Showing 28 results for Iran
F Niknezhad, Kh Kalavi, M Mofidi, A Sarikhani,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Abstract Background & Objectives: Thalassemia syndromes isone of the inherited disorders in which one or more globulin chains are affected. On the basis of clinical symptoms, thalassemias are categorized as minor, intermediate, and major. Minor beta -thalassemia is a mild microcytic hypo chromic anemia in most cases asymptomatic and HbA2 is more than normal. Materials & Methods: This study carried out on 813 blood samples obtained from male high school students of Aliabad Katool, in the north of Iran. After detecting red blood cell indices of the subjects whose MCV was less than 80fl HbA study performed. Results: The MCV of 8.24% of the subjects was less than 80fl.34 of 67 had HbA2 of less than 3.5 %(normal) while the rest more than 3.5%(minor). Conclusions: Since about 50% of microcytic anemic patients were the carrier of beta-thalassemia and it is highly Prevalent in this region (4.06%), we recommend to investigate HbA2 in people with MCV less than 80 fl. Keyword: Thalassemia, Thalassemia minor, HbA2, Iran
A Mardani,, L Babakhan, F Abedi Astaneh, M Rafiei, H Mardani,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2009)
Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: Hydatid cyst is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases produced by means of Larva stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Since this Hydatid cyst is a widespread disease in many regions of the world and Iran, we decided to study the epidemiological situation of patients infected with hydatid cyst who were operated in hospitals of Qom, Iran (2004-2007). Material and Methods: In this Cross-sectional retrospective study, we surveyed the Medical records of 19 patients infected with hydatid cyst, who were operated in hospitals of Qom (2004-2007). Patients’ demographic data including gender, age, career, dwelling place, number of cysts and the infected organ were collected and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: of the 19 patients, 12 cases (63.2%) are female and seven cases (36.8%) male. The highest rate of infection is related to 21-30 year group (31.65%) homemakers (52.7%) and urban (89.5%). The results show that the organs involved are liver (73.7%) and lung (26.3%). All patients infected with pulmonary hydatid cyst are male. Conclusion: Since 63.2 percent of infected people are female and homemaker, having contact with vegetables contaminated with parasite ova is the most important way of infection transmission. Key words: Hydatid cyst, Epidemiology, Surgery, Iran
A Mardani, F Feizi, I Moubedi, A Khosh Nezhad, H Mardani,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2010)
Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: some parasites especially Enterobius vermicularis and helminthes are the leading factor causing appendicitis. We did this study to determine the prevalence of infection with Enterobius vermicularis among excised appendices in Necoii hospital of Qom, Iran (2005-2006). Material and Methods: In this Cross-sectional Retrospective study, we referred to pathology district archive of Necoii hospital of Qom to collect the demographic data of 3420 appendectomy patients including gender, age and infection to Enterobius vermicularis. These patients had been undertaken appendectomy from March 2005 to March 2006. After confirm of infection, all patients demographic data and histopathological results were analyzed by using Chi-square test in SPSS version 11.5 software. Results: of 3420 appendices, 17 cases (0.5%) are infected with Enterobius Vermicularis. Thirteen of them (76.5%) are female and four (23.5%) male. also 15 of infected appendices (88.2%) don’t show any pathological changes and two cases (11.8%) have appendicitis. The highest infection rate is observed in 6-10 (41.1%) and 11-15 (35.3%) age groups. Conclusion: The results show that Enterobius vermicularis does not play a role in causing appendicitis, and its presence in excised appendix can not be a good reason for being the cause of appendicitis. Key words: Appendicitis, Enterobius vermicularis, Qom, Iran
Z Nazari, E Tabarraei, J Akbarmehr,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are the most common infectious disorders, worldwide. About 80%-90% of RTI are caused by four viruses such as Adenoviruses, 51 serotypes have been introduced so far. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the frequency of Adenovirus in respiratory infected patients by PCR method in Golestan province, Iran.
