Showing 30 results for Ghaemi
Khandan Del, A, Ghaemi, Ea,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Jul,Aug2015[PERSIAN] 2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Bacterial infections are of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in ICU patients with underlying immunodeficiency. This study aimed to determine the frequency of microorganisms in patients admitted to the ICU of Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients admitted in three wards, each having at least 48, of ICU in Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan. All microbial cultures requested by patients' physician were recorded.
Results: In ICU positive cultures were 53.9%. The number was 16 for Staphylococcus coagulase negative, 15 for Enterococci , 11 for Yeast, 11 for E.Coli, 9 for Enterobacter , 8 for streptococcus, 5 for staphylococcus aureus. The highest percentage was related to coagulase-negative staphylococci (16.5%) and the lowest to Alcaligenes, Diphtheroids, Acremo bacteria , Serratia with one positive case.
Conclusions: the incidence of bacterial contamination in ICU patients compared to other parts of country is not different significant. While it is far from world standard, it is essential that many efforts be done to reduce the level of infection.
Keywords: ICU; Microorganisms; Panje Azar Hospital.
Hadi Koohsari , Ezzat Allah Ghaemi , Nour Amir Mozaffari , Abdolvahab Moradi ,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Jan,Feb 2016 2016)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Agr is the most important regulatory system for the expression of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors in different conditions. Agr acts as a quorum sensing system in this bacterium which is activated by increased cell concentration during the transition from logarithmic growth phase to stationary phase. Its role is to upregulate the secretory virulence factors such as alpha-hemolysin and inhibit the transcription of surface proteins including protein A-encoding gene. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the agr system expression and some virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus in Brain-heart infusion (BHI) culture medium.
Methods: The expression level of agrA and RNAIII genes from the agr locus along with the expression of hla, spa and mecA genes in BHI broth were assessed in different growth phases using Real time-PCR. Also, gyrB was used as an internal control in this study.
Results: The growth curve of the five tested isolates in BHI broth at 24 hours showed that all the isolates had relatively similar growth patterns. AgrA gene expression in the stationary phase was decreased by 0.89-fold compared with the logarithmic phase. Although the expression of RNAIII gene increased by 3-fold, hla expression decreased by 0.47-fold.
Conclusion: An inactive agr system is observed in the BHI broth medium. BHI broth medium contains high amounts of suitable nutrients for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, thus the bacteria do not require the activity of the agr system for the regulation of the virulence genes in these conditions.
Hami Kaboosi , Abolfazl Khandan Del , Ezzat Allah Ghaemi , Sepide Bakhshande Nosrat, Ali Asghar Ayatollahi , Nastaran Golriz ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Mar,Apr2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and important infectious agent. This bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause some complications in the intensive care unit (ICU).This organism can frequently be found in the nose and transmitted by the carriers. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of eradicating S. aureus from the nose of ICU personnel in reducing the risk of S. aureus infections in the Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: Sampling was done using sterile swabs collected from the anterior nasal passages.All samples containing Gram-positive cocci were sent to the laboratory of Faculty of Medicine for identification and evaluation of methicillin resistance. All S. aureus nasal carriers were treated with mupirocin ointment b.d for 5 days. The Samples were cultured again after five weeks to evaluate the eradication of S. auerus from the nose of subjects.
Results: Overall, seven ICU personnel (11.7%) were S. aureus carriers. Two isolates (3.3%) were found as methicillin resistant using both methods of disc diffusion and PCR. The frequency distribution of positive cases indicated a significant difference in terms of work experience (P = 0.012).
Conclusion: The findings show that treatment of carriers with 2% mupirocin topical ointment eradicates S. aureus from the nose. No S. aureus isolates was found in reculture of nasal samples. Treatment of healthy carriers can significantly reduce the risk of infections caused by the bacterium in the ICU.
Jila Asghari , Sanaz Sadani , Ezzatollah Ghaemi , Mohsen Mazaheri Tehrani ,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Lavandula stoechas is a species of native and permanent plants in Golestan province that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. L. stoechas has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to extract essential oil using steam distillation method from the flowers of L. stoechas collected from Jahan-nama region in the Golestan province, and evaluate its antibacterial activity.
Methods: Steam distillation (Clevenger) and GC-MS system were used to separate volatile oils and identify the essential oil components, respectively. Two methods of disk diffusion and broth micro dilution were used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of L. stoechas essential oil. Six bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested.
