davoud esmaeili

In this work, a facile and fast phytosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were reported employing an aqueous extracts of flowering shoot tips of Hypericum perforatum L. (H. perforatum). UV-Vis Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), X-ray Diffraaction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were applied to characterize the fabrication of ZnO NPs. TEM results show a semi-spherical shape and a size range of 14 nm for synthesized ZnO Nps and also represented UV-Vis absorption at 365 nm. The antibacterial activity of phytosynthesized ZnO NPs and the aqueous extract of H. perforatum were also measured including: zone of inhibition, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The bacteria examined in this study are Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (both of which are the most common causes of nosocomial infections), and Bacillus subtilis. Regarding the antibacterial properties of the synthetic samples, the best results were obtained with H.perforatum/ZnO NPs against B. subtilis. as follows: inhibition zone diameter at 1000 μg mL-1, 18 mm, MIC and MBC values of 39.06 μg mL-1 and 78.12 μg mL-1. Considering the favorable antibacterial activity of synthesized ZnO NPs using H. perforatum extract, they can be applied in bio-medicinal applications, particularly as nanobiotics.

Acinetobacter baumannii strains harboring Meallobetalactamases (MBL) pose a significant threat in the context of nosocomial infections. The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of devising a Multiplex PCR methodology for the concurrent detection of MBL genes within A. baumannii strains prevalent in Tehran City, Iran.

Between October 2020 and February 2021, 100 strains of A. baumannii were procured from burn specimens of hospitalized patients at Motahhari Hospital in Tehran. The identification of A. baumannii strains involved conventional biochemical techniques, coupled with confirmation of the presence of the bla OXA-51 gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion test. MBL-producing strains were characterized through a phenotypic approach employing the combined disk test, alongside Multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of bla VIM, bla IMP, bla GIM, and bla NDM genes. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-square test, with SPSS version 20.0 employed for data processing.

Among 100 strains examined, 96.1% exhibited positivity for MBL, as determined by the combined disk test. The study revealed a predominance of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, with colistin demonstrating the highest level of sensitivity. The genotypic assay unveiled that Multiplex PCR identified bla VIM, bla NDM, and bla IMP in 20 strains, bla VIM and bla NDM in 30 strains, and exclusively the bla NDM gene in 45 strains. Notably, the Multiplex PCR technique exhibited the capacity to concurrently detect MBL genes (bla VIM, bla IMP, bla GIM, bla NDM) in 2 strains.

The current investigation underscores prevalence of the bla NDM gene within clinical strains of A. baumannii. Furthermore, Multiplex PCR emerges as a robust and highly sensitive technique for rapid discernment of the MBL genes within in A. baumannii strains.

Traditional medicine may play an essential role in wound healing. This study aimed to assess the effect of a natural ointment on wound healing in the first stage of an open wound.  This randomized clinical trial study included 80 patients with pilonidal sinus referred to our hospital in Tehran from 2020 to 2021 who underwent open surgery. Patients were divided into two groups receiving medication and the control group using the block randomization method. Chi-square was used to describe qualitative variables, and T-test was used to describe quantitative variables. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used according to the type of variable distribution. It was used to compare the means of each group. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Wound healing time, pain intensity, need for analgesic compounds, and wound secretion were significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group (P <0.001).  The effect of this natural ointment on wound healing appears promising. Further studies are recommended.

 Rapid antigen and antibody, serological tests, and RT ‑ PCR-based molecular methods are widely used to detect microorganisms worldwide. This study aimed to detect the covid-19 using Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques.

 In this study, we collected 200 samples of nasopharynx and oropharynx from Jamaran Heart Hospital in Tehran. Covid -19 was examined by LAMP-RT PCR and Real-Time RT- PCR techniques. The nasopharynx and oropharynx nucleic acids were extracted both by pishtaz RNA extraction kit. LAMP-RT-PCR was performed on direct samples, while Real-Time RT-PCR samples were tested only using RNA extraction samples. The probe-primer mixture of this kit was designed using a dual-target gene method that simultaneously targets the genomic sequences of the spike region and N nucleocapsid. Fluorescence was measured using Real-Time RT-PCR and LAMP-RT PCR.

