Prevalence, virulence genes and anti­microbial resistance of Arcobacter isolates from animal meat in Iran

Arcobacter spp. are food-borne and zoonotic entero-pathogens. Obtaining information in relation to antimicrobial resistance helps us for utilisation of an appropriate agent for the treatment of Arcobacter infections. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in animal raw meat in Iran. The samples were collected from cattle (n=80), sheep (n=80), goats (n=80), camels (n=80), and buffaloes (n=60) from Khuzestan (n=110), Isfahan (n=80), Gilan (n=110) and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (n=80) provinces. Arcobacter isolates of meat samples were isolated, investigated by PCR method. The antibiotic resistance was also investigated. All isolates were screened for 6 virulence genes: cadF, ciaB, cj1349, Mvin, pldA and tlyA by PCR assays. The results showed that the prevalence of Arcobacter species had no significant difference among provinces and animals (P>0.05), so that positive samples were 1.25%, 1.25%, and 0.9% in Isfafhan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Gilan, respectively. Virulence genes were observed for A. butzleri species (n=3, 100%). The results showed that Arcobacter spp. were resistant to streptomycin (100%), tetracycline (100%) and vancomycin (100%), but were susceptible to azithromycin (33.33%). In sum, the different regions of the Iran had a relative incidence of 1% for Arcobacter spp. The species showed a resistance of 100% for streptomycin, tetracycline and vancomycin. These findings could help to identify Arcobacter spp. and select the best agent against infection in case of Arcobacter infection in animals.

Incidence of hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses and norovirus and rotavirus in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf

ABSTRACT Foodborne viruses including hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NoV), rotavirus (RoV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are easily transmitted through contaminated seafoods. The current research was done to assess the incidence of RoV, NoV GI and GII,hAV and hEV in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf, Iran. Three-hundred and twenty fish and shrimp samples were collected. The presence of foodborne viruses were assessed by the real-time PCR. Forty-nine out of 320 (15.31%) fish and shrimp samples were positive for foodborne viruses. Distribution of hAV, NoV GI and NoV GII amongst all studied samples were 0.93%, 5.93% and 8.43%, respectively. hEV and RoV viruses were not found in studied samples. Parastromateus niger and Scomberomorus commerson fish and Penaeus monodon shrimp were the most frequently contaminated samples. Simultaneous incidence of hAV and NoV GI and hAV and NoV GII were 0.31% and 0.93%, respectively. Distribution of foodborne viruses in samples collected through spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons were 14.28%, 9.33%, 11.76% and 24.44%, respectively. Findings revealed that the incidence of foodborne viruses was significantly associated with seafood species and also season of sampling.

Enterotoxigenicity, distribution of enterotoxigenic genes and antibiotic resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from traditional sweet

Resistant and enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains are considered to be one of the major causes of foodborne diseases due to the consumption of sweet. The present research was done to study the distribution of enterotoxin types, enterotoxigenic genes and antibiotic resistance pattern of S. aureus strains isolated from traditional sweet samples. Eight-hundred and fifteen sweet samples were cultured and S. aureus strains were identified. Antibiotic resistance, enterotoxigenicity and enterotoxigenic gene profile were studied using disk diffusion, Enzyme Link Immunosorbent Assay and PCR, respectively. One-hundred and seven out of 815 (13.12%) sweet samples were positive for S. aureus. Prevalence of S. aureus in dried and semi-dried sweet samples were 15.08% and 11.13%, respectively (P <0.05). Forty-six out of 107 S. aureus strains (42.99%) were determined as enterotoxigenic. A (41.30%) and C (17.39%) were the most commonly detected enterotoxin types. Sea (20.56%), sec (14.95%) and seb (11.21%) were the most commonly detected enterotoxigenic genes. There were no positive sample for the sej enterotoxin gene. S. aureus strains harbored the highest prevalence of resistance against penicillin (88.78%), tetracycline (83.17%), ceftaroline (75.70%) and doxycycline (71.02%). Simultaneous presence of enterotoxins and enterotoxigenic genes in multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains indicates important public health issue regarding the consumption of contaminated traditional sweet samples.

