Showing 47 results for Infection
Mahsa Yazdi, Majid Bouzari, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 12, Issue 5 (9-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases caused by bacteria. The primary etiologic agent of UTIs is Escherichia coli. Uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) strains have a number of specific virulence factors, which can worsen UTIs. This study was performed to detect fim, pap, sfa and afa genes among E.coli strains isolated from UTIs.
Methods: A total of 100 E. coli isolates from patients with UTI was collected between June and December 2015 from Mosavi and Sayyad Shirazi hospitals in Gorgan, Iran. All bacterial isolates were identified via standard biochemical testing and Gram straining. Presence of the genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction.
Results: The frequency of the fim, pap, sfa and afa genes was 100%, 79%, 69% and 8%, respectively. All isolates contained at least one virulence gene. Prevalence of multiple adhesion genes was 6% for all genes and 65% for three genes (fim, pap and sfa) together. In addition, the frequency of the fim gene was significantly higher than that of the other genes (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the high prevalence of virulence factors that can enhance pathogenicity of E. coli. Therefore, these factors could be used as diagnostic markers or vaccine targets.
Keywords: Virulence factors, Urinary tract infection, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
Hossein Khani , Alijan Tabarraei , Abdolvahab Moradi ,
Volume 12, Issue 6 (11-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Coronaviruses are the main causes of respiratory tract infections in humans. They are also the second leading cause of common cold after rhinoviruses, and can lead to otitis media and asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular detection of coronaviruses in clinical samples of patients with flu-like symptoms.
Methods: Specimens were taken from 297 patients with flu-like symptoms who were referred to the influenza laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences during 2012-2014. RNA was extracted from the specimens using an RNA extraction kit. Accordingly, RNA was used for cDNA synthesis and GAPDH was used as the internal control. Synthesized cDNA was investigated for presence of human coronaviruses genome with real-time polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16.0 software.
Results: The coronavirus genome was not detected in the specimens of patients with flu-like symptoms.
Conclusion: Genome of human coronaviruses is absent in samples from patients with upper respiratory tract infections and influenza-like symptoms, which may indicate the low prevalence of the virus in the Golestan Province, Iran.
KEYWORDS: Human coronaviruses, Upper respiratory tract infection, Golestan Province.
Maryam Meskini, Mohsen Korani , Davoud Esmaeili ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (7-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Burns are a major global public health problem, accounting for an estimated 180,000 deaths annually. The majority of burn-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Considering the importance of treating infected burn wounds with the least adverse effects, we aimed to search the literature to find new treatments for infected wounds using medicinal plants.
Methods: The search process was carried out using various databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. We searched for relevant original and review articles (published in English or Persian) using the following keywords: herbal extract, herbal medicine, burn infection, and wound infection.
Results: Overall, we found approximately 100 articles related to the use of medicinal plants for treatment of wounds or infections. According to these studies, main constituents of plant extracts were carvacrol, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic diterpenes, and phenolic acids. Most studies assessed the antimicrobial activity by determining minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration using the disc diffusion method.
Conclusion: Given the favorable antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants, it is recommended to use them for treatment of burn wound infections.
Mishar Kelishadi, Pezhman Hashemi, G.hossein Ashrafi , Naser Behnampour, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 13, Issue 5 (9-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a variety of life-threatening injuries and diseases. However, viral contamination of these products is a great threat to recipients. Screening donors for GB virus C by nucleic acid testing is not routinely implemented worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of GBV-C RNA in whole blood/red cell components.
Methods: In this cross sectional pilot study, we collected 153 units of packed RBCs from blood banks of two public hospitals in Gorgan (northeast of Iran), between October and November 2014. The samples were screened for the presence of GBV-C RNA in plasma by nested RT-PCR using specific primers targeting highly conserved regions of 5' UTR of GBV-C. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Overall, 48 (31.37%) whole blood or red cell components were positive for GBV-C viremia. The GBV-C RNA was detected in 31/88 citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine 1 (CPDA1) RBC, 16/50 washed RBC and 1/13 reduced-leukocyte RBC. However, whole blood CPDA1 was negative for GBV-C viremia. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed GBV-C contamination.
