The Study of Antibacterial Properties of Anbarnasara Smoke on Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Urinary Infection in Pregnant Women

Background: Using smoke from burning donkey dung has been popular in the treatment of many diseases in Iran. Objective: This study aimed to investigating the antimicrobial properties of donkey dung smoke on multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from urinary infection. Materials and Methods: First, 300 and 200 urine samples were collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women in Isfahan, Iran. Then in each group, 100 bacterial isolates including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were isolated. Antibiotic resistant protocol was determined by antibiogram test. Donkey dung was sterilized, disintegrated, and heated. The smokes were concentrated in n-hexane solvent (65%) and were collected after evaporation of the solvent. Finally, the antibacterial activities of the concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL of the smokes were detected using disk diffusion and macrodilution methods. Results: The most abundant MDR isolates causing urinary infections in pregnant and non-pregnant women was Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of donkey dung smoke on MDR isolates from pregnant women were 0.25 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. In the case of MDR isolates in non-pregnant women, the MIC of the smoke on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus was 0.25 mg/mL, and the MBC on these isolates was 0.5 mg/mL. Conclusion: The smokes from donkey dung investigated in the present study have suitable potentials for controlling the infections after In vivo analysis.

Antibacterial Effect of Low-Level Laser (Diode 405 nm) on Antibiotic-Resistant Enterococci Clinical Isolates (In Vitro)

Background: Enterococcus is a part of normal gastrointestinal flora in human body. Nevertheless, antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus (ARE) is considered a key factor in nosocomial infections which result in a considerable increase in the rate of patient death due to referring of numerous patients to health centers annually, or lead to extended disease convalescence. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal effect at 405nm diode at a laser power of 30 mW on ARE viability of clinical infections. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 30 isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) in which sensitivity to piperacillin (100 µg), rifampin (5 µg), and oxacillin (1 µg) were measured based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Afterwards, ten most resistant isolates were selected and irradiated by a 405 nm diode laser at a power of 30 mW for 180 and 240 seconds. The data were reported statistically as mean ± standard deviation, and the analysis of the data on varied bacteria was performed using ANOVA. The result was evaluated by SPSS software and P value ≤0.05 was interpreted to be significant. Results: Bacterial viability decreased unsteadily to 10 resistant isolates. Moreover, enhancing irradiation time caused a lower viability rate in such a way that the viability of isolate 9 having the lowest viability rate was reduced from 2.94% in 180 seconds to 0.58% in 240 seconds. The result was evaluated by SPSS software and P value was determined to be significant, and P≤0.05 was laser irradiation for either 180 s or 240 s. Conclusion: Following the study results, 405 nm diode laser could be applied as a tool for eliminating clinical ARE, and it was useful for preventing hospital-acquired infections.

Anticancer Effect of Fractions From Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus atrophaeus on the Proliferation and Death of Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7)

Background: Nowadays, breast cancer is known to be one of the most common cancers among women. Due to the side effects of chemotherapy and the high probability of recurrences in surgery, it is essential to identify and introduce new anticancer drugs of natural origin with fewer complications. In this regard, secondary bacterial metabolites and other microbial products have been considered. In the meantime, pathogenic and environmental bacteria have been investigated. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the interaction between cytoplasmic extract and the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus atrophaeus on the proliferation rate of human breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, cytoplasmic and cell wall extracts of bacteria were prepared. Then, SDS-PAGE was used to examine their protein contents. MCF-7 cells, as human breast cancer cells, with bacterial cytoplasmic extract and bacterial cell wall, were treated at different concentrations. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue were treated with different concentrations of bacterial cell wall extract. The effects of cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT assay at 24 and 48-hour intervals. The results were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The results showed that bacterial cytoplasmic extract had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, suggesting that the increase of concentration significantly (P<0.05) increased cell death. Additionally, the bacterial cell wall extract showed a proliferative effect on cell growth (P<0.05) Conclusion: The bacterial cytoplasmic extract has a lethal effect and can, therefore, be considered as an anticancer compound in the future. This feature of the bacterium is attributed to the presence of a novel bioactive compound that can be used as an adjunct to other chemotherapy compounds. The bacterial cell wall extract, on the other hand, has cell growth-promoting components and can, therefore, be adopted as a compound for the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells or wound healing in future studies.

Isolation, Molecular Detection, and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Infection From Companion Dogs

Background: Campylobacter is an organism that is usually associated with diarrhea in pet animals and humans, as well as other domestic, wild, and laboratory animals. Objective: The aim of the present survey was the isolation, molecular detection, and risk factors of Campylobacter infection from companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz district, the South-West of Iran. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs were examined by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods from 122 companion dogs (52 diarrheic and 70 clinically healthy). Several risk factors were reviewed, including age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle. Results: The results showed that only five samples (4.1%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. in the culture method. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 18 out of 122 dogs by the PCR, yielding an overall prevalence of 14.8%. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the referred dogs were C. coli (38.89%) and C. jejuni (33.33%). A lower prevalence was found for C. upsaliensis (11.11%) and C. lari (5.55%). Concurrent infections were observed in two cases of C. upsaliensis + C. lari (5.55%) and C. coli + C. lari (5.55%). No significant difference was noted between healthy (11.43%) and diarrheic (19.23%) dogs (P>0.05). Eventually, age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle had no significant effect on Campylobacter infection (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of Campylobacter was moderate in the dog population of Ahvaz district, these bacteria can constitute a public health hazard because of the frequent presence of Campylobacter species in the feces.