Results: The essential oil yield was 0.28%. The main components were camphor (71.86%), 1, 8-cineole (4.08%), linalool (3.77%) and borneol (3.19%). The essential oil showed no inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, while it had different inhibitory effects on other bacteria. S. aureus and Bacillus sp. showed the highest sensitivity with inhibition zone diameter of 32 and 29 mm, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the essential oil of L. stoechas has high inhibitory and antimicrobial activity particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, which may be due to the presence of 71.86% camphor in its composition.
Mohammad Arjmand , Ezatallah Ghaemi , Ailar Jamalli ,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb- 2017 2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Biofilm is a population of bacteria growing on a surface and enclosed in an exopolysaccharides matrix, which increases resistance to antimicrobial agents and immune response. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are biofilm-forming bacteria and the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of glucose, NaCl, blood, serum and urine on biofilm formation and antigen 43 (Ag43) gene expression, as a main gene involved in biofilm formation.
Methods: Among E. coli isolates from patients with UTI, four extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and non-ESBL strains, and a standard UPEC strain were selected. Biofilm formation of the strains in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth with different concentrations of glucose, NaCl, sheep blood, serum and human urine was evaluated using microplate method and crystal violet staining. Ag43 gene expression was investigated using Real-Time polymerase chain reaction, SYBR Green dye, and specific primers.
Results: Presence of glucose at all concentrations reduced biofilm formation. Presence of 1% NaCl, 1% sheep blood, 10% bovine serum, and 5% urine significantly increased biofilm formation. Expression of Ag43 by the strains grown under 1% glucose, 1% NaCl, 1% sheep blood, 10% bovine serum and 5% urine decreased.
Conclusion: All environmental factors other than glucose may increase biofilm formation of E. coli at different concentrations. This is not affected by factors such as isolation from inpatient or outpatients and type of strains (ESBL or non-ESBL). Contrary to our expectations, Ag43 expression is independent of environmental factors and decreases even under the most suitable concentrations.
Keywords: Biofilms, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, UTI, Antigen 43, Real-Time PCR.
Abolfazl Khandan Del , Ania Ahani Azari , Ailar Jamalli, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Nasal carriage is one of the main routs of
S. aureus transmission between hospital personnel and patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mupirocin ointment in eradication of nasal carriage of
S. aureus in the ICU staff and patients of Panje-Azar hospital in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: In the first three months of the study (January to March), the prevalence of
S. aureus among ICU patients was determined by routine microbiological and biochemical testing. Nasal samples were taken from ICU staff and all patients recently admitted to the ICU. Mupirocin nasal ointment (2%) was applied for treatment of
S. aureus nasal carriers. Post-treatment sampling was done after five weeks. During the next three months, the presence of
S. aureus and rate of resistance to methicillin was evaluated in new patients admitted to the ICU using the method used previously.
Results: Of 60 samples from the ICU staff, seven (11.7%) samples were positive for
S. aureus. Moreover, of 240 samples from the ICU patients, two samples were found as
S. aureus-positive. Of the nine
S. aureus-positive isolates, only two (22.2%) were methicillin-resistant
S. aureus (MRSA). In the pre-intervention sampling, only five samples (2.8%) were identified as
S. aureus, two of which were MRSA. However, treatment with mupirocin ointment eradicated nasal carriage of
S. aureus and no isolate was found after the intervention.
Conclusion: Our finding showed that mupirocin nasal ointment is highly effective in eradication of
S. aureus nasal carriage and subsequently contribute to reduction in frequency of nosocomial infections in the ICU.
Keywords: Intensive Care Units, Mupirocin, Nasal,
Staphylococcus aureus.
Mahsa Yazdi, Majid Bouzari, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 12, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases caused by bacteria. The primary etiologic agent of UTIs is Escherichia coli. Uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) strains have a number of specific virulence factors, which can worsen UTIs. This study was performed to detect fim, pap, sfa and afa genes among E.coli strains isolated from UTIs.
Methods: A total of 100 E. coli isolates from patients with UTI was collected between June and December 2015 from Mosavi and Sayyad Shirazi hospitals in Gorgan, Iran. All bacterial isolates were identified via standard biochemical testing and Gram straining. Presence of the genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction.
