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Showing 22 results for Drug Resistance


Volume 3, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract

Background:  Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main causes of nosocomial infections with a mortality rate up to 40-50%. Resistance to antibiotics is a global challenge in the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium.  The Class A beta-lactamases genes, including blaSHV, blaPER, blaVEB, are the most common causes of resistance in this microorganism. This study was conducted to determine antibiotic resistance pattern and the presence of blaper, blaveb, blashv and blaoxa-10 genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients in a hospital in Bandar Abbas.
Materials and Methods:  This cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method according to the clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) of ceftazidime was performed by E-Test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify blashv, blaveb-1, blaoxa-10, and blaper-1 genes.
Results:  Most of the isolates were detected from intensive care unit and urine samples. The highest resistance rate which was observed to sulfamethoxazole and ceftazidime, were 68 (94.44%) and 44 (61.11%), respectively.  27.8% of these isolates were multidrug resistance. Among 44 ceftazidime resistance isolates, 15 isolates (34%) showed MIC ≥32 µg.ml in the E- test. The prevalence rates of genes were 4.16, 12.5, 8.33, and 1.38% for blaOxa-10, blaShv, blaVeb-1, and blaPer-1 genes, respectively.
Conclusion:  The ceftazidime resistance rate and the prevalence rate of resistance genes in the present study were lower than other Iranian studies.  However, isolation of these genes is alarming that excessive use of antibiotics can lead to over expression of resistance genes and bacterial efflux pumps and the emergence of MDR phenotypes.

Volume 5, Issue 2 (2-2019)
Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus strains, as one of the important foodborne pathogens, isolated from unpacked ice creams.
Materials & Methods: A total of 122 unpacked ice cream samples were randomly collected from different localities in East Azerbaijan province and transferred to the laboratory using a cool box and screened for the presence of S. aureus strains. Also, the isolates resistance to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method.
Findings: In total, 21.3% of the ice creams samples were contaminated with S. aureus strains. Furthermore, antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the highest resistance was against penicillin and erythromycin, whereas the highest susceptibility was observed against gentamicin and rifampin. A warning issue was the significant resistance to vancomycin.
Conclusions: The relative high isolation and antimicrobial resistance rates detected in S. aureus strains isolated from unpacked ice creams underline the necessity for applying strict standards at all processing steps by food control agencies and emphasize the need for educational efforts for those personnel involved in products preparation procedures in order to promote food hygiene. It is worth noting that the emergence of resistance to vancomycin, as the last line of treatment for staphylococcal infections, is a worrying global health concern. Moreover, this study highlighted that poor adherence to personal hygiene and health principles during the food products preparation and/or storage could be a potential factor in the spread of pathogenic bacteria and resistance genes in the community.

Volume 6, Issue 1 (2-2020)
Abstract

Aims: The need for new antibacterial drugs is justified because many pathogens are currently resistant to available antibacterial drugs, and this is an alarming threat to the health of future generations. 1, 3, 4‑Oxadiazole has been shown to pose a wide range of antibacterial activity. Some of the marketed drugs also possess this heterocyclic moiety.  
Materials & Methods: The new derivatives of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole were synthesized using a single-stage, high-yield method. Then, to measure the antibacterial activity of prepared derivatives agar well diffusion method was employed, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined at a concentration of 1mg/mL with three replications.
Findings: Compounds 4a, 4d, and 4i exhibited a promising antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii PTCC1855. Among the three compounds mentioned, compound 4i showed the best performance with IZ=22±0.75 m.m , MIC=500µg/mL and MBC=125µg/mL at a concentration of 1mg/mL.
Conclusion: The new 1, 3, 4‑Oxadiazole derivative (4i) was shown to be a promising compound for pharmaceutical applications, by adding other functional groups to its structure, it is possible to increase the destructive power of the compound.