Contamination of Water Sources of Karaj Hospitals with Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter jejuni

Background: One of the most common routes of infection development in humans is contaminated water. Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter jejuni are the important causes of community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and gastroenteritis that are transmitted to humans via the inhalation of contaminated water droplets and consumption of contaminated water, respectively. Thus, continuous monitoring of the water supply systems for these pathogens has great importance in public health. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the water contamination of Karaj hospitals with these two bacterial species. Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 water samples were obtained from different parts of the hospitals of Karaj from April to September 2019, including air conditioning systems, dialysis equipment, ventilation tanks, and different wards of a hospital such as infectious diseases, pediatrics, gastroenterology, dialysis, and intensive and neonatal intensive care units. The samples were collected in sterile containers and immediately transferred to the laboratory for further analysis. The culture on specific media, staining, and biochemical tests were performed to identify the L. pneumophila and C. jejuni. Results: Out of 62 water samples, 25.8% (16 samples) were positive for L. pneumophila; 68.75% were observed in hot water samples, and 31.25% were attributed to cold water samples. Among 62 samples, 4.84% (3 samples) were positive for C. jejuni, which were all detected in hot water samples. Conclusion: Considering that the methods of water refinery of municipal water have no high efficiency, the quality improvement of the water sources of hospitals seems to be necessary.

Effect of Psidium guajava (guava) L. Leaf Decoction on Antibiotic-resistant Clinical Diarrhoeagenic Isolates of Shigella spp.

Background: Although shigellosis is self-limiting, antibiotics are recommended to minimize the severity of symptoms and reduce mortality rates. However, due to the increasing reports of antibiotic resistance, alternative approaches are needed to combat shigellosis. Interest for research on medicinal plants has increased in recent years, and hence, they can be explored to treat this infectious diarrhoea. Objective: To study the effect of Psidium guajava L. (guava) leaf decoction (GLD) on the antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates of Shigella spp. Materials and Methods: A total of 43 isolated Shigella spp. from diarrhoeal patients were used in this study. The effect of GLD on the bacterial viability was initially assessed. The isolates were divided into two categories: sensitive and resistant to GLD. For sensitive isolates, antibacterial activity of GLD was evaluated while for resistant strains, the ability of GLD for reducing the bacterial invasion of the HEp-2 cell line underwent an investigation. Results: Among the 43 Shigella isolates, GLD affected the growth of 23 strains. The invasion of 9 strains from the 20 remaining resistant isolates was unaffected. Although the number of isolates was less, the data suggested that isolates belonging to S. flexneri serogroup were more sensitive to GLD in comparison with other spp (i.e., sonnei, boydii, and dysenteriae). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the efficacy of GLD against drug-resistant Shigella spp. and thus could be considered for the treatment of diarrhoea. GLD can be a cost-effective alternative to antibiotics.

The Assessment of Vitamin D Serum Level in Patients With Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Karaj, Iran, During 2017-2018.

Background: It is important to determine the type of tuberculosis and its related factors in order for effectively treating a disease and reducing its side effects in the society. Objective: This study aimed to determine vitamin D level in patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in Karaj, Iran in 2017-2018. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 102 patients suffering from pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis disease were availably selected in Karaj, Iran in 2017-2018. They were examined and, then, their vitamin D level were assessed and compared according to the type of tuberculosis. Results: The study results showed that vitamin D level was normal in 39.2% of the case study population, but it was abnormal in 60.8% of it (18.6% deficiency and 42.2% insufficiency). Vitamin D deficiency was 15.8% in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and it was 22.2% in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis ones, showing no significant difference (P>0.05) statistically. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, hypovitaminosis-D was detected in more than half of the patients with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis, which was not associated with the type of tuberculosis. Seemingly, the patients needed the same amount of – or even more – food, medical supplements, sports, and sunlight compared to healthy people.

Prevalence of ces and cytk Genes of Bacillus cereus Isolated From Raw Milk in Tabriz, Iran

Background: Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium which is widespread in nature. It also has been known as a major foodborne pathogen that often plays a role in the contamination of ready-to-eat and dairy products. It causes two different types of food poisoning in human: the diarrheal type and the emetic type. Objective: The current study was planned to determine the prevalence of ces and cytk genes of Bacillus cereus isolated from raw milk in Tabriz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 B. cereus strains isolated from cow raw milk, that had already been identified phenotypically, were assessed for molecular confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Then, they were evaluated for presence of ces and cytK genes by specific primers. Results: Of 40 B. cereus strains, 39 strains were confirmed molecularly. The frequency of cytK and ces genes was reported 38 (97.43%) and 0 (0%), respectively. Conclusion: The results of present study showed that B. cereus strains isolated from raw milk had high potential in causing diarrhea poisoning. Therefore, using procedures to reduce the bacterial contamination during the processing of dairy product is essential.

Isolation and Toxin Typing of Clostridium Perfringens From Sheep, Goats, and Cattle in Fars Province, Iran

Background: Clostridium perfringens is an important anaerobic bacterium found in the intestine of some livestock. It is concerned with the etiology of some diseases including enterotoxaemia. Various diseases are caused by different types of C. perfringens. Nonetheless, there is no published research on molecular typing and distribution of this pathogenic microorganism in Fars province. Objectives: Accordingly, our study focused on the isolation and toxin typing of C. perfringens from sheep, cattle, and goats in different parts of Fars province by the culture and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Materials and Methods: Approximately 459 fecal samples were collected and cultured on defined media for the isolation of C. perfringens. The confirmed isolates were genotyped by the PCR method using specific primers. Results: C. perfringens was isolated from 30.93% of the total samples. The results of toxin typing showed a total of 76 (54%), 13 (9%), 30 (21%), and 23 (16%) isolates as types A, B, C, and D, respectively. Conclusion: Our results indicated that C. perfringens type A was the most common type in sheep, cattle, and goats while the lowest number of isolates belonged to type B. Finally, the isolation of C. perfringens and toxin typing increase our knowledge of the epidemiology of these diseases and can help in the vaccine industry and better controlling related diseases.