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Abstract Background and Objective: The Isolation of Nocardia species is complex and time-consuming, which is due to rapid growth of adjacent bacteria. Because of the importance of a specific medium with the ability of controlling intrusive microorganisms, this study aimed at comparing three laboratory methods to introduce the reliable isolation technique for Nocardia species. Material and Methods: The soil samples were collected from different regions of Tehran province, Iran, and carefully transferred to the laboratory. The samples were cultured in three different media including Paraffin Baiting,Humic acid vitamin B agar and Paraffin agar, and incubated for 3-4 weeks at 35 °C. Results: Of 110 soil samples, 31 Nocardia isolates (28.18%) were obtained from the media including Paraffin Baiting, (19 17.27%), Humic acid and vitamin B agar (4 3.63%), and Paraffin agar, (8 7.27%). Conclusion: because of high rate of isolation, low cost and the clearance of colonies suspected nocardia, Paraffin Bait technique is more reliable and efficient compared to the other methods. Key words: Nocardia Soil Paraffin Baiting Humic Acid Vitamin B

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Abstract Background and Objective: Transmission of pathogens by cosmetics is one of the major health complications. Direct contact with contaminated non-standard cosmetics can have irreparable side effects for the consumers. Thus, the evaluation of microbial contamination in cosmetic products is important. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological contamination of one of frequently used cream. Material and Methods: In the present study, 135 samples of a special moisturizing cream were randomly selected from pharmacies in Tehran. The microbial contamination assessment, sampling and culturing method were based on the protocol (No.3978) of Iranian Institute of Standard and Industrial Research. Results: sixty-two (46%) out of 135 samples were contaminated. The highest and lowest contaminations observed were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high contamination rate of cosmetic creams, we recommend extremely monitoring and controlling these products by health centers. Keywords: Cosmetics, Microbial Contamination, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

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Abstract Background and Objective: Increased antibiotic resistant strains and inadequacy of current vaccines against pneumococcal infections necessitate the study of novel protein antigens. It seems that minor autolysin of Streptococcus pneumoniae may have antigenicity. Thus, we aimed at cloning its gene for the first time. Material and Methods: After DNA extraction of Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619), Specific primers were designed for amplifying minor autolysin gene fragment, using PCR. The purified gene fragment was inserted into pET21a vector and was transformed into bacterial competent cells by heat shock technique. The presence of gene and absence of mutation in the recombinant vector were checked out with sequencing and enzymatic digestion methods. The gene sequence was finally analyzed by bioinformatic tools. Results: The gene of minor autolysin was cloned successfully and the result of enzymatic digestion was the indication of complete isolation of this gen from plasmid. . Bioinformatics studies revealed that the mature protein was lacking signal peptide and the gene encoded 318 amino acids with a molecular weight of 36.4 kDa. Conclusion: The presentation and characterization of novel antigens such as minor autolysin could help us with finding new approaches for preventing and controlling pneumococcal infection. Keywords: Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Minor Autolysin, Cloning