Clinical specimens (56%) were positive using Real-Time RT-PCR technique, with mean Ct values less than 30. Clinical samples (52%) were positive for Covid-19 in the RT-LAMP technique of RNA extraction samples. RT-LAMP technique indicated a sensitivity of 92.8%. Also in the RT-LAMP method without RNA extraction, the sensitivity of the technique was 85.7%.

 The LAMP-RT PCR technique is emerging as an appropriate alternative to the Real-Time RT-PCR method. This technique has basic advantages, such as constant temperature amplification, thermal cycle elimination, faster results, and potentially greater detection capacity. Therefore, the RT-LAMP-PCR can be used as a quick and cost-effective technique that can be employed in all areas.

 Conventional anti-cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc., are linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and have negative effects on healthy tissues. The flow cytometry technique was used in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified anti-cancer peptide in treating the AGS gastric cancer cell line.

 This study used bioinformatics software to determine the EntA-PynR-Lac gene sequence. The engineered E. coli BL21 bacterium was used to express recombinant proteins derived from the synthesized fusion gene cloned into the pET22b expression vector. A recombinant protein was designed, and its three-dimensional structure and stability were evaluated. Using Western blotting and nickel column chromatography, the recombinant protein was confirmed and purified. In addition, the MTT technique was used to determine the cell lethality of various concentrations of the recombinant protein in AGS cells. Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of apoptosis in AGS cells treated with the desired protein concentrations.

According to the results of the MTT test, the 80µg/mL concentration of recombinant protein showed significant cytotoxic effects on the AGS cell line. Furthermore, using flow cytometry, it was found that cancer cells treated with this concentration of recombinant protein exhibited higher rates of total apoptosis than untreated cancer cells.

 Inhibition of proliferation and growth of gastric cancer cells by this recombinant protein has been shown to be effective. The anti-apoptotic characteristics of the fusion protein make it useful for both therapeutic and preventative purposes when treating cancer cells.

 Broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance genes are one of the most common developing resistance genes worldwide. Accordingly, it is of paramount importance to study the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes to report them to physicians to select the most appropriate treatment.

 This study aimed to detect three genes of ESBL such as TEM, AmpC, and KPC simultaneously.

 Primers were designed for ESBL genes such as TEM, AmpC, and KPC with Genscript software. In this study, control-positive genes were used for the PCR set-up. Fifty isolates of Escherichia coli isolated in the Baqiyatallah Hospital were confirmed and checked by Multiplex PCR.

 This study revealed that TEM, AmpC, and KPC primers could detect positive control genes. The sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex PCR technique for these genes were 0.001 ng and 100%, respectively.

 This study revealed that a Multiplex PCR with a sensitivity of 0.001 ng and 100% specificity can detect ESBL genes precisely. Accordingly, the rapid and precise detection of the antibiotic resistance genes and the recommendation of an appropriate treatment pattern can decrease the distribution of antibiotic resistance occurrence and economic cost.

 Treating gastric cancer and antibacterial remains a major challenge. There have been many reports about the positive effects of carvacrol and anti-cancer peptides contributing to cancer inhibition and antibacterial activities.

 This study aimed to determine antibacterial and anti-cancer effects of modified carvacrol against AGS gastric cancer cell line by adopting the flow cytometry technique.

 The treatment of cells with modified carvacrol containing anti-cancer peptide was used to evaluate the apoptosis effect against the AGS cell line. The treatment of AGS cells was performed by adopting flow cytometry in order to evaluate the apoptosis. Disc diffusion and MIC methods were used to determine the antibacterial effects.

 The results showed that cells treated with carvacrol and anti-cancer peptide at a concentration of 0.125 µg/mL induced a 31-fold apoptotic effect. Phosphate buffered saline was used as the control group for the treatment that induced a 63% apoptotic effect on the AGS cell line. The results of antibacterial activity suggested that the modified carvacrol had antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 6 µg/mL, Growth inhibition zone with diameter of 20mm) and Escherichia coli (12 µg/mL, Growth inhibition zone with diameter 16). The results also revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of the compound was 6 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, while this value was 12 µg/mL for Escherichia coli.