Volume 6, Issue 3 (8-2020)
Abstract

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ta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8">ta name=ProgId content=Word.Document>ta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15">Aims: Antibiotic resistance is recognized as one of the most challenging public health problems in the world. The need for new antibacterial and antifungal drugs is justified because many pathogens are currently resistant to available drugs. Several components of 1, 3, 4‑oxadiazoles have been shown to pose a wide range of antibacterial activities.
Materials & Methods: The new derivatives of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole were synthesized using a single-stage method. The structure of derivatives was evaluated by IR, H-NMR, C-NMR, and GC-Mass methods. Then to measure the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the prepared derivatives at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, agar well diffusion method was employed, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) were determined with three replications.
Findings: The study of antibacterial properties of the prepared derivatives showed the highest activity of the compounds 4b-g against Enterococcus faecalis strains, among which the compound 4g with IZ= 55.66 ± 0.5 mm and MIC=31.25 mg/mL had the greatest effect compared to the others. Also, the compound 4f with MIC= 125 mg/mL had a powerful effect against E. faecalis strains. In the case of fungal samples, the highest activity of the compound 4b was with IZ=12.33±0.5 mm against Candida glabrata and with IZ=13.33±0.5 mm against C. krusei strains.
Conclusion: The new 1, 3, 4‑oxadiazole derivatives (4b, 4d, and 4g) with tolyl, dimetylphenyl, and methoxyphenyl groups were shown to be a promising compounds for pharmaceutical applications so that by adding other functional groups to their structure, it is possible to increase the destructive power of these compounds.

Volume 7, Issue 1 (1-2021)
Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause a wide range of infections in individuals; they are common nosocomial infections that have recently become difficult to treat because of the increased emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The present study aimed to determine and compare the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin alone and in combination with cetirizine against Escherichia coli strains isolated from hospitalized patients with UTI.
Materials & Methods: This study was performed on 76 E. coli strains isolated from a total of 103 samples of patients admitted to three hospitals in Gonbad-e Kavus. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion and broth microdilution tests were used to determine antibiotic susceptibility and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin alone and in combination with cetirizine according to CLSI M100-S25 (2015) criteria.
Findings: Evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin-cetirizine combination against E. coli isolates showed that none were able to grow at a concentration of 8 µg/mL. The concentration of gentamicin in combination with cetirizine, inhibiting 90% of E. coli isolates (MIC90), was 4 μg/mL, which was 16 times lower than that of gentamicin alone (MIC90= 64 μg/mL) (p=.02).    
Conclusion: Gentamicin in combination with cetirizine was found to be more potent in inhibiting E. coli isolates than gentamicin alone. Therefore, the results of this study could provide a clear perspective for dealing with drug-resistant pathogens.

Volume 7, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Nowadays, the need for replacement of new drug structures is felt more than ever due to the spread of microbial resistance. S-triazoles are significant five-membered heterocyclic scaffolds due to their wide range of biological activities.
Materials & Methods: A new series of Schiff bases (5a-f) were synthesized by the reaction of 4-amino-S-triazoles (3a-c) with furan and benzaldehyde 4(d-e). Then a novel series of triazole thioglycosides (7a-f) were synthesized by the reaction of Schiff bases (5a-f) and T-O-acetyle-α-D-glucopyranosyle-Br in the presence of potassium carbonate as a weak base in acetone. The structure of the products was confirmed by FT-IR, H-NMR, and C-NMR assays. The antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized compounds were studied against four bacterial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, and two fungal strains, including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
Findings: The synthesized compounds exhibited better antifungal activity than antibacterial activity, espetially 7d. Among all the compounds, the compound 7d was found to have the highest activity against C. albicans with IZ=18±0.7 mm, MIC=250 mg/mL, and MFC= 250 mg/mL.
Conclusion: The present study results indicated that compounds containing S-triazole had the potential to be used in a wide variety of new antifungal formulations.

Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: This study aimed to assess the molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from community-acquired (CA) and hospital-acquired (HA) infections in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 S. aureus strains isolated from 59 outpatients and 51 inpatients during 2018-2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disc diffusion method. Epsilometer test was used to measure vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Cefoxitin disc (30 μg) was used to screen MRSA isolates. The presence of mecA gene was examined by PCR method.  Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types were detected in S. aureus isolates using multiplex-PCR. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the results.
Findings: Out of 110 isolates, 45 (40.9%) isolates carried the mecA gene: 20 (39.2%) isolates from inpatients and 25 (42.4%) isolates from outpatients. MRSA isolates showed the highest resistance to azithromycin (69.8%), tetracycline (60.4%), and clindamycin (32.1%), respectively. Vancomycin MIC against MRSA isolates ranged from 0.75 to 5 μg/mL. SCCmec type I, III, IV, and V were detected in 20 (44.4%), three (6.7%), 16 (35.5%), and six (13.3%) isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: The predominant SCCmec types were type I and type IV, which were detected in CA- and HA-MRSA isolates, respectively. No significant difference in the presence of SCCmec type III and antibiotic resistance was found between CA- and HA-MRSA isolates, indicating the possibility of cross-infection between these isolates. Developing appropriate treatment protocols to prevent the spread of MRSA infections in the community is currently an urgent need.
 

Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: The ever-increasing incidence of multidrug resistance in ESBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most serious public health threats. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profile and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates.
Materials & Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 120 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Combined disk test (CDT) was applied to screen for ESBL production among P. aeruginosa isolates. PCR assays determined the presence of blaGES, blaPER, and blaVEB genes in all isolates.
Findings: The clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa showed the highest resistance to cefotaxime (86.7%) and gentamicin (65.8%). Of 120 P. aeruginosa isolates, 60.8% were MDR, and 53.3% were XDR. The prevalence of these strains was significantly higher in hospitalized patients than in out-patients (p<.001). Also, 58 P. aeruginosa strains (48.3%) were considered as phenotypic ESBL producers. Furthermore, 15, 35, and 24.2% of P. aeruginosa isolates harbored blaGES, blaVEB, and blaPER, respectively. The incidence of MDR (71.4% vs. 41.9%, p= .001) and XDR (63.6% vs. 34.9%, p= .002) was significantly higher in ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates compared to non-ESBL producers. The highest incidence rate of MDR was reported in blaVEB gene-positive P. aeruginosa isolates (95.2%), followed by isolates harboring blaPER (79.3%) and blaGES (55.6%) genes.
Conclusion: This study findings show a high prevalence of MDR ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates, indicating the importance of correct identification of these superbugs and judicious use of various antibiotics to prevent their spread.

Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Bacterial infections are the most common complication in cancer patients. Infection with multi-drug resistant bacteria has recently become a worrying phenomenon in cancer patients.
This study focused on Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical samples of cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and prevalence of drug resistance genes, including metallobetalactamase (blaIMP and blaVIM) and carbapenemase (blaKPC and blaGES) genes, in the main bacteria agents of nosocomial infections in cancer patients, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.
Materials & Methods: Common biochemical methods were used to identify bacterial isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the standard method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (2019).
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was also used to check the presence and prevalence of resistance genes.
Findings: During six months, from May to November 2020, 250 clinical samples were collected from cancer patients in Ayatollah Khansari hospital in Arak city, Iran. From which 80 Gram-negative bacilli were isolated, including 33 (41.2%) E. coli, 15 (18.7%) A. baumannii complex, 12 (15%) P. aeruginosa, eight (10%) K. pneumoniae, seven (8.7%) Citrobacter freundii, and five (6.2%) Enterobacter aerogenes isolates. The frequency of blaKPC, blaGES, blaIMP, and blaVIM genes was 39.95, 21.25, 16.25, and 17.45%, respectively.
Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the importance of identifying Gram negative rods and their resistance genes (metallobetalactamase and carbapenemase genes) in cancer patients, carrying out preventive instructions to prevent the transmission of resistance genes, and reducing mortality in these patients.


Volume 10, Issue 1 (2-2024)
Abstract

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains are among the main causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in humans. Early detection of this microorganism is important to improve treatment efficiency. This study aimed to detect M. pneumoniae (MP)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and MP DNA among pediatric patients with CAP during one week after admission.
Materials & Methods: From September 2019 to February 2020, 56 CAP patients aged 5 to 15 years were investigated for the presence of MP. Throat swabs for molecular detection of MP and blood samples for detection of cold agglutinins and MP-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were collected at admission. Blood and throat samples were taken again 6 days after admission. Macrolide resistance due to mutations in the 23S rRNA gene was also investigated.
Findings: MP-specific IgM was found in 19.6%, IgG in 16.1%, and cold agglutinins in 26.8% of CAP patients. The combination of IgM+IgG was not found. Tachypnea and the need for intensive care were more common in IgM-positive than in IgM-negative patients. Only four patients were positive for MP DNA, of whom two patients carried macrolide-resistant isolates. One isolate had an A2063G mutation and the other had an A2064C mutation.
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, there are no data on the epidemiology of MP in 5-15-year-old patients with CAP in Kurdistan, western Iran. The possibility of false-positive or -negative reactions and co-presence with other microorganisms could not be excluded.

