Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM <p>The "<strong>Iranian Journal of Microbiology</strong>&nbsp;(IJM) "is the offi­cial scientific quarterly publication of the&nbsp;<strong>Iranian Society of Microbiology.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;The areas that are covered by IJM are medical, veterinary, food and water, applied and&nbsp; environmental microbiology.&nbsp;It ac­cepts Original Papers, Review Articles, Short Communications and Let­ters to the Editor in the fields of Microbiology.</p> <p><strong data-stringify-type="bold">All the manuscripts should be submitted through the Journal Primary Website at <a href="https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/about/submissions">https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/about/submissions</a></strong></p> en-US n.gavili@knowledgee.com (Nahid Gavili) Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:05:11 +0000 OJS 3.1.2.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Antibiotic susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas species isolated from clinical specimens to access, watch and reserve drugs across various hospital settings at a tertiary care hospital of central India https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15348 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Over the last decade, hospital-acquired infections, particularly in the critical care setting, have become more common, with Gram-negative bacterial infections having the highest prevalence. This study aims to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of <em>Pseudomonas species </em>to WHO’s, aware class of antibiotics, which are commonly prescribed across various ICU’s, medical and surgical wards of our tertiary care teaching hospital.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>This prospective study conducted from January 2021 to June 2022 at a tertiary care centre of cen- tral India identified <em>Pseudomonas species </em>from clinical samples using standard procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines (M100; 32th Edition).</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1490 non duplicate <em>Pseudomonas species </em>isolates were grown from 21,019 culture positive clinical sam- ples, of which 1247 were <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa. </em>Out of these 1247 <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </em>384 were MDR (30.7%). <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </em>were most commonly isolated from the pus samples (85%). ICU isolates were significantly more resistant to antibiotics than those from other units. <em>P. aeruginosa </em>strains from ICUs showed the highest rates of resistance to ceftazidime (93.9%). Reserve drug colistin showed good susceptibility (98.2%). All the 18 colistin resistant strains were found to be negative for plasmid mediated <em>mcr</em>-1,2,3 genes.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study shall help to generate and disseminate the data so that proper antibiotic policy can be made for judi- cious use of Access, Watch and Reserve antibiotics and antibiotic de-escalation plan can be put forth.</p> Mitisha Soni, Deepti Chaurasia, Garima Kapoor Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15348 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:50:16 +0000 Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of diclofenac against levofloxacin-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates; emphasizing repurposing of diclofenac https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15349 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong><em>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia </em>is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that is considered a non-antibiotic drug. This study assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of diclofenac and levofloxacin/diclofenac combination against levofloxacin resistant isolates.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using broth microdilution method for levo- floxacin, diclofenac, and levofloxacin/diclofenac combination. Biofilm forming capacity and biofilm inhibition assay were determined. Relative gene expression was measured for efflux pump genes; <em>smeB</em>, and <em>smeF </em>genes and biofilm related genes <em>rmlA, spgM</em>, and <em>rpfF </em>without and with diclofenac and the combination.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Diclofenac demonstrated MIC of 1 mg/ml. The combination-with ½ MIC diclofenac- showed synergism where levofloxacin MIC undergone 16-32 fold decrease. All the isolates that overexpressed <em>smeB </em>and <em>smeF </em>showed a significant decrease in gene expression in presence of diclofenac or the combination. The mean percentage inhibition of biofilm for- mation with diclofenac and the combination was 40.59% and 46.49%, respectively. This agreed with biofilm related genes expression investigations.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Diclofenac showed an antibacterial effect against <em>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. </em>The combination showed <em>in-vitro </em>synergism, significant reduction in biofilm formation and in the relative level of gene expression. Furthermore, it can potentiate the levofloxacin activity or revert its resistance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Ingy El-Soudany, Ibrahim A. Abdelwahab, Marwa Atef Yakout Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15349 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:01:49 +0000 Sequence-subtype association of multi-drug-resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15350 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Multi-drug-resistant pathogens pose a significant threat as they can rapidly spread, leading to severe healthcare-associated invasive infections. In developing countries, diarrheagenic <em>Escherichia coli </em>(DEC) is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for causing diarrhea. However, the outbreak of resistant strains has made the treatment of DEC infections much more challenging. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between antibiotic resistance genes and other virulence categories in <em>E. coli </em>strains that cause diarrhea, particularly DEC.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>The phylogenetic grouping was defined using PCR and multi-locus sequence type (MLST) meth- ods.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the isolates analyzed, 14 were identified as resistant and were classified into eight distinct sequence types: ST3, ST53, ST77, ST483, ST512, ST636, ST833, and ST774, indicating genetic diversity among the resistant strains. Certain sequence types, notably ST512 and ST636, were found to be associated with multiple antibiotic resistance in DEC. Regard- ing antibiotic susceptibility, strains showed the highest resistance to amoxicillin, suggesting that this antibiotic may not be effective in treating DEC infections. On the other hand, the isolates demonstrated susceptibility to amikacin and chloram- phenicol, implying that these antibiotics could be more suitable treatment options for DEC infections.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore the importance of promptly identifying antibiotic resistance patterns and their correla- tion with specific pathogenic virulence categories, as this knowledge can aid in selecting the most appropriate antibiotics for treating DEC infections. Considering the antibiotic resistance profiles and associated resistance genes is crucial in managing and containing diarrheal outbreaks and in selecting effective antibiotic therapies for DEC infections.</p> Nastaran Farzi, Zahra Pourramezan, Fatemeh Akhavan Attar, Saeid Mostaan, Mana Oloomi Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15350 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:21:02 +0000 Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of aminoglycoside resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from patients with blood stream infections in Tehran, Iran https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15351 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong><em>Escherichia coli </em>is a significant causative agent of bloodstream infections (BSIs). Aminogly- coside antibiotics play a crucial role in treating severe infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. However, resistance to these antibiotics often occurs due to the production of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). This study was conducted to assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns against various aminoglycosides and to determine the prevalence of common AME genes in <em>E. coli </em>strains isolated from BSIs.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Sixty-five <em>E. coli </em>isolates were obtained from blood samples in a referral hospital in Tehran, Iran. The susceptibility patterns of aminoglycosides were determined using disk diffusion method and AMEs genes were investi- gated using PCR assay.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Resistance to aminoglycosides was observed in 64.6% (42/65) of the isolates. &nbsp;The most frequent resistance rate was found for kanamycin (44.6%) and gentamicin (38.5%), followed by tobramycin (29.2%) and amikacin (4.6%). The most frequent AME gene was <em>aac(3)-IVa</em>, which detected in 49.2% isolates, followed by <em>aac(6)-Ib </em>(40%), <em>aac(3)-IIa </em>(32.3%), and <em>ant(2)-Ia </em>(30.8%), respectively.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Athough the findings of this survey are based on specimens collected from a single hospital, our study shows that the high prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance is primarily attributed to the presence of the <em>aac(3)-Iva, aac(6)-Ib </em>and <em>aac(3)-IIa </em>genes. The low rate of resistance to amikacin makes this antibiotic a good candidate for treatment of BSIs due to <em>E. coli.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Mahsa Ghamari, Mohammad Emaneini, Saeed Hemmati, Fereshteh Jabalameli, Reza Beigverdi Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15351 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:36:31 +0000 Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from commercial broiler chickens in Semnan, Iran https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15352 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Antibiotic resistance within the poultry sector presents a considerable health concern due to treatment inefficacy and resistance transmission to humans and the environment. The investigation of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) in <em>Escherichia coli, </em>acknowledged for its role in advancing resistance, remains inadequately studied in Iranian poultry. This study aimed to evaluate PMQR gene prevalence as well as to determine correlation between resistance phenotype and genotype in <em>E. coli </em>obtained from poultry colibacillosis.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>A collection of 100 <em>E. coli </em>isolates from the viscera of broilers suspected to colibacillosis was assessed. Using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted for ofloxacin, nalidixic acid, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Additionally, PCR was employed to screen for <em>qnrS, qnrB, </em>and <em>aac(6)Ib-cr </em>genes.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the analyzed <em>E. coli </em>isolates, 51% demonstrated resistance to at least one of the tested antibiotics, with 17% exhibiting resistance to four different antibiotics. Nalidixic acid displayed the highest resistance rate at 48%, while ampicillin had the lowest at 16%. PMQR genes were detected in 28% of the <em>E. coli </em>isolates, with <em>aac(6′)-Ib-cr </em>being the most prevalent at 14%, followed by <em>qnrB </em>in 13%, and <em>qnrS </em>in 7%.