 Since the anti-cancer properties of modified carvacrol mixture with anti-cancer peptide induced 1.25 times more than phosphate-buffered saline, the above combination may have been used to treat and induce apoptotic activity against gastric cancer cell lines.

Legionella is an aquatic bacterium that causes Legionnaires' fever.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Legionella stopper pipes and fittings of George Fisher Company on controlling Legionella growth in indoor water supply systems.

Fifty-six samples of hot and cold-water systems were collected and characterized. The culture was performed in BCYE agar. Molecular detection was performed by PCR.

The mean residual chlorine was 0.73 to 0.88 mg/L. Culture results were positive in 58.8% of George Fischer samples and 23.5% of Ray Ho samples. Sixty percent of Taleghani hospital samples were positive. The PCR results based on 16sRNA in the George Fischer system, Ray Ho piping, and Taleghani hospital were positive in 35.2%, 45.4%, and 54.5%, respectively. Based on the mip gene, 82.3% of George Fischer samples, 54.5% of RayHo samples, and 20% of Taleghani hospital samples were positive.

GeorFischer's Legionella stopper pipes and fittings demonstrated appropriate antibacterial properties against Legionella pneumophila. Due to the growth inhibition of Legionella in the indoor water supply system, it can be a suitable option for plumbing systems.

Legionella is a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium that is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella is a ubiquitous aquatic bacterium, especially in cooling systems. Several studies have investigated Legionella contamination in natural and man-made water resources. Legionella is resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants; thus, it is important to consider it in places where people with immunodeficiency are kept.

The aim of this study was to detect the Legionella pneumophila mip gene in clinical samples, kidney transplants, and dialysis wards by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

In this study, 156 samples were taken from the kidney transplant and dialysis wards. DNA extraction was done. After confirmation of primers, PCR was performed to amplify 16srRNA and mip genes. The PCR product was electrophoresed on agarose gel 1%.

Among the samples, 23 samples were infected with Legionella (14.7%), of which 7 samples were identified for the mip gene (4.5%) and 16 samples for 16srRNA (10.2%). The confirmation of the presence of these genes was done by sequencing. In serum, tissue, urine, hot water, and cold water samples were positive for the 16srRNA gene (7.5%, 26.66%, 7.14%, 20%, and 6.66%, respectively). Among these samples, 50% of tissue samples, 25% of urine, and 33.33% of hot water were positive for the mip gene.

The presence of L. pneumophila in aqueous samples of transplant and dialysis wards is important. Therefore, rapid detection of this bacterium or the mip gene by a molecular method can play an important role in reducing infection and transplant rejection.

The preparation and application of novel nanocatalysts for oxidation reaction via a simple, effective, green method remains a challenge; thus, in this study, a facile and eco-friendly approach is suggested to fabricate pomegranate peel extract (PPE) functionalized on silicate-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-PPE). The physicochemical characteristics of the magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2-PPE nanocomposite were evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. SEM images showed well-distributed nanoparticles in shape and size with a mean diameter of 42 nm. FT-IR and TEM images proved appropriate functionalization with pomegranate peel extract. The Fe3O4@SiO2-PPE nanocatalyst was found to be useful in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols to the relevant aldehydes/ketones without significant over oxidation and with good-to-excellent (about 95%) yields under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. The results revealed that the prepared catalyst was easily recovered and reused for five consecutive oxidation cycles without losing selectivity towards desired products in the benzyl alcohol oxidation.

SARS-CoV-2 was identified in late 2019 as a respiratory disease agent called COVID-19. Several drug therapies have been studied to treat COVID-19, none of which have had a definite effect so far. In mild cases of the disease, treatment is careful to reduce the symptoms of the disease, and in severe cases, the patient must be hospitalized to receive different treatments. There are several medications available, many of which are still being evaluated, and there is still no definitive cure for COVID-19

In this study, an attempt is made to investigate various treatment methods, including the use of L-CapA-L-CapC Anticancer-L-Rib-fusion protein in the treatment of COVID-19 in terms of bioinformatics. In this study, the use of bacterial peptides antiviral drugs is emphasized to introduce appropriate treatment to control SARS-CoV-2

L-CapA-L-CapC Anticancer-L-Rib- fusion protein and Spike virus sequences were extracted using NCBI database. Then, using various software such as SWISS-MODEL and Expasy, the structural model of the protein and its quality were determined. The immunogenicity of L-CapA-L-CapC Anticancer-L-Rib fusion protein was also evaluated.

