جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه "polymerase chain reaction" در نشریات گروه "پزشکی"

Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type I (HTLV1) infection has been reported in patients with a variety of skin lesions in some parts of the world, especially in endemic areas. Infective Dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 (IDH) is the prototypic dermatologic manifestation of infection. However, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been reported in Iran as an endemic area yet. It is aimed to investigate the prevalence of HTLV1 infection among patients with common endogenous dermatitis.  During a cross-sectional study, blood samples of 100 patients with both clinical and pathological diagnoses of common endogenous dermatitis including atopic, seborrheic, and nummular dermatitis who were referred to the Dermatology Clinic of Ghaem and Imam Reza Hospitals, Mashhad, Iran were obtained and evaluated for the presence of anti –HTLV-1 antibody using the ELISA method. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for HTLV-1 was conducted in cases where the anti-HTLV1 antibody was positive. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, Chicago, IL, USA.  Among 100 samples, two cases including erythrodermic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis were positive according to the ELISA method (2.0%). The dermatitis in HTLV1-positive patients was erythematous, scaly, with a generalized distribution and a recurrent nature, but did not complete the Infective Dermatitis (ID) criterion.  In Iran as an endemic area, HTLV1-associated dermatitis may be present as recurrent generalized erythematous and scaly rash instead of known typical features of infective dermatitis.

Airway fungal infection is a severe clinical problem, especially in patients with compromised immune functions. Here, we examined the distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungal agents isolated from respiratory tract of symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units.

This descriptive cross-sectional study took place from 2023 to 2024, involving 360 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum specimens were collected and analyzed using mycological and molecular methods for this study. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was carried out using the broth micro dilution method.

Of a total of 360 respiratory specimens, 114 (31.6%) were positive. The male-to-female ratio was 63:51 (1.3%). Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were the most common yeast and mold species. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had the highest rate of colonization with fungal agents (47/114, 41%). The isolates associated with COPD in this study included Aspergillus species (4/12, 3.5%), Candida species (41/96, 36%), and other fungal species (2/6, 1.5%). Coughing (87%) was the predominant symptom, and malignancy (52%) was the predominant comorbidity factor. The result of AFST for antifungal agents showed that 9 (22.5%) Candida isolates were resistant, and the highest rate of resistance was related to voriconazole agent (5/9, 55.5%). Resistance to antifungal agents was not observed among Aspergillus isolates.

This study showed a significant relationship between the frequency of Aspergillus and Candida species in patients with underlying lung diseases. In addition, voriconazole was more effective than itraconazole, especially against Aspergillus flavus.

Mycoplasma hominis is a significant contributor to bacterial infections of the genital tract. Research indicates that this pathogen is linked to various disorders, including bacterial vaginosis, infertility, miscarriages, and premature births.

A total of 160 Dacron swab samples were collected from vaginal endocervical tissues. This included 80 samples from women experiencing infertility (the experimental group) and 80 samples from healthy women (the control group). Upon arrival at the laboratory, each sample was cultured in both PPLO solid medium and liquid PPLO broth. The genomic DNA was extracted using a kit (Sinaclon, Iran, Sina Pure DNA KIT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using specific primers.

Out of the 160 endocervical specimens cultured on PPLO agar media, 19 samples (23.75%) tested positive for Mycoplasma hominis. Specifically, 18 samples (22.5%) were from the experimental group, while 1 sample (1.25%) was obtained from the control group. Additionally, PCR analysis revealed that 34 samples (42.5%) were positive for M. hominis, 29 samples (36.25%) from the experimental group and 5 samples (6.25%) from the control group.

The findings of this study indicate that a significant proportion of infertile women are affected by Mycoplasma hominis infections. Furthermore, PCR proves to be a rapid and highly sensitive method for diagnosing M. hominis.