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 patients with clinical diagnosis of flu-like respiratory infection, 2010-2012. In addition to collecting demographic and clinical data, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken and transferred to the virology laboratory in viral transport medium (VTM), and evaluated by PCR method for Adenovirus after genomic extraction. Using SPSS v.11 software, we analyzed the data.
Results: Thirty-seven (9.2 %) were positive for Adenovirus. No significant correlation was found between being positive for Adenovirus and the variables such as age, gender and season. Clinical signs were coughing (27 73%), body pain (25 67.6%), and fever (24 64.9%). Thirty-five of the patients (94.5%) had at least one symptom.
Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with other research conducted in Iran and other countries. There is a significant correlation between Adenovirus infection and clinical symptoms.
Keywords: Respiratory Infection, Adenovirus, PCR, Golestan, Iran
A Jamshidi, M Mousavi Ghahfarrokhi, A Gharaei, A Ebrahimzadeh, M Jaffari Modrek, A Ansari Moghadam, S Mohammadi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: The Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175, via Sialic acid dependent glycophorin A, binds to red blood cells and thus plays a critical role in cell invasion. Some part of second allele in its gene encoding in FCR-3 (Section F) and CAMP (Section C) can be found. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175KD alleles in southeastern Iran.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using polymerase chain reaction Nest (Nested-PCR) with specific primers was used for the two parts of the EBA-175 gene to be proliferated. Ninety–four microscopic positive blood samples from individuals infected by Plasmodium falciparum were obtained from four different locations in southeastern Iran.
Results: Of 94 positive samples, 88 were antigen EBA-175KD. Genotype CAMP (714 bp) and FCR-3 (to 795 bp), respectively, in 31 (32.97 %) and 49 (52.12 %) were found. Eight samples have both FCR-3 and CAMP.
Conclusion: Both of EBA-175KD dimorphic genes were found. The frequency of FCR-3 allele was higher in the South East of Iran. Thus, this pattern can be considered in making Plasmodium falciparum vaccines for this area.
Key words: Plasmodium Falciparum Erythrocyte Binding Antigen-175 South-East of Iran
A Talebi Bezminabadi, T Taghvaei,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Undoubtedly, H. pylori is the major human gastric pathogen, which infects the mucosal epithelium in 50% of world population. However, H. pylori infection is relatively prevalent globally the majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic. The recent epidemiological studies show that the various gastro intestinal complications can be the result of genetic variation in H. pylori strains. To date, different virulence factors had been suggested for H. pylori, but none of them can be a good biomarker for specific gastric disorders. In this review article, we aim to describe a comprehensive view on what we found in H. pylori virulence research in Iran. Hopefully, in parallel with new advances in sequencing systems, we will have better overview of virulence phenomenon of H. pylori in near future.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Iran, virulence, homB, dupA
S Zhand, A Tabaraei, A Moradi, F Fotoohi, N Javid, M Bazoori, E Haji Mohammadi, A Ghaemi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: The emergence of a novel H1N1influenza A virus of animal origin with transmissibility from human to human poses pandemic concern. Current subtypes of Seasonal influenza A viruses spread in human are influenza A H1N1 influenza A H3N2 and influenza type B viruses. The aim of this study was to determine current strains of the H3N2 and new H1N1 subtypes of influenza A virus from patients suspected influenza infection in 2009 flu pandemic in Golestan province, Iran.
Material and Methods: In this descriptive study, respiratory samples (n = 153) from patients with acute respiratory symptoms were collected in 2009 flu pandemic applied during 2009 pandemic influenza in Golestan province. After reverse transcription of extracted viral RNA, PCR was developed for both H1N1and H3N2subtypes using CDC specific primers.
Results: The mean age of patients was 16.59. Of them 45.1% were male. Thirteen (8.49%) were infected with seasonal influenza H1N1 and 25(16.33%) with seasonal H3N2influenza.
Conclusion: The rate of infection with seasonal H1N1and H3N2is similar to other studies reported from Iran, but lower than the rate reported from other parts of the world.