Based on the bioinformatics results, L-CapA-L-CapC Anticancer-L-Rib fusion protein has a dense and complex structure and in addition to its anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, it can be used in the treatment of COVID-19.

Non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma or cold plasma is defined as an ionized gas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cold plasma on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Also, the expression level of the alp virulence gene before and after treatment with cold plasma was compared with the Housekeeping gene gyrA.

P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from hospitalized burn patients at Shahid Motahari Burns Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility test. Then, the antibacterial effect of atmospheric non-thermal plasma was evaluated on P. aeruginosa in as in vitro and in vivo studies at different times on Muller Hinton agar and in mouse model (treated by plasma every day/ 90 sec). The histopathological study was evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Data were analyzed using SPSS software by the Chi-square test and Pvalues less than 0.05 considered as statistically significant.

Results indicated that non-thermal atmospheric plasma inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa. The non-thermal helium plasma accelerates wound healing for 6 days. Results showed that cold plasma decreased virulence gene expression alp after treatment. Therefore, cold plasma can be suggested as a complementary therapeutic protocol to reduce bacterial infection and accelerate wound healing and reduce the expression of virulence genes of pathogens.

Cold plasma showed pathogen inhibitory properties of P. aeruginosa and virulence alkaline protease and wound healing properties in animal models, so this inexpensive and suitable method can be presented to the medical community to disinfect burn wounds and improve wound healing.

Efflux pumps such as MexEF-OprN and mexXY-OprM play an important role in the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) to antibiotics. The present study aimed to assess the reduced expression of efflux pump genes of P. aeruginosa with Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO). The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The disk diffusion method was used for susceptibility testing of gentamicin and norfloxacin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for gentamicin and norfloxacin. The antibacterial efficacy of SKEO was defined by determining the MIC values using the microdilution method. In vitro, the synergistic interaction of SKEO combined with gentamicin or norfloxacin was examined via checkerboard assay and defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration index. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to measure changes in the expression of the efflux pump genes. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0, and p The MIC values of SKEO were in the range of 6 to 12 µg/mL. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations (1.16 to 2 MIC) of SKEO, synergistic effects were revealed using the checkerboard method. The effect of norfloxacin and gentamicin increased up to 8-fold. The expression of mexY and mexE was reduced after treatment with SKEO. SKEO reduced the expression of efflux pumps and the MIC values of norfloxacin and gentamicin in vitro.

Industrial wastewater is worldwide health concern. Microorganisms present in the environment have an important role in the biodegradation of lipids, fats and proteins from wastewater. In this regard, microbial lipases and proteases are interesting research targets because of high stability, broad substrate specificity, high yields and availability. In this study, we analyze sequences encoding lipase of Pseudomonas putida and subtilisin of Bacillus subtilis for generation of a new recombinant protein for degradation of environmental contaminations caused by lipids and proteins.  

In this study, sequences of the genes encoding lipase and subtilisin were obtained from GenBank. To predict the 3D structure of the protein, modeling was carried out. The prediction of secondary structure, tertiary structure and solvent accessibility was carried using bioinformatics tools including I-TASSER, GoR4 and ExPasy   

The lipase-subtilisin fusion protein was well-characterized by bioinformatical studies with appropriate spatial and secondary structures. The protein had appropriate hydrophilicity, biological half-life and thermal and acidic stability. The codon optimization was performed appropriately   

Overall, the bioinformatical analysis of the designed protein showed that the recombinant lipase-subtilisin protein has a stable structure both in vitro and in vivo, a negative normalized B-factor and lipolytic and proteolytic activities, which makes it suitable for treatment of lipid and protein contaminations.

