ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Current medications used for the treatment of burn wounds have some side effects and disadvantages. Oral or topical administration of probiotic bacteria is thought to be useful for treatment of skin disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of spray-dried Streptococcus thermophilus on healing of second-degree burn wounds.
              Methods: After induction of second-degree burn on back of 80 male Wistar rats, the animals were randomly allocated to negative control (no treatment), first vehicle control (treatment with Eucerin), second vehicle control (treatment with skim milk) and experimental (treatment with bacterial ointment) groups. Wound healing rate (percent) and histopathological parameters of wound samples were evaluated on post-burn days 1, 3, 7 and 14.
              Results: On days 3 and 7, macroscopic results showed that the healing rate was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control groups. Histopathological analysis of wound samples showed increased fibroblastic migration, collagen formation and re-epithelialization in the wounds treated with probiotic bacteria compared with the wounds of control groups.
              Conclusion: Our results indicate that the topical use of spray-dried S. thermophilus could be useful for the treatment of burn wounds.
              Keywords: Streptococcus thermophilus; Probiotics; Burns; Wound Healing; Rats.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Enterococcus faecalis is a major cause of bacterial prostatitis, which can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer if mistreated or left untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate resistance of E. faecalis strains isolated from patients with prostatitis to three fluoroquinolones.
            Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected urine specimen from 164 patients hospitalized in six hospitals in the Golestan Province, Iran. Biochemical and bacteriological tests were carried out to identify E. faecalis strains. Pattern of resistance to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin was studied using the agar disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer method). The broth microdilution test was performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluoroquinolones according to the CLSI M100-S25 (2015) criteria.
            Results: Of 164 isolates, 39 (23.8%) were identified as E. faecalis. Frequency of resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and levofloxacin was 12.8%, 12.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The MIC₉₀ of ciprofloxacin against the isolates was 4 μg/ml, which was 4-fold lower than that of norfloxacin (MIC₉₀=16μg/ml) and 2-fold lower than that of levofloxacin (MIC₉₀=8μg/ml). We found no significant difference between the isolates in terms of resistant to the fluoroquinolones (P>0.01). 
            Conclusion: Our results show that E. faecalis is one of the most common causes of bacterial prostatitis, and fluoroquinolones are still effective for treating the infection despite the reports of fluoroquinolones resistance in Iran. Moreover, levofloxacin may be a more suitable and effective antibiotic than ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin for treatment of this infection.
            Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis, Prostatitis, Drug Resistance, Iran.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Pterygium is a common ocular surface lesion that manifest as wing-shaped, benign conjunctival growth, which can extend onto the corneal surface. Presence of some oncogenic viruses in pterygium and the neoplastic nature of the lesion led us to the postulated involvement of the viruses in the etiology of pterygia. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence and possible role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the formation of pterygia.
            Methods: Fifty pterygium specimens and 10 normal conjunctival biopsy specimens (controls) were investigated by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the highly conserved regions of major capsid protein gene of HCMV. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics 18; IBM Corporation, USA) at significance level of 0.05.
            Results: The HCMV DNA was detected in seven (14%) patients with pterygium but in none of the control subjects. All subjects were β-globin positive.
            Conclusion: Given the results, direct involvement of HCMV in the development of pterygium seems less probable, thus suggesting that other agents might be involved in the multistep process of the disease.
            Keywords: Human Cytomegalovirus, Pterygium, Polymerase Chain Reaction.

ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a variety of life-threatening injuries and diseases. However, viral contamination of these products is a great threat to recipients. Screening donors for GB virus C by nucleic acid testing is not routinely implemented worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of GBV-C RNA in whole blood/red cell components.
              Methods: In this cross sectional pilot study, we collected 153 units of packed RBCs from blood banks of two public hospitals in Gorgan (northeast of Iran), between October and November 2014. The samples were screened for the presence of GBV-C RNA in plasma by nested RT-PCR using specific primers targeting highly conserved regions of 5' UTR of GBV-C. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
              Results: Overall, 48 (31.37%) whole blood or red cell components were positive for GBV-C viremia. The GBV-C RNA was detected in 31/88 citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine 1 (CPDA1) RBC, 16/50 washed RBC and 1/13 reduced-leukocyte RBC. However, whole blood CPDA1 was negative for GBV-C viremia. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed GBV-C contamination.
              Conclusions: Transmission of GBV-C infection was observed in blood products. Thus, efforts should be made to develop new strategies for assuring blood transfusion safety.
              Keywords: Molecular testing, Epidemiology, Transfusion-transmissible infections, GB Virus C.

ABSTRACT
          Background and objectives: Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is a life threatening health challenge. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates from hospitals of Zahedan, southeast of Iran.
           Methods: Overall, 818 isolates were collected from different hospital wards. The isolates were identified using conventional microbiological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was assessed by agar disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of a number of antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was performed using specific primers for the detection of resistance genes.
           Results: The most common species were Staphylococcus aureus (25%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%). The rate of methicillin resistance among S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus was 60%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of enterococci isolates were vancomycin resistant. Among gram-negative bacteria, 45% of A. baumannii and 24% of P. aeruginosa were identified as ESBL. A high level of resistance to ampicillin (96%), cefotaxime (89%), gentamicin (89%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprime (60%) was observed in K. pneumoniae.
           Conclusion: Our results highlight the urgent need for an eradication program and a surveillance plan for preventing increased emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the study area.
           Keywords: Bacterial Infections, Drug resistance, Zahedan.