Key Words: Influenza A Virus, H1N1, H3N2, RT-PCR, Iran
Rezanezhadi, M, Tabarraei, A, Zhand, S, Moradi, A, Nezamzade, R, Vakili, Ma,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Lamivudine is the first orally available drug approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Mutations at the YMDD and FLLAQ motifs in the domains of HBV polymerase gene contribute resistance to lamivudine. This study was aimed to determine the rate of YMDD and FLLAQ mutants in hepatitis B patients in Golestan Province, Iran. Material and methods: In this cross sectional study, 120 patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited. Of them, 55 were treated and 65 untreated with Lamivudine. HBV DNA extractions from plasma and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. For detection of Lamivudine mutants direct sequencing and alignment of products were applied using reference sequence from Gene Bank database. Results: the average age of patients was 36.31±10.07, which 35% of them were female and 65% were male. Mutations at the YMDD and FLLAQ motifs in the domains of HBV polymerase gene were detected in 12 of 55 patients (21.81%) treated with Lamivudine while no mutation was observed in in untreated patients. The YMDD and FLLAQ mutants were detected in 9.16% (11/120) and 0.83% (1/120) of chronic HBV patients, respectively. Conclusion: Usual HBV mutations, which play an important role in lamivudine resistance, detected in this study are similar to other studies. Key words: Hepatitis B Viruse, YMDD Mutation, Lamivudine, Iran.
Mesgarian, F, Sharbatkhori, M, Mohammadi, R, Rajabi, Mh,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Cryptosporidium is a common protozoan causing diarrhea in human, specifically in children. Hence, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of this protozoan among diarrheic children hospitalized in Gonbad Kavus in 2011. Material and Methods: Three stool samples were collected from diarrheic children in two hospitals of Gonbad city and a relevant questionnaire was filled out for each child. The stool samples were concentrated by formalin ether method, and the infection was assessed by modified acid-fast staining method. Results: Of 547 children, 27 (4.9%) were infected with cryptosporidiosis. There was no significant relationship between the amount of infection and gender and habitation area (urban/ rural). The infection rate was significantly prevalent in 2-4-year-old children (P=0.013). The most and the least infection rate were observed in spring and winter, respectively (P< 0.0001). There was a significant association between the disease and keeping animal (P= 0.041) Conclusion: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in diarrheic children in Gonbad is almost equal to other regions of the country and keeping animal and spring season may be considered as the risk factors for the disease. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Diarrhea, Children, Golestan, Iran
Amoozgari, Z, Salehi Pour Bavarsad, S, Noorbehbahani, M,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Snake venom is a complex of several toxic elements and enzymes. It has the agents with the ability to destroy cellular and subcellular membrane and to bring about hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC). Two types of direct and indirect hemolytic activity are known in snake venom in that phospholipase A2 is responsible for the indirect lysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of α-lipoic acid on hemolytic activity of Iranian Vipera Lebetina venom.
Material and Methods: Protein concentration of the crude venom of Vipera Lebetina was determined using bovine serum albumin as a standard. Direct hemolytic activity of venom was determined by using the Human RBC and Indirect hemolytic activity was assayed on RBC in the presence of egg yolk. Then, α-lipoic acid with different concentrations in 100 mM Tris-HCL buffer was applied and its effect on hemolysis of RBC was studied.
Results: direct hemolytic activity on RBC was not observed while its indirect activity was detected to be increased proportional to different concentration of α-lipoic acid. The range of indirect hemolysis was increased up to 60% by 60µm α-lipoic acid.
Conclusion: Not only has α-lipoic acid no inhibitory effects on the hemolytic activity of Iranian Vipera Lebetina venom but also has the positive effects on it.
Keywords: Iranian Vipera Lebetina Venom, Direct Hemolytic, Indirect Hemolytic, α-Lipoic Acid, Phospholipase A2
Y Shamsizadeh , F Roodbari , N Arbab Soleymani ,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the genus Flavivirus that can cause viral infections in human. This study aimed at detecting IgG antibodies against WNV in patients of two cities of Neka and Shiraz.