Bacterial resistance to most common antibiotics is a harbinger of the requirement to find novel anti-infective, antimicrobials agents, and increase innovative strategies to struggle them. Numerous bacteria produce small peptides with antimicrobial activities called bacteriocin. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial properties of the fusion protein of Enterocin A and Colicin E1 modified against pathogens. Analysis of recombinant bacteriocin Enterocin A and Colicin E1 (ent A-col E1) was performed to assay the stability and antibacterial activity of this fusion protein. The pET-22b vector was employed to express the coding sequence of the ent A-col E1 peptide in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), disk diffusion, and time-kill tests were performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the ent A-col E1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591). The suggested recombinant peptide had good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. It has also good stability at various temperatures, pH levels, and salt concentrations. Because bacteriocins are harmless compounds, they can be recommended as therapeutic or preventive supplements to control pathogens. According to the obtained results, the ent A-col E1 peptide can serve as an efficient antibacterial compound to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

Helicobacter pylori is recognized as one of the prevalent causes of human gastric infection. In the present study, the role of mixed immunization with H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant cytotoxin-associated gene A (rCagA) as a stimulator of host immune responses was determined.

BALB/c mice were immunized with different formulations by the systemic administration at 14-day intervals. The effects of the formulations plus CpG adjuvants were assessed before and post-immunization in separated studies. Moreover, the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines was quantified in sera of immunized mice using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test and the protein levels confirmed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, the specific antibody levels in sera were studied by ELISA and the tendency of cellular response was examined by IgG1/IgG2a ratio.

Data of Western blotting verified the presence of constructed protein. Analysis of lymphocyte proliferation showed that CpG-conjugated rCagA increases lymphocytes proliferation compared to the control group. Also, it was shown that formulations containing LPS and rCagA promote a Th1 response indicated by interferon-gamma expression and induced Th1/ Th2 balance. Additionally, the specific IgG1, total IgG and IgG2a levels elevated in response to all treatments. Ultimately, the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio in the mice immunized with rCagA-containing formulations increased.

These results indicated that rCagA protein carried with CpG adjuvant not only maintained its antigenicity throughout the experiment but also induced robust Th1-biased immune responses. Therefore, it holds promise for the production of an efficient vaccine against H. pylori infection.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that function through various mechanisms and affect the alteration of the commensal microbiota against pathogens. Nowadays, given the problems associated with antibiotics use, probiotic strains offer a novel and appropriate alternative for the treatment of diseases such as diarrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial synergism of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (ECN) on the clinical sample of diarrheagenic E.coli and Campylobacter jejuni.

A paper disk-diffusion technique was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Sterile 6 mm paper disks were saturated with probiotic suspensions made by settling probiotic medications into distilled water. Three kinds of disk were prepared. One disk was prepared for Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., another for ECN, and the third was made by combined probiotics. Clinical samples of diarrheagenic E.coli and Campylobacter jejuni were cultivated on Muller Hinton agars, and disks were placed on the inoculated Muller Hinton agars. All plates were incubated under microaerophilic and appropriate conditions.

The zone of inhibition (ZOI) of the bacterial growth was measured. All pathogenic microorganisms showed sensitivity to the probiotic disks. The combined disks had better effects against pathogens compared with single disks.

A considerable synergistic effect was observed in the results of combined probiotics; therefore, combined strains can be more efficient against intestinal pathogens in comparison with single probiotics.

In recent years, the risk of acquiring antibiotic resistance has been increasing due to the widespread use of antibiotics. This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern in patients referred to Ali-ebn Abi-Taleb hospital.

In a descriptive study, samples of urine, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and body fluid were collected from patients referred to Ali-ebn Abi-Taleb Hospital from September 2014 to February 2015. Of these, 687 isolates identified as E. coli were tested for antibiotic susceptibility against 15 antibiotics by the Kirby- Bauer method based on CLSI 2015. The relevant prevalence, percentage, and mean were reported using SPSS (version 16).

A total of 10824 samples were collected. A total of 866 isolates were grown on an agar medium, and 80.3% of the samples were isolated from women. The highest rate of antibiotic resistance was reported to be for Amoxicillin (82.2%). The lowestrate of antibiotic resistance was reported against Nitrofurantoin (14%).

We concluded there is an increasing rate of antibiotic resistance among E. coli isolates. Therefore, the necessity of identifying drug resistance is apparent using precise and straightforward methods to prevent the extensive distribution of antibiotic resistantagents.