Effects of ZnO nanoparticles in the Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus)

Most studies investigating the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) focused on the effect of size, whereas exposure concentration and duration remained poorly understood. In this study, the effect of acute and sub-acute exposures of ZnO NPs on Zn compartmentalization and biomarkers' expression were investigated in Rutilus rutilus caspicus (Caspian roach) considering various exposure scenarios: i) the assessment of the concentration-response curves and median lethal concentration (LC₅₀); ii) the assessment of the effects of organisms exposed at LC₅₀ value and one tenth of LC₅₀ value of ZnO NPs suspensions for 4 d and 28 d, respectively; iii) the assessment of 14 d depuration period. The same concentrations of ZnSO₄ were investigated. The highest Zn accumulation was detected in gill after sub-acute exposure (4.8 mg/L; 28 d) followed by liver, kidney and muscle. In gill, liver and muscle, Zn from Zn NPs accumulated higher concentrations. Depuration (14 d) decreased Zn content in each organ, but no complete removal occurred except for muscle. Biomarkers' activity was significantly over expressed after treatments, but depuration brought back their values to background levels and most effects were related to acute concentrations (48 mg/L; 4 d) and in presence of ZnSO₄. Histopathological analyses showed that the exposure to ZnO NPs increased lesions in gill, liver and kidney, with a direct proportionality between alterations and Zn accumulated in the target organs. After depuration, lesions regressed for both ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄, but not in a complete way. These data could contribute to increase the knowledge about ZnO NPs risk assessment in aquatic vertebrates, suggesting that the size of ZnO NPs can influence biomarker and histopathological effects.

Ginger extract and aerobic training reduces lipid profile in high-fat fed diet rats

OBJECTIVE

Obesity, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, are major risk factors. However, natural therapies, dietary components, and physical activity may effect on these concerns. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise and consumption of liquid ginger extract on lipid profile of Male rats with a high-fat fed diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) aerobic exercise, 2) Ginger extract, 3) combined aerobic exercise and Ginger extract, and 4) the control. Subjects of the first three groups received ginger extract via gavage feeding of 250 mg/kg. The exercise program was 3 sessions per week on 3 different days over 4 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), HDL and LDL were measured 24-h before the first session and 24-h after the final training session.

RESULTS

The concentration of TG in the control group was significantly higher than other groups. In addition, the mean concentration of TG in the aerobic exercise group was significantly lower than Ginger extract group but there was no significant difference as compared to combined aerobic exercise and ginger extract group. The combination of aerobic exercise and ginger consumption significantly reduced the TG level compared to ginger group. TC and LDL concentrations were significantly decreased in all groups compare to control. The combination of aerobic exercise and ginger extract feeding caused a significant increase in HDL levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of this study suggests that the combination of aerobic exercise and liquid ginger extract consumption might be an effective method of reducing lipid profiles, which will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases caused by high-fat diets.

The occurrence of ochratoxin A in rice in six provinces of Iran

Three hundred and eight samples of rice purchased from retail markets in six different provinces in Iran from March 2012 to January 2013 were surveyed for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recovery percentages of OTA from spiked rice samples at concentrations of 5 and 10 ng/g were found to be 85.3% and 86.7%, respectively. Analytical results showed a 9.4% frequency of contamination from total analyzed rice samples with a mean OTA level of 3.60 ± 2.66 ng/g. Concentrations of OTA in positive samples ranged from 0.84 ng/g to 11.37 ng/g, and in 17.3% of contaminated rice samples the concentrations exceeded the maximum tolerance limit set by European regulations for OTA in cereals (5 ng/g). Based on the results of this study, the estimated daily intake of OTA in rice was 0.62 ng/kg body weight/day for Iranian consumers.

Prevalence of hepatitis A virus in sea food in Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in sea food samples in the Isfahan and Shahrekord townships in Iran. From September 2010 to April 2011, a total of 300 samples of fresh fish, shrimp, crab and lobster were obtained from randomly selected retail stores in the Isfahan and Shahrekord townships in Iran. The samples were tested for the presence of HAV using a reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction method. Out of the total number of samples examined, 8 (2.7%) were found to be positive for HAV. This virus was detected in 5% and 1.7% of fresh fish and shrimp, respectively. This study shows the importance of sea food as potential sources of HAV infection in people in Iran.