Material and Methods: the participants were 46 possible WNV case from Neka (13 women and 10 men) and Shiraz (10 women and 13 men). IgG assay was carried out using the Elisa method.
Results: Immune Status Ratio (ISR) in Neka was negative for WNV IgG, but 12 from Shiraz, including 2 women and 10 men, were positive for WNV IgG that was changed from 3.12 to 38.6. Considering ISR, there was significant variation between Neka and Shiraz (p<0.05). In addition, results showed that there was significant variation in WNV infection rate between men (39.19%) and women (13.04%) from Neka and Shiraz cities (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Because Shiraz has hot and semi-dry climate, whereas Neka temperate climate, the results were affected by climate variation. Given the outdoor job of men compared to women, they are exposed to the bite of mosquito vectors that transmit WNV.
Keywords: West Nile Virus; Elisa; IgG Antibody; Iran.
Hamid Reza Joshaghani , Saeid Parvizi , Khodaberdi Kalavi , Naser Behnampour, Hadi Joshaghani , Nader Hashemi, Sahar Alijanpour,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (11-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Normal hemoglobin (Hb) is formed of a heme group and a protein group known as globin. Globin is made of four polypeptide chains and in hemoglobinopathies, the structure of one of these four polypeptide chain becomes abnormal. Cellulose acetate method is a common way to differentiate haemoglobinopathies. Inability to identify the components of Hb low concentrations and incapability to isolate all Hb types are among the disadvantages of this method. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the North of Iran by capillary electrophoresis method.
Methods: All patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, referred by physicians for electrophoresis, have been studied in a private center in the city of Gorgan, Iran. The level of HbA2, HbA, HbF and other Hb was recorded.
Results: Overall, 725 blood samples were analyzed using the capillary method. HbE was reported in 2 patients, HbH was observed in 2 patients and Hb Barts was reported in 3 patients. Using the capillary method, among patients with the SDG area, only 4 of 38 (10.52%) had HbS and the majority of them (89.48%) had HbD.
Conclusion: HbD is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the North of Iran.
Keywords: Hemoglobinopathy; hemoglobin D; Capillary Electrophoresis; Iran
Hosein Soleimanpoor , Mansour Dabirzadeh, Bahman Fooladi ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (3-2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Chabahar is in Southern Iran located near the Iran-Pakistan border. Since leishmaniasis is an emerging disease in this region, this study aimed to diagnose the disease and identify different species of Leishmania parasite in the patients referred to the central laboratory.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011-2012 on patients referred to the central laboratory in the city of Chabahar. The sampling of lesions, slide preparation, culture and PCR specific for kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), extracted from the media and slides, were performed. The data collected by a questionnaire were analyzed by the SPSS software.
Results: The resulted bands from the 48 tested cutaneous leishmaniasis isolates were compared with the standard strains of Leishmania tropica, L. infantum and L. major. All 48 investigated bands were in the 620bp region, which is related to L. major.
Conclusion: Since PCR has high sensitivity and specificity, it is recommended to use kDNA (present in a unique organelle called kinetoplast) for the routine diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Mohamad Reza Nazer, Zia Obeidavi, Behrouz Beiranvand, Mahshid Garmsiri ,
Volume 10, Issue 5 (9-2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate epidemiology of risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, and determine the association of its genotypes with viral load and response to treatment in patients referred to the Infectious Disease Clinic of Khorramabad.
Methods: The study included patients infected with hepatitis C referred to the Infectious Disease Clinic of Khorramabad during 2011-14. Those who met the inclusion criteria were referred to counseling centers for risky behaviors. After collecting demographic and epidemiologic data on the modes of transmission, blood samples were collected for more accurate testing. The erum of patients with hepatitis C was evaluated in terms of HCV genotype and viral load using PCR.