Conclusions: Transmission of GBV-C infection was observed in blood products. Thus, efforts should be made to develop new strategies for assuring blood transfusion safety.
Keywords: Molecular testing, Epidemiology, Transfusion-transmissible infections, GB Virus C.
Ahmadreza Meamar, Nahid Jalallou, Leila Masoori, Maryam Alipour,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (11-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Strongyloides infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals; however, immunocompromised patients are subject to potential hyperinfection involvement. Hereby, we report disseminated and hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in two immunosuppressed patients from north of Iran, an endemic region for Strongyloides stercoralis.
Case description: After assessment of clinical symptoms, disseminated strongyloidiasis was identified in the first case with pemphigus vulgaris by the presence of abundant larvae in direct stool smears and gastric biopsy. The second patient had metastatic carcinoma and was hospitalized with complicated symptoms. The infection was diagnosed by detection of numerous first-stage larvae in wet mount stool smears and agar plate analysis. Despite antiparasitic treatment, both patients died during the hospitalization.
Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis of active strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients can lead to hyperinfection syndrome. Thus, screening for S. stercoralis infection in these patients is recommended in endemic regions to reduce mortalities.
Keywords: Strongyloides stercoralis, Disseminated strongyloidiasis, Hyperinfection.
Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh Rostami, Saman Shalibeik, Morteza Rabi Nezhad Mousavi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is a life threatening health challenge. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates from hospitals of Zahedan, southeast of Iran.
Methods: Overall, 818 isolates were collected from different hospital wards. The isolates were identified using conventional microbiological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was assessed by agar disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of a number of antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was performed using specific primers for the detection of resistance genes.
Results: The most common species were
Staphylococcus aureus (25%),
Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%). The rate of methicillin resistance among
S. aureus,
S. epidermidis and
S. saprophyticus was 60%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of enterococci isolates were vancomycin resistant. Among gram-negative bacteria, 45% of
A. baumannii and 24% of
P. aeruginosa were identified as ESBL. A high level of resistance to ampicillin (96%), cefotaxime (89%), gentamicin (89%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprime (60%) was observed in
K. pneumoniae.
Conclusion: Our results highlight the urgent need for an eradication program and a surveillance plan for preventing increased emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the study area.
Keywords: Bacterial Infections, Drug resistance, Zahedan.
Mina Eghbali, Majid Baserisalehi, Masood Ghane,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Moraxella catarrhalis is considered as an emerging pathogen and a new nosocomial infection agent. This study was conducted to isolate and identify M. catarrhalis from clinical samples (respiratory tracts) and assess them for antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Methods: In total, 280 samples were collected from patients with respiratory tract infection, and 120 samples were obtained from healthy individuals in the control group. The isolates were identified by phenotyping and genotyping methods, and their antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using disk diffusion methods. The presence of β-lactamase and efflux pump activity were specified via phenotypic methods. Finally, Bro and acrA genes in the isolates were detected by PCR technique.
Results: The frequency of this bacterium was 9.64% (27 out of 280) in patients with respiratory tract infection and 4.16% (5 out of 120) in the control group. Although the isolates were resistant to penicillin, they had various responses against other antibiotics. The results obtained from molecular method showed that 90.6% and 84.3% of the isolates possessed Bro and acrA genes, respectively. There was a significant relationship (P<0.05) between the presence of Bro and acrA genes and antibacterial resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and chloramphenicol.
Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the existence of M. catarrhalis in patients with respiratory diseases and the high prevalence of antibiotic resistant genes in M. catarrhalis isolates. Therefore, timely diagnosis and successful treatment can play important roles in preventing their spread.