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.
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.
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.
Given the favorable antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants, it is recommended to use them for treatment of burn wound infections.

Coagulase enzyme is one of the most important virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which could be used for differentiation of S. aureus from other Staphylococcal species. The relationship between the genotype of coagulase and the enterotoxigenic strain of S. aureus is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate coa gene typing in enterotoxigenic strain of S. aureus. A total of 21 enterotoxigenic S. aureus strains were assayed. A specific pair primer for coa gene amplification was selected. Gene extraction from the bacterial strain was carried out separately. Then, the coa gene amplification by PCR was performed. Using the bioinformatics methods in Silico and comparing PCR products with reference samples in silico, the search for AluI restriction enzyme digestion sites was determined. The results of coa gene amplification showed that only 20 S. aureus strains have this genetic element and consist of eight classes of coa gene based on their size, ranging from 352 to 1200 bp amplicons. All amplified fragments have fragments restriction enzyme AluI site action except fragment 352 bp which prone to genotyped. The frequency of the coa genotype in this study was type I (42.85%), type IV (19%), type II (9.5%) and others (4.76%) respectively. The results of alignment coa gene types with enterotoxigenicity showed that the potent enterotoxin producer was related to coa gene type II and VI. The study results indicated that the coa gene by primer pairs could have an amplified different size fragment. The comparison finding with references is a simple and accurate method for genotyping of the S. aureus isolate and it would be able to determine the type of enterotoxins produced.

Expressions of lasA and lasB genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with bacterium pathogenicity. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO) extract on expression of lasA and lasB genes in P. aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were cultured in Mueller Hinton broth containing sub-inhibitory concentrations of SKEO and total RNA extracted using Trizol method. cDNA was synthesized using random Hexamer primer and finally the expression of lasA and lasB genes carried out by real-time PCR. The MICs of SKEO extract for PA9, PA10, PA11, PA13, PA41 and PA42 isolates were 8, 8, 8, 9, 7 and 12 µg/ml, respectively. Statistical analysis for 6 isolates revealed that the reduction in expression of lasA and lasB genes under SKEO treatment was significant (P<0.05). The insignificantly increasing of lasB gene expression may lead to low virulent strains, for probably reason that the strain’s exotoxin A are destroyed in the high amount of protease. In conclusion, using of SKEO in burned patients infected with P. aeruginosa may be effective; however, it is better to assess the spectrum activity of SKEO, pharmacokinetics, potency and its toxicity in human cells.

Brucellosis is one of the current zoonotic diseases, still a health hazard in many countries, and progressive research programs are necessary to control and eradicate this disease in endemic areas. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are capable of allocating immunity and protection antigen in mice. CagA is an immunogenic protein of Helicobacter pylori. Because OMPs are part of Brucella </em>spp, they have been conferred as potential immunogenic and protective antigens. In this study, the gene sequence which encoding TN-OMPs was obtained from GenBank. To estimate the 3D structure of the protein, modeling, prediction of secondary and tertiary structure, immunogenicity, allergenic sites and antigenic B-cell and T-cell epitopes were performed. The conserved domain of proteins was obtained and the epitopes of TN-OMPs were capable of inducing both B-cell and T-cell mediated immune responses. CagA is a cellular immunogenic protein that induces a Th1 response. The OMPs of Brucella could be used as a suitable vaccine candidate versus brucellosis.

Infections resulting from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are important due to their highest resistance against all clinically used antibiotics. To date, 11 different efflux pumps of the RND family in P. aeruginosa that enable the efflux of antibiotics/anti-microbial production have been detected. Carvacrol of Satureja khuzestanica is one of the most effective compounds with the ability to affect bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate herbal compounds with inhibitory activities. These pumps include MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexEF-OprN, MexGHI-OpmD, MexJK-OprM/OpmH, MexMN, MexPQ-OpmE, MexVW-OprM, MexXY-OprM, TriABC-OpmH, and MuxABC-OpmB (1). Unfortunately, among bacteria, P. aeruginosa are highly resistant to drug compounds (3). Because of this high resistance, its importance in nosocomial infections and burns, and that it often causes diseases in immunocompromised patients, finding a therapeutic supplement is essential. In this study, drug compounds against efflux pump genes were sought.