 

Volume 10, Issue 1 (2-2024)
Abstract

Background: Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are common pathogens in respiratory tract infections, causing some diseases like community-acquired pneumonia, acute sinusitis, and otitis media. Antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens occurs over the years. This systematic review aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of these pathogens in Iran in the last 5 years.
Materials & Methods: All original articles related to the antimicrobial resistance of H. influenza and M. catarrhalis in Iran since 2018 were searched in English and Persian databases. The articles were screened primarily and secondary. After screening the articles (extracted blindly), conflicts were resolved, and the final data were reviewed.
Findings: This study included nine articles after primary and secondary screening steps, comprising 111 H. influenzae and 78 M. catarrhalis isolates. The lowest resistance of H. influenzae isolates was against levofloxacin (0.0%), cefotaxim (11.1%), and ceftriaxone (11.1%), while the highest resistance of these isolates was against tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, and ampicillin. M. catarrhalis isolates showed the highest resistance to penicillin (100%), cefazolin (87.5%), cefuroxime (84.4%), ampicillin (84.4%), and amoxicillin (81.2%). Co-trimoxazole resistance rates of M. catarrhalis isolates from adenoid tissue and pharynx were different. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 0.0%; macrolides were the most effective antibiotics.
 Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones and macrolides are the most effective antibiotics for M. catarrhalis, while fluoroquinolones and cefotaxime or ceftriaxone work best for H. influenzae. It is recommended to use fluoroquinolones and macrolides for managing outpatients and fluoroquinolones, macrolides, or ceftriaxone for managing inpatients. Prescription of β-lactams and/or co-trimoxazole is ineffective.

M. Azimi, M. Rahimi, M. Ebrahimi, M. Totonchi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (7-2019)
Abstract

Cancer stem cells are responsible for the formation the resistance to treatment, tumor relapse, and metastasis. miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of biological processes. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to candidate miRNAs that are involved in the regulation of all three properties including stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance and find their target genes and signaling pathways by using literature learning and data mining. The present systematic review is done to identify stemness-regulating miRNAs. By using CORMINE database, metastasis and drug resistance regulating miRNAs collected. Finally, we compared these three lists of miRNAs and found common miRNAs in these three properties. ONCO.IO database and KEGG pathway have been done to obtain the interaction between miRNA-miRNA target and cancer-related signaling pathway respectively. We collected 191 stemness-regulating miRNAs from 21 excluded studies. Based on CORMINE database, 161 miRNAs and 57 miRNAs had metastasis and stemness features respectively. We obtained 7 common miRNAs that 4 of them including has-miR-34a, has-miR-23a, has-miR-30a, has-miR-100 has a significant role for targeting signaling pathways involved in cancer and their most important targets regulate many processes of cells. These data suggest that three important properties can regulate by common miRNAs. Therefore, target these miRNAs or their targets can be helpful to stop tumor growth and metastasis and may be useful biomarkers for early detection of gastric cancer.

Volume 10, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract

Background: This study compared the efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) with colistin for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections.
Materials & Methods: This retrospective study included 120 patients with a confirmed CRE infection and information on causative bacteria and their susceptibility pattern. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving CAZ-AVI and/or aztreonam (n=53) and those receiving colistin (n=67) for at least seven days. The colistin group was further subdivided into those who switched to CAZ-AVI due to poor outcomes. Patient data, including demographics, clinical history, microbiological data, Charlson comorbidity index, and outcomes, were collected and analyzed. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the groups. P< .05 was considered statistically significant.
Findings: The findings revealed comparable clinical characteristics, there were no major differences in mean duration of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and Charlson scores between the two groups. The CAZ-AVI group required a significantly longer duration of antibiotic treatment (p= .018) and more source control measures (p= .009). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant causative pathogen in both groups, with NDM and OXA48 carbapenem resistance genes being the most common. Toxicity (p= .001) and mortality (p= .049) were significantly higher in the colistin group. Higher improvement was observed among the CAZ-AVI group and higher mortality among the colistin group (p= .049).
Conclusion: CAZ-AVI could serve as an alternative to colistin for treating CRE infections. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and provide evidence-based guidelines for managing CRE infections in India.