Determination of mercury, cadmium and lead in human milk in Iran

Breast milk contains both essential and nonessential trace elements. Mercury, cadmium and lead are nonessential, potentially toxic heavy metals with hematotoxic, neurotoxic and nephrotoxic properties even at very low concentrations. The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in the breast milk of healthy lactating women who were living in Isfahan, Iran. Concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in 37 milk samples from healthy lactating women collected on first to sixth postpartum week. Accuracy of the analysis was checked by various methods including the use of reference material. The mean ± SD of the concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in human milk were 0.92 ± 0.54 μg/L (range 0.0–2.07 μg/L), 1.92 ± 1.04 μg/L (range 0.45–5.87 μg/L) and 7.11 ± 3.96 μg/L (range 3.06–19.47 μg/L), respectively. The results of this study showed that the concentrations of mercury, lead and cadmium in the milk samples from lactating women in Isfahan were high, which makes a major public health hazard for the inhabitants, especially neonatal and children, of the industrial locations. The results of the present study indicate a need for establishing safe intake values of heavy metals in human milk.

Cadmium concentrations in shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus and Penaeus monodon) caught from the coastal areas in Southern Iran

This study was undertaken to determine the concentration of cadmium in two shrimp species, namely, Penaeus semisulcatus and Penaeus monodon caught from the coastal areas in southern Iran. Cadmium concentration was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 91 shrimp samples after nitric acid/perchloric acid digestion. Accuracy of the analysis was checked by various methods including the use of reference material. The mean ± SD of cadmium concentrations in shrimp samples were 0.128 ± 0.144 (μg/g). The cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.010 to 0.96 μg/g of the muscle tissues of shrimp. Higher cadmium concentration in shrimp samples was found in summer (significant p < 0.05). The results show that the mean concentration of cadmium in shrimp is lower than the maximum allowed levels according to International standards, although the concentration of cadmium in only one sample was more than the amount recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Therefore, no risk to the consumer arises from the cadmium contents of the shrimp caught in these areas.

Cadmium and lead content in several brands of rice grains (Oryza sativa) in central Iran

The aim of this study was to investigate the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content of several commercially available brands of rice grains (Oryza sativa) in central Iran. A total of 67 samples of the most widely consumed brands of rice grains were purchased from local bazaar markets in Shahrekord, Iran. The first step, grains of raw rice were digested by acid digestion method and then were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that Cd concentration in rice grains ranged from 0.0378 to 0.1225 ppm dry weight and its average concentration was 0.062 ± 0.019 ppm and Pb content ranged from 0.0405 to 0.1281 ppm dry weight and its average concentration was 0.068 ± 0.0185 ppm. Cd and Pb concentrations in the sampled rice grains were lower in comparison with their upper limits (0.2 and 0.2 ppm for Cd and Pb, respectively) approved by food sanitary standard. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no health problems due to the consumption of brands of rice grains, for these two elements. The results indicated that weekly intake of Cd and Pb from rice grains was below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by WHO/FAO.

Detection of Coxiella burnetii by nested PCR in bulk milk samples from dairy bovine, ovine, and caprine herds in Iran

The epidemiology of Q-fever in Iran is essentially unknown. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of Coxiella burnetii in bulk milk samples from dairy bovine, ovine, and caprine herds in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. In this study, 376 bulk milk samples from 79 dairy bovine, ovine, and caprine herds were tested for C. burnetii using a nested PCR assay. The animals whose milk samples collected for this study were clinically healthy. In total, 13 of 210 (6.2%) bovine milk samples were positive; the positive samples originated from 5 of 28 (17.9%) commercial dairy herds. All 110 ovine bulk milk samples from 31 sheep breeding farms were negative and only 1 of 56 (1.8%) caprine bulk milk samples from 20 goat breeding farms was positive for C. burnetii. Although no extensive prevalence study was undertaken, the results of this study indicate that clinically healthy cattle are important sources of C. burnetii infection in Iran. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of direct identification of C. burnetii by PCR in bulk milk samples from dairy bovine and caprine herds in Iran. Further intensive prevalence studies on Coxiella infection among farmers, milk-processing workers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers and on possible dangers of dairy products will be needed to elucidate the epidemiology of Q fever in Iran.

Exploring the mental status of people with opium and heroin addiction

Introduction

Individuals who engage in drugs abusing are more susceptible to a variety of physical, social and psychological health problems.

Objective

This study describes mental disorders of patients with opium and heroin addiction before taking MMT.