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study underscores the vital need for careful antibiotic usage in poultry to curb the emergence of antibi- otic-resistant bacteria. The results illuminate the prevalence of PMQR genes and their association with resistance trends in Iranian poultry, forming a pivotal basis for forthcoming approaches to combat antibiotic resistance within the poultry sector.</p> Behrouz Javadi, Khatereh Kafshdouzan, Seyed Hesamoddin Emadi Chashmi, Omid Pazhand Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15352 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:51:51 +0000 Study of behavioral and psychosocial factors relating to needle stick injuries in nursing staff of a tertiary care cancer hospital of Punjab, India https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15353 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Needle stick injury (NSI) is the most dreaded occupational health hazard affecting a health- care 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.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional retrospective analysis involving nursing staff and students. p values were calculated using SPSS software.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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%).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Consequences of NSI are serious and this study has tried to emphasize on the need to study the factors leading to NSI.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Ananya Arora, Sanjay Biswas, Vandita Pahwa, Naveen Bansal, Sneha Verghese, Nancy Rodrigues, Ashish Gulia, Jigeeshu Divatia, Rahat Brar, Sankalp Sancheti, Charu Singh, Aman Saxena Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15353 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:32:48 +0000 Antibacterial activity of Shallots (Allium xwakegi Araki.) cultivars in Palu Valley against Salmonella Typhi ATCC 27870 through in vitro and in silico evaluation https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15354 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Shallots, recognized for their minimal toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread avail- ability, 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 <em>Salmonella typhi</em>, the pathogen responsible for typhoid fever.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC-bioautography) and gas chromatography-mass spec- troscopy (GC-MS), the study identifies active compounds in shallot ethanol extract and employs molecular docking to assess interactions between receptors and ligands.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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. Ad- ditionally, 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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study confirms Palu Valley shallot extract's potent antibacterial effect against <em>Salmonella typhi, </em>highlight- ing its therapeutic potential.</p> Sitti Rahmah Sari, Riuh Wardhani, Faiqah Umar, Dirayah Rauf Husain, Ade Chandra Iwansyah Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15354 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:36:58 +0000 Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction by supernatant of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on HT-29 colon cancer cells https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15355 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>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 <em>Lentilactobacillus buchneri </em>on the HT-29 cancer cell line.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>In the current study, we used the <em>L. buchneri </em>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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong><em>L. buchneri </em>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 50 was observed in HT-29 cancer cells treated with the IC concentration of CFS after 72 hours. CFS of <em>L. buchneri </em>also exerted the up-regulating effect on the expression of pro-apoptotic genes including <em>BAX, CASP9, </em>and <em>CASP3</em>. <em>L. buchneri </em>CFS at an IC 50 dose induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in HT-29 cells.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicates that <em>L. buchneri </em>CFS can prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) development in patients by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. This finding suggests that the CFS of <em>L. buchneri </em>could be used as a therapeutic agent for the control of CRC.</p> Adel Abedi, Farzaneh Tafvizi, Neda Akbari, Parvaneh Jafari Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15355 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:42:00 +0000 The phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal Lactobacillus with potential probiotic properties isolated from healthy women in northern Iran https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15356 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>This study assesses the antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal <em>Lactobacillus </em>strains and provides data for determining the prevalence of certain antibiotic resistance genes in the new strains of lactobacilli serving as probiot- ics and selected from healthy women in northern Iran.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>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 <em>Lactobacillus crispatus </em>(34.2%), <em>Lactobacillus gasseri </em>(26.3%), <em>Lactobacillus johnsonii </em>(10.5%), <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus </em>(15.7%) and <em>Lactoba- cillus jensenii </em>(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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>38 potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli were isolated. All the strains of lactobacilli were resistant to metronida- zole and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and all of the strains were susceptible to ampicillin and chloramphenicol antibiotics. The results showed that <em>erm</em>B<em>, erm</em>C<em>, </em>and <em>erm</em>A genes were observed in the strains of <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em>. Metronida- zole resistance (<em>nim</em>) gene was also found in one strain of <em>Lactobacillus crispatus </em>and <em>Lactobacillus johnsonii. </em>The amino- glycoside resistance (<em>aac6'-aph2"</em>) gene was observed in 8% of the strains. Also, <em>tet</em>M<em>, tet</em>K and <em>tet</em>W genes were found in more than 80% of the <em>Lactobacillus </em>strains.