Street foods offer convenient meal options for the consumer, but pose safety concerns if not handled or served with proper hygiene. The purpose of the present study was the microbial evaluation of street vended Vada pav samples sold at popular locations in Anand city using the conventional culture technique and molecular characterization via Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Duplicate samples were collected from seven different locations (n=14) across five zones: East (2), West (1), North (1), South (1), and Central (2) during June 2023. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were isolated and identified. For the microbial screening, bacterial enumeration, colony morphology, Gram's reaction, and biochemical characterization were performed. Amplification of nuc (S. aureus), nheA (B. cereus), phoA (E. coli), and 16S rRNA (Salmonella spp.) genes were carried out via Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. 

Total Viable Count (TVC) ranged from 3.93 to 6.08 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/g while the Yeast and Mold Counts ranged from 2.30 to 4.28 log CFU/g. Using the conventional culture technique, the prevalence of S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. coli were found to be 3/14, 2/14, and 3/14, respectively; whereas based on molecular characterization, the prevalence was 0/14, 2/14, and 3/14, respectively. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the samples.

The study indicates a potential health hazard for consumers due to microbial contamination of street vended Vada pav samples. Consequently, it is crucial to regulate and improve hygienic practices in street food vendors.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most common parasitic diseases in many regions of Iran. It has a major role in deprived societies. We aimed to identify Leishmania species based on molecular as ITS1-rDNA-PCR internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region, microscopy, and culture techniques in diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis.

From April 2018 to May 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 32 patients with suspected CL lesions in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, located in southeast Iran. Samples were subjected to microscopic examination, culture, and PCR amplification targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region. DNA sequencing was performed on PCR-positive samples for species identification and phylogenetic analysis.

PCR demonstrated superior sensitivity (93.75%, 30/32) compared to culture (56.25%, 18/32) and microscopic examination (53.1%, 17/32). Molecular analysis revealed that L. major was the predominant causative agent of CL in the study area, with L. tropica occurring less frequently. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 region showed high intraspecies similarity among L. tropica isolates, while L. major isolates exhibited greater genetic diversity.

This study shows the co-existence of L. major and L. tropica in Mirjaveh, southeast Iran, with L. major as the primary cause. While L. tropica isolates displayed high genetic similarity, L. major samples were more diverse, indicating different epidemiological patterns. These findings highlight the importance of molecular methods for accurately identifying Leishmania species and understanding CL epidemiology in the region.

The most common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) in children is idiopathic NS, also called nephrosis. The most prominent clinical signs are hyperlipidemia, severe proteinuria, edema, swelling of body tissues, and an increased risk of infection. The object of this study was to examine the correlation of the ABCB1 gene (rs10276036, C > T), IL-18, and TNFα to the prevalence of NS among Egyptian children having NS.

This study included 100 participants with NS and 100 healthy controls. To analyze the ABCB1 gene (rs10276036 C >T) variant PCR technique was used. IL-18 and TNF levels were estimated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Increased frequency of CT and TT genotypes of the ABCB1 gene (rs10276036 C / T) in NS patients compared to controls, with p-value = 0.001, OR = 2.270, CI = (1.550-3.327) for CT genotype and p-value = 0.001, OR = 5.070, CI = (2.463-10.438) for TT genotype. The frequencies of ABCB1 (rs10276036 C >T) genotypes were statistically significant in the dominant model (OR 2.560; p< 0.001) and in the recessive model OR, 3.231; p= 0.001). Significantly high levels of both IL-18 and TNFα were found in NS patients compared to controls.

The ABCB1gene (rs10276036 C/T), IL-18, and TNFα are associated with the prevalence of NS in Egyptian children and might be considered as independent risk factors for its incidence.

Vitamin D deficiency in viral infection associated with autoimmune diseases is well documented. This study assessed the prevalence of JC virus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and its correlation with vitamin D level.

Serum and urine samples were collected from 50 patients with RA and SLE. DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR test. Positive PCR products were sequenced, phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the JC virus genotype. The patient’s vitamin D level was evaluated.