Mobina Hosseini, Meysam Hasannejad-Bibalan, Tofigh Yaghoubi, Mohammadreza Mobayen, Parisa Khoshdoz, Sara Khoshdoz, Niloofar Faraji, Hadi Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Bacterial contamination of wounds is a serious problem, particularly in burn patients. Gram-positive bacteria are the predominant cause of infection in newly hospitalized burn cases. This study aimed to survey the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of gram-positive bacterial isolates among burn patients in Rasht, North of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on burn patients with a positive culture for gram-positive isolates who were hospitalized in the Velayat Burn Center in Rasht, North of Iran, during 2017-2020. The isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance pattern was determined by the disk diffusion method.
Results: During the study period, 671 bacterial cultures were obtained, of which a total of 16 gram-positive isolates were taken from the patients. The frequency of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. was 68.7%, 18.8%, and 12.5%, respectively. In addition, the highest rate of resistance in CoNS isolates was against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The highest rate of resistant among S. aureus isolates was recorded against penicillin. Moreover, Enterococcus faecalis isolates showed a high level of resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. All isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin. Moreover, the frequency of methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates was 66.7%.
Conclusion: Given the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains, especially in susceptible burn patients, it is imperative to analyze the bacterial etiology of nosocomial infections periodically and epidemiologically.
Maryam Rafiee, Alijan Tabarraei, Mahsa Yazdi, Alireza Mohebbi, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common Gram-positive bacterium that causes uncomplicated UTIs in women. The present study aimed to study the drug resistance pattern and phenotypic and genotypic variation of S. saprophyticus isolates from women with UTI in Gorgan, northern Iran.
Methods: This study was performed from May 2018 to September 2020. During this time, 35 S. saprophyticus strains were isolated from patients with UTI. The antimicrobial patterns of the isolates were determined by a conventional method. Phenotypic criteria such as pigment production, mannitol fermentation, urease production, and 16SrRNA gene valuation were studied.
Results: All isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, and linezolid. S. saprophyticus isolates showed the highest level of resistance to penicillin (85.7%) and erythromycin (51.4%). A variation was detected among S. saprophyticus isolates in terms of pigment production i.e. about 51.4% showed yellow pigment in Muller Hinton agar, and 62.9% of the isolates were able to ferment mannitol sugar. Of 11 isolates that were sequenced for the 16SrRNA gene, only two isolates showed different patterns.
Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of UTI caused by S. saprophyticus in the study area. Due to the phenotypic and genotypic differences among S. saprophyticus isolates, typing of S. saprophyticus at the subspecies level is recommended.
Fatemeh Rashedi, Zahra Yazdanpour, Farzad Khademi, Hamid Vaez,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases worldwide. Escherichia coli is a well-known etiological agent of UTI. The emergence and spread of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing E. coli is a serious threat to public health.
This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern and prevalence of MBL-producing E. coli isolated from UTI.
Methods: From January 2020 to June 2021, 1200 urine specimens were collected from patients suspected of having UTI. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by the disk diffusion method. The prevalence of MBL (blaVIM, blaIMP, blaSPM, and blaNDM) genes was determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Results: The highest susceptibility was observed against amikacin (96%) and gentamicin (95%). The isolates were mostly resistant against ampicillin (72%) and cephalothin (60%). All carbapenem-resistant isolates were MBL-positive. Based on the results of PCR, 75% of the isolates were blaNDM-positive.
Conclusion: Resistance to some antibiotics, such as ampicillin and cephalothin, was high, and their prescription must be restricted. The prevalence of MBL-producing isolates was not high; however, due to the high level of resistance against other antibiotics, continuous monitoring of MBL-producing isolates is highly essential.
Ali Ehsan Shahbazi, Nastaran Barati, Eissa Soleymani, Pegah Khandan Del, Abolfazl Khandan Del, Nemat Azizi , Behjat Ranjouri , Mehran Bakhtiari , Seyedmousa Motavallihaghi ,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease pandemic and a major global health problem that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Previous studies have shown an inverse link between toxoplasmosis and COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis infection.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were taken from 360 patients, 50% of whom were men and 50% were women. Of the patients, 180 were determined to be COVID-19-positive by the ELISA kit, and 180 were in the control group. Some demographic characteristics, such as sex, age range, and occupation, were also recorded.