 

Volume 10, Issue 3 (8-2024)
Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants possess considerable potential for discovering new phytochemicals that could be considered as a solution to fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Calendula officinalis (C. officinalis) is used worldwide due to its antimicrobial properties. This pilot study assessed the antibacterial activity of herbal extract and homeopathic preparation of C. officinalis flowers against South African ESKAPE pathogens.
Materials & Methods: Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method (with a 6.0 mm disk diameter) was employed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of herbal extract and homeopathic preparation against South African ESKAPE pathogens. Various ethanol concentrations of herbal extract (50, 60, and 90%) and 62% ethanol concentration of homeopathic preparation were tested.
Findings: The inhibitory effect of C. officinalis did not surpass that of antibiotics. However, the ethanol herbal extract of C. officinalis showed some antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens compared to its homeopathic preparation. Moreover, 50% ethanol extract of C. officinalis (20 µL) showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus species compared to its homeopathic preparation.
Conclusion: The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance necessitates the search for plant-based antibacterials. Due to their wealth in phytochemicals, medicinal plants provide a rich resource for producing novel antibacterial drugs. The current study attempted to demonstrate the inhibitory activities of ethanol herbal extract (HEs) and homeopathic mother tincture (MT) of C. officinalis flowers against ESKAPE pathogens and Escherichia coli species.


Volume 11, Issue 1 (2-2025)
Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates and to detect their metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) genes.
Materials & Methods: Three hundred urine samples collected from patients with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) were evaluated for the presence of UPEC isolates. These isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine multidrug-resistance (MDR) and XDR profiles. Imipenem or meropenem-resistant isolates were evaluated for MBL production using modified carbapenem inactivation (mCIM) and EDTA-CIM (eCIM) methods. PCR was carried out to identify the presence of MBL genes, including blaGIM, blaSIM, blaVIM-1, blaVIM-2, blaSPM-1, blaIMP-1, blaIMP-2, blaNDM, and blaKPC.
Findings: Out of 300 urine samples, 200 (66.66%) were positive for UTI. Among these, 150 were caused by UPEC. The highest antimicrobial resistance was against cefepime (88%) and ampicillin (85.3%), while the highest susceptibility was against imipenem (91.7%) and fosfomycin (84%). MDR and XDR profiles were detected in 145 (96.66%) and 5 (3.33%) isolates, respectively.  Overall, five UPEC isolates were XDR and resistant to imipenem and meropenem. All these isolates were positive for mCIM, while four were positive for eCIM. The blaNDM gene was found in all five isolates, while the other MBL genes were not found.
Conclusion: The existence of MDR and XDR bacteria poses a significant risk to public health. blaNDM is circulating in UPEC strains at least in Nasiriya province, Iraq. This could lead to increased resistance to carbapenems among Enterobacteriaceae, a serious threat to public health.


Volume 11, Issue 1 (2-2025)
Abstract

Background: This research aimed to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) produced using Artemisia biennis Willd through an eco-friendly approach, targeting four pathogenic bacteria.
Materials & Methods: A. biennis Willd extract with unit numbers “15.62-125” was prepared through maceration, drying, and powdering. Particle size distribution (PSD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests were used to characterize the synthesized CuNPs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) were determined to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of CuNPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883.
Findings:  CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract exhibited a brown color change with particle sizes mainly 30-40 nm by PSD. DLS indicated uniform distribution and hydrodynamic synthesis of particles with a zeta potential of -37.8. XRD and FTIR confirmed copper nanoparticle biosynthesis. The MICs of CuNPs were 15.62-62.5 μg/mL, with S. aureus and K. pneumonia revealing the highest and lowest antimicrobial drug resistance, respectively. This trend was repeated for MBCs and sub-MICs, ranging from 15.62-125 and 7.8-31.25 μg/mL, respectively. Bacterial strains were unable to form biofilms at sub-MICs. The anti-biofilm effects of CuNPs were more significant on Gram-negative bacteria.
Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract by a green method show promising anti-biofilm and antibacterial characteristics against bacteria, suggesting their potential for treating bacterial infections.