Of 50 patients, 19 (38%) were diagnosed as RA, and 31 (62%) were identified as SLE. JC virus DNA was detected in 17 (34%) patients’ urine samples including 5 (26.3%) RA and 12 (38.7%) SLE cases. JC virus DNA was detected 2 (4%) in patients’ serum samples (one RA. and one SLE). JC virus genotype 3A was dominant. Interestingly, the SLE patients with positive JC virus showed lowered vitamin D compared to patients with negative JC virus (P<0.005).

Given the high rate of JC virus, DNA detection and susceptibility of patients for PML development, it is recommended that detection of JC virus DNA and vitamin D level should be implemented for patients with RA/SLE prior to treatment.

Leprosy in children is considered as an indicator of active disease transmission in the community. We report about a seven-year-old male from Telangana, India, with anesthetic skin lesions and familial leprosy history. Clinical examination revealed multiple, dry, scaly, hypopigmented, well-defined, raised punched out anesthetic skin lesions all over the body with both ulnar nerves enlarged. On clinical and laboratory examination, the child was diagnosed with borderline-borderline (BB), multibacillary (MB) leprosy, and Type-1 reaction. The child received a weight-adjusted MB multidrug therapy regimen and corticosteroids for type-1 reactions. This case emphasizes the need for contact tracing and screening for early diagnosis of child leprosy to prevent complications like leprosy reactions which are the risk factors for disability.

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common cancers and the fourth most common cancer affecting females, mostly affecting postmenopausal women. EC originates from the endometrium and is further sub-divided into two types that are estrogen dependent; type 1 and type 2 with different gene expression patterns. This research was carried out between December 2021 and August 2022 in the Laboratories of the College of Science/Department of Biology and the other local lab and PCR was employed to establish HOXA11 presence. The aims of the study were to reveal the histological alterations in malignant and benign tumors and normal endometrium and to examine the relationship between HOXA11 levels and clinicopathological parameters including stage, grade, muscle and lymph node invasion, and histological type.  The mean HOXA11 expression values were compared in cancer, benign, and control endometrial patients’ groups. The mean HOXA11 expression level was the lowest in endometrial cancer patients; they had a mean of 0. 24±0. 03, those with benign endometrial tumors had the second lowest with a mean of 0. 94±0. 06, while the control patients had the highest mean expression with 1. 00±0. 07. The comparison of the HOXA11 expression between the endometrial cancer patients and the control group showed a statistically significant difference (P-value >0. 001), thus underlining its diagnostic value. Also, there was a significant difference in the HOXA11 expression means between patients with benign tumors and control patients (P-value = 0. 021). As for HOXA11, the mean expression was relatively lower in the patients with benign endometrial tumors, 0. 94±0. 06 as compared to the control group 1. 00±0. 07. In addition, the mean HOXA11 expression in endometrial cancer patients was 0. 24±0. 03 which was significantly (P-value >0. 001) less than that in benign endometrial tumor patients. These results stress the importance of HOXA11 expression as a diagnostic marker and its possible application in differential diagnosis between endometrial cancer and benign neoplasms and normal tissues.

A significant association between endometrial vascularity and pregnancy has been shown in previous research, while poor vascularization was attributed to repeated implantation failure (RIF). One possible approach to enhance angiogenesis for successful implantation is endometrial scratching (ES).

The purpose was to investigate endometrial responses to scratching by profiling angiogenesis-related gene expression in unexplained RIF participants.

In this randomized controlled trial study, 20 infertile women with unexplained RIF were assigned to 2 groups by the balanced block randomization method (n = 10/each group): the intervention group (group A) (who received ES in the follicular phase) and the control group (group B). Endometrial biopsy was performed in the secretory phase. Gene expression profiling was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-array kit for human-angiogenic growth factors. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were also assessed.