Results: This study was conducted on 180 COVID-19-positive patients, of whom 26.7% were in the 16-30-year age group, 25.1% were self-employed, and 31.7% had anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Among the 180 control patients, 21.1% had antibodies for T. gondii. Of the 57 patients who were co-infected with both COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis, men had higher infection rates (63.2%) than women (36.8%). There was a significant relationship between co-infections with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis with occupation, but not with age.
Conclusion: The study found that people with toxoplasmosis infection have a 1.73 times higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The findings suggest that infectious agents could be a predisposing factor, possibly due to changes in cytokine levels.
Abolfazl Shirdel Abdolmaleki, Abolfazl Rafati Zomorodi, Mohammad Motamedifar, Yalda Malekzadegan,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections of all ages and sexes. Escherichia coli is reported as the most common predominant pathogen. Urinary tract infection treatment leads to abundant antibiotic application in hospitals and communities, continuously developing multidrug resistance (MDR). This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and resistance pattern to common antibiotics among E. coli isolates from patients with UTIs at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional survey studied 1910 positive urine samples with E. coli bacteria from patients referred to Nemazee Hospital from 2018 to 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 12 commonly used antibiotics for UTIs.
Results: A total of 1910 E. coli isolates were gathered during these 2 years. The most highlighted resistance was observed against quinolones and cephalosporins at 86.9% and 89.7%, respectively. Cephalexin (87.9%) and nalidixic acid (86.1%) have shown the lowest activity against E. coli isolates. Also, the highest susceptibility was determined for amikacin (88.3%), nitrofurantoin (76.8%), and gentamicin (70.6%). In addition, 1624 (85%) isolates were MDR.
Conclusion: In conclusion, resistance to antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, cefotaxime, and nitrofurantoin) is increasing. Therefore, it is vital to follow an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program.
Hina Rahangdale, Tejaswini Olambe, Priyanka Klabhor, Sangita Bhalavi, Varsha Wanjare, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.
Bhawana Bajare, Akanksha Dhangar, Supriya Tankhiwale, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Pyogenic infection is a significant cause of morbidity. Infection with multidrug-resistant strains poses a major difficulty in the treatment. The study was conducted to know the bacteriological profile of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from October 2021 to March 2022. Isolates from pus specimens were subjected to an antibiotic sensitivity test using the Kirby-Bauer method as per CLSI 2021.
Results: Out of 752 samples, etiology could be revealed in 510 (68.4%) specimens. Enterobacterales dominated the profile, with K pneumoniae isolated in the maximum number of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the culprit in 14% of the cases. Non-fermenters were isolated in 17% of the cases. Methicillin resistance in S aureus was 67%. Gram-positive cocci showed high sensitivity to linezolid. For both Piptaz and carbapenem, Enterobacterales and non-fermenters showed around 50% and 60% susceptibility, respectively.
Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of the aetiologic agents of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern needs to be done to design and implement the antibiotic policy for the infection in our set-up.
Deepa Devhare, Sae Pol,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a growing concern in healthcare settings as a major cause of many nosocomial infections worldwide. Risk factors associated with VRE are important to study. High-risk patients need to be screened and isolated to prevent the spread of infection and colonization. The present study aims to investigate the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and source of transmission of VRE in infected and colonized patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 1 year. A total of 200 Enterococcus species isolated from clinical samples such as urine, pus, blood, sterile body fluids, and stool from 200 patients without infection were included in the study. Stool samples were screened to measure the prevalence of VRE colonization. All samples were screened for vancomycin resistance using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin MIC was detected using the macrobroth dilution method. Demographic and clinical history of the patients were recorded.