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p> Hakimeh Zare, Rabeeh Izadi Amol, Fatemeh Zaboli, Maysam Rezapour, Hami Kaboosi Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15356 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:45:31 +0000 Risk analysis of candidemia and its effect on mortality in COVID 19 and non COVID 19 patients https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15357 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>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&nbsp; and non-COVID 19 patients during the pandemic period.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>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 to- tal parenteral nutrition (TPN) status were evaluated in terms of risk between the two groups. Isolated <em>Candida species </em>and susceptibilty were evaluated.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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 <em>Candida </em>species was <em>C. albicans, </em>the most frequently detected species in the COVID19 patient group was <em>C. parapsilosis.</em></p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p> Gülşah Ece Özmerdiven, Arzu İrvem, Ayça Sultan Şahin Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15357 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:48:13 +0000 Molecular characterization and evolutionary dynamics of influenza A(H1N1) strains isolated from 2015 to 2017 in North India https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15358 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>The influenza A(H1N1) virus is known for large outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics world- wide owing to its genome plasticity which evolves constantly. In the year 2015 and then in 2017, India witnessed an upsurge in cases.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p> Sonakshi Srivastava, Radha Kanta Ratho, Mini P Singh, Subhabrata Sarkar, Binod K Pati Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15358 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:52:14 +0000 In vitro anti-HSV1 activity of aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15359 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>HSV-1 is known as a very contagious virus and the main cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Herein, the aqueous extract of <em>Areca catechu </em>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.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>The aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of powdered plant in boiling water. Its anti- viral 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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>The aqueous extract of <em>A. catechu </em>induced the inhibition of infection with the IC 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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><em>A. catechu </em>can be considered an essential element of natural-based anti-HSV-1 agents.</p> Mahsa Zamanian, Emad Asgari, Sahar Afaridoon, Tahmineh Akbarzadeh, Zohreh Sharifi, Mina Saeedi Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15359 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:58:54 +0000 Transfusion transmissible malaria: seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia in blood donors in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15360 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>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 transfu- sion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pregnant women or young children. Therefore, the present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Garhwal region.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Study subjects were healthy blood donors who had passed the screening criteria for blood do- nation. Donors with a history of malaria were temporarily deferred for 3 months following full recovery. Screening of the donated blood units for malaria parasite was done using immunochromatography based rapid diagnostic test. Thin smear examination was performed for malaria parasite species identification.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1984 blood donations were screened for TTI. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV HIV and syphilis was 0.3% (n=6), 0.25% (n=5), 0% (n=0) and 0% (n=0) respectively. The seroprevalence of malaria parasite was 0.05% (n=1). <em>Plasmodium vivax </em>was identified upon thin smear examination. The donor reactive for malaria parasite was a replacement donor and gave no recent history of fever or any past history of malaria.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Meticulous donor screening combined with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria parasite is the most practical strategy to prevent TTM in Garhwal region of India.</p> Naveen Bansal, Yashik Bansal, Charu Singh, Vandita Pahwa, Satish Kumar Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15360 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:02:27 +0000 Time to positivity of blood cultures causing candidemia and its relation to mortality https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15361 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Early diagnosis of candidemia is of vital importance in reducing mortality and morbidity. The main objective of the study was to determine the TTP (Time to Positivity) of different species of <em>Candida </em>causing blood- stream infection and to see whether TTP can help differentiate <em>Candida glabrata </em>which is frequently fluconazole resistant from Fluconazole sensitive <em>Candida</em>.