Among the angiogenesis-promoting genes, FGF1, FGF13, FGF2, TGFA, ANG, ANGPT1, and VEGFA were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). IL12A (an angiogenesis-inhibiting cytokine) was significantly upregulated (p < 0.01). In contrast, 15 genes with angiogenesis-related functions, including CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL6, EREG, FIGF, FST, IL10, LEP, PPBP, PROK1, RHOB, TNF, and TYMP, were downregulated after ES. No significant differences were observed between the intervention (group A) and control (group B) groups in terms of implantation (43.75% vs. 28.57%) or clinical pregnancy rates (75% vs. 57.1%).

ES induced significant alterations in the expression of angiogenesis-related genes, with notable up/downregulation of key angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular responses triggered by ES, underscoring the potential influence of ES on the complex processes of angiogenesis crucial for implantation.

Torque teno virus (TTV) is a globally prevalent virus in humans, yet comprehensive knowledge about its prevalence, predominant transmission routes, and pathogenesis remains limited. This study aimed to assess the frequency of TTV infection among healthy blood donors in Yazd, Iran.

A total of 236 healthy blood donors, devoid of HIV/HBV/HCV infection markers, participated in the study from 2015 to 2016. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) utilizing a set of oligo primers for the 5΄- UTR region was employed to detect TTV DNA in serum samples.

The TTV genome was identified in 161 out of 236 (61.2%) healthy blood donors. The mean age for men and women was 43 and 57 years, respectively. Of the participants, 156 were male, and 107 were female. Donor age exhibited a significant association with virus presence (P=0.007); however, gender did not show a statistically significant association with the frequency of TTV infection in healthy blood donors (P=0.3).

The study revealed a notably high frequency of the Torque teno virus in Yazd province, aligning with similar findings globally. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of the virus in the healthy population.

Even though a few years have passed since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, information regarding certain aspects of the disease, such as post-infection immunity, is still quite limited. This study aimed to evaluate post-infection protection and COVID-19 features among healthcare workers (HCWs), during three successive surges, as well as the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection, reactivation, re-positivity, and severity. This cross-sectional population-level observational study was conducted from 20 April 2020 to 18 February 2021. The study population included all HCWs in public or private hospitals in Fars Province, Southern Iran. The infection rate was computed as the number of individuals with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests divided by the total number of person-days at risk. The re-infection was evaluated after 90 days.  A total of 30,546 PCR tests were performed among HCWs, of which 13,749 (61.94% of total HCWs) were positive. Considering the applied 90-day threshold, there were 44 (31.2%) cases of reactivation and relapse, and 97 (68.8% of infected and 1.81% of total HCWs) cases of reinfection among 141 (2.64%) diagnosed cases who experienced a second episode of COVID-19. There was no significant difference in symptoms (P=0.65) or the necessity for ICU admission (P=0.25). The estimated protection against repeated infection after a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94.8% (95% CI=93.6-95.7). SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity, relapse, and reinfection were rare in the HCW population. After the first episode of infection, an estimated 94.8% protection against recurring infections was achieved.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common bacterial infections. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of UTI. In this research, the prevalence of several virulence factors and beta-lactam resistance genes was investigated.

One hundred E. coli isolates were collected from patients’ specimens with UTI referred to Allame-Bohlol Gonabadi hospital. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify five pathogenic genes (fimH, aer, pap, hly, traT) and three antibiotic resistance genes (blaTEM, blaCTX, blaSHV).

The frequencies of blaSHV, blaTEM and blaCTX beta-lactamase genes among extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBLs) positive isolates were 11.1%, 48.1%, and 93.3%, respectively. A significant number of isolates were resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics.

Pathogenic genes may also increase the severity, progression, and expansion of urinary tract infections. Therefore, identifying these genes as critical controllers of illness can use for better manage the treatment.

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are found in malignant oral epithelial lesions, and HPV infection is proposed as a risk factor for initiating Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck region. This study suggests a practical approach to detect HPV in HPV-associated oral epithelial dysplasia (HAOED).