Results: Vancomycin resistance was detected in 7 (3.5%) of 200 enterococci isolates from clinical samples. Urinary tract infection (n = 5, 71.4%) was the most common clinical illness caused by VRE. Gut colonization was found in 12 (6%) out of 200 patients screened for VRE. A history of previous antibiotic exposure was a significant risk factor in the current study and was associated with VRE infection and colonization. Endogenous bloodstream infection caused by VRE was found in one patient with VRE colonization.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant burden of VRE on patients, both those infected and colonized. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, is a serious concern that warrants further research and our continued attention.
Zahra Ahmadnia , Samane Rouhi, Hamed Mehdinezhad , Siamak Sabaghi , Alireza Firouzjahi , Mohammad Ranaei , Hossein Ghorbani , Maryam Pourtaghi, Mana Baziboron ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Pasteurella species are one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in domestic animals, and they are seen more in people with weak immune systems. This research aims to investigate a case of a patient with multiple sclerosis from whose sputum Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) was isolated. The patient was a 28-year-old man with multiple sclerosis who had persistent coughs due to food being stuck in his throat. The patient was a 28-year-old man with multiple sclerosis who had persistent coughs due to food being stuck in his throat. The primary diagnosis was pneumonia hydropneumothorax and complete collapse of the left lung. The patient's sputum culture after the first visit to the hospital was positive for P. multocida, which was not found in a second culture. In the subsequent cultures of the patient, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Citrobacter were found, which had extensive drug resistance to all antibiotics. In the secondary computerized tomography (CT) scan, mild pleural effusion on the left side, pneumothorax, and complete collapse with bronchiectasis was seen. Despite the treatments, the patient finally died of cardiac arrest and bradycardia. Infection with P. multocida was found in a patient with multiple sclerosis. Also, hospital-acquired infections with drug resistance caused by the weakness of the patient's system appeared in the patient who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), and finally, the patient died. According to antibiotic patterns, the best antibiotic to which the bacteria is sensitive can be considered the primary treatment to avoid irrational antibiotic prescriptions.
Syed Majid Ali, Jalila Qayoom, Talat Masoodi, Azhar Shafi, Arshi Syed,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Post-operative wound infection has been a problem since surgery was started as a treatment modality and is the third most common cause of nosocomial infections with a reported incidence rate of 14-16%. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, isolate and identify aerobic pathogenic bacteria from surgical site infections (SSI) and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) pattern of pathogenic bacteria.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology SKIMS-Medical College, Bemina Srinagar, over a period of six months from November 2021 to April 2022. In the study, 210 samples from patients with SSI were included. Isolation, identification, and AST of the isolates were performed by standard microbiological techniques.
Results: Out of 210 SSI samples, 163 bacterial isolates were recovered and infection rate was more in 21-30 years age group (24.2%). Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 50.4% (82/163) cases and E. coli was the most common organism (59.75%, 49/82). Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to imipenem and none were resistant to polymyxin-B and colistin. E. coli was mostly resistant to cefoperazone, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species were resistant to ceftazidime, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter were resistant to ceftriaxone. Gram-positive bacteria constituted 49.6% (81/163) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was a frequently isolated species (66.6%, 54/81). MRSA- and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) were mostly sensitive to amikacin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. Moreover, none of the Gram-positive isolates were resistant to linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin. Enterococcus spp was mostly resistant to gentamycin.
Conclusion: This study developed an insight into post-operative wound infections and their incidence, organisms’ prevalence, and their antibiogram. Culture positivity in suspected cases of SSI was high (77.6%). MRSA and E. coli were frequently isolated from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Zahra Askari, Zeynab Mirzapour, Tooba Shafighi, Reyhaneh Ghorbanpour,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) represent a significant global health concern. Virulence factors (VFs) expressed by UPEC strains play a crucial role in promoting bacterial pathogenicity within the urinary tract. Effective treatment of these infections is frequently complicated by the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to investigate the VFs and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of UPEC strains isolated in the northern region of Iran.