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>TTP (Time to positivity) and AAT (Appropriate Antifungal therapy) were noted for Blood cultures becoming positive for <em>Candida</em>. Presence of Risk factors for candidemia like prolonged ICU stay, neutropenia, Total Paren- teral Nutrition (TPN), use of steroids , broad spectrum antibiotics, use of Central Venous Catheter, Foleys catheter were also analyzed.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>The most frequent isolates were <em>Candida parapsilosis</em>, <em>Candida tropicalis </em>and <em>Candida albicans. </em>The median TTP for all <em>Candida </em>isolates in our study was 34 hours. The diagnostic sensitivity of TTP for detecting <em>C. glabrata </em>and <em>C. tropicalis </em>in patients with candidemia was 88% and 85% respectively. TTP showed that there was no difference in survival between TTP &lt;24 hrs. and &gt; 24hrs. Initiation of antifungal therapy &lt;24 hours and &gt; 24hrs after onset of candidemia had no association with survival.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Longer TTP maybe predictive of <em>C. glabrata </em>while shorter TTP may be predictive of <em>C. tropicalis. </em>In our study we found that fluconazole resistant <em>Candida </em>causing blood stream infection is quite unlikely if the TTP of the isolate is &lt;48hrs.</p> Arun Sachu, Sanjo Sunny, Philip Mathew, Ajeesh Kumar, Alice David Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15361 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:05:57 +0000 Identification and assessment of antifungal susceptibility of Candida species based on bronchoalveolar lavage in immunocompromised and critically ill patients https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15362 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>The presence of fungi in the respiratory tract as mycobiome, particularly <em>Candida </em>species (spp.), remains a serious problem due to increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. The confirmed reliable ex- istence of these pathogens due to frequent colonization is essential. This investigation aimed to recognize <em>Candida </em>spp. among isolates from bronchoalveolar lavage of immunocompromised and critically ill patients and to evaluate their suscep- tibility to antimycotic drugs.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected from 161 hospitalized patients presenting with sus- pected respiratory fungal infection /colonization. The specimens were examined by standard molecular and mycological assays. <em>Candida </em>spp. were recognized with sequence assessment of the D1-D2 section of the large subunit ribosomal DNA. The susceptibility of <em>Candida </em>isolates to common antimycotic drugs was distinguished by standard broth microdilution.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy-one clinical isolates of <em>Candida </em>spp. were recognized. <em>Candida albicans </em>was the most frequent, followed by <em>C. glabrata, C. krusei </em>(<em>Pichia kudriavzevii</em>), <em>C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, </em>and <em>C. tropicalis. </em>We found 5.1% of <em>C. albi- cans </em>isolates and 8% of <em>C. glabrata </em>isolates to show resistance to fluconazole. The whole of the <em>Candida </em>spp. were sensitive to amphotericin B and caspofungin.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated that <em>C. albicans </em>and <em>C. glabrata </em>are the most common isolates of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients, and the drug susceptibility screening confirmed that amphotericin B and caspofungin are effective against <em>Candida </em>spp. but some <em>C.&nbsp; glabrata </em>and <em>C. albicans </em>isolates showed resistance to fluconazole.</p> Robabeh Rezaei, Rasoul Aliannejad, Mehraban Falahati, Zeinab Ghasemi, Mahtab Ashrafi-Khozani, Mahsa Fattahi, Tandis Razavi, Shirin Farahyar Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15362 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:19:24 +0000 First report of amphotericin B resistant Candida haemulonii isolated from the ICU of a referral hospital in Indonesia https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15363 <p><strong>Background and Objectives: </strong>Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent commonly used to treat <em>Candida haemulonii </em>infection. <em>C. haemulonii </em>was isolated from patients reported to be intrinsically resistant to amphotericin B, en- coded by the ERG2 and ERG11 genes. However, there have been limited studies concerning amphotericin B-resistant <em>C. haemulonii </em>in Indonesia. The objective of this study is to explore the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics (ERG2 and ERG11) of <em>C. haemulonii </em>isolated from the ICU of a referral hospital in Indonesia.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Identification and susceptibility tests were conducted using VITEK2. Thereafter, DNA was ex-tracted and amplified using conventional PCR followed by DNA sequencing (Sanger method).</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of the phenotypic susceptibility test showed that all <em>C. haemulonii </em>were resistant to amphotericin B. ERG2 and ERG11 sequences showed the same amino acid sequence and corresponded to references that are resistant to amphotericin B.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The resistant properties of <em>C. haemulonii </em>against amphotericin B found in this study require further exploration, including comparing resistant and sensitive <em>C. haemulonii </em>to amphotericin B. In addition, it is necessary to analyze other genes besides ERG2 and ERG11.</p> Rifdah Hanifah, Mardiastuti Wahid, Andi Yasmon Copyright (c) 2024 Iranian Journal of Microbiology https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJM/article/view/15363 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:23:28 +0000