 

Volume 11, Issue 1 (2-2025)
Abstract

Aims: Acinetobacter baumannii complex (Acb complex) are opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria responsible for a diverse array of nosocomial infections. In recent years, carbapenem-resistant Acb complex has become a global concern. Carbapenemases are one of the most important mechanisms of resistance to carbapenems. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of carbapenemase genes in Acb complex isolates from burn wounds in a burn center in Iran.
Materials & Methods: During six months, 50 Acb complex isolates were collected from the wounds of burn patients admitted to Motahari hospital in Tehran (2020-2021). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for the isolates using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2020 guidelines. DNA extraction was done by boiling method. The existence of blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaKPC genes was evaluated by PCR and gel electrophoresis.
Findings: All isolated bacteria were confirmed as Acb complex based on positive PCR results for the presence of the blaOXA-51 gene. According to the antibiotic susceptibility testing results, the isolates showed 100% resistance to ceftazidime, 98% to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and imipenem, and 94% to gentamicin and piperacillin-tazobactam. The most prevalent carbapenemase genes among the isolates were blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 (100%), followed by blaIMP (26%), blaNDM-1 (14%), and blaKPC (4%).
Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance and the prevalence of carbapenemase genes among Acb complex isolates has reached an alarming rate. Collaborative global efforts are crucial to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness and enhance patient care amidst escalating antimicrobial resistance challenges.

 
Zeinab Karbalaei Pazoki, Amir Reza Javanmard, Sayed Mostafa Hosseini, Shiva Irani, Bahram Mohammad Soltani,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract

Resistance to chemotherapy drugs always has been an obstacle in the definitive treatment of cancers. Therefore, the discovery of molecular events leading to drug resistance improves therapeutic methods. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of molecules that regulate intracellular events, including carcinogenesis and drug resistance pathways. For example, the competitive network of endogenous ncRNAs (ceRNA) regulates the mRNA expression of target genes by binding to miRNAs and limiting their regulatory effect. So far, limited studies have been reported on the role of ceRNA in drug resistance in ovarian cancer. In this study, large-scale RNAseq sequencing data obtained from cisplatin-resistant and sensitive cells were used to search for ceRNAs that are possible regulators of drug resistance in ovarian cancer. For this purpose, the A2780 sensitive and resistant cisplatin ovarian cancer cell line was selected, and the SRA data prepared by RNAseq method was screened. During this process, lncRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs with expression changes were separated and classified. In the bioinformatic analysis of resistant and sensitive cells, 16 mRNAs, 10 lncRNAs, and 149 miRNAs were overexpressed, and 622 mRNAs, 263 lncRNAs, and 177 miRNAs were underexpressed. These genes were involved in 57 cellular pathways, and by mapping the regulatory ceRNA network, ZNRF3-AS1-miR-33-DUSP1 and ZNRF3-AS1-miR33-HSPA2 axes were identified as potential ceRNA networks involved in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer.
 

Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2012)
Abstract

Objective: The use of antiretroviral drugs has proven remarkably effective in controlling the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, but these benefits can be compromised by the development of drug resistance. This study aims to assess the drug resistance profile of the Pr gene in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated and naïve HIV-1 infected patients. Methods: A total of 30 samples from naïve and 16 samples of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated patients were collected and divided into two groups. After RNA extraction, RT nested PCR was performed. The final products were sequenced and then analyzed for drug-resistant mutations and subtypes. Results: No drug resistant mutations were noted in group one that have never used drug, but 40% of group two samples which are under treatment contained drug resistant mutations. According to the results, the following subtypes were seen among patients: A (50%), B (40.6%), D (6.2%), and C (3.2%). Conclusion: Transmission of drug-resistant viruses and their detection are very important epidemiologically. However our data and other studies suggest that other PIs should be replaced by LPV in the HAART regime.

Volume 18, Issue 110 (4-2021)
Abstract

 Medicinal plants have been used for its medicinal attributes from several thousand years ago. Eucalyptus is one of these plants which the antimicrobial effects has long been used to treat a cold and influenza in most parts of the world. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) in 4 ways: disc diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, microdilution broth and minimum bactericidal concentration on a number of strains pathogens and the cause of food spoilage in vitro. The sensitivity profile of microorganisms against the EGEO (disc diffusion agar) is as follows form the most resistant to the most sensitive: Salmonella typhi > Escherichia coli > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Bacillus subtilis > Streptococcus pyogenes > Staphylococcus aureus. The mean inhibition zone in well diffusion agar was equal to 18.62 mm against Gram-positive bacteria. The mean inhibition zone in well diffusion agar was equal to 11.93 mm against Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of EGEO for Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was 128, 64, 64, 32, 16 and 8 mg/ml respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration for microorganisms was 512, 256, 128, 128, 32 and 16 mg/ml respectively. It is recommended that additional tests be performed to use EGEO for use as a natural preservative in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

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