Results: Among 120 patients studied, 102 (85%) were male and 18 (15%) were female. The most prevalent genotypes were 3a (63.8%), 1a (25%), 1a/1b (5.2%) and 2 (1.7%). Intravenous drug abuse was the main route of transmission of hepatitis C in the study. The genotypes 3a and 1a had a clear correlation with intravenous drug abuse and history of blood transfusion (P<0.05). It was also found that the patients with genotype 3a show a better initial response to treatment with interferon.
Conclusion: The study shows that intravenous drug abuse is the main route of transmission, which highlights the need for intervention and education in this group of patients to prevent disease transmission.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Genotype, Intravenous Drug Abuse, HIV, Interferon.
Arvin Shajeie, Mohammad Khalili, Zeinab Abiri, Sajad Akbari,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by an obligate gram-negative intracellular pathogen called Coxiella burnetii. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples of dairy cattle in west and northwest of Iran.
Methods: Overall, 71 BTM samples (covering nearly 700 dairy cattle) were collected in autumn 2013. A commercial Q fever antibody ELISA Test Kit (Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland) was used to identify the presence of antibodies against inactivated phase 1 and phase 2 C. burnetii antigens.
Results: The results of ELISA test showed that 17 BTM samples (23.9%) were positive for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies.
Conclusion: This study is the first to evaluate presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in BTM samples from dairy cattle herds in west and northwest of Iran. The high prevalence of this pathogen highlights the need for pasteurization of raw milk and raising awareness in consumers of dairy products in these regions.
Keywords: Q fever, Cattle, Iran, Coxiella.
Mishar Kelishadi , Mohammad Mojerloo, Pezhman Hashemi , Sobhan Samadi, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (7-2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients
. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of active CMV infection in hemodialysis patients in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from 149 hemodialysis patients at Hemodialysis Unit of Panje-Azar Medical Centre in Gorgan, Iran. Presence of
CMV-DNA in plasma samples was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (
PCR) using specific primers for highly conserved regions of major capsid protein gene of HCMV. In addition, level of CMV-IgM antibody was measured by serological testing. Demographic information and past medical history of patients were also recorded. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Total prevalence of CMV infection was 6.7% (10/149) among the patients receiving
hemodialysis. CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody were detected in 2.68% and 4.69%, of the samples, respectively. One case was found positive for both CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody. CMV infection did not have any correlation with gender, age, ethnicity, duration of hemodialysis, and history of blood transfusion.
Conclusion: A notable proportion of hemodialysis patients in Gorgan have active CMV infection. Accurate detection of these individuals is important for preventing infection spread, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Simultaneous diagnosis of CMV infection using serological testing and PCR assay could help reduce the risk of infection spread.
Keywords: HCMV, Hemodialysis, PCR, Iran.
Oghlniaz Jorjani , Abdolrahman Bahlkeh , Faramarz Koohsar , Beniamin Talebi , Ali Bagheri ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Lophomonas blattarum is a multi-flagellate protozoan that is commensal in hindgut of cockroaches and other insects. The protozoan can cause respiratory infection in humans. Most cases of the infections with this protozoan have been reported in China. Here, we present a case with chronic respiratory allergy caused by
L. blattarum in Golestan province, Iran.
Case Description: The case was a 37-year-old male with history of respiratory conditions and he was immunocompetent. An athlete.
L. blattarum was detected in direct smear examination of sputum,
Conclusion: Since we found respiratory infection in an immunocompetent individual who was also an athlete, it is necessary to study this parasite and its life cycle and transmission methods. It is also suggested to consider
L. blattarum infection and treatment with metronidazole in cases of chronic allergies, especially those that do not respond to treatment.
Keywords: Lophomonas blattarum, Respiratory Allergies, Iran.