Fifty-four oral epithelial dysplasia specimens were examined, comprising twenty-seven cases diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia and twenty-seven cases diagnosed with low-grade dysplasia using a binary grading system. To assess the cases for HPV, the specimens were examined for p16 protein using an immunohistochemical (IHC) study, and then, the Chromatin In Situ Hybridization (CISH) test was performed for all positive cases. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ChIP-PCR) was performed on CISH-positive specimens to assess the outcome. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at Tehran University of Medical Science. SPSS software version 22.0 was used to perform the Chi square or Fisher’s exact test to examine the relationship between variables (statistically significant level P<0.05).

The expression of p16 protein was not associated with the severity of epithelial dysplasia (81.5% in low-grade and 59.2% in high-grade cases) (P=0.16). Moreover, according to the CISH test result, 9.25% of all specimens were positive (P>0.99), and in the nine cases, undergone the ChIP-PCR study, two cases (22.2%) showed positivity for HPV-16, while one case (11.1%) demonstrated positivity for HPV-51.

Regarding HAOED, here, we proposed a step-by-step combination approach using different diagnostic methods, including IHC for p16 protein, CISH, and ChIP-PCR based on a complementary algorithm.

Synovial fluid or tissue culture is the current gold standard for diagnosis of infection, but Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a frequent cause of shoulder PJI and is a notoriously fastidious organism. The purpose of this study was to compare quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to standard culture as a more rapid, sensitive means of identifying C. acnes from the glenohumeral joint. We hypothesized that qRT-PCR would be more effective than standard culture at identifying C. acnes and would have greater sensitivity and specificity for detecting infection. This was a prospective observational study with 100 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery with known positive and negative controls. Intraoperatively, synovial fluid and tissue was obtained for C. acnes qRT-PCR and results were blinded to the gold standard microbiology cultures. Clinical review demonstrated 3 patients (3%) with positive cultures, none of which were positive for C. acnes. Of the samples tested by the C. acnes qRT-PCR standard curve, 12.2% of tissue samples and 4.5% of fluid samples were positive. Culture sensitivity was 60.0%, specificity was 100.0%, PPV was 100.0%, and NPV was 97.9%. C. acnes qRT-PCR standard curve sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV was 60.0%, 90.3%, 25.0%, and 97.7% respectively for tissue specimens and 0%, 95.2%, 0%, and 95.2% respectively, for fluid specimens. For combination of culture and tissue qRT-PCR, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 100%, 90.3%, 35.7%, and 100%, respectively. We report that qRT-PCR for C. acnes identified the organism more frequently than conventional culture. While these findings demonstrate the potential utility of qRT-PCR, the likelihood of false positive results of qRT-PCR should be considered. Thus, qRT-PCR may be useful as an adjuvant to current gold standard workup of synovial fluid or tissue culture for the diagnosis of infection. Level of evidence: II

Gastroenteritis is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a high prevalence in children. Among pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are one of the main causes of this disease. Thus, the aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of diarrhea caused by human adenovirus (HAdV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in children with hematological diseases for the first time in Iran.

This study was conducted on 120 stool samples stored in the clinical sample bank of the Cellular and Molecular Research Center of Qom University of Medical Sciences. These samples were obtained from immunocompromised children with gastrointestinal symptoms, who referred to one of the children's hospitals in Qom during 2018 to 2019. Genomes were extracted from the stool samples and evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

The prevalence of HAdV and EBV was reported in seven (5.8%) and one (0.8%) cases, respectively, and CMV was detected in none of the samples. No cases of co-infection were observed.

This study results show that there are diarrhea-causing viruses among patients in the study area. Fortunately, the prevalence of these infectious agents in patients with underlying conditions was relatively low. However, monitoring of these viruses in the feces of all patients, especially immunocompromised patients, is recommended.