. Results: When age, gender, medication, intubation, TPN and CVC were evaluated, no difference was seen in terms of risk. Differences were detected in terms of comorbidities. While the most frequently identified Candida species was C. albicans, the most frequently detected species in the COVID19 patient group was C. parapsilosis. Conclusion: There was no difference in candidemia incidence and risk factors between the two groups. Since candidemias were evaluated in terms of comorbidities, it was determined that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and chronic obstructive pulmoner disease (COPD) were more common in patients with COVID 19 and less common in coronary artery disease (CAD) and malignancy. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4534 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4534/1660

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 243 250 Sonakshi Srivastava Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Microbiology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, India Radha Ratho Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India Mini Singh Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India Subhabrata Sarkar Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India Binod Pati Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India 2022 09 13 2024 02 09 Background and Objectives: The influenza A(H1N1) virus is known for large outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics worldwide owing to its genome plasticity which evolves constantly. In the year 2015 and then in 2017, India witnessed an upsurge in cases. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in this period (2015-2017) with samples from 5 states across north India. The hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) and non-structural 1 (NS1) gene segments of the viral genome were characterised by phylogenetic analysis, selection pressure analysis, prediction of potential glycosylation sites and phylodynamic analysis of the study strains. Results: The study strains belonged to genogroup 6B. A total of 12 mutations were observed, half of which were located on the key receptor binding region of the HA1 protein. Established virulence markers D222G, S183P were observed in 2017 samples. Acquisition of an extra glycosylation site was observed in few strains from 2017 and 2016. Selection pressure analysis found the average dN/dS (v) ratio of 0.2106 and few codon sites in particular showed significant evidence of being under negative selection. Conclusion: The genogroup 6B continues to be the dominant circulating strain in Indian subcontinent region however the presence of pathogenic mutations in the 2017 strains from north India underlines the importance of continued molecular surveillance. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/3908 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/3908/1661

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 251 257 Mahsa Zamanian Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran Emad Asgari Department of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Sahar Afaridoon Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran Tahmineh Akbarzadeh Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Persian Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zohreh Sharifi Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran Mina Saeedi Persian Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Medicinal Plants Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 07 31 2024 02 25 Background and Objectives: HSV-1 is known as a very contagious virus and the main cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Herein, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. was evaluated for its anti-HSV-1 activity, compared to the standard control (acyclovir). Also, the effect of extract on the expression of UL46 and US6 genes that accumulate late in viral infection, was studied. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of powdered plant in boiling water. Its antiviral activity was evaluated on Vero cells infected with HSV-1 at different times: 2 h pre-infection, simultaneous infection, and 4 h post-infection, using MTT assay. The effect of extract on the expression of genes was investigated with quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The aqueous extract of A. catechu induced the inhibition of infection with the IC50 value of 110.52 ± 1.36 μg/ml. Also, it reduced the expression of UL46 when it was added 2 h pre-infection at 100 μg/ml. Moreover, reduction of expression of US6 was observed at the same concentration when the extract was used simultaneously with the occurrence of infection and 4 h post-infection. Conclusion: A. catechu can be considered an essential element of natural-based anti-HSV-1 agents. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/4335 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/4335/1662

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 16 2 2024 04 19 258 262 EN Naveen Bansal Department of Transfusion Medicine, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India Yashik Bansal Department of Microbiology, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India Charu Singh Department of Microbiology, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab, India Vandita Pahwa Department of Preventive Oncology, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab, India Satish Kumar Department of Transfusion Medicine, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India 2023 09 07 2024 03 31 Background and Objectives: Malaria was the first ever reported case of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI). Transfusion transmissible malaria (TTM) can result in febrile transfusion reaction in the recipient. TTM can be fatal if the blood transfusion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pre