Results: The frequency of the fim, pap, sfa and afa genes was 100%, 79%, 69% and 8%, respectively. All isolates contained at least one virulence gene. Prevalence of multiple adhesion genes was 6% for all genes and 65% for three genes (fim, pap and sfa) together. In addition, the frequency of the fim gene was significantly higher than that of the other genes (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the high prevalence of virulence factors that can enhance pathogenicity of E. coli. Therefore, these factors could be used as diagnostic markers or vaccine targets.
Keywords: Virulence factors, Urinary tract infection, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
Ezzat Allah Ghaemi, Fahimeh Azadi, Naeme Javid, Hanieh Bagheri,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as severe pathogenic bacteria, has become a health challenge. However, nanoparticles have been introduced as effective candidates for their eradication. In this study, we investigated presence of genes involved in conferring resistance to silver nanoparticles in S. aureus and E. coli isolates and evaluated its association with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the nanoparticles against these isolates.
Methods: The MIC of silver nanoparticles against 121 clinical isolates of E. coli and 183 S. aureus isolates was assessed by broth microdilution assay. Presence and expression of the silver resistance genes (silE, silR/S) in the isolates were investigated by PCR and real-time PCR, respectively.
Results: The silE gene was found in three (1.6%) S. aureus and four (3%) E. coli isolates. MIC of silver nanoparticles against S. aureus isolates with the silE gene was 1, 2 and 8 µg/ml. Moreover, the MIC of the nanoparticles against silE-positive E. coli isolates was 16 μg/ml in three cases and 8 μg/ml in one case. None of the S. aureus isolates contained the silR/S gene, but presence of both silE and silR/S was confirmed in two E. coli isolates. Real-time PCR showed no sil expression in the isolates containing the resistance genes.
Conclusion: The frequency of the silver resistance genes among S. aureus and E. coli isolates is very low. There is no relationship between presence of the resistance genes and the MIC value of silver nanoparticles.
Zynab Badeli, Phd Masoud Haghkhah, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Garlic is a medicinal plant with various health promoting properties including antimicrobial effects. In this study, we investigated in vitro antibacterial effects of garlic hydro-alcoholic extract against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC).
Methods: Garlic hydro-alcoholic extract was prepared by maceration method. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against EHEC was determined by micro-dilution assay. Cytotoxic effect of the garlic extract on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (SW480) was assessed using MTT assay. Micro-dilution assay was also used to determine the MIC of the extract against EHEC when co-cultured with SW480 cells.
Results: The amount of organosulfur in garlic extract was 70.91% and the most common organosulfur compounds were trisulfide, di-2-propenyl (34.8%) and diallyl disulfide (14.83%). The MIC of garlic hydro-alcoholic extract on EHEC alone and when co-cultured with SW480 was 12.5 mg/ml. Concentrations of 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml of the extract significantly reduced the viability of SW480 cells compared to control and concentration of 6.25 mg/ml of garlic extract (p <0.0001).
Conclusion: The garlic hydro-alcoholic extract has inhibitory effects on EHEC in vitro. Therefore, it can be considered a suitable candidate for controlling infections caused by EHEC.
Maryam Rafiee, Alijan Tabarraei, Mahsa Yazdi, Alireza Mohebbi, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common Gram-positive bacterium that causes uncomplicated UTIs in women. The present study aimed to study the drug resistance pattern and phenotypic and genotypic variation of S. saprophyticus isolates from women with UTI in Gorgan, northern Iran.
Methods: This study was performed from May 2018 to September 2020. During this time, 35 S. saprophyticus strains were isolated from patients with UTI. The antimicrobial patterns of the isolates were determined by a conventional method. Phenotypic criteria such as pigment production, mannitol fermentation, urease production, and 16SrRNA gene valuation were studied.
Results: All isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, and linezolid. S. saprophyticus isolates showed the highest level of resistance to penicillin (85.7%) and erythromycin (51.4%). A variation was detected among S. saprophyticus isolates in terms of pigment production i.e. about 51.4% showed yellow pigment in Muller Hinton agar, and 62.9% of the isolates were able to ferment mannitol sugar. Of 11 isolates that were sequenced for the 16SrRNA gene, only two isolates showed different patterns.
Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of UTI caused by S. saprophyticus in the study area. Due to the phenotypic and genotypic differences among S. saprophyticus isolates, typing of S. saprophyticus at the subspecies level is recommended.