Method

Participants included 172 addicts (162 men and 10 women), referring to Fanoos addiction relief center, whose age ranged from 16–66 with mean age of 32.8. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their bad feelings experienced during past month before taking methadone maintenance therapy.

Results

The average age of the first drug abusing was 20.5 with range of 10–60. The most frequent bad feelings that were reported by participants were sensation of anxiety, hopelessness and aloneness. 68.6% of patients had a history of depression, 56.4% were aggressive and 26.3% of them had ideas of suicide.

Conclusions

Exploring of mental status of addict people before taking MMT can be used for evaluation of treatment effects and designing more effective interventions.

Identification & characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from patients with diarrhoea in Iran

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli are important serotypes of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) subgroup that cause attaching and effacing lesions in enterocytes by producing verotoxins or shiga-like toxins resulting in haemorrhagic colitis (HC) and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The aim of this study was to detect these serotypes specially E. coli O157:H7 in stool samples of patients with diarrhoea and identification of virulence genes (STX1, STX2, Hly and EAE) in Shahrekord-Iran area using PCR technique.

METHODS

Two hundred diarrhoeal stool samples of patients were collected through 2007-2008. Microbiological and biochemical examinations were done to detect the E. coli. Serological tests carried out to identify the O157 or O157:H7 serotypes.

RESULTS

Of the 58 E. coli isolates, 16 (27.6%) were detected as STX1 carrying E. coli, four (6.9%) carrying STX2, eight (13.8%) carrying both STX1 and STX2, and 12 (20.7%) were Hly carrying E. coli, but none of the isolates contained EAE gene. None of the isolates were E. coli O157 or O157:H7 serotypes.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that verotoxigenic E. coli isolates other than O157 serotype were involved in causing diarrhoea in Shahrekord-Iran.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species isolated from chicken carcasses during processing in Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolated from chicken carcasses during different stages of broiler processing in a major commercial poultry processing plant in southwestern Iran. Overall, 84 chicken carcasses were sampled from 4 sites along the processing line during a total of 7 visits. In addition, 14 water samples from the chiller tank were taken. Using the cultural method, 186 of 336 (55.4%) carcasses were positive for Campylobacter. Campylobacter jejuni was more frequently isolated (89.4%) than Campylobacter coli (10.6%). The frequency of Campylobacter spp. on carcasses was 54.8% after defeathering, 51.2% after evisceration, 69.0% 20 min after the chilling period started, and 46.4% 24 h after the chilling period completed. Campylobacter was positive in 85.7% of the samples taken from the chilling water. The frequency of Campylobacter spp.-positive carcasses was reduced in complete chilled chickens but not during the slaughtering process. Susceptibilities of Campylobacter isolates were determined for 10 antimicrobial drugs using the disk diffusion method. Of the 198 Campylobacter isolates tested, 92.9% were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. Resistance to tetracycline was the most common finding (78.3%), followed by resistance to ciprofloxacin (62.1%), nalidixic acid (58.6%), and enrofloxacin (44.4%).

Cadmium concentration in muscle, liver and kidney of sheep slaughtered in Falavarjan abattoir, Iran

The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of cadmium in sheep's muscle, liver and kidney from Isfahan and also to compare them with the levels reported in several other countries and with the maximum tolerance levels for the human consumption. The samples of muscle, liver and kidney of 60 animals around 1 to 6 years old were collected from the carcasses slaughtered in Flavarjan abattoir, Isfahan. Samples (acid digested and cadmium concentrations) were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). The mean fresh weight concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney were about 0.0017 mg/kg, 0.0743 mg/kg and 0.02290 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of cadmium in tissue samples was generally lower than the maximum acceptable concentration in European Commission (EC). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in cadmium concentration of liver and kidney between various age groups (p < 0.05).

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in traditional cheese consumed in Esfahan, Iran

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 88 samples of traditional cheese consumed in Esfahan city of Iran. In 47 of 88 samples (53.4%), the presence of AFM1 was detected in concentrations between 82 ng/kg and 1254 ng/kg. The mean level of AFM1 of positive samples was 412 ng/kg. AFM1 in 28 (31.8%) samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit (250 ng/kg) accepted by some countries. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the mean concentrations of AFM1 in cheese samples of spring, summer, autumn and winter. However, the mean concentration of AFM1 in cheese samples from spring and summer was significantly lower than autumn and winter (P=0.05). It can be concluded that the high occurrence of AFM1 in cheese is probably due to the presence of aflatoxin in the feed and cheese milk. This condition should be considered as a probable hazard for human health.