ABSTRACT
           Background and Objective: Bilophlia spp. are gram-negative, pleomorphic rod, obligate anaerobe, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive and non-motile bacteria. B. wadsworthia is type species of genus Bilophila with the additional characteristic of urea hydrolysis. B. wadsworthia can be found in a variety of anaerobe infections, particularly appendicitis and intra-abdominal infection that are considered as important opportunistic pathogens.
           Methods: This study was designed to identify Bilophila spp. in clinical specimens by culture and PCR. We examined 91 DNA samples extracted from infected appendix tissues with specific primers.
           Results: Data showed that Bilophila spp. DNA existence in 53.85% (n=49) provided appendiceal tissue.
           Conclusion: The pathological and molecular examination of infected appendiceal tissues revealed that B. wadsworthia is able to act as the primary cause of significant lesions in the appendicle tissues.
           Key words: Bilophila spp., Appendectomy, Appendicle specimens, PCR, Nucleotide sequencing

ABSTRACT
           Background and Objectives: 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.
           Methods: 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.
           Results: 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.
           Conclusion: 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.
           Keywords: Probiotic, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli Nissle, Diarrhea, Campylobacter jejun.i.

ABSTRACT
             Background and objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the most important contributing factors to development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify and discover new compounds against drug-resistant microorganisms. We have previously synthesized new series of 3-substituted 5H-(1,2,4)triazolo(3',4':2,3) (1,3,4)thiadiazino(5,6-b)quinoxaline derivatives (4a-4f). Here, we evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these derivatives against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei.
             Methods: The agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods were used for determining inhibition zone diameter and minimum inhibitory concentration during preliminary evaluation of antimicrobial activity.
             Results: All synthesized compounds exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity against the tested microorganisms.
             Conclusion: Our findings indicate the antimicrobial potential of the six novel synthetic triazolo thiadiazin quinoxaline compounds.
             Keywords: Antimicrobial, Anti-bacterial agents, Antifungal agents, Triazolo, Thiadiazin, Quinoxaline.

Background and Objective: The prevalence of the infections caused by Candida species has led to a significant increase in their resistance to antifungal compounds. The aim of this study was to i) investigate drug resistance ii) evaluate the incidence of Candida albicans drug resistance pattern in the vaginal samples of women referring to health centers of Qom province, and iii) examine the effect of Zn nanoparticles combined with fluconazole against C. albicans isolates.
           Methods: This experimental, descriptive study was performed on 120 patients of candidiasis. In order to identify Candida albicans, direct experiments, differential culture, Germ tube test and sugar assimilation test (API20C kit) were conducted. The effect of different antifungal drugs and zinc nanoparticles and the synergistic effect of fluconazole with zinc nanoparticles were investigated by disk diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) of all cases was further specified.
           Results: Of the 120 samples, 50 (41.6%) were identified as Candida albicans. These strains were resistant to certain antifungal drugs while others were semi-sensitive and sensitive. The lowest and the highest mean diameter of inhibition zone in all Candida albicans isolates belonged to ketoconazole (15.64 mm) and fluconazole nano-ZnO (26.76mm), respectively. The lowest and the highest MICs were observed in fluconazole- nano-ZnO and nano-ZnO, respectively.
           Conclusion: The synergistic effect of Zn nanoparticles with fluconazole can be conducive to the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

 

   Background and objectives: are divided into two species: Salmonella enterica and Salmonella Salmonella bongori. S. enterica has more than 2,500 serotypes. Serovars of S. enterica such as Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Paratyphi B, Paratyphi A and Newport are associated with human infections. Approximately 75% of human Salmonella infections have been associated with contaminated food such as eggs, chicken, beef, pork, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Salmonella strains isolated from various food sources in Isfahan, Iran.
    Methods: Forty Salmonella strains were isolated from 450 suspected cases referred to the veterinary reference laboratory of Isfahan Province. The isolates were identified by differential and serotyping tests and then confirmed by PCR. A phylogenic tree was constructed with 34 sequences by neighbor-joining method using the MEGA7 software (version 7.1). 
    Results: Overall, 10 Salmonella serovars were isolated from 32 chicken meat, three beef and five egg shell samples. S. enterica serovar Ouakum (20%), S. Enteritidis (17.5%) and S. Typhimurium (17.5%) were the most common serovars, while S. enterica serovar Nitra (2.5%) was found as the least prevalent isolate.
    Conclusion: In this study, S. Typhimurium species is placed in different clusters along with sequences reported from different parts of the world, indicating that the serovars are circulating all over the world.

     Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a high incidence rate in many parts of the world due to the presence of various hosts for the pathogenic Leptospira. Tropical, subtropical and humid regions are suitable for long-term survival of the bacterium. Because of the temperate and humid climate, northern areas of Iran are suitable for pathogenic Leptospira and outbreak of the disease. Therefore, identification of infected areas is important from a public health and economic point of view. Previous studies show that the incidence rate of leptospirosis is increasing every year. Therefore, accurate diagnosis, control and prevention of this disease seem necessary through vaccination and raising public awareness, especially among high-risk groups. Today, diagnostic methods including immunofluorescence assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to diagnose the leptospirosis. MAT is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis with extensive applications in Iran. Due to the importance of this disease and its high prevalence in recent years, the present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and diagnosis of leptospirosis in Iran.

Background and objectives: 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.
      Methods: 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.
      Results: 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.