Leila Fozouni, Hamideh Askari, Hamid Reza Pordeli,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (7-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Enterococcus faecalis is a major cause of bacterial prostatitis, which can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer if mistreated or left untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate resistance of
E. faecalis strains isolated from patients with prostatitis to three
fluoroquinolones.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected urine specimen from 164 patients hospitalized in six hospitals in the Golestan Province, Iran. Biochemical and bacteriological tests were carried out to identify
E. faecalis strains. Pattern of resistance to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin was studied using the agar disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer method). The broth microdilution test was performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluoroquinolones according to the CLSI
M100-S25 (2015) criteria.
Results: Of 164 isolates, 39 (23.8%) were identified as
E. faecalis. Frequency of resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and levofloxacin was 12.8%, 12.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The MIC
90 of ciprofloxacin against the isolates was
4 μg/ml, which was 4-fold lower than that of norfloxacin
(MIC90=16μg/ml) and 2-fold lower than that of levofloxacin (MIC
90=8μg/ml). We found no significant difference between the isolates in terms of resistant to the fluoroquinolones (P>0.01).
Conclusion: Our results show that
E. faecalis is one of the most common causes of bacterial prostatitis, and fluoroquinolones are still effective for treating the infection despite the reports of fluoroquinolones resistance in Iran. Moreover, levofloxacin may be a more suitable and effective antibiotic than ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin for treatment of this infection.
Keywords:
Enterococcus faecalis, Prostatitis, Drug Resistance, Iran.
Roghayeh Norouzi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Sarcoptes scabiei is a microscopic parasitic arthropod that penetrates into epidermis of the skin and causes scabies, a contagious disease that is one of the most common causes of dermatosis in the world.
Methods: We herein summarize published papers about Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in Iran. Databases including MEDLINE, Pubmed and Google scholar were searched using the following terms: Sarcoptes scabiei, mange, prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei and scabies status in Iran.
Results: Overall, we found approximately 15 articles related to the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in Iran. According to these studies, the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation has been rather high in Iran during war and in prisons and humid areas of the country.
Conclusion: In spite of the low prevalence of scabies, it is necessary to implant prevention programs continuously by reducing overcrowding, improving health education, personal hygiene, diagnostics tools, and screening and treatment of high-risk populations.
Keywords: Sarcoptes scabiei, Brief review, Iran.
Zahra Mirshekar, Nasser Behnampour, Abolfazl Amini, Ghazal Alizad, Ghorban Mohammad Kouchaki, Farhad Niknejad,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Aspergillosis is a widely distributed infectious disease, which is difficult to manage. According to recent studies, the prevalence of resistant Aspergillus fumigatus has increased from 3.3% to 6.6%. Acquired triazole resistance in Aspergillus species is an evolving global health challenge, which has made the control of diseases caused by Aspergillus a concern. This study was performed to investigate prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from environmental samples.
Methods: In this study, 316 soil samples were collected from three hospitals and a university campus in Gorgan (Iran) from July to September 2017. Two grams of each sample were suspended in 5 ml of 0.2M NaCl with 1% Tween 20. Then, 100 µl of the suspension was plated on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol, SDA supplemented with chloramphenicol and voriconazole (VOR, 1 mg/L) and SDA supplemented with chloramphenicol and itraconazole (ITC, 4 mg/L). The plates were incubated at 37 °C and examined for growth after 24, 48 and 72 hours.
Results: We detected Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans isolates in 187(59.2%), 84(26.6%), 147(46.5%) and 65(20.6%) samples, respectively. We found no VOR resistant isolate. However, 21 (25%) A. flavus and 16 (8.6%) A. fumigatus isolates were intermediate for VOR. In addition, seven (8.3%) A. flavus, 68 (36.4%) A. fumigatus, 41 (27.9%) A. niger and three (4.5%) A. nidulans isolates were resistant to ITC.
Conclusion: We were able to detect A.fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger from all four sampling sites in Gorgan, North of Iran. A. fumigatus is the most prevalent and most resistant isolate in the studied area. History of previous agriculture activity and use of pesticides in the proximity of sampling sites may have affected the rate of ITC resistance.