Methods: One hundred and five urine specimens were collected from female patients diagnosed with UTIs in Rasht, located in the north of Iran. These samples underwent culturing on both Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and MacConkey agar. Following a 24-hour incubation period at 37°C, pure bacterial isolates were identified through Gram staining and a battery of standard biochemical assays. The prevalence of six VF genes - papC, sfa/foc, fimH, afa, ibeA, and neuC - within UPEC strains was determined utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently confirmed via direct sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method, adhering to the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M02).
Results: The study identified 65.71% of the isolates as Escherichia coli. Among the virulence genes examined, fimH exhibited the highest prevalence (100%), while afa was the least frequent (1.44%). Antibiotic resistance analysis revealed the highest rate against Cefazolin (66.66%) and the lowest against Gentamicin (24.63%). Notably, the prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was determined to be 73.91%.
Conclusion: This study underscored the significance of localized surveillance of UPEC isolates. This emphasis stems from the pathogen's considerable capacity for genetic mutation, coupled with the influence of environmental variables and individual patient characteristics. Understanding these dynamic factors at a local level is crucial for formulating the most effective strategies to combat UTIs.
Sadeghali Azimi , Bahareh Bashardoust , Mohammad Hadi Tajik Jalayeri ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Bronchopulmonary lophomoniasis, an emerging yet frequently overlooked respiratory infection, is caused by the flagellated protozoan Lophomonas blattarum (L. blattarum). Although predominantly observed in immunocompromised individuals, its occurrence in immunocompetent hosts, particularly within high-risk settings like correctional facilities, is uncommon.
Case Presentation: This report details the case of a 47-year-old male prisoner from Golestan Province, Iran, who presented with a four-month history of chronic cough, dyspnea, and purulent sputum. The initial diagnostic workup, including blood and sputum cultures, yielded no evidence of bacterial or fungal infection. However, microscopic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid revealed L. blattarum trophozoites, leading to a definitive diagnosis of lophomoniasis. Of particular interest was the elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level (387 kU/L; normal range <160 kU/L), which may indicate an underlying allergic predisposition or a concurrent parasitic infection. The patient's symptoms resolved completely after a four-week regimen of metronidazole.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering lophomoniasis in the differential diagnosis of chronic respiratory symptoms, especially in settings with poor hygiene. For accurate diagnosis in similar patient populations, a heightened clinical suspicion combined with BAL microscopy are essential.
Pius Omoruyi Omosigho, Guobadia Precious Oghogho, Ugiagbe Victory Osayekewmen, Olalekan John Okesanya, Janet Mosunmola Oladejo , Uyigue Paulinus Osarodion,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background: Candida species are known to be the most frequently encountered fungal pathogens in humans. There has been a noticeable rise in the occurrence of human infections caused by Candida over the past few decades. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify different species of Candida and determine the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species isolated from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 104 Candida isolates were obtained from various clinical specimens using a simple random sampling technique. The isolates were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and were later sub-cultured on CHROMagar Candida after morphological characteristics observation and identification of Candida species were confirmed based on characteristic color production on CHROMagar. Antifungal susceptibility testing for Candida isolates was conducted following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M44-A recommendations for Amphotericin B, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, and Nystatin. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Candida albicans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 72.1% of isolates, followed by Candida krusei (17.3%), Candida tropicalis (7.7%), and Candida glabrata (2.9%). High vaginal swabs showed the highest frequency of Candida isolates (46.2%). Females exhibited a higher preponderance of candidiasis (81.3%) compared to males. With p-values of 0.007* and 0.028*, respectively, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata exhibited significant differences in susceptibility to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole antifungal drugs. The antifungal susceptibility testing indicated variations in resistance patterns among different Candida species.
Conclusion: The study revealed a predominance of Candida albicans in clinical specimens, with emerging cases of non-albicans species. Antifungal resistance to clinically available agents raised concerns, necessitating continuous surveillance and monitoring of susceptibility patterns. The results underscore the importance of developing targeted strategies to combat the challenges posed by antifungal resistance.
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