Teaching critical appraisal and statistics in anesthesia journal club

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a series of journal clubs held for anesthesiology residents in promoting their awareness of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as their skills in critical thinking and appraisal.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four journal club sessions were held between September 2006 and August 2007 for 16 residents of anesthesiology. A 31 multiple-choice question (MCQ) was taken as pretest and posttest to evaluate the participants' level of awareness in research methodology and statistical analysis. Their competence in critical thinking and appraisal was also evaluated by evaluating a randomized controlled trial paper using the CONSORT checklist before and after the course.

RESULTS

Residents' awareness in the application of information improved (P = 0.012), as well as research methodology (combined study design and application of information, P = 0.017). Their ability in critical appraisal did also significantly rise at the end of the course (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Journal clubs can enable residents to develop the knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm needed to undertake research plans and can also enhance their ability in critical thinking and scientific reading.

BK polyoma virus nephropathy among Iranian renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) is recognized as a cause of graft loss in renal transplant patients. The disorder may be related to the introduction of new, potent immunosuppressive regimens. We sought to assess the prevalence, outcome, and clinical characteristics of BKVN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 160 specimens from episode biopsies. BKVN was diagnosed by light microscopic examination and positive immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Among 160 patients, 21 (13.1%) were diagnosed as BKVN. The mean interval between biopsy and transplantation was 13.6 +/- 10.67 months. There were no significant differences between BKVN patients and non-BKVN patients with respect to age, sex, interval between diagnosis and transplantation, cyclosporine blood level, and azathioprine versus mycophenolate mofetil immunosuppression. Graft loss occurred in 57.1% of BKVN versus 12.2% of non-BKVN subjects (P = .005). There was a significant difference between antilymphocyte globulin (ALG)- and non-ALG-treated groups with respect to the incidence of BKVN (6.6% in non-ALG versus 19% in ALG groups; P < .01). BKVN was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry in 61% of specimens with acute rejection according to light microscopic evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of BKVN in Iranian renal allograft recipients. In our hospital, the prevalence of BKVN was higher than that previously reported for non-Iranian recipients. BKVN had a negative impact on graft survival.

An epidemiological study of talc-related respiratory morbidity among employees of a rubber industry in Shiraz-Iran

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to assess and characterize the pulmonary reactions associated with occupational exposure to talc dust.

METHODS

Ninety-seven talc workers and 110 unexposed employees as the reference group were randomly selected from a local rubber industry. Standardized respiratory questionnaires were administered to the subjects, they underwent chest X-ray and were examined by a specialist for any possible respiratory abnormality to be diagnosed. Furthermore, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were measured just before and after the work shift. Moreover, to assess the extent to which workers had been exposed to talc dust, using standard methods, inhalable and respirable dust concentrations were measured in different dusty worksites.

RESULTS

The average (mean +/- SD) age (years), weight (kg), height (cm) and duration of exposure to talc dust (years) for the exposed group were 35.8 +/- 6.75, 73.1 +/- 9.2, 172.3 +/- 5.9 and 11.79 +/- 5.3, respectively. The corresponding values for the non-exposed group were 36.1 +/- 6.87, 73.36 +/- 8.1, 173.2 +/- 5.7 and 0 +/- 0, respectively. Atmospheric concentrations of inhalable and respirable talc dust were estimated to be 41.8 +/- 23.52 and 19.8 +/- 8.04 mg/m(3) (mean +/- SD), respectively. Talc exposed subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, PFTs revealed that exposure to this lubricating agent was associated with significant decreases in the mean percentage predicted of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)). Likewise, there was a general tendency for VC, FVC and FEV(1) to decrease as estimated cumulative exposure (years worked) increased. Moreover, there was an acute reduction in some parameters of pulmonary function such as VC, FVC and FEV(1), over the work shift. Chest radiographs of exposed workers showed that pneumoconiosis profusions were between p 0/0 and p 2/1 according to the ILO 1980 chest X-ray classification.

CONCLUSIONS

These results that are in full agreement with our preliminary observations, support the notion that occupational inhalation exposure to talc is associated with both acute and chronic respiratory disorders and induces bronchitis